Political Malpractice

That is what the Democrats’ inability to address the crisis of inflation has been called.  Republicans are responsible for not standing up to and being manipulated by people willing to jeopardize democracy.  Democrats are part of the problem as well.  There should be absolutely no reason that Democrats can’t win on the economy.  A constant pattern of mistakes could have been avoided.  Candidates aren’t thinking through their message or speaking to people where they are.   

Even if Biden cannot do anything about inflation, his administration must step up, acknowledge that it is a crisis; and, then,  better explain to the American people why this crisis is happening.  Democrats have not done enough to call out the real culprits in this economic crisis–the large corporations that have figured out the American consumers have become adapted to paying higher prices and are using a war as an excuse to price gouge. 

Biden and progressives could offer ways to help people pay rising bills without worsening inflation.  Of course, getting anything through congress is next to impossible, but legislation matters even when you are able to get them to pass.  Biden’s mistake is giving up on his agenda.  When it didn’t pass, Biden walked away.  He should have stuck to his guns.  Then, today, progressives would be able to say that their program could help if it were passed.

There are forms of government investment which are always sound fiscal policy, no matter the nature of a financial crisis.  The most obvious area for improvement is public transportation.  As gas prices rise, expanding the number of people who could rely on public transportation for at least some of their transportation needs would help people deal with the everyday struggle to make ends meet, and show that Biden cares and that he is willing to act decisively come out with policies that l make a real difference in the monthly budget.  

The idea that things like affordable child care and access to quality food somehow contribute to a financial crisis is inherently flawed, and the American people could be convinced of this.  Despite fears of inflation, they would welcome help with heating, food, and housing.  Inflation or no inflation, this help would allow people to ride out what is a global crisis, one that will hopefully resolve itself over time.  Progressives shouldn’t shy from reaching out to people, helping financially.  The message should be that the Biden administration and prgressive care and are acting.  It doesn’t have to happen immediately.  It needs to give people hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  If we can’t help in the immediate future, we need a long term plan, something people can hope for.   

Trying to put a positive spin on this economy is political malpractice. People should vote on threats to democracy, but history teaches us they won’t.  People who care about democracy must acknowledge and show strong leadership in a crisis.  This is the most important way to protect democracy.