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mml · 09-03-2004, 12:00 PM

Ustwo is back with a bang, I had forgotten how he can get my blood boiling. If the election were held today, I believe President Bush would squeek out a victory, but there is still a long way to go. Remember, traditionally, the real campaign starts after Labor Day. While Ustwo's comments are merely inflamatory opinion and speculation, it would do the Democratic party some good to reflect on the concerns he brings up. It would do the Republican party good to do the same.

I felt that Publius' comments on the essential, philisophical differences between the parties to be rather accurate, though obviously not universally so (John McCain and Colin Powell are not "Black and White" thinkers and Robert Bird rarely admits faults and never thinks he's wrong). I have heard it said that while a Republican can quickly and easily tell you why he is right, a Democrat can let you know why he most likely isn't wrong. Historically (though not true today) Americans have been more comfortable with Democratic legistatures (cognative bodies) and Republican executives (quick action). Kerry, like most Senators and Congressmen, is deliberative and thoughtful in action and word and this does not always sell well to the average American. I firmly believe that Senator Kerry will make a fine President, his challenge is getting others to believe the same thing.

The question that interests me is that any election involving an incumbant is really a refferendum on the leadership and record of that individual. Given the (regardless of what Ustwo thinks) tight race which we have, and given that two years ago, President Bush looked unstopable what does this say about the Bush Administration, the GOP platform and the philosphical stance of the conservative right and the Neo-Con movement?

In regards to Art's comments about loyalty and respect to the Office of the President, I could not agree more. I do, however, count myself as a member of the loyal opposition, and will call out my President when I think he is doing wrong. Blind loyalty is the death knell of democracy.

09-03-2004, 12:00 PM	#36 (permalink)
mml Adrift Location: Wandering in the Desert of Life	Ustwo is back with a bang, I had forgotten how he can get my blood boiling. If the election were held today, I believe President Bush would squeek out a victory, but there is still a long way to go. Remember, traditionally, the real campaign starts after Labor Day. While Ustwo's comments are merely inflamatory opinion and speculation, it would do the Democratic party some good to reflect on the concerns he brings up. It would do the Republican party good to do the same. I felt that Publius' comments on the essential, philisophical differences between the parties to be rather accurate, though obviously not universally so (John McCain and Colin Powell are not "Black and White" thinkers and Robert Bird rarely admits faults and never thinks he's wrong). I have heard it said that while a Republican can quickly and easily tell you why he is right, a Democrat can let you know why he most likely isn't wrong. Historically (though not true today) Americans have been more comfortable with Democratic legistatures (cognative bodies) and Republican executives (quick action). Kerry, like most Senators and Congressmen, is deliberative and thoughtful in action and word and this does not always sell well to the average American. I firmly believe that Senator Kerry will make a fine President, his challenge is getting others to believe the same thing. The question that interests me is that any election involving an incumbant is really a refferendum on the leadership and record of that individual. Given the (regardless of what Ustwo thinks) tight race which we have, and given that two years ago, President Bush looked unstopable what does this say about the Bush Administration, the GOP platform and the philosphical stance of the conservative right and the Neo-Con movement? In regards to Art's comments about loyalty and respect to the Office of the President, I could not agree more. I do, however, count myself as a member of the loyal opposition, and will call out my President when I think he is doing wrong. Blind loyalty is the death knell of democracy.