It's OK, America. My Credit Isn't Perfect Either

...but you don't see me yelling at Transamerica, blaming them for my faults, do you?

As you know, the US has had their credit rating downgraded from AAA to AA+ by Standard & Poor's, one of the agencies that monitors international lending.  This was done because of the very public (and very ugly) debate in our government, whether or not to raise the debt ceiling, raise taxes, cut spending (and to what), etc.  This was very much a "red vs blue" battle, and the world took notice.

...and US Citizens suffered because of it.

So who's to blame?

Republicans?

Democrats?

Obama?

The Tea Party?

How about "All of the above?"

Thanks to the rise of talk shows, pundits and bloggers like Rush Limbaugh, Arianna Huffington and Glenn Beck,  US Citizens have become more and more angry with "the other side."  Tensions were high in the 90's, but boiled over following the Bush/Gore election.  The country was divided 50/50, and the poll numbers proved that.  Even if Gore had won, 50% of the country would have been up in arms, and outraged by the result.

The 20th century saw the US becoming more and more polarized.  By the dawn of the 21st century, we were being ripped apart by partisan politics.

Over the last 10-12 years, we have been becoming economically weaker and weaker.  The softening of the dollar, coupled with a housing market crash, government spending increasing yet taxes are being cut, and multiple wars took a toll on Uncle Sam's checkbook.  We received tax cuts and stimulus breaks galore under the W administration, yet programs like Medicare Part D were being launched, which cost over $100 Billion annually to fund.  In short (Checkbook balancing 101 here...) we were taking in less money and spending more.

China has recently commented on America's current situation, and I couldn't agree more with the Chinese.  Simply put, they told the US to "cure its addiction to debt" and "learn to live within your means."  Sound advice.  One any financial analyst would tell a person like me.

I'm currently renting a house.  I'd like to buy one soon.  What do I have to do?  Have a good credit rating.  I need to pay my bills on time, keep a livable debt-to-income ratio, and show lenders that I am a good investment.  Why should the government be any different?  Why are we not judged on a debt-to-income ratio?  If we were, this country's credit rating would be abysmal.  Maybe that's what it would take to get government back in check and get politicians to put some squabbles aside and get shit done?

Sorry, congress.  Finger pointing doesn't strengthen a government.  And with the rest of the world watching (you're doing it in a public forum, you idiots...) you're just making the US look even more out of control.

Can be purchased as a t-shirt here

These current times make me miss the days of Clinton and Reagan.  Tax rates were higher, yes.  But job growth was strong, the economy wasn't drowning in its own filth, and politicians actually knew how to compromise.  There were problems with both administrations, and neither President was perfect, but you know what?  Shit got done.

We need another Clinton in the White House.  Someone who can make congress mellow out and work together.  Someone who bangs all the interns, keeps dissident countries in check, and who will get the legislative branch stoned off their ass.

This country needs a pimp.  Someone with a strong pimp hand to keep us in check.  Someone that walks into congress and says "Do I need to slap a bitch?"

Oh, and term limits on congressmen (as suggested by Q) wouldn't be bad either.  Too many of these politicians (both sides) have grown complacent and/or are in bed with too many corporations/lobbyists.

Spending.  WTF.  Our tax dollar is being wasted in so many ways it's not funny.  A great post to read is from Gucci Mama about cutting down spending to avoid raising taxes.  (quote from her article:  "Currently the government borrows forty cents for every dollar it spends."  I believe it, and that fucking sucks...)  A few good points, and well worth the read.  Do I agree with everything?  No, but I don't agree 100% on either side's stance.  So there....

For the voters that voted Obama, looking for change:  This is how you do it.  Hit the reset button on the US government.  Got some fresh faces in DC, and keep it fresh.  If a President is limited to 8 years, let's do that across the board.

After all... old dogs and new tricks... I think it's time to put Old Yeller down...

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