The short answer is I've been busy but the rest of the story is I had a couple of jobs that did not allow me to blog. Technically, I would have had to submit the blogs and get approval, it wouldn't have been timely and more of a pain. I'm not currently in that position and there are a few things on my mind so I hope you'll indulge me.
I've been working on health care and financial reform efforts. I've got lots of behind the scenes stories (no, not from the White House) and some of them I can share. I barely took a day off for the first 8 months so it was a ton of work. Was it worth it? Only time will tell but I think we'll look back in 10 years and say, 'Wow, that was a bigger deal than I thought at the time'. Follow along as I distill my observations into a few key points.
I don't guarantee the following will come true, or is true but I'll bet it's a strong likelihood.
- It's about the money stupid.
Every issue that we sweat, argue and agonize over is about money. If we're ever going to make progress in how laws and policies are made we have to clean up the money trail. One way to get a very good start at this is Clean Elections. If Congress was running clean at least the members wouldn't be spending half of their time raising money and the other half 'balancing' their votes. Sure there would be some ways around any campaign finance reform but our present system is problematic at best. It's broken.
In Maine we are celebrating 10 years of Clean Elections. If you want to run for the legislature clean in Maine, you have to collect xx signatures and $5.00 checks. If you qualify, you get a few thousand $$ just enough for some palm cards, a few signs, maybe some t-shirts and a couple phones. If you don't go door-to-door and actually meet voters you'll probably lose. 10 years ago 30% of candidates ran Clean. Today 85% of the legislature is elected clean, some gubernatorial candidates have run clean and we might elect a clean Governor this year. Most importantly, candidates from both major parties run clean. WHY? Because it Works and it leaves office holders better able to make quality decisions.
However, we're seeing the results of prior appointments to the Supreme Court with challenges to a couple of state Clean Elections systems. This is a key issue and worth tracking. It will be a Huge Fight. If you live in Maine or want to support our system visit http://www.mainecleanelections.org/
- It's ALL about US.
Or more specifically, Me and You. How we choose to spend our time (yes, and money) makes a Huge Difference. A Governor I worked for some time ago once said (in regards to sports in school but it struck me like a 2x4) 'We make heroes of a few and spectators of the many' We do this again and again, especially the media. We put people up on a pedestal and then proceed to cast stones. Sound familiar?
Obama hasn't changed folks. The system sucks (see #1) and he has to compromise to be able to govern. If you agree with everything an office holder does you're looking in a mirror (and a big ego). If you need a reminder that something is going on take a look http://www.dailykos.com/...
What we choose to do, from running for office to supporting those that do to working on issues both national and local, what we DO counts. Everything else is pretty much BS. If we want change it takes a lot of work. Take a bite and chew. Maybe we can't do something every day or week but it is urgent that we all do something.
- This IS a historic time.
I think we'll look back in 10, 20, 30 years and realize what a time we live in. It sure feels like we're on the cusp, on the edge and on the bubble. Sure we could go to hell in a handbasket but we could also turn to a different course.
- Sweat the details.
Both health care reform and financial reform are replete with details. There will be standards and regulations made by primarily bureaucratic entities. Don't think for a moment that the health insurers (Wellpoint, United Health, etc) or the Chamber of Commerce have given up. They will have people at meetings, they will offer numbers and 'facts' and they will look to influence the regs. These meetings (likely convened by HHS) will be the perfect place for bloggers to cover and provide some insight and details.
- The Republicans are not wrong about everything. Less intrusive government is not necessarily a bad thing. Fewer top heavy, insulated bureaucracies is a good thing. The Rebaggers are terrible at delivering on that but they're not necessarily bad goals. Bureaucracies, whether in the private or public sector are stifling and serve primarily to protect the bureaucracy. If you've ever tilted with an agency (or faceless corporation) you'll probably know what I mean. Doesn't mean we don't need regulation but it does need to be sensible and customer oriented.
- If you're still reading, thank you. On a personal level my life is always interesting. I married a wonderful woman, Xiaozhe, from China and she loves me and Maine. That alone makes me happy. Be well.