Demoskratos

Trying to get the facts wasn’t too hard but wasn’t easy either.  I just had to fight through the partisan rhetoric, the loose goose media intent on marketing the fight between Democrats and Republicans over the details and philosophical differences like a heavy weight boxing bout.  Needless to say, supporters are jumping in either attacking or defending Obama and the Democrats who are clearly in charge but show great restraint by not simply railroading the Republicans and others into more government spending.

Despite all the making for great theater, this writer is not clear if:

• Either Democratic Proposal or the Republican suggestions solve any problems we face as an economy.  Are they truly solutions or band aids to buy some time?
• Shouldn’t the President listen to both sides if he represents bi-partisanship?  Why is he beginning to jump into the mix and taking swings?  He needs to resist the temptation to do so despite the goading.  We need sustainable positive changes.
• Shouldn’t any problem be approached something to the effect of:

1. Properly define the problem.  (i.e. – How to reduce unemployment to 0%?)
2. Facts gathered, examined and analyzed regarding the defined problem.
3. Solutions proposed given resource availability and constraints.
4. Solutions defined based on all viable solutions proposed.
5. Define a plan to execute solution.
6. Plan solution is shared and discussed to gather support.
7. Sufficient support is obtained for execution.
8. Accountability assigned and transparency mechanisms setup for monitoring.
9. Final Review
10. Execute the plans

Sure a process is lengthy and perhaps we have great urgency, but Rome wasn’t built overnight but sure as heck can be burned down overnight if we’re not careful.  Democracy is lengthy process and autocracy is not.  It comes with the territory.  Further, it amazes me that there are no lessons learned from previous tax cuts and stimulus plans to use as benchmarks.  Do we really need to rethink matters every 4 years and go back and forth but overall move side ways for decades?  Is this really change or more of the same but with different actors?

So please check out the facts and then vote on what you believe in through our Commentators Poll below but only after you have read the proposal and not before.

President Obama’s Economic Stimulus Outline version and Summary Version courtesy of Reuters.

Poll the People:

[polldaddy poll=1307378]

Given the state of the economy and the alarming rate which Americans are losing jobs and homes, citizens are awaiting with high anticipation for the President Elect Obama and his administration to take office.

Going back to his first press conference after the election, the President Elect has made a broad outline to strengthen the middle class and keep people in their homes.

In the meantime, it appears the entrepreneurial spirit of the American people has taken over and the people have taken matters into their own hands creating an explosion of Obama paraphernalia for sale and services leading up the Inauguration on January 20.

This is a historical moment not just because it is the first African American to take the highest office but it comes at a time when Americans and others around the world are hurting.  So the expectations as well as the excitement levels are high (see photos:  Photo1, Photo2, Photo3).

The media is also paying big bucks to have exclusive rights to broadcast the events and by doing so will not allow all viewers to share the moment.

This writer has attempted to secure tickets to the inauguration event moments immediately following the election but without success.  One needs to be a big Democratic Party donor to receive reserved tickets it seems.

Supposedly, one can get tickets for free from our Congressperson.  When was the last time they returned a call with an answer?

While it is still possible to get airline tickets into Washington DC at a reasonable fare, the local hotels with normal room rates of of under $79 are now charging $400 per night on Expedia.com.

I’m glad some people have that kind of money to be spending to witness a historical event and are helping out the economy by paying for the merchandise and services.

I just hope with all the celebration and the rock star performances from the likes of U2, that someone is thinking about those who are less fortunate, don’t have $10,000 to give in contribution money and are worrying about landing a job that can pay the living expenses.  I’m still waiting anxiously for positive change and I don’t mean pocket change either to trickle down.