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President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama were able to meet for one hour in the Oval Office to discuss issues concerning the Iraqi war and the state of our economy, according to CNN.
The fact only one hour was arranged for the two to discuss global and national issues astounds me.
What astonishes me more is Bush’s alleged reaction to Obama’s plea for federal support in the automotive industry.
The notion, which
was dismissed by the White House staff, but officials claim was
discussed, focused on a conversation between Obama and Bush regarding
the bailout package and extending its coverage for motor vehicle
industries.
Bush
allegedly requested a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch your back”
scenario where the Congressional Democrats and Obama reconsider the
Colombia Free Trade Agreement in turn for a $25 billion emergency
relief extension from the current economic stimulus package, according
to The New York Times.
One of
the major reasons Obama and Congressional Democrats have objected to
this free trade agreement corresponds directly with the union leader
treatment and working conditions in Colombia.
When
Bush tried to push the bill through without the House support in April,
there had already been 17 union killings for the year.
Due to
the election year, I’m sure Bush must have realized his limited time to
push the trade agreement through and chose to act accordingly.
The most selfless position in our nation should be the president.
As in
any leadership position, the main goal of the individual needs to be
one of service to their organization, or in this case, nation.
Bush
chose to use his time with Obama to pursue his own personal goals and
goals of the current administration in passing the free trade agreement.
As current president, Bush needs to be training and mentoring his successor in office, the president-elect.
As
published in an article on CNN, Bush states, “I regret saying some
things I shouldn’t have said.” I guess this remains my salvation in the
state of politics in our nation. At least he realizes he has made
mistakes.
How can
the office of the most powerful position in our nation continue to make
mistakes and fail to serve the people of our nation or in this case,
Colombia?
To
refuse consideration in extending the economic stimulus package to
include automotive companies will only increase our debt, unemployment
rate and Bush’s disapproval rating.
Originally,
Obama requested money be allotted to not only the three major
automotive corporations (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler), but to the
automotive industry, according to The New York Times.
Not
considering all of the other automotive corporations, which employ a
significant percentage of middle class workers, G.M. currently employs
266,000, Ford employs 245,000, and Chrysler employs 66,409, according
to their respective corporate Web sites.
The
unfortunate message I receive from the president’s actions continues to
dishearten my outlook on this country’s future or the future of a
unified world.
Does Bush care about the job losses of over 575,000 in the automotive industry?
Does the administration care about Colombia’s working standards?
I
challenge citizens to hold the current administration and Obama
administration accountable for what may shape the future of our world,
our children’s world, and our grandchildren’s world.
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Besides, if Obama can heal the earth, why can't he do the same for the economy?
Prepare for the Barackalypse.