The Bush administration's failed policies created epic problems, which the next president urgently must address. In this video, Pink and some British artists sing about the downtrodden state of the Union, thanks to the Bush administration's relentless devotion to self-interests and careless disregard of the middle class and the poor. (Regular readers may notice this is the second time I've posted this video).
I know what you're thinking. Not another political post! But read this essay, please. It's written from my heart, for my daughter, for our country.
This is a subject about which I am passionate; it would be wrong to remain silent. Because this election is critical, CRITICAL, to what happens next for our country: the paths we walk, the alliances we forge, the different roads on which our ideologies converge. Never in my lifetime has it been more important to speak out for change.
I've worked hard all my life. For nearly 15 years, I was a single mom, sometimes struggling to make ends meet. I had little hope of owning a home or having enough money left after paying my bills to seriously save for the future. Thankfully, my daughter received the very best education. But private high schools and university would have been out of reach, if not for scholarships and later, my husband's employer paying a third of her tuition. My daughter would have had to take out student loans and spend the first third of her career weighed down by heavy debt, struggling to repay the funds.
The land of the free and home of the brave is hemorrhaging compassion, if many of us not only can't afford college tuition, but are just two paychecks away from being out on the street. God forbid if a catastrophic illness interrupts our salary-earning ability. Something is wrong with our country when paying the mortgage or the rent might mean juggling Peter to pay Paul; going without a doctor's checkup or replacing balding tires because the budget's depleted.
So many people are trying to survive on minimum wage, while too many others are losing their jobs, as factories and plants are mothballed or closed. Something is wrong when our production jobs are shipped overseas, resulting not only in higher unemployment levels at home, but inferior quality products shipped back and sold in the US.
We are all dancing too close to the precipice these days. Losing everything we've worked for our whole lives is a real threat. And that's not right.
My grandparents grew up during the Depression and had to overcome many obstacles to eventually be successful. They never forgot what it was to worry about money. Even when they had plenty, the hard lessons learned from the Depression colored how they handled money the rest of their lives.
Our system of checks and balances is broken. Our infrastructure is crumbling, with bridges,roads,tunnels and airport runways falling into dangerous disrepair. Something is wrong with our country when the rich are favored and the rest of us struggle endlessly. Something is wrong when those who can't afford health insurance are turned away from emergency rooms and sent to another hospital, perhaps worsening or even dying for lack of urgent treatment, within that span of a few miles and a few minutes.
Something is wrong with our country when a great city like New Orleans is swamped with a hurricane, while George Bush and John McCain laugh it up over birthday cake. Something is wrong with America when it takes FEMA several days to provide the most basic services, then is unable to coordinate federal and state efforts to get the city up and running again. Something is wrong when New Orleans citizens are forced to find shelter in other states, because government efforts to assist them failed.
Something is wrong when our children lack basic educational skills to compete with the rest of the world. Speaking only English is not something to brag about; even the poorest kids in refugee camp schools often are learning two or three languages. Superior science and math skills are helping the Chinese and the Indians surpass us in the global marketplace. Too many children are being left behind in the United States of America, our country rich in natural resources, but impoverished in management.
Something is criminal about our soldiers being sent to war under false pretenses. And sent and sent and sent, long after the president's lies were exposed. Meanwhile, the real war on terror's firestorm blazes out of control in Afghanistan. Something is deeply wrong when we're not allowed to witness and photograph our soldiers' coffins returning, their bodies buried and publicly mourn their loss.
Something is cataclysmic as our civil liberties are eroded, undermining our Constitution. It is outrageous that our personal phone calls and private emails are monitored by the National Security Agency, with the collusion of corporate behemoths including AT&T and Verizon.
Something is desperately wrong when our personal cameras, MP3 players, laptops, cellphones and other electronic equipment can be seized at our nation's borders, without due cause - violating the Fourth Amendment.
Something is wrong when right-wing religious zealots try to blur the Constitutional distinction between Church and State and dictate our immigration and marriage policies.
Something is wrong when a self-righteous television channel and talk-radio shows spew divisive talking points masquerading as "news." These pundits recklessly incite and inflame hate, all in the quest for Nielsen ratings.
Something is wrong when the average American knows the latest twists and turns of celebrity entertainment, but doesn't care enough to get involved in government, even as stock markets tumble and everything around us seems on shaky ground.
Something is wrong when billions of dollars are spent on political campaign advertisements, while 24 million Americans still go to bed hungry and millions more sleep on the streets or in their cars.
Something is wrong when a Republican presidential candidate in questionable health chooses an unqualified, uninformed person as his running mate. Such reckless behavior puts the whole country at risk.
Something is wrong when presidential candidates deliberately mislead the public with outright lies and/or misleading information. Something is wrong when the public has to search for the truth, because politicians and sometimes even the mainstream media fail to deliver the facts.
Something is wrong when our country runs a rogue prison at Guantanamo Bay. Suspects have been locked up for years without trial, in which none of the usual laws, international treaties and human rights seem to apply.
So many things are wrong with our great democracy. We have to solve these problems. We can't afford four more years of failed policies and finger-on-the-trigger foreign intervention.
After Sept. 11, 2001, America enjoyed the great goodwill of the entire world. After eight years of the Bush-Cheney administration, our friends' attitudes have shifted, first from solidarity and sympathy, then to dismay and anger at the stupidity of putting Bush-Cheney in office for a second term. Most recently our foreign friends and allies have viewed us with a mixture of disgust and pity. Our leadership and international authority have been severely diminished. We have lost our powerful influence on the world stage.
We have lost our way.
And finding our way back isn't enough. We have problems that didn't exist four years or even four months ago. We have no choice but to change direction for our country. And I believe with my whole heart that the only way we can do that is with Sen. Barack Obama as president and Sen. Joe Biden as vice-president. They have the vision, wisdom, strength and steadiness to lead us through the tough challenges ahead.
Ask yourself what you want for your children and your grandchildren. They're already facing unimaginable challenges, with two long wars, huge budget deficits, scatter-shot schools and uneven educational programs, as well as cleaning up our poisoned environment and stem potentially-catastrophic consequences of climate change. Do we want our children's entire lives to be spent cleaning up our messes? Or do we want something better for them? A future where they have hope for brighter tomorrows, including better education, higher-paying jobs, cleaner air, healthier food and cures for baffling diseases?
I urge you to exercise your freedom and responsibility as Americans and go to the polls and vote. Have a little faith in the goodness and optimism at the heart of the American spirit. Vote for change. Do it for your children and grandchildren. Do it for your own peace of mind. Do it for us; for our country. Yes, we can! Never have we needed each other more.
Barack Obama for president.
Photo of Barack and Michelle Obama with former President Bill Clinton, courtesy of Obama for America.
I can believe ANYONE would leave a negative comment on such a powerfully........deep from your soul........written anthem. THIS is the advertisement which needs to be heard Tara! I can see it now!
You standing in the middle of field with a forgotten factory in the background.......your words and your passion......speaking volumes of TRUTH.......expressed as a testimonial for change!
Love it, my friend. You are a gift. A gift! Sure wish I could watch the results on Tuesday with you. I have much hope....and would love to be around your passion.
Posted by: dana | 02 November 2008 at 12:48
"We are the change we've been waiting for!"
Posted by: Alberta | 30 October 2008 at 15:14
Well said, Tara. Some of us are hanging on by our shoestrings. I hope and pray that change is on its way!
Posted by: tinker | 30 October 2008 at 12:53
I met John W. Dean-- President Nixon's legal advisor -- he is now an Independent. He spoke in Rancho Mirage a little over a year ago. He has written several books including BROKEN GOVERNMENT - How Republican Rule Destroyed the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches.
I asked him what I can do as an individual to help turn this mess around. He said, "Never stop talking about it."
They (conservatives) make us (anyone who is not one of them) out to be horrible people who are against the soldiers and the country if we are anti-war. We are anything but that.
The constitution has been destroyed by the Bush party and it is time for all of us to stand up for it. And never, ever keep stop talking
Posted by: diane | 29 October 2008 at 23:33
What a powerful message.
Will create a link on Internations.
7 days to go, and it's over..))
Kindest
hans
Posted by: Hans | 29 October 2008 at 07:32
A resounding, fist pumping, flag waving YES! to all of the above!
Here's to the change that's got to come!
Posted by: Becca | 29 October 2008 at 03:48
stunning....stunning!
Posted by: Paul Chambers | 28 October 2008 at 23:45
Amen Sister Tara! Tomorrow I am going to stand in line for as long as it takes. Even now the lines to vote are running 3+ hours. It makes me proud that a talent like Pink has made this stand (I've had the album for a couple of years) and taken the risk.
Here in the state of Georgia, Obama has a slight lead!
Posted by: Michelle | 28 October 2008 at 19:50
"I know what you're thinking. Not another political post! But read this essay, please. It's written from my heart, for my daughter, for our country."
no! no tara! i come here for the truth and to absorb your passion and ability to express yourself on what is important to you and desperately important to us all! and i come here also because i want to acknowledge your hard work, giving back by way of my loving support some of the vital energy you freely share with all of us. you must be tired sometimes. but always, always passionate and forthright! i thank you for this post and every other post where you say what you think and offer such a wealth of linked information.
i loved the music and listened to it twice through. XOXOX thank you tara.
Posted by: robin bird | 28 October 2008 at 19:31
Well put my friend!!
Dear Tara,
Just cast my vote a moment ago, for Senator hopefully President Obama!
Now all we can do is hope and pray that our votes are counted without being tampered.
You are a Shining Star.
I admire you greatly for being able to articulate my feelings.
You are bold and smart and beautiful.
with much respect!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 28 October 2008 at 19:17
Tara,
I for one appreciate your compassion and insight and agree wholeheartedly with you! I find it so very interesting that the rest of the world, if offered a chance to vote, support Obama in large numbers and WE are soooo close.
thank you for your passionate voice Tara!
x...x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | 28 October 2008 at 18:48
I knew you would be eloquent and on point and you did not disappoint Tara. I share your excitement and concerns. America needs Barack, the international community needs Barack. It's been very difficult these past 8 years for all. Hope for the future, it's a wonderful feeling to embrace, it's been a long time coming. I do believe history will be made.
Posted by: Carol Jablow | 28 October 2008 at 15:13
& I just "hate" it when readers think they need to comment that they won't be back to read someones blog anymore??? I voted:) It was an awesome experience this time around, the line was filled with the most excited people I have ever seen at an election time. Something is definitely happening in America:) I appreciate your posts Tara!Lets hope the numbers are in our favor on election night!
Posted by: Amy | 28 October 2008 at 12:14
very happy to read you always Tara, you have a clear vision and very intelligent way to say things. Thank you. And yes, this is your blog, people who just want to have fun reading should go and buy comics....
xoxo
Posted by: Catalina | 28 October 2008 at 09:07
Tara
Thank you for your passion, committment and honesty. it gives me hope to know there are many Americans like you who want to right the wrongs of this dreadful administration.
Posted by: marilee pittman | 28 October 2008 at 02:24
I love your passion Tara! I brought you to the walk, you were by my side. XXOO
(In my purse. lol)
Posted by: Tammy | 28 October 2008 at 00:40
YES!
Posted by: debra | 27 October 2008 at 23:48
I just hate it when bloggers presume to offer up their political opinions instead of what is expected and enjoyed. Dropping you off my reading list, and no, I am not a Republican.
Tara responds:
My blog, my opinion, my right to write what I please. It's your choice to read or not. Yes, move along and find someplace else that's all sweetness and light, unlike reality.
Posted by: Barbara Cummins | 27 October 2008 at 21:35
Very heartfelt and eloquent, Tara. I can't wait for it to be over, with Barack and Micelle and their daughters safely in the White House.
And I love that song, too.
Posted by: Sharon | 27 October 2008 at 21:23
Bravo! I read every word. As long as there is the need, political posts are necessary. It's not often we read observant and balanced essays on the subject. Your love of country is very evident. AGain, bravo!! xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 27 October 2008 at 17:02
I often say that the most undemocratic system in the US is the K-12 public educational system. We chose to live in Palo Alto where the public schools are known to be very solid. We could have gotten a much bigger house with more land in neighboring towns but the public schools are not as well funded. We are extremely fortunate that we can afford this for our children. I don't understand a system that professes to be democratic where the quality of education hinges on how much you can afford for housing. Why are our public schools funded primarily by property taxes? It guarantees class stratification due to lack of educational opportunities for the have-nots. Now with the credit market in a quagmire, student loans will likely be out of reach for most.
Thank you for highlighting these issues, Tara. And also, thank you for raising a daughter who will certainly contribute to society, not drain it, because you sacrificed to give her the best education possible.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 27 October 2008 at 16:44
Speaking from the heart Tara, you have a heart of gold.
Thank you for always distilling the essence of things, the truth, in ways that make us take in every drop. You shine a light on things most people would rather not think about but this time of trial I think we'll prove ourselves to be different than we once were.
It's always darkest before the dawn, isn't that how the saying goes? I think our dawn is approaching very soon.
Posted by: tangobaby | 27 October 2008 at 16:21
Amen and amen, fingers crossed and breath baited, I am holding on for the next 8 days. smooches
Posted by: Leau | 27 October 2008 at 16:15
I posted a link to this post on my blog. I am sure that those who read this will get the message loud and clear. Thanks for the time and energy that you put into making such a passionate post.
Posted by: Jeanne Rhea | 27 October 2008 at 15:10
Well said....My husband works in social service with the homeless population. 60% of the men currently in his shelter work...part time, minimum wage, no benefits. We met when I went there as a volunteer. I was dumbstruck because the men I met were the men who lived on my block post war. Then they were able to make a living wage. I have also worked with women and families. They are us.
Posted by: stljoie | 27 October 2008 at 14:43
Sing it sistah! From your lips [fingertips?] to the American electorate's ears.
Posted by: ally bean | 27 October 2008 at 13:21
Whenever I come by to read your blog, your political voice usually speaks what I believe and feel, but I'm incapable of forming the words in the right order as they pass through my mouth. So never silence your political posts. I know you wouldn't because of how passionate you feel about our country and where it's headed and what changes need to happen, but those of us who are "linguistically challenged" certainly appreciate your ability to speak so passionately and honestly.
Thank you for sharing such an awesome essay.
Posted by: Madeline | 27 October 2008 at 08:48
Here in the UK we wait with baited breath to see the outcome of the US elections, people are really taking notice. We feel powerless to make this change happen and can only hope that there are more Americans like yourself that CAN make it happen.
The actions of the Bush administration has put the whole world in danger and our government has only served to encourage them and we should hang our heads in shame for that.
You say:
Something is wrong when the average American knows the latest twists and turns of celebrity entertainment, but doesn't care enough to get involved in government, even as stock markets tumble and everything around us seems on shaky ground.
THIS TO ME IS THE NO1 PROBLEM. PLEASE AMERICA GET OF YOUR ASSES AND DO SOMETHING!!!
Posted by: Di Overton | 27 October 2008 at 07:49
As the mother of four, I pray for the good of their country, that people will choose wisely, and with love in their heart for the future.
Posted by: M | 27 October 2008 at 07:34
I was brought to tears by this post. I get tired, ya know. I am not afraid to admit this. I want the best for my kids and at times I feel like a failure. I replay shit in my mind of what I could have done better, there are even days I question if I am a good mother.
I would die trying to give my kids a good life. I have a hubby who hasn't had a vacation in years. We are good though. We have enough love to circle this world twice. ; ) We also have hope. We have hope that this country is going to vote and vote for Obama. Come Nov.4th, I pray a new beginning comes our nations way. America is ready! We are so over the last 8 years of b.s. As a family we are done looking back on the if's, we're going to look ahead.
We were so proud to vote yesterday, we nearly broke down in tears.
Thank you for this honest post, my friend.
Posted by: Christina | 27 October 2008 at 02:46
God woman, your voice is booming across the ocean! You're making a ton of sense!
Christ, if I could vote I would. But come November 4th I hope your youth, and your forward thinking American peers will get out of their houses and vote vote vote!!!!!!!!
You CANNOT afford those "finger on the trigger" politicians running Washington anymore.
The world seems to be going bankrupt as a domino effect stemming from the American's mislead conduct overseas. So much has been sacrificed for keeping the rich rich and the poor hopeless. They should fight the war at home. Yes Afghanistan, for SURE. But-healthcare, education, THE ECONOMY. Those wars must be fought.
And if "prez" John McCain had a chestbuster on his fourth BigMac November 5th, "presidente" Sarah Palin would be painting the freakin white house pink and hanging mooseheads in the oval office. Right Joe Sixpack????
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 27 October 2008 at 02:45