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Is it just me or do many of my fellow citizens' see the insanity in this presidential election? Highly paid political pundits defend exaggerations and false claims made by political candidates in spite of verified facts to the contrary. The news media are acting like paparazzi in covering Sarah Palin. While John McCain repeats the false claims of his running mate, he wants to talk about lipstick on a pig.
I am rarely short on words in expressing my views. I am rarely angry to point of not knowing where to begin in expressing my opinion on the issues affecting my life, my family, my friends, and the lives of future generations but, the behavior by politicians, partisans and the media make it difficult to express the depth of my frustration over our political environment today. It is a national embarrassment!
Political dirty tricks have always been part of the political process but, we have reached a new and dangerous low. It has been said many times during past presidential elections that this is the most important election of our lives. This election is the most important election for the future of our democracy.
With a war of choice in Iraq, secret prisons, torture, a housing crisis, increased unemployment, a crumbling infrastructure, record debt, a failing health care system, the out-sourcing of ever possible job, increased poverty, a loss of purchasing power for the Middle Class and Working Poor, the suspension of Habeas Corpus, the suspension of Posse Comitatus, corruption in government, the attacks on our constitution and civil liberties, should we really be talking about lipstick on a pig? Damn!
Should we really reward the Republican leadership with another four years after the last eight years of incompetence and an economic disaster?
Sarah Palin claims she is going to end earmarks and pork barrel spending while she requested and received millions in earmarks for Alaska. I wonder if Sarah Palin likes applesauce with her pork? Insanity!
In my opinion, Sarah Palin is certainly an accomplished woman and politician. It is her political views that we should be discussing. Does she want to overturn Roe v Wade? Does she really believe Iraq was responsible for 911? What is her opinion on tax breaks for oil companies? Does she really believe that the proximity of Russia to Alaska gives her adequate foreign policy experience?
John McCain's service to his country should be honored but it is his stand on the war, his association with lobbyists, and his view on tax breaks for corporations that offer more of the same for America.
These politicians and their highly paid advocates are playing the American people for fools. It is time to demand answers on important issues. The American people must participate in the political process. Express your views by writing to your Congressional Representative, your Senators, your local newspaper and the news outlets. It is time to tell our politicians we want answers on how they will solve the problems facing the American families.
The clock is ticking. We can allow politicians to divide us with the usually wedge issues or we can unite around common issues and the good of every citizen. We can reject fear tactics and personal attacks. Participate in your Democracy by discussing the real issues. And remember to vote!
Fred Flanagan
