Call Me If You Need Me?

Among all of the financial mess, most of which I don't have a clue about, I do think it will take an "Act of Congress" to save our economy from a ruin which will extend to the far reaches of the planet (i.e., lost credit). And congress--every one of them--should be working together, representing the people who elected them, to find the most fair and equitable solution--not just for political expediency, but for the security of our Nation's economy for years to come. This stands far above all the other mundane duties of a member of congress--this is critical!

Senator John McCain made a risky, tough call to suspend his presidential campaign to do what he gets paid $160,000 a year to do--represent the citizens of Arizona in the U.S. Senate. His actions vaidate his past statement of, "I'd rather lose an election than lose a war." I don't think any politician is "100% pure", but at least he is making the effort to fufill the obligation of when he was "called" to deal with the Nation's problems in the Senate on behalf of the state of Arizona. I can respect that.

What I have a hard time respecting is anyone who blows off his/her job in favor of some personal interest. Can you imagine school teachers saying to his/her students: "Our education in this country is in a dire state and needs a significant overhaul. Since I have more pressing matters, you have your textbooks and you can figure out what you need to know. If you need me, call, and I'll be right here." Or in my own job as a consultant to the government: "OK, I got you all the information you need. You can put it all together yourselves--you're smart people. If you need me, I'm available, so please call."

I think everyone knows what I'm leading to with Senator Obama. Essentially his Presidential campaign must go on and his job--representing the people of Illinois in the United States Senate--needs to take a back seat right now. That tells me this country's grave crisis should take a back seat as well from his perspective. At least he did respect the request of the President and stop by the White House; afterward, he took questions and McCain slipped out--possibly to get back to work.

This blog is not about being Republican or Democrat, but doing the job you are elected to do. Excuses like, "We're Presidential candidates and all we'll do is distract from the process" comes across as pretty weak (to me). Wish I could use that excuse if I get a bad haircut, as I'm sure that would only distract from whatever process I'm supporting (and explain the funny looks).

So, all excuses aside, Senator Obama was called and needed when he was elected to the Senate by the people of Illinois, and he is not doing his job. I wonder if he's thinking McCain is looking for an excuse to not debate him. What's next? Will we hear from Senator Obama: "Senator McCain is too chicken to debate me Friday night, he's hiding out in Washington." Actually, he's hiding out in the Senate doing his job, like you should be.