Political Anger

For several months we’ve heard about the anger held by members of the Tea Party. Well, I’m angry, too!

I’m angry that the Manatee County (FL) voters did not approve a one-year emergency property tax to rescue our schools from further cut backs. The tax would have amounted, on the average, to $40. Considering all the frivolous things people spend money on, not to mention the millions of dollars to for political campaigns, that failure is obscene. We penalize our children and we risk business development. Businesses develop best in areas known for excellent schools.

I’m angry that Republicans are boasting their “shellacking” of Democrats in the recent election. For one thing, they only have a majority in the House. The Senate still is in the hands of the Democrats. Not all newly elected state governors are Republican. Also, only about 42% of registered voters nationwide participated in the election. With such a pitiful turn out, how does anyone know what Americans really think?

I’m angry that Sen. Mitch McConnell (leader of the minority party) would address a conservative audience saying, “Who wants to hang around people like Paul Krugman. Wouldn’t you rather hang around guys like Rush Limbaugh?" Remember, Krugman is a Pulitzer Prize winning economist and Limbaugh is a purveyor of hate. Is that the kind of leadership any political party wants?

I’m angry at the lack of patriotism vis a vis the President. Lies about him have been circulating since the beginning. Most recently we’ve heard about his current foreign trip costing $200 million a day for security, even though that is patently false. It’s even been intimated that the President is on a vacation. It’s been argued that he has more important work at home. Excuse me, but isn’t the most important thing a President does for the nation lie in the area of foreign relations? Has anyone ever questioned the cost of security for previous Presidents when they traveled overseas?

I’m angry that Mr. McConnell has identified the most important agenda item for the Republicans as defeating the President in 2012. Yes, in a democracy, every election is about replacing the opposing party, but there’s a time and a place for everything. Right now it’s working for the good of the country. That should be their agenda. 2010 will come soon enough.

My problem: how to focus my anger in a positive and not destructive way. Maybe people like me should start a new movement. Any takers?