Optimism is spreading

Yes, optimism is in the air. It is exciting to think about an Obama presidency. At a moment in time when the volume of optimism is turned up not only in America but in other parts of the world, it gives so many of us a relief and satisfaction to see eight years of arrogance being shown the door. On November 4th , the nation will turn the page on cowboy politics. We all have hope that the nation’s economical, domestic, and foreign policies will evolve around fairness, inclusiveness and transparency. We look for an Obama administration not to pick fights with certain parts of the world, but bring a common interest and understanding to the planet that we all need each other.

When the election is over we will come together as one country

On November 4th, Tuesday, some will use their votes to go down with the ship and others will cast their votes on that miracle ship under the banner called change. Both ships have come a long way and experienced windy, stormy waters. Even though my vote along with many others will be cast on the miracle ship, we respect the ship that lost its way. When the ships are translated into candidates Senator Obama does stand out as the miracle ship and Senator McCain stands out as the ship that lost its way. In this election a candidate’s demeanor, judgment, calmness and steadiness outweighs the other candidate’s experience. For many in the media to tap dance around the fact that Senator McCain acted impulsively when he picked Governor Sarah Palin for his running mate, it shows an all around respect for the man in spite of his blunder. Lets hope on Tuesday when all the votes are cast, all Americans will pull together, put bitterness aside, and help steer this country to a better place.

The pendulum is swinging to the left in Obama's era

In the history of politics, in my life time and many others, there has never been such a fierce battle between the “Us And Them,” with the large number of participants witnessed in this election year. Both sides are hoping that there are more of “Us” than “Them” to set the tone and agenda in all three branches of the government: executive, judicial, and legislative. Former President Ronald Reagan convinced many democrats that he was best for the moment he lead. Those democrats are referred to as “Reagan Democrats.” It seems in 2008, Obama is convincing some republicans to become “Obama Republicans.” That means on the “Us And Them” scale, the pendulum is swinging to the left and the neo-cons are on the run. This thought along gives so many of us great pleasure that we are living in a moment in time when the right side will conquer the wrong side.

Wishing another would follow the path of Powell‏

Like many, I was delighted to hear that Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama, even though many of us wished he had had the courage to resign the Bush administration during the run up to the Iraq war. That would have made a difference in the eyes of the country and the world. Even though I agree with Colin Powell that McCain’s VP pick, Sarah Palin, pushed the Republican Party too far to the right, I’m not convinced that this reason alone is why Powell endorsed Obama. In my opinion, the endorsement of Obama is a way for Powell to redeem himself before the eyes of the Bush administration, the country, and the world. Mainly, I believe, this is his way of separating himself from the denials of the wrongs perpetrated by the Bush administration. Like many, I can only hope that some day Condoleeza Rice will make her break from the Bush administration’s pretense world that laced with so many denials. She is too talented to hold herself hostage to such an out of touch, lost, corrupted administration.

We need McCain back in the Senate

The last debate between Senator McCain and Senator Obama, in my opinion, was easily won by Senator Obama. He was steady, calm, relaxed and confident while Senator McCain was anxious, shaky and a little bit scary. Senator McCain is a good man with good intentions, however it was obvious that Senator Obama would make a better president and maybe it would be best for Senator McCain to go back and do his good work in the Senate. When the election is over we need his toughness to help shape an immigration policy that everyone can live with.

Gov. Palin was a bad gamble

Senator McCain is known for his gambling side as well as the Maverick. Many of us know now that Governor Sarah Palin was not a well thought out pick for the VP on the republican ticket. The sad state of the economy may be a contributing factor to Senator Obama’s rise in the polls; however, many of us think Gov. Palin contributes to that as well. Looking at the type of crowds she attracts might be why McCain is losing steam. There is certainly some truth to the old saying “A person is known by the company he keeps.” I believe most Americans are concerned with restoring the direction of the country rather than the type of politics we have had in the past eight years. In my opinion, Gov. Palin and the crowds she attracts is a reminder of the tactics of the Bush administration. Those tactics have lost their usefulness for many that are looking for the country to be steered in a new direction. Let’s be honest, Senator McCain could be doing better in the polls if he had picked a more qualified running mate. The Maverick made a bad gamble.

A bright light

The second debate between Senator McCain and Senator Obama was like looking at the past closing out to the future. Both put forward strong efforts; however it was clear that America needs a forward looking candidate with a real vision; not a vision on past experiences but a vision on real change. Senator Obama shined like a bright light on a hill leading the way for the future.

Unseasoned Palin gets kid-glove treatment

The following letter was published on October 4, 2008 by
The Cape Cod Times
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

It is so peculiar that some in the media and many of the commentators after the debate between Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin put kid gloves on when criticizing Palin's performance.

She totally avoided answering many questions and the only area she actually showed some knowledge in was energy. In my opinion Palin is lacking depth and appeared to be far out of her league debating Biden.

Having said all of this, I and many others somewhat appreciate the kid-glove treatment; Sarah Palin is a likable person. However, it is scary to think she could be a heartbeat away from the presidency.