We are at a time that is very troubling for most of us. Our economic status is dismal and the political establishment ineffective and in disarray. These points are reflected in the following quoted from today's "The Times Union" (in an article entitled: "New political process is intriguing"):
"Nearly two-thirds of U.S. voters feel the federal government has lost touch with the people it represents."
"More than two-thirds are open to supporting a qualified independent candidate."
"Only 17 percent of Americans are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S."
In the article cited above, an organization called "Americans Elect" is described as a bipartisan group whose purpose is to nominate candidates for office using the internet. Any registered voter can join the process. Nominations will be made and candidates selected on-line by the voters who join. Eventual nominees for office will be registered to be on state ballots by "Americans Elect". You can read more about it by linking onto http://www.americanselect.org/ Although this group may have only minimal impact this year, they have the potential to challenge the entrenched political establishment in the future.
There are other reasons to look at the bright side. For conservatives, Rick Santorum has outlined an agenda that we can endorse and applaud. On issues such as government involvement in the economy, environment, use of resources, religious freedom, defense, foreign affairs, education and abortion, he is the candidate most in line with conservative views. Although his positions have been, and will be, twisted and distorted by the liberal media, Santorum has shown that he is a worthy advocate and defender of conservative ideas and principles.
Another positive note is that the recent controversy generated by Obama's attack on religious freedom will not go away soon. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are rightly holding their ground. Following are the key points from a letter issued today to all Catholics in the U.S. by the Bishops:
"The original rule that violated our religious liberty so severely has not been changed, but finalized."
"HHS has promised some kind of 'accommodation' but only after the election."
"The promised 'accommodation'- even at its best-would still force our institutions to violate their beliefs."
"There is no exemption for objecting insurers, secular employers, for-profit religious employers, or individuals."
The Bishops go on to ask Catholics to contact their congressman to urge support for the "Respect for Rights of Conscience Act" (H.R. 1179, S. 1467). We all should be disturbed, if not surprised, that the "accommodation", much touted in the press, will not be acted upon until after the election.
Although the country's problems won't be solved soon, we now see some activity that gives us reason to be optimistic. In addition to the above, there is the very real possibility that the Supreme Court will strike down the individual mandate of Obamacare and hopefully the whole program. And given that the time will come when the Republicans can concentrate on job #1 to defeat Obama, the outlook will much improve. I am cautiously optimistic.
"Nearly two-thirds of U.S. voters feel the federal government has lost touch with the people it represents."
"More than two-thirds are open to supporting a qualified independent candidate."
"Only 17 percent of Americans are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S."
In the article cited above, an organization called "Americans Elect" is described as a bipartisan group whose purpose is to nominate candidates for office using the internet. Any registered voter can join the process. Nominations will be made and candidates selected on-line by the voters who join. Eventual nominees for office will be registered to be on state ballots by "Americans Elect". You can read more about it by linking onto http://www.americanselect.org/ Although this group may have only minimal impact this year, they have the potential to challenge the entrenched political establishment in the future.
There are other reasons to look at the bright side. For conservatives, Rick Santorum has outlined an agenda that we can endorse and applaud. On issues such as government involvement in the economy, environment, use of resources, religious freedom, defense, foreign affairs, education and abortion, he is the candidate most in line with conservative views. Although his positions have been, and will be, twisted and distorted by the liberal media, Santorum has shown that he is a worthy advocate and defender of conservative ideas and principles.
Another positive note is that the recent controversy generated by Obama's attack on religious freedom will not go away soon. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are rightly holding their ground. Following are the key points from a letter issued today to all Catholics in the U.S. by the Bishops:
"The original rule that violated our religious liberty so severely has not been changed, but finalized."
"HHS has promised some kind of 'accommodation' but only after the election."
"The promised 'accommodation'- even at its best-would still force our institutions to violate their beliefs."
"There is no exemption for objecting insurers, secular employers, for-profit religious employers, or individuals."
The Bishops go on to ask Catholics to contact their congressman to urge support for the "Respect for Rights of Conscience Act" (H.R. 1179, S. 1467). We all should be disturbed, if not surprised, that the "accommodation", much touted in the press, will not be acted upon until after the election.
Although the country's problems won't be solved soon, we now see some activity that gives us reason to be optimistic. In addition to the above, there is the very real possibility that the Supreme Court will strike down the individual mandate of Obamacare and hopefully the whole program. And given that the time will come when the Republicans can concentrate on job #1 to defeat Obama, the outlook will much improve. I am cautiously optimistic.
I wish I could share that optimism though I'm happy at least someone is cheery these days. I'm concerned that, as the general election draws closer, the mainstream media (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Democratic Party) will engage in a vicious and searing smear campaign against the Republican nominee. If it's Romney they'll focus on his record as MA governor, his religion and his passage of RomneyCare. If it's Santorum they'll conjure up fears of racism, sexism and,yes, even theocracy. If it's Gingrich they'll call him Grinch and focus on how even he back-stabbed conservatives when he was Speaker. Olberman, Matthews, Maddow and that ilk will spark a no-holes-barred attack on the Republicans. They'll fudge data, misrepresent views (debating what the Republican DIDN'T say), take quotes out of context and fear-monger to make Obama look like the lesser of two evils. Obama can't run on his record so he'll use his surrogates in the liberal media to do his dirty work - all at no cost (financial or political) to him mind you.
ReplyDeleteWhoever is the Republican nominee had better be ready for trench warfare - a real dog fight. He had also better be ready to get in the gutter because that's where the cockroaches are!
I believe it was Winston Churchill who once said that democracy was not perfect but no-one has found anything better or words to that effect. If one believes in democracy (or a republic as practiced in this country), one assumes a faith in the ultimate wisdom of a free people using their free judgement. (I admit that sometimes a society goes off course but if the people remain free and have free elections, they will ultimately correct it.)
ReplyDeleteThe anticipated campaign by the Democrats anticipated by Anonymous above is a distinct and real possibility. To me such a campaign connotes a party devoid of ideas, that is also corrupt and intellectually bankrupt. My hope and faith in democracy and in the American people leads me to believe that they will see through these Democratic tactics and make a realistic and mature judgement as to what their decision should be.