I get this question at least a couple of times a week. As I go though life in Sydney Australia, every time I open my mouth, I am professing my American-ness through my accent. Though admittedly, I am usually asked if I am Canadian, I always have (and always will) politely tell them that I am an American.
So (usually) one of the next questions I get is: "So what is going on with you guys?"
It is a Good question.
Moving from Washington, DC to Sydney Australia was a bit of a jolt. Going from inside the beltway, where the machinations of politicians are followed as closely as Lindsey Lohan, and the Kardasians in Hollywood... to... Australia... is enough to give anyone whiplash.
I keep up with the politics of course, but distance gives you perspective. It may not be right, but it helps get a more complete picture. Here in Australia, things are not perfect... but we do have a few good things going for us. However, I find myself answering for the situation in America.
In short, it sucks.
I feel like America is taking crazy pills. No one, and I mean no one here understands why anyone would threaten to put their country in economic disaster to prove a political point. No one here can understand why the Debt Ceiling is even being played with. They don't understand... and they ask me to explain it.
So, how do you explain that there is a segment of our elected officials who want nothing more than to see the President Fail? How do you explain that a segment of our elected officials who want to dismantle our government based on principal? How do you explain that Medicare is only for people 65 and older, and that could change to 67? (Here in Australia, everyone gets medicare)
you can't. You just can't.
In Australia, the people here universally dislike their politicians... regardless of party. I hear just as many cracks about Prime Minister Julia Gilliard as I hear about Opposition Leader Tony Abbott. The media take the politicians down a peg almost nightly... again... regardless of party. I hear Labor members cracking jokes on Julia. I haven't met a Liberal or National (The Conservatives... confusing I know) who really like Tony Abbott. It is almost like a shared trait amongst all Aussies to dislike politicians.
They cannot understand the fanaticism and the blind passion people in the US have towards their political leaders.
Why are we so fanatical? how in the hell did we get to this point? When did every side become so entrenched that we demand 100% loyalty or you are the enemy? Was it the Clinton Scandal Witch hunt? Was it the 2000 election? Was it Bush and his "with us or against us" mentality? Was it the Tea Party?? Obama? Hillary? The MSM? I just don't get it.
This is insanity. We have a segment of the population who doesn't understand the seriousness of this default thing. We have a segment that gets the seriousness... but doesn't care. The rest of the world seems to get it, and get it pretty quickly. But it is just mind boggling that we are sitting here... 3 days before US Financial meltdown, and we can't even get a vote passed in the house without a Balanced Budget Amendment... which... hello! will Cripple the economy!
Sigh... and I think about all of this... every time someone asks "What's going on with you guys?"
I have often said, that US politics is about getting into power, and maintaining power... and that is how the Government functions. I always say that I feel Obama is trying to do what is right for this country, but there are 535 people who would rather keep their jobs than make the tough calls and do what is right for the nation. One man cannot do it alone... unfortunately, I feel that there are very few people who truly try.
Lately, my answer has been the same.
"I don't know what is going on... and I doubt anyone does."
And that makes me sad.