It is great to see people of all ages and stripes so enthusiastic about discussing the upcoming United States Presidential election. I think there are a couple of "elephants in the room" or Donkeys, whichever you prefer, that people don't discuss. Sarah Palin's nomination for Vice President thrust the issue of Sexism into the fore that Hillary Clinton's candidacy did not. Republicans seem to be exploiting sexism when it suits them as all good politicians should.
The elephants in the room that We are Not Talking about are Racism and Ageism. If Harvard educated Barack Obama's name was Bill Owens with white parents, this election wouldn't even be close. (BTW, I'm skeptical of the polls since they only include land lines which alot of folks don't have in this cellular age.) The shame is people don't own up to their prejudices or the impact they have on their choices. It seems the people hurt most by the Bush Administration of the last 8 years are the most supportive. It's almost masochistic. I'm tired of the refrain about oooohh, Democrats raising taxes, Guess What? Americans have one of the lowest tax rates per capita in the developed world, we are grossly undertaxed, just go visit Canada or Finland to get a taste of high taxes. Not to mention with our current Financial Market mess, we've already mortgaged our children and their childrens' futures and will be digging out of this hole for a long time.
The other elephant in the room is Ageism, which I own up to freely and openly. John McCain is too old and often exhibits signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with his impulsive decision making and volatile temper. He would be the oldest first term president with a 15 to 20% chance of dying within the next 4 years based on his age and medical history. I visualize him golfing on one of his many properties. He just doesn't have the stamina or intellect to be My Commander In Chief and The Most Powerful Leader in the World. McCain proved this when he chose a totally unqualified individual, instead of considering what is best for our country. Another example is his attitude towards the President of Spain, one of our Allies. No, he is not smarter than a fifth grader, far from it.
Whatever the outcome of the election, I hope the results are decisive and unifying to our country. That's one thing we really need now in these tough times, a feeling of unity.
Thank you and I wish you the best in your democratic process this and every election season!
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3 comments:
Not only unifying the country, but also the world. We can't forget that the outcome of American elections will have repercussions all over the world. When I heard McCain's gaffe re Zapatero I found it really funny, thinking this guy has a problem with geography or he better find out who the world leaders are quick if he wants to be president. But after hearing from his foreign policy advisor that it wasn't a gaffe, but an intentional expression of policy towards Spain, now that gives you something to think about. And worry about.
In Canada we are taxed on top of our taxes I swear!
Good luck with your election! We are getting ready for one here too!
Great post. I love the points you make. It is true that we are not taxed as high as other countries. Thankfully, I know that. I just get frustrated at how unfair the taxation happens in this country. The rules are strange and arbitrary. Do other countries have a flat tax? Sometimes I still think that would be the best way to go and not to have to worry about playing the deduction game and then figure out if you won't be allowed any deductions.
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