It’s that time…time to talk politics. I don’t get into politics too much in this space but with this being an election season and seeing what I am seeing this year in my work, I am very interested in the outcome of this year’s elections. Truth is I like Obama, even though he really isn’t from Chicago (hey, I am like Mainers, dude you gotta be born there to claim that status) and while he hasn’t done all that I had hoped he would, he is better than the alternative. Speaking of the alternative, ole Mittens announced his running mate, a nice looking wholesome all American cat straight from the heartland…Paul Ryan. Those two together look like something straight out of Central Casting, “Send me two all American white guys with good hair and strong faces.” Sadly the prospect of these two cats in charge of this nation, makes me want to pack my bags and move real fast!
On a side note, Paul Ryan is like 3 years older than me! When the hell did guys running for president or even vice president become only 3 years older than me? Ack!
Anyway Paul came out the gate today with a speech designed to rile folks up, the folks that are concerned about the direction this nation is going, folks who want to “take back their country”. Look, can I tell you something? When I hear language like “take back my country” I start to break out in a cold sweat, as a Black woman, going back in the way-way machine is not my idea of a good time. Shit, the way-way machine of days long past is not a beautiful place for most of us, frankly the quality of life was questionable for anyone other than heterosexual white men.
Yet some of us look back nostalgically on the old days, and want to go back, never mind you won’t ever go back. See, the good jobs you used to have, don’t exist anymore, some guy in the third world does the job you used to do or else some machine does it and the robber barons have no intention of sharing any of their wealth with you, but they want you thinking that they will.
Anyway, Paul gave us a glimpse of what he thinks in his speech today:
“Janna and I tell Liza, Charlie and Sam that America is a place where, if you work hard and play by the rules, you can get ahead.
We Americans look at one another’s success with pride, not resentment, because we know, as more Americans work hard, take risks, and succeed, more people will prosper, our communities will benefit, and individual lives will be improved and uplifted.
But America is more than just a place…it’s an idea. It’s the only country founded on an idea. Our rights come from nature and God, not government. We promise equal opportunity, not equal outcomes.
This idea is founded on the principles of liberty, freedom, free enterprise, self-determination and government by consent of the governed.”
Romney and Ryan say they are part of America’s Comeback Team and it seems the Comeback Team believes that hard work and playing by the rules is all you need to succeed….excuse me while I go roll around on the floor. Dude, I know plenty of people who worked hard and played by the rules and all they have to show for it, is shit and an early death if they are lucky. If you guys get elected, I am sure it will be even easier to die early.
Look, the truth is success in this country is about more than hard work, determination and playing by the rules. In most cases who you know is far more valuable than any of your hard work, hello! George W Bush anyone? It’s about connections more and more. Look at the student loan fiasco, while the focus has been on the millennials and their struggles, there is plenty of Gen X’ers who went to college, worked hard and while I am thankful for what I have, hell I will probably die owing that Sallie Mae bitch.
So who knows where this thing is gonna go, but if you think the stories I share about my work and shoeless kids is heartbreaking, I have no doubt in my mind that we all will be seeing shoeless kids if America’s Comeback Team starts running the show, might even be our kids without shoes.
PS: I need my rights to come from the government.