Not A Superpower, But A Mediocrepower

The shutdown doesn't affect most of us here in the US, but I have a couple of good friends who don't know how they'll pay their bills or buy groceries during this siege.  President Obama is quick to blame the Republicans, but I think both Obama and the Republicans share equal blame.  A new poll released today confirms that sentiment among the American people, 25% blame GOP and 24% blame Obama.  

There is much political play happening in Washington.  A lot of programs are being cut and shut down by the White House that don't even receive federal funding and thus shouldn't be affected at all.  For instance, hundreds of privately funded parks have been closed that receive zero federal funding.  

On a related note, we, the people of the US, still cannot visit our "People's House," the White House.  It remains closed to tours by the Obama Administration after his last spat with the GOP.  

As an American, I'm sick to death of the squabbling that is status quo in Washington.  It affects us ordinary citizens and our country aversely.  I have been of legal voting age since 1984, and have paid close attention to politics.  I've never seen grown men and women so pouty, so "stamping their feet" and acting like toddlers in my life.  They have lost their decency and ability to negotiate with each other.

When President Obama needlessly cancelled his trip to Asia, my heart sunk.  He's doing it to show the American people how "bad" the Republicans are.  And, he's not the only one.  Boehner is standing firm on a losing proposition, leaving no wiggle room for negotiations.  We have leaders in Washington who put their personal political concerns ahead of our country's best interests.  

America is a different animal than she's been in the past, and I blame the leaders in Washington on both sides.  They are greedy, out for only themselves and their own powerplays, and extremely disinterested in doing real work to make our country great again. 

We are no longer a superpower, we are a mediocrepower.