I have not been living in the US for the past four years. I am an American in limbo, and I have watched the shift in American status throughout the world. I have interviewed my ESL students about what they think of Americans, and American policy, and their answers have been less than positive. And I live in the richest state in Brazil, not Basra. The world is sick of US, and the reality is that Americans themselves, I really believe, are sick of what America has become. That begs the question: what have we become?
On foreign policy:
US foreign policy was never exactly hands-off, but the last few years, obviously, have taken the phrase "watchdog" to the utterly absurd and criminal. Even our 'coalition' members are beginning to abandon us in droves. The New Yorker had a great piece on Dec. 10 about how supporting us in the invasion of Iraq has been political suicide for just about everyone, and has led to another form of regime change. Whether it was Britain, Spain, Italy, US foreign policy has meant getting other country`s leaders kicked out of office. The people of the world don`t just hate us, but hate any of their politicians that kiss our asses. The Bush administration has taken us to the brink of irrelevance.
On immigration:
We have watched our leaders fumble the opportunity to look reality in the eye, and stop building walls around the current situation. The Tom Tancredo`s on Capitol Hill have scared the wits out of any rational thinking about the future of the American workplace, and brought us to a point where no one wants to face up to the fact that the dishwasher, apple picker, second-generation Latino, and Arab-American are lumped into one word: threat. A state like Arizona has been able to control a national debate, and that is truly frightening.
Health care:
Michael Moore put it best in Sicko: any attempt to get health care to everyone brings up thoughts of Cuba, Moscow, and the C-word. We are the riches country in the world, and 45 million people don`t have health care. How is the NHS possible, but we can`t do better than Medicaid and HMOs?
There in lies the crux of my endorsement of John Edwards. The sub-prime mess, health care, Iraq, Enron, melting ice caps, and the Minutemen revolve around two words: corporate greed. If someone like Edwards does not get into office, the reality is this: your vote does not count. He has been the only candidate, outside of Kucinich, to actively talk about the wealth gap, to spell out a truly progressive health reform, and to pledge to take on special interests.
Why did New Orleans happen? Why does it continue to suffer from leeching? Why is Camden the city it is? Why is Flint, Michigan in the state it is? For many reasons, of course. But one huge one is this: the poor, and yes, the middle class, have ceased to be important to the political class.
Death to dynasties, whether they be Bush, Fox, Clinton, Murdoch. It is time for progress. It is time for John Edwards.
5 comments:
good argument Daddydan and in light of John Edwards calling for a (full) troop withdrawal within ten months of his Presidency (50,000 immediately) he is making a powerful argument. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/02/us/politics/02edwards.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Alternet has a good article on Obama's corporate backers today. Makes me think Edwards could be the right choice. We shall see what the rich whities of Iowa say soon enough.
Why would Edwards leave his position as the Director of the National Institute of Poverty and go to work for a hedge fund if not for corporate greed? I cannot support a man who's hypocritical actions speak way louder than his rhetoric on the "two Americas."
I think you miss the point entirely Ladyliberal. I know we have had this discussion before, but if all you are going to focus on is the three h's house, hedge fund and haircut, the discussion will not go anywhere. Read this article which I am going to post in full http://www.alternet.org/election08/72079/
It emphasizes many of Obama's "corporate" backers. Yes, it is true Edwards worked and made lots of money, but his message is THE most populist among all of the candidates and that even includes Kucinich at this point. He is the only one talking about corporate greed.
Obama's message of hope is a good one and as Magda has said his freshness and thoughtfulness is very exciting. But, his change message is what? What does he seek to change. His criticisms of 527's is really over the top. Unions and progressive causes are not "special interests." Not in any way and by doing that he is making the argument for the right wing. That, at this point is undeniable.
My support of him is still there, but there are obviously questions about him at this point not answered.
thanks for casting your vote daddydan! i'm right there with ya 100% for edwards. always liked him, i admire his wife and his discussions for a green job corps (as fellow alumni in vista, you know how i feel about americorps)!
check out the recent nation article: http://www.thenation.com/docprint.mhtml?i=20080107&s=editors
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