WHAT GAMES WE PLAY!!
The House of Representatives voted down a bill this week that would have given significant relief to the crumbling U. S. economy. Sadly, spokesmen in both Congress and the media have been labeling this as a “Bail out” as though the only purpose was to “bail out” multi millionaires on Wall Street. What a tragic gaffe in communications and some of the poorest communications and public relations I have seen in my lifetime. The effort must be bi-partisan and it’s focus is Main Street…not simply Wall Street. And if something isn’t done soon the crumbling will continue.
Nancy Pelosi exhibted poor leadership, in my opinion, when approaching such a critical and historic vote, she decided to take the opportunity to air her personal opinions and send verbal rockets hurtling toward the present administration and its party. Totally leaving the script she accomplished that which was extremely difficult…alienating potential votes to help assure defeat.
Without doubt there is much blame to go around. Deregulation. Greed. People not minding the store. Government oversight responsibilities that were ignored. Both parties not stepping up to the plate at least two years ago when leaders such as McCain sounded a warning alarm. But pointing fingers will not get us out of this mess and onto the road of correction.
A close Washingto insider friend was talking with me yesterday and when I asked him if the vote surprised him he quickly responded NO. When I asked why I was grieved with his answer. “Bob, all politics are local. Many representatives are approaching re-election. This vote was about politics. Many Representatives will now be able to say they bravely stood against the rush of the bill, the over-reaction, the unpopularity of the ‘Bailout’ and thus proved their leadership.” He then went on to add, “Most likely a bill will come close behind that is not substantially different but will still allow them to say the voted AGAINST the first one. I think the next one will pass.”
So this is where we are, is it? Playing the politics of perception in order to assure the security of a position! How broken hearted our Founding Fathers would have been.
Later this week the Vice Presidential debate comes up between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. I can’t wait to watch it. Not for Biden as I know I’ll just hear more of the Washington insider line…but for Palin. What a fresh perspective and authentic personality. While she may not be an insider of the Beltway…she has shown her ability to chart the way, even when it is not popular. The Politics of Perception does not seem to be what drives her. And it is clear to all with an open mind that when comparing executive decision making responsibility she leaves both Biden and Obama a long way behind. I along with Mark DeMoss and other recently had the privilege of sharing with the Atlanta Journal Constitution what we were seeing and hearing within our travel and communications regarding this lady (http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/news/stories/2008/09/05/georgia_evangelicals_palin.html. The event should be a show no one wants to miss.
I’ll see you there. It will be good to hear reality for a change!