Occupy Wall Street: Wimps No More

U.S. suffragettes in the 1900s. Civil rights marchers in the sixties. Protestors at the World Trade Organization summit in Seattle in early 2000s.

Observers questioned these groups' motives, tactics, even their right to assemble, often labeling them misguided, disruptive of civic order, or “outside agitators.” Today’s Occupy Wall Street protestors face similar criticism.

Nonetheless, OWS protestors give a public face to Americans’ frustration at the ineptitude of state and federal governments and the perceived avarice of multinational corporations when addressing the nation’s financial crisises.

For example, in order to circumvent recent congressional legislation limiting onerous bank fees, some commercial banks introduced new “fees” (e.g. for debit card usage or previously “free” checking accounts) to make up for revenue shortfalls.

Nonetheless, certain media pundits argue that OWS protestors are not representative of groups that suffer the most economic hardship—low income and working families. Others say that OWS needs a coherent message—to galvanize public attention—or a credible spokesperson to articulate clearly their grievances.

Last week, on Bill Maher’s Real Time, guest P. J. O’Rourke, political satirist and journalist, asked, “What solutions do they offer?” Come on O’Rourke. Neither Washington nor Wall Street has long-term solutions for long-term problems that confront the nation—from curbing the deficit to creating jobs. Why should protest leaders have answers to complex economic issues?

Occupy Wall Street is slowly spreading to other parts of the nation…and the world. More citizens are expressing their discontent. Let us hope that this nascent movement grows large enough that those in public office or on corporate boards no longer consider us a nation of wimps.

Job Promises: easy to make; difficult to keep

Most Republicans vying for the 2012 presidential nomination bash the Obama administration for failing to create jobs; they confidently promise to get unemployed Americans working again.

If reducing unemployment is so easy to accomplish, why no has prior administration (i.e. the Bush Administration) done so successfully?

Job growth occurs primarily in one of two ways: through private sector (small and large businesses) hiring or public works initiatives by the federal government.

Do Republicans have a secret weapon? If so, what is it?

Democrats also have failed to provide us with clear-cut explanations about their policies and plans to get America working again.

How exactly will President Obama’s billion-dollar jobs plan work? How many thousands of jobs can we expect it to generate? Who will be eligible for these jobs? What kinds of jobs will be created?

Republican primary candidates also need to answer hard questions about their plans for job creation.

Mostly, however elected officials give us slogans and sound bites.

The public needs substance—the how, what, and when of Democratic or Republican plans to create jobs.

On the other hand, the media and the public should demand concrete answers.

Economic Realities

Reports about the country’s economic growth fail to reveal the real cost for American house

Whether unemployed, living near or at the poverty level, or living paycheck to paycheck, millions of us worry about what might push us over the edge into homelessness—a major car repair, a prolonged illness, an unexpected expense, or mortgage default.

Many Americans live quietly desperate lives characterized by with anxiety, fear for the future, and a sense of helplessness.

We expect little help from local, state or federal governments who face their own shortfalls. For example, FEMA, the federal disaster relief agency, at one point was one away week from running out of funds.

Uncertainty about the future saps our mental and physical energy, killing optimism and self-motivation.

Government assistance programs (e.g. mortgage modification plans) often fail to deliver or have paperwork or eligibility requirements that render receiving aid difficult, if not impossible.

Americans yearn for politicians who understand and care about our national frustrations more than demonizing the other party, garnering votes, or increasing campaign contributions.

This might sound Pollyanna-ish, but it is what voters need to restore confidence in government.

Will President Obama Get a Second Term?

Why, I wonder, would President Obama campaign for a second term?

The sweet smell of success that surrounded his 2008 presidential campaign has turned to stink.

* His Gallup Poll approval rating hovers at 40 percent, the lowest of his term.

* Republicans have an almost pathological dislike of the man and his policies.

* The American public blames him for everything from increasing the deficit to pandering to corporate interests.

* Democrats have been slow to speak out in support of Presidential initiatives, and some consider him too conciliatory toward Republicans.

Who will comprise his voter base in 2010?

Independents? (Not a sure bet, according to some political analysts.)

African-Americans? (They have been eloquently silent throughout his term.)

Will I vote for him again? Probably so.

I do not support all of his policies, but on the other hand, Republicans seem eager to gut or veto any initiative that helps ordinary Americans.

New Directions...

Since my first blog in 2008, I've posted opinions, pet peeves, and observations on topics from politics to celebrities, often with lapses in-between.

In October, I attended a day-long workshop---"Internet ACE: Online Self-Promotion"---with Greg Kompes (http://www.kompes/, writerpreneur, publisher http://www.fabulistflash.com/ and co-founder of Choice Publishing's Patchwork Path series http://www.patchworkpath.com/).

Greg emphasized the importance of posting regularly and providing content that serves my followers.

To that end, a major goal for 2011 is to reach families of inmates, provide them with relevant content, and direct traffic to my website: http://www.insideoutfamiliesofinmates.weebly.com/

Consequently, I'm considering shifting the focus of this blog. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, if you have a loved one in jail or prison, send e-mails about about your issues or concerns to wistajeannejohnson@gmail.com.

Random Ramblings

A friend recently reminded me that I hadn't updated this blog. (Thanks for noticing.) However, if I don't feel the urge to express an opinion about a current event or issue, I don't.

Blogging is one aspect of my writing career, and I'm still working to develop a unique online presence.

Consequently, I experiment with different ways for using "The Written Word."

Hopefully, someday I will attract enough followers whose input will help keep it relevant and informative.

The idea for this blog popped into my head recently. So, here it is.

Things That Will Probably Never Happen...

TV political ads that offer a candidate's platform NOT merely attack an opponent with shrill accusations.

Credit card bills less than four-pages long;

Correspondence from corporations or government agencies written in plain English;

Telephone customer service reps who don't treat you like a two-year old;

Call-backs from companies that are "investigating" your problem or issue;

TV reality shows that don't feature heavily-made up girls and muscle-bound guys;

Websites that don't require you to register, sign-in, or view a promotional ad;

"Free" products or services that don't require a credit card;

President Obama getting recognition from Republicans (and increasingly, Democrats) for anything his administration has done;

Expensive premium channels that don't show the same (old) movies over and over again;

Conservative talk show hosts who express points of view without insults or shouting.

Got a minute? Why not share a few of your own?

Worse Prez, Yet...?

Obama, the "worst president in history?"

So says Ben Quayle (Congressional candidate from Arizona), son of former VP Dan Quayle. Well, it has garnered his heretofore unknown campaign some attention.

As stated on this blog previously, President Obama ain't above criticism. But, there seems to be a movement afoot to bash anything Obama does or says.

He did not cause the nation's economic woes; they've been around more or less for many years. Just that some folks (read, middle-class) are beginning to feel the chill.

Likewise, his health care reform isn't scheduled to in kick for another year or two. Yet, Bill O'Reilly, a top FOX newscaster says it's led to increased premiums. Where's the evidence, sir?
http://mediamatters.org/blog/201008120001

The First Lady is not a spendthrift; her retailer of choice is J. Crew. Pricey, but not high end couture. Where are these fancy cars and clothes she's supposed to have?

Obama faces some of the most contentious and difficult problems of any president--wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, collapsing business giants, changing immigration policies, slow job growth, a disastrous oil spill, and countless international issues.

He's a novice on the world stage, but not an idiot. It seems that he considers issues carefully before making decisions.

Nor, is he a wuss vis a vis terrorists. America had pretty awful methods for getting tough with "enemy combatants" under Bush. Do we want a repeat of this?

History will judge his presidency.

Perhaps, in the future, we can better assess the good and bad of his tenure as the nation's first black president.

To Fantasia:

For a young girl from the other side of the tracks, you have accomplished much. I had the pleasure of seeing you in "The Color Purple" on Broadway and was surprised by how well you handled yourself.

You have a great gift. Hope your recent troubles are a springboard to a better future for you and your daughter.