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Where is the restraint in spending?

Republican Response to Obama Budget Request - Bloomberg

copyright © 2009 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

On this fine day in February 2009, President Barack Obama submitted his budget blueprint.  For  the first time, in near a decade, transparency is built into a national financial plan.  The tremendous costs to wage the two wars America is engaged in are no longer hidden.  Outlays for military offenses have been written into the ledger, and not in the traditional invisible ink.  While one might think fiscal and political Conservatives would be pleased, upon receipt of the document, Republicans immediately pounced.  Senator Judd Greggspoke on the Grand Old Party's behalf when he asked, "Where is the restraint in spending?"

I Have a Dream

Obama's Hopeful Economic Speech

copyright © 2009 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org I have a dream.  I dream of a day when Americans will separate themselves from a difficult past.  I dream of a time when partisan politics will not divide us.  In my dream, I see a nation united; one in which Black children, white, Brown, yellow, and red offspring, people of any race, color, or creed will rise above their own imagined limits.  It is more than my hope, it is my vision that together, we as a nation can give birth to what others think unbelievable.  I have faith that my fellow man and I can give birth to what was not thought possible.   We can restore what was once good, and build what will be better.  Old habits need not challenge us.  These can be the catalyst for deep and authentic change.  We need only begin.

Misogyny; Women We Love or Hate

Women in Film

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

There are many wondrous women. Females are loved and lovely. The face of the "fairer sex" is photographed, fondled, treasured, and cherished. The being that brings life to us all is beloved and beautiful. I am a woman. As such, the idea of misogyny infuriates me.

Are African-Americans Black Enough or Anglo Americans Too White?

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

This year, perhaps more than any time in the past, Americans are reminded of race relations each and every day. On televisions, on the radio, airwaves are filled with talk of the current Presidential campaign. For the first time in this nation's history, a viable Presidential hopeful is not a white. Barack Obama is a Black man; he is profound and has purpose. Early on, Anglo Americans, and even some people of color, wondered if Obama authentically represented African-Americans. Countless inquired of Obama's experience, not in Congress, but in the ghettos of this country. The prominent periodical, Time Magazine, published a cover story titled, "Is Obama Black Enough? As Sociologists assess, there is reason to believe another question is apt, "Are Caucasians white enough, or are they too white to understand the Black experience?"

Capitalism; Competitive Markets Cut To The Core; Inequity Is Inevitable

American propaganda - Capitalism (1948)

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Decades ago, Americans watched a televised spoof of current events, the Rowan and Martin Laugh-In Show. A cast of characters sang "What is the news across the nation?" Then they assessed the antics of politicians and celebrities alike. Serious situations were satirized; silliness was glorified. Americans were given an opportunity to reflect and see how sadly corrupt and irrational our competitive Capitalist system is. Exuberance envelops us. Avoidance advances. Americans consume, compete, and settle into complacency.

This week, as we again set aside time to honor laborers in America, this reality seemed ever-present. Labor's failure is perhaps industrialism at its best. Free enterprise follows the market or perchance it creates a product for America to buy.

School Diversity Segregates Some. Divided Neighborhoods Isolate All

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Today, I was reminded of how deeply divided this nation is. I read School Diversity Based on Income Segregates Some. I discovered in an attempt to offer equal opportunities, indeed, schools discovered discrimination remained a dominant force. School Boards, Administrators, and the community-at-large concluded educational institutions would be more diverse if learners were assigned to schools based on family incomes. A plan was introduced and implemented. The outcome was mixed; however, the pupil populations were less so. Some races, colors, and creeds were abundant within a given institution; others were not well represented.

Income Inequity. The Real Reason the Rich Get Richer. ©

Income inequity has been in the news of late; disparity is increasing. Jared Bernstein, of the Economic Policy Institute, wrote of this in, “The Catch-Up Economy.” Paul Krugman, a writer-economist for the New York Times shared his views in “Left Behind Economics.” Economics Professor J. Bradford DeLong comments on the subject. However, it seems to me that the views of these learned economists are limited. While assessing the statistics, I think experts miss the substance, what lies behind simple “economic” causes and effects.

AS GM GOES. CUTS, THE INEFFECTIVE CURE ©

Many recall the old adage, “As GM goes, so goes the nation” and General Motors is going, going, and some fear it may soon be gone! General Motors has a habit of cutting costs, jobs, and benefits. Throughout their history this strategy has proven to be ineffective and yet, only weeks ago, they announced that they would continue to do as they have done.

As GM cuts, so too do other American industries and institutions. While investors temporarily profit from this ploy, little else does. Let us look at the legend of this corporate giant, its philosophy, and practices. Then compare and contrast these with those of Toyota. Let us hope that one day, General Motors will do the same.

The decline of General Motors began long ago. During the energy crisis of the 1970s, America changed. GM did not lead the cultural shift, nor did it swing with it, though they may have lead what followed.

The public and foreign industries alike, realized that the Earth could not and would not provide an endless supply of petroleum. Adjustments must be made; dependency on fossil fuels had to stop. Citizens concluded that they could no longer drive gas-guzzling engines; they would prefer economical automobiles. Consciously, people chose smaller cars. Yet, General Motors did not make these. They delayed. Customers went elsewhere.

General Motors acted as though there was ample oil; availability was merely a political ploy. They believed or hoped that consumers would come around. Then, GM would be ready to deliver. GM would ride-out the energy storm, and they did, or so it seemed. Slowly, they realized that times had changed and they needed to change with the times. However, it took this corporate giant time to turn left, right, or even to move straight ahead. Once they did move, they were lumbering. General Motors did not deliver as quickly as other automobile makers did; nor did they deliver as well. [The same could be said of many American industries and institutions.]