There is an old addage that says one should not discuss sex or politics with friends. And, since NOT talking about
sex is completely out of the question - I am going to break my rule and go to that
other place I have been trying to avoid. In light of certain things that have come to pass and with only a few weeks left in this most historic election - I will give a few of my political opinions and hope that I can try to make sense of some of this absurdity called an election. If you came here looking for my usual fun and jaunty post....come back another time.
First of all - I have a theory regarding the subject of Presidency itself. Four years is simply not enough time to effect change or really leave a mark on things. The first year on the job is spent establishing oneself, choosing a cabinet, pardoning a few cronies, succumbing to party pressures and promises, settling in and redecorating the White House, whipping out a State of the Union full of "I told you so's " and "don't shoot the messenger's" and "it's not us , it was them". You know, getting one's POTUS* MoJo groovin' - so to speak.
*for those of you who don't know, POTUS = President of the United StatesYear two is all about globetrotting, State Dinners, making the cover of Time Magazine Man of the Year, (or People's Sexiest issue) acting on a campaign promise or two (
pork , pork), in other words - staying low. Years three and four are spent gearing up for and running (again) for the second term!
Can you say Lame Duck? Then in the second term - you do your 'thang' for two years...then ready the Big Rolly Chair for the next schlub to assume the position.
So here's my suggestion - 6 year term, no re-election. Get in, futz around for a few months - Then get busy - fix shit... roll a head or two....fix more shit...restore the US 's world position ...then, get the fuck out! And while you're at it - end this friggin' thing in the Middle East. I hasten to call it war - as clearly there is no opponent and no prize to be won at the end.
And while I am eating my pie in the sky...how about co-Presidency's? I think there are admiral qualities on both sides of the political fence - so how about sharing the love inside the Okay Corral? In this the year of Newbie v. Veteran (neither of which has shown any real chutzpah** without cowtowing to the right or left (I mean , do you really think McCain
chose that woman for any other reason but religious right political pressure?) - Why can't they run the country together? Really make the Vice President's position important for something other than spoof and parody? If either one have them suggested the other as a running mate I think that would have nailed it!! True Bi-Partisanship. Presidency by Steering Committee? Nyaaaah. But a girl can dream can't she?
**
chutzpah = ballsI am trying to stay as neutral as possible in this election, because as of this very moment, I am registered as "Undeclared" as far as political party affiliation - so this year, my vote clearly counts. At this very moment, I am still on the fence - And in the last election , I stood there at the polls in sort of a stupor until I chose a candidate. They literally asked if I had a problem because those on were getting antsy waiting for my spot. Shit, I wasn't tossing around whether I was going with the Grande or the Venti, I was choosing a President. Sheesh.
I don't vote based on Party rhetoric, but rather on issues that are important; in sort of a conical way - with myself and family at the center and wending it's way out and out and out to include, yes, even people who are less fortunate than I. Strangers too. People who have differences in opinions, religions, sexual orientation, financial status, education, values, environmental concerns - yes, they are all in my concentric equation as well. Call me a commie- but I think part of our job in this country is to try to address the needs of EVERYONE as best we can.
But- we should
all be ashamed of the way we have been behaving as a country lately. Here's just a few reasons why:
~ While at a friend's house a few weeks ago, my 9 year old daughter was told by another 9 year old that if Obama is elected, he'll be assassinated while in office. Note to self, don't let your kid hang out with that kid ANYMORE!! This family goes around sporting their Vote Yes on 8* buttons while couching their beliefs in Christian morality. I don't think their Jesus would be too happy with that sentiment. It sickens me that a child would say something like that to another child. 9 year old's should be wondering about which Jonas Brother is the cutest, not about what assassination is.
*Prop 8 in California would amend the state's constitution to include the definition of marriage to be one man and one woman. They say they don't want gay marriage to be taught in school. I have never seen the lesson plan, but I hope they don't use Britney's 37 hour marriage to a man, or Liz Taylor's 8 marriage as the bar standard for traditional marriage. But this issue is a mired in religiousity, fear, and hatred. Enough already.
~ I like McCain. I always did. But something happened in the past few months . Dude's been slipping in the polls since Palin's entre on the scene. He was moderate and smart - now he's completely turned his conscience over to the dark side as far as I'm concerned. He is listening to his strategists who are now publicly stating that Obama will win. The hopes here is that people (and that's only stupid people) will listen to them , and not vote on November 4th because it is a 'fete accompli'. Their hopes are that the independents and undeclared would not cast any votes for anyone and McCain would have a chance. Seriously, if that is the only way they think they can get their candidate elected - they don't have as much faith in his ability to lead as they should. That in and of itself is sad, my friends - really sad.
And, Obama is no picnic either. I think it sucks that the guy has to constantly defend his race and religion and upbringing. But, all of these things are out there and he has to defend. We are just not open minded enough of a populace to let it go. And, he's been trying so hard to be nice and not spew vitriole the way his opponent's have been - but I bet he wants to get down and 'shiv them right about now.* Add that to the fact, that by party doctrine - he has to believe in the opposite of everything that happening now, even if he doesn't. And, he's no dummy and knows he won't make a difference in his first two years (see above theory about all that)
*
I am not above a little dissin' either fo shizzle.
So what are we to do?
Get out there and rock the vote. We have no right to bitch about the result if we weren't part of the process in the first place. And, on or about November 8th, when the President elect has been announced... nobody will give a shit anyway. They'll have taken their toys and gone home. Sales of Goo Gone will exponentially explode so people can scrape their bumpers clean.
And- let's not forget W still has 2 weeks (and several months before innauguration) left to fuck us over even more...
so- every year I am stuck (which is every year) I say to myself " Swirl Girl - vote the lesser of two evils." This year I am afraid I am having to vote for the evil of two lessers.
...I don't want to go there.
