PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In two locations, we got a real-life civics lesson this past week. In Washington, Elon Musk emerged as the political +1 of President-elect Donald Trump. And in Philadelphia, democracy showed up in all its loud and messy forms.
Trump tried to blow up a budget bill that was meant to avoid a government shutdown. Turns out it wasn't easy.
In the end, the original bipartisan bill made a comeback, with overwhelming support from both parties. Fellow Republicans (except for 39 of them) openly defied the not-yet-president by denying his demand to increase the debt limit.
Thus, a budget crisis was averted, and we learned that Musk seems to revel in political power — more seductive than money for the world's richest man.
Back in Philadelphia, the cacophopny of Democracy came to bear on City Council's approval, last Thursday, of the 76ers' massive new East Market Street arena project.
There was heated protest. There were scuffles and some arrests. And City Council OKed the massive 76ers arena project. Arguing is part of our democracy, and the arena project was marked by "the process," in a battle that lasted over a year.
It was a victory for Mayor Cherelle Parker, the unions who will build it, and the team. And the mayor, City Council, the people of Chinatown, the team owners, and the union members should all be commended for this open process.
Now we must hope that the team itself gets unbroken — before ground is broken.
As the pre-holiday politicking shows us, there is no shortage of conflict. I noticed more self-help content in all mesia — on subjects like how to deal with family stress, food, spending, keeping the household peaceful, being nice to others. I don't have the answer to most of these questions, but my take is simple: Just try to live in the moment and, if you're able, enjoy it.
Happy holidays!