The mere thought of facing a year of fast talking, insincere, political stratigizers pumped and fed by frustrated Americans and detailed by hungry journalists makes me want to hybernate until it's over. I love this country, and in general, I love people, but it is certainly true that the "mob" mentality is brutish!
The issues (in no particular order):
- Iraq: the choices are drop the ball and run, OR clearly define the US mission and let the military do its job. What do we really think will happen if we pull out completely? What do the "rumblings of war" in Iran mean? I hear many people say it is not our business to settle the world's disputes, but if not, who will? Like it or not, human nature (and testosterone) incites men to covet what others have ... more power, more land, more money ... without some sort of governing presence, all hell will break free.
- Health care: do we really want to penalize - or cease to reward - the outstanding medical minds in our country by socializing the medical system? Seems to my mind to make more sense to penalize businesses for not providing adequate insurance benefits for their employees. Even the issues we already have with HMO's ought to be enough to open our eyes to the failures of socialized medicine!
- Violence: How can we curtail the increased violence in our streets and, ultimately, in our world? Preaching "peace" doesn't seem to work ... How is the "gangster" mentality a positive lifestyle for Hollywood and TV to promote? What would resolve the issues that have corrupted the idea of a loving home with 2 loving parents (m/f or same sex), gainful employment, honest labor, and personal respect?
- Immigration (legal / illegal): Is building a fence a realistic treatment of the issue? What about those already here ... those who have been here for years? What are realistic expectations for granting citizenship? What are the consequences?
No easy answers for any of these issues or any of those I did not list, but it is almost ridiculous to believe that ANY one woman or man can resolve every issue happily. The purpose of this post is to incite clear, logical thinking. I don't care if you agree with me or not. That's not the issue. My concern is that you each THINK through what each of the hopefuls say. Some change their course every time they open their mouths, so what do they really think? Realistically, how much can one person change the course of a nation? How and in what ways do we desire change? Please, don't just jump blindly onto some popular bandwagon just because it seems like the thing to do. Educate yourself and think things through to their conclusions. OK? Thanks! Oh ... and be NICE to one another! ;)
~ B
