Capitalism...Bail Out?

After the Wall Street bail out, we see a "monkey see, monkey do" effect. The auto industry is now trying to get the government to approve a bail out package. How many people even understand this? Are alternative solutions being covered in the media? Before I address historic parallels to this situation, I would briefly like to touch on political socialization.

It's no secret that the general public is confused, and turned off by politics. In this day and age of "mass information" it is easy to be inundated by fragmented truths. In general, the mass media tends to generate soft news...which makes it harder to get detailed information on important issues that effect our tax dollars. One must sift through information discriminately to get the facts, and know that the information is credible.

One of the greatest variable to influence the general publics disenfranchisement, is how society has disconnected from social capitalism. The lack of civic activity makes the public vulnerable to misinformation. This lack of involvement and disconnection forfeits the power society has in democracy. This is not to discredit the civilians that do passionately service, and get involved; I am speaking in general. 

Are the agents that socialize addressing the development of critical thinking, and social capitalism? How conscious are people that politics effects our lives everyday (i.e. speed limit, taxes)? Stronger education in politics, history, and social-stereotypes may help strengthen democracy. This would help individuals properly discern illusions, and propaganda being "sold" by groups that have may not have the publics best interest at heart. 

OKAY...back to current events

Something to think about...while the bailout is being debated by the federal government, I could not but help think about history, and the issues that surrounded the industrial revolution and over-production. While not the same, some of the issues are similar. Britain eventually experimented with socialism, as a result of these issues. Here in America, we have large corporations screaming "free market," yet they do not trust the "invisible hand" of the free market. This seems to be a little hypocritical, where is the personal responsibility here?

What does this have to do with political socialization? Hey, we are talking big bucks here. What are the alternative solutions to the bail out? Restructuring? What is the economic fall out with the package or without? The American public should understand these things, and should have a voice. Everything goes back to politics, and I encourage individuals to "open their eyes" and not be intimidated by the fragmentation of information, but rather to proactively seek out the facts...and see where their power of influence is.

Gay Marriage/Civil Rights?

This past election (11/4/08) California passed proposition 8, which amended  the State Constitution to define marriage as a union between a woman and man. This has been controversial and outraged the gay community, considering how this decision overrode the California Supreme Court's decision to recognize gay marriage. Now that same-sex marriages are not recognized under California law, this is an issue that I am sure the United States Supreme Court will eventually have to address.

*DISCLAIMER* This blog takes no position, nor holds any moral judgement in favor or against either position. It does attempt to look at this issue from a civil rights, and constitutional perspective.

First of all, to deny consenting, adult, same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples is a civil rights issue. The issue at hand is, what defines marriage? I wonder that myself. In this day and age we do live in a society that holds a rather high divorce rate, and it does not appear to be culturally  as "sacred" as tradition has portrayed it. Perhaps "marriage" has a religious connotation and we need to re-evaluation the separation of church and state, in regards to this issue.

PROPOSAL...

I propose that the government gets rid of marriage all together, and deems civil union the only contractual agreements recognized by the government for ALL consenting adult couples choosing to build a life together. This would eliminate any "religious" or "moral" debate between the two opposing positions and keep it to a civil rights issue. Then, allow the individual faith based institutions to define what a marriage is. 

The religious institutions should not feel a threat or worry of loosing their non-profit status, they can keep their individual interpretations this way. And, same-sex couples would have the option of having the same legal rights and protections as heterosexual couples in society.

Both positions need to acknowledge that not everyone will see "eye to eye" regarding this controversial issue. So, lets look for solutions. From a spiritual perspective, ALL are called to NOT judge, and we are called to love our brother; God himself does not violate man's free will, and society needs to respect free will amongst consenting adults whose behavior is not harming anyone. The only option is to look for justice and peace regarding this issue, and I don't think that will happen unless this is truly acknowledged as a civil rights issue. 

People don't like to discuss this issue, because it is so controversial. I don't even feel comfortable discussing it, for fear of offending someone. But...WE need to talk about it. I encourage people to create and open dialogue, and look for a solution.

A Huge Barrier Broken, the Glass Ceiling Next

It was announced last night that our 44th President elect is Barack Obama. Though Obama did not have 100% of the votes, most who voted for McCain acknowledge this election was absolutely historic. Even though some may disagree with Obama's approach to policies, this election has proved to go beyond politics and hit the core of cultural issues in America. This is the first African-American President of the United States. A major shift in society.

Many McCain supporters, including myself, were saddened that our candidate did not win; yet, were so happy that a major barrier was broken for the African-American community. This win embodies hope, and the dream that Martin Luther King Jr. had. It's hard not to feel the joy that comes with a new level of liberty achieved culturally. It is a huge milestone not only for minorities, but it is a huge milestone for everyone...not only Americans but a realization of the "Dream" around the world. Truly inspirational.

Now, we need to go a step further and shatter the glass ceiling that Hilary Clinton spoke of. In order to do this, we need accountability of the treatment of women portrayed in the media. Women in position of power are typically portrayed as mean/unapproachable, or in contrast, sexy/stupid. We need to stop this. I need to thank Campbell Brown for calling out the sexism that was happening, as the media was going after Palin; Brown urged people to "get back to the issues."

The treatment of Palin was reprehensible, and clearly feeding into very bad stereotypes about women. My question, where were the Gloria Steinems and other powerful female voices calling out the ill treatment of Palin? Women will break that glass ceiling when women learn how to truly support each other, and stop choosing to only represent one type of female personality. Women need to empower each other by respecting a women's right to choose working, staying home, being liberal, being conservative, or anything in between. 

In an earlier post, I mentioned that black men had the right to vote several decades before women. I pray that we don't have to wait so long to see a woman in the white house. I am truly happy for Mr. Obama's accomplishments with this campaign, and the message of hope and inspiration that comes from having a dream. This is a major break through.

So now I call out to the ladies in the media, and anyone that has the power of a voice to continue to press forward and stop perpetuating social stereo-types in the media. And, lets help change the negative ones. 

IN CONCLUSION

Thank you democracy for breaking a huge barrier this election; let's get the glass ceiling next.

The Power of an Endorsement

It was released in the media that General Colin Powell is now endorsing Barack Obama. General Colin Powell is a republican and the former Secretary of State for the Bush administration. Many people, including myself, hold General Powell in high esteem; we look at him as a man of true integrity. Wow! This can be rather confusing for someone who is supporting McCain, or "on the fence" about their decision.

General Powell had positive things to say about both candidates, yet feels Obama is a better pick. According to General Powell, it was the handling of the economic crisis that made him decide where his support would go. In a press release General Powell comments, stating that Obama has a "calm, intellectual, steady approach that we need in this country." He also made the point that Obama has reached a different generation, and encouraged participation from a very diverse group of people. His arguments are rather compelling.

The question has been about change. Who will bring the best change. For many of my friends, their main concern is foreign relations and how the rest of the world views the US. They feel that Obama is more diplomatic and fear that McCain's "passion" may misrepresent peaceful interaction, and fuel the decline of respect in our international community. For my other friends who support McCain, they fundamentally disagree with the policies of the Obama campaign. They also fear that considering our current situation in the middle east, that Obama may be not have a realistic approach to strategy and negotiations. 

Both sides of the coin are valid. Both candidates bring different strengths. It is our choice to decide what issues are the most important to us, and who will address our current issues in the most positive manner. Though I have to admit, General Powell's endorsement is a big hit to the McCain campaign in the "midnight hour."

Plugged IN and Turned OFF

This election has gotten very negative at times. Once again, turning off American voters to cliche tactics. The good news is that with only a few weeks to go, the "buzz" is that both campaigns will try to refrain from being negative. We shall see. 

With such a crucial election and a sensitive time, the American people need to see who lines up with their personal values and beliefs. We need more that ever to hear what Obama and McCain propose. Where are they similar, and where do they differ.

WAIT A MINUTE...

Okay, McCain and Obama are not being as negative...but what about the Media? It all goes back to Palin again. The media seems to be having a feeding frenzy with her. It's painful to watch. Is there a hidden agenda there? Recent polls reveal that Obama is gaining lead, could this discredit to McCain be influenced by the way Palin's persona is being portrayed? 

I have been "plugged in" to this election, and I am "turned off" by the high drama and attacks of this VP candidate. It must be easier to attack her, rather that going after a war veteran. It is rather tasteless, and I am with the majority of Americans when it comes to frustration with politics. "Air Wars" is not new to politics but with corruption, greed, wall street, global recession, and negative extremes in the news, maybe some old fashion respect in this election would go a lot further, not just with election but also with restoring some confidence back to the American people.

Disaster, Depression, and Denial

For over a week bail out talks have been debated between parties. We see differences in policy, as well as, influence and power in the decision making process. Has the media given us a good understanding of why? I have had to actively search for information to get deeper insight on this issues. What are the pros and cons of these proposals? What is the consequence of the government not bailing out? I bet you the average American could not answer this question. And why? Not because they aren't capable of coming to their own conclusion, but rather lack of information. 

IN THIS DAY AND AGE?

Amazing, that with in the "age of information" the major mass media outlets just barely touch the surface of issues. Is it because the public has a short attention span? Or, rather is the media not giving us enough answers? Rather than being thoroughly informed, I would not be surprised if the average person comes away with more questions than answers, after a story has been aired. I am not speaking about specialized channels of information, I am speaking of the mass media of syndicated television. 

Could the lack of in depth information be denial? How is it that "all of a sudden" we are in economic disaster? These things don't just happen over night, they happen over a period of time. Where was the expansive coverage of that? What about the exposure of corruption being rewarded in the corporate world? How about greedy mortgage companies that largely contributed to the housing fall that we are in?

This is serious business and not just an American problem. If we look at the global market, there are serious problems going on there as well. We all effect each other. We need the media to keep us WELL informed. We don't want short sensationalized stories that make the public panic, we want in depth information that will help us make better choices. And perhaps with more balanced information people wouldn't be so turned off about getting civically involved.

I am not say that there are no good media outlets; I am just saying that the most commercialized media outlets have a lot of power, and if the focus is keep on sensationalism, media collectivism, profits, and soft news, it is doing the American public a great injustice.

Center of the Universe: Scranton, PA

With the only 1 1/2 months to go, Scranton, PA appears to be the focus of the election. With PA having 21 electoral votes, this state could decide the election. According to RealClearPolitics, (http://new.yahoo.com/election/2008/dashboard) in a recent polls, Obama has 47% of the vote and McCain has 45.3% of the vote. With number like this, it could go either way.

With Pennsylvania possibly determining the White house, could that have been the deciding variable with the VP ticket? Biden, being from PA clearly has a connection to Scranton. Perhaps thats why he may have been chosen over Hillary. Many voters are still wondering with Hillary's popularity, why she wasn't put on the ticket? This VP candidate will either strengthen possibilities to win this state, or backfire as being disingenuous. 

Then we have Palin, she and her family genuinely represent middle America and the average hard-working family. Could her appeal connect deeper with the Pennsylvanians? In the game of politics, it's not so easy to discern what is genuine passion for public service, and what is strategy. Or, are they not mutually exclusive?

Could McCain's new appeal to the middle/working class strengthen his chances to secure Pennsylvania's votes? Is he able to disconnect from the stereotypes that republicans are only for the rich? It seems as if the repubican party is trying to create a new image these days. Could Obama loose Pennsylvania, due to comments make in San Francisco this past year? The stereotype is that democrats are for the working class; however, is a new stereotypes of "liberal elitist" gaining power?

IS IT ALL ABOUT PERCEPTION?

 It appears that the media may have a great influence on this election by how it may cover these issues. Never-the-less lets not under-estimate the individuals of PA, winning votes comes down to how connected the voters feel to the candidate.