Political Football

Well – tonight is the night for Obama – to accept his historic nomination (and no matter what – it is historic) and most will say fittingly, on the 45th Anniversary of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech.  Too bad most do not know what -pf informed me of recently – that MLK was a Republican. (“What?” you say. I think -pf did a link but if she didn’t, she should).

Nightly News previewed the speech and said Obama would have at least 2 definite pledges.  Look forward to hearing specifics.

Last night Bill Clinton, as predicted, did give a very good and very effective speech —- first to the steadfast Democrats and secondly to the middle-of-the-roaders.  He recalled his own unexpected rise (tho he had been Governor and had executive experience) and that people called him inexperienced in foreign matters.  He did claim that his foreign policy was successful.  However I would challenge those willing to believe him to consider that 1) Clinton never retaliated against early terrorist attacks against the US that emboldened Bin Laden/others later on to 9-11  and 2) he didn’t press the UN to keep pressure on Saddam Hussein.  Except for US Kosovo involvement I don’t recall any monumental foreign policy advancements or actions.  (am I faulty in  memory?)

Regarding the economic stability of boom of Clinton’s time — it always confounds me that people don’t understand that there are cycles — booms and busts, bears and bulls in free markets.  And that Congress was more responsible than the President.  Usually Presidents have very little effect on the economy.  Perhaps I am naive but this is what I remember from Micro and Macro Economics in college and what I hear from good friends who work in high levels of NYC powerhouse firms.

[Side bar :  I am still mystified why most people are horrified about the genocide in Darfur and urge action but were not similarly so about Saddam murdering his own people indiscriminately.  And to clarify - I am also horrified about Darfur.]

Biden’s speech was also very effective – powerful in style and substance.  Mama Biden was adorable up in the balcony.  Biden came across sincere in his “friendship” with McCain but strong in his assessment that McCain was wrong.  A friend from TN pointed out to me that he was a bit confusing and I agreed.  Some of his comments seemed incongruous when talking about Iraq and Afghanistan.  And, of course, Biden couldn’t mention that McCain was right about the surge or that Biden had called for the partition of Iraq.

As of last night (and later tonight) – it does seem like it is Obama’s election to lose.  I still think tonight’s setting is over the top and I love “theatre” but in appropriate circumstances.  I thought last night that McCain can not compete in style or drama so he better deliver in substance and that he has to have legitimate answers to people’s economic concerns.  It is not enough to keep trotting out “I was a POW” (while I do admire his and countless others’ sacrifice who have and continue to serve) or to count on Anti-Obama voters.  McCain has to be the maverick he used to be and still claims to be.  The economy is the number one issue for everyone I believe.

Personally - I have been a fortunate recipient of government aid but I want to work – and my only chance is for there to be plenty of jobs available because I will not be, most likely, a companies’ first choice.  For there to be plenty of jobs, companies, hospitals and non-profits have to have money to hire.  Raising taxes probably would not aid in that effort.

If nothing else in the past few months I have realized nothing comes easy and though it is tempting to whine, I am responsible for whatever success – if any – I hope to have.

It would be easy to pull the lever or punch the chad for “change” sake but that may be just a little too easy.    LG

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