Stating The Obvious In Sydney, Australia

It never ceases to amaze how closely the world watches how the United States acts. They scratch their collective heads in wonder at our self-absorbed folly, our refusal to take into account how our refusal to act responsibly impacts the entire world.

These words from Paul Sheehan in the Sydney Morning Herald express that concern well. 

As I wrote this column, and as you read it, the United States had reached the climax of the most contentious and sweeping attempt at social engineering in more than 40 years, a process that has degenerated into the abattoir of politics: bribery, chicanery and bloody-mindedness.

A deeply divided Congress mirrors a divided nation. The majority of Americans are opposed to the changes. Bipartisanship has become roadkill.

In contrast to the soaring rhetoric and uplifting symbolism that carried him to the White House, Obama has engaged in old-school, bare-knuckle, divisive politics wrapped in an impossibly complex 2700-page bill loaded with accounting tricks and dirty deals.

If he can see it, why can't we?

We have long been the envy of the world, and at times its hero. OldSouth's departed father spoke with such affection of his time spent in New Zealand in the 1940's. The locals could not do enough to make 'The Yanks' feel welcomed. Twice within one hundred years, Americans were viewed as the liberators of Europe, the saviours of civilization.

If you read this from overseas, know this: The anger of the US populace toward the political leadership is palpable, and growing. This latest debacle has only stoked the fires. This week, the offices of members of Congress were flooded with people begging their representatives to vote 'no', just as they flooded their offices with calls in fall of 2008, begging them to oppose the TARP bailout. In each case, they were met with deaf ears. The TARP was history's largest bait-and-switch fraud. This latest measure is worse. Responsible conservative voices, including this one, increasingly feel compelled to remind one and all that violence is NOT NOT NOT an acceptable course of action, that the political process and ballot box are the only way to go.

It's beginning to be that bad. The economy is not recovering, even if the stock market is. And taxes on employers just rose, as of today.

If you're reading from within the US, it's time to act. Budget some small amount every month, if you can, and send it to conservative candidates who are taking on the Obama machine. Every ten dollars helps, and donation is now a simple process.

A good first target for removal from office is Bart Stupak, who sold his soul for a meaningless executive order, and 700,000 dollars in airport improvements.