It might be just me but I found the clip below which ran recently on a local TV station outrageous. The Federal Reserve along with local banks and credit unions want to take the sting out of sending money south of the border by offering services that make it easier and less expensive. Over 5 million people send money back to Mexico on a regular basis.

If someone has earned the right to be here, I have little problem with them sending money home. But to those who are here illegally, I feel strongly that they are taking advantage of the system, and suspect that group in particular is who the Federal Reserve is targeting. To them they aren’t illegal aliens breaking the law… no.. they’re an untapped market. Why should Western Union have all the fun?

But tell me this, isn’t taking your paycheck and then spending it “here” a big part of keeping those economic wheels turning?

A peso for your thoughts…

We began with Shock and Awe. And we all were shocked and awed by its swiftness and its efficiency.

Unfortunately nothing since his been swift or necessarily, efficient. Granted there is progress, as Iraqis vote today on their new constitution. But support for the war has waned, and its impact on how we handle crises at home has become startling clear. Many of those who initially supported the war have lost their appetite as it takes a toll on our nation’s psyche.

So when incidents like this week’s staged interview with the troops occur, it’s a good opportunity to Pause and Reflect. Be sure to watch the video below.

I wished it ran unedited, and without commentary, because as it speaks volumes. But I am sure some of you will be quick to remind me that these events are often staged, a practice — that I find dishonest and repugnant — both parties frequently engage in. But I find the current administration’s repeated and blatant attempts to sway public opinion using troops (including firefighters in the Katrina aftermath) as props… disgusting, This, coupled with a cabinet and congress riddled with scandal, adds to a growing sense of incompetence and malfeasance on behalf of this administration.

But that is simply my view. Watch the video. Take a moment. Pause and Reflect.

While I do view my self as a liberal, or as time goes by more accurately, a progressive, I try to understand the points of view of those who call themselves conservatives. In fact I have some very close friends who are conservative whose opinions I deeply respect, and often they serve as compass so I don’t get caught too deep in the left’s own rhetoric. And I hope that sometimes I serve as their compass when the similar is true.

But no matter how sure and steady the compass, nothing could steer us around the comments made today by former first lady Barbara Bush when touring the hurricane relief centers in Houston. And no amount of sugar coating and cries of pulling quotes out of context can diminish their impact.

Barbara Bush said and I quote:

“And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway so this (chuckles) — this is working very well for them.”

An MP3 of the quote can be heard here.

Her words speak volumes, matched only by the deafening silence of our elected officials (on both sides of the aisle) where outrage is replaced with self-congratulation and gratuitous backslapping. The under current that runs beneath her words reflects a broader view I am both simultaneously reluctant and angered to acknowledge, and I refuse to allow her words to be easily excused by either age or station.

But this is only the latest in a string of embarrassing comments made by both sides over the last several days. And I am certain it won’t be the last. It is no way to honor those who have died and those who struggle even now. Only the great citizens of our country who are opening, the hearts, homes and pocketbooks honor them, with or without trotting out George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton in the relief effort. Perhaps if our government had been better prepared it wouldn’t have been necessary to bring former presidents out of retirement.

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With regards to my previous post….

I admit that my previous comments about the aftermath of Katrina may have been posted too soon, the disaster and the sense of loss more than most could cope with. But I posted it in the idea of those of us who could not directly contribute to the relief effort, could at least begin to analyze and perhaps question how it was handled. We owe nothing less to those who have passed on.

Our prayers go out to those struggling to survive in the wake of Katrina. The video footage is both harrowing and heartbreaking, and I hope the government and those who are willing and able can get down there and help. The situation is dire for many and may turn deadly in a few days.

While I am reluctant to use this catastrophe as an opportunity to pose some questions that may (and may not) reflect my political and personal views, I feel compelled to do so in the hopes of opening doors by engaging in a lively debate.

• For those who are not convinced that global warming is not actively occurring: Do you really want to take the chance? How could pouring all these non-natural materials into the environment help anything?
• For those who insist on living in areas frequently threatened by natural disasters or generally deemed unsafe, is it the governments responsibility to bail them out disaster, after disaster, after disaster?
• Was it right for the Bush administration to cut hurricane funding in New Orleans, a city frequently cited in worst case scenarios for natural disasters?
• If logistically possible, do you think we should accept Venezuela’s offer to assist with disaster relief? Also, it appears that few if any countries have offered to help with relief… while the U.S. is often the first to offer aid (at least to our Allies). Does the lack of reciprocation alter your view of when and if the U.S. should offer aid?
• Do you feel President Bush’s lack of immediate response with regards to hurricane Katrina (over 2 days) was appropriate? In addition do you feel the plans put forth in his speech are substantive enough to really have an impact?
• Do you feel the War in Iraq has impacted out ability to handle disasters here it home because of a lack of resources and a lack of focus?
• And finally, did God destroy New Orleans because of the “Gays” as indicated by the evangelic Christian group called Repent America? It certainly isn’t the first time we’ve been blamed.