Bitterness, elitism, and the American heartland

[whosinpower]

I've been following with great interest the newest drama unfold regarding Obama and Clinton. A couple of things come to mind regarding this that may have already been discussed, cut apart, parsed together in typical spin fashion.

Clinton stated just recently that during the last two election cycles, both democratic nominees for president failed to win the presidency because they were seen as elitist - and Bush won because he was seen to be a more common man. She said this was an ongoing issue with the democratic party and one they had to address going forward. There are several points to consider - firstly and probably more importantly - Gore won - Bush did not - he was magically imposed as president by a most unusual precident by the supreme court. Her point therefore, does not really carry water, but let's consider for a moment that, at the time, it did, and that is why Bush won. He was seen as someone you could talk to, sit down with and have a beer, you could relate to him. OK.

And now, lets put that into the context of what has been happening economically in America's heartland. Did that gain those voters anything? Did they see job creation? Did they get any financial aid to bring back their communities to the prosperity it once had? Did Bush fight outsourcing of jobs, increase minimum wages, and work to make the common man's life better? Did he?

I don't think so. And to be honest, neither did Bill, although the economic picture of America was far more rosy under the Clinton rule - NAFTA, and free trade has helped big corporations, and hindered workers wages - that is fact.

The reality is that America's Heartland - is the very soul of the nation. Bush Jr, Clinton and others have taken that for granted. Stating somewhat patronizingly that the good people living there have the "STUFF" to turn their challenges into victory stories. That simply by willing it to happen, trusting to God, working hard,(where there is work to be found) and sense of community that their lives will improve. Clinton took issue even considering that these hardworking honest people would actually feel bitter towards government.

If you saw you job being outsourced to India and the government encouraged and approved of this....would you feel bitter? According to Clinton - of course not.
If you had bankruptcy protection revoked by government to help credit card companies.....and you are struggling to make ends meet, living off credit, and a poor paying job.....would you feel bitter? According to Clinton - of course not.
If you noted the lightening speed government stepped up to help financial institutions with a global boondoggle of subprime mortgage finangling....and you are still waiting for that $300 tax rebate cheque which has been in the mail for months......would you feel bitter? No, according to Clinton.
If you have paid attention to how many pay raises those working in government get and line that up with the minimum wage increases over the past 10 years.....would you feel bitter? No, according to Clinton.
And if you elected Bush - thinking here is a common man who knows us, understands our plight, and will do something about it.....and then you have had 7 years of sticker shock....would you feel bitter? No, according to Clinton.

Do you know why you shouldn't feel bitter? Do you know why being bitter is bad? Because, by now, you should of gotten it through your head, that government does not serve you. And if the American Heartland feels bitter, America's very soul.....then that is VERY dangerous ground for government to ponder - so don't go there. Only elites are allowed privilage from government. Only elites are allowed to feel bitter. Surely you aren't elite. Your better than that. You have no place feeling bitter. Go to church. Embrace your community. But don't ever feel bitter that government serves others and not you.