Connie Lawn’s Column: Snowed In

A Russian leader once said, the best way to conquer America is to dump a few inches of snow on Washington, D.C. Then the people panic, the city and suburbs are paralyzed and nothing gets done. That is only partially true in this, the great snowfall of 2009.

To many in this so – called southern city it appears to be a blizzard, but it is actually an enormous dump. The snow has been coming down for nearly two days. At times, the visibility is white out. The snow blows sideways, and stings the face. The few cars that venture on the roads slip, slide, and cannot make it up the hills. The Metro has curtailed service, because outdoor tracks are exposed, and covered with ice and snow. Anyone homeless in these conditions is really suffering – we pray they have all found warmth and shelter.

Most social events have been cancelled, and that is a real loss on this, the last weekend before Christmas. The big round of White House Christmas parties ended last week, and they were marvelous. The Obamas did a terrific job, and no crashers got in! I am pleased the snow did not come last week.

Merchants have been counting on this time to hold major holiday sales, and earn back some of the money they failed to make in these hard times. Many of the sales people are holding temporary jobs, and counted on these days to earn money, so they could pay rent, salvage their homes, or treat their families. This is a bad time for a major snow storm. But, sales have been made on the internet. And, the storm may have reduced some of the mercenary aspects of Christmas.

In time, the snow ends, and the joys of the season emerge. Sleigh riding, skiing, and snowboarding remind everyone of the gifts nature sometimes bring. There is little thought of global warming in these conditions. The inconclusive ending of the Copenhagen Climate Conference makes headlines, but most Americans are shaking them off, at least for this week.

President Obama and the Senators are using the time provided by the blizzard to get things done. The President returned to Washington from Copenhagen at nearly two in the morning. At the chaotic meeting he issued some tough talk, and tried to make the best of the little that was accomplished. Hours later, he was verbally knocking heads together among the Senators. He and his staff persuaded, pleaded, and threatened, but they got 60 Democratic and Independent Senators to vote for a health care reform bill. There were some advances in it, but compromises were made about abortion funding and Government health insurance. The bill needs to be reconciled with the House of Representatives, and millions of Americans continue to oppose so-called “Obama Care.”

The Senators also voted on a 636 billion dollar measure to fund the military until the end of September. 128 billion dollars of that bill goes towards funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Critics say that is not enough, if the President is able to send the 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. There are also funds in the bill for more aircraft, which the White House and Pentagon say are not needed. But, that is all part of the political process.

So many problems remain unsolved. Millions remain out of work, and thousands continue to lose their homes. The national debt is in the trillions. No one can really comprehend these figures, but they are serious. Terrorism and warfare persist, and some home grown fanatics are planning attacks in this country. Things may be turning around slowly in this country, and the world, but it is a long process.

Until then, go out and play in the snow. Throw some snowballs at friends and foes alike, and vow to survive whatever comes at you! - Connie Lawn

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

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