Often I have been labeled as a Liberal. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it's just that I don't believe I am. I'm not a Conservative, either. There are tenets from both sides with which I strongly agree and oppose.
And what I really oppose is the rancorous, vituperative, close-minded and uber-partisan rhetorical warfare that passes for political dialogue. Civil, it ain't.
Much of my previous postings dwell on Republicans. It's easy: their economic ideology is dying, their governing principles are steeped in failure and hypocrisy, and their brand of political campaigning is particularly harmful for constructively moving our nation forward. We've experienced eight years of epic incompetence and stubborn wrong direction in a multitude of crucial areas. Republicans have been responsible for most of our problems.
But all this doesn't make Democrats noble and right.
Consider John Murtha, long-time representative from southwestern Pennsylvania. Often tabbed as poster boy for corrupt, pork-barrel politicking. He must have taken some Truth Serum when he recently said that it would be difficult for Obama to win his district because there are so many racists there:
Opposing Murtha by Mark Hemingway on National Review Online
Then there is Christopher Dodd, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. He's received a preferential mortgage/loan from Countrywide Financial (no fees, no points). Because he's a good guy? Additionally, he receives millions in donations for his campaigns from banking interests. Should be a conflict of interest, compounded.
Sen. Chris Dodd took millions from now-failing finance firms he oversees Top of the Ticket Los Angeles Times
And how about Charlie Rangel, the Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee? He's admitted to errors and omissions on financial disclosure forms and is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. He's had problems with reporting a whole bunch of income on a rental home he owns, too.
Rangel to Stay On as Ways and Means Chairman - NYTimes.com
My point is that there are very few heroes in politics. Human nature is too vulnerable to the corrupt and stupid possibilities that politics and governance provides. What is important are the results - how politicians, political parties and government policies impact our lives and the health and welfare of our nation.
And here's the Quote of the Day:
"Son, always tell the truth. Then you'll never have to remember what you said the last time." -- Sam Rayburn, longtime Speaker of the House of Representatives
And what I really oppose is the rancorous, vituperative, close-minded and uber-partisan rhetorical warfare that passes for political dialogue. Civil, it ain't.
Much of my previous postings dwell on Republicans. It's easy: their economic ideology is dying, their governing principles are steeped in failure and hypocrisy, and their brand of political campaigning is particularly harmful for constructively moving our nation forward. We've experienced eight years of epic incompetence and stubborn wrong direction in a multitude of crucial areas. Republicans have been responsible for most of our problems.
But all this doesn't make Democrats noble and right.
Consider John Murtha, long-time representative from southwestern Pennsylvania. Often tabbed as poster boy for corrupt, pork-barrel politicking. He must have taken some Truth Serum when he recently said that it would be difficult for Obama to win his district because there are so many racists there:
Opposing Murtha by Mark Hemingway on National Review Online
Then there is Christopher Dodd, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. He's received a preferential mortgage/loan from Countrywide Financial (no fees, no points). Because he's a good guy? Additionally, he receives millions in donations for his campaigns from banking interests. Should be a conflict of interest, compounded.
Sen. Chris Dodd took millions from now-failing finance firms he oversees Top of the Ticket Los Angeles Times
And how about Charlie Rangel, the Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee? He's admitted to errors and omissions on financial disclosure forms and is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. He's had problems with reporting a whole bunch of income on a rental home he owns, too.
Rangel to Stay On as Ways and Means Chairman - NYTimes.com
My point is that there are very few heroes in politics. Human nature is too vulnerable to the corrupt and stupid possibilities that politics and governance provides. What is important are the results - how politicians, political parties and government policies impact our lives and the health and welfare of our nation.
And here's the Quote of the Day:
"Son, always tell the truth. Then you'll never have to remember what you said the last time." -- Sam Rayburn, longtime Speaker of the House of Representatives
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