Back on the kleptocracy, and it looks like the Chamber of Commerce is working to keep its position at the trough by threatening to go to war with the incoming Obama administration. It seems that the Chamber is concerned about how new or revised regulations that reverse the Bush-era’s kleptocracy may affect the Chamber. The Chamber, of course, opposes the rules, claiming that they will benefit plaintiffs’ trial lawyers.

Classic diversion tactic, as the Chamber fails to take responsibility for its role in the financial meltdown. In fact, the Chamber got paid handsomely to lobby against regulation.  In their rush to demonize trial lawyers, the Chamber always forgets to mention its role in lobbying for failed insurance giant, AIG. I’m going to guess that when and if the real story of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce gets told, trial lawyers will be the least of their concerns.

Meanwhile, let’s be clear about a few things. Americans of all backgrounds, ages, races, and political persuasions voted for change. The kleptocracy is over. No more feeding at the trough. It’s time to put regulations in place because taxpayers–and our children–are going to pay for your greed and the lack of oversight that got us here. It’s time that corporations paid their fair share of taxes. It’s time to make sure that juries decide product safety issues. It’s time for equal pay for the same work, regardless of race or gender. In short, the Chamber of Commerce’s time at the trough is over.

David Sugerman

Leave it to The Onion to have its own unique view of the outcome of the presidential race. Note that it contains salty language, so if words you can’t say on broadcast TV offend, don’t go there.

I was taken by both senators’ speeches Tuesday night. Senator McCain’s concession was moving and healing. He was profoundly eloquent about our race history. Quieting those who booed Senator Obama’s name was likewise classy. I wish that guy had run for office, as I didn’t really see that Senator McCain in this election.

Senator Obama left me in tears. As I’ve said before, regardless of who you support and what happens, we’re better as a country for his candidacy. There’s plenty to dislike in any politician, and president-elect Obama is no exception. Still, regardless of who you supported and how you voted, it seems like the rivals’ efforts to find common ground should be adopted by all of us.

There are very few defining moments in our nation. Middle-aged Americans probably can tell you all about a few, including the 911 attacks and their aftermath, the fall of the Berlin wall, the resignation of President Nixon, the end of the Vietnam War, and the assassinations of the Kennedys and Rev. King. Older Americans could supplement the list, and maybe some would quibble with what I included and what I left out.

Regardless, Tuesday was a night of history.

David Sugerman

Allan cuts my hair and has for years. Nice guy. He does a good job, considering what he has to work with. We invariably talk about things trivial and weighty, and while we’re different politically and socially, we share wicked senses of humor and fundamental respect for differences.

So Allan and I fell to talking about the presidential contest. I’ll probably misquote him, but the dialogue went something like this:

“I’m a life-long Republican,” he volunteered,  “Still have to admit that I would enjoy the hell out of watching a black couple walk into the white house, ” he added.

“Through the front door?” I asked.  “And not even wearing uniforms?” I deadpanned.

We both broke into laughter. I suppose some would label the exchange inappropriate, politically incorrect, or–worst of all–sophomoric.  Still it was a great moment.

See, we’re both old enough to know that this is something that is profoundly different.

I have to say that I wept last night watching Senator Obama’s acceptance speech.  Don’t misunderstand me. This isn’t about the candidate. Truth is that I have questions about his candidacy.  I don’t share a number of his views and poisitions.

Nope, it’s about us.

Even though I am only middle-aged, I have lived from the days of lingering Jim Crow laws, of Dr. King, of the civil rights murders and lynchings through to this day when an energetic, accomplished and brilliant African American family may occupy the White House.  I cried last night because it says that for all of our flaws and warts and starts and stops that we have made progress as a people.

This isn’t meant as paean or love letter to Senator Obama.  It is instead a joyous note to mark a moment of American progress.  It’s American progress that is fundamental and true regardless of who we support and what we believe.  No matter the outcome of this election, we are changed as a people, I think, by these times. That is worth an outpouring of tears of joy.

David Sugerman