Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Washington beltway blinders

We all have blinders on, of some kind or other. We cannot discern what our individual or cliquish blind-spots really are, because they are, you know, blind spots. Today I have understood, more completely, the myopia of the "inside-the-Washington-beltway" crowd and its politically-obsessed culture. Americans out in the heartland do not view our national agenda the same way that Washington insiders see it.

I greatly appreciate Diane Rehm, and her very informative roundtable discussions, which are broadcast through NPR from WAMU in Washington. Almost every day, I gain helpful perspective and insight while listening to her wonkish guests as they analyze timely topics. I enjoy the show.

http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-08-29/update-republican-convention

But this morning was a rude awakening when I compared her selected panel's discussion to what I had seen and heard the previous night night on CNN's straight-on, commentary-free, online live coverage of the speakers at the Republican convention.

Tuesday night's convention session was the night of speeches by, among many notable presenters, Ann Romney and Chris Christie. I was deeply moved by watching/ hearing the personal messages of each and every uniquely passionate speaker. Their collective, carefully-coordinated message of personal responsibility and energetic small business exuberance is absolutely what our lethargic, government-dependent society needs to hear.

But on the next day-- this Wednesday morning-- Mr. Elving, Mr. Rothenberg, and Mr Cilizza displayed, in their morning-after commentary, a perfect example of the jaded inside-the-Washington-beltway mentality. It is an habitual mindset that offers precious little comprehension of the real problems with which our citizenry grapple every day.

The panelists' beltway tunnel vision limits their banter to an obsessive superficiality, centered on who is catching the most of the political limelight. The so-called "horse-race" of party luminaries is their focus, instead of actual comprehension and reporting on what message is being conveyed.

So I will tell you, in case you missed it, what the Republicans said, very convincingly and collaboratively, on Tuesday night:

We Americans do not define ourselves in terms of our relationship with a government that has "built" the USA. The government has not "built it." Rather, We the People of the United States, have built it, and every thing in "it." The government is the servant of all, not the master. Our identity is tied deeply to our own initiative. Our sustainability is intimately linked to own resolve to accept, and master, the challenges of our age. Thus do we invent, design, define, perform and manufacture products/ services necessary to meet the demands of American excellence and prosperity.

And most important of all: God bless America.

Glass half-Full

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