Looking presidential as he discussed Monday’s stock market crash in Golden, Colorado, this is what Senator Barack Obama stated, “This morning, instead of offering up concrete plans to solve these issues, Sen. McCain offered up the oldest Washington stunt in the book – you pass the buck to a commission to study the problem,” He then went onto say, “But here’s the thing – this isn’t 9/11. We know how we got into this mess. What we need now is leadership that gets us out.” The somber tone used showed just how grave this crash was to those affected and those who will be affected as this shockwave ripples out. This was the Barack Obama that Americans needed to see.
In speaking of commissions this is what I wrote in a previous column where McCain was not in favor of one when it came to Hurricane Katrina, “According to FactCheck.org, when it came to voting for independent investigations after Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast, “McCain actually voted twice, in 2005 and 2006, to defeat a Democratic amendment that would have set up an independent commission along the lines of the 9/11 Commission.” While one was a natural disaster, this one is man made. In both cases human lives were/are destroyed. One from Mother Nature’s wrath and one from man’s greed.
While some may question what leadership will come from him, all I can say is look at the failed leadership coming from Bush and McCain that led to this shockwave felt clear across the country. For his close ties to Bushanomics, McCain must share the blame.
As McCain cited that the “fundamentals of this economy are strong”, I wonder how those words were taken by those who were forced to clean out their desks when the DOW crashed by over 500 points this past Monday. I suppose many of them as they traveled home to their families did so in fear.
When Sarah Palin stated yet again, “We are going to shake things up in Washington” those who lost their jobs this past Monday are already shaken to the core.
The McCain/Palin response to this magnitude eight crash showed no emotional connection to those affected or we the people wanting to know how our futures will be.
Both of their responses were programmed responses similar to the ones they have been giving on the campaign trail and we deserve more than that. I was almost waiting for Sarah Palin to speak out on the bridge to no where. Meanwhile a financial bridge was blown up in front of our eyes on Monday. If she did say that again, someone alert me.
In his stump speech before a crowd gathered in Media, Pennsylvania Senator Joe Biden called McCain, “Bush 44” since he relayed to all there will be no difference.
Biden also said this of McCain concerning the devastating crash on Wall Street, “Today he's talking about the greed of Wall Street. Yesterday, the day before, a week before, two years before, he was on Wall Street, heralding the fact that he was proudly shredding whatever regulation and oversight that in fact worked to manage these markets that now he calls greedy,”
After his stump speech in Media, Pennsylvania, he took an Amtrak train back to Wilmington, Delaware. I suppose using humor, this is what was written of him, “You’re on television now, I’m sorry, can’t control this," he told one passenger, explaining the ever-present camera crew accompanying him on board. “If we get elected, it will be the most train-friendly administration ever,” he told another.” That speaks volumes in how he is connected with the American people.
I do think it is about time to hear more of what Biden has to say; don’t you?
In the days, weeks, and months ahead, I suppose those laid off this past Monday as their personal earthquake shook their world, many will need ‘community organizers’ to help them strategize how they will go on. They will need their fellow Americans coming to their aid in how to navigate and chart a course for what is now an uncertain future.
While the character Gordon Gekko played by Michael Douglas stated that “Greed is good” I can’t help but think that the greed shown by the executives of these various companies destroyed so many lives. His speech in that movie is at the very heart of what transpired on Monday and it needs a leader today to help solve this crisis and not a man who will kick the can down the road. Those who lost their jobs are trembling in fear wondering how they will survive.
You may contact the author at, xmjmac@optonline.net
