Why do we all allow our politicians to get by with spin and high level statements when most would, when probed not be able to explain what they meant in any real detail?

Too many Americans simply buy into the spin that best fits their current, predisposed position. That does not do America any good.

What would happen if politicians would be required to expose themselves to deeper questioning about what they say – with iterative inquiries going sufficiently deep to help Americans understand what they mean or see that they really don’t know of which they speak?

Now THAT might be interesting and educational at the same time. It also may help Americans shape their opinions based upon better information and a better understanding of what the politicians are saying with their superficial talking points.

Why can’t debates probe more deeply with follow up questions? Could candidates ask each other questions in an attempt to determine whether their opponent knows what he or she is talking about?

Alternatively, why can’t we have a televised debate about an issue where “experts” from both sides try to explain and ‘sell’ their positions by presenting deep explanations about how it works and presenting statistics (citing specific sources) to help Americans better understand and choose. I think Ross Perot’s charts did a lot for him because he spoke to the voter and demonstrated ideas in ways that lot of Americans could understand and to which they could relate.

What do you think?

Robert Reich is a very short man. He has learned to deal with that in various ways as he lived his live. When you see the film, you will hear both humorous and emotional anecdotes about his height directly from Mr. Reich.

Maybe because he was bullied when he was young or maybe because he simply cares about ALL Americans, Reich has spent a life time fighting for all of us – even the little guy who has no one else to help him counteract those with more economic or political power.

The documentary “Inequality for All” is now out on DVD, OnDemand, iTunes and Netflix DVD by mail. I have seen the 87 minute film in a town about 60 miles away – and have watched it once the DVD was delivered earlier this week by Amazon.

Regardless of from where on the political spectrum you hail, you should see this film. Reflect on the information it presents and consider what it may mean for our economy and even more importantly our national security.

It will show at the Ross Theater in Lincoln, NE starting Friday, January 24 and thru Thursday, January 30. The film is targeting being shown in all 50 state capitols on its current tour.

Did you know?:

– that the median wage for Americans, adjusted for inflation, has stagnated since 1978 – and is actually a little lower today than it was way back then?

– that the American economy is dependent upon consumer spending for 70% of its total?

– that the decline in the median wage is directly correlated to the decline in union membership?

(Note: whatever may be the cons of unions, it is readily apparent that they helped represent employees in dealings with businesses.

An individual is pretty powerless against companies and economic policies. Banding together can often help offset some of that powerlessness.

– huge numbers of American jobs have been eliminated by technological automation? Many of these jobs were middle-class-sustaining jobs.

– huge numbers of American jobs have been off shored over the last 40 years?

The trends started in manufacturing – but with the hyper connected world, ANYTHING that can de digitalized, can be “shipped” anywhere in the world. Tom Friedman in his “The World is Flat” spoke about USA tax returns being completed in India by well trained folk there. He talked about digital scan results being sent anywhere in the world to be read by a trained and smart technician or doctor.

– that in August there were 3.9 million open jobs in the USA – and 11.9 official job seekers? Add to that millions of “unoffical” or not counted job seekers and it is obvious that there are not enough jobs.

So – what to conclude?

With the purchasing power of the middle class eroded by both job loss and wage stagnation, should we expect consumer spending to continue to drive 70% of our economy? Will that be 70% of a much smaller total?

Employers typically hire because of market demand. There is no economic incentive to hire if there is no revenue to be had as payback for the added labor expense.

If our economy is now looking at a new and lower level of demand, what might be the effects over time on the security and “greatness” of our country?

Governments make the rules of their ecomonies. Should we consider tweaking some of the rules to make adjustments for and strengthen our economy?

As usual, I sure don’t have the answers. But as Socrates taught us: the wise person (OK – in his time it was wise “men”!!!) knows one thing – and that is that they don’t know everything and don’t even know enough.

PLEASE SEE THIS FILM – and with an open mind. Then reflect upon it and decide for yourself if you agree or disagree – and if you agree, what, if anything you wish to do about it.

I followed a post by Mother Jones last night – and viewed many video clips they offered of Chris Christie treating normal people very inappropriately. In those same clips, however, he appeared to address questions and issues in a straightforward manner – which I found very refreshing for a politician.

IMO, too many politicians talk a lot and say very, very little – unless they are in a “safe” crowd – defined as one where their message will be appealing and not leaked out or not shared externally (oops, says Mitt Romney !!!).

So what to do? My opinion is that the voters of NJ get to decide how to evaluate the rough side of their governor with other behaviors he displays – and with his positions on issues. If I remember correctly, NJ voters reelected this man by a very healthy margin. Is it appropriate for me, the lil ole Cornhusker to question a strong majority of NJ voters?

Now, if I ever get to vote in an election where this guy is a candidate, I will evaluate my choices, each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses (which they are forever trying to hide from us) and cast my ballot.

Of course, in Nebraska independents do not get to vote in GOP primary elections – so I may never get the chance !!!

One last point: most often in the Christie videos, the questioner or “citizen” was pretty uncivil as well. So maybe all of us have a lesson to learn here – can we discuss and debate with civility?

Postscript: the bridge issue is not yet done. Recently uncovered messaging seems to indicate that possibly two others on Christie’s staff knew of the action and supported it.This includes the individual that the Governor appointed to lead the investigation into the issue. Hmmmm … the story may yet unfold and the Governor may be more entangled that he claims !! Time and news will tell.