Friday, August 21, 2009

My Fickled Americans

Can we learn from history? The answer is yes, we can, but do we? Sodom and Gomorrah, Tyre and Sydon, the Fall of the Roman Empire, all are lessons the founding fathers of the United States used as bad examples of government, as well as others. But today, when the bleak picture is painted of our American economy, using consumerism (I know that is a big oversimplification, but it is on point) to boost the country's financial situation, while the institutions receiving the $$$ are keeping it. So how is that Obama's fault?

Recent surveys and polls show the President's approval rating and the country's confidence in him slipping. Let us all take a breath and have a reality check - He has been in office less than nine months. I'm not saying he has all the answers, and I'm not saying the man who preceded him didn't. In fairness, G. W. had two terms, and he didn't get very much accomplished due to partisan politics in the legislature. But come on, you start a new job that is hurting and your boss expects overnight success and immediate results - that is unfair.

My history example is the children of Israel in the book of Exodus. Slaves in Egypt, they cried to God for freedom. God gives it to them, and they complain about shortages and hard times now that they're free. God says okay, and provides for their needs. He summons Moses to receive the laws on the mountain, and the people gripe and moan, and begin to stray from what they know is right and start to party like it's 1999. Then they complain about the length of the walk, and so on. They are never happy, and Moses goes from hero to goat so much it is absurd.

At least let the process take it's course. Give President Obama chance to do his job before you rise up and vilify him for a bad job. Good grief, Charlie Brown, or America, you're such a block headed nation!