Political elections do not choose leaders of society. Rather, they are an exercise in which groups of people choose individuals who will assist them in looting other groups of individuals, those folks who were unfortunate enough not to be able to elect their own political strongman. The process can be downright blatant, as is the case in African and Asian countries, or it can be relatively subtle as it is in the United States, where the trappings of "constitutionality" and "rule of law" hide many of the more nefarious goings on. – William Anderson, Are Politicians Leaders? 10/19/2000
An election is coming. Universal peace is declared, and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry. – George Eliot
As you can probably tell from the lack of posts, I've had a hard time mustering up a commentary on the state of the elections. However, a quick review of previous posts will show that I tend to post here on matters that have long-term impact. Supreme Court nominations; government entitlement programs, things like that. That is why there isn't much to say about the upcoming elections. Either way the bulk of the races go, the likelihood of real progress is exceedingly low. The party in power has squandered 90-95% of the opportunity to reverse decades of abuse and waste. The democrats could hardly "improve" on that number.
Sure, there are things that still matter: The necessity of showing our enemies that they have no future in this world. The blessings of the world"s greatest economy. The true dividend of freedom and prosperity, which is the betterent of all humankind. These things stand to take some hits if the wrong party gets elected (note to anonymous, the democrats are still the wrong party).
But the republicans don't stand for what is right any more, either. Yes I know that the next two years could be a major setback for all of us, but I think we get that either way. The only thing I can be sure of is if the democrats get in, they will decimate and make a total botch job of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and then will spend the rest of their time trying to undo the meager economic improvements of the last six years. The only good that will come out of a republican defeat is the proverbial "wake-up call" that they've been needing. I can't think of a good reason to vote for a democrat, but that one comes close.
I believe that 90% of everybody sees through the phony Mark Foley issue, and the Harry Reid stuff on the other side of the aisle. The 10% who don't always vote for dems anyway. So, what will the other 90 be thinking going into election season? I suspect it will be "let's give these other guys a shot at it". It would have all been so unnecessary if the republicans would have simply dusted off the Contract With America, and used it as a playbook for the last two years.
If the democrats win, I think Newt runs in 2008.
