MW: Not the Real Deal
Posted by: chatblu on: August 12, 2010
This seems like a whole ‘nother lifetime ago. Team Obama had just rolled through the primaries, the election, and was ready to take on all of the ills of the country. From the 11/05/08 issue of Time, Michael Grunwald gives a list of five things that would serve as a “new” New Deal:
First Things First
- 1. A New New Deal
- 2. Repeal Bush.
- 3. Make Nice with the World
- 4. A Sane Farm Policy
- 5. A first step in health care.
Okay, so here we are some twenty months down the highway. America has noticed that:
1. There does not appear to be a new deal of any sort on the horizon.
2. Bush is all around us. Still. Gitmo is open. Telecoms will never be held accountable for their role in governmental spying on the public. We are still in Iraq, but with fewer numbers. We are still in Afghanistan, in greater numbers. So many months, so little change for the better.
3. Yes, President Obama has spent a great deal of time making nice to the world. They just love us/him now, as exemplified by the Nobel Prize that even Obama didn’t think that he really deserved. However, he has still come back empty-handed from every trade/economic summit that he has attended. Remember the last G20 meeting when other countries held meetings without him? Quelle embarrassing.
4. Farm policy? Do we have one of those? Are farmers really able to keep going in this economy?
5. A first step in health care. Well, if you were to have a vivid imagination you might could call it that……
Sadly, the grinding pace of the current recovery – or lack thereof – has dimmed any positive comparison to FDR (or anybody else for that matter). To Obama’s credit, he has made a few efforts at some bills that could create jobs, but the Republicans in Congress have embraced deficit reduction with a fervor curiously absent during their years in power. If there were ever a moment for bold, forward thinking and action on the President’s part, this would be it. I don’t think that there is any dispute that our infrastructure needs considerable work. I don’t think that anyone really thinks that American small business can generate 22,000,000 jobs, and large business will not do so any time soon. Therefore the only thing that makes any sense whatsoever is a return of the WPA, the CCC, and anything else that we can think of to get people working again. There are some road projects that have been financed by stimulus funds, but not nearly enough. Stimulus money has allowed local teachers to remain employed, although it has been labeled a “sop to the unions and their bloated pension funds” by local Republican pols. (I always want to ask them if they are willing to give back their public pensions……)
None of this has been helped out any by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs who avers that the “Professional Left” won’t be happy until we have Canadian health care. He further suggested that anyone who compares his boss to President Bush “should be drug tested”. Kudos to Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) who called for Gibbs to step down, and to Rep. Alan Greyson (D-FL) who states that he should be fired for incompetence.
Here is a youtube video that shows people waiting for an application for housing assistance in East Point, Georgia. If they are fortunate enough to secure an application, there is no telling how long they will spend on a waiting list before any assistance might be rendered.
So much for the American Dream. So much for the social safety net. This is not a good deal for anyone.
This is an open thread.
Like this:
48 Responses to "MW: Not the Real Deal"
August 12, 2010 at 9:12 AM
Great post, Chat. Right now, all we are getting is a few table scraps thrown our way. Obama and his team need to start listening to the “Professional Left” or his legacy will be forever known as “The Screw Deal”.
“The Case for a New WPA”
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/07/12-6
August 12, 2010 at 9:13 AM
Enough complaining! Jim Cramer was on the Today Show saying that things were not bad at all. He’s talked to CEO’s and many other in-the-know, and the recovery is moving right along.
Sorry about the snark, but I am so sick and tired of the tone-deafness of Washington, Wall Street, and the media. If they spoke with people who have lost their jobs or are about to lose their jobs, businesses and homes, they might get a different perspective. You’re right, chat, small businesses won’t be creating any jobs because they are failing left and right. All you have to do is drive down the street and look at the vacant retail space where there used to be shops and restaurants. I have friends who have been small business owners for over fifteen years and provided many jobs, who have shut the doors and filed for bankruptcy. The two of them have to find jobs quickly in order to save their home and provide for their five children. Just another example of the many, many hard working people who are victims of the years of bad policy from our government. But now we have fools like Cramer telling us not to be so gloomy.
August 12, 2010 at 9:42 AM
I feel like we are drifting in a sea of mediocrity and mendacity with no end in sight.
No one seems to have an answer and most of what occurs in DC is based on nothing more than the next election. Who rises to the top; who sinks to the bottom of the power structure. It’s all they care about.
Obama has shown that he does not have the guts to stand up against the Party of No. That same party is more than willing to let the nation slide even further into the morass just because they can. The Dems, on the other hand, have shown their willingness to cave at any opportunity for fear of losing the votes from home. The cycle of doing nothing continues.
What’s next on the horizon? The possibility of watching John Boehnert and Mitch McConnell once again take over the reins of power by replacing Pelosi and Reid who have each shown their own failure to work on behalf of the people. Bad news either way.
I hold Obama soley responsible for the rise of the Right which was considered “dead” less than 2 years ago. Had he shown the ability to work around and past them instead of placating and complying to their demands, it may be a different story today.
A strong and capable leader would have told them to kiss his @ss and proceeded to restore the structural damage that was done by the previous 8 years and pounded home the “change” that was promised during the campaign.
Instead, he opened the door and single handedly permitted the Right to take full control of the dialogue, set the agenda, and ignite the throttle which is the promise to return to the policies enjoyed under Bush. Thanks for nothing.
August 12, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Look, Obama was not the people’s choice. Hillary was. Why did the Dem national leadership force him down our throats instead of giving her the nomination she had rightfully won?
Exactly for this reason: because they knew he wouldn’t change anything. Hillary’s HOLC, her approach to health care, her program of taxing the wealthy at appropriate levels again, her lifelong refusal to kowtow to the religious right on women’s rights…these were all ideas that could not be allowed to flourish. Hence, Obama was allowed to take her votes and delegates, game the caucuses, take over the DNC while still a candidate, lose the popular vote and STILL gain the nomination.
The Dem Party made this happen. The national leadership is rotten to the core.
BL, that number of repossessed homes is horrifying. Really puts things into even more perspective.
August 12, 2010 at 10:35 AM
What is amazing that Obama’s lack of ability has infected those former libs who are now actually considering the return of the GOP as a “good thing” in order to bolster their frustration at this administration’s failure to lead.
We are left with nothing but a rock and a hard place when considering what the GOP did during their 8 years of power – and let’s not forget that many of those same people would rise to the top once again! – aided and abetted by some seriously flawed newcomers who promise to follow that lead.
Obama had the opportunity to make the necessary inroads that he promised to deliver but chose to follow the herd thinking instead. The signs were there from the beginning but I have to admit that I thought, especially with a solid majority within both Houses, that he would do the plunge forward.
Yet the very thought of the GOP taking control once again is distasteful while on the other hand another 4 to 6 years of this brand of leadership is just as appalling.
The question remains: What to do, what to do?
August 12, 2010 at 10:52 AM
The caucus system certainly played a major role in his rise. Couple that with the swooning and slobbering of the MSM who fastened onto the idea of a “historical” win and Hillary was pushed to the sidelines in the rush to crown him king.
No one bothered to closely examine his experience, or lack there of, they cooed, crowed, coddled, and conspired to make this thing happen without examining the cost. A “tingle up my leg” was all that it took to convince the public that we were witnesses to a singular historical event that was set to change the world!
Once in office, Obama began to fade. We were promised a filet mignon but were served the meatloaf special. As a Democrat, I could not be more disheartened.
August 12, 2010 at 11:14 AM
“The question remains: What to do, what to do?”
Exactly, Pat ( good to see you, BTW ). The major race in Indiana come November will be Dan Coats ( R-The Family ) vs. Brad Ellsworth ( D-Blue Dog ) for Evan Bayh’s Senate seat. No way am I going to allow Coats to become my Senator for the next 6 years. Sorry, MB, I will swallow my own vomit and vote for Ellsworth. If his voting record is even 5% better than Coats’, that is a victory in my book. My standards have obviously become very low. So sue me.
August 12, 2010 at 11:25 AM
@10 = Beata, I sympathize. It is really hard to know what to do, and I think it does vary according to your location. If a guy from “The Family” had a chance of winning in New York, I’m not sure what my response would be.
I’m casting a primary vote for Carolyn Maloney in a couple of weeks because her Dem challenger is an odious, lying jerk. But in the election, I’m writing in “None of the Above.” To me, Maloney had her chance and she blew it. She didn’t stand up to Obama and vote against the Health Whatever Bill with Stupak attached to it. At a minimum, I would expect a pro-choice Representative to do that.
I don’t want to hear about Obama’s future and how she’s worried about it. I don’t give a fuck about that. I am worried about MY future and the future of American women. A true PUBLIC SERVANT should do the same. I thought she understood that.
Semi-OT – doing a job search, I just found the listing for my old position. Surprise, surprise, it’s now being contracted through a friend of my (ex) boss. Kickbacks, anyone?
How does my boss continue to get away with this crap?! I always joke that he has a picture of upper management having sexual congress with a goat.
August 12, 2010 at 11:29 AM
I highly recommend some professional liberal love to the American Dream killers this morning.
http://www.americablog.com/2010/08/gibbs-people-who-are-upset-with-obama.html
August 12, 2010 at 11:37 AM
@7 Hillary might have worked with Sheila Bair, a truly independent regulator, to get HOLC through. Now we couldn’t have those women folk team up together, MB.
August 12, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Yours is just another example of the middle class getting the shaft. There will be fewer jobs available for the skilled and the educated classes who will find themselves competing for lower wage positions with the untrained and the uneducated who can be hired at lower wages and fewer benefits.
The only white collar jobs available in the future will be for those attending colleges or universities who can afford to pay extremely high tuition rates as the middle class slips lower down the economic scale.
Manufacturing is no longer an option and many of the laboratory scientists have either gone overseas or downsized in the never ending quest for profits. The decline of the middle class is the next crisis facing this nation and there seems to be little being offered to fight that tide.
A little diversion here, another distraction there, and pouf!, just like that it’s all gone.
August 12, 2010 at 11:41 AM
Aravosis is a “progressive,” not a liberal. And sorry, but he’ll never get any love from me, LTD.
You really want to “love” someone who admits to this?
Then there’s all that work we did for the campaign, all the dirty work they asked us to do – and we did it, gladly, and quietly – none of that counted either, apparently.
No thanks.
August 12, 2010 at 11:45 AM
I used “liberal” instead of “progressive” as snark. Referencing the difference between liberal and faux progressive. I should have put snark.
August 12, 2010 at 11:47 AM
I should have put “tuff” love too. He is getting his ass handed to him. I came out under my real name. I am beyond “fuck it”.
August 12, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Oh, wow, Sister LTD! Take it to ‘em!!! Sorry my snark-o-meter is a bit off. 
August 12, 2010 at 12:11 PM
I also still have affinity to “progressive”, MB. I have been pissed for two years or longer how they stole that. I had always recalled how Hillary called herself a “Modern Progressive” in one of the debates when asked if she was a “liberal”.
I was calling myself a progressive for years before the 2008 primaries. An identity for true progressive economic values and actions was ripped for me and many many more. Giving them that word that they stole was further marginalization of real liberals and progressives from the Democratic Party.
And fuck the Democrats and Howard Dean, they were actually the ones that stole the real economic meaning of the term from the far-left that were not even card-carrying members of the Democratic Party long ago. Democrats pushed out the far-left, those dirty little “crazy” idiots, that had the nerve to actually go protest the G-8. Protest the real heart of the matter! T
The Democratic Party started fucking themselves well before Obama along came by pushing out the far-left long ago. 1968 Democratic Convention comes to mind.
August 12, 2010 at 12:14 PM
While it is horrifying for me to think about another Republican administration so soon after the disastrous GWB/Cheney mess, I think that the only way I can get my former party’s attention again is by not voting for either major party and therefore helping the Republicans win. Feminists have to take a stand and refuse to accept the “Where else are they gonna go?” that we get from the Democrats. My message to the Democrats is this, get rid of the caucuses, quit alienating the liberal base which granted you power, start doing what you were elected to do, and run a pro-choice female at the top of the ticket, and you can have my support again.
August 12, 2010 at 12:54 PM
I consider myself both a liberal and a progressive. I am a liberal in my political philosophy and a progressive in my desire to change the status quo. And I will let no professional pundit define either term for me.
August 12, 2010 at 12:54 PM
I wish everyone in the U.S. would stop referring to the Canadian health care system – the more these morons who know nothing about it, denigrate it, the more difficult it becomes to defend it in our own country. Sure, it doesn’t cover everything, however I have never had to pay for a doctor’s appointment, tests, including CAT scans and MRIs, or surgery – including skin cancer removal and three caesarian sections. Yes, our taxes are high, but other than the folly in Afghanland, we don’t spend our GDP on war.
From my simple but secure heights north of the 49th, I think you’re caught between a rock and a hard place. Hillary really was the one to tackle all of these issues, and while her solutions might not have been universally accepted, she is one practical human being. Obama = bought and paid for shill. I wish you all the best, but I have little hope that it will get better in the near future. The republicans, if they are elected to the majority, will claim that their policies are no different than Obama’s, and unfortunately, they will have history on their side. Geez, come to Canada. We liberals needs more support to keep our status quo.
August 12, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Re – Canadian Healthcare system, I got this email from HealthJustice about that:
I hear Obama flack Robert Gibbs says we drug-addled “professional leftists” will only be “satisfied when we have Canadian healthcare and we’ve eliminated the Pentagon.”
I don’t know about the Pentagon –maybe so, maybe not — but I am in Canada right now and he is right about Canadian healthcare.
My Canadian friend Red, about my age, spent five days in the hospital recently for a mysterious malady. He had continuous IV’s and every blood test known to God and man. He had CT’s and EKG’s and x-rays up the wazoo –literally.
A few days after he was released from the hospital, I saw him in our little town, coming out of the Post Office, reading his mail. He looked healthy, but pissed off. I hailed him “Hey Red. What are you looking so mad about? You’re cured, aren’t you?”
He said, “Yeah, I’m fine, but I’m cheesed off at this hospital bill I got.” Cheesed off. That’s Canadian for angry.
“What are you talking about? Hospital bill?” I asked, envisioning a five page bill for scores of thousands of dollars. Was there something about Canadian healthcare financing I did not know? “How much are they billing you for?”
He waved a half-page piece of paper at me. “They want $250 because I had a private room. That’s outrageous!!”
I had to agree. It was outrageous. Red got five days of excellent hightech medical care and all he had to pay was $250.00.
“Wow, that’s terrible, Red. You must pay a hefty piece of your income in taxes for that free health care.”
“Damn right I do. I have to pay the very highest rate in income taxes.”
I felt relieved to know we Americans had one thing going for us. “Well, at least we are not so bad off in the US. The highest rate we have to pay is about 30% of our income.”
Red looked a little embarrassed when he admitted, “Actually, that’s what I pay too. 30%.”
So–
To Robert Gibbs, to Barack Obama and to the spineless and corrupt Democratic Party bosses:When Obama began his race for the nomination, I was fearful of an Obama presidency because I thought it likely the Republicans would roll right over him. Whether they have rolled over him or he has rolled over on we drug-addled “professional leftists” is a matter of debate still, but there is no debate about the consequences — the liberal and socially progressive ideals that created the modern US and that we counted on Obama to protect and revivfy –those ideals have been rolled.
Very well-said!
Of course, the guy has to spoil it all by engaging in a big bong hit of CDS at the end.
My prediction: Obama is a one-term President. I made this prediction to a retired and very knowledgeable Canadian politician recently, one who is familiar with the highest levels of Canadian government. He seemed somewhat surprised to hear that prediciton coming from an American –but not surprised at the prediction. He understood the reason perfectly. As he expressed it, “Obama’s falling fast, isn’t he.” Then he talked about Hillary Clinton’s balls. And he was not talking sports.
My next prediction: the 2012 presidential election will be between Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton. If this prediction comes true, God help us, because the Democratic Party won’t.
These “professional leftists” are morons. In that, I agree with Robert Gibbs. We should BE so lucky as to have Hillary elected President.
August 12, 2010 at 1:48 PM
I’ve said my piece over there which probably did not good in the first place. I will cut and paste for responses, when and if the next time a “dirty work professional left” blog owner gets their ass handed to them. Now I will go check to see how much spam I have in my business account after I used an email that shows exactly who I am. The “dirty works” came in many forms in last couple of years. Much of this whole shit has been a sociological lesson in Critical Theory of the methodology of how a nation gets torn apart, corporatism usurps a peoples, and why those theorist said class war would ensue whether people understood how and why and what was happening or not. i really really feel for the people who are standing in lines in the heat for a “hope” at public housing and are starting to say “What American Dream”. I am heartbroken. Thanks for letting me rant. My broken heart, even knowing years ago that this time was probable for our country, still can’t contain sometimes the pain and disillusionment in economic and social realities that people are feeling.
August 12, 2010 at 2:25 PM
My unemployed brother, who lost his two jobs in July 2009, has become very “creative”. He eats lunch and dinner at the local community kitchen every day. He has enough left-overs from there for breakfast each morning. He is also dumpster-diving for canned goods, etc., to supplement his diet.
As a Mayflower descendant, I am very proud to have lived long enough to see this once great nation turn into a Third-World country.
August 12, 2010 at 2:28 PM
Honestly, Madama, since our health care was inserted into law (thank you Tommy Douglas) I have higher taxes – understandably so, however I have never worried about going to a doctor, or taking my children to a doctor. And believe me, I have had several serious life affecting situations. For example, my son pulled down the teapot with hot tea – his skin was peeling. He was received immediately into emergency, and I had a nurse at my door the next day with instructions on how to care to ensure no infections. He doesn’t even have a scar. My daughter was lethargic, and I was fearful because meningitis was going around. Yes, I had to wait four hours, however, they tested her (yeah, the need to take samples from the spinal fluid) and treated her – she’s still her 18 years later, and she’s a beauty. I had a problematic growth on my face – I walked across the road to my doctor (clinic) and was immediately referred to a dermatologist. The dermatologist appointment was a month later, however, she referred me to a surgeon within two weeks. I met the surgeon, he checked the growth, then removed it. Did I pay, other than my taxes – no. And all of the professional medical people were terrific. Yes there are tons of medical graduates who go to the U.S. cause down there, it’s a profit industry. I’m just grateful to all the ones who stay here – and there are plenty who are internationally recognized as the best in the business.
August 12, 2010 at 2:34 PM
A friend of mine recently suggested that I go to England for the neurosurgery I need since my Medicaid is worthless. I am seriously considering it. I want to get out of this feckin’ country while I am still well enough to go.
August 12, 2010 at 2:37 PM
I’ve waited 4 to 6 months to see specialists – the few that will actually take Medicaid.
August 12, 2010 at 2:40 PM
I read more than a few people say they were willing for their taxes to go up in the left blogosphere to help secure even at least some kind of robust public option. Obama et all were reading those blogs. They knew we could have paid for single payer. When even the (faux) debate about a Medicare “buyin” came up people would have been offered the choice to pay for a “public” service or a private. Corporatism takes choice away from you. That is what it is designed to do.
August 12, 2010 at 2:42 PM
Beata, I don’t have much, but will contribute if you need help to get there.
August 12, 2010 at 3:24 PM
Beata, I am so sorry to hear of your brother’s troubles. It really is disgusting that we don’t have a new WPA and/or a Jobs Guarantee in this country. We have so much; there is no reason that our citizens should be suffereing the way they are.
That is the difference between Obama and FDR. FDR felt a sense of responsibility towards the people. Obama feels none.
@27, I hope you get the medical care you need. Again, it is unconscionable that we do not provide health care to our citizens as a right.
@14 – I wish that what happened to me at least had a business reason, Pat, whether it was an evil business reason or not! But apparently, they are splitting my job up into two parts. One will be development, and one will be administration. So, they are most likely going to pay at least four times as much for a far worse result, all because my ex-boss is a scum-sucking sexist pig who wants to give business to his friends and who thinks New Jersey is the fucking center of the universe.
Sorry, but I’m a little bitter today too.
August 12, 2010 at 3:48 PM
@31: Thank you, La. That is so sweet. I have no idea if any British neurosurgeons would treat me since I am a not a citizen there. But it is something I am trying to research.
My grandfather was a surgeon. After WWII, he worked in one of the major London hospitals, reconstructing the faces of injured British veterans. I don’t suppose that connection would help me so many years later.
August 12, 2010 at 4:29 PM
Beata, you never know till you try, and the brit memory is long. Go for it. If it doesn’t work out, come visit me for awhile.
August 12, 2010 at 5:10 PM
Uh-oh. Marie Antoinette’s popularity is going down.
I know it’s the Wash. Examiner but…
August 12, 2010 at 5:53 PM
@35 – That lavish trip to Spain right before the 10-day vacation on the Cape was a huge mistake. What the hell was she thinking?!
And speaking of what are they thinking: Can anyone give me the “pro” argument for putting a mosque two blocks from the World Trade Center? I am just curious to know why people think it’s a good idea.
I don’t want to hear how we shouldn’t be against it, I just want to know why we should be for it.
August 12, 2010 at 6:12 PM
MB@36: And speaking of what are they thinking: Can anyone give me the “pro” argument for putting a mosque two blocks from the World Trade Center?
Can’t think of a single one. To show “no hard feelings” ? Or to show “All Muslims aren’t like the ones who: flew the planes, bombed WTC the first time, blew up the embassies in Africa”, yadda, yadda, yadda.
August 12, 2010 at 6:42 PM
@37 – I think maybe that’s it. But don’t we already know that not all Muslims are Sunni extremists like OBL and Al Qaeda? And frankly, I DO have hard feelings towards OBL Al Qaeda. I’d be a freaking idiot not to, since they attacked my city!
I just can’t help wondering, who is the intended recipient of this unnecessary lesson? If it’s the right-wingers who think ALL Muslims are the same, then we can forget it. Religious tolerance is not in their makeup. If it’s non-terrorist Muslims, believe me, they know we’re not mad at them. I live right across the street from a mosque, for Jeebus’ sake. I never even notice it except when they’re broadcasting the prayers on Friday afternoon. I always see Muslim women and men in my area. No one ever bothers them.
I find it incredibly offensive that some people would feel the need to prove American tolerance on the backs of the thousands who died on 9/11. As Jon Stewart pointed out recently, there’s already a mosque four blocks from the site of the destroyed World Trade Center.
That’s close enough for me.
August 12, 2010 at 7:06 PM
Amen. I don’t understand why this Moslem Culture Center can’t be placed elsewhere in Manhatten. The whole thing is as counterintuitive as a Shinto shrine in Pearl Harbor would be.
August 12, 2010 at 8:11 PM
@39 and 40: Couldn’t agree more.
Careful Chat-someone will say your being ohfensive to Asians! 
August 12, 2010 at 8:38 PM
Chat@42: I don’t guess the space program thing would go well either! 
August 12, 2010 at 10:16 PM
SOrry if some one has said this but to me Obama’s “New Deal” seems to be more likr the “Raw Deal” for the average american…
Obama appoligists over at JMG (gay bear blog) told me FDR was more ronald reagan than Barky Oblahblah….I think the “Pampers” faithful have switched from KoolAid to Crack!
August 12, 2010 at 10:55 PM
Oh Lordy..you have to go read this at Alegre’s Corner. It is priceless and so true!!
http://alegrescorner.soapblox.net/diary/4247/those-ratfracking-liberals
Comments are closed.
L 2012 – Support Your Local Lefties!
Top Stories – Google News
- Clinton blasts China, Russia over Syria - CBS News February 25, 2012
- Iran has expanded sensitive nuclear work: UN agency - Reuters February 25, 2012
- For Romney, a Message Lost in the Empty Seats - New York Times February 25, 2012
Recent Comments
 | madamab on New Year’s Eve Widdershi… |
 | Eddie on New Year’s Eve Widdershi… |
 | HT on New Year’s Eve Widdershi… |
| madamab on New Year’s Eve Widdershi… |
| madamab on Happy New Year – We… |
August 12, 2010 at 9:11 AM
Great post, chat.
Speaking of the American Dream, this blew me away this morning: