Time To Take The Blinders Off.

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I discovered yesterday that I am truly politically ignorant. And the more I think about it, the closer I come to the realization that I think I've done this to myself on purpose. I'll explain.

Yesterday during a long ride in the car, my dad, who teases me about my liberal leanings and often tries to engage me in political discourse, decided to "take my political temperature" and quiz me about politics, macro and micro. And while it was an entertaining conversation, it was an eye-opener for me. For example:

• I harbor a dislike for our current governor, but couldn't really explain exactly why. Although, in my defense, I was just slightly informed enough about T-Paw's budget cuts to be able to cite the removal of funding for Minnesota's General Medical Assistance program -- which leaves a number of poorer adults in the lurch. I felt like I had a small victory there, and this truly is one of my major issues with our governor.
• I recognized most of the names he mentioned, but didn't really know who represents me in Congress. I was horrified to learn it's probably Michele Bachmann -- whom I regard as a true crazy-lady.

We had a lively conversation about the Vikings and their latest push for a new stadium, which led to a discussion about taxes. The hubby and I just happened to have had a meeting with our accountant on Friday morning to finally learn our fate from 2008. We were shocked to learn that the success of my husband's business placed us squarely in a MUCH higher tax bracket last year, and we owe better than $30,000 total. A ridiculous number, and one that is starting to make me question my status as a self-proclaimed Democrat.

Now, I'm not an official member of the Democratic party, but I do have a history of liberal beliefs and have traditionally voted Democrat. I believe that Americans have a duty to help their fellow citizens, and I also believe that Obama is our next FDR. However. I'm also starting to realize that the supply of money is limited. Government-supported social service programs, education, the military, and, soon, health care all require money. I'm starting to see that that money comes directly out of the pockets of hard-working Americans. I'm finally feeling the frustration that comes with working my ass off to make enough money to support my family, and I don't get to keep around 1/3 of it. Yeah. That sucks.

What else sucks is that this frustration feels completely out of whack with my beliefs: that social services, universal health care, and a better education system are very much worth our investment. Two pointless wars, bank bailouts, and private sector bailouts -- not so much. All of these causes are competing for the American dollar, and our current economic troubles only compound the problem. Past poor decisions in the housing and financial markets are now diverting badly-needed money from the causes that need it most...all in the name of economic recovery. All to try and help our great country avoid spontaneous combustion. 10% of Americans can't even pay taxes because they lost their jobs -- and somebody has to fill in that that gap. Right now China is filling it in, but eventually they'll stop lending to our government.

The question is, where does it stop? Will I have to give the government 50% or more of my salary before they tell me they have enough to stabilize this country? I think Obama was dealt a shitty hand, and he's playing it the best he can. But pretty soon something will have to give.

Hm. I went from feeling bad that I don't know enough about local politics to giving a pseudo-macroeconomics lecture. Anyway, the point is this: it might behoove me to remove the blinders and start paying attention to what is going on around me. And maybe, just maybe, it might be good for me to find a way to contribute. I'm no politician, and you'll never see me running for office...but there are plenty of ways to get involved, right? First things first...perhaps a newspaper subscription...