This is my first diary entry on Dailykos, as far as I can remember at least. I have recently started to blog on pa2010.com, and I wanted to specifically share this post of mine with the dkos community. While this is directed largely at a Pennsylvania Democrat because of an article posted on pa2010.com, it obviously applies to members of Congress of both parties across the country.
Originally posted at www.pa2010.com
Political cowardice vs. what really matters
Congressman Jason Altmire (D-4) says he’s “offended” by the so-called “Ground Zero mosque.” I say “so-called” because it is not a mosque nor is it at Ground Zero.
First, I’d like to applaud Congressman Altmire for having his priorities so straight that he took the time to gin up fear of “the other” in order to convince a scared electorate that they should vote for him because he disapproved of something that made them uncomfortable. Bravo Congressman, you took the easy path.
I am not so much disappointed in Altmire, and others like Pat Toomey, for spending time criticizing construction of a Muslim community center in New York City as I am in what they are not focusing on currently.
Half-a-world away, Pakistan is facing a natural disaster that is being called worse than the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. According to the United Nations, over 14 million people in Pakistan have been affected by the monsoon and subsequent flooding. Fourteen million people. Not 14 million Muslims, 14 million terrorists, 14 million scary bad guys, but 14 million people.
The tragedy in Pakistan may be the most important issue in the world right now. It brings to light the problems of global climate change and the possibilities of more severe weather patterns as well as highlights the need for stability and safety in a highly volatile region. This is also a chance for America to show why we are and can be that shining example for the world.
So far, I have not seen a public statement from Congressman Altmire or former Congressman Toomey, or most any other elected official, about the need to help the 14 million people suffering as a result of this disaster. However, they have had time to scare people about a community center in New York.
Personally, I don’t know what is worse, the fact that we accept so little from our elected officials or that expect so little.
The disappointing aspect of this is that Congressman Altmire, with the credibility and authority of a United States Congressman, has power to draw much needed attention to this tragedy. Americans are a giving people and our government, whether run by a Democrat or Republican, is always a leader in driving needed aid after disasters, as President Obama is helping to do now and President Bush did after the tsunami five and a half years ago. In America, there is no shortage of good-hearted people.
However, instead of appealing to our best nature, people like Congressman Altmire, who should know better, devote their time to stirring up fears to get votes. Comments from a congressman and a passionate outreach either through his Web site or to his email list might not win him many votes, but it might do something more important—save lives.
These days, with cynicism running rampant, we expect very little from our elected officials, and far too often, they live up to those low expectations.
Unfortunately, we accept it.
On a final note, if you want to contribute to something that is actually meaningful, please visit the Red Cross and help the 14 million people affected by this disaster.
That, and not fear mongering, is the American thing to do.