This photo is from the 1930's by Margaret Bourke White, she captured the Irony of the Moment. We are in another such time of Irony. 3000 people lined up for 200 New Jobs at a New Walmart, and the Media reported it shocked and stunned, like it was so unusual, and yet it is common now. The Tale of the Common Man has become just obligatory wallpaper to sensationalized tales of failed sports heros and prescious antics of celebutantes.
The Only Candidate that has consitantly gone out and talked to people about Poverty is John Edwards. He has championed this issue with great heart, even while he and Elizabeth had their own Battles. He took college kids with him down to NOLA after Katrina. I have thought about how powerful that was as a lifelong lesson, that he mentored them in what poverty really is:what it smells like, looks like in person. They will never forget the Mold, the dead bodies, rotting houses of the 9th ward. He taught them that it was alright to see the ugly mess, as long as you roll up your sleeves and offer to help. He taught them that beneath the mud and debris there was also damaged souls that needed to know they were not abandoned or forgotten. This lesson was sorely needed after the Flyover President and the Brownie Debacle. How can we not be grateful that this man was humble and caring during an Era of Entitlement ?
And yet I have not heard KATRINA mentioned once in a debate yet, the People, the Lives and Homes lost remain an Invisible Stain on all of us. And the Scattered Refugees of that Human Disaster are rarely mentioned or acknowledged. They are not even displaced and forgotten, they are Invisible. Worse yet, there has not even been preparations take to prevent another such Disaster.
And we are all in Trouble at this point. It is not just about floundering Stocks, it is about Homes, Jobs and Food on the table, and can we care for our children ? And can people take care of their loved ones if they get sick ? It gets to the point that families are juggling and trading Meds for Food for Heating Bill for Gas for the Car.....This is the Reality of living in Bush America.
What do you see as the Biggest Worry Economically ?
**** {{ Click the title :The song is John Mellencamp Paper &Fire, these are the faces I see where I live, and I hope that they Vote in Numbers and come out and let it be known they are not Invisible. The song has many messeges }}}*****
PLEASE DO WRITE ME AT enigma4ever@earthlink.net, I have given up on the other address, as it is not working NOW....as of 12 noon Sunday, it is FILTERING ..and emails are not getting through....so please do use Earthlink for now...My apologies.
45 comments:
I am trying to sort out the email issue, and get comments forwarded to new address...please bear with me...thanks..
I know Edwards is the darling of many on the left.
For whatever reason, his populist message isn't catching on and I think his campaign will be over Feb. 5th.
My mother recently decided to put off trying to sell her home after she became aware that she was not going to get as much for her house as she wanted.
Of course her dutiful son HAD been warning her of that for over a YEAR, and encouraging her to either hurry up and sell or hold onto it for the next five years.
But who listens to that asshole.
IT is true you don't hear much about Katrina victims anymore...or what is happening...how their communites are being rebuilt....there is a part of me that wonders if the reason you don't hear it is because the government wants to distract the public from what is going on in it's own back yard and look abroad....but then that is not a very good strategy either....hmmmm...the politicians must be scratching their heads and wondering....how do they keep the blinders on all these common folks.....
great post and another good reminder...
smalltown, I was just having that conversation with my husband, yesterday. The crap that used to be on the back pages of the newspaper are now on the front page and too many people don't bother to read a book, much less a newspaper from beginning to end. I hear a lot of snippy comments about Katrina (how people are relieved "not to hear about it anymore"...) I'm like, are you for real? These are your fellow citizens who are STILL waiting for rescue and relief while you turn your back in hopes that you won't miss the next big football game!
My family and I blessed by the mere fact that my husband is in the military because at the very least we have a roof and healthcare provided to us by the US Army...but with Nathan in Iraq, my concern is that we are one breakdown, one limb (literally) from living on the street and having to be concerned about much more than the cost of gas or how much fruit flavored snacks are as opposed to fresh fruit.
Having come up poor and lived as a welfare mom for almost ten years, I am very aware that our lives could turn on a dime (literally). That's why I didn't run out and get a house when my husband was begging me that we could get one for zero down, etc. etc. I asked him one simple question...what if you get hurt and end up discharged from the Army and you can't work to keep up the mortgage? He accused me of being a worry wart, then, but now looking at the subprime mess, he doesn't accuse me of that, anymore.
I am very much a worry wart. I wear that label with pride. I want the very best for my children and my family, but it breaks my heart to see what is happening in our country and noticing how much harder it is getting to get by. I was there once and I lose sleep at night worrying about ending up back there.
Hey All Thank you for reading this post:
6-6 said I am the Gloom&Doom queen....( he is my teenage son so he too knows damn well, I too am a worry wart....) But These Issues all have to be discussed for us to be looking for a Real Leader....
DIZZY:
Wow...that was the best Comment- you summed up all that I worry about....And I worry, do the candidate think about the Iraqi Wives ? and Families? and when I say Food or Meds I am not joking, I see people at the store thinking it out...and the elderly buying cat food...I hope and pray that Our Country does take care of VETS and the Military Families.....but it does worry me that your life ( mine too at this rate) can turn on a dime...it should not be that way, "getting by" shouid not be the status quo.....You husband is lucky to have you being so wise....( much light to you and yours...and that he be kept safe and be returned to you soon...) namaste.
Smalltown RN:
The MEdia ( MSM) so much controls what we are suppoed to think and watch, FOX went into the "news" business in 1996, and from that point it has gone down hill...Katrina has only partially been covered and followed, Anderson Cooper of CNN trys...because that is where he is from....but for the most part it is easy for the MSM to walk by NOLA, and not want to face that the whole region is not being rebuilt...not really Lives were Shattered...But more people died in the after math than the actual disaster...I love what you said about the "Blinders"....sadly I think you hit the nail on the head.
Gryphen:
Well, your mom is very lucky that her WISE son kept the big picture in view, and helped her realize that there is a lot at stake, and there are times to sell and times to not sell....
Christopher:
I think there are a couple of problems for Edwards, I actually supported him all this time, but I am starting to realize that People are so tired they are not embracing his anger- or hearing his messege all the way through, I am hoping that he and Obama will team up. Numbers wise that would give them a very very strong base to beat the repugs....I also fault the Media, because it is rare that they air what he says...the Next debate should be his moment to be heard FINALLY..( although he was great in the last one)...
By the way all- I am trying two different email accounts and also you will see two different avatars...sorry ..But I am still sorting this out...
BTW the followup Debate on these Issues Is this coming week , stay posted. Thanks.
Edwards frightens the corporate status quo, including Big Media. They have done all they can to ignore his message and misrepresent him on the issues.
The Katrina Disaster is the Econimic Shock Doctrine in operation here in the usa. The good thing and the only good thing to come of it IS all the grass roots organizations that are "shock proofing themselves and building homes and coalitions that will be lasting..That is what we need to do about the economy ultimately - while working on all the issues of social economic justice. I feel OBAMA will be keenly aware of the issues of access , wages, institutionalized racism, the gutting of our public schools, health care, the damn WAR.
and it will take time..like perhaps to the 112th congress to see corporate greed reeled in. BUT since Edwards can't seem to win for losing, its my deepest dream that he is willing to again hitch his wagon and this time NOT get the shaft. Lets not forget who Obama picks as VP is utra critical for reasons we all know to well. I must say that Kucinich could have been a lot more than he has been in congress to fix e voting. He is a bit of a one note..I like him fine but i am not gonna through a vote away..to hillary.
Don't worry enigma!
We'll be all right. I have to laugh! 6.6 is right and it doesn't wear well on you. It's funny but not only Katrina but none of the man made or natural disasters Bush has done nothing to remedy have been mentioned and they should be capitalized on.
I did discuss Katrina with Jerome the other day but like Iraq and everything else with Bush it isn't just ineptitude he is doing it on purpose but I won't get into it.
Biggest concern economically is a good question. I won't get into that either. Just relax you sweet thing you. I am listening to Edwards right now and he seems to be our biggest advocate.
I hope if Edwards doesn't get the nomination, he leaves the Dems, to form a new party. His program can't be won in the Democratic Party.
Obama supports privatizing Social Security, while Hillary is a hawk. If he is sincere, he should leave the Dems.
I am still awed by the though that the number of homeless in the US is greater than the population of Australia (or perhaps in context - Greater Los Angeles)
The invisible poverty around the country seems remain invisible, lest it should be contagious.
Cartledge:
I have no idea what the exact numbers are, but they are high...and the estimates are even high, and esp for VETS...I love that you even compare it to LA...
Renegade:
I don't know what he will do...I don;t understand why more don't share his angst...his desire for justice....I personally would love to see him team up with Obama...I will be very curious what happens in the debate this week...and I would loved to see how he was doing in SC this weekend....( but MSM has been showing Hillary and repugs....no Edwards...)
Patriot:
thanks...what concerns me is that for an advocate- he get such short shrift and almost NO airtime....and he has real issues that he does bring to the table...we do need someone that is not entitled in DC ( he fought for his money...and he does not take money from Corporate schills..)
PP:
I live in an area that is very much oppressed and is very black- so to see someone embrace Hope is uplifting...but to also see someone willing to fight ( edwards) that is uplifting too...I just think that more should question the problems we have in this country....
Tomcat:
you are right...in every way...Edwards has been silenced because he has spoken the Truth...too much and too loud...and the MSM is unforgiving of such truth....and sadly the people that need to hear him ...don't....Shouting in the wind...it ain';t right....the Debate this week is critical...
( I hope that SC is showing the love, that is what I really hope..)
BTW speaking of the debate, WHY is NBC not allowing Denis Kucinich to be a part ? that is just wrong....again...
I'm glad you bring up Edwards, who gets little to no coverage (for all the reasons cited in your comments). He's still my #1, so I'm hoping he does well in SC. If he could win or tie w/Obama there & push Hillary down to #3 again, maybe his message would make the airwaves. And yes, I do hope he & Obama team up in some fashion, some way, because together their message is powerful.
Economically, I want to see job outsourcing addressed more directly by the candidates. Yes, yes, they all say it's bad, they all want to do something about it. But WHAT and HOW? With jobs, we will rebuild the strongest economy in the world.
Another issue is the declining US Dollar. As a country, we are like many families living one paycheck away from starvation. If China or Saudi Arabia calls in the loans, our whole country goes homeless. Hell of a way to run a country, especially when the largest surplus in history was handed to GWB in 2001. As near as I can tell, he spent it & everything since on enriching his fatcat friends through various tax & war deals.
My biggest worry is the looming recession turning into an outright depression. Recessions can be short or long, can have hard or soft landings, but depressions can kill the soul of the country. The tales my parents & grandparents told! And if we have another Hoover at the helm then, lord help us. (apologies to your son for adding to the doom & gloom) ...
d.k. I expect rebuilding the economy is going to be a long slow process. We have all suffered from globalisation – sending jobs to the cheapest markets and destroying the manufacturing and agricultural base. The cost of rebuilding essential infrastructure is an awesome challenge, before anything else can happen.
‘Cheap prices for shoddy goods’ has become the norm, so low paid workers aren’t going to be able to pay the cost of quality local product. Globalisation has set everything everyone back enormously and those fat cats will choke on their own cream.
Rebuilding is not going to be an easy ride, but it does allow the opportunity to change basic expectations and finally rid the US, and now the rest of us, of a culture of greed among the political/financial elite and the quick buck merchants below them.
It is a long history to overcome, from Salmon Chase and beyond. The shame of the Lincoln administration were the vultures and war mongers who set such terrible precedents for the growing nation. It is a harsh reality, but one which can be embraced with a certain sense of joy.
Enigma I just finished a post on Edwards and would be very pleased if you could read it and give me your honest opinion. See Let's Talk
I think Edwards may be seen as just another fat cat lying politician. He's talking about the poor guy, while at the same time getting a $400 haircut.
People are sensitive to those kinds of nuances- poor folks don't get $400. If you google *john edwards annual income*, he & his wife made $39 million in the past decade.
It also said they donated 8.6% of their income to charity. I think when you make so many millions of dollars, you HAVE to make donations or they will slam you with taxes.
But my point is when you have double digit millions & a mansion like home, do you really understand the plight of the poor person, or is it just so much campaign rhetoric?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The annual income for Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and his wife dropped about $680,000 in 2006 from the nearly $1.7 million they took in the prior year, according to documents released Monday.
Information released by the Chicago Democrat's presidential campaign indicated that the Obamas' total income decreased because in 2005 they had a major book deal and a one-time bonus.
Their 2006 income of $991,296 included Obama's salary of $157,082 and his wife's administrator's pay of $273,618 from the University of Chicago Hospitals and $51,200 in director fees from a food distributor, TreeHouse Inc.
(Mrs. Obama mokes more $$$!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hillary's income is harder to find, I found a 2005 combined reporting (Hill & Bill) that equals $8,352,356. Bill Clinton has made over $40 million in speaking fees.
"Obama supports privatizing Social Security. - renegade eye
That is a lie. A bald faced lie.
Obama is strongly opposed to privatizing Social Security.
SOURCE: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/socialsecurity/#protect-ss
If you're going to spread fabrications renegade eye, expect to be busted.
New piece up, E4E on my blog about Hillary's Rovian-style dirty lies as she attacks Obama.
Please check it out.
Good post E4E and great comments by all. We all need to try and reinforce the Progressive message that Edwards is talking. The corporatists and media are doing everything they can to shut down Edwards. We need to help it stay alive.
Well, all thanks for coming...
I am still having trouble email wise, now I am having it with the Gmail.... as well as earthlink...only some are getting through, also that includes regular email.
Here is the strange thing, I kept getting emails from Hillary's Campaign wanting money, as many as 4 a day, so I listed her as spam and wrote her people and told her I was not giving to her and did not want anymore mail. ALL of the problems with my emails started THAT day......I am sure it is some kind of interesting evil coincidence.
Unreal....
Anyways...I thank you for your patience.
Fallenmonk: I agree that the Progressive messege is what matters...and that the Internet is Edwards only hope....
Christopher: thank you I will be over today...thank you for saying something about the privatizing Social Security, I had not found anything that supports that postion, and was still researching....( the rumor mill is also rampant on many fronts...attacking different Candidates...sad- because if people want to focus on Negative Issues- they should go listen to Romney or McCain or Rudy- downright scary )
Fran: thanks for bringing this information, I guess we can choose to be impressed with his generousity or not. I personally am moved that he acts on issues he cares about , with money, not just words. Now Hillary, is listed above- but it does not say if she donates money...actually Obama too...I don't have anything against ricch people, esp if they remember WHERE they came from...and don't act entitled.
Finally I have to say this, I really don't want to be a part of tearing anyone apart, I am committed to discussing issues and also looking at what they have to offer as candidates...
I have said that I was and am dissappointed in Hillary....and that has been ongoing for many monthes...that is my right to be dissappointed with her. As a woman, I was expecting more and better...but that is me. And as a person, a woman I think I should be allowed my point of view. Also I know the Media is busy telling us that ALL WOMEN support Hillary- well, that is just not true.
thanks...
Enigma here's the link to when Edwards worked for fortress. See Fortress
Let's Talk:
I will say this again, I really dont want to fight about Edwards, I wrote this piece actually more about POVERTY AND ECONOMY ISSUES THAT FACE ALL OF US.. then about Edwards...I think we should all be allowed to ROOT for who we want to...
You obviously dont like Edwards- that is fine...you wanted me come read you piece and be honest about what I thought- that is what you wrote above...so I went to your post and I was honest...
I had some concerns that some of the information might be a little off off or skewed...
BUT...I was polite, I don't want to fight about this, I have supported him and his efforts for more than 4 years....that is my right....
BTW I have never heard of the blog that you link to- "Oval office" and I also don't recognize the contributors......and it does not really identify it's sources.....I have no idea WHY you are doing this...
the Fortress data is OUT in the Public, he left his relationship with the company because he had Ethical Concerns- about the company.....HE Left....
AGAIN I will say this...
If I want to have HOPE and want CHANGE...BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN THROUGH SEVEN YEARS OF HELL....AND I DON'T WANT MORE OF THE SAME...that is MY right....
IF I want to write about People that I think have Character and Campassion....that too is my right....
PLEASE STOP THIS NEGATIVE HATE MONGERING... if anyone wants a good battle - there are plenty of other good blogs that love a good fight- THIS blog is not one of them...
I like just quiet discussions...for three very long years I have promoted staying positive and promoting peace and hope....HOPE FOR SOMETHING BETTER.....HOPE FOR REAL LEADERSHIP , NOT THE CRIMINAL REGIME WE HAVE BEEN LIVING UNDER.
I have tried to inspire everyone to look deeper and look for the good, look for what matters...and be good to each other....This blog is also an oasis away fro, fearmongering, hatemongering, swiftboating crap of our era....
That is all I have to say....Have a nice Sunday...
BTW ...Let's talk-
What I wrote is for anyone that reads my blog, not entirely directed at you....
ever since I voiced my concerns about Hillary I have been having first negative emails then email trouble...
I am tired of it....tired that I am not allowed HOPE....
even for 5 minutes...
....ever since I voiced my concerns about Hillary I have been having first negative emails.
Hillary's Harpies are a sick bunch of attack dogs.
I had one go apeshit on my blog, who resorted to posting venomous, homophobic bile. I left it up for everyone to see.
She's also a racist with a smile.
Christopher,
I am sorry that happened..It should not have happened....The Repugs want all DEMS fighting with each other....and they also want Negativity and Hatemongering...and obviously they want us ALL trashing our own candidates....
I will be honest , I don't know WHAT Hillary wants...but I did watch her on Russert- and she still seems to think that MLK was nothing without Johnson....which is a Myth....a "Fairytale", and is historically inaccurate, actually MLK inspired Millions, enough to march , and march on DC....
and enough to Stand Up and Demand Change....and the RIGHT TO VOTE...safely and fairly....How ironic that we are STILL Battling over the same issues....Apparently ALL of us heard her say one thing- BUT it is our fault that we took it out of context ( that is what she told Russert)....
And yet , I have noticed that CNN,cspan, and Fox, and MSNBC spent ALL weekend covering Hill, Romney,Rudy, and McCain...have we seen OBAMA? (no) , Edwards (NO)....so it is up to us to fight on online....
BUT there is another issue- So Hill thinks that the President is the ONLY person who brings Change....well, that is disturbing, so does that mean she supports Bush;s gazillion Signing Statements ?
I am most bothered that OBama and Edwards are not getting ANY Airplay....America really is in trouble.....
again Christopher...my apologies...if .Hillary;s People are committed to dividing us all up.....I am not sure of WHO that helps...
What happened to OUR America....
Edwards & Obama are not getting any airplay RIGHT NOW because the next primary up is Michigan. The DNC has stripped Michigan of dem delegates due to their unauthorized moving-up of their primary. Therefore, their primary doesn't even count for democrats. That fact us not getting airplay either. It will be the same in Florida, whose delegates have also been stipped by the DNC for the same reason. Is this how democracy works?
DK
But that would make sense, but the Media has been showing the Repugs in Florida and SC this weekend...Mitt, McCain and Rudy and Freddy....( whereever they are...and LOTs of Hill in the South )....and the Mornining Talk shows was even worse...I am disgusted...did I mention that ?
E4E,
I can be naive sometimes. I just assume if you're on the left, you're better than the cretins on the right. This election made me see nothing could be further from the truth.
DK Raed,
I notice this on CNN. They just gorge themselves on Hillary coverage -- they push, push, and push Hillary, at the expense of Obama and Edwards. Even though I support Obama 100%, it's odd to see Edwards shutout by CNN.
Christopher:
Maybe CNN is worried that Obama and Edwards are teaming up ? Also I think they want to show ( gag) the South Embracing Hill, that is why they showed her at a Black Church this am....wow..stunning propaganda...I guess they did not see her on Russert...
I forgot to say, what is REALLY odd is that ALL the stations did it this weekend- even cspan and the morning am shows WAS ALL repugs pretty much...Huck even got multiple shows..
Hillary lied and lied and lied on Pumpkinhead's program and the media, CNN, FOX Noise, and NEWSONE, never called her on her comments.
She blamed Barack Obama for forcing her to take up the race issue vis a vis the MLK fracas and then she promptly lied again about her vote to give Bush the authority to go to war in Iraq.
It's amazing.
I wonder if she got all the AIRTime because the Media knew that she has only 10 mill left- not enough to make new ads ?
I can't believe she gets to use the race issue to push her own agenda- this is unreal- Is this the 50's?
I did watch Russert- I think he was kind of stunned- it did not redeem her -it made her look defensive....and on attack...not even apolgetic that she was "misunderstood".....Does she really think that People in this country did not HEAR her loud and clear ?
as a woman....I am appalled...and embarrassed that this is happening in 2008....
BTW Christopher:
About the Hillary debacle on Russert:
there are 619 articles tonight
about Obama's response to her Behavior on the show- he handled it like a true gentleman...
please read...
No, only two of them think at all if u ask me Paul and Obama, not to change the subject, but what is up with your boy Rob Johnson
BET Founder dis Obama
Torrance
I am not sure what you mean...
but Rob Johnson is an odd fellow...
and he is part of the MEdia Heirarchy- so he is doing what they all did this weekend....and why he has a beef with Obama is beyond me....( for all we know Obama refused to do a BET event or interview ?)
I have no answer on that....
( Obama and RON Paul ? you are kidding right?)
Enigma,
For some reason I have been trying to get on your blog since 1:00PM but couldn't until now.
Funny how those wealthy candidates ignore the crisis in America of the growing population of the poor.
Edwards talks about it, but gets little coverage.
Larry: I have been having much blog trouble and email trouble....sorry....( I too was having trouble getting to my own blog ..)
About Edwards- you are right NO coverage...all weekend- and CNN kept saying they were going to show him at events- then didn't ...there was a Wolf Interview...but CNN ...they could not show enough of Freddy, Huck, Mitt....and Hill....it was disturbing...
I did not mean to imply that because someone is a multimillionaire that means they automatically have no compassion for the poor. I'm just saying we've clearly been screwed by so many politicians in so many ways, that people tend to pay more attention to what the politicians are *doing* than what they are saying. If you make a tax deductible donation because you have to because of how much money you've made, that does not make the giving less helpful or appreciated- it is probably standard operating for the oober wealthy. And many of those elite rich folks can & do choose to route their tax deductible money to republicans, and the 500 Club or other scarier elements- like Blackwater, Halliburton, or some creepy dark entity.
So I appreciate funds sent to positive projects- like rebuilding the Katrina Hurricaine zones, and helping the impoverished in the many forms that takes- education, health, housing, etc.
Of all the candidates, I think Hillary is the wealthiest, because of Bill's lectures. $150,00 is the average fee, he made 362 speeches last year, which would yield $54 million, plus Hill's salary.
It's just strange how easily I could find the Edwards & Obama $ info & Hill's is no so easily accessed.
Being in the $50 million + bracket does not mean one is evil, but it cant help but put you at least somewhat out of touch with the basic "everyman".
Which may explain why the Senate took over 10 years to raise minimum wage.
Our State Governor agreed to live on Food Stamps for 1 week. It was an eye opener for him, but he should have done the experiment for a few months (or years!), to really understand just how hard it is, and what it is like.
Fran...
I understood, we are all friends here, please know that....
...I too have some questions about Hill[s money..considering her campaign is down to 10 millon- she "lost" , spent??? over 100 million in one month since before Iowa ? I also know that the Clinton Foundation mail list was used for emails- makes me wonder if it was also accessed for Fundraisning? I don't know- I am merely asking.....
Compassion is measured in many ways...and a Great Leader must always have it....especially after people have been living under an Opressive Regime of Corporate Greed.
And we should never have to Search for it....Ever.
Namaste...
I agree, the destruction wrought by Katrina and the way the continued devastation is being ignored to this day is a terrible stain on our country.
E4e, I put up an article today that examines the recovery plans of all the major candidates. It's an eye opener.
Tomcat:
Thanks, I have been researching that all weekend- as ALL of the Candidates are updating their websites also... ( yes, even the Repug Candidates - Which I find laughable)
Maui:
We will have to to live with what happened there forever..it is never going away...and looks much the same today as it did 2.5 years ago...and the damage to the people and familes thrown asunder around the country is heartbraking..
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