More about the title of this post in a moment.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi presented herself well yesterday and set a beautiful tone for the new Congress. We may hope that all concerned will heed the call to a productive session. One point of concern must be pointed out, however. Reaching across the aisle, as they say, must not involve abandoning one's principles.
Another point of concern is that the current Democratic agenda is not broad enough. What is needed is a new FDR-style economic recovery plan that is, first and foremost, a jobs plan. Otherwise, the Democrats are on the right track and their mere ascension to power has caused Bush to change his tune in several ways. If he wishes to be a Johnny-come-lately on issues such as a balanced budget, that is up to him. However, he and Cheney must still be held accountable through the impeachment process.
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I have been reading a book called The Financialization of Daily Life by Randy Martin, Professor of Art and Public Policy and an associate dean at New York University. Although an academic, Martin writes clearly and simply enough for the average educated reader.
Martin explains the process, begun around 1980, which has turned daily life into something lived less for joy and satisfaction and more into a game of financial calculation. People have been led to believe in a chimerical American dream whose ultimate realization justifies the degrading and even ruination of one's present life. It is fascinating reading and I plan to share more about this important work in the future.
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