Rushing or walking towards 2013

Dang, but it is difficult not to become overwhelmingly pessimistic as a result of reading the newspaper or watching television, including cable, news.  Certainly not helpful are the near hysteric comments from those on both sides of the aisles, each fanning the flames (as the saying goes) of the extreme views embraced by their cohorts.  Lost appears to be the current, very impact on the lives of the average American family. 

The economy stinks.  Political hyperbole abounds.  Compromise for the good of the whole nation isn't on the horizon.  Government intrusion expands, seemingly exponentially.  Popular rating of Congress is abysmal.   This can be characterized as the no-so-grand theater of the absurd, though the impacts are very, very real and dangerous.  Responsibility and accountability are lost on those who place themselves above the average family.

Should the average American family rush or walk towards 2013?  Is there hope for improvement?  Does the horizon hold forth promise for a better life?  Are the elected officials, to whom we entrust the care of our governments, truly concerned about us, or are they more focused on their own political and economic power?  Will the value of our homes increase?  Will another recession be created by those in elected office?  Will petty bureaucrats issue, unchallenged in most cases, ridiculous and counterproductive regulations?  Will judges at various levels continue to make law rather than interpret it?  Will the average family have the healthcare it needs, in realistic terms at reasonable cost?  Will the retired population be able to survive on their savings and social security?  Is it really the role of the federal government to intrude into every aspect of my life?  Will race relations continue to deteriorate?  Will the media outlets continue coloring their reporting for whichever political party and view they endorse?  Will our servicemen and -women continue to go in harm's in pursuit of disjointed, flawed strategic objectives?  Will our nation continue to be the beacon of liberty and freedom? 

Will we be better off in 2013 than in 2012?  Not a campaign slogan, but the harsh reality.  Not defined by others, but by our own aspirations and goals.  (I, for one, am sick of politicians purporting to tell me how happiness is defined.) 

Far more questions than answers.  But, from my perspective, the questions I and others have reveal an overwhelmingly pessimistic view of the world.  So it's hard to judge whether we should rush forward with high expectations or walk cautiously to the beginning of the new year, concerned about what the future holds.

Smiling on Christmas

Just a short post today, Christmas.  It is about as great as it could be, with kids and grandkids.  Celebrating in Sacramento, we've seen whole blocks in the "fab 40s" decked out in terrific lighting displays.  The grandkids were so excited, I thought our grandson would wet himself in anticipation.  And then, this morning, he declared that Santa really did read the wish list (although he didn't get everything for which he yearned).  A call to the extended family added to the day.

In addition to celebrating the birth of Christ, our Savior, being with the innocence of youth as they enjoy the day is just about the perfect way to spend the day.

After spending too many holidays away from family when I was on active duty, this is small payback.

I can't end, however, without commenting about the thousands of our warriors who are deployed away from their families, protecting our freedoms.  May the ner do wells in Washington DC strive harder to warrant this service and sacrifice.  (2012 didn't show me the electeds were worthy of the service and sacrifice.)

God Bless you all.

Merry Christmas

Well, the Mayans must have been wrong, because earth is still here.  Or maybe we just don't how to accurately interpret their calendar.  Regardless, our world continues and Christmas approaches.

It would be understandable for many to feel depressed, as is an all too sad norm during this time of year, even in a good year.  But this doesn't appear to be a good year.

• Sandy Hook Elementary School and a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado- nothing more need be stated.
• Political rancor, with an excessively liberal President re-elected.  Excessive amounts of money thrown into the political campaigns.  Hyperbole at every turn from so-called experts and pundits.  A nation divided, not united (at least politically).
• The market tumbles.
• Hurricane Sandy.
• Unemployment.
• "Fiscal cliff."
• Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Union thuggery.
• Conservative African Americans being accused of not be "black enough."
• Young woman "flipping the bird" to the graves of the fallen at Arlington National Cemetery.
• Continued deaths of our men and women in Afghanistan.
• 13,000 plus pages of new federal regulations, an 8.5% increase.
• Demise of Twinkies.
• Libya debacle.
• Federally subsidized companies failing.

And the list goes on.

I argue now it is vastly more important than normal to seek a Merry Christmas.  The Christian faith, plus our customs and mores, see comfort and joy in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  It is uplifting, invigorating, and unquestionably positive.

Partly just to aggravate the secularists, I have been wishing Merry Christmas to all those I encounter.  The primary reason, though, is to convey that which is positive and uplifting.  My fellow Americans need some uplifting, even the lemmings parading under the progressive banner.

So I will continue to wish all a Merry Christmas, not for commercial reasons, but in the faith that there are vastly more who believe in our God and seek the goodness that embodies our religious beliefs.

Merry Christmas.  May it be spent in celebration with family and friends.

A special note to my fellow warriors in uniform, deployed around the world and at sea.  While you miss Christmas at home, just as my generation of warriors did multiple times before you, please recognize we back here value and cherish your willing sacrifice in the name of protecting our freedoms.

Merry Christmas.

Memorial

While sharing comments of disbelief and anguish, one of our friends stated that Sandy Hook Elementary School should be razed and a memorial including 20 angel figurines be erected on the site.

As I'm sure most of the country did, we talked about the Sandy Hook tragedy with close friends over the weekend.  He and she are both retired school teachers and I spent some years as a school counselor.  For those who have worked on school campuses, there is a connection of sorts with this incomprehensible horror.  Our friend very correctly stated that no student, teacher, or staff member could be expected to return to the site of this unspeakable atrocity.  Nor could parents of the survivors be expected to send their children to the facility in which so many died.

Challenging, yes.  Impossible, no.

Newtown, Connecticut, and the nation can come together and replace the physical manifestation of the school, at another location in the city.

A memorial on the current site of Sandy Hook will serve as a visible reminder, for generations to come, of the innocence of the children and the heroics of the adults on that day.

Unspeakable tragedy

Most of the nation is struggling to comprehend the unspeakable tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The shock upon learning of the killing of 26 people, 20 of them school children, was initially emotionally crippling.  20 children shot down at their school.  As the initial reaction passed, comments, opinions, and observations flowed as a torrent.  Much of this torrent will continue, with some seeking to gain some perceived advantage for their pet rock.  Others will seek to sensationalize.

I fear many of those jumping in with such commentary, blogs, opinion pieces, etc. will obscure or miss the point that should remain the primary focus. 

So abhorrent as to be unthinkable, the act of one individual struck at the soul of our nation, where children are properly held to be innocent and loved.  Religion, politics, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, employment, and the other groupings in which we either identify ourselves or society places us, don't matter when it comes to the health and safety of children.  Our society, replete with countless freedoms that enable its members to pursue happiness as they choose to define it, rightfully looks to its young children for their joyous laughter, absence of zealotry, unquestioned love of parents, race neutrality, innate curiosity, political ignorance, playful smiles, boundless energy, and carefree enjoyment of the day.

The unspeakable tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School tears asunder our reverence for young children.  Even in a time of unprecedented strife and contention, as a people we hold that our children should be, must be, held in this special status.  All one has to do is look at what we do around the world to assist and protect children, children of multiple nationalities, religions, and races.  Look how we revile the mistreatment of children and deplore the horrible conditions in which some live.

Look at our generosity, particularly as Christmas approaches.  The national Marine Corps Reserves Toys-for-Tots Program, local programs that provide teddy bears for hospitalized children, toy drives of ever imaginable kind.  These are the proverbial no-brainers, because they help put smiles on the faces of children.  Putting smiles the faces of those we revere illustrates a positive aspect of our national soul.

As we strive to grasp the horror that has befallen the families of those young innocents killed at Sandy Hook, our hearts go out to them, realizing there are no words or acts that can dampen the incomprehensible anguish.

Let us, nonetheless, maintain the primary focus that our children remain innocent and loved.

Update:  It is understandable that the media wants to interview the parents of the murdered children.  However, it is appalling to read of reports of the media pursuing the parents, calling and visiting (uninvited) their homes.  Leave the parents alone.  Establish a process by which the families can contact the media, if - and only if - they so choose.  Create an environment that protects the privacy of these families, while providing for those who choose to to tell their story.  The media's manic declaration of "the public needs to know" rings falsely hollow in the context of this unspeakable tragedy.

          

Where's the commentary?

I really wonder about our politicians and members of t he so-called mainstream media.  My latest wonderment leaves me thinking, "Where's the commentary?"

Contiguous to the attack on our consulate in Benghazi, politicians, political appointees, and members of the media condemned a video described as insulting to Islam.  Plenty of commentary, some verging on outrage.

Where is that same level of commentary and near outrage at the insulting bill board put up by atheists in New York's Time Square, on which Christ is characterized as a myth?

With the majority of the nation Christian, it would seem reasonable to produce the same level of commentary and outrage.  Unfortunately, this isn't likely to occur.

Another point against the politicians, their appointees, and the so-called mainstream media.

Right to work

As a former union member, I feel compelled to comment upon the approval of right-to-work in Michigan.

After a period as a member of a union, in my case the California Teachers Association local organization, I departed.  There were multiple reasons.  High on the list were the NEA and CTA using forced union dues for political purposes, without my consent.  Also were the local union association officials' unsupportable positions on changing the school schedule structure to provide two week breaks in the fall, because "it was a great time to get good travel deal."  When I finally had enough and resigned, I was forced to become an agency fee payer to the union.

Moreover and most disturbing, I was slammed by the local association president in a note he sent ot all union members, stating that if one was anti-union, then one was unAmerican.  After serving my country in union for 30 years, I found the assertion disgusting.  I asked to meet with the association president, with a third party.  As the meeting started, he jumped up and declared he didn't have to listen to this "BS," before I'd even attempted to make my point.  He simply refused to discuss the matter, showing the enormous lack of character I've found elsewhere in union officials.

When labor strays from collective bargaining to self protection and hyperbole, when it uses union dues without permission for political purposes, when it castigates those who criticize it, when it condones violence (as occurred in Michigan), then it is appropriate that the right-to-work laws are put into place.

Interestingly, where right-to-work laws have been enacted, labor memberships have shrunk. 

Nothing is clearer than this indication the members don't see value in the unions, once freed of the mandatory requirement to join.

Hearing from friends

Unexpectedly hearing from friends, with whom we haven't been in close contact, is one of the all time greatest pleasures.  When such a call is received, it's guaranteed to generate a smile.

And smiles are good for the soul.

Inevitably, there is some time spent catching up since the most recent meaningful contact.  How are the kids?  How is the job?  Any new situations?  In my case, questions about biking, music, working out, tennis, etc.

You may have guessed by now that such a call was taken today.

Out of the blue I took a call from a young, at least compared to me, gent with whom I worked while in a K-8 school district.  Without exaggeration, he is one of the most positive thinking and acting individuals I ever encountered.  He and his wife have a wonderful family, and are focused on what is really important in life.  They both work, and work very hard, in public education.  When you read or hear of teachers and administrators who don't do their jobs and aren't in the profession to take care of kids, these ARE NOT the folks you hear or read about.  Long hours for mediocre pay.  But it is always kids first.

Any way, back to my friend.  His positive attitude is infectious and his mentoring meaningful.  Over the time we worked together, he constantly highlighted the importance of making our lives count.  Using the phrase "life is too short," but not in the insincere manner that permeates most conversations in which the phrase is used.  His view is to enjoy the time we have with our families, while also finding that which makes us happy and pursuing it, undertaking both goals in balance.  Knowing I am a retired Marine, he offered encouragement to pursue my avocations, those activities that provide pleasure, plus time with my wife, kids, and grand kids.  Often he'd comment that I should retire-retire, meaning depart the work force.

Well, when it came to making the fairly recent decision to retire, as my wife and I were weighing the pros and cons as part of the decision making process, his mentoring and advice resonated loud and clear.  When he called today, I also felt a twinge of guilt, for not having reached out to him, to thank him for the great advice.

As I compose this post, his laughter, which was always present, continues in my ears.  I can see his smiling face, grin at his jokes, and appreciate the sincerity of his comments.

So, it is a pretty damn good day when we hear from a friend.

As the saying goes, doesn't get any better than that.

Under assault

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Surely, another post decrying what I define as a problem, or perhaps a collection of problems flying under one banner.  If so, the banner would read, “Under Assault.”

What, you may ask, is under assault?  Collectively, I would state the values and beliefs I was raised to accept and honor, plus the behavior, ethos, and societal norms associated with them.

These values and beliefs include:

• ·      Belief in God, admittedly a Christian belief.
• ·      Sanctity of family.
• ·      The freedoms contained in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
• ·      The obligation to serve our Nation.
• ·      Patriotism.
• ·      Respecting others.
• ·      Holding elected officials to higher levels of responsibility, commensurate with their higher levels of authority.
• ·      Law and order.
• ·      Earning our way through life by working for what we achieve.
• ·      Civil rights, though it was during the 60s that this brought to the forefront of the Nation’s conscience.  In our home, it was a given.
• ·      Charity.
• ·      Polite, temperate discourse, using the power of persuasion to make one’s point.
• ·      Accepting responsibility for one’s actions, even the stupid mistakes and errors in judgment we make.
• ·      Sportsmanship, exhibited (in part) by doing your best while seeking the win.  Celebrating wins, graciously accepting defeats.
• ·      Ethics and integrity in all aspects of ones life.
• ·      Speaking up against that which is wrong, while recognizing and accepting others may hold opposing views.
• ·      Humility.
• ·      Tolerance.
• Most, if not all, of these are under assault.
• ·      Christian values and beliefs are being denied across the spectrum, falsely flying under the flags of tolerance and separation of church and state.  We are one nation, under God, founded on the imperative of religious freedom.  So let Christians celebrate Christmas, not Happy Holidays.  And my Christian values are also under attack.  The Ten Commandments are being taken down.  The President of the United States publicly lies about his sexual relationship with an intern. 
• ·      The nuclear family is rapidly disappearing, encouraged by lack morals; legal incentives that financially reward single mothers for producing children out of wedlock; the manic push for oxymoronic “gay rights;” access to abortion; marriage tax penalties; societal acceptance of divorce, demeaning the value of the marriage vows; and partially because of the economic stresses that virtually require both members in a marriage to work in order to support the family.
• ·      Legislators, judges, and presidents have and are ignoring the centrality of the freedoms in the Constitution to suit their political beliefs.  Big government is attacking virtually every aspect of American life, destroying the very foundation of what makes this country great.  The basic tenants of our freedoms are being replaced by government regulations, the mere establishment of which bypasses the legislative process.
• ·      With the end of the draft, the sense of obligation to serve our Nation has diminished.  While my Marine Corps still meets or exceeds its recruiting goals, more Americans are not serving than are.  I offer that if every able bodied male and female, at age 18, was required to serve the country for a minimum period of three years (military service, Peace Corps, or projects similar to the CCC), the country would be far better prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.  Taking these young men and women, putting them together with individuals from across the country, in common communal living arranges, working in pursuit of common objectives for the greater good, at a time they are most impressionable, as members of a team, will yield a far better work force in the future.  I would also make it law that one must have served in the military to hold federal elected office.
• ·      Fortunately, a by-product of the war on terror has been a resurgence of patriotism.  But there are still pockets of the population that expect the nation to give to them, rather than giving to the nation.  Similarly, it is disgusting that there are those who hide behind so-called freedom of speech to protest at the funerals of the fallen.
• ·      Respecting others is rapidly being replaced by the sound bite insult hurled at others.  Or the rude middle finger gesture flashed to others, as did UN Ambassador Susan Rice to another official.  You-Tube and other methods are purveying scene-after-scene of disrespect.  No place is it more prevalent than in politics. 
• ·      Holding elected officials to higher levels of responsibility, commensurate with their higher levels of authority.  Our elected officals commit egregious errors in judgment, adversely impacting millions of people and then want a free pass by saying, “Sorry, my bad.”  Actions have consequences and when elected officials error, they must be held immediately accountable.  Sending pictures of a sexually aroused Congressman to women.  The current Secretary of State falsely claiming to have landed “under fire” while the First Lady.  Solyndra.  Fast and Furious.  Influence peddling (by members of both parties).  The sum result of the lack of responsibility by members of Congress it they are viewed with only 15-18% favorability.
• ·      Law and order.  All one has to do is watch TV to understand crime is up.  But it is more than that, as elected officials deliberately decide to ignore laws.  The President declares and directs that the nation won’t enforce immigration laws.  The Mayor of San Francisco famously declared he would ignore the law.  A nation not willingly living under its laws is doomed for failure.
• ·      Earning our way through life by working for what we achieve.  Now it is popular to expect/demand that the government give us things.  It is common for students to expect the teacher to give them grades, rather than earning them.  People are confusing the right to earn something with being entitled to it without working to earn it.  The unions scream about workers rights, while concurrently protecting teachers who have been convicted of sexual molestation of the young.  For self worth it is crucial that one earns what he/she receives.  The sloth and unraveling of societal values rests as much on this factor as any other.
• ·      Civil rights, though it was during the 60s that this brought to the forefront of the Nation’s conscience.  In our home, it was a given.  Today, the phrase civil rights has been mutated to demands.  Demands and unreasonable expectations.  If a person of color doesn’t get what he/she desires, like as not someone will call it racism.  If a female is released from a position because of inadequate performance, like as not someone will call it sexism.  Civil rights level the playing field.  They do not provide a club to beat others into submission when the outcome is not to your liking.  As Martin Luther King Jr.  stated, we should be judged by the quality of our character, not the color of our skin.  Nowadays, being a conservative white male like as not means you will be held in contempt and have your civil rights challenged by the uncivil demands of others.
• ·      Charity has become an almost dirty word, as non-profits are being set up and then using the donations for personal purposes.  This makes it more difficult for legitimate charities to raise funds.  Additionally, the entitlement culture has produced countless citizens who believe it is their right, their entitlement to receive support.  I worked for a couple of years in a non-profit that provided charitable support, operating under a strict set of parameters and guidelines to ensure those receiving or assistance were truly in financial hardship.  Yet, on almost a daily basis we’d receive requests from those who were demanding support.  And let’s not forget that Congress is considering doing away with charitable giving tax benefits, because they “unfairly” benefit the wealthy.
• ·      Polite, temperate discourse, using the power of persuasion to make one’s point.  The histrionics of the cable news programs, talk radio, and sensationalist TV are facilitating the destruction of polite discourse.  Politicians, media, entertainment, and even the universities contribute to these phenomena. 
• ·      The disappearance of accepting responsibility for one’s actions, even the stupid mistakes and errors in judgment we make.  I could write for much longer on this alone.  Politicians are most visible for failing to adhere to this.  Businessmen and bankers closely follow.  Members of the media certainly belong in this group as well.  In a form of trickle down societal values, we see it in schools, when the mantra manifests as “it’s not my fault.”      
• ·      Sportsmanship is rapidly becoming a loss element in our nation.  Kids don’t compete to win or lose, while learning to accept defeat.  Of course, this builds the expectation that merely showing up is sufficient.  Bounties for injuring opposing players.  Using performance enhancing drugs or medical procedures.  In a nationally televised tennis match, one of the players (who is very strong and large muscled) physically threatened one of the officials.  Gamesmanship during competition at all levels.  May the best man (or woman) win is no longer acceptable, since much of sports has been corrupted by insane amounts of money.  By the way, is there anyone who doesn’t understand that college football players in NCAA Division I are essentially semi-pro players?
• ·      Ethics and integrity in all aspects of ones life was how I was raised and how I live.  Today, in all too man aspects of our life, these are absent.  From the minor to the major, ethics and integrity are viewed as situational, dependent upon one’s personal stance on this or that.  In the university, the work place, politics, media, sports, and even family life, these qualities are rapidly fading.  Perhaps it’s part of the assault on Christianity at work.
• ·      Speaking up against that which is wrong, while recognizing and accepting others may hold opposing views.  Too many remain silent, fearing they can’t change anything.  When, as I’ve been known to do, someone does raise a voice of concern (temperately, politely) it is likely to result in castigation, which some use in an attempt to ban free speech.  Further, as cited recently by George Will, free speech is being denied on college and university campuses across the nation, under a false flag of being disrespectful.  An essence of free speech is that one may offer his/her views, risking the disagreement of others.  This liberal penchant for limiting the speech of those who disagree with them is abhorrent.  We have a responsibility to speak up when something is wrong.  Doing so recognizing that others may disagree.
• ·      Humility.  There appears to be no humility in government or the media or the social “elite.”  Arrogance and self-promotion abound.  Work hard, achieve, and reap the rewards of recognition.  Don’t seek them by arrogant self-promotion.
• ·      Tolerance.  Finally and most importantly, ours is a nation in which tolerance is valued.  What I observe are elements demanding that we believe the way they believe.  I’m more than willing to tolerate that others believe differently than I.  It is a unique American freedom.  But what are intolerable are the demands these groups place on the populace as a whole.  I do not believe in homosexual marriage.  I do not believe in Islam.  I do not believe in socialism (aka wealth redistribution).  I do not believe every issue is based on racism.  I expect that others will be tolerant of my views, even if they disagree.
• While I sincerely believe values and beliefs are under assault, I equally believe there are enough holding similar values and beliefs that we can change the landscape of our nation.

Hard not to be pessimistic, but...?

It is certainly difficult not to be pessimistic, as the supposed political leadership of the country bandies about statements about the present and looming fiscal problems; foreign powers seek nuclear weapons and long range delivery systems; the EU is in shambles; the middle east continues to fester and threatens to erupt; American liberals want to use regulations to by-pass the legislative process; free speech is denied on college campuses; and hyperbole reigns supreme on the cable news programs.

Damn!  What happened to hard work in pursuit of what is good for the nation?  What happened to sacrifice for the good of others?  What happened to temperance and humility?  What happened to principal based on values, rather than political survival?

Hard not to be pessimistic.

But, it is also not a time to give up.  Too many people give up, on matters large and small.  I'm aware of a youngster who wanted to be a U. S. Marine, but when the time came to put it out there, he gave up.  Though angering me, it was better that he gave up, here in the states, prior to being a battlefield somewhere and giving up on Marines, causing them harm.  I also see politicians giving up, surrendering values in favor of political survival.  All the while taking the reputation of the political bodies down a notch. 

There must be men and women of character somewhere.  Men and women of courage, willing not to give up and take the easy, politically convenient path.  Men and women with the backbone to stand up for what is truly right, not the manufactured definitions spewed by the political machines, unions, extremist cable programs, etc. that are only interested in their retention of power.

There must be men and women of the moral fiber necessary to stand up to the arrogance of power exhibited by others.  To stand up to them, with facts and right in hand, to defeat those who play with the welfare of the nation.

Not men and women who claim we must pass a 2,000+ plus page bill so it can then be read; not men and women who refuse to put forth a budget for a simple up or down vote; not men and women who send sexually suggestive texts to one another; not men and women who claim diplomatic protection as "honorary counsel;" not men and women who knowingly misrepresent information to the nation; not men and women who avoid responsibility and act disreputably; not men and women who lie, cheat, steal, and otherwise act abysmally with the arrogance of those in power.

I am convinced there are men and women who can lead this nation out of the politically garbage pit that most of our currently elected officials have created and are wallowing within.  With the stakes extraordinarily high, these men and women will come forth. 

Just as on the battlefield, when the situation is at its worst, the best people come forward.

So while it is hard not to be pessimistic, I remain hopeful that there are men and women who will not give up, will find their backbone, and take on and defeat the challenges before us.

Fairness - in the eye of the beholder?

Much is being said and written about the approaches by the two political parties in making their cases regarding the way forward in resolving the financial crisis facing our nation.  Both parties offer that this or that isn't fair, or this and that must be done to be fair.  Trouble is, there isn't agreement on how they define fair.

Is it fair to require more money of the average taxpayer, when he/she had little to no impact on the creation and perpetuation of this fiscal crisis?

Is it fair to increase taxes by default, when employees of the nation (AKA members of Congress and the President of the United States) failed in their duties?

Is it fair for each party to demonize another, in pursuit of political power while not resolving the financial crisis?

Is it fair to threaten to remove the deduction of mortgage interest, thereby threatening countless homeowners?

Is it fair for threats to end tax deductions for "the wealthiest Americans," who donate to the non-profits/charities that do so much good work for the disadvantaged, when it is this group of citizens who make the most substantial donations?

Is it fair for politicians to travel the country, attempting to drum up support for their views, rather than remain in Washington to work on them?

Is it fair to look towards changing the rules for the Senate, merely for political power?

Is it fair to shove the ACA down the throats of the country, when the members of Congress have their own "Cadillac" health plan?

Is it fair for the President to claim an electoral "mandate," when 49.5% of the electorate voted against him?

Is it fair for a school administrator to state, "In an attempt to be fair to everyone, we decided that we would just not put the Nativity scene out on campus,” when the Nativity scene had been displayed for decades?

If it fair for the elected officials to publicly employ hyperbole and threats in describing their opponents, rather than sitting down across the negotiating table?

Is it fair to threaten breaking the contract for free health care for life made with military retirees?

Is it fair for politicians to put their personal status ahead of what's good for the nation? 

In the end, I guess how one defines fair is in the eyes of the beholder.