URBAN PERSPECTIVE - You never know when the next assault against the middle class or those on fringes is lurking around the corner. The American people are on the playground; and a small group of people in power are using oppressive tactics to wreak misery on the masses.
It’s easy to come to the conclusion that the American people are suffering from political bullying. The majority class is vilified for their need for social support or government intervention for protection. And, the bullies are orchestrating an economic and political imbalance to put the majority in its place.
Our democratic principles aren’t aligning with the moral character of our country. The aggression and attacks by the political bullies have created an atmosphere of despair.
Politics unusual is under a new pedagogy of striking like a locomotive. Unemployment benefit extensions and payroll tax cuts are back to the Senate and House for deliberation. On the negotiation table is an exemption for millionaires from the payroll tax cut, eliminating unfilled federal jobs, tax breaks for energy companies, payment cuts to doctors under Medicare, and funding social security.
Don’t assume that there is going to be a civil compromise. Expect a dog and cat fight since the focus won’t be on the American people … it will be on the upcoming presidential election.
Depending on the political party, there has been a declaration of civil war. Those with the purse power and platform to dismantle government, as we have experienced it, are strategically seeking to bulldoze over the middle and working class by any means necessary.
Anticipate a political impasse after President Barack Obama’s State of the Union and over the next course of weeks as important decisions are up for discussion and vote. The pork barrel hounding, like the Keystone Pipeline, will be on the table to detour the major issues at hand – bringing relief to the American people.
Although many of us are biting our nails wondering what’s next, we need to remind ourselves that it has taken political movements and social activism to change the political environment. Let’s throw up our dukes and occupy the phone lines, email, and legislative offices of the bullies.
Put on the armor of faith and courage to stand against political intimidation by using our most powerful arsenal, our voice.
(Janet Denise Kelly offers more than a decade of accomplishments in the housing and nonprofit sector. Janet brings valuable insight in the areas of community and economic development. Additionally, she brings knowledge regarding the leadership and management challenges faced by large and small nonprofits that are struggling or growing organizations. She blogs at jdkellyenterprises.org) –cw
Tags: politics, bullying, political bullying, President Obama, pork barrel, Keystone Pipeline, jobs, tax breaks
CityWatch
Vol 10 Issue 8
Pub: Jan 27, 2012
