(TriceEdneyWire.com) - In parts of our nation, people worry about tornados and hurricanes. Some worry about devastating floods or raging forest fires. Others worry about blizzards, terrorist attacks or other unexpected events. If you live and work in Washington, DC, the storms of life never seem to end. A struggle seems connected with every aspect of life.
I was riveted to the television during the past week watching the tragedy of the weather event in Oklahoma. I grieved watching stories of those who had lost their homes, their businesses and their lives. The pain grew even greater as I listened to urgent pleas from those asking Americans to come together to support the rebuilding efforts of our citizens in the most-affected areas. In the background of my emotions, I could not help wonder why something so horrific must happen to bring Americans together.
Unfortunately, within 24 hours of the Oklahoma news coverage, Congressional leaders rejoined their partisan acrimony and bickering. In the face of the great tragedy for the people of Moore, OK, few legislators could bring themselves to call a truce to make life better for them or for other Americans. Not all Americans experienced the violence of the Boston bombings nor were we all involved in the Waco tragedy weeks before that, but all Americans desire security from the respective storms in their lives -- and we look to our leaders to help us.
It seems that we’re a nation that cares only when things presented to us are unimaginably devastating. We often place little value on the principle of pro-activity, and pay little attention to preventing tragedies before they occur. Because of political wrangling and an apparent priority to thwart the President-- jobs, businesses and programs that could revitalize our economy are left withering on the vine. Government can’t work optimally, to the benefit of our country, because some politicians choose to derail the appointment confirmation process of talented executives or jurists whose expertise languishes in inactivity.
Yes, we have a right to know what happened in Benghazi, what really happened at the IRS and the why of the AP story—but should we ignore that millions of Americans outside "Tornado Alley" are still under- or unemployed and they, too, are losing their homes and precious possessions? Are obstructionist leaders taking the time to see the tragedy in young people preparing themselves for jobs that won't be available to them? Have they looked with clarity at the obstacles preventing many from preparation for productive livelihoods? Do they see the obscenity of wasting time and money voting 37 times to repeal a law that has been affirmed by the Supreme Court and the re-election of the President? Or, do they care that healthcare costs are a leading cause of bankruptcy and can ruin the financial lives of otherwise well-prepared retirees?
Tragedies come in many forms. They needn't be as immediate or dramatic as the events of Moore, OK, but the pain of loss is just as great. I pray that the OK senators who voted against disaster aid for the East Coast understand that now. Leaders in Washington can prevent many disasters if only they would. If they’d legislate on the basis of what is good for their constituents and America, instead of loyalty to Mitch McConnell's pledge to scuttle the Obama Presidency, some of the disasters we witness wouldn’t exist.
At some point, grown-ups must prevail! The silliness must stop! I fear that too many obstructionists are perfectly willing to wait until 2017 before they act to prevent or resolve the disasters that impact us. We, the people, must stand up to the obstructionists and tell them, “Enough! Stop the games and work for the good of the people you serve!”
(Dr. E. Faye Williams is National Chair of the National Congress of Black Women. 202/678-6788. www.nationalcongressbw.org)