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.

It’s Not Wrong To Hold Obama (Or Any African-American) Accountable

On April 11 of last year, Tavis Smiley, quit his long association with The Tom Joyner show after facing a backlash from the program's listeners. Smiley has been with the show 11 years.

Recently, Smiley has been in the news again, this time over his new book “Accountable” which makes a public call to hold all public officials, especially President Obama, accountable. According to a National Public Radio article entitled, “Smiley Holds Obama – And You – Accountable,” Smiley even has a list of questions people should ask their leaders and themselves.

I guess my question is; what’s so wrong with this? Shouldn’t our leaders be held accountable? Shouldn’t we [African-Americans] be held accountable as individuals, family members, co-workers, leaders, and politicians for our actions?

If you’ve been reading my posts you’ll see that the Republican Party has come under fire for accepting a narrow view of “conservatism” and being critical or anybody from outside of the Religious Right. But isn’t this the same thing? Are we saying that just because someone is black…and popular, he or she can’t or should not bear scrutiny?

Regardless of what one might think of Tavis Smiley, his persona, or his agenda, doesn’t he have a point? Is it wrong to seek truth?

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” –Mathew 5:14-16

What do you or don't you like about Tavis? Do you feel President Obama is being held accountable?

Tell me what you think! Have an opinion (and I know you do) I’ll listen.