| Subject: Political Observations |
Author:
David
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Date Posted: 14:29:47 07/29/04 Thu
Being the political junkie I am, I've been watching the Democratic National Convention...trying to catch all the speeches and of course, the ongoing commentary of the media. My favorite commentary network is MSNBC...specifically the "After Hours" segment late at night. I'm thorougly enjoying listening to and watching Ron Reagan...quite an interesting guy, I think. Anyway, my mind is full of thoughts about it all, some fairly trivial and some a lot more serious. I plan on listening to Kerry tonight so as to complete the cycle. I seriously doubt I'll give as much attention to the Republicans, although my interest won't wane completely.
Anyway, I've rediscovered something about myself while watching and listening. While my mind, my reasoning, and my critique of the political system in this country hasn't diminished on iota, I find that in my heart I still want to believe the grandiose words and ideals...although even there it's somewhat short of a flag-waving response. I hear words and ideals I'd like to still believe in, but can't...but yet, the tug is still there. I'll get over it, don't worry...but in the meantime, I'm letting it "feel" the way it is, not denying anything to and about myself.
I've also got some thoughts on the soft-pedaling going on concerning Bush and the was in Iraq. While a few speakers have treaded on that water...the water the DNC wants avoided in order to avoid so-called "bush-bashing." I, and the majority of the delegates...not to mention the millions of anti-war people in and outside of the Democratic Party, are being left out. We have more centrist (which is to say, nowhere) tones. When will the Democrats ever learn? And besides, is pointing out this man's weaknesses and ideological thinking really "bashing"? Is critiquing his policies...that is, what he has really DONE while in office...the same as bashing. I don't think so. Yes, I understand the "people" are tired of the ad hominem attacks which have become american politics...I have too. But I think a distinction needs to be made between honest critique and bashing. Some people think that any so-called "negativity" is equal to bashing poor ole Bush. I don't. He has a record of words and deeds...these are open game for critique, in my opinion.
Kerry is taking for granted the support of millions of progressives in this country. He thinks we'll vote for him no matter what he says or doesn't say. Much is made of the apparent (and, I believe, real) reality that most are against Bush rather than being excited about Kerry. It's implied that being against Bush isn't enought...isn't really a valid position. I very much disagree. So what if I'm far more against Bush and for Kerry? What's the big deal about this? I don't know Kerry that well...and certainly no one really knows what he'll do if and when elected President. But I do know that if he is...Bush won't be the president anymore and that's good enough for me. His personal character, which he puts on display daily...and his political stance...is terrible. Isn't that 'game' as a basis for not wanting him to hold the most powerful office in the world? Then there's all the distortions, if not outright lies, he and his administration underlings have been outed about. Yeah, I'm voting against George W. Bush, not for John F. Kerry. But I have the sneaking suspicion that Kerry, on a bad day, is far better than Bush of whatever good days he has. Who knows what Kerry will do...all I know is that his perception is that while running for President he can't be completely honest...that's the nature of the mainstream electorate, I guess.
Then there's the omnipresent possbility of this election being called off for whatever reason Bush deems reasonable (if such a word could actually be applied to his "thinking" process...a big "if" in my book). The day we actually vote...November 2...is the day I'll be convinced that an election will take place. Hell, this isn't even considered how the vote tallying will go...afterall, 2000 is only 4 years ago, right? Again, as I write this on 7/29, I'm not convinced there will BE an election in November. I won't (can't) allow myself to take it's occurence for granted. Anyone who does has their head in the sand, in my opinion. I hope, very much, that I'm wrong about this and I'll be the first to admit it when the election actually takes place. But till then, I will doubt.
So, there's a few thoughts on my mind...I'd like to hear yours.
David
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