Raquel Rolnik, the special UN rapporteur on the right of people to have decent housing just completed her report on the state of homeless people in America. She accused the American government of pouring billions of dollars into rescuing banks and financial institutions while completely ignoring the right of people to decent housing in this country. "The housing crisis is invisible for many in the US. I learned through this visit that real affordable housing and poverty is something that hasn't been dealt with as an issue. Even if we talk about the financial crisis and government stepping in in order to promote economic recovery, there is no such help for the homeless." Of course, she could have added there is no help for the unemployed or the under-employed except for vague comments from the Obama administration that once business and banks are OK, the unemployment situation will somehow work itself out. I read Rolnik's report and wondered -- we just elected a man to the presidency who promised to focus the nation's attention on the economic needs of most Americans instead of worrying about tax cuts for the wealthy and what is the result-- not a damn thing is being done for the unemployed!
As I reflect on the current situation I am reminded about the last time hot shot bright people from the Ivy League took charge of this country was in the sixties when they gave us the war in Vietnam. Somehow, people like Larry Summers do not impress me as concerned about the unemployed person in Kansas City, let alone our urban centers. Frankly, I am shocked at the failure of President Obama to get on TV and talk to the unemployed of this nation. Sorry, Barack, if your model is Franklin Roosevelt, within five months after taking office about four million unemployed people were working. Instead, during your initial five months, another three or four million lost their jobs.
George Bush cut taxes in order to give the wealthy a larger slice of the American pie. Barack Obama has given a couple of trillion dollars to bankers and financial wizards so they can have a larger slice of the American economic pie. I can even accept providing economic assistance of bankers, but the silence from the White House and his economic advisors about unemployment is deafening! I must admit to being baffled. What do these Ivy League characters think is going to happen in November, 2010? I hate to tell them but people may like Barack Obama, but they like having a job even more. The only conclusion that makes sense is they are ARROGANT AND BLINDED BY THEIR OWN INTELLIGENCE. They display smugness in believing the American people will stand around waiting for non-existent jobs and still like Barack Obama.
I have a hunch if Joe Biden was in charge, there would be a job push. Step one in getting this country back on the road to prosperity is firing everyone who has an Ivy League degree. Step two is placing in positions of authority old fashioned machine thinking politicians who understand the need to get people working.
My final confession. I have no idea what is in the mind of Barack Obama about the unemployed people of this nation. I do not believe he has an emotional grasp of the fury building in this nation toward Wall Street bankers and financial leaders. It will explode in November, 2010 and the end result will be electing Neanderthal Republicans who are even worse than Ivy League thinkers.
COMMENTS YOU NEVER WILL HEAR PUBLICLY SPOKEN
LARRY SUMMERS Yes, I am boorish, arrogant and know that I am always right. But, where else can you find a mind as brilliant as mine?
UNEMPLOYED COLLEGE GRAD I should have taken my dad's advice and gotten into the plumber's union.
BILL CLINTON What Barack right now wouldn't do for a good love triangle scandal.
PRESIDENT KARZAI I do want to fight corruption and drug lords. How else could I help my family continue in the drug business if we can't get rid of competitors.
GI IN AFGHANISTAN 2013, and we will be fighting in the hills of Pakistan. And some general will be assuring one and all to just send him another 40,000 soldiers.
RUDY GIULIANI Run for governor of New YOrk? But, it only pays a fraction of what I earn each month giving advice on security.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU Yes, I want peace. I want a large piece of the West Bank and am willing to allow Palestinians the have all the crumbs.
MAYOR BLOOMBERG A real democracy means those with the largest fortunes should get the largest number of votes. What else is money for besides using it for my personal gain?
INTERESTING HEADLINES
UK, Guardian: "College Expels Mini-Skirt Student"
As a professor, I have a constitutional right to gaze at half clad students.
Australia, Brisbane Times: "Plan B Will Work"
At this point I'll take plan X, Y, or Z.
UK, The Independent: "Hands On Sex Education"
Now this is a sure way to have active student involvement in learning.
Canada, Toronto Star: "Vatican Invite To Anglicans Offensive"
I believe the Pope is going on the offense to get some new recruits.
Sweden, The Local: "Government Official Held For Drug Offence"
You mean government officials are not allowed to use drugs? I'll have to check that one out with Bill Clinton.
PEACE AND LOVE