February 19, 2009
Response to President Obama's Economic Stimulus Package
The winds of change and hope were fierce in Denver on Tuesday as President Obama breezed into town to sign the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. But, a 56-year-old black teacher who cares for her 92-year-old mother took all the air out of the event with one simple observation: “He made history. But it doesn’t help me.”
While the President toured the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and signed into law the multi billion dollar stimulus package, bystanders, protesters and gawkers gathered outside, offering their perspectives on what the stimulus package meant to them.
Some were optimistic, like a Turkish American student of 29 years who stated that the package, “is a great step for nation’s future.” He added, “it’s time to make an investment in America, our nation; in American roads, healthcare and schools.”
This optimism seemed to override the negativity, while still laced with curiosity. “I’m happy they left a fair amount for the arts,” a white mother of two said. As her daughter dealt the crowd her own stimulus package, chocolate chip cookies, she added that she was “worried about the republican buy in,” and felt that the act “lost it’s luster.” She felt optimistic, however that arts spending stimulated the economy.
In between glances across police tape and squad cars, a few people addressed the dangers of such sweeping action. A high school student who volunteers at the state capitol said, “We’re going to lose more jobs. We will be in a downfall.” He held a sign that said Obama’s Hope + Change = Fear. Nearby a white, female retired Denver police officer offered, “this the most outrageous money grab this country will ever see. Congress and Obama are forgetting they work for us. It’s immoral and it will put us in debt for a long time.” Optimism was bookended by skepticism, adulation and abhorrence side by side.
Many felt the President was off to a great start and recognized his hard work. Michael, a black out of work journeyman and painter of 52 years felt that the act meant hope. “It’s a long road to recovery, the beginning of being patient.” Steps away from Michael, a white carpenter of 26 years also felt optimistic in saying that the act would eventually enable us to get back to business. “It will mean a lot to all of us… in time.”
The crowd swelled over the mid afternoon as the President signed the Act into law inside the museum and took a tour of the Museum’s new solar technology, and perspectives on the street reflected the confusion, confidence and frustration that exists today nationwide. A former warehouse worker of 54 reflected on history and reminded us that our problems are historical and fanned by recent wars for which he holds Bush responsible. “We got to go back to when Bush was in office – His daddy. Them folks [in Iraq] been fighting that war since Jesus was around.” He added that he was a Vietnam vet and that his experience colored his perspective by saying, “I did my time.” Bringing it home, he focused on the future and the long run. “The little ones’ll have to pay.” We both watched as the little girl with the chocolate chip cookies ran out of treats for the crowd.
The prevailing thought in the dust gusts and honking, passing cars and trucks was that of hope and optimism, even though those thoughts were laced with frustration and confusion. From the former teacher who first voted in 1960 – “My job is secure, but I think it should be directed towards those who have lost their homes.” – to Denise Wisdom, the Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Area Urban League – “This is the road to recovery for our families sustain ourselves. A chance to prosper and thrive.” – people remain vigilant and on the watch as President Obama strives to pull America out of the grips of economic peril. There are mixed emotions brewing around the country. And this small microcosm of the American psyche is just a portion of the plethora of stories to be told as we watch our country mend itself and heal. The final word came from a local soldier for change, Jeff Fard, Founder and CEO of the Brother Jeff Cultural Center who said, “This goes beyond the stimulus package. It represents opportunities for people to turn their lives around and hopefully creation of jobs.” True optimism from a slice of the American populous. The winds rage on and carry our stories, anger and hope forward.
All Power To The People
Jwhpage
