Maybe it’s age, maybe not

I have been surprised by the new John McCain. In my view he has changed in appearance and in character. During the 2000 Presidential primaries, he seemed to possess somewhat higher standards of behavior than he does eight years later.

• His statement, “I’m John McCain, and I approve this message” has become a euphemism for distortion and a focus for comedy.
• Not too long ago McCain thought that his “little white lie” to David Letterman about rushing back to Washington was somehow not significant or would never be exposed. Guess again. It was exposed quickly. Watch and listen to Keith Olbermann.
• Now we learn that McCain’s campaign will turn completely negative in a desperate attempt at election. If my TV had a stomach, it would need an airsick bag.
• I am not alone in having lost the respect I once had for John McCain. Arianna Huffington calls McCain’s fall Shakespearean.

At one point near the end of the first Presidential debate while a dignified Barack Obama tried vainly to make a statement, John McCain repeatedly interrupted his attempts by speaking, pausing, starting again, pausing – effectively stifling Barack Obama’s attempt to speak. It must have been a pretty important comment or McCain would not have suspended civility to prevent Obama from being heard. Was that rudeness or was it the inability to engage in dialogue? Imagine your President meeting with advisers during a crisis. At such a time not everyone will agree. Would you want a President who cannot engage views other than his own? Would you want a President who would try to intimidate those with conflicting views? Would you want the most powerful person on the planet to start interrupting and speaking over anyone who would offer another point of view?

I have more respect for Barack Obama who has the ability to look someone in the eye, hear what is being said, engage the thought without violence, and to respond appropriately.

photo by flickr by Chesi – Fotos CC

$700B, Fleece, Herd, and Stampede

Who elected these boys (1, 2) anyway? And why did we do it? Because we were afraid of “liberals” and “big government” and “high taxes?” Are we supposed to think that bailing out the nation’s two largest banks and its largest insurance company is conservative, is little government, and won’t raise your taxes? 

 Well, let’s see here. Tonight we were asked to fund another $700 billion dollar bailout. Your share of this latest one comes to $2,333. That’s also your son’s share, and your daughter’s share, and your grandchild’s share – everyone of them. Ante up, and tell those little kids to do the same. Empty their piggy banks if you have to.

Oh, wait a minute! What are we stampeding to buy this time? Bad debt!? What a great idea. This idea has John McCain so confused that he is returning to Washington to help, and no wonder he is confused. He has been a long-time champion of deregulation. Now he has to leap to another horse as his first steed flies off the cliff. John McCain is so anxious to share his plans with America that he wants to cancel the Friday Presidential debate. Let’s find out how McCain and Obama think under stress.

As of today convincing the public, the Congress, and some wise pundits is not progressing well. The political scene looks more like herding cats; the public is not going along quietly. Wise people are looking at the alternatives.

• Jim Jubak suggests that we slow down long enough to avoid a bigger problem, catch the crooks, and keep the same old foxes out of the henhouse.
• Forbes.com suggests there are better ways to spend $700 billion.
• New York Times suggests a more carefully designed plan.

Still having fun? No? Then vote more carefully next time.

photos by flickr by Mark Sardella, stuckincustoms and mag3737