Are
we a nation of whiners?
Former Senator Phil Gramm is a crusty old coot. The Georgia-born-cracker, Texas
transplant with his Southern twang and silver tongue calls ‘em like he
sees ‘em.
Thus the no-longer Texas Senator who is now vice chairman of UBS,
the giant Swiss bank, in an interview with the Washington Times
said what he meant and meant what he said touching off a Texas-sized
gusher of reaction in the political world when speaking to the current
economic downturn and American attitude.
Saying that he expects Senator McCain to inherit a sluggish
economy if he wins the presidency, Gramm who received a Ph.D. in
economics from the University of Georgia and taught economics for 12
years at Texas A&M University (1967–1978) in addition to serving as a
partner in the economic consulting firm Gramm & Associates (1971–1978)
disagrees with many economists on the nature of America’s current
economic climate.
"You've heard of mental depression; this is a mental
recession," he said, noting that growth has held up at about one percent
despite all the publicity over losing jobs to India, China, illegal
immigration, housing and credit problems and record oil prices. "We may
have a recession; we haven't had one yet."
And then followed the real gusher causing remark: "We have sort of
become a nation of whiners," he said. "You just hear this constant
whining, complaining about a loss of competitiveness, America in
decline" despite a major export boom that is the primary reason that
growth continues in the economy, he said.
The usual back and forth between the two presidential
candidates followed Gramm’s remarks. Gramm, who is now Senator McCain’s
National Campaign Co-chair forced McCain off-message.
McCain strongly
denounced Gramm's comments and subsequently stated that Gramm was not in
consideration for any high level positions, joking: "I think Senator
Gramm would be in serious consideration for ambassador to Belarus,
although I'm not sure the citizens of Minsk would welcome that."
Obama replied, “This comes after Senator McCain recently
admitted that his energy proposals for the gas tax holiday and the
drilling will have mainly psychological benefits,” Mr. Obama went on.
“Well, you know, America already has one Dr. Phil. We don’t need another
one when it comes to the economy.”
Obama added, “It isn’t
whining to ask for more than psychological relief.”
Gramm later attempted to clarify his comment, explaining that
he had used the word "whiners" to describe the nation's politicians
rather than the public, stating "the whiners are the leaders." But in
another interview, Gramm stated, "I'm not going to retract any of it.
Every word I said was true."
All in all, it turned out to be a fun-filled day of that
political game “Gotcha” for the pundits and the bloggers, and Barack
Obama. Senator McCain and former Senator Gramm were wishing that they
could call for a do-over.
But take away the political games and forget the economics.
Gramm maybe onto something here. He’s right. America has become a
nation of whiners and an ungrateful lot at that.
Look around the world and see how the rest live before you
tear your government to shreds or complain about America’s current
economic reality. Spend a week in
Uganda if you want to know what it
really feels like to live in an economically challenged nation.
We’re paying four dollars and some for gas in the U.S., which
is lousy, but overseas the prices are much higher. In Africa, most can’t
afford the cost of a bike let alone the cost of petrol.
Here in America we’re in a housing crisis. But at
least most Americans have a roof over their heads and the roof isn’t
made of scrap metal or corrugated cardboard like it is in many Third
World countries.
Phil Gramm maybe a crusty, plainspoken fella, but I’ll bet if
you think about it you have to agree, America has become a nation of
whiners. We’re spoiled, a nation of brats, never satisfied with what we
have and always wanting more.
We’re a nation dissatisfied with a Gramm cracker crust.
What we want is the pie in the sky!
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