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March 10, 2009 at 22:57:32

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Promoted to Headline (H2) on 3/10/09:

Finally, Putting Country First

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By Brent Budowsky (about the author)     Page 1 of 1 page(s)

opednews.com     Permalink

For OpEdNews: Brent Budowsky - Writer

March 10, 2009

We Americans have our backs against the financial wall. We are in a war against fear, greed and corruption of the marketplace.

Banks receive billions while they hoard money and grant bonuses. Some who caused this problem now profit from it. Others refuse to do their part to end it.

Like it does for most Americans, this makes me mad as hell. We should not take it anymore. We can win this war.

The media must do their part. Republicans should respect the last election. The President should tear down the vacancy sign at the Treasury Department, draft the best minds in the nation, and work with Republicans for six-month emergency recess appointments that would dramatically lift our confidence, markets and spirits.

CNBC and all media should fully disclose when any guest or source who talks down America has a financial interest in the failure of America.

There are some good people at CNBC. But with shows titled "Fast Money"- and "Mad Money,"- after years of being a megaphone for hyping the housing bubble and promoting rampant speculation, CNBC and other media failed as journalists and became partners in the hyper-speculations that have so damaged the nation.

There is nothing wrong with short-selling. But it is wrong to promote false fears. It is wrong to spread false rumors. It is wrong for media to give a megaphone for those preaching doom without clearly disclosing when those who predict the failure of America seek to profit from it.

Republicans should stop acting as though they want our President to fail and appearing as though they are predicting or expecting our economy to fail. The election is over. The voters have spoken.

The President should bring the best minds of the nation to the halls of government. We are at war against economic demons that plague us. We should act like it.

Few in Washington supported Barack Obama for President as early, strongly and faithfully as I have. I supported him yesterday. I support him today. I will support him tomorrow. But candor and clarity compel me to write: There is no excuse at this moment in history for so many major jobs at the Treasury Department to remain unfilled.

We have turned our nominating and confirmation process into a Roman circus. We chase away good people. Others refuse to serve. Let's say: Not here. Not now. Not in this crisis.

I propose a solution as our nation faces the moral equivalent of war. The President can name individuals of unquestioned stature to six-month positions as deputy Treasury secretaries. Congress can agree to special recess appointments. "-

I suggest: Warren Buffett for deputy secretary for finance and Al Gore as deputy for autos, energy and venture capital to create the next great jobs wave, and former Republican Sen. John Danforth of Missouri for international finance as the world approaches the most important world finance summit since Bretton Woods.

If 18-year-old heroes can give their lives for our country in Iraq, these gentlemen should be asked what they can do for our country, and do it.

I guarantee: This would mobilize the nation, rally consumer and market confidence, and be the D-Day moment in this war we must win.

Brent Budowsky can be reached at brentbbi@webtv.net.

 

Brent Budowsky is a regular columnist on thehill.com. He served as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, responsible for commerce and intelligence matters, including one (more...)
 

The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
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Swallowed the lies hook, line & sinker, huh, Brent? by Mr M on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 7:49:48 AM
Test by John R Moffett on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 3:24:13 PM
First, Test for Integrity, then Proceed... by boomerang on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 9:33:20 AM
Amen to this by Nick van Nes on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 10:26:12 AM
test comment by Rob Kall on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 11:42:59 AM
I love that I can see your comment when I reply by Mikhail Lyubansky on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 6:50:40 PM
testing comment with picture by Mikhail Lyubansky on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 9:41:40 PM
Test by Bob Ranney on Thursday, Mar 12, 2009 at 11:05:43 AM
Flag test by Bob Ranney on Thursday, Mar 12, 2009 at 11:10:37 AM
Oh baloney. The whole financial system is rotten to the core by Richard Mynick on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 12:12:06 PM
Richard, I have a little different take by Margaret Bassett on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 4:08:30 PM
Not sure we're talking about the same thing, Margaret - by Richard Mynick on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 5:39:26 PM
911 is an inside job by Rady Ananda on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 2:24:32 PM
9/11 Truth by Amanda Lang on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 2:29:40 PM
Finally.... by Eric Huang on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 2:55:16 PM
yaddah yadda by Rob Kall on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 6:03:54 PM
your test by Joan Brunwasser on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 3:04:07 PM
This is a test comment. by Richmond Shreve on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 3:25:11 PM
beware of manatees Richmond... by John R Moffett on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 3:31:08 PM
I think a dolphin a better pal by Sherwin Steffin on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 6:35:47 PM
Couple of suggestions by Sherwin Steffin on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 6:52:28 PM
Cleaning house by dick overfield on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 7:37:06 PM
picture test by Mikhail Lyubansky on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 9:06:25 PM
Great article Brent... by Steven Leser on Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 at 9:52:45 PM
Strongly Disagree by Paul Rye on Thursday, Mar 12, 2009 at 12:55:36 AM
Commenting by Debbie Scally on Friday, Mar 13, 2009 at 2:54:11 AM

 
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