PURE GOLD: TARNISHED
We've lost about six months to a series of health problems including two major operations, three serious procedures and about four months in various hospitals which have left me largely bed-ridden. I have so far avoided Alzheimer’s, although the news since last June has hardly been encouraging to those who believe rational thought might gain in popularity after the Presidential election.
A number of events stand out that could send most sensible folk to seek shelter under the covers.
There is for instance the emergence of the "Tea-baggers," the latest know-nothing group on the political scene. They are heavy sponsored by Fox News and its allies, who have indicated a deep-seeded hatred for the current Administration, spurred on by the belief that all control lies with Wall Street (New York) in collusion with Washington (betraying politicians.) This nefarious combo, the Tea People conclude, is the archenemy of Main Street, which they claim to speak for. And Obama, whose nationality and religion are questioned, is at the heart of this criminal governance.
They object vehemently to a health plan that includes a public option, suggesting it would lead to an extremist left regime which would tell you which doctors you could see.
Sadly, the right-wingers have now invoked the abortion issue in opposing an Administration sponsored health plan, led by a host of legislators from anti-abortion constituencies; plus the energetic involvement of the Catholic bishops who still do not accept Rowe vs. Wade.
Taking the lead in some of these right-wing efforts is the Alaskan gunslinger Sarah Palin, who has now moved her political operation to the states, has a book in her name that has made her a millionaire, and is traveling around the country courting the right-wing base of the Republican Party. She is currently making plans for 2010 and 2012. Talk about a nightmare!
Meanwhile, domestically the economy has not been kind to Obama although he continues to deal coolly with a plate full of problems, a quality that helps him maintain strong, if waning, support with the American people. Ten percent unemployment is a heavy cross to bear.
The picture abroad remains bleak although Obama looks very attractive to most of the rest of the world compared to his predecessor. While W. helps with the dishes in Texas, Dick Cheney talks incessantly about how badly Obama is doing everywhere, as in his attack on Obama for bowing to the Japanese Emperor as a sign of American weakness, not the kind of muscle we showed in Iraq!
Several other foreign situations seem beyond solution. The Israeli-Palestinian scene darkens the entire Middle East situation. The Israelis refuse to accept a two-state solution and the PLO, which up to now has favored a peace effort, is getting weaker and could fold. The Americans have gotten Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to make a few moves on West Bank settlement expansion but hardly enough to get peace negotiations started again. The Arab states conspicuously avoid any positive action. And Iran maintains its clenched fist. Depressing too is the unwillingness of any leader in Islam to condemn the slaughter of innocent Muslims by Muslim terrorists.
A word about the war in Afghanistan. Our country remains divided on the expansion of the war there. It is painful to send 30,000 troops anywhere but good people who support the action remind us that 9/11 was produced there, and that extremist forces dedicated in continuing a war against the West are still there.
Well, there was one piece of good news for the writer during the past six months. The Yankees won another World Series. I've been rooting for them since 1936!
