The Republican Party is silly.

 

They named a Black man, Michael Steele, to be the party chairman. I’m sure he will fit in comfortably in the social life of the big party donors, in their restricted gatherings.

 

And a brown man, Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, a man of Asian-Indian heritage, was the party’s chosen to respond to President Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress.

 

They may be the only two people of color in the entire Grand Old Party unless Alan Keyes is still around.

 

Gov. Jindal might have aborted his presidential aspirations in his retort on Tuesday. His debut before a network TV audience was less than assuring. Pathetic might be the best word to describe his presentation. Gov. Jindal is one of a handful of Republican governors who have turned down federal aid – part of the stimulus package – placing political strategy ahead of their neediest citizens. I suspect Louisiana took a federal dollar or two after Katrina.

 

Jindal told a story of a parish sheriff – following Katrina – who was frustrated in his rescue efforts because federal officials were blocking the procedure. He obviously fails to recall that under the Bush regime, FEMA and Homeland Security were disasters, particularly during Katrina. It was the gross ineffectiveness of Brownie and Michael Chertoff. I am confident that Gov. Jindal would not suggest anyone avoid calling the Fire Department if a building was burning - assuming that department was run with efficiency and integrity.

 

Jindal’s logic and presentation was distressing, but he seemed to be the appropriate spokesperson for Republican logic and strategy. It is important that the party in power, currently the Democrats, have a responsible opposition holding them accountable. There should be no blank checks.

 

It is sad that the Republican members of Congress and their chosen spokesperson offers little more than predictable squeaks and moans.

 

Following President Obama’s address he charged into the Republican side of the legislative hall embracing conservative members of Congress. It is admirable, though frustrating, that he continues to seek bi-partisan support in his efforts to pull the nation out of the abyss created by the Bush administration. There is a healing component to Mr. Obama, a trait that is a holdover from his years as a community organizer.

 

Hopefully, wiser heads will surface in the Republican party, suggesting a more creative role rather than knee-jerk negativisms. I would hope that John McCain would fill that role. Certainly, the governor of Louisiana is well out of his depth as he attempts to be a national figure.

The President gets an “A” for his speech. After nearly a decade of Presidential addresses that resembled a lost character in an Ionesco play, it was refreshing to hear issues spelled out and also to be inspired by the President’s optimism and dedication.

 

He also reminded us that he cannot do it alone. It isn’t enough for us to feel pride in his history-making presidency. At one point, President Obama stated that if America is to compete in the world market, then men and women here have to be ready to perform the jobs that are created. He talked about the high rate of high school dropouts, and the proportion of those who did not complete college. His challenge was direct. He said whatever your class standing, work to raise it one level.

 

At the Fortune Society, there was a buzz the next day. It was agreed that it was time to stop celebrating Obama’s victory and time to start doing our part, meeting his expectations.

 

As a people, we have become soft. We want things and expect a lottery ticket or participation in a game show to be the answers. Bernie Madoff is the end result of our national longing for economic acquisitiveness.

 

Success is not a final conclusion but rather it is a process of becoming informed, and putting acquired knowledge and skills to work. The Republicans, speaking for excessive wealth and corporate America, has earned our scorn. But if we sit on the sidelines and only applaud Barack Obama – and don’t move while cheering him on – then it is all for naught. We might just as well have continued GOP rule with John McCain carrying out the Bush platform.

 

I always quote civil right activist the late Flo Kennedy, who hollered “If you want change, if you don’t like things the way they are…then get a broom. Start sweeping…start somewhere.

 

What is your response to President Obama’s talk before Congress? The ball is in your court. Either get a broom or don’t complain.

 

 

I’m David Rothenberg…out on a limb.