The Times they are a changin'

What is being witnessed in America today is astonishing on many levels, the jobless rate, the vacant homes and businesses, and the bickering between two sides of ideology.As a citizen who has fell victim to the unemployment wave sweeping across the country, it is clear that it is ugly out there.When the numbers are tallied at the weeks end, we see 10.6 here and 7.2 there, adjust those numbers where applicable.Displaced workers sit idly by await for the phone to ring with good news, or the mail to arrive with a check. In the midst of the crisis Americans face, many try and live modestly and search for work, and/or re-invent their skill(s). As diligent as they may be, the reality is, working class people in our country are hurting.

Being sure to know what is going on in the environment around, I make sure to check the headlines and editorials, and most certainly the letters to the editors. I have seen one clear message from our elected officials on the Democratic side, "we must act now", and another from the Republicans "tax cuts!". Well tax cuts don't mean anything to the citizens who are not getting a paycheck. A little help for people who are sharing concerns about groceries and energy bills is a little more enticing than a "tax cut". When we hear the rants of CNBC's Rick Santelli,his behavior is not rare in Republican circles, the "I GOT MINE" attitude is alive and well...for now. I was recently at a right-wing blog where I took part in the conversation and what we are seeing in a capitalist environment that helped the country onto this ridiculous road. Responding the Franken/Coleman debate I was greeted with hostility from a commenter. The full exchange can be read here.

Here are a couple excerpts: "You are a full blown pinko, commie bastard aren’t you? 50 years ago you would have been blacklisted or even tried for treason. I guess what they say is true; good things never last. Besides you losing your job doesn’t indicate that there is any problem with capitalism; it just indicates that you personally are worthless."

"How does that feel? To have chosen something to devote your life to and to be informed by your employer that you aren’t worth having on the payroll?"

First of all, the snaky remarks I had made were regarding the Minnesota Senate race.Yet, the comments were personal shots against those of us who became statistics. This is what we are encountering on our computers, televisions, and newspapers, as well as from some politicians. President Obama has signed the Jobs Bill and Housing Bill with the optimism that they will help the American people. Some Republican Governors such as Bobby Jindal of Louisiana , Sarah Palin of Alaska, and Mark Sanford of South Carolina are threatening to reject the monies being offered, are they ideological opportunists or Governing for the people of their respective states? I can venture a guess what their ailing constituents may think...

People in America who believe in aspects of Democratic Socialism have been ridiculed over the years, being called everything from unpatriotic, to "pinko commie". However, when the curtains are drawn, behind them are Americans of every class, every political color, and every race, after all they are all still American. While the Bills signed into law may have spending you do or do not agree with, it is critical in these times that we call on our officials to "promote the general Welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty" and not put their future aspirations ahead of the people. It is also in the best interest of our fellow citizens to recognize the times are a changin...and when it comes down to it, we are all vulnerable and all affected .