Sunday, November 20, 2011

look at the mess

Mike Luckovich's cartoon depicts what we assume to be wealthy businessmen looking down upon the recently evacuated Occupy Wall Street camp at Zuccotti Park. The businessmen are situated on top of a large pile of collapsed Wall Street buildings, representing the U.S. financial collapse. The destruction created by the bankers looms over the meager campsite at Zuccotte Park, which has only a few tents. The irony of the businessman's comment- "Look at the mess those protesters left behind"- emphasizes hypocrisy and skewed perspectives of the wealthy on Wall Street who have contributed to many of the problems that caused the Occupy Wall Street protests.

This cartoon emphasizes the obscene power that many of the businessmen of America hold, compared to the average citizens found among the Occupy Wall Street protests. Additionally, this cartoon serves as a commentary on the disparity between the crimes and related consequences of the protesters and those of the investors. Lastly, the businessmen are almost blind to the results of their actions, instead focusing on the "mess" the protesters have left behind. Luckovich's point of view is similar to that of many left-leaning, or even average, Americans in his understanding of the injustice of the financial market as it is today. Many Americans feel that the mess made in the wake of the financial collapse of 2008 has yet to be cleaned up, and efforts by protesters to raise awareness about the situation have been quickly dismissed.

"i stand before you today... united with you to restoring our nation and reviving the american dream."

{quote by Rick Perry}

Though many (myself included) have dismissed Rick Perry due to his poor debate performances and series of campaign missteps, he is a plausible "anti-Romney" Republican candidate. He has a strong record of reform in Texas, where he has served as governor, and he also has strong leadership qualities. He has stuck by his ideals, defending his claim that Social Security is a "Ponzi-scheme." For better or for worse, this kind of kind of dedication to policy goals may resonate with voters. If people start to focus on these things as opposed to the mishaps the press focuses on, Perry could have a good shot at the Republican nomination.

However, Perry's campaign could most definetely go in the opposite direction. Some of the qualities that could draw people towards him could also push voters away: his steadfast conservative radicalism (as evidenced by his plans to cut governmental departments and programs) and his record in Texas may bode poorly with many moderate voters. Furthermore, with President Bush's term still fresh in Americans' minds, many voters may be wary of electing a similar figure like Perry into office.