Recently,
John Kerry went to Indonesia and spoke about the dangers of climate change. In
his own words, “Climate change can now be considered another weapon of mass
destruction, perhaps the world’s most fearsome weapon of mass destruction.”
Over dramatic, probably. But it does make you almost feel a sense of urgency.
Until you realize that it's not actually a weapon that a foreign nation can use
in war, so there isn't really much to fear. Also, Kerry went on to criticize
those who don't agree that climate change is actually happening, referring to
them as 'flat earth' people. It appears Mr. Kerry knows enough science that he
even denounced scientists who deny climate change. The real reason behind this
new push for climate change is control. Once they declare this 'war' on climate
change they are able to push massive regulatory bills through congress that
will cripple some businesses and reward those who are cozy with the President.
Eric
Cantor came out swinging on Presidents day against 'isolationism.' At VMI,
Cantor blamed the United States' hesitance in entering WWII on isolationist
sentiments. His speech was aimed at the President for his multiple failings to
show strength to the international community. But it was also directed at the
Tea Party wing of the Republican party, as they are more libertarian in their
views. Cantor then goes on to talk of the dangers of a nuclear Iran and the
threat that poses to our alliances with Israel. Then, he sums up the speech
that we must return to a position of strength and return to the days when we
helped spread democracy to the world.
The
President returns to Washington today after spending a few days in California
and offering the state funds to help cope with the drought they are currently
experiencing. Along with that, the President has also hit the road advocating
for congress to raise the minimum wage to the $10.10 per hour that government
contracts will not be receiving. Obama
also plans to meet with representatives from Mexico and Canada to talk about
trade agreements. An incredible feat: " But on Capitol Hill, Obama’s trade
push has been stalled by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.,
who opposes granting him fast-track powers to finalize two agreements with
Pacific Rim nations and the European Union." I guess Reid does believe the
President can over step his authority eventually.
This is
a very interesting article that goes into the challenges that all presidents
must face. Each president must bridge the gap between what the public expects,
and what they are able to actually accomplish in DC. Presidents "justify
their presidencies – both at the outset of their administrations and throughout
their tenure in office – in the face of public expectations for heroism and
greatness." This is the difficult reality that presidents face. However,
something not addressed in this article is that the cycle just repeats every
time. The public loves the candidate that looks most like the 'hero' and the
candidates play to that image. Every year there are more promises, more money
to be thrown around, more favors to be given, and this is precisely the problem
with modern politics. The true problem with our current state of affairs is
precisely addressed in Gene Healy's "The Cult of the Presidency." He
traces through history how the public has come to worship the president and has
forgotten the rest of the government, federal and state. For the system to
correct itself, the people must first realize that DC does not have the answers
to all their problems.
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