WS Chronicle

By James B. Ewers Jr.

“Can’t find no work, can’t find no job my friend. Money is tighter than it’s ever been.” Marvin Gaye, an old school crooner, made these words come alive in his hit record, “What’s Happening Brother.”

Marvin Gaye passed away on April 1, 1984, yet his melody rings true today, especially if you work for the federal government. The partial shutdown of the government is now in its 34th day (at the time of publishing) with no end in sight. Thousands of federal workers are being adversely affected by this work stoppage. Food inspectors, TSA workers, staffers in national parks and at the Smithsonian to name a few are all out of work.

The President of the United States wants to build a wall or some type of barrier at the Mexican border. He is disturbed that he can’t get his way. When the Republicans controlled both the Senate and the House, he couldn’t get legislation to pass, so now with the Democrats in control of the House, it’s really going to be rough sledding. It is my opinion that a compromise must be made sooner rather than later.

The problem is that a few in his party don’t want to barter. I believe that Senator Mitch McConnell is intimidated by Mr. T, for some reason. As a result, his leadership is becoming weak and puny. In some eyes, Senator Lindsey Graham is among just a few fearless warriors left in the Grand Old Party. The others are what I would call seasonal minions. They say yes to Mr. T even before he asks the question.

Federal workers now out of work and with ever shrinking nest eggs have resorted to going to food banks. The news is filled with stories about federal workers seeking assistance. Rallies have taken place in cities like Chicago, Minneapolis and Dallas. David Baker, an out-of-work air traffic controller said, “It’s extremely disappointing to know that our leaders can’t get something done.” He added, “It’s hard to prioritize whether to go to the grocery store or pay your mortgage.” Like many people in America, I am upset that one man can hold the entire country hostage.

There are approximately 800,000 workers affected by this shutdown. Mr. T is mindless about how this is hurting families and children. He is clueless and insensitive when it comes to people needing money to pay for their bills and daily upkeep.

He is the leader of a group who practices narcissism every day. The president has never experienced hardship in his life and therefore doesn’t feel any economic pain. He was born into privilege so when you and I talk about tough times, he simply can’t relate. What’s more shocking is that he doesn’t want to understand the plights of other people.

His overall insensitivity has shown its ugly self on so many fronts. Just consider his comments about the racial uprising in Charlottesville to his separating children from their families in this border dispute. He doesn’t care and won’t change from his current demeanor. He is locked into meanness and self-centeredness.

Yet we the people have an opportunity to unmask this charade that is currently trolling around in the White House. We must contact our congressional officials who we elected to let them know we are tired of this 21st century tyranny.  We want better and we demand better!

This is our America.

James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D. is a former tennis champion at Atkins High School in Winston-Salem and played college tennis at Johnson C. Smith University, where he was all-conference for four years.  He is a retired college administrator.  He can be reached at ewers.jr56@yahoo.com