Republicans and Democrats: Don’t Forget Our Past Failures, but Learn from America’s Past!

In 2007 five of the largest banks became insolvent resulting in takeovers. Wall Street’s five largest banks vanished, Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) and Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association) both government sponsored lenders declined approximately 99 percent since 2007. Unemployment has risen, as credit interest rates are at peak levels. What appears to be the catalyst for the economic crisis was the housing market and the falling prices of homes and mortgages having minimal equity. Thus, a recession began in December of 2007. As mortgages were left uncollateralized, the values of securities backed by mortgages were inflated leaving financial institutions unable to lend while losing capital. The vicious cycle began with foreclosures and diminished credit (Reinganum, 2009).

My perspective is that Obama has sought to do what a good leader should do so as to soften the pain of a failing economy. Because the current crisis does not reflect the capitalistic economy system or the free-market, many believe that the economic suffering will last for a short term. Innovative policy and creativity must be developed and directed to avoid the same failures in the future. We can look with hope to see a healthy America in years to come.

The problem is that the economic crisis and campaigning for official positions has taken the focus off of the most important of our society. Our children must be remembered in the midst of the crisis. Educational policies must be developed that provide social justice while eliminating threats of privatization of schools . Policies that will eliminate the teacher having to spend a school year teaching to a test and that will eliminate the disproportionate numbers of children of color who are placed in special education classes while reinforcing the perpetual racism in society at large.

Cry, Oh America, for the children who will grow in a nation of inequalities that are ignored from one generation to the next because of hidden agendas, yet ingrained in the very fabric of the American culture. I believe that parents and community leaders must visit and volunteer to see how they can contribute to the work of educating students. As I advocate for the urban student, one must not forget them because they deserve part of the American dream as well. The task is difficult as I praise principals and teachers who endure and serve thousands of urban students each day, realizing that the job is not always respected or appreciated.

Education is power and though President Obama has made progress through Race to the Top policies, as schools will be rewarded for student achievement even if achievement does not result in annual yearly progress (AYP). A cultural change has begun to occur where the shame of schools are being lessened through rewards. The Race ToThe Top policy includes the starting of charter schools, however, charter schools are known to fare worse than public schools. The emphasis is not on privatization but provides more choice through the public sector while not vilifying the public sector as with the Bush administration (Apple, 2011).

I submit that republicans and democrats must maintain the integrity of the election process; no longer fighting over issues that destroy our leaders and the hope of our children and the American people. America desires to have ethical leaders with integrity who will fight against injustices but who uphold what is good and right. As our economy has suffered failure, lets learn from our past failures and heal our nation again. President Obama, has done what a good leader does, as he seeks to lessen the pain of those whom he leads. Thank you President Obama for your leadership!

Reference

Apple, M. W. (2011). Grading Obama’s education policy. Progressive. 75(2), 24-27.

Reinganum, M. R.(2009). Setting national priorities: Financial challenges facing the Obama administration. Financial Analysts Journal. 65(2), 1-4.