Palin’s Disdain for Victims of Rape, Assault & Domestic Violence

Alaska has the highest incidence of violence against women in the United States, with the statistics being not only heartbreaking, but horrifying. The incidence of sexual assault against women and children in Alaska is six times the national average. The link below leads to an article exposing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s style of inhumane and ego-driven governance, which puts saving a buck above saving lives – and fires anyone who dares to seek outside funding for essentials. This woman is an ignorant, miserly, inhumane, self-righteous, punitive, vengeful and extremely dangerous menace to society.

Palin’s Assault on Women & Children

Palin gives Obama my vote

Nevada is one of the handful of undecided states that can make or break either Presidential campaign, so a lot of time and money is being invested here – and we’re bombarded with media ads, not only from national campaigns, but state and local candidates, as well. Yesterday, I was raging because only ONE candidate amongst all had been running ads focusing on issues and positions, while all others were simply smearing their opponents. Senator Harry Reid had been the only one with sufficient respect for the electorate to spend his campaign chest informing voters rather than demonstrating a lack of respect for their intelligence, not to mention respect for the concept of an informed electorate, via misleading or deceptive smear advertising. Last night, I saw for the first time a similar Obama ad focusing on the candidate and addressing the issues. Today, I received an email with a link to another such ad regarding the economy, which is fairly well done: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/economyvideo/

In the interests of fairness, when I mentioned to my husband that Obama is now running an issues ad, he sent me the following link with the notation “He’s still a sleazebag.”  Unfortunately, this http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/from-the-fact-1.html provides evidence of Obama’s willingness to sacrifice principles in the pursuit of victory. It disturbs me greatly when those who profess to uphold higher standards prove that they are not much different from those they revile. The DNC would argue that they must fight fire with fire. But, as far as I’m concerned, if you’ll intentionally mislead or outright lie to the public during a campaign, you’ll lie to us in office. No, the Obama campaign isn’t doing anything sleazier than the opposition, but when you cast yourself as being better than they, you’d better live up to your PR. McCain’s ads are just as deceitful and those featuring Palin contain nothing but lies about her brief tenure as Governor of Alaska. Obama has been a disappointment – made particularly sad because I’d always hoped to champion the first viable African-American candidate for the office of president. But, my disappointment in Obama doesn’t overshadow my absolute rejection of McCain/Palin and the Republican Party. The Conservative mindset has done more damage to this country than I thought possible – and evidence of such is everywhere and irrefutable.

My disillusionment with the DNC and their betrayal of the better qualified Hillary Clinton in order to anoint Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate via a corrupt process had caused me to decide that I would not reward their lack of respect for the voters and the democratic process. My intention was to cast a write-in vote for Hillary Clinton, with the knowledge that it would have no impact. However, as time has gone on and the danger posed by a Republican/McCain victory has become increasingly evident – particularly since his selection of Sarah Palin, a woman as ignorant, unqualified and dangerous as George W. Bush, if not moreso, and a particular threat given McCain’s age and health history – I’ll cast my vote for Obama. Removing incompetence and corruption from the Executive Branch is essential to the interests of our country and I can’t risk that a protest vote, which many disenfranchised Democrats intend to cast, will result in a McCain/Palin victory. Those who voted for Nader in 2000 must always bear a large measure of responsibility for the horror that has been George W. Bush and I won’t participate as a similar “spoiler” and risk a similarly disastrous outcome. So, my vote for Obama will be nothing more than one against McCain/Palin.

While everyone’s talking about our being on a fast track to The Great Depression II, which is causing incredible misery and will only get worse before it gets better – thanks to the Bush Regime and those who marched in lockstep - there are myriad other reasons to keep McCain/Palin away from the West Wing. The Supreme Court is one that isn’t being discussed. The SC has a Conservative majority at present, with Scalia and Thomas being Far Right. It is likely that the next President will appoint at least one justice – and those appointments are for life. We witnessed the partisan actions of the Supreme Court to ensure a Bush victory in Florida – so the contention that the SC is non-partisan is utterly deceitful. If the McCain/Palin ticket victorious, it’s within the realm of possibility that they will have the opportunity to stack the Court with Conservatives to the degree that there is never the possibility of a rational, moderate, just interpretation of the Constitution. The self-righteous, punitive, sexist Conservative mindset that seeks to impose its own broad edicts on women, whom they consider incapable of making personal medical decisions without interference, would also turn back the clock to the not-so-long-ago days when wealthy women went to medical facilities in Europe and poor women to back alleys and coat hangers to terminate pregnancies for which they are unprepared.

While Obama has been a disappointment thus far, I’m holding on to one expectation if he’s elected: The enormity of his responsibilities to the nation and world will inspire him to rise to the occasion and live up to his commitments and the principles he professes to hold dear. If Barack Obama is able to put his responsibilities to the nation and world above ego, he will rely upon the intelligence, experience and courage of competent advisors, such as Hillary Clinton, to aid him in navigating the minefield that will be left behind. The Bush Administration has squandered not only our financial capital, but our position in the world. We are no longer what we were just eight short years ago and the next President must deal with the aftermath of two terms of recklessness, incompetence, waste, war, profiteering, corruption, criminality and a consistently demonstrated disregard for the citizenry. It’s going to be hellish and he will be expected to resolve the massive problems resulting from two terms of Bush. However, it’s going to take far longer to recover than it took to dig the hole we now find ourselves in, so don’t expect miracles. What I do expect are competence, integrity, honesty and a profound respect for the citizenry and the protections afforded by the Bill of Rights, which the Bush Administration has wiped its collective arse with.

Barack Obama, you now have my vote. Please don’t make me regret it.

The Philosophy of a Proud American LIBERAL

Gnawing at the recesses of my consciousness has always been the concern that I’ll leave this life without imparting to my children and grandchildren all the things I want them to know – about me and about what I wish for them and humanity. In the wee hours of this morning, I attempted to put my philosophy into words. This isn’t exhaustive and could perhaps be better expressed if I labored over it, but, it’s a start.

————————————————————————————-

For Noelle, Alexandra, Ariana & Angelica, with unconditional love…

On Becoming a Passionate, Productive & Proud LIBERAL

Your guiding principle should be to always treat others as you wish to be treated.

Look others in the eye, be honest and make your word your bond.

Life deals unequal hands, don’t expect equal results.

A broad perspective leads to wisdom.

Respecting the individuality of others isn’t an option, but a requirement.

Trash collectors are as necessary as physicians in a functional society.

Strive to achieve your potential – whatever it is – and help others to do likewise.

Everyone has a gift – or many – use them to enrich your own life and humanity.

Failure to speak out against injustice makes one an accomplice to the crime.

If you don’t have the traits to lead, know who you’re following – with certainty.

Things are never as important as people.

Never forget that we are all members of the same human family.

Be generous in all things – you’ll reap what you sow.

All that matters is who you are – not what you have or where you’re from.

Know your principles and live by them.

Your character is defined by your actions when no one is – nor will be – aware of them.

Empathy and compassion are virtues, self-righteousness a character flaw.

Don’t allow loyalty to defend the indefensible.

Be accountable, demand accountability.

No one is an island – get involved, do your share, pay your share.

Taxes are membership dues we owe to society.

If your taxes are high, be grateful for the financial success you enjoy.

If it’s worth complaining about, it’s worth trying to correct.

Listen to your conscience, not your ego.

Defend yourself with all your might, but never initiate aggression.

If blame must be cast, be absolutely certain you’re aiming at the right target.

Blind nationalism inevitably leads to bloodshed – consult history for proof.

Love of country isn’t demonstrated by denying its flaws, but striving to correct them.

Never take pride in a success you’ve not contributed to.

We have a responsibility not only to the present, but the future.

Other than buying a home, use credit only for needs that can’t be postponed.

Use cash whenever possible – what you save in interest will pay for luxuries.

Not everyone grows up in an environment with positive role models to emulate: teach by example.

We must protect the planet that is humanity’s present and future home.

When you strike a child you’ve failed – and run a high risk of creating a victim or an aggressor.

Until given reasons to do otherwise, assume the goodwill and integrity of others.

When faced with adversity, never abandon hope for a better tomorrow – and work to achieve it.

A life without passion is mere existence – live passionately!

In a civilized society, shelter, food, clothing, health care, education, and a living wage for work performed are human rights – not privileges.

Sometimes, the Right is right…

Let me preface this by saying that Pat Buchanan ain’t my kinda guy – for myriad reasons. But, even a broken watch gets it right a couple of times each day. While that watch is correct far more often than Pat, every now and then he offers insights deserving of attention and praise. Such was the case when he posed the question: And if Obama loses?

However, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, portrayed by Buchanan as an America-hating racist, has been a convenient lightning rod and scapegoat used for the purpose of discrediting Obama as an unpatriotic traitor to his nation, as though Obama’s own history and thin resumé don’t provide ample opportunity to call his suitability for office into question. Any descendant of slaves, victims of Jim Crow laws, lynchings, discrimination and the array of horrors and indignities visited upon Americans of African ancestry in this country over hundreds of years is entitled to some suspicion or distrust of the government and ruling class, as far as I’m concerned. To equate such feelings on the part of some Black Americans with the racism to which they’ve been subject would be laughable in its absurdity, if it weren’t so offensive.

Wright served in the Marine Corps and Navy and was a member of LBJ’s medical team during the 60’s. He subsequently earned a bachelor’s, two master’s, a doctorate and was a pastor in the United Church of Christ for 36 years. Wright has been anything but an anti-establishment radical. A fiery orator passionate in his convictions? Yes. A threat to society? No. The man voiced legitimate criticism of actions by the United States Government that have brought pain and suffering to people and was pounced upon by those who refuse to acknowledge that we have left some ugly and indelible stains on the pages of history. The self-professed champions of Constitutional rights and defenders of 1st Amendment free speech protections leave their alleged principles in dust the moment another citizen calls attention to their nation’s faults, past and present. A citizenry that refuses to acknowledge and address its country’s failings is as dysfunctional, but far more dangerous, than the parent blinded by love for an anti-social child. Honest criticism of country in the interests of change is a noble act of patriotism. Denial isn’t.

Admittedly, Jeremiah Wright experienced an unfortunate and embarrassing meltdown when caught in the headlights of negative media attention. But, under the circumstances, what novice, involuntary and unprepared participant in the blood sport of politics wouldn’t? Jeremiah Wright is a non-issue, in my book, but Obama’s swift denouncing of his friend and termination of their quarter-century relationship is another piece of evidence to consider when determining if this guy is a man of character, courage and ethics or just another political opportunist and moral lightweight hiding behind a deceptive public persona.

Fresh meat

I had intended to write about con-artistry in language, which rises to fever pitch in election years. But, political savagery and the ease with which we allow passion to replace reason has bumped language to a topic for another day.

Sarah Palin: wife, mother, novice player in the political minor leagues, former beauty pageant contestant, wearer of fur, firearm enthusiast, anti-choice crusader and now candidate for Vice President of the United States. Other than gender, marital and motherhood status, I have little if anything in common with Mrs. Palin. While there’s undoubtedly much more to investigate and learn about this political newcomer, her publicized positions on the issues are at odds with my own. Other than confronting some thorny problems in Alaska, the only quantifiable history of success that’s been presented for assessment is her ability to reproduce and parent. While nurturing children is a tremendously challenging, worthwhile and undervalued endeavor, it’s irrelevant when determining one’s preparedness to assume the office of President of the United States. Today, my opinion of her as a qualified candidate for such a lofty position, particularly in light of John McCain’s age and health concerns, couldn’t be much more negative. While I consider her ill-suited to the position she seeks, as well as my ideological opposite, she is a human being and woman deserving respect by virtue of her membership in the human race.

As a candidate for public office, her background, qualifications or lack thereof, beauty pageant past, pistol packin’, fur-wearing and everything else that’s considered to have a bearing on her suitability is fair game for evaluation, discussion and criticism – or praise, as the case may be. But, the savage misogyny being engaged in by the Obama camp, including women and those seemingly so sensitive to bigotry that they used groundless allegations of racism in an attempt to discredit anyone not enthusiastically supporting their candidate, is not only offensive and glaringly hypocritical, but counter-productive to their cause.

The passion with which the Left endorses change in our society is admirable. But, the understandable rage brought about by nearly a decade of disastrous Republican policies and the determination to see much needed change seems to have replaced common sense and basic human decency. I have always been a proud progressive Liberal because I consider the philosophy a humane one that acknowledges our commonality while respecting individuality. Today, I am embarrassed by and ashamed of the actions of many of my ideological brethren – and most particularly women who denounce misogyny and profess to champion gender equality, while gleefully eating one of their own.

Mrs. Palin, I consider you to be woefully ignorant, misguided, unqualified and a dangerous menace to women and our society as a whole, should you become Vice President, and will endeavor to provide evidence of such to voters. Nonetheless, as a woman and fellow human being, I sincerely regret what you’re experiencing, which bears resemblance to the shameful and unjust character assassinations relentlessly visited upon President and First Lady Clinton by the Right, and offer my apologies.

The destructive spite vote

I don’t spend much time on the net and have had only a nodding acquaintance with the blogosphere. Having a spouse who lives there, I have far too much to do singlehandedly to indulge my interest in the insights and opinions of others, not to mention my own love of writing.

As this election year unfolded and the flaws in Barack Obama, corruption of the Democratic National Committee and betrayal of Hillary Clinton became irrefutable, my husband has raged, ranted and raved. During his rare forays into the real world below the 2nd floor office that is his portal to the virtual one, I’m kept abreast of recent developments. He’s frequently mentioned the PUMA’s and gleefully predicted a McCain trouncing of the smug Obama in November. I’ve been shocked and dismayed by his eager anticipation of a McCain victory, as he possesses an intellect, breadth and depth of knowledge, insights and skills that I not only respect, but envy – and that belie what I consider a very misguided, destructive and self-defeating position.

A perusal of various forums and blogs providing glimpses into the minds and hearts of disenfranchised Democrats begs the question of a sizable percentage: If your ethical foundation is built on Progressive principles, how can you transform support for Hillary Clinton into a spite vote for McCain – a man whose positions are at odds with those of Senator Clinton and will be a continuation, in large part, of the disastrous policies that have brought such misery to our country and the world? I’m truly baffled – and saddened.

I’m reminded of the so-called “Reagan Democrats”, who were anything but. I aligned myself with the Democratic Party because it’s platform, principles and goals were most in keeping with my own. Giving my support to the other side in a fit of pique – one that I consider inhumane and motivated by everything from self-interest to greed to self-righteousness to vengeance – is inconceivable. The voters using the misnomer of Reagan Democrats were, in my opinion, lacking a solid, rational, ethical philosophy that informed their decisions. A person who identifies him or her self as a Democrat voting for Reagan – or McCain – is about as rational as an African-American joining the KKK, in my opinion. Those who are righteously – and rightfully – angered and disillusioned by the DNC betrayal have become so hellbent on vengeance and teaching the DNC and arrogant Obama Machine a lesson, they’ve abandoned their professed principles and thrown themselves into the arms of a man who is the antithesis of the candidate they championed. Who are you? What do you believe? What do you support? What do you stand for????

I won’t reward the DNC nor Obama, as explained in the essay posted yesterday, but neither will I whore myself to the opposition out of spite. As I’ve stated before, my write-in vote for Hillary Clinton will be irrelevant to the election outcome, but I’ll be able to hold my head high and look myself in the mirror – and my children and grandchildren in the face without shame.

My principles are the one constant in my life. They define me.

To celebrate or mourn, that is the question…

To my profound dismay, after eight long years of arrogant incompetence, secrecy, corruption and criminality that have been catastrophic both domestically and abroad, I no longer have interest nor involvement in the 2008 election – an election I’ve anticipated over most of the past decade. Our present and future have been so imperiled by an administration that has ruled as a regime without accountability, Election 2008 was to be the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. But, thanks to Howard Dean, Donna Brazille, Nancy Pelosi and a host of other Democrats who seem to have embraced the notion that democracy is expendable when corruption pays, I don’t have a horse in this race.

Voters of every persuasion find themselves with an anointed Presidential candidate whose experience, record, consistency, ethics and overall qualifications are greatly overshadowed by those of the Democratic candidate who garnered the most votes in the Primary/Caucus: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Hillary Clinton and, by extension, the people of the United States, and women in particular, have been screwed. Swindled by the Republicans in 2000 and 2004 and now by the Democrats in 2008.

It was decided by the Democratic Party power brokers that Barack Obama would be the party candidate – period – no matter the convolution and corruption necessary to ensure his victory. Hillary Clinton receives the greater number of votes, yet Barack Obama is awarded the greater number of delegates. Why?

As much as it pains me to acknowledge, it seems the DNC decided that putting forth a less-qualified African-American candidate better served their interests and place in history than would a female candidate having impeccable credentials and a long history of commitment, tenacity and courage in promoting, supporting and defending Democratic principles. To the best of her ability, she has conscientiously served the interests of her constituency, the American people, and women and children the world over. Obama’s record pales by comparison. Hillary Clinton and I have had differences of opinion and she’s made mistakes, as do all politicians at one time or many. I’ve never had a “dream candidate” to champion, and never will. That’s reality. But, she was the best qualified contender, by far, which Democratic voters seemed to know, given their votes – a victory DNC party bosses deemed little more than an unfortunate annoyance in their quest to nominate Barack Obama. Senator Clinton’s dignity, grace and personal sacrifice in response to such monumental betrayal are testament to her character and commitment.

Perhaps this debacle was motivated in part by a desire to atone for the Democratic Party’s racist past and their Southern “Dixiecrats” a half-century ago. Perhaps not. Whatever the motivations, rigging the outcome of what should be a democratic process cannot be justified.

Many citizens, myself included, long to see more ethnic minorities in positions of leadership in this country. Considering our shameful history of slavery, Jim Crow, anti-miscegenation laws, discrimination, etc., the vestiges of which still linger, witnessing a fairly elected African-American take the Presidential oath of office would be a glorious day, indeed. Since I was old enough to comprehend the significance of it, I’ve hoped to live to see that day. But, a process corrupted for the purpose of dictating the outcome, votes be damned, was not what I’d envisioned and is an assault on democracy I cannot celebrate.

When I first heard Obama speak in 2004, I thought he might be a man with true leadership potential – a decade or so down the road. I require a documented history to assess before entrusting the position of President to an applicant for the job. Eight years ago, standards were so low that an illiterate, backslapping zealot who failed in each and every venture bestowed upon him by virtue of his socio-economic status was considered Presidential material by about half of the voting population. A man whose intelligence, knowledge, character and aquaintance with success (with the exception of presumably becoming a reformed drunk) were so lacking as to be an embarrassment then, now and forever, was installed in the Oval Office. The ramifications of that mass lapse in judgment, enhanced and ensured by Republican corruption, will be suffered far into the future by generations to come.

Now that George W. Bush is as popular as a virulent STD, which was entirely predictable, and our nation increasingly suffers, rather than learning from past mistakes and demonstrating wisdom, integrity and respect for democracy that we profess to revere above all else, how do media and the DNC respond? Self-serving media gives meteoric rise to a man they cast as a modern-day pseudo Messiah, which makes for good copy, and the DNC tosses their stellar candidate under the bus in favor of an inexperienced media darling. 2000 revisited and another Cult of Personality is born: The Obama Machine. He’s young, he’s handsome, he has a great smile, he’s Black…isn’t that enough? It’s not enough for me.

While anyone having the wisdom and sense of civic duty to investigate, assess and question Obama’s qualifications were labeled “racist” by The Machine and its Bots, this pack of guard-dog Obama devotees engaged in the sort of vile misogyny directed at Senator Clinton and her supporters that I erroneously assumed had gone the way of black & white television. Bigots engaging in blatant bigotry while calling others bigots – oblivious to their hypocrisy. They’ve earned an “A” in Idolatry and “F’s” in Reason and Citizenship.

Those of us who were delegates or attendees at the Nevada caucuses witnessed a sham that bore no resemblance to a democratic process. The DNC and Obama Machine guaranteed that a Clinton victory would result in the greater number of delegates going to Obama. Questioning the corrupt process and convoluted outcome earns the label of “shrill whiner”, amongst other slurs. How can the perversion of voter intent in Nevada, Ohio and Texas be ignored – or justified? It can’t.

Republicans demonstrate a blatant disdain for ethics, integrity and the democratic process, as do Democrats, while we serfs are left with two sub-par candidates. Considering the level of corruption that has been amply demonstrated by both parties, are the elections anything more than meaningless window dressing? I honestly don’t know anymore. The criminal manipulations of the 2000 and 2004 elections made me feel almost foolish to have taken my obligations as a citizen so seriously – and to have spent $17 expediting my absentee ballot to the States while living in Europe. The 2008 betrayal by the DNC twists the knife in the hearts of those who believe that democracy and the integrity of the process should be inviolate.

As long as citizens continue to defend the indefensible within their own party while damning the other, democracy will degrade to the point of non-existence. If we’re willing to trample the principles we expect our political adversaries to honor, we may as well relinquish our voting power to the top 1% and write democracy’s epitaph. Democracy is either worth defending or it isn’t. If it’s so inconsequential that relentless corruption earns nary a peep of protest from the majority of citizens, why bother with the pretense? Other nations have survived despots, tyrants and dictators, I suppose the United States might. When the citizenry is so complacent that perpetrators of attacks on the democratic process don’t even bother to conceal their crimes, secure in the knowledge that they’ll not be held accountable, it’s only a matter of time.

John McCain is a hot-tempered, name-calling, disrespectful, arrogant man of advanced years who is disengaged from the reality of the masses; dismissive of the legitimate concerns of citizens; oblivious to the hardships they endure; supports policies that do harm to our country, humanity and the world in which we live and whose most notable accomplishment seems to be surviving as a POW in Vietnam. Not to diminish McCain’s sacrifice during that other ill-conceived and reckless war in which many of us lost friends and loved ones, but I consider it irrelevant in assessing his Presidential suitability, just as I did John Kerry’s three purple hearts that were an issue during his 2004 campaign. The juvenile “My Patriotism Trumps Your Patriotism” mentality of this country in recent years, which overshadows and often replaces discussion of real issues and assessment of relevant qualifications, should be a source of embarrassment to each and every one of us. A conspicuous flag on one’s lawn or lapel does not an informed voter make.

Obama is a man long on charm and ego and short on experience, consistency and ethics. I don’t consider what is unfairly deemed “flip-flopping” to be a negative when a shift in position is the result of changing conditions or new information. Intellectual rigidity and a refusal to change in spite of facts is not a virtue, but a character flaw. However, Obama’s too flexible for my comfort. He professes loyalty to Progressive principles, yet a perusal of his positions, decisions, actions, voting record, associations, etc. suggests that political expediency and opportunism render that touted foundation of principles a lot less solid than advertised.

Sure, all campaigns are designed to not only reassure the faithful, but attract necessary votes from those whose political leanings are to the left or right of the candidates’. Recently, the McCain campaign’s ploys to seduce Clinton supporters have been so intense, you’d almost think they’re running mates. His selection of Palin, a frightening example of right-wing ignorance whose experience is limited to 20 months as governor of a state having more elk than people, preceded by a stint as mayor of a wide-spot-in-the-road in the Alaska hinterlands, is so transparent that I’m surprised he could do it with a straight face. McCain’s ham-handed attempt – using utterly absurd bait – to lure Clinton supporters into the GOP fold is so pathetic and laughable, I honestly question his mental capacity. This mother-of-five, whose experience and history of quantifiable success is in reproduction, a heartbeat away from the Presidency? Have the Republicans learned nothing from their Bush experience? Obviously, they consider estrogen of greater importance than credentials, while the DNC king-makers decided that melanin beats estrogen and credentials. This is a shining beacon of democracy? More laughingstock than role model.

While I find most political rhetoric and propaganda insulting to the intelligence of citizens having at least a couple of brain cells to rub together, it’s the way the game is played. Politics is a nasty, cutthroat, dog-eat-dog business and its operatives often assume the majority of the electorate is disinterested, ignorant, naive and/or downright stupid, so they distort, manufacture, smear, lie and destroy to achieve victory at any cost, knowing the lies will rarely be challenged and often repeated. Karl Rove is the epitome of a political hit-man without scruples or conscience. His ability to concoct campaigns of absolute destruction that have no basis in fact against political adversaries is legendary. That so many people in this country are willing to accept anything negative they read or hear about those they perceive as being on the opposite side of the political fence, while rejecting irrefutable damning evidence regarding their ideological brethren, is a disturbing truth. Someone said that no one can take advantage of you without your permission. It’s astonishing that countless millions continually grant such permission to politicians – to their own detriment!

Politics makes for strange bedfellows and is the altar upon which many principles are sacrificed in the name of compromise and/or self-interest. I may be something of an idealist, but not so naive as to think that the game can be played with pristine hands. But, the haste and enthusiasm with which Obama embraces presumed ideological adversaries; panders when denouncing would be more fitting and expected; and denies, diminishes or terminates relationships with long-time associates for political expediency causes me to question whether there might be a very different man behind the Obama public persona. I hope not. But, I need more than hope to confer trust. I prefer dealing with a wolf who is unabashedly a wolf than a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Who and what Barack Obama truly is remains a mystery.

Obama’s rejection of real “universal health care” has been the straw that broke this camel’s back. I’ve tried to give him the benefit of the doubt whenever possible, but his rejection of health care for all while accepting very generous financial support from the insurance industry is a deal-breaker. Ensuring that each and every one of us has access to health care without entering bankruptcy for the privilege, a social imperative in other developed nations (even Cuba has an infant mortality rate we envy) is an issue of such importance that I cannot support a candidate proposing anything less.

So, all things considered, I will write-in the name of Hillary Rodham Clinton when I cast my vote, despite her request that I support Barack Obama. McCain is a dangerous non-option and I refuse to reward the DNC and Obama Machine for their conduct and lack of respect for democracy. My vote will have no impact on the election, but I’ll have a clear conscience. Not that any of it seems to matter much anymore. Old habits die hard.

I thought – I hoped – we were better than this. Obviously not. So much for “hope”. I wonder if “change” will be equally disappointing.

An afterthought…
What am I supposed to tell my Black children and grandchildren about Obama’s hollow victory, stolen from his fellow Democrat and achieved through political corruption?

Senator Obama, what are you telling yours?

—————————————

“Without ethics, a human being with the capacity to reason is a menace.” – SageChick

For an intelligent, insightful and hysterically witty essay

on what makes an exiled Democrat and PUMA-WITHOUT-A-PARTY tick,

see Riverdaughter’s invitation to the similarly pissed-off and disenfranchised at:

http://riverdaughter.wordpress.com/an-invitation-to-democrats-in-exile/