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Sep
5
Optimism v. Pessimism
Filed Under Democratic Party, Gary Indiana, Republican Party
Both the DNC and RNC have held their conventions and a good number of Americans tuned in to hear what Barack Obama and John McCain have to say.
The thing that strikes me is not any specific policy idea or goal, it is the difference in outlook between the two major American parties.
The Democratic party continued with its pessimistic themes — much as it has year after year. Spending too much time listening to or reading Democratic party rhetoric is somewhat depressing. People are losing jobs, America’s greatness has past, and the bar keeps on moving so that no matter what an average person does he or she is basically screwed.
Gary, Indiana. Table for One -- Photo by KM Photography
The secondary Democratic party message is that reminds me of over protective parents — the kind that won’t let their kid move out of the house, even though he’s 42. They’ll promise to shelter, protect, and provide everything that anyone might ever need. The problem here is that just like mom wanting to keep her son safe and sound in the basement, the government just can’t fulfil its promises. Look at any major city’s public housing projects for an example. People lining up at the Trustee’s office early in the morning waiting for hours and hours to get government assistance. The whole scene causes anyone witnessing it to feel hopeless about their personal future.
The GOP always does a good job of presenting an optimistic message. A little hard work and some effort can result in rewards. We see the same thing in our own lives in our workplaces and neighborhoods. People who are working hard usually end up doing well. Times might be tough, but we’re going to pull through — just as we have in the past multiple times. America is still great — no matter what some of those other countries say. We still control our futures. We don’t have to fear anything.
When I was younger, the Democrat’s message was inspiring to me. It made me feel safe to know that there was possibly a parentalistic government out there that would take care of me if I failed to find a job. However, behind such thoughts is a pessimism that one is unable to take care of ones own needs and problems. Just as moving back into mom’s basement would provide safety and security, it also limits ones personal growth and opportunities.
Gary's Methodist Church. Photo by KM Photography.
And, the reality of the Democratic promise can be seen in person in many blue cities across the nation. North Lake County has been dominated by the Democratic party for years. The dream has turned into a nightmare for many as businesses and families have moved. Those who stay have been subjected to higher taxes and lack of efficent government services. Complaints abound from trash pick up, to crime, to educational failures.
All of these failures in the urban core lead to the cycle of despair that fuels the Democratic party rhetoric. You need us, the Democrats say, because there are no jobs and criminals are threating your community with drugs and violence. But, no one ever looks to see if the failures of the public educational system, taxation and other governmental policies are to blame for creating conditions in which crime and general hopelessness thrive? No wonder the Democratic message always implies that we’re all screwed. For many in “blue” areas, a harsh life filled with chaos, violence, and a lack of opportunity is a reality.
I’ve seen what the Democrats have done to Lake County. I can see what they’ve done and what they’re doing to Illinois. No thanks, I’ll pass on all of that.
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2 Responses to “Optimism v. Pessimism”
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Chris - Great observation, I could not agree with you more. I never was a Democratic, saw to much of the problem solving and self worth in the Republican party. I can’t help but make an analogy I’ve alluded to from the past. When Katrina hit New Orleans, many people stood around and waited for the government to help, to save them from the disaster. Now before we get hundreds of hate mails, yes the readiness of the government was horrible. But I think this goes to the point that big government never does a good job…there are just too many layers to get anything accomplished.
Florida on the other hand, and I have family and friends down there so I can attest to this first hand…when they got hit with the hurricane, they strapped up their boots and got things accomplished, they worked hard with officials and at least on the Gulf Coast, had a city plan to make thing happen, and here is the key, FAST! Jeb Bush didn’t come in and save the day because his brother is president, in truth he didn’t get to the Gulf Coast until weeks later because the heavy damage was in the middle of the state and on the East coast. When he did show up he was impressed with how much was taken care of and how minimal of effort the government needed to assist. Nike would have been proud…Just Do It…and it got done!!! Optimism was restored and people were proud at the response that THEY made happen.
I saw way to many pictures of people just standing around in New Orleans waiting, mind you some couldn’t even move the water was so high. Was Katrina a huge disaster, you bet, was something none of us wish upon them or anyone else. But make something happen within the cities and towns we live in and don’t rely on big government to bail you out. If you do then your right Chris, this leads to failure on all levels and as you mentioned, a cycle of despair continues…thus leads to the kind of fire that fuels the Democratic party rhetoric…we’ll help you, join us, we are the solution to your problems…big government wasn’t New Orleans savoir and if you listened now to their mayor, he openly admits this and he was very prepared when Gustov came barreling down last week…at least he got it this time. Lake County Indiana, the Illinois political nighmares, Gary, Benton Harbor and this list goes on…I’m with you Chris, I’ll take a big pass and not vote for big anything.
Hi Chris,
I was a Democrat because of family tradition and because I spent my high school and college years in Bloomington, Indiana.
I don’t think I knew anyone who was a Republican when I was younger — except for a neighbor. In fact, in Bloomington, calling someone Republican could be considered “fighting words.”
Everyone in Bloomington — I’m exaggerating here only a little bit — is a card carrying member of the ICLU, Emily’s List, an anti-WTO protest group, and Democratic Party member and quite possibly a member of a union if they aren’t a tenured professor. And, they all have fifty-seven bumper stickers to let everyone know what’s up.
My parents remain loyal Democrats — my mom gave my wife an Obama bumper sticker for her car as a present. (My wife is self-employed and pays estimated taxes, so she’s sticking with the candidate who isn’t going to take more of her hard earned money).
The trend is changing in the extended family.
Some live in unincorporated rural areas. Being away from city services tends to make people more self-reliant.
Nobody is going to do it for you if you’re not doing to do it for yourself. That can-do spirit has led to many successes — rather than hardships. Instead of waiting for the government to provide a meager subsistence, family members tell of their trips to China on business, their deals to sell specialized beef to Japan, etc. during holiday gathering. But, just because they are successful doesn’t mean that they have life easy — they have to continue to work to continue to be successful, just like anyone else.