My Political Quandary

Tonight, thank heavens, is the last night of the conventions. Hopefully McCain has practiced his speech to the point he can deliver it without putting me to sleep. It's important to hear what he has to say. After all, he is the nominee and he and his take on the issues are what need to be compared to Obama's. Not Sarah Palin's.

I'm going to be in a quandary now. As most of my readers know, I've been a Republican most of my adult life. I switched to Independent with somewhat Libertarian leanings when I became interested enough in politics to really pay attention.

So here is my quandary. There are a lot of Obama's programs and tax and spend philosophy I don't agree with. The poor house is already too close for this old lady. There is no way he can raise the monies necessary for his programs by taxing only the rich and closing corporate loopholes. What I do sense is genuine concern for us and sincerity about changing the way the government goes about it's business - which, of course, is ours.

On the Republican side, I have no idea what John McCain really believes about anything other than it seems to be his God given right to be President. The maverick in him scares me more than it represents change.

One thing to remember is that no matter who wins, he can do no more than Congress allows. Unless the Bush practice of signing statements, which in effect, allows the administration to ignor that which they have just signed into law, remain a common practice.

I would be happy if every incumbent in Congress was thrown out of office. Their performance is that dismal. Will the Alaskans sent Ted Stevens back to the Senate? Will Louisiana send William Jefferson back to the House? Both are under indictment and both are likely to be re-elected. I'm weary of the "throw all the bums out except ours" that keeps these people feeding from the public trough. Our trough.

So tonight is important. Will McCain give a speech of substance and delineate some actual policy or continue the sarcasm from last night? Time will tell. Obama, at least, still holds to his word to run a different kind of campaign.

No matter, however, it's time to pay close to the Congressional races too. The government tends to be totally dysfunctional when one party holds both the White House and the Congress. The question is who do we want where?

Obama And The Change Factor

I've been getting quite a chuckle listening to the talking heads gleefully suggesting McCain has knocked Obama and his "change" mantra right out of the ball park. The McCain choice is real change! Joe Biden is just another old political insider.

You know how they chortle every time a politician inserts foot in mouth because they have it on video? Well, they might want to check some of their own. Just after Obama gave the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic convention he was anointed as the future of the party. Not long after, these same talking heads were suggesting he should run for President in 2008. Why? Because he was a fresh face without the baggage of someone like Hillary! Finishing his current term as Senator, plus another, would open the door to decisions he'd have to defend.

Good campaign professionals joined his team and he made the decision to run. And run he did, beating the "inevitable" Hillary. Wow. Then all of a sudden these same talking heads were bemoaning his lack of experience, his naivete, his unproven judgement. So he does the prudent in choosing a running mate. He chooses a man who knows his way around the playing field in Washington, knows what's fair and what's foolish and has expertise in areas where Obama is lacking. That he is a bit of an outspoken maverick himself has gone unmentioned, but he's not your usual go along to get along Senator. That in itself is change.

Then there is McCain and the woman he met twice before choosing her for his ticket. He really wanted Lieberman but the quartet running his campaign finally convinced him the party would revolt, especially the conservative wing. This, too, is change but not exactly what any thinking voter would envision!

Today the scuttlebutt is, due to some questionable issues becoming public, Palin may withdraw shortly after the convention. I wouldn't hold my breath on this one today, but tomorrow may be a different story. Just think; then McCain would get to appoint another running mate, re-opening the door for Lieberman.

Well, there goes "change". The image of Lieberman at McCain's side reminding him there is no longer a Czeckoslovakia and that the Sunni's and the Shiia are different haunts me.

What is it I mentioned in yesterday's post? The VIce President's main job is inquiring daily about the President's health. And reminding him of the world as it is today. That's change. An added responsibility. Lieberman is 66. That shouldn't be too taxing if McCain keeps to his current schedule of one campaign stop a day and week ends off.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring!

After The Hype Remember al-Maliki And Friends

I was watching Meet the Press this morning and was reminded what a wonderful wit John McCain has. Back when asked by Kerry to consider joining the ticket he declined, saying "The vice president’s only real job is to inquire daily about the health of the president.”

Granted, his opinion may have changed, but it does give me pause. But then I never appreciated his "humor" in the first place.

This attitude is not all bad though. It gives me a certain comfort zone knowing he is not likely to give Ms. Palin anywhere near the power Bush has allowed Cheney.

It's her lack of foreign policy experience you see. Because these guys in the picture are still looming regardless of how little time the press is giving them at the moment. The administration has finally come to the point where negotiations for our withdrawal from Iraq have become a reality. The stumbling block, as one would expect, are the terms. Iraq wants a firm timeline, a la Obama. The administration does not, a la McCain. Iraq wants to call the shots and al-Maliki is flexing his muscles one more time. He has replaced his former negotiating team, since they couldn't seem to get past the deadlock, and replaced them with three of his closest aides who are more likely to get his bidding done.

It never ceases to amaze me that the American voter gets so hung up on who they'd most like to have a beer with and who is most like themselves rather than questioning who would best surround himself with people strong enough and wise enough to handle such negotiations without further jeopardizing our country's well being. Why aren't we looking at people who have good educational credentials, a proven record of good judgement; not necessarily in politics but in life?

Celebrity politicians do not serve us well. McCain complained about Obama being little more than a Britney or Paris yet most of what I saw yesterday on the Palin introductory tour was her signing autographs - like a Britney or a Paris. Hello?

Sometimes I dispare that we who have lived through so many administrations cannot get our voice heard; or worse, that it's not listened to. Why is that? Because we are old? I'm fortunate to have a cadre of like minded seniors who read and comment to one another on a regular basis. They are mostly ladies and a few really great guys. It's my comfort zone because I don't feel quite so alone in my thinking.

But our preaching to the choir of which we are all members is not enough. Our voices should be heard and listened to. We've seen and lived through an awful lot. We know the red flags when we see them and we know the consequences when they are not heeded. We are living through just such a stage at this very moment.

So when a collective group of John McCain's peers, age wise, are leery of him as President, take heed. He is quite likely to have Joe Lieberman as either Secretary of State or Defense. Why? Because of their friendship. He couldn't have Lieberman as Vice President and Lieberman wants it.

Consider this. Is it prudent to have a Jewish Secretary of State or Defense with the turmoil we are facing and will continue to face in the middle east?

Temperament is another issue. This is all about judgement.

The VP As Spouse!

When 24/7 news coverage is running thin it never ceases to amaze me what they'll do to fill air time. Yesterday began the parade of relationship experts guesting with the talking heads and expounding about what sort of chemistry the President and VP should have to be a successful team. Not unlike that of a marriage. Never mind the thought that the most qualified person to take over the job of President if need be might be a prime consideration. For this news cycle it is secondary.

Here's my take. McCain/Lieberman are the best match - a couple of old folks well past their prime, comfortable with one another and equally out of touch with the thinking of the current generation. A couple that knows one another so well, one can touch the sleeve of the other and correct egregious lapses of memory. Had McCain remained married to his first wife they might share such a relationship.

More in keeping with his current spouse I'd pick Romney. Younger and prettier with unknown substance.

As for Obama, I'd have to go with Joe Biden. His personality most closely matches Michelle's. Feisty. Though he sometimes puts his foot in his mouth from a political point of view, with careful listening to the substance he would be found to be right on the money. Well grounded with a strong personality.

From the looks of the photo he also has that terrorist fist bump down pat!

Who knows who the final picks will be or what they will or will not bring to the tickets or our collective peace of mind? I just hope both candidates have considered what concerns me most. Again, who is most able to run the country if need be. Not who is likely to generate the most votes in the key states.

Time will tell.

Meanwhile, Back In Iraq...

In our world of Presidential politics, we have John McCain speaking in platitudes about how all his "experience", like being a prisoner of war for five years in lieu of being in combat, has better prepared him for the role of commander-in-chief than the thoughtful Barack Obama. He has bragged incessantly that he had proposed the "surge" strategy long before it was adopted and in essence is taking credit for its success.

Right. Now that the Georgian/Russian situation is rambling on to who knows what conclusion and our ally, if a somewhat shaky one, Musharraf of Pakistan has been sent packing, it's time to return to the scenes of yesteryear! The war in Iraq!

Yep. It's still going on, so I decided to revisit the "surge" strategy to see if it's still holding. An AP article gave me a good start. First, though, we need to remember the reason for the surge. It was to quell the violence enough so the government had time to make some headway on goals we had set for them, including rebuilding their military to the point they can begin standing on their own.

We found this was easier said than done so we embarked on what I always felt was an ill conceived strategy. The Sunni portion of the population were getting tired of al-Quida, the out of country mischief makers, interrupting their efforts to regain their place from the Shiia who control the government. So they joined forces with the U.S. to defeat al-Quida Iraq. For a price; some $200 million total! We paid them and trained them and armed them. We made them mercenaries and because we were, essentially the highest bidder, they did our bidding. Not for just the money, mind you. As in any good drama, they had an ulterior motive. Get rid of al-Quida so they could get back to trying to vanquish the Shiia. They succeeded, to a point. Al-Quida Iraq has been pretty well decimated.

But, uh oh! A glitch! Now the Shiia are flexing their muscles against the Sunni fighters, our allies in the surge. They want no part of the Sunnis regaining any sort of foothold. One Shiia official said, "The continuation of the Awakening Councils as they are now is unacceptable."

From the opposing side, this,"We fought the Americans for four years and we fought al-Quida too. We are an experienced armed group. We are fully capable of bringing the house down." "An experienced armed group." Yep $200 million worht!

And from the American side, our guys in the middle, this, "It has put money in the local economy and reduced attacks on coalition forces. You can see where the money is going - an irrigation pump here, a renovated house there."

Do we need a reality check or what? They are lucky if they have electricity in Baghdad four hours a day!

The Sunni tribesmen who joined with U.S. forces were named the Awakening Councils. Yeah. They were wide awake to the multitude of benefits they might derive.

This is what the "surge" has wrought. We have helped rearm a contingent of the population bent on destroying those currently holding the cards. We are right smack dab in the middle. Does a re"surge"nt possibility of civil war ring a bell?

If this is the measure of success of which McCain boasts of being the mastermind, I'll take my chances with a more thoughtful Obama in a New York minute!

Saddleback Forum

I wasn't going to post on this subject but one thing that came out of it sticks in my craw and I'll feel better getting it out of my system.

I watched bits and pieces of it. I was not comfortable that one specific religious movement, the Evangelicals, were allowed such a forum. It is perilously close to violating the precept I have of division of church and state. In a country that prides itself on "freedom" of religion, this appears as a special dispensation for one group to put forth a litmus test.

That aside, I found the questions to be far less hard hitting than the hype suggested they would be. Each candidate answered as they have been campaigning. In the wrap up, talking heads accused Obama of being "nuanced". I took it as thoughtful.

McCain relied on his status as a prisoner of war and spoke in the generalities his audience wanted to hear. I found little value in any of it. Except when, as he has before, John McCain gave his stump speech promise that he will follow Bin Laden to "the gates of hell" to bring him to justice and that he knows how to do it.

If this is so, the "I know how to do it" bit, has he not an obligation to share such insight with the current administration and the rest of the world? I think, of course, it's more of his war hero and commander in chief rhetoric. If it's not just a boast, and he knows something others do not it is a betrayal of the American people.

Which ever it is, it is ill conceived.

What Does His Humor Say About This Man?

My Republican past keeps me looking at John McCain to find something to like. It is still within the realm of possibility he will be President. So far nothing registers.

Not only do I have no idea what he stands for other than what is politically expedient at the moment, I find his mean spirited negative campaigning totally tasteless. As is his humor as witnessed in his ape/rape joke and his bomb, bomb bomb Iran ditty.

Now I find he is tacitly endorsing Jerome Corsi's smear of Obama. How so? By having "no comment". To make matters worse, a Huffington Post piece even reveals that Republican stalwart, Mary Matalin, published the book and defended doing so by saying it "was not designed to be, and does not set out to be, a political book," but rather, "a piece of scholarship, and a good one at that." What am I missing here?

Many groups are now beginning to ask McCain to condemn the book. When asked for a comment McCain smilingly responded, "gotta keep your sense of humor". Is any of this funny?

McCain has accused his opponent of preferring to lose a war rather than the election. That statement is about as accurate as the assumptions made in Corsi's book.

I see it a bit differently. I see his opponent as a man who promised the American people a different type of campaign. Disregarding tons of encouragement to change his tactics along with a tremendous show of restraint and self-discipline, he has thus far refused to sink to McCain's level. To me that's to be admired, not scorned.

What did I find out about McCain? I think he's a man who has lost his grip on reality and would rather destroy a good man than lose the election.

If he does lose, it will be interesting to see if he has the ability to take it in good humor. Any bets?

It's Supposed To Be About US; Not THEM!

Each and every political animal that runs for President has one singular goal. To inhabit the Oval Office. What they seem to forget along the way is that office is ours, no matter who sits behind the desk. The desk and the office, God willing, will always be there. The occupant of the chair behind the desk will not.

I've really been irritated lately with the tone of the campaign. To Bill and Hillary. It's not about YOU! Hillary, you lost. Fair and square. Such as that is defined by politicians; especially in your camp. You have no right to make "demands" for your place in the convention and it's unconscionable to encourage your supporters to make mischief. Even if it's tacit.

Bill, you had your turn. Get over it.

I listen to comments from the McCain campaign stating that Obama would lose the war to win the election. What a reprehensible thing to say about your opponent.

That type of rhetoric along with the constant dismissal of Obama as being young and naive is running pretty thin. I do understand it. If you can't win on substance, denigrate your opponent. It's trademark American politics. I do not like it.

It makes me question whether any candidate who stoops to these tactics is worthy of the office. Our office. Why does it worry me? Because I wonder about the mentality of those they hire to advise them and what those people would do with power on a higher level. With Hillary's Mark Penn suggesting Obama isn't American enough or Joe Lieberman, a Democrat in name only, saying "Between one candidate, John McCain, who has always put his country first, worked across party lines to get things done, and one candidate that has not."

Normally I wouldn't even mention the "also rans" in a rant such as this but since John Edwards remains in the news I will add this about him. He thumbed his nose at each and every one of his supporters. I have stated my sympathy for his wife, but leave it to a man, Hub, to point out this point. She's no angel in all of this either. He admitted confessing his affair to her back in 2006. Yet, there she was front and center campaigning her heart out for him knowing full well he was lying to his constituency and helping him do it.

Yes. I've been rough on Bush and his administration. I have no apologies. I am, however, equally concerned about those who will succeed him, their character and the character of those they trust for advice and counsel.

At the moment it is not a pretty picture.

The Beer Test

Ah, walking the dog. It makes my mind wander in mysterious directions. Today I was reflecting on Doonesbury . BD is having a beer with Toggle's Mom and they're reflecting on what it would be like having a beer with George Bush. Remember that was a hot button issue on the likability scale?

Toggle's Mom concluded that it might be better to have a President who is competent rather than beer worthy. Amen to that.

Now, we know Obama drinks beer. McCain has probably tipped a few himself. I, personally, don't care to have a beer with either of them to help me decide who should be President.

I decided to consider the "worthy" scale and came up with a thought on why Obama may be a better choice. He graduated first in his class from Harvard Law. McCain graduated 894th out of a class of 899. Obama did not get into Harvard on the strength of his father's and grandfather's credentials. Did McCain get into Annapolis because of his father and grandfather being Admirals?

I thought about McCain's record after his military service. He went into politics and has been there ever since. That gives him a skewed vision or reality, that's for sure. Nothing inside the Beltway comes close to resembling it.

Obama, at least for awhile, worked outside of government.

I thought too about how much it is lamented that the best and the brightest no longer choose to engage in public service. Forget that the money isn't all that good though between salary and perks it's much better than some of our public servants could ever earn in the private sector. No. It's about the scruitny we put them and their families through over the most trivial, non-essential things.

So maybe it is time for a man of color to rise to the top. They haven't had that many opportunities and those that have are the best and the brightest of their community. We're seeing more and more of them being interviewed now that Obama has opened the door. They come from all aspects of life. It's their time and they're presenting a perspective on America we should all listen to. For Obama to have gotten to where he is today, he is the cream of the crop and so is his wife and so many more.

He has the drive, the enthusiasm, the intellect and the insight to understand our wants and needs far better than anyone I could share a beer with. That's what I'd like in our next President.

It's hot today. I'm going to head to the fridge and see if there might be a cold brew waiting. Then I'm going to sit down with my dog and Hub. Neither one would be a good President - but they're great to have a beer with.

The Reality Of Aging

While talking with a friend this morning, she commented on how I sounded like a new person. More like my old good humored self. The reason, if indeed it was true, is because of the relief of finally finding out what is wrong with my hip. We talked about how even minor aches and pains can affect our patience, tolerances and moods. We both have what I'd suppose is an average amount for women of our age - and we're well aware of how we behave and how others react to that behavior.

Then I checked my e-mail and found a note from my friends at Beacon Press. I did a book review for them awhile back. 60 On Up: The Truth About Aging in America by Lillian Rubin is a no holds barred dissertation on the realities of aging.

She is now asking why it is politically incorrect to apply those facts to John McCain. Her observations, on Beacon Broadside are sound. John McCain is by all considerations, old.

He has suffered physically and mentally more than most of us ever will, what's more be able to imagine. He is bound to be affected by that treatment as his physical prowess and mental acuity acquiesce to the aging process.

To be concerned about this should not be politically incorrect nor anti-McCain or any other label his campaign will put on it as time passes. It should be considered a prudent evaluation of his ability to sustain the rigors of the job.

I watch as he makes inappropriate jokes, I look at the advisers who surround him, I listen as he gets his facts confused and think, "This is only the campaign." I think about his temper, his denial of his own actions and wonder if he is in this mode at this point what will happen if he wins? And those aches and pains kick in? I don't want him doped up on meds to disguise them from us. I don't want him making crucial decisions while under their influence and I sure as heck don't want him contemplating war or dealing with our adversaries when his temper is short and nerves frayed.

Any President will have these types of moments, you might argue. True. But don't think for one minute they aren't magnified by age.

AP Headline: Pet owners prefer McCain over Obama

Where do they get the ideas for these polls?? And who do they actually poll? A lot of my friends, most of whom are not Democrats, prefer Obama. They also have pets.

I do admit people who love animals have an edge with me. Loving them is not necessarily synonymous with owning them. In this neck of the woods owning an animal is often no more meaningful then having a pile of junkers in the yard. Just another possession. When it becomes too expensive or inconvenient - get rid of it. That's one reason our animal shelters are always over burdened.

The article tells us McCain has at least two dogs, turtles, a cat, a ferret, three parakeets and saltwater fish.

Where does he keep them?  Phoenix, Sedona or D.C.? Who cares for them? Cindy has her charities and her beer distributorship, he has his day job as well as his campaign. Of course, there, Cindy is always at his side. Undoubtedly it's left to the "help".

The Obama family has no pets. Michelle has a full time job. Barack has a full time job in another city. I call not having pets at this point in their lives responsible.

We have a dog. And a whole lot of fish. Pond fish, an aquarium in the den and another in the office. Fish require a lot of care. Keeping an eye out for all the mysterious maladies they are prone to and trying to figure out how to treat them. Regular water and filter changes. They are part of the family. When we lose one we grieve. They have personalities like any other living creature. You, of course, know that if you care for them, not just own them.

Of course there's Bacchus. He's our fourth Saint and sixth dog over all. We got our first Saint the summer before we were married. That precluded my working. We didn't feel it was right to have a dog then leave him to his own devices for hours on end. That has been the rule ever since. One of us had to be home. And one of us always was.

So don't tell me that because McCain has a passel of animals he's more compassionate and caring than Obama. It merely means he has more possessions.

Fiscal Responsibility

Where do your campaign contributions go?

Senator Obama, Please Explain

I understand wanting to run an up and up campaign. But, sir, you do not have to run from everything a surrogate says about your opponent especially when it is true.

I was watching Bob Schieffer's interview with Wes Clark when he stated flying fighters and getting shot down did not qualify one to be commander-in-chief. Quite frankly, I agree.

Do not confuse heroism and patriotism with qualification. There is a huge difference. McCain's tenure as squadron leader, of which he touts as his experience and lasted one year, with Clark's leadership record there is no comparison. Clark is not running for President. Been there, done that. As several of his peers found out, being outspoken and truthful in today's military can endanger one's career.

But the leadership of the squadron is not the issue here. It's the fact that he was shot down, because he disobeyed an order, and endured five years as a prisoner of war. Brave? Absolutely. An inspiration to his men? Absolutely. If you believe Hillary Clinton was prepared and ready to go as commander-in-chief on day one you might buy into McCain's claim. That doesn't change the dubiousness of the reality.

Mr. Obama, if you're going to run from every "negative" the McCain camp claims, that's all you'll be doing. There is no doubt that McCain loves his country. There are, however, extenuating circumstances in the molding of the man.

They should not be discredited just because the McCain camp takes offense. Any more than you should ignore them when they patronize call you by calling you naive and inexperienced. You are neither anymore than he is everything he claims.

If you're going to be the new kind of leader we so desperately need, firm up your stand - on FISA and on McCain. You'll never get the bully pulpit if you can be bullied. Nor will you deserve it.

Funny Ha Ha Or Funny Peculiar

Peggy Noonan's column in Saturday's Wall Street Journal talked about letting the real John McCain just be himself. We all know politicians are carefully packaged for our consumption. Some have handlers that do it better than others. McCain, thus far, hasn't done so well. He's gone from everyone's "darling" to what often times appears to be a little more than a confused old warrior searching...just searching.

My readers know, though a long time Republican, McCain is not my choice for President. There seems to be an underlying mean spiritedness about him thinly disguised as humor. I don't think sarcasm plays well in a Presidential election. I don't care for the way he dismisses Obama. They may be polar opposites as to their attitudes on the issues, but Obama is the Democratic nominee and deserves at least a modicum or respect for that achievement.

According to Ms. Noonan, his friends love the "unplugged" version of McCain. The one where he "jokingly" suggested Brooke Buchanan, his spokeswoman, has money hidden in the Caymen Islands obtained from dealing drugs. That she is Pat Buchanan's illegitimate daughter (Buchanan has no children) and that she is "bipolar", a "drunk" and is "just out of Betty Ford".

Ms. Buchanan was apparently present when these comments were made and just rolled her eyes. I would suppose you could get so used to it, how it may appear to others may not occur to you.

Maybe it's just me but when every utterance that comes out of Imus's mouth, in jest, is scrutinized to the point his job is constantly in jeopardy I should thing the same should hold true for a Presidential candidate. Oh, he was just joking. It's his sense of humor.

Just ask him.  But how are the rest of us supposed to know?

The "Me" Generation

Last night should have belonged to Barack Obama. In his camp and with his family it did. With the media it was split between his historical accomplishment and Hillary Clinton's mean spirited lack of grace.

I am so tired of hearing how she has the "right" to get used to the idea that her hard fought battle has been lost. Nonsense. She's known it for quite sometime; if she hadn't she wouldn't have had to keep changing the rules to favor her. When Terry McAuliffe introduced her as "the next president" at last night's South Dakota victory speech it was a slap at Obama heard around the world.

We've a president now that has refused to recognize reality for the past six years and look at the mess we're in.   Similar tunnel vision is one reason I've not been drawn to Clinton - that, plus her sense of entitlement for which she's done nothing to earn.

For anyone who does not recognize the Clinton campaign has had nothing to do with the Democratic party nor the best interests of the United States, please, review her speech from last night. It's all about something. Hillary. Pure and simple.

Does Obama need her supporters?   To an extent and I believe most will set aside personal preference for good of party and country.

As much as I like what Barack Obama represents, I would rather see him lose the general election and maintain his integrity than win if the only way to do so is to give in to Clinton demands. And that's saying a lot because McCain frightens me too.

Someone needs to take her ego, lock it back in Pandora's box and throw away the key. Enough is enough.

What If They Throw An Election And No One Comes?

I'm marking time until the results are in tonight and the speeches have been made. I've certainly turned into a junkie.

I see Hillary is still being coy and playing word games. I'm still uncomfortable about the scenario that lurks in the wings. So I'll offer up a few thoughts while waiting.

Did Obama make some judgemental errors by not working harder in West Virginia, Kentucky and Puerto Rico? It has given Hillary a run of wins and the likelihood of winning South Dakota tonight. It adds credence to her argument.

Should Obama offer the vice presidency to Hillary? Neither she nor her people should demand it. There is no grace in that. If he does I hope there is some sort of agreement that the position is not a twofer and Bill is not welcome. Lot's of luck.

Should Obama help pay off Hillary's campaign debts? Dangerous territory. I know if I had scraped together $50 or $100 several times over to contribute to his war chest, I'd not like to see it going to Hillary, no matter what the circumstances. Besides, why should second place make demands of first place?

Is Hillary's real intention to so weaken Obama he can't win? We don't know at this point. The same could apply to her. Has she weakened herself to the point voters who might have supported her might turn away in disgust. Just as Obama needs many of those who are her fervent supporters, she too needs those who are his.

McCain is less than inspiring. Being his turn is not enough for me to vote for him. His grasp of the issues is disheartening and his condescending comments aimed at Obama are anything but presidential. Obama is not naive. After all, at 47 he is within hours of getting the Democratic nod. How long has John McCain taken to find a field weak enough to make him look good by comparison?

Depending on how things shake out between now and the conventions, we could go from record numbers of new and enthusiastic participants in the political process back to the "ho hum" business of old.

There could actually be record low turnouts. Anyone want to make a wager which it will be?

Flag Pins And Patriots

The talking heads were at it again last night. It would seem Obama was making a speech to a veterans' group and there on his lapel, as obvious as it could be, was an American Flag lapel pin. Was he pandering to the veterans? Has he finally seen the light? Now. Can we put that topic to rest?

No. Rather than digging into his ideas about how he plans to extricate us from the war, or the points of his health care plan versus Hillary's or what he will do in reality about gas and food prices, all they could talk about was that he was wearing a flag pin. Never mind that neither McCain nor Hillary sport one; it seems to be huge issue with Obama.

So let's look at just what a patriot is.

patriot |ˈpātrēət|
noun
1 a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.

By that criteria one would have to look at both Clinton and McCain. Is it a show of patriotism to knowingly and deliberately tear down a fellow candidate for the sake of winning? Is that vigorous support of country or self?

Is it patriotic to ignore corruption at the highest levels of Iraqi politics because it might prove embarrassing as reported in an AP article in this morning's Spokesman Review ?

This story got barely a mention on the news compared to the non-stop discussion of Obama's lapel pin. It is an important story, a not unexpected story and a disturbing story; especially now that there is a groundswell to get Rice on the McCain ticket to balance what presumptive candidate Obama may do.

Come on, talking heads, get with the program. You remind me of a bunch of high school gossips wondering "does she or doesn't she"?

We have huge issues facing us. We deserve better from those who's job it is to inform us. Tonight is the West Virginia primary. The win is expected to go to Hillary. What we'll hear is how wining this small, poor and mostly under informed segment of the population should propel her to the nomination.

What we should hear is why. What we should hear is why this particular demographic should outweigh everyone else who has and has yet to vote. What we should hear is why she appeals to this demographic and he does not since there is so little difference in their policies. If it's a race issue let's hear it. Front and center.

But we won't. We'll hear about her debt to herself. We'll hear how she deserves to wait to exit in her own good time. All that stuff of substance we really need to know.

Patriotism. All in good time.

Just Which Administration's Policies Would Be Continued?

Well, North Carolina and Indiana are now behind us. Hillary has made it perfectly clear she has no intention of quitting though continuing is sure putting a dent in her pocketbook.

Much has been said by both Democratic spokespeople about moving on, not allowing John McCain to continue as the surrogate for George Bush's third term. What about Bill Clinton's third term? Is that not what Hillary would be? A surrogate for Bill's third?

Okay. The lady wants to win. No one enters the race not wanting to win, but just how much is she diminishing herself in the process? It seems every twist and turn she takes makes it less clear as to what she really represents? The gas tax holiday is a page from McCain. A bad one at that.

Is her obstinate determination not unlike Bush's? Is she seeing only what she wants to see rather than reality?

I'll be waiting to see how many super delegates come forward before the West Virginia primary. She should win because of the demographic mind set. Obama is black. Same in Kentucky. But as all the pundits have made clear, the math isn't working for her. Yet she continues.

It's so everyone has a chance to have their say in this historical election. She's still more electable than Obama. She'd make the better president, commander-in-chief, and so forth and so on.

The Clinton's still maintain a lot of clout within the party. That's pretty clear. But is it too diminishing because this relentless pursuit, using every tactic imaginable, is showing them to be what they actually are? Is it for the good of the country? Or is it for the good of a couple of narcissistic opportunists?

Time will tell.

The "Wright" Way

He's quick, his biblical knowledge is incredible, he's sometimes glib, sometimes funny and sometimes maybe just a bit angry. He's been all over television the past several days.

One hesitates to use the word "angry" or "bitter" but one or the other applies to how the Reverend Wright feels about how he and "liberation theology" have been portrayed by the media. He's also not too keen about how he perceives the government treating his people. He has every right to speak his piece. That's what America is all about. But with friends like this who needs enemies?

The media brought it to the fore, to be sure. Hillary and Bill and now even McCain have picked it up and are running full tilt with it. Why is it no one is listening to Obama? Is it because the media have now decided the nomination should be Hillary's?

I'm beginning to think so. Dirt sells. Scandal sells. Truth and reason are inconveniences that are to be ignored. By the media. I am so tired of the one dimensional talking heads trying to convince us how to think, their prejudices barely concealed as analysis.

The very people who urged Obama to run this cycle, because in another four or eight years he would have gathered too much baggage, seem to have done a complete about face. What baggage he didn't have they've created for him. Why is it every suggestion from his past is turned into a full blown accusation of naivety, elitism or out and out wrong doing while known issues with Clinton and McCain get a pass?

Today's polls indicate Hillary is beginning to pull ahead in Indiana and North Carolina. Are the new voters and the young going to be enough to pull Obama through or are hypocritical older voters going to turn the tide for Clinton or McCain?

Why do I say hypocritical? Because we say we want change but deep down in we're afraid of it. We're afraid to take a leap of faith. We say we're not racist. Is that true? We say Obama doesn't understand the common man. Do you really believe that? He was the one who rolled up his sleeves and worked with the people of the inner city. Hillary was the one who took the cushy jobs with high profile law firms and hitched her wagon to Bill Clinton's star. McCain is the one against an updated version of the GI bill because it might dissuade some to remain in the military. What kind of thinking is that?

With Wright denouncing everything governmental and Al Sharpton out there threatening to shut down New York City after an obvious miscarriage of justice, the African American community is once more making us feel uncomfortable.

If only we would keep in mind that Obama is also half white. The white side raised him with an insight into both. If ever we needed that it would seem to be now. If ever we needed someone to address it, it would seem to be now. If ever we didn't need someone to use it to tear down a person who just might be the unifying force this country so sorely needs, it would seem to be now.

Are we to be our own worst enemy because we fear those who preach it? Are we going to settle for the status quo because we haven't the courage to change it?

Do we want to live with the end result? Don't let the media make the decision for you.