Monday, February 10, 2014

The Sardonic Response to the Republican Response to the State of the Union Address 2014

In case you missed it, you can watch the Republican Response to the State of the Union Address of 2014 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkaay1P7Ar8

               What an honor it is for me to be able to have the last word in this discussion.  Tonight, we honor America, a nation that has witnessed the greatest rise in political “rhetoric” not based on facts.  A nation where we are not defined by our potential, but by our ethno-socio-economic background.  And a nation where you don’t live above the poverty line if you have to support your family by working at McDonald’s, unless you make Assistant Manager or better, let alone afford any type of higher education or quality healthcare.
               The most important moments right now are happening in Washington D.C.  Many Republican members of Congress voted against the motion to re-open the Federal Government.  Instead of receiving the reprimand they deserved, they are praised for their attempt to obstruct a law that was essentially voted on during the 2012 Presidential election.  Gigantic companies have made deals with members of Congress to vote in ways that benefit the company’s interests (more profit for them).  Instead of focusing here, however, the right wants to remind us that you have every opportunity to dream big in America.  If you’re already wealthy, you can even make those dreams reality!  If not, then you must not have worked hard enough, and your lack of opportunity is your own damned fault.
               That night, the Republicans made retorts that sound like they could be based in fact, but are not actually supported by any good evidence whatsoever.  Abstract phrases like “defined by our potential” and “empowered by what we can become” are based in the fact that Americans have potential.  When it comes to empowering, however, the Republican plan is due to be selective.
               I grew up a straight white male in a suburban upper-middle class family.  I didn’t have to work until after I graduated high school, and didn’t pay a dime for College.  This was all possible because my white dad had enough money to support my sisters and me throughout our lives!  He achieved his wealth without having to battle any extra obstacles like racial discrimination or unequal pay.  If anybody else with a different sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender were to work just as hard as my dad, they wouldn’t be as well off.  This is a point that the right sweeps under the rug and pretends doesn’t exist.
               No doubt it is difficult raising a child with a learning handicap, at any income level, and I sympathize with Mrs. Rodgers.  For a moment, however, let us think of what that parenting situation would be like for the single mom working at McDonald’s.  In my mind, the below-the-poverty-line experience isn’t the same as the six-figures one.  Sure, evening out the pay differential between a fast food employee and a member of Congress would have an impact on this inequality, but the Republicans want us to think that it is merely an opportunity inequality that is to blame.
She’s talking about the opportunity to get a job, work hard, earn raises and promotions, and living happily ever after: The American Dream.  I know that path.  I’m on it, and it’s working well for me, but like I said, I’ve had a head start.  What about the people starting off very ill, disabled, or homeless?  What about African-Americans, Hispanics, the GLBTQ community, or women?  If the forthcoming Republican plan is anything like previous proposals, these are groups who will become disenfranchised, along with government programs put in place to assist them.
               Republicans have plans.  These plans are not as well planned out as Obama’s plans, and little details are given, but at least they cater to the Republican base.  Especially on the immigration issue.  Americans (including the roughly 11% of the population that are Mexican-Americans) all know that the best way to attract the best and the brightest to America is to keep Mexican immigrants out.  Great job there.
               And a big round of applause for cherry picking data about healthcare reform.  One woman with a name has to pay more, and we’ve all heard of too many other people that have to pay more.  That’s why all of us, including the majority who are paying less, should fight to make sure that insurance companies can continue to profit heavily at our expense.
               In conclusion, I too would like to offer a prayer.  Dear God, if you do indeed exist, please stop these evil people from fooling your followers into supporting them at their own expense.  Please provide the clarity of mind for the 49% of the 99% to realize that they are fighting for the wrong team.  And please, please smite all climate change deniers, especially those who reference the weather as evidence of its nonexistence.  Thank you.  And once they’re all gone, God Bless America.


And if you don’t exist, I guess I’ll just have to do it myself.  How classically left of me, asking for a handout like that!

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