Mr. President, Congress, Wall Street: I know You Don't Get It - But The Bailouts Should Be Tied To Something Tangible

Okay, its happened again. American International Group (AIG) has just paid $165 million in bonuses--to FORMER Chief Executives. Now I ask you, how is that going to help banks start lending or otherwise stimulate the economy? Answer; it won't! And that's the issue! And I ask you, on this the third time, why aren't the bailout moneys being tied to real outcomes, companies having to sign contracts containing terms and conditions on how the money is to be used, and the entire program being managed by Government Program Managers?

As more evidence that these folks are on a different page, note this from the Associated Press:

"Senate Republicans...applying the brakes to Democratic attempts to quickly tax away most of the bonuses at troubled insurance giant AIG and other bailed-out companies.

Sen. Jon Kyl, the Republicans' vote counter, blocked Democratic efforts Thursday evening to bring up the Senate version of the tax bill to recoup most of the $165 million paid out by AIG last weekend and other bonuses in 2009. The House had swiftly approved its version of the bill earlier in the day.

By rushing, Kyl said, Democrats were letting populist outrage trump informed decision-making in the Senate, which is supposed to be insulated from the pressures of public passion."

Why on earth wouldn't Republicans, who claim to be fiscal conservatives, want to get the taxpayer's money back? And just what do they mean by populist rampage? Those of us who are "rampaging" are the citizens of the United States--the folks who elected you to serve. Remember us?

And what's Obama's stance on this? He's "stunned."

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Looking at this whole saga, again, just stresses the point that non of these folks get it--the American people are tired of Government as usual. But we are also tired of being tired. The folks in Washington have heard it all before and they know what we want. But why are we not getting it? I think Tavis Smiley is on the right track, the American people need to hold the folks in Washington more accountable by asking why our specific concerns have not been addressed. We also need to ask them how they are going to.

In this pursuit, The African-American Pragmatist is in the process of drafting a letter to the President and Congress asking that specific concerns be addressed. A short list follows:

1. Why were the bailouts not tied to concrete results?
2. Why isn't this being run as a Government program with auditors monitoring how taxpayer money is being spent?
3. Who is monitoring where all of this money is going?
4. Republicans, please provide specific reasons why AIG should not return taxpayer money used to pay bonuses?
5. What specific measures are you going to take to prevent this from happening again?
6. In measurable terms, explain how giving money to Wall Street and banks is supposed to stimulate the economy? Also, please explain why it has not worked so far.

Do you have a question you would like to ask the President and Congress about this issue? Tell me, and it will be included in the letter. I have set a suspense of April 4. Is this to soon? Please let me know.

Friends, the bottom line is the President and Congress must realize that the American people don't care what side of the isle they sit on. They must either give us tangible solutions to the problems facing this county or get out of D.C.

Perspective on President's Address To Congress: The Biggest Issue Facing "U.S." Is Working Together

Why, both before and after his address to Congress, did I hear the pundits ask if President Obama could accomplish all the things he outlined? Isn't this more than about the President? Isn't this more than about bi-partisanship? Don't we, the American public, have a stake in this? Isn't this still the United States of America?

After listening to the pundits I'm convinced of one thing; the BIGGEST issue facing "U.S." today is finding a way to work together: as individuals, families, communities, states, political parties, races, religions, and industries.

You know, this is our nation and the problems we face...they're all of ours too.



So you tell me; what were your impressions of President Obama's Congressional address?

• What did you get from the President's address to Congress?


• What did you think of the speech?


• Do you feel more or less confident?


• What should we all do now?


• Was there anything you really disagreed with?

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Join My "E-March" To Washington! [this is a rolling post]

Today, like so many Americans, I am reflecting on the life and times of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. and what his life has meant to me and all Americans. Yet, at the same time, I am also focused on the history that is in the making as we approach the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first African-American President of the United States. Like many African-Americans, I am walking down two paths: the bitter-sweet memories of the days of Dr. King, and the bright future of hope ushered in by President-elect Obama. I've decided to take this journey with all of you. As we walk, I will share my thoughts and feelings as we approach this monumental occasion in our nation's history.

I will update this post with our thoughts, prayers, and concerns...so please check back often or subscribe.

Come, join me in an Electronic March to Washington and the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44Th President of the United States.

01-19-09 @ 11:15 AM: Assembly At Zion

I woke this morning watching all the black anchors on television, in the cold, talking about the inauguration. The crowds were huge, all braving the cold. Of course, all the who's who of African-American society are there. There was lots of talk about what an Obama presidency would mean and how good it felt. Yet, at the same time, there were only a few comments about Dr. King: not nearly as many as times past. I couldn't help but feel that in some way, Dr. King and the things he accomplished are being overshadowed by the inauguration. This made me sad.

01-19-09 @ 3:13 PM: Crossing The River Of Woe

Just got back from the mall...and it was crowded. I wondered what all those people, especially black people, were doing there. Barack Obama called for all Americans to spend the day doing public service projects to commemorate the life of Dr. King--he's doing so himself and I saw where he was painting in local D.C. community. Yet, despite the home foreclosures, despite the credit crunch, despite the bank bailouts, despite the massive job losses, despite the record number of business closings, despite the crisis on Wall Street, we keep shopping. The President-elect is painting walls and the vast majority of Americans are shopping. Who's got the wrong idea?

01-19-09 @ 8:19 PM: Climbing The Mountain Of Hope

Although the crowds have not gathered, it appears the whole world is alight with hopeful anticipation of President-elect Obama's inauguration as President. CNN reported a world leader as saying, "the Obama spirit of hope just might cure the world economy." I couldn't help but think; was there ever so much pressure for one man to succeed?

01-20-09 2 @ 7:51 AM: Strolling Through The Prairie Of Anticipation

This morning, CNN reported that the majority of Americans thought, "...the dream has been fulfilled." I couldn't disagree more. I thought; the dream will be fulfilled when every citizen of this country has the same access to: education, health care, employment, housing, competent legal representation, and entrepreneurship that Obama has. The dream will be fulfilled when people everywhere are judged by their contributions and not by the color of their skin, religion, culture, gender, or national origin. We're not there yet; there are those who are still harping on Obama's middle name.

01-20-09: @ 11:55 AM: Standing In The Land Of Freedom

And I heard the prophet say no more worn out dogmas or petty politics. ...That's its not if government is to big or too small, but whether it works...and that's how it [government] will be judged. And you know what, the word was good.