The Palin Push

One thing that is disturbing about politics to me is its emotional content. Words are used to sway the minds of the voters to one way or the other. A simple phrase can invite havoc. When I realized that many of the individuals behind the conservatives were ad men from forty or more years ago, everything began to make sense. That Karl Rove is just a newer version of the older mouthpiece. To them it truly doesn't matter is the stuff they put out there about the other candidates or their own candidates is based on truth or honesty. They just want to win at all costs.

One of the stranger twists of politics has to be George Bush telling John McCain the last time around, "It's not your turn yet." Then the whole smear about his baby, that he fathered an Afro-American child, is so disgusting. Not that if he did would it matter to me? No. What mattered to me is that: 1) He let Bush do that to him and then forgave him. (Good quality, the forgiveness, bad thing, to be manipulated). 2)The premise that elections are decided by
'turns' and not the will of the people. 3)That McCain was hardly ever a 'Maverick'; if he was wouldn't we have known about it and wouldn't some things be different now considering how long he has been in office as Senator. That to have a contrary personality is not being a Maverick. That getting angry is not being a Maverick. That standing up for things that count to the American people is what we need and I don't really see that manifesting in McCain.

He just seems wooden, can't articulate worth beans...please let us get an articulate man in the White House. Please let us get someone who can see through all the bs and move our country forward in all ways. Please let us get someone who can do the tough things and understands all Americans and their needs and concerns.

I don't really like feeling like that only the religious right has valid points of view. That only they have the 'right' moral stance. And that everyone else is going to hell. It is a mental defect to think that in all the incredibleness of this vast universe of molecules, nano particles, magnetic fields, beautiful flowers, hugh life giving and destroying waters, wonderful cloud formations and myriad colors, shapes, languages, cultural identities, and ways of thinking there is only one way to view the world. And it is quote: only the religious right's way.

I do think that something scared these people, some feeling of hopelessness, or not being loved, or wanting to be in control; I am not talking about an actual experience of spirituality.

Because if God or the Father, the Maker, the Universal Manager, or what ever you want to call this force that pervades everything exists or you believe it exists, there can be no limit on it. There can be no one point of view, no only I am right viewpoint, no my way or the highway.

That's why it is so important to have leaders that want to work for the 'common' good, for a pluralistic country, for the interests of all Americans.

That's why firing officials who aren't part of your social circle is not a good policy. That's why no bid contracts are not fair to all concerned. Why in the interest of some really desperate people, we have Rode vs. Wade, actually saving lives of women as it does not save their fetus. And why sex education and the use of condoms can do both so simply and it is so stupid to not see this.

Why is Palin being pushed through on us? Why won't they let us find out more about her without constantly being told, stop the press from going after her, stop being sexist? There is a lot to learn about her and I don't think she is the one who will work for all of our concerns.

I think someone could grow up in Alaska and be intelligent and understand issues as much as someone growing up anywhere if they have an inquiring mind. I don't think she is one of them. She is charismatic and that is her strong suit. Working with diverse people and being able to address their concerns without an agenda I don't see for Sarah Palin.

Please read the Huffington Post for the NYTimes read on Electing Sarah Palin. It addresses many questions and details her actions through time.

Transparency in Politics

One thing I have to give to the Bush administration is the number of officials who just couldn't live with the party line. The number of resignees who, once out, just couldn't stop talking about their experiences, leads me to believe they were truly muzzled. The fact that they were so strong about criticizing Bush and Cheney and the way they are running the government should not be forgotten. The cave that Cheney lives in and his snarling attitude toward the American people, although to select groups he presents a congenial "you and me are together on this thing" personality, plus his unwillingness to be our servant, after all we elected him, as opposed to representing his own interests, both need to be transformed. At least as VP Al Gore worked diligently on budget issues which really helped our country get in balance. As opposed to sending up our debt to stratospheric heights. The talking points that are issued to keep us focused off of real issues and problems affecting the daily lives of Americans exist to keep the media spinning and the minds of people listening to this chatter full, unclear and distorted.

What I don't like about McCain as an idea, you know, the Maverick thing and a different Republican kind of guy, is that he is still owned by them. I read, if it can be believed, that last time around when he was trying to run for President, and they smeared him and his wife, he was told to cool it, next time is yours. Like this whole election event is predetermined. I have one thing to say to that: not on your life!

That's why I love the Obama movement. We do deserve a guy that we actually like! We can choose someone who is charismatic, why not? We can have a President who can articulate, has some decent brains, and is thoughtful. McCain's recent 'strong' expression over the Georgian conflict contrasted with Obama's more nuanced response is not for me. I want a candidate who can look at each situation, evaluate the facts, and come to conclusions based on the individual characteristics of the case. Not some predetermined emotional canned diatribe. One of my favorite mantras in these trying times is let cool heads prevail. McCain can be a hothead and I don't think that is good. Plus, actually saying, I don't know much about the economy. Granted that is why a President has advisors but I want the President to have a basic understanding of one of the most important areas of our lives, our financial well-being. Or at least fake it so that the people will feel like he cares about it! Okay, now he has his plan. whoopee do. I should hope so.

Listen people, don't forget, please don't be led off of this point: If you want a chance at a different America, an America that will lead a path toward innovation, technological advancement, intelligent discu3333333333

Crazy about the Olympics

This morning I was telling my daughter about the Ukranian and United States female wrestling match and she laughed and commented, "I don't remember you being this crazy about the Olympics before!" I responded that I don't remember either. Perhaps it is my travel schedule that I may have been on the road when the last Olympics occurred. Or maybe I really didn't care. What's different this time is that I am completely spellbound by the events.

Watching Brazil and Cameroon compete in soccer was breathtaking. The energy those teams put out is amazing. (Am I getting old and hence appreciating the breathtaking energy of youth?) I loved watching the Brazilians give their hip swaggle groupwise when they scored. So happy.

And the wonderful poetry of the two US female gymnists winning gold and silver respectively. So focused on their skill and so hard working to accomplish their dream.

It's so inspirational I should have told my daughter. Don't we need inspiration wherever we can find it? Or be in the place where when it's happenning we recognize it. And appreciate all the talents in this world and strive to find our own unique gifts.

Olympic Chatter: The Truth will Reveal Itself

Or will it? A newspaper clip from the past was accessed that claimed the top female Chinese gymnist was only age 13 which would invalidate her gold medal, with age 16 as the qualifying age. Later the site was down, erased, and officials all aghast that her credentials were not valid. Apparently you have to show a proper ID presented to officials.

It gets worse as a male gymnist was also questioned as to his age validity. China has a superb team this year in the gymnastics category; they have obviously been training very hard for this moment in time. Do they really need to cheat to show how good they are this year? Or is someone making up a big story to add more intrigue to the Sleeping Dragon's obvious domination in so many categories. Or just shedding light on the way to the top.

I don't know she was good...very very good...but she looked young, very, very young to me.

Let's hear it for Horton, though. In spite of his bounce step landings he was a steady strong contender. I loved watching his strength and concentration. And the Russian born other USA contender, can't remember his name, starts with an L, Lesimov, maybe, who was a substitute three days before the Olympics start. First time at the Olympics and he is going to win a medal. What a great talent and so enjoyable to watch them all struggle and strain and gracefully maneuver on those bars, horse, and rings.

Felt bad, though, for the Korean and Japanese guys who fell off the horse and then the one who fell down from the rings. Has to be so hard; yet they have to get up and keep going.

Won't talk about Phelps today!

Women's Soccer Olympic Style

Watching the women's soccer teams this morning compete with each other, USA and New Zealand, I couldn't help but feel history revealing itself in one of its most sincere forms: two groups playing their hearts out to be the best in a non-threatening format, watched by millions around the globe, hosted by a controversial country, coming out of the age of totalitarianism and poverty, doing its best today to showcast the world's athletes.

The women were sensational and I loved watching USA beat New Zealand! If New Zealand had won, I would have felt: you weren't good enough USA.