I get so tired of the rollercoaster of American politics -- hoping Obama can change things for the better then getting upset when he doesn't do it. I put this note on Facebook:
Obama has disappointed me. I think I will become apolitical for a while to calm down. :) That means no more political blog/website reading. What will I read on the Internet instead? Tell me your favorite website & I'll try that.
I had a tremendous response and have enough suggestions to keep me going for a long time. Here they are so you can check them out too:
Debra Hill Frewin
http://blog.newhumanist.org.uk/
looks like some fun coming up in London!
John E Hall
Listen to your intuition. "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a Society that honors the servant and has forgotten the Gift" Albert Einstein
"Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next". Jonas Salk These quotes from two of the greatest Scientific Minds of the 21st Century. Interesting!
Christian Basilio
www.failblog.org - always amuses me! :)
Kathryn Gallagher
www.thepioneerwoman.com, www.imboycrazy.com, www.smittenkitchen.com, www.zerohedge.com, www.stuffwhitepeoplelike.com, www.davidlebovitz.com, www.designspongeonline.com, www.dlisted.com, www.lottieanddoof.com, www.101cookbooks.com, www.youbemom.com. whew!
oh yeah, www.coalcreekfarm.com and of course craigslist BEST OF section - xx
Anita Lewis Clare
Go to www.sugarspringfarm.com - a fun, calming, fascinating website ... belongs to a friend of mine from my Washington, DC Metro area days.
7 comments:
Elizabeth? You're labouring under the assumption that all is ill with your American government's political due to inaction from the administration.
The truth is that not all blame can be laid at the feet of the President.
Last week, Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) announced that he was retiring from the Congress due to what he said is; ""There's just too much brain-dead partisanship, tactical maneuvering for short-term political advantage rather than focusing on the greater good, and also just strident ideology," the Democratic senator said. "The extremes of both parties have to be willing to accept compromises from time to time to make some progress because some progress for the American people is better than nothing, and all too often recently, we've been getting nothing,"
With Congress hopelessly stalled, the Senator said that it was his opinion it was going to be up to the American people to intercede and vote out those lawmakers who are focused solely on politics and partisanship.
"The people who are just rigidly ideological, unwilling to accept practical solutions somewhere in the middle, vote them out, and then change the rules so that the sensible people who remain can actually get the job done," Bayh said. "The president I know is desperately trying to accomplish this. Congress needs to listen and the American people need to help with this process."
Coming on the heels of that announcement was the annual CPAC conference here in Washington, whereby the ultra-right met & broadcast their views which are also rigid and not open to partisanship.
I have been covering this town since the Clinton years, and this current atmosphere reflects that period in terms of polarization within the system to the point that legislative efforts that translate into substantial progress and benefits the American people has all but ceased.
From Health Care which is hopelessly stalled, to LGBT rights which are being fought tooth & nail, to policies that would mean less dependence on fossil fuels, cleaner sources of energy, to education, the list goes on.
As I walk the Halls of Congress, or listen to the Administration's officials, you can hear the frustration. But Congress is the main source of the problem as Sen. Bayh pointed out.
There is an entrenched political mentality that is extremely unhealthy for the good of the people. BOTH sides by the way are at fault.
In a quick impromptu chance interview last week at the White House, I asked the President if he felt frustrated that Congress, including members of his own party, were essentially obstructing his carefully laid out agenda. His reply was that indeed, there was frustration, be he still felt that there would be compromise & bi-partisan agreements.
So, while you may feel some disappointment with the view from the UK, here in Washington, from the "cheap seats," those of us in the 4th Estate continue to watch and report that there's still a chance for reasonable and effective governing.
Thank you Brody! You have rescued me from utter despair...now if I can just get my hyperthryoid prob fixed which I think was the real root of my problems!
There is no better Web site ANYWHERE than www.edwood.org. It's the Church of Ed Wood, director of some of the greatest films of all time, like "Glen or Glenda" and "Plan 9 from Outer Space."
Reasonable and effective governing? Pray tell, how will that come about? From compromises between the two private political organizations vying for public opinion?
Thank heavens Obama's carefully laid out agenda is being obstructed- if not then he would be a dictator and not a president wouldn't he? That is exactly what is supposed to happen and is the one thing that gives me some hope; we haven't yet reached the point where we will allow a dictator to run the country according to personal whim.
The president is supposed to enforce the laws made by Congress, not make and enforce laws. Obama, like so many before him, continues the tradition of the executive ignoring parts of the law that do not further his personal agenda by signing them off as unconstitutional- also not within his established power.
Thanks, Michigan Mom. Plan 9 from Outer Space is one of my favorite movies. Especially the paper plates on fire that are supposed to be space ships.
going to go check that site out later, thanks.
Yes, Michigan Mom! I adore that movie! And don't forget EW's classic, "Look Back in Angora."
"With Congress hopelessly stalled, the Senator said that it was his opinion it was going to be up to the American people to intercede and vote out those lawmakers who are focused solely on politics and partisanship."
I think the senator is being a little optimistic. This point is probably a little too esoteric for the average voter, who just wants less tax on his sixpack.
Or am I being a little elitist here?
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