In the Midst of Tragedy, We Cannot Forget the Shenanigans at the Capital and Issues in American Society

This is almost a heresy during this week to bring it up. This tragedy is terrible, but we cannot forget that there are several hot-button issues that up on the plate in Washington.

For starters, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is still in the hot-seat due to the firings of the eight U.S. District Attorneys. Yes, he has a lot to answer for. Although he got a reprieve recently due to current events, he can't stay away forever. He has to answer for his part in this drama. And, the oversight committee that is looking into this matter has to stay on their job and get to the bottom of this because it points to further corruption that has been going on in the current Administration.

And then, there is the voting rights issue for the District of Washington. The citizens of this area are Americans who deserve a full and equal voice in the federal government as much as anyone else in the United States. They need to have more than a representative in Congress. They need to have one with voting rights in federal business that counts.

Clearly and succinctly, DC Fusion delves into this aspect on his blog, "Scripted Musings for No one in Particular". Find out more about this pertinent issue by reading his entries. He has written two very good, recent pieces on this subject that points out the issues intelligently of why the citizens of DC deserve equal representation in government.

Lest we forget the conflict in Iraq and the war drums toward Iran. This is something that is very pertinent in terms of national and foreign policy. Yes, Mr. Bush had gone "out of his way" to show compassion to the fallen this week. However, that does not excuse him and the rest of his cronies in office for what they have done in terms of whittling away civil liberties and concocting a war based on fabrication. They still need to be asked about these matters. And most of all, the Congress must work to bring a change in the policies of the Middle East and work on bringing our men and women home.

Last but not least, the Don Imus occurrence last week must not be forgotten. Sure, he's fired from his job. And, he might potentially be rehired again. But his words have uncovered a deeper issue within the social fabric of American society that goes beyond First Amendment rights. It's not about having the freedom to say whatever you want. It's about what you use with that freedom of speech, especially when it has to do with respect and conscience. The problem here is that the past event with the talk show host has revealed that America has to be serious about discussing social disparity and race in the United States. People cannot remain silent and brush it off with convenient, but inocuous "catch phrases" meant to dismiss experiences and demean the speakers. We need to settle down and start trying to heal the rifts that have occurred due to culture and social awareness.