I hate politics.  Let's just get that out of the way.  I can't stand to hear all the mudslinging, the rumors, and the "leaks".  Most of all, I can't take the vultures who are the media, making big deals out of every last morsel that they find.  It tends to distract you from forming proper opinions about candidates, and then you finally fall victim to peer pressure one way or another.  Do I look stupid by voting for A or B?  Only in this country do we have so much freedom (of the press, of free speech, etc.) and it is ONLY IN THIS COUNTRY that we have such scandals that are talked about round the world.  I mean, really, does anyone really care of the Prime Minister of France has an affair?  Um, no...a few people shrug their shoulders, have another drink, and they continue onward. 

 

Now, we are in a fine country, don't get me wrong.  Our liberties are not to be taken for granted.  But there is just something seriously wrong when the unemployment rates are high and we are in debt up to our eyeballs and people in other countries might be unemployed, but have fewer incidences of debt (in terms of overused credit).  And not only that, but what is what the fact that in Europe when you are laid off, you're given enough friggen money to pay off your mortgage and go on a trip round the world a few hundred times, while here in the U.S. we have set regulations on severance pay, who can collect unemployment, how to draw a measly social security pension, and we ought to all be rich but we're not!  Sure, we might have everything else we want--houses, tvs, cars, decent food on the table on a regular basis...and I know it's not always the case in other countries.  Yet, somehow there are tons of people from overseas who come here for a college education, get top-paying jobs, and then are able to afford to bring their families here to live!  While average Joe down the street has lived in this country all his life, led a low-key, hardworking life, and has nothing to show for it by the time he retires.  Heaven forbid he gets laid off mid-career--then his chances of finding something commensurate to his former pay are slim, he might have to get 2 jobs, and then ol' Joe might die of a heart attack from the stress of it all.

 

So now, back to politics.  Sorry I digressed!  All those issues are in the back of my mind as I sit and watch all the election coverage and try not to partial to anyone until I feel for certain that someone is telling the truth.  I have to say, I'm highly disappointed with it all.  No one fits the bill.  Everyone talks the talk, but will they walk the walk?  We've been duped before.  No matter who the party was in power.  Now, I've often claimed to be Democratic, but that doesn't mean I'm that 100%.  I share ideas from both the Democrat and Republican sides.  I don't know if that makes me an Independent or what, but it might have been nice to see someone like THAT running for office.  I mean, you can't please the entire country through one person's actions.  But that one person does have to take into account the nation as a whole, not viewing it as one great big Republican or Democrat society.  For example, you tend to think of Dem's as being rock 'n' roll  wasters who are Godless and smoke pot.  Or Rep's are upright churchgoers who promote jobs.  Hmmm, wouldn't you be surprised to know that I am a staunch churchgoer, love rock 'n' roll (especially the Beatles), and I despise drugs?  I'm not the best off financially, but not because I waste my money.  I work hard, and strive for doing my best.  I don't think it's thanks to any political party.  Now, why couldn't there be someone like that who runs for office?  I don't know what is going to happen in November, but either way, I think there is going to be an uproar.