Best wishes to Senator Kennedy and his family at this difficult time. Friends and supporters should take heart that Senator Kennedy is a tough fighter, and will undoubtedly fight his illness with the same determination that has made him such an effective Senator.
Senator McCain shows his respect for Senator Kennedy and explains why he view’s him as ‘The Last Lion’ of the Senate.
First Posted at McCain Independents
After the NYT article ran last week a question popped into my mind as it has done several times before; 'Why would anyone in his or her right mind become a politician?' There's been such a degradation in political discourse and journalistic standards that good people may start turning away from politics simply because they don't want to subject themselves to all the nastiness and cheap shots. The two candidates that often appear to take the brunt of this low-ball politics are Senator Clinton and Senator McCain.
This month Senator McCain has taken it from both sides. The NYT spreads rumors about him; right wing radio pitches a fit about his nomination. Both sources were so wrong and low-ball in their attacks that people are coming to his defense even when they are not on his side politically.
As for Senator Clinton, she seems to be a constant target for juvenile remarks. I don't know any public figure that takes as much flak for petty things like dress, appearance, or tone of voice. I can't imagine anyone has berated Senator McCain for a poor choice of tie like they do to Senator Clinton if they don't like her outfit. Two of the main problems with type of politics are one; we're forgetting that these people are human beings. There is a certain level of decency that all people should be afforded, even politicians. Two, as stated up front, this could easily dissuade good people from getting involved in politics, then the country looses out. I'm all for challenging politicians on issues, and questioning their actions. I'd just like to see it done with more fairness and maturity.
One of the reasons I am an Independent is because I feel the far edges of the two parties are hurting both their party and their country. The recent attacks on Senator McCain by some conservative talk show hosts have illustrated this point. Ann Coulter in particular has made such over the top statements that she shows how absurdity has afflicted the extremes of both parties. Her remark that Senator McCain, “has no honor” is the clearest example of this. Now, I’ll always defend Ms. Coulter’s right to make outrageous remarks, but ‘no honor’? Really? I’m not going to go down the list of reasons why I think Senator McCain deserves be considered an honorable person, because it’s not necessary. To me this just illustrates how some have lost touch with reality. Whether it is the extreme left implying that General Petraeus is a traitor, or the far right having a melt down over the potential McCain nomination, this is not what your party needs and this is not what your country needs.
One of the reasons I think both Senator McCain and Senator Obama have generated excitement and support has nothing to do with policy. Their policies differ dramatically, but the idea that we can have this debate in a civil manner, and actually put loyalty to ones country above loyalty to ones party is truly exciting to many of us who can’t stomach all this nasty partisanship. I have to believe that I am not the only one who lives in a world that isn’t all red or isn't all blue. If we can have this election in a manner that is respectful to people with all different opinions that could be very healing to a country that has been gripped by bitter partisanship as I don’t believe that represents the true character of America.
I don’t consider myself a complainer, but I have a laundry list of political complaints. These are the basis for declaring myself an Independent, and this seems like the place to vent. So in no particular order here are 10 complaints/tips to politicians…
1. Just because I think a Republican is wrong doesn’t mean I think a Democrat is right, and vice versa. Often there are more than two ways to look at an issue.
2. If you are going to legislate morality don’t get caught with a prostitute or a teenager.
3. Stop yelling (pundits). Volume has no correlation to correctness.
4. If you’re wrong just say so. Everybody’s wrong from time to time, and if you’re thinking ‘not me’ then please don’t get into politics.
5. Please have a reason for seeking power beyond wanting to become powerful.
6. Don’t act like an idiot in a pathetic attempt to retain power. The recurrent theme in Washington seems to be, party takes power, party does something stupid and sleazy to retain power, party gets caught, party gets voted out.
7. Don’t gloat. It’s petty and rude, and remember you’re supposed to be a grown-up.
8. Have a mind of your own. In the real world people are admired for being independent thinkers, only in Washington are the blind followers honored.
9. Your party is not going to be permanently in power so have some perspective, and read a history book.
10. Kill the conspiracy theories.
a. Any conspiracy that consists of an entire government agency keeping their mouth shut should automatically be thrown out.
b. Just because you lost doesn’t mean the other side conspired against you.
c. If science and evidence starkly contradict your conspiracy theory then don’t lose your nut when people think you’re wrong.
