Same Old Same Old

I don't think I want to be a political junky anymore. It is depressing. The same platitudes, uttered by different faces. The same ideological catch phrases. The same use of red button issues to distract the American people from the deep economic and social problems it faces.

Unemployment has risen to 9.8%. That only includes those who are unemployed and actively looking for work. It does not include folks who have been out of work so long they have lost hope.

Elected officials still give lip service to fiscal responsibility while striving to extend the Bush Era tax cuts. Republicans insist balanced budgets can be achieved with lower taxes and spending cuts. Unless they intend deep cuts in Defense, Social Security and Medicare, they are whistling in the wind. If they do intend deep cuts in the country's economic safety nets, they will push us into much wider economic polarization.

Let us not forget those members of the middle class who did everything right and are still facing the stark reality of an impoverished retirement. Their pensions have disappeared as companies went bankrupt and shed their pension liabilities. Their 401ks and IRAs were battered by the 2008 stock market crash. Those who chose the "safer" options of CDs for their retirement accounts have watched those funds languish in an "interest free" zone for years.

Perhaps it is time to find a new hobby.