Oct
2
2009
America: The “right now” Country
Author: Carolyn van Es-VinesI’m having a bad day, so allow me to have a temper tantrum just like my two-year-old just had because I told her she had to WAIT. My husband’s been gone all week, and I’m damn tired of my six-year-old’s constant demands: “Can you put Barbie on?” “Can I have a piece of candy?” “Can I go play with Charlie?” And, if I don’t respond IMMEDIATELY, she keeps asking. Then, after all that, I read this article in The Root and lost it.
President and Mrs. Obama are putting all their guns behind America’s bid to host the 2016 Olympics. And do you know, Americans are pissed off and criticizing this brilliant piece of long-term strategizing? “We need to need to deal with gang violence in Chicago first.” “We have other more pressing issues to see to.” “Why is the president focusing so much on sports?”
Well, chew on this: perhaps because President Obama is thinking about the boost in the economy the Olympic games will bring to the country. Maybe because he’s realizing the number of J.O.B.S. that will be created in order to cater to hundreds of thousands of dollars that foreigners will be spending to be present at the games. Possibly, he’s gambling that if Americans feel good about their athletes and all the gold medals they’ll win, his people will be more likely to spend a bit of money and keep the economy from crashing.
But no. Americans (and I still consider myself American) can’t seem to see beyond their “right now” noses and try to appreciate a bit of planning. In fact, it’s our refusal to wait that’s gotten us into this economic crunch. Instead of waiting until we can actually afford to buy that third big-screen plasma television to put in the kid’s playroom, we open up a credit card account at Best Buy so we can have it NOW. A sub-prime mortgage? Bring it on. Why wait until I’m financially stable enough to actually afford a home when I can have it NOW. Why put your efforts into something as ridiculous as the Olympic Games, which draw thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people to spend their money boosting our economy when we need to fix the problems that have plagued our nation for decades NOW – TODAY.
While I’m at it, let me talk about taxes. Americans are fundamentally opposed to paying higher taxes NOW, because few people seem to consider their long-term benefits. In the Netherlands, because of our income bracket, we pay 52% of our salary to the government. Yes, we give over half of our money to the government. And you know what? I, as an American, am OK with that. Why? you may ask. Well, I’ll tell you. Because my children don’t pay for medical care until they’re eighteen. It’s unheard of for youngsters to go into debt from student loans; a higher education is subsidized by the government. A car (thus gas) is not a necessity because tax dollars … er … euros have built a good system of public transportation. If I quit my job, I’ll get unemployment. Each quarter we get hundreds of euros just because we have children. Daycare for my preschooler is subsidized by the government. I had four months of maternity leave and was paid 100% of my salary. When we lost our baby three years ago, I didn’t go back to work for four months, and I was paid 100% in disability. Throughout my other pregnancies, I didn’t see one bill for visits to the midwife or even for the deliveries. Each and every May, we get nearly one month’s pay for vacation. You heard me, we get money from the government to go on friggin’ vacation. And if I get sick while I’m on vacation, I can call in sick and save a vacation day. Really.
If there’s one other positive thing the Dutch have taught me, it’s their cash-and-carry mentality. They’re not a glamorous lot, but let me tell you, these people have money. Like the Dutch, if I can’t afford something, I don’t buy it. I haven’t carried a balance on my MasterCard for more than one month since I moved here ten years ago. Hubby and I got married for less $5,000 (including my wedding gown). Why? Because that’s how much money we were able to save up BEFORE the big day. We have a budget, and we stick to it. My children don’t have a room full of toys and a closet full of designer clothes. Why? Because we’d rather sink that little bit of money into their FUTURE college education. All of our basic needs are met AND we go on vacation a few times a year AND we have money in the bank despite the high taxes and because we’re willing to wait.
We elected Barack Obama because we were sick to death of George W’s inability to see the long-term affects of his “right now” decisions. The ills of this country will not be cured RIGHT NOW, next year or even four years from now. Accept that and let this beautiful, intelligent black man do his job and PLAN for the FUTURE.
October 2nd, 2009 at 15:05
What a great post!!! As a Canadian, we live by this want it now mentality also. It is really horrible and I have found myself trapped for being greedy. I can also say that Germans have the same mentality that the Dutch do…..if you don’t have the cash for that, you don’t get it! Simple. No one looks at you crazy for not having the latest iphone and pulling out a credit card is really frowned upon. While I was there I noticed that people paid CASH for almost everything and that included train tickets for trips! I was really shocked to tell you the truth. I really respect this type of living. I actually Love it!
Now, onto the Olympics. I am sorry but why is this a problem? Canada pines year after year to get choosen for the games but we always lose. I believe it boils down to space. In any case, I don’t see a problem at all. Why can’t people understand how much needed money will be brought into the country if Chicago wins the bid? It is basic math. I know many, many Canadians go there just for the hell of it, we would flood there for the games. President Obama is a SMART man and his wanting the games hosted in the US is brilliant! I find that no matter what this man does, people always have something negative to say. And, I am not American but truly, sick of it. He is trying to fix a messed up economy that he never caused yet he gets all the flack. Honestly…..I am at a complete lost.
October 2nd, 2009 at 16:33
Oh, I agree a hundred percent! Even though I’ve made some bad mistakes financially (well, I let a relationship cloud my judgement), I’m reaping the consequences of those actions right now and I’ll NEVER do it again.
I’m all for higher taxes if we get the medical benefits, school breaks (I’m trying to go back to school and the idea of taking out a loan for that is aggravating!). Maybe that’s why I’m trying to clean up my act and get the hell out of Dodge for a little while.
Sorry to hear you are stressed! I hope the hubby comes back soon.
October 2nd, 2009 at 17:14
Good post. I enjoyed reading it.
I’m hoping (don’t want to assume) that you are speaking in general about the American attitude. I am American and, frankly, I take no issue with the President making the bid for Chicago to host the Olympics. I saw it as part of a long-term strategy as well. There are many others who feel the same.
That said, I was in Chicago recently (I had never been). While there I heard a lot more about why SOME Chicagoans specifically take issue with not only with the President adding his two cents but are opposed to the Olympics being there at all. I listened to a few discuss their concerns in detail. Some made sense to me, others did not. I won’t profess to know the ins and outs but I did consider that they, being from/living in Chicago, are far more knowledgeable about their needs and concerns than I.
As far as the need to deal with gang violence first… Well, obviously it needs to be dealt with but I don’t subscribe to the idea that you get to deal with one thing at a time particulalry when it comes to societal issues. I don’t see how putting effort into getting the Olympics to Chicago automatically translates into ignoring the issue of gang violence. (Following that logic wouldn’t that mean that focusing on gang violence would mean ignoring some other societal need, issue, woe?) I have to wonder if the alarm is being sounded even louder right now in a knee jerk response (at least in part) to the murder of Derrion Albert. It’s not only tragic but appalling.
Taxes. Such a hot button issue here in the States. lol I, for one, would rather pay higher taxes and have better infrastructure and services. (What can you tell me about Sweden? lol) I am not the only American citizen who feels this way, of course.
I agree that part of the issue with some here in regard to giving up more now to get more in the long run is the “I want it NOW” attitude that seems to thrive in this part of the world. I believe another part of it is the attitude that America is the richest nation in the world so we are entitled to have cerain things (without necessarily working or sacrificing for them and even if we don’t need them or can’t afford them i.e. those sub-prime mortages). BUT I also think part of it is a certain amount of distrust. Let’s face it, absolutely RIDICULOUS sums of money have been squandered on, well, let’s just say the interests of a few. There are many who wonder what would happen to the $ from paying higher taxes. Can we trust that what SHOULD be done with it will? Personally, it’s a question I would have to ask. If you look at lots of our policies and legislation they don’t necessarily plan for the future as much as they try to bandaid the right now.
I gladly voted for the POTUS. I’m thrilled that he’s in office and I also wish that people would let him get down to the business of running this country. I do, however, also accept the reality that he works within a system, not only from a national but a global perspective and that presents some very real and serious challenges. Thankfully, I believe he can handle it.
October 2nd, 2009 at 18:07
As I’m reading this, my local news just announced that both Chicago and Tokyo are out. We could’ve definitely used that $$$…
October 2nd, 2009 at 18:28
You are so on point!
October 3rd, 2009 at 09:06
hear hear! i think the financial benefit of the olympics is debatable, but as a morale-booster, there’s nothing better than seeing athletes from all over the world compete to do their best.
So I don’t think there’s any reason to actually criticize the Obamas for going all out for the Olympics.
As an American, I feel that Americans are getting more and more short-sighted.
Thanks for the perspective from the Netherlands, it’s really interesting to hear how it all works there. I hope the Japanese study European systems more.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:21
My “right now” mentality it something I’m trying to work on. It doesn’t really work with the Italian, domani/tomorrow mentality. ha
I agree with everything you said. Every time I hear a talking head say “America’s the greatest country in the world because we have the highest standard of living,” I want to scream. We do not.
My dad’s standard of living dropped when he moved to America from the Caribbean in the ’60s. In Curacao he had paid vacations, healthcare, subsidized education, less crime, less racism, etc. Had he not met my mom I doubt he would have moved to the States.
Americans may have a lot of things but we’re in major debt. I’d rather have less
October 4th, 2009 at 18:03
Well said!
October 4th, 2009 at 19:18
One word: PREACH!
October 5th, 2009 at 18:02
Carolyn, can I just say AMEN to everything you just said???? PERFECTLY stated. I thought that perhaps the United States had truly turned a corner in electing Barack Obama last fall, but I’m afraid that in many ways we as a nation are just as short-sighted, selfish and too often bigoted as ever. I’m trying to keep hope alive, but our “fellow Americans” sure make that a daily challenge!
October 6th, 2009 at 18:18
Great post. Someone asked how I thought Pres. Obama was doing thus far, and in addition to my “if he does nothing other than be black with his black family in the White House and just change people’s attitudes about that” argument, I responded that just like we didn’t get into this mess overnight, we won’t get out of it overnight. He hasn’t been in office a year. Everything won’t change “right now”. BTW, didn’t know that little tidbit about being able to call in sick while you’re on VACATION!
October 13th, 2009 at 17:53
I, too, am pretty angry, and I’m not even American! I just don’t understand how some Americans are willing to derail the push for such an essential service/safety net as universal health care. I mean, the idiots on Fox News, the insurance industry, conservative politicians and all the other crazy people who keep muddying the waters of progress share a lot of the blame, but why are so many Americans willing to believe their bullcrap?
As to the Olympic bid, it seems that the same forces of evil are active in the debate.
To me, it seems that is Americans themselves who will sink this presidency. If the people keep allowing themselves to be fooled and won’t pressure their congress rep. to support him, his hands are tied.
October 30th, 2009 at 22:23
You couldnt have said it better! Im so sick of the whinning and negativity. It hasnt even been a year yet.
November 10th, 2009 at 03:23
That is so true what NYC/Caribbean ragazza said
My mother(in Barbados) is always shocked when my hubby and I say..no you don’t get your salary if you are in the hospital..some people get sick days.
November 10th, 2009 at 21:27
Hi Sharon,
Me too…now! Thanks for commenting.
November 26th, 2009 at 15:52
THANK YOU. This needed to be said!
I, too, was shocked by the reactions people had over him trying to bring the Olympics back to the US. Clearly it means jobs and income for Americans, but to Americans, it was just yet another reason to complain. I do agree that we remain just as bigoted as ever and it’s something I feel will never change in the US because of its policies (toward African-Americans) and because as a country, we turn a blind eye to working to resolve and heal the wounds of our racist legacy to begin with…
No matter what Barack Obama does as a Black man elected President, it will simply never be good enough for an inherently racist (albeit diverse) population.
December 4th, 2009 at 15:04
Hi Kayla,
thank you, Kayla, for taking the time to leave your comment! Glad to read that there are more people who saw something positive in Obama’s Olympic quest.
December 6th, 2009 at 16:36
Great post! Having lived through the past few months of health care debate in the US, it still completely baffles me that Americans are against universal health care. I try to put it in the perspective of US history and the opposition to taxes in general, but you would think with so many people living through difficult times now that our sensibilities would be raised about “safety nets”. It is very disappointing and I just hope that by the time my children are adults and having children of their own, that Americans will start to view access to health care as a right instead of a luxury.
January 29th, 2010 at 06:33
I’m commenting quite late but just saw this post. Reading it left me wondering what news sources gave the impression that Americans didn’t back Obama’s bid for the Olympics. Some (read: Republicans) did not, of course, but most Americans were hoping to watch the Games in Chicago and suported his effort.
I wonder if media organizations with a U.S.-bashing tendency either exaggerated the lack of support or failed to put it in context.