A Disruption of Monumental Proportions
When I decided to apply and earn my Masters in Public Administration in 2008, I wanted to keep up my skills as a federal funds administrator. I have the greatest respect for the folks in our government that administer these programs that help our fellow citizens be successful. The need is great that there be the highest competency possible at the federal level, state and local levels to protect the taxpayer investment.
That is why with the lack of appointments by the current administration leaving over 500 positions unfilled in various departments, and the nominating of adversarial candidates to head the agencies they fought prior to their nominations is nothing short of an intent to commit treason by proxy. And to see the Republican Congress continue to go along with these nominations is very disheartening.
In addition, many long-time professionals in our government have elected to retire or leave because of the constant disrespect that is coming from the elected leadership on a daily basis. The Fox News echo chamber has debased our civility, spread countless lies, and convinced the general populace and our President of their truthfulness when they cannot substantiate most of their claims.
The continued dismissiveness of our long-time news media with the credibility of the New York Times and the Washington Post, PBS and NPR, have undermined the very foundation of our Democracy and the Republic.
The proposed Tax Law that is being rushed through Congress will only exacerbate the divide in the country. It seems to be accepted that if the Congress gives huge tax cuts to the corporations and the wealthy 1%, then they will turn around and donate more to the Republican candidates. Let's face it, that is where the money will go. It will not go to new jobs and higher wages. The data is clear in that aspect.
Senator John McCain was correct when he called for the "regular order" to be re-established and that a bi-partisan solution to the biggest problems facing this country is needed. Yet even he has capitulated in recent weeks to the oligarchical control of Mitch McConnell. It truly is hard to watch and not feel like any of the efforts we make in calling and writing our Congressional leaders is even being heard.
While the Alabama race is a hopeful sign, the Democratic Party is not awash in top-notch candidates either, and the Democratic House and Senate leadership must change if any progress can happen.
The Russian influence has been astounding on many levels. And the current leadership just dismisses it as "fake news". It is not. It is intentional and it is working to destroy what I once thought was not going to happen in my lifetime. It is happening. It is scary for those of us who rely on multiple credible sources for our information.
This country is at a pivotable point in our existence as a democracy. An Oligarchy has formed and is running the country and destroying 50 years of good work by various federal departments. One by one they are being dismantled. This is not good for America. Our government is not the "bad guy" as so often portrayed by the Congressional Republicans. We need quality leadership with moral values that are not dismissive of people coming forward with stories of sexual abuse. As the Catholic Church has learned about in their years of scandal. Cover up only lasts so long.
We need to reflect and begin to support candidates that have a centrist view, who is willing to collaborate and negotiate in the legislative process. But most of all, to change the current direction of the Congress and the President. It is time for all of us sensible people to stand up and vote for that change. If Alabama can do it, we all can do it.
