Something momentous occurred and the news media said nothing. The press spoke of North Carolinian voters, and those in the Hoosier State. Citizens in these regions would cast their ballots today. The results, undoubtedly, would be significant. While no one, and nothing can lessen the impact of what is expected to ensue, before the polls closed, another event quietly occupied the attention of many. The occurrence is meaningful, noteworthy and will effect the election. A prominent person, one who had long remained neutral in regards to the Democratic primary race finally expressed his opinion.
The Long Tail theory is a novel economic concept for some. For others, it is the notion that enables them to be "strong." The premise of the Long Tail philosophy is, there is an audience for any product, or Presidential hopeful. Senator Clinton correctly claims there is interest in her campaign. People want her to be the next Commander-In-Chief. Tis true. People will always desire what they can have, not all the people, but quite a few. There is a market for those given a forum. Any press is good. The media, with its subtle and significant messages, mantras repeated on airwaves, and pronouncements presented in print move the masses. Consumers or constituencies will always purchase whatever is available.
A brilliant man, a Rhodes scholar named William Jefferson Clinton stood in front of the gas stove with his sweet protégé, a country known as China, a nation much like a lost lad. The powerful President wished to mentor a territory adrift in the Twentieth Century. As a father might teach a son, Bill handed the boy a box of matches. Hillary Rodham Clinton, surrogate mother as she thought herself to be, while experienced, and wise in her own right, said nothing of the possible peril. Indeed, rarely was she able to speak of what went on in the family's little White House. The then First Lady did not enter private rooms; nor did she attend her husband Bill's closed-door 'conferences.' The encounter, near the range, was thought to be a restricted exchange. The couple while close had separate lives. Special spouse that she was, Hillary did not have security clearance.
Clerics and parishioners are in the news. In truth, Reverend Pastor Jeremiah Wright and Barack Obama are discussed each day, in most every hour. The quality and quantity of familiarity within that relationship is the topic of much conversation. Hillary Clinton espouses, moral issues matter. Many within the electorate agree. The ethical principles of a Presidential hopeful will have a profound effect on the nation, and the planet. As Jennifer Wills ponders the scenes as they play out before an eager public, she reflects on her own life. She thinks of the trials, and tribulations that she feels when she loves friends as much as family.
Democrats are divided. Progressives once certain that they would support the Party nominee, are now, no longer sure that they can. People on the Left for the first time in their lives are looking to the "Right." Staunch Liberals state they will vote Republican in 2008 if the candidate of their choice is not the Party's nominee. Many Democrats say they will not vote at all. Much damage has been done. The political process has become a play for power or an attempt to create chaos.
I'm starting to get worried about the Democratic race - and about the increasingly nasty tone of both candidates. At the end of the day, this election isn't really about them. This week's toon, "A Word From the Middle Class," tries to put that in focus.
As the Democratic primary continues to drag on I am reminded of a book I read a long time ago. The name of the book was, "All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten". Obviously the candidates and their campaigns didn't read the book, if they had maybe there would be a lot less of this incessant snipping that has overtaken the issues in this campaign. In the book the author states that the most important lessons in life the Golden Rule, honesty, clean up your own mess, and say you're sorry when you hurt somebody he learned in kindergarten. These valuable lessons would be a welcome change on the campaign trail. For many of us, kindergarten represented our first foray into the social experiment we call society. It was important to learn the ground rules of interpersonal communications to learn how to navigate the many pitfalls that await those who don't learn them.
How do you make an "elitist" charge stick against someone with Barack Obama's background? The whole line of attack - which is the subject of this week's toon, "Who's Out of Touch" - just seems disingenuous to me.
Many Americans may wish to believe that if Arizona Senator John McCain were elected, he would ensure that this nation remains engaged in battle for eons. The conventional wisdom is Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton will "bring the troops home." Citizens, mostly Independents and Democrats, may blame the Republicans for conflicts that seem endless by design. Of course, when war is in question, countless Americans contemplate the current conflicts. Nearly everyone with some exceptions, places the onus on President George W. Bush, Vice President Richard B. Cheney, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, or any of the other Neoconservatives in the Cabinet. Yet, these individuals and groups are not the only creators of combat. Any man or woman who believes, at times, war is the best, last, or the only option is culpable. Citizens throughout the globe have accepted the notion wars will always be. Hence fighting is, forever.
Americans are five years into a battle gone awry. Citizens of the United States cry out, "too much blood has been spilled, too many lives and limbs were lost," we the people want to, "Bring the troops home." Hence, Congress holds hearings. The inquiry is intended to help define the future. For many it is time to exit Iraq and end a futile war. The people have questions; when and how will we complete a failed mission. On April 8, 2008, the Senior Commander of multinational forces in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, American envoy to Baghdad, spoke to United states Senators and attempted to address the public's concerns.
In March 2008, as Americans pay homage to the thousands of soldiers and civilians lost in five years of battle we discover that the Administration and the elite allied with earlier Executive Branches are more contemptuous of the citizenry than we ever thought possible.
It is another dark day in the Sunshine State. Votes, voters, and opportunities are lost. Some who wish for a Barack Obama win work to see the light in what was a questionably "fair" election. Those who would prefer Hillary Clinton receive her coronation, want her to claim the Oval Office and her Florida delegates. No once can be certain, which would be better, a second primary or a first election that counted. However, we can all agree, in Florida, elections are rarely effective. Butterfly ballots cause confusion. Chads that hang hamper an accurate assessment. The people's preference in The Everglade State seems to be eternally unknown.
To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
They say life is cyclical. Peace prospers in a era. Epochs are filled with tales of war. Currently, in the United States, this is the political season. Issues are the topic of import. While at times, it seems rumors rule during the ritual run for the presidency, mostly, people want to speak of what affects their everyday life. Some say, "It is the economy, stu***." Others declare military defense and homeland security are the subjects we must speak about. A few say, we must secure our boarders. This theme ties the two aforementioned together. Jobs and terrorism are the greatest concern. Then there are those who inquire, "What happened to talk of the Iraq war?"
I have been reading some stuff on John Adams of late - always been a fan of his, especially his work on the Treaty of Tripoli. After a spot of reading, I switched on the news last night and it was then I saw just how apparent the race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton is a black and white issue. I am not talking about skin color here, I am talking about their ability to communicate what the American spirit is. Their ideas, their goals for all of us.
Hillary's remarks over the years have been very me specific whereas Barack's message is about us, you know, We The People.
I am not saying "yes we can" rises to the level of "We The People" in cultural significance, but I do believe John Adams was a "we" kind of guy. I think he would have resonated with "hope" in all of its audaciousness as it took a bucket of hope to build the American experiment.
Talk abounds. Hillary Clinton, her campaign, and the comments made by Geraldine Ferraro are being discussed on every avenue. The former First Lady states we need to return to what is more real and relevant. I concur. Hence, I invite us to again consider Universal Health Care Plans or the prospect of what is not and will not be if we adopt the "Choice" proposal Hillary Clinton presents.
The days grow increasingly darker as Hillary Clinton supporters and staff members continue to deride Barack Obama. No longer is it enough to question his experience, which is arguably equal to the candidate's husband, Bill Clinton's, before he entered the Oval Office. The former Vice Presidential contender and Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro has gone farther.
The Ohio election, held on March 4, 2008 may help Americans to realize Party loyalty no longer equates to ballots cast only for those with which we are affiliated. Indeed, a faithful Republican may vote Democratic in accordance with the wishes of the Grand Old Party leadership. Others on the Right may feel their political family no longer shares the principles, they, as conservatives hold dear. Democrats are now more likely independents. However, as Will Rogers told us years ago, that is to be expected.
I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat. ~ Will Rogers [Political Humorist]
Just as Romans in an arena, Americans love a good fight. Citizens of this country voice their pleasure as they witness the battle. Nationwide, we watch look for blood as we advocate for peace in the Middle East. Hillary Clinton has pulled ahead in some political polls. The public, like the Romans have no empathy for the victim of merciless attacks. Protests against the brutality, is as inconceivable today as it was in ancient time. In 2008, people are as they were centuries ago, anxious for more atrocities. Worldwide, people in dire need die, and Americans are busily, happily distracted by the political competitions.
Presidential aspirant Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks of her ample experience. The Senator from New York reminds us in advertisements and advisements that she, the former First Lady is abundantly qualified to serve as President of the world's superpower, the United States of America. For decades, Clinton gave to her country and the community. She would like to continue to work for the people; perhaps, in a more profound manner. As Hillary Clinton affirmed of herself, "I have crossed the Commander-In-Chief threshold." However, some question her qualifications.
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