June 25, 2010

Personal responsibility--and other things

Is a hallmark of conservative thought, no? And one I concur is important. People should be held accountable for their actions. But I am struck this week by the contrast between Joe Barton apologizing to BP and Republicans (and one Democrat) killing a bill that would actually help a lot of out of work people. Again.

While there is some anger at large banks and GM for their mismanagement, conservatives seem to focus their biggest expectation of personal responsibility on those at the bottom of the socio-economic scale. I don't get that.

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One note on the Stanley MaChrystal firing. One major reason that I am shedding absolutely no tears about his firing (beyond his love of Bud Light with Lime--blech, and his open insubordination to the civilian leadership) is his prominent role in the coverup of Pat Tillman's death. I would love to see him pay a bigger price for that unconscionable cluster.

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Speaking of taxes and money, I continue to be amazed that Republicans can only talk about tax cuts. Tax increases, especially on those at the top of the scale--are simply unthinkable. Even if that means cutting programs that legitimately help people. Probably because, as one of my conservative friends suggests, they believe that all of their money is earned only by their own labor. The system that allows that is just not respected.

But I am also reminded that we have raised taxes before, and cut some programs and found a way to improve our deficit and economy. In fact, George HW Bush will go down as the last reasonable Republican for agreeing to a budget deal that sunk his reelection bid. That is the reminder of how radical and how unhinged the Republican party has become. Working with Democrats and daring to raise taxes is the deal breaker. Torture and lying about war? Not a problem.

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Enough of that. SOF and I are celebrating our 22 wedding anniversary today. We had a nice day watching soccer and going to lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant. In a few minutes, we head out to have Indian food. As everyone realizes, she is a damn saint for putting up with me. If you think I rant on this blog.....

Hope everyone has a good Friday evening.

2 comments:

Monk-in-Training said...

Happy anniversary!!

O God, You consecrated marriage to be a sign of the spiritual unity between Christ and His Church: Bless these Your servants, that they may continue to love, honor and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness; that their home may be a place of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Streak said...

Thank you Monk. I appreciate it.