One might think from the title that this piece is about buying a home computer or expecting people to be politically correct. Neither is the theme for this blog. I want to discuss “Political Courage.”
As our president and congress are working their way toward some kind of deal for raising the ceiling on our ability to borrow money, and on cutting the deficit, I have heard a lot of talk about political courage.
It began with Paul Ryan’s proposed budget proposal which was called “courageous”, particularly in the media. When examined more carefully, it showed little courage. How much courage does it take to cut critical programs and funding for the most vulnerable people? It seems only the “bleeding heart liberals” will fight to stop that (and we all know how effective they are).
Republicans, especially the Tea Party variety, are so tax-averse that they can’t conceive of even the wealthiest 2% paying a bit more to help get the country on an even keel. Where is the courage? Since no one is exactly thrilled with having to pay taxes, it does not require courage to stand unmoving against any kind of tax increase. There is no problem with cutting the poor, elderly, and disabled off because even inept representatives and senators will never be in that position. Once one is in Congress, health care and pensions are taken care of for life (through taxes, of course).
The Democrats are desperately watching the programs to improve the well-being in the country evaporate. They've always supported these programs and, thus, cling stubbornly to every aspect of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These programs do need reworking and reshaping to reflect the needs of 21st Century America. One can understand their fear and reluctance to touch those programs because reworking them could devastate these supports, so desperately needed by so many. Political courage requires respected Democrats to stand up and make realistic, practical suggestions for changes that would benefit everyone (e.g., have Social Security taxes paid on all income, raise the age to 70 years for collecting, discontinue Social Security for people earning more than $100,000.00 a year, but still allow Medicare when needed).
And then there’s the military industrial complex! Who has the guts to stand up to that monster? No courage here!
There seems to be little courage on the state and local levels either. Some governors and mayors are getting media attention by cutting programs, laying off state workers, blaming them for the state’s/city’s woes. It plays well, but isn’t true. Now there are more folks unemployed. Again, they hit programs that serve the disadvantaged who won’t make much of a fuss. The politicians look like heroes because budgets are “balanced.”
Political courage is standing up for what will be most helpful to the largest number of people. It means holding personal standards of excellence and integrity that are reflected in one’s words and actions. It requires one to explain positions to constituents in clear, honest language. It also means acknowledging one’s weaknesses and mistakes and being able to grow in wisdom and understanding.
Courageous leaders might not be reelected, but they would certainly set a good example for the rest of America. Maybe it could start a trend.
Peace,
Ruth
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