Devalued by Romney

Much has been written about Mitt Romney’s overseas trip this past week. One of the most deconstructed exchanges has been his comparison of Israel and Palestine.

While in Israel, he spoke at length about the difference in Israeli and Palestinian economic situations, comparing the two countries' GDP, (gross domestic product) and pointing out that Israel's GDP is much higher than Palestine's. His interpretation of that was that Israel is populated by a higher class of people with a better developed “culture".  "…and as I come here and look out over this city and consider the accomplishments of the people of this nation, I recognize the power of at least culture and a few other things."

What eye thynk: “…a few other things”? Really, that’s the best his speech writers could do?

The difference in these two countries’ economic picture has very little to do with “culture” and much to do with economic sanctions forced upon the people of Palestine by the government of Israel. No country can develop a prosperous economy if its citizens are isolated, forbidden trade and restricted from regular, gainful employment.

All of that is obvious to anyone, (except, apparently, Mitt),  and has been dissected by every media outlet over the past few days; but what struck me the most about Mr. Romney’s speech wasn’t the summary of his judgment, but the criteria that he used.

His determination of each country’s “accomplishments” was based solely on their monetary worth--not education, not customs, not religion, not art or music, not family unit, not morality--simply by how much money they have. Can anyone listen to his words and believe that he would judge the 99% in this country any differently?

The man has only one yardstick--money--and if you don’t have it, you are inferior. I may be holding onto the lower end of the middle class by my fingernails, but that doesn’t make me less worthy of notice as a person and citizen of this country.

The fact that the possibility exists that we could elect a man who would impugn my value based simply on the state of my bank account angers me.  And if you’re one of the 99%, it should anger you too.