|
Edited on Tue Feb-02-10 03:05 PM by mb7588a
Had to write this for a class. Comments are more than welcome...
The Audacity of Obama’s Political Philosophy
Much of the immediate reaction to President Barack Obama’s first State of the Union Address was to who was wearing what (“Biden’s and Pelosi’s purple is the color of non-partisanship!”), who yawned (Wake up, Harry Reid!), who was using Blackberries and whether Justice Alito or President Obama acted more inappropriately. The minutiae is apparently more interesting to the common pundit than the President’s high oratorical defense of his political philosophy. The pundits’ reactions are indicative of their being exposed to the song and dance too many times, that their cynicism has, for them, replaced reality. The President was right to excoriate them when he said, “ “The more that TV pundits reduce serious debates to silly arguments, big issues into sound bites, our citizens turn away.” However, if one does not turn away and makes a serious analysis of the State of the Union Address, it is easy to notice several very obvious facts.
The two sides of the audience clearly disagree on a multitude of issues as evidenced by the annual clapping, standing, hooting and hollering. However, they oddly appeared to agree on what is currently Congress’s most divisive issue – health insurance reform. When the President said, “And it is precisely to relieve the burden on middle-class families that we still need health insurance reform,” both sides stood, clapped and cheered. Anybody who has watched the health insurance reform debate knows that the two sides of Congress strongly disagree on this issue. However, little has been made of the fact that Republicans’ showed support for reform.
The President also used the opportunity to “have a talk” with Congress. He said, “Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit. In this new decade, it's time the American people get a government that matches their decency; that embodies their strength. And tonight, tonight I'd like to talk about how together we can deliver on that promise.”
Generally, the words, “We need to talk,” do not bode well for the future of the relationship. Given the current political climate, the President was certainly obliged to scold Congress and other groups he and the American people have had a troubled relationship with. He scolded the Senate, frequently using the formula, “The House recently passed, but the Senate has yet to consider…”
He scolded those who he views caused the economic crisis: “E]ach time a CEO rewards himself for failure, or a banker puts the rest of us at risk for his own selfish gain, people's doubts grow.”
He scolded those who he views caused people to distrust government: “Each time lobbyists game the system or politicians tear each other down instead of lifting this country up, we lose faith.”
He scolded the Supreme Court of the United States, “With all due deference to separation of powers, last week the Supreme Court reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests – including foreign corporations – to spend without limit in our elections. I don't think American elections should be bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people.”
He even scolded himself: “I campaigned on the promise of change – change we can believe in, the slogan went. And right now, I know there are many Americans who aren't sure if they still believe we can change – or that I can deliver it.”
Most of all, he was there to scold Congress. He addressed Democrats, “To Democrats, I would remind you that we still have the largest majority in decades, and the people expect us to solve problems, not run for the hills.”
He addressed Republicans, “And if the Republican leadership is going to insist that 60 votes in the Senate are required to do any business at all in this town – a supermajority -- then the responsibility to govern is now yours as well. Just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, but it's not leadership.”
It would be entertaining to hear what he really has to say behind closed doors to all of those groups he scolded. Regardless, this “talk” was not as much of a breakup as it was an appeal toward reconciliation. Please excuse the pun. The President said, “Now, let's clear a few things up,” in trying to help Congress understand the health insurance reform debate.
In his reconciliatory tone, he continued later, “We were sent here to serve our citizens, not our ambitions. So let's show the American people that we can do it together. … W]e face big and difficult challenges. And what the American people hope – what they deserve – is for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to work through our differences; to overcome the numbing weight of our politics.”
In a cooperative appeal to Congress, he said, “This week, I'll be addressing a meeting of the House Republicans. I'd like to begin monthly meetings with both Democratic and Republican leadership. I know you can't wait.” There is nothing more important to Democracy than deliberation, debate, protection of the interests of the minority, and compromise. Thus, talking with one another will certainly help the branches of government get results for the American people.
Within the speech was also a reflection of the political climate in a mid-term election year. “I will not give up on trying to change the tone of our politics. I know it's an election year. And after last week, it's clear that campaign fever has come even earlier than usual. But we still need to govern.” He acknowledged voters directly when he said, “What frustrates them is that every day is Election Day,” and “We face a deficit of trust.”
Several of his proposals indicate a move towards the center that reflects the feelings of voters. They are stocking stuffers for the Republicans, things that Democrats can hold their nose and support. Here is a sampling:
“I'm also proposing a new small business tax credit – one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages. While we're at it, let's also eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment, and provide a tax incentive for all large businesses and all small businesses to invest in new plants and equipment.”
“… building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country. It means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development.”
“W]e're launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports, and reform export controls consistent with national security. “
“W]e'll continue to shape a Doha trade agreement that opens global markets, and we will strengthen our trade relations in Asia and with key partners like South Korea and Panama and Colombia.”
The President was brave to take on all of the political miscreants, to “have a talk,” and propose cooperation. This could not have been inspired by anything other than his political philosophy, which includes a true care for his fellow man. He has proved this time and again, but not better than when he finished his speech with the words, “We have finished a difficult year. We have come through a difficult decade. But a new year has come. A new decade stretches before us. We don't quit. I don't quit. Let's seize this moment – to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more.” The question for the rest of his term in office is whether his political philosophy is compatible with anyone other than 2008 voters. Can stalwart institutions such as the United States Senate, the special interest conglomerate, and the Grand Old Party oblige it? It is clearly his fervent and audacious hope.
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
