Sunday, October 2, 2011

Current Event: Are Baby Boomers to Blame for our Political Crisis?

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/29/opinion/navarrette-broken-government/index.html?hpt=us_mid

    Just as economists tirelessly devised justifications for the falling crime rates of the late 1900s, government theorists have brought forth a multitude of theories regarding who's truly to blame for our nation's current political situation. Authors Morley Winograd and Michael Hais assert that the steadfast ideologies of the baby boomer generation, now holding the strongest influence and regulation over national government, are chiefly to blame for our current condition. Various other specific theories are presented, so I'll try to address each of them.
  • Baby Boomers: Asserting that the current generation in power is primarily responsible is an incredibly optimistic standpoint, as it entails that many of the nation's current ailments will improve once a new generation takes power. The ages of the two authors are not specified, but I would likely infer that they're members of Generation X, and thus believe idealistically that their generation and those in the future will remedy the issues caused by the boomers.
  • Safe Districts: Definitely agree with the standpoint that over-partisan lawmakers have hindered the passing of new legislation.
  • Constant need to fundraise: Overemphasis on reelection may hinder government action. Obama addressed this very issue during his jobs act speech, stating that focus must be put towards advancing legislation rather than elections that remain months away.
  • Words speak louder than actions: Harsh words won't solve our problems, action will. (I just shamelessly quoted an animated children's series.)The developing misconception that speaking of legislation advances it needs to end. Speaking of which, I'd love to hear some specifics regarding Republican resistance of the American Jobs Act.
  • Polarization: The radical minority tends to have the loudest voice, as exemplified through the Republican debates. The American public has always expressed apathy and a moderate standpoint, yet those most greatly impacting who will become the Republican candidate have completely divergent interests. I'm quite certain the national majority is terrified of the tea party, while Romney would have the greatest probability of unseating Obama.
  • Voter apathy: The greater the public disapproves of their government, the less of an effort they make to influence it. I love irony, though not when it applies to our own national crisis. Public opinion must be more enforced  for it to effectively permeate capitol hill.

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