Someone To Blame

Former President Richard Nixon resigned from office because he didn't have a viable option. If he had remained in office, he would almost certainly been impeached. The man made mistakes. He did not act in the best interests of the nation when he allowed and encouraged underlings to perform illegal, mischievous acts on his behalf. Nixon fell on his sword and left town. He didn't wait to be convicted; Nixon convicted himself.

Some politicos and pundits weren't finished, however, with Nixon. For years afterward, Nixon's name would be exhumed anytime anything within government went awry. Too often, it seems, it brings satisfaction to those in power to blame someone for the sour music they have written themselves.

Now we have Pres. George W. Bush serving as scapegoat for the current economic mess. State governors who stood by and allowed careless overspending seem to focus on the recent President as sole cause for their plight. Congressional leaders who sat on a high perch and did nothing to halt banking, finance and investment companies from operating far outside sound economic principles find it convenient to shift blame away from themselves. Local leaders who conduct public policy based on the philosophy that government must be involved in all aspects of private life don't seem willing to admit culpability for the economic crisis they helped create.

The old familiar admonishment of saving for a cold, rainy day evidently isn't given due consideration by many elected officials today. Now that tax revenue, at all government levels, is projected to be decreased for several fiscal quarters, that proverbial rainy day is right outside our door. Now those spendthrifts are dealing with revenue shortfalls that necessitate curtailment of of pet programs that, while "nice," aren't crucial and often without constitutional authority. What is the response at the local government levels? Shift the blame to someone else. Blame George Bush or the state governor!

Local leaders do not seem to grasp they were the ones who didn't conduct spending within the means of the people. Instead of standing up and admitting error, falling on their sword, they insist they must remain in town. Their solution usually revolves around clever language to disguise another tax increase. After all, goes their reasoning, the proposed increase is so paltry it may go unnoticed. Why would any right-thinking citizen, they ask themselves, object to paying just a little more money for additional taxes? After all, the additional program will be used for yet another "wouldn't it be nice" program. Wouldn't it be "nice" if the people begin to insist our elected officials conduct public policy affordable by the people?

Presidents Nixon and Bush made mistakes. So have other men who have held that office. It isn't reasonable to expect perfection from any leader, in any office. To affix blame for constructive purposes, to identify past error to avoid future error, should be bi-partisan in scope. Playing the old shill game with blame becoming the hidden pea is another partisan political ploy too many office holders use to hide their selfish motives and irresponsible behavior.