The "Isms" of American Politics

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!