I soon came to believe that everyone involved in politics was corrupt, and I despised Democrats and Republicans equally. Even with that attitude, I continued to vote, and have never missed an election, due to the simple fact that I like to argue about politics. I have one basic rule when it comes to political arguments, and that is, I never argue, or even talk about politics, with anyone who doesn't vote. Despite the fact that I was on a federal grand jury for 18 months, and called to local jury duty three other times, I still vote no matter what, even when there are no good choices.
Which leads me to the most recent presidential election. No good choices. John McCain, who I respect a great deal for his service to this country, but has been a beltway insider, feeding from the public trough for way too long, and Barack Obama, a junior senator from Illinois, who didn't do anything to my knowledge, except go to Africa and act like a president, and study Marxism in college. Their picks for vice president were way more interesting. Sarah Palin, with that annoying, obnoxious voice, always got on my last nerve. Sure, she was pleasant to look at, then she opened her mouth. The more she talked, the more I wished she would shut up. Then we have Joe Biden. I've always liked Joe Biden, because he's uncensored, and there's always plenty of room in his mouth to insert his foot. However, I couldn't help but question the decision making abilities of McCain and Obama, because both of their running mates were nothing more than cartoon characters in my eyes. When it came time to make my decision, I voted for McCain, although I didn't feel all warm and fuzzy about it.
When Obama won the election, I decided that I was going to give him a chance. Why not? The country seemed to be going down the tubes, and he certainly said all the right things. Seemed like we needed to chart a new course for the country, especially after the previous eight years of George Bush's bumblings. I voted for Bush too, twice, and although I feel he kept the country safe, his spending habits left little to be desired. So, I gave Barack Obama my full support, and took my seat on the hope and change bandwagon. After all, if he didn't turn out to be the greatest President this country has ever had, he may very well be the last.
His inauguration was a spectacle, awe inspiring even. I was at a ski resort watching his speech on television, in a room with at least 200 other people, most of them cheering, and I have to admit, I was very impressed by his words. I returned to the slopes very proud to be an American, while the hope and change bandwagon reached cruising altitude. Unfortunately, it's turning out to be a short flight.
I'm not going to get in to everything, but my disillusionment began with the nomination of a tax cheat for Treasury Secretary. Are you kidding me? I didn't think he could be serious. Then the stimulus bill. Does anyone who is in debt trouble spend more money to try and get out of debt? It doesn't work like that in real life, but it will work for the government? Right. What was up with what seemed to be a global apology tour? Did he really say those things? Yes, he did. Seizing a few banks, seizing the auto industry, controlling executive pay, raise taxes on job producers? Yes. Definitely changing a few things.
When North Korea launched some missiles, President Obama "strongly condemned" Kim Jong-Ill. I bet he's scared now. Told the Russians he'd abandon the missile shield in Eastern Europe, for hopes of them standing with us in applying sanctions on Iran. Not gonna happen. In fact, the Russians are flexing their muscles more now than in the past 20 years, because they know that our President won't do anything. He won't even spend time with the general who is in charge of the war in Afghanistan, while more of our troops die.
Next up is the government takeover of health care. There needs to be big changes here, but are we to believe that the government is going to make it all better? Just like they have with Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid? What's the rush to force a bill through? It's so important, that time needs to be taken to get it right. In the midst of that fight, President Obama puts Oprah on Air Force One, and jets to Copenhagen to talk up Chicago for the Olympics. At taxpayer expense. Seriously?
There's so much more I could rant about, like the President's teleprompter, which I'm embarrassed for him every time I see him speak in public. It's like watching a person watch a tennis match. Head moving back and forth, never looking straight ahead. Don't even get me started on his Democrat lackey's like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. More embarrassing, out of touch ineptitude. Even the man who is in charge of writing the tax laws we all have to abide by, Democratic Congressman Charlie Rangel, is getting away with cheating on his taxes. Priceless.The Republicans aren't any better either. Where are all the great ideas they have? The only thing they seem to do at the moment is criticize.
While I don't have the answers either, I'm so embarrassed and disappointed in our government right now, that I just want to bury my head in the sand until it all gets worked out. That's hardly the right attitude to have, especially since I would suffocate myself. What will it take for our elected officials to come to their senses? Are they even capable of it? Doubtful. Every elected office should be limited to two terms. No more career politicians who are only interested in keeping their perks and power. That would be a start. Certainly better than tanks rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue in a military coup, forcibly removing all the elected officials who enjoy dreaming up new ways to put their hands in our pockets. Could that happen? I hope not, but the way things are looking, I wouldn't rule out anything.
Despite my disgust, I still respect President Obama. Maybe it's the office more than the man, but I respect him nevertheless. I certainly don't agree with his decisions regarding the path our country needs to be on. I think he was a bit twisted to even want the job, but he got it, and he has three more years left. We're getting "change we can believe in", that's for sure, but not the right kind. He says he's open to new ideas, so how about the Fair Tax? That would take too much power away from the politicians and abolish the IRS, so that won't happen anytime soon. That's too bad, because that's one idea that just might work. What do we have to lose at this point?
Will President Obama be re-elected to a second term? If the economy turns around and the unemployment rate drops, he has a good chance. Who will the Republicans nominate to run against him? Will we see a big-name third party candidate throw their hat into the ring? My only hope is that Sarah Palin didn't quit being governor of Alaska to run for President. I don't think what's left of my hearing can take anymore of her squawking. Please, Sarah, stay in Alaska and go moose hunting. This country has had enough embarrassment for the time being.
No comments:
Post a Comment