High Hopes

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:00:00 -0700

I might have to admit I am wrong. It doesn’t happen often, so pay attention.

I really wanted to be off the political soap box, and move on to more fun topics, but I have been taken a little by surprise.

On Election Day, I was pretty passive, not caring that much, as I pretty much expect the status quo, no matter who gets in.

Then I see the celebration in the streets over the Obama victory. I was pretty amazed over the outpouring of, well something. Not sure if it was joy, happiness, relief or whatever, but it seems there are some pretty high expectations happening here.

Continue reading "High Hopes"

The End is Near

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:31:18 -0700

Yes, after two years of almost 24 x 7 coverage, the 2008 Presidential campaign is just about over. That is if they can decide this in one day, which does seem to be a challenge recently.

No matter who I have listened to over the past 6 months, it seems the country is doomed to fail after this election. No, I am not assuming one guy has won over the other. I have listened to supporters of both McCain and Obama, and more than one in each camp has repeated the same line: "If (insert opposition's name here) wins, it is the end of this country."

What scares me is not one guy winning over the other, but the hatred that exists, not necessarily for someones views, but just because of his/her affiliation with a party. Sometime it feels like it is hated sports rivalry, where we only root for the colors and logo of the jersey. If McCain wasn't attached to W by the Republican party, he would be better in the polls. Not to say he would win, but no doubt he would be better off. On the same note, Bush 1, wouldn't have had it so easy in '88. It also seems this divide is getting deeper every four years, and I don't think either candidate will, or can, reverse the trend.

What scares me even more is how the country has been essentially divided geographically the same way since 1992. Which means ideas, values and what is considered important are moving further apart based on where you live.

The logical side of my brain tells me that no matter who wins, it will be mostly more of the same. I base this on the fact the majority of incumbents will win re-election in their House or Senate seat, and even if the Democrats win the White House with a majority in Congress, the lobbyist and power brokers will make sure nothing to drastic happens.

The hopeful side of my brain is hoping whoever wins will start bringing the country back together. I don't hold out too much hope for that happening.

What I would like to see in my lifetime is someone to come out of nowhere, with no party affiliation and be able to reach all Americans and start the healing and truly change the system. Again, not too much hope, but a lot has changed in the first half of my life (yes, I am being optimistic), so hopefully that is a trend that continues.

On the bright side, only 2 more years until next campaign begins.

Today's Public Service Announcement

nospam@example.com (Bill) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:24:54 -0700

B.C. - Election '08

High Hopes

The End is Near

Today's Public Service Announcement