Politics as usual

Since fellow blogger Kassey has labeled me as her "music and politics" friend on her blog roll, I thought that I better live up to the latter half of this title, especially since it's been a little while since I've posted on anything political.

I watched most of the Democratic National Convention last week and felt that most of the speeches were "fine"---not oustanding, but not horrible either. The most anticipated (i.e. over-hyped) speech was obviously Obama's and I think his speech was ok, but not as inspiring as some of his other speeches. I laughed when he promised to end our dependence on oil from the Middle East within 10 years: this isn't a realistic promise and it sounds like very idealistic thinking. I also didn't like how he was vague on his proposals of how to fund the government programs that he would like to enact. However, here's a section from his speech that resonated well with me and found a common ground that I think most everyone can agree with on some level:

"...we must also admit that fulfilling America’s promise will require more than just money. It will require a renewed sense of responsibility from each of us to recover what John F. Kennedy called our "intellectual and moral strength." Yes, government must lead on energy independence, but each of us must do our part to make our homes and businesses more efficient. Yes, we must provide more ladders to success for young men who fall into lives of crime and despair. But we must also admit that programs alone can’t replace parents; that government can’t turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need. Individual responsibility and mutual responsibility - that’s the essence of America’s promise."

Then there's the Republican National Convention. I told myself that I would be fair and watch some of both conventions in order to hear why each side feels they are better equipped for the presidency. And I realize that at any political convention, the opponent is always going to get slammed and criticized. However, watching some of last nights speech's, I found myself becoming angered at comments that were mocking and disrespectful-specifically the comments belittling Obama's previous experience as a community organizer. Rudy Giuliani's speech took the first swing at Obama's community organizer days (go to 5:20 on the video below to get the full effect)). His tone was so condescending that it made me cringe. Then Sarah Palin, who proved that she is a sharp and energetic speaker, took another punch at community organizers by saying:

"I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer', except that you have actual responsibilities."

Ouch. Apparently community organizers just sit around and twiddle there thumbs and contribute nothing to society. Also, In both of these speeches, I heard not much regarding what John McCain will actually do for America, just what he has done as far as serving in the military and being a POW. These are honorable things, but let's get to the issues.

But the more I read about what's been happening the last few days, the more I see how this election on both sides might follow the same tactics as the 2004 election: distract people with fanfare instead of provoking people to think about solutions to issues. I hope in the next 60 days this doesn't prove to be true, but only time will tell.


Rudy's speech (go to 5:20 to hear him scoff at the community organizer occupation)