Tuesday, March 31, 2009
“You say you’re aware, believe, and you care, but do you care enough? Where’s your conviction of the heart?”
Last Saturday, there was a marathon of animated Disney movies — “Tarzan,” “Hercules,” “Aladdin,” “Mulan” — that I watched for the first time in ages. I could not help but remark at the references to other Disney classics, the enchanting stories and the sheer superiority of the music in the films. But what struck me the most were the allusions to less than fairy-tale realities, such as this one in “Hercules”:
Hercules: “You know, when I was younger, I would’ve given anything to be like everyone else.”
Meg (his love interest, if you’ve forgotten): “You wanted to be petty and dishonest?”
Having political aspirations, I could only think of the similar response I get from friends and family about wanting to be a public official. And who can blame them? First our president went on “The Tonight Show” and compared his bowling capabilities to those of Special Olympians (though, get this, apparently his scores still would fall below those proud competitors); next, he’s just a voice in the crowd in an absurd Congressional raid on corporate bonuses. Then, perusing Whitehouse.gov for the president’s education agenda, I found this statement: “Obama and Biden are committed to meeting this challenge with the leadership and judgment that has been sorely lacking for the last eight years.” Who puts partisanship on the Web site of the president? I don’t care how poorly he esteems his predecessor, I expect my president to move on — to lead, not to blame. But it’s not just him.
Where’s the outrage about a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee that unashamedly claims in its e-mails that a 60-plus seat majority in the Senate is the only way to “truly deliver on universal healthcare, better education and a real plan to get us off foreign oil?” What, they can’t do any of that with a soon-to-be 57 seats? You have got to be kidding. As if I would do my part to give them 60 seats anyway; the ability to filibuster is a significant check on the potential tyranny of the majority.
And finally, (I am all about equal opportunity here) where’s the outrage about Republicans attacking pork barrel spending? Some of the worst pork projects have been of their own making. You might think that the party of competition would develop a scenario that removed the ability to tack irrelevant projects to any bill, or perhaps setting up a pool of funds each year, either department by department (transportation, energy, etc.) or in a new administration that would field applications for programs seeking funds, and choose which received funds based on merit. Perhaps there could even be a clause allowing representatives and senators to sponsor one or two projects each fiscal year, allowing them to continue to have ways to give back to their constituents.
My point, though, is that we should demand more of our public servants in the consideration of the future of our country (especially considering the debt that is being run up) and show them that our loyalties lie not down party lines, but with those who can “stop somehow” and display real “conviction of the heart.”
— Holmes is an Overland Park freshman in political science.
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Comments
Holmes: Disturbing absence of outrage at politicians’ childish behavior
When the Messiah makes fun of the handicapped it's ok. He's the Messiah.
Holmes: Disturbing absence of outrage at politicians’ childish behavior
"First our president went on “The Tonight Show” and compared his bowling capabilities to those of Special Olympians (though, get this, apparently his scores still would fall below those proud competitors)"
No. It wasn't his bowling skills he was comparing, but rather the "pat on the head" reaction he received from the media that he compared to the Special Olympics. Because people DO treat the Special Olympics and its competitors that way, although I imagine often unintentionally. Case in point: after the Tonight Show remark, Sarah Palin, mother of a special needs child, came out against it and said something along the lines of people being precious. Or precocious - I can't remember which (my mind tends to glaze over whenever she talks). But regardless of the word, it's a tad condescending, yeah? People who compete in the Special Olympics aren't fragile little children or puppies; they're PEOPLE.
Now, am I defending Obama's comment? No. It was a dumb thing to say, especially on national television. But unfortunately, many people - including you - are taking this comment out of context and not really understanding what he was even trying to say.
Holmes: Disturbing absence of outrage at politicians’ childish behavior
Did you watch the show? Jay asked Obama what he bowled. Obama responded with something in the low 100s. The crowd and Jay kind of laughed to which Obama replied with a nervous laughed and the Special Olympics joke (not terribly original mind you). He was clearly insinuating that his bowling skills couldn't possibly be worse than a Special Olympian. I'm not sure how else to interpret it.
I grant you that the partisan comments about Bush are far worse than this gaff. The Tonight Show was a dumb moment, the Bush bashing was thought out, immature and counterproductive. We should hold these men and women to a higher standard and be very quick to vote them out of office.
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