Japan just had a landslide election and kicked out the party in power since 1955. Forget the actual names of the parties because it can be misleading for an American. Consider what the new party’s promises:
The party has also promised to overhaul Japanese politics, redirecting resources away from corporations and toward families in the form of child care support and free education.
Notice what the new ruling party in Japan wants to do —
- More resources toward families
- Less resources toward corporations
That sounds like a formula that could work in America. That sounds like what American liberals and progressives believe in. That is exactly the opposite of what conservatives and Republicans believe in. Let’s hope America can learn from Japan.
Although Obama is far more centrist than many people thought in the 2008, America voted for a change. Unfortunately, Obama might not be the change that America wants but he still has time to come through. In any case, he is clearly better than the Bush-Cheney cabal. He just might not be good enough to rescue America.
Some pundits are predicting big wins for the Republicans in 2010. I don’t see that. By 2010, things are going to be worse. There will be more unemployed. There is going to be more homeless. The country will likely go through a horrible 2009 flu season. No matter what health care reform is passed, there will be continued push to make it better from the moment it is signed. Health care reform will not be off the table this year. It affects everybody and a good flu season will make it more apparent why everybody needs to be covered.
Liberals and progressives will continue the fight and older people who vote overwhelming for Republicans will continue to die. They will be replaced with younger people who have crushing student loans and cannot find living wage jobs. The demographics will continue to change for a long time.
Meanwhile, the party of haters will continue what Republicans have always done — privilege the few over the many — as they attempt to protect their money — the only god they believe in.
America is doomed.
