Palin, Palin, Palin. No matter where you might turn, eyes are on Sarah Palin and her trek. The Vice Presidential candidate ponders the future, her fun, and the follies of elections. The Governor does not wince, when she contemplates the win that escaped her and her fellow nonconformist, the man at the head of the ticket John McCain. Sarah sees no personal failures. Nor does the Alaskan resident recede when asked of possibilities. Might she pursue the Presidency, G-d willing. Sarah ponders it all. Live, from The Last Frontier, the maverick shares memories and muses of what might be.
Conservatives clamored; if Americans elected Barack Obama as President, unthinkable change would transform the planet as we know it. Republicans warned, there would be war in the streets throughout the land, people would respond violently. An international incident would certainly occur. World leaders would test the "inexperienced" Commander. Certainly, the Illinois Senator would be stunned, awash in angst. If Obama were in the Oval Office, it would become more obvious. He was not prepared to command a country as great as the United States of America. The people, from every nation would take advantage of the inexperienced leader.
In the tradition of the Grand Old Party, this election year Republicans had hoped they had nominated a fiscal Conservative. In March 2008, Columnist Bonnie Erbe mused; John McCain might return the messianic rule Republicans think "Right." The Journalist scribed.
Ah, finally, one of the presidential candidates actually offers a common-sense approach to resolving the mortgage crisis. Sen. John McCain yesterday "derided government intervention to save and reward banks or small borrowers who behave irresponsibly . . ."
The Senator from Arizona and Presidential aspirant has often spoken of the need to be economically accountable. Financial folly is conduct John McCain does not favor. John McCain rejects earmarks. He wants no Senator to spend dollars on local projects. He is proud of his rigid record; he has not supplied his home State with money for roads or bridges to nowhere. As President of the United States, the "maverick" Republican, will not reward capriciousness. Yet, perhaps he has and will when in the White House.
With less than a week until Election Day, it's starting to look more and more likely that the GOP will be cast "Back to the Wilderness" (Archive No. 0837) by voters. But beware: The last time Republicans were banished, they came back strong, first with their "Contract With America," then with a scary brand of neoconservatism implanted on the born-again blank slate of George W. Bush. Lord only knows what they might come up with this time.
Back in seven with my post-Election Day toon.
Andrew toon@offthewahl.com
The only question is as to sustaining the change [to higher taxes] before the people.
I believe it can be sustained, because it does not increase the tax upon the "many poor" but upon the "wealthy few" . . . ~ Letter to William S. Wait, March 2, 1839, reprinted in Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, volume 1, p. 148. Rutgers University Press. (1953, 1990).
I go for all sharing the privileges of government who assist in bearing its burdens. ~ Letter to the Editor of the Sangamon Journal, June 13, 1836, reprinted in Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, volume 1, p. 48. Rutgers University Press. (1953, 1990).
The chap was well-dressed as was his wife. She expressed her distain with her husband's choice. He would cast his ballot for John McCain in this election year. Taxes were his only concern. This lovely lady declared herself an active Democrat. She had been a Clinton supporter, Hillary that is. Now, she was decisively behind Barack Obama, and proud of it. I might not have known this or much else about the couple of strangers; however, in the year 2008, everyone seems anxious to share political concerns.
Some may wonder why a man as experienced as John McCain might have chosen a Vice Presidential candidate with so many skeletons in the closet. Many muse; what might have possess this chap to do as he did. Males among us know what women have wondered about. Chaps will confess; "There is something about Sarah."
They trust in the rights afforded by the United States Constitution. Yet, Conservatives, committed Republicans, will vote for change. Countless on the Right have openly endorsed Barack Obama, a Democrat for President. Numerous established and esteemed dynasties remain steadfast and staunchly devoted to what are commonly thought to be traditional mores. Yet, persons within these same lineages say aloud and in print the Democratic Obama Biden ticket will best represent them, their long held values, and the country they love.
CC Goldwater, granddaughter of the renowned Republican, Arizona Senator and a Presidential aspirant Barry Goldwater illustrates this veracity.
Today, citizens of this country are confronted with a record realized under the Bush Administration. Karl Rove, "The Architect" of the Bush campaign claims no responsibility for the cause or effect of his chief candidate's actions. Nor does he acknowledge that his Grand Old Party might be answerable for accounts receivable. However, others, those common folks less connected to the current Administration might disagree. In an ominous moment, on a San Francisco stage Americans were given the opportunity to look into the future and remember earlier days and dictums.
Sarah Palin speaks and America listens. This evening, on October 21, 2008, the Vice Presidential aspirant shared what she believes are her strengths in an interview with Cable News Network Drew Griffin.
Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin vowed on Tuesday to use her executive experience to tackle government reform and energy independence if she and Sen. John McCain win this year's presidential election.
"It's going to be government reform because that, that is what I've been able to do as a mayor and as a governor, you, you take on the special interests and the self-dealings. Yep, you ruffle feathers and you have the scars to prove it," Palin said Tuesday in an interview with CNN's Drew Griffin.
"You have to take that on to give the American people that faith back in their own government. This is their government and we've got to put it back on their side," she said.
The American people are the allies Palin seeks in her pursuit of the Vice Presidency. However, she realized, belatedly, earlier in this month she offended a few. Sarah Palin expressed her sincere sorrow.
The Chief Executive from Alaska, Palin proclaimed, surely, her words were misconstrued. She never meant to imply that the patriotic values of some are evident in "the real America," the "pro-America areas of this great nation."
It was a cool Fall evening in South Florida. The breeze was gentle; the sunset glorious. As I approached the intersection where, each weekend I stand in support of peace and tranquility, I did as I do when at this crossroad. I placed my arm out the window. My digits were extended and formed the symbol associated with serenity. When I am in a vehicle, at the locale commonly considered the Peace Corner I work to preserve the intent of my Saturday mission. I strive to advance awareness for the notion, this nation remains at war. Soldiers are slaughtered far from the shores of home sweet home. Civilians, in their native country continue to lose their lives for a want of war. I crave global harmony and will work to restore some sense of civility worldwide. However, as I sat silently in contemplation cries of "Country First" startled me.
One of the many things that trouble me about the wealthy in particular and the Republicans in general is their apparent lack of shame for their blatant hypocrisy. For decades the mantra of the wealthy and their Republican mouthpieces has been the lack of personal responsibility of the poor. According to these people the problem with liberalism is that they have tried to use the government to "bail-out" the bad choices made by these unfortunate individuals and if they would only exercise some personal responsibility they would be alright. It is not the business of the taxpayers to support the bad lifestyle choices of individuals.
"'Live from New York, it is Saturday Night Live.'" These words rang out on the 18th of October 2008. Just as they have on the sixth day of the week for years, this statement signaled a time for wit with perhaps a bit of wisdom unexpectedly sprinkled through a script. On this particular evening, 14 million viewers tuned in. All hoped to see Sarah Palin as she entered the entertainment scene. Two weeks before Election Day, the Republican Vice Presidential nominee took to the stage. For months, Tina Fey, with a satiric flair, played the Chief Executive. On this date, the humorist stepped aside. The actual Alaskan Governor was in the studio ready to spoof her self.
While Sarah Palin preformed admirably on the set, the former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell did not applaud her performance. Indeed, the United States Army General, Powell who served under four presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and our current President Bush, stated that he was clearly troubled by the choice of Sarah Palin. While she was excellent for comic relief, General Powell does not think the possible Vice President is fit for the Oval Office.
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. ~ Bible. I John 4:20
Not in my backyard. Not in my neighborhood. Not on street corners in my community. Certainly, not amongst my friends, and never in my family! These are the cries heard 'round America. In rural regions, in urban boroughs, in the suburbs, and in the city proper the public clamors, "We are not colorblind." The defense voiced in earlier days is a thought from the past. In the United States of 2008, people see shades. Skin, pitch as coal, casts a shadow. Deep-seated bigotry is displayed on the surface. Today, racism is not only rampant; it is visible on every crossroad. Please consider the campaign trail. Intolerance is evident in the Presidential Election, 2008.
The tale is true. Names were changed to protect the innocent.
Last evening Mister Gregory had a chance to speak to Mister Fairbanks of the issue. "Who is Barack Obama?" Barry thought he might introduce the topic delicately. The two men were in a car together. They had traveled across the country to meet with school Principals, Superintendents, and other professional educators. The hour was late, and dinner was on the agenda.
As the gents drove to the restaurant, Barry began the conversation; "Just as Barack Obama might not have known Bill Ayers background, who would think someone in this car was a member of SDS, Students for a Democratic Society?" Sean smiled and quickly replied, "I would." He then revealed that he was in fact a member of the largest and most influential radical student organization of the 1960s. The devout Republican, a man who might represent the Corporate Class belonged to an organization, which was "initially concerned with equality, economic justice, peace, and participatory democracy." Sean recounted stories. He told tales of his participation in anti-war protests. Mister Fairbanks helped to close his college. Sean showed "determined resistance," he was a radical, a rebel. He could be considered a less visible, and less violent, Bill Ayers.
No, I don't think John McCain had any racial intent when he oddly referred to Barack Obama as "that one" during last night's debate. But it was dismissive and a poor choice of words, especially in light of McCain's nasty anti-Obama ad, "The One," from earlier this year. In debates, it's often the little things that stick, and "That one" just might be that thing for this one. My latest toon, "What's in an Article?," (Archive 0835) reflects on the moment.
The first and only Vice Presidential debate began. The date, October 2, 2008. The candidates were cordial, even friendly. Joseph Biden and Sarah Palin took to the stage. The Democrat entered the theatre from the left. The Republican strode onto the platform from the right. The two shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Sarah Palin inquired; might she call the Senator from Delaware "Joe." Delighted, and with a sincere smile, the gentleman from Wilmington told the woman from Wasilla, certainly. The scene was set. For the moment, all was fine and would be, in appearance. Only the words that whirled about spoke to the differences between these two Vice Presidential aspirants.
Some have become decidedly lax as they reflect on the Presidential election. A few presumed to be excited by the polls. Barack Obama has pulled ahead, ever so slightly. Progressives play with the numbers and feel a sense of exuberance. Frequently, Democrats and Independents who lean "Left" fail to recall; complacency will not increase the vote count. Sarah Palin has come far in her career. Often, in the past, she has shown herself to be a competent challenger. Sarah Palin is a formidable force.
Tonight, during the first Presidential Debate, in the year 2008, John McCain empathically claimed to know his chum of more than thirty years. The Arizona Senator strongly stated former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, would think Barack Obama wrong. Senator McCain repeatedly reassured the public that the Ambassador would not think it wise to negotiate with rogue nations such as Iran. John Sidney McCain reminded us of the refrain, Barack Obama is "naïve." Yet, it might be puerile to ponder that friendship ensures explicit agreement. Relationships may remind us of a capricious certainty and why countries engage in combat.
Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.
The conduct of public affairs for private advantage. ~ Ambrose Bierce (June 24, 1842 - 1914) American Editorialist, Journalist, Author, Satirist
Two issues of national import flooded the airwaves on Wednesday, September 24, 2008. On every radio and television station, broadcasters spoke of the economy and the elections. Journalists reported, tonight, the current President of the United States will address the nation, One of the persons who hopes to occupy the Oval Office after George W. Bush departs will not speak directly to the people. For Senator John McCain, the fierce urgency of now is offered as the reason he will suspend his campaign. The Presidential aspirant requested his rival do as he decrees correct, delay the debates. Whilst an audience estimated to be near one hundred (100) million anxiously awaits word from the self-proclaimed "reformer," John McCain muses his presence in Oxford, Mississippi would be unwise. As Americans have witnessed on the campaign trail, enter one Grand Old Party boy; exit the other. Some suggest the Republican President and the Party nominee are rapturous; they love theatre of the absurd.
The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund asks each of us to consider our values and the ethics of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Environmental experts also join these protectors of the natural world when they inquire, would we rather have science survive or the ideology of a singular prominent person, Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin. A woman who could potentially be a heartbeat away from the presidency holds dear a practice that might cause some to cry or cry out. Governor Palin, as an elected official, a churchgoer, and as a citizen promotes her personal fondness for aerial wolf and bear hunts.
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