Nathanael (12)

John McCain and Sarah Palin should not be trusted to run this country, for what I feel are obvious reasons. First, McCain has a long-standing history of backing Bush, which means at least four more years of exactly the same bad policies and corrupt deal-making behind-closed-doors. Second, Palin is abysmally under-qualified; and, I was underwhelmed by her acceptance speech, whereby all she did was rattle off disdainful one-liners. Being a self-proclaimed “hockey mom” aka. “pitt-bull” is not exactly the kind of glowing self-endorsement one would expect of a vice presidential candidate either, (I do have to admit that I thought it was hilarious that she would actually admit she is a total BITCH on national television. But, I also think this should raise an enormous red flag to the American people, current Republican supporters especially). In my opinion, she poses the greatest threat of all. What she advocates is blind patriotism and further division among the people of this country; let us not forget the cliches “divide and conquer,” and “absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

That said, over these past eight years, I have also begun to seriously doubt the Democrats as well. While they do have a solid history of at least endeavoring to “practice what they preach” in office, the results often fall dreadfully short of what they promise.

I think the most obvious example of this is Hillary Clinton’s proposed universal health care plan during hubby Bill’s administration. On the surface, her intentions seemed to be in the best interest of the working and middle classes, yet in results, it not only failed in execution, it completely backfired. I will never forget the consequences of this catastrophe because I am also one of those Americans who can no longer afford health insurance. Back in 1989, when I got my first job out of high school, I paid $35.00 a month for a premium policy, with virtually no out-of-pocket for care… now, a far inferior policy would cost me a bare minimum of $150.00 a month, an equivalent one well over $300.00 a month. (What is interesting to note is that after this plan failed, Hillary also began receiving large contributions from major insurance and drug companies, as Michael Moore so aptly pointed out in his documentary, Sicko. Coincidence? I don’t think so!)

If you look close enough, I think it becomes obvious that we are not truly a bipartisan country at all. These politicians are all bedfellows, and they have all sold out to corporate interest. In my mind, the question we should be asking ourselves on the eve of this next election, is what can we do, if anything, to reshape this country? Clearly, the old paradigm is no longer serving us. It is also obvious that tensions are mounting as protesters continue to increase in number, (although you would never know this watching mainstream television).

Tonight, I was reminded of a phrase that should haunt us all: “People should not fear their government… the government should fear it’s people.” The future is in our hands… and we have FAR more power than we give ourselves credit for. I love my country, in spite of it’s gaping flaws, and I believe it is worth preserving. As my HS philosophy professor pointed out, “real change happens from the inside out.” There are subtle revolutions happening all around us, and if we pay attention we can affect great change within our own sphere of influence. I for one have not lost all hope yet. But, I am tired of the pretenses of Republican versus Democrat. Enough is enough… it’s time to move on.

I’m going to admit it. I voted for George Bush twice. The greater circle of people I know did the same thing and for similar reasons (which I won’t get in to). I liked him better in his first term when he got handed (literally) a number of events that no President should have to deal with. His second term has admittedly been a disappointment. Has he done the country’s reputation harm? Short-term perhaps. Would President Al (or Kerry) have done a better job (who knows and who the hell cares?) In my opinion, his greatest short-coming has been in being persuaded by an agenda driven staff into making bad or short-sighted decisions. This will be one of the biggest stains on his administration. But then name a President who hasn’t had this problem. Clinton’s staff was loaded with agenda-driven nut-jobs.

Can we give the 2000 and 2004 elections a rest already? In three months or so, we’ll be getting a new President (the choices of which are both pictures of contradiction and hypocrisy) so who gives a flying rat’s a** about it. It’s history, get over it and move on. Bush will be gone (and the Clinton’s too) and a new day will dawn. We will get the President that we deserve (because most Americans are sheep).

On another note. If moving to Canada (or some other foreign country) will make you feel better because you are ashamed of the current President then by all means go. The rest of this country had to put up with 8 years of the Clinton’s and Al Gore with their idiotic policies and blunders and we are still here knowing that they eventually would be gone. Peace to you on your leaving.

Finally, much like Clinton, George Bush in my opinion is a likeable amiable person. Its unfortunate that his second-term was marred by a partisan Congress (with its surrender-monkey Democrats and corrupt Republican leadership) and an inability to admit to mistakes (even easy ones) that could be forgiven over time. History will judge whether or not how his presidency will fare over time.

Just say none of the above in ‘08.

(Do not make an assumption, ’cause when you make an assumption, you make an ass outta you; and umption!. Samuel L. Jackson – Long Kiss Goodnight)

Stay tuned for the next episode of “My Fellow Amuricans”

I have a question of my own to pose to you across the pond. . . what was up with Tony Blair making sweet love with Bush? We couldn’t wrap our brains around that one either! Limited support from other countries, but undying love from Tony. How did Blair’s involvement in the “war” in Iraq affect the viewpoint of you and your fellow citizens toward this sham?
Thanks for your questions and concerns.