Tired of the Fight; ergo You Lose

One time I had two secretaries that were fighting. Their disdain for each other was going on for weeks. The problem seemed to be one was a seasoned old secretary that had the personality of an alligator and the other was an inexperienced young secretary with enthusiasm and a smile. One made a lot of mistakes. The other just pissed you off.

In my infinite wisdom, as a young manager (this was many years ago), I brought both of them into a conference room to put the issues on the table and work through them. The theory was that if they articulated their concerns some empathy would develop on both sides and they would work toward common ground. Boy was I wrong. The old bitch ate her alive. The young one limped out of the room, probably psychologically damaged forever. I let it happen.

That same feeling came over me today. We had an election for President. Barak Obama won hands down. There were a lot of reasons for that victory. I like to think of myself as mainstream in an unorthodox kind of way. I couldn't vote for McCain because I felt that Bush and the Republicans did us a lot of damage internationally and at the end, here domestically, bringing the economy down around our knees. I couldn't vote for Hilary because she would be an overreaction in the other direction. She would lead the Democratic Party in a scathing burnt ground, take no prisoners campaign across the national landscape, slaying anything that smelled conservative or Republican. I am really tired of the fighting. I want national leaders that will work together for the national good and work in a respectful way that allows differences with dignity. But that is what I thought about the two secretaries.

Anyway, I voted for Obama. I was sceptical of the charisma thing, but the ideas were good and he sounded like he would work toward reconciliation and work for a better USA.

So far, he has proven true to my wish. But unfortunately he is coming to remind me of the young secretary. The Republican machine is certainly reminding me of the sour old bitch that would have choked the young thing if I wasn't in the room.

I'm tired of it all. I don't have the will to fight. Obama's polls are falling like a rock. I understand his position on health care reform and I think it is sound and good. The Republican machine is obfuscating the message with incredible fearful misinformation. The seniors are abandoning reform. Independents are showing their disillusionment in the polls. No one is quite sure what is on the table anymore. Everyone is tired. If peace means no reform, than by God, drop it.

We lose. We all lose.

Today, I don't think health reform is salvageable. Let's hope tomorrow we all get a second wind and start thinking clearly. Certainly we are a sophisticated enough country that can provide health care for all and reign in control of rich insurance companies and health care costs. Certainly we are wise enough and generous enough to do that.