Selfish Votors

I recognize that there is already a lot of negativity in our political system, so I say these words carefully: Just how self-absorbed do you have to be to think you can excuse yourself from the most basic of all responsibilities to citizen ship in your country? Do you just want a participatory political system that you don’t have to actually participate in? Honestly, what’s your deal? - James Shelley

Why is it debate season already?

Long time, no ranting.

I'm not sure if most of you are taking the time to watch the early debates, but here's my observations:

Republicans pandering to the shallower thinkers by asserting that only they support our troops, understand that the world is a dangerous place, believe in God, etc.

If you are a conservative voter - demand actual depth in your nominee's positions.

Democrats offering soundbite length versions of complex answers - giving the aforementioned Republican candidates fodder for their 'the Democrats just don't understand' lines.

I'm hoping that voters take the last 8 years as a signal that a deeper, more thoughtful president is what we need this time around.

My favorites - if only because they seem to be willing to 'go deeper' than the rest of the field:

Republicans
John McCain - his pandering to the base over the last couple years is almost offset by his taking unpopular positions with regard to immigration, etc.
Mike Huckabee - while I may not agree with everything he says, at least he acknowledges (at least in the portions of the debate I saw) the complexity of the world we live in.
Ron Paul - though a former Libertarian, he oddly seemed more Democrat-like than the rest of the field and also came across as a thinker.

Democrats
Barack Obama - intelligent, optimistic, while I'm still waiting to see even more depth in his plans
John Edwards - see Obama, add southern drawl.
Hillary Clinton - while everyone either loves her or hates her, I still haven't made up my mind. I am truely annoyed by her pandering to various voting groups (see her awful, affected southern drawl in a campaign stop on YouTube). Her attempts to be everything to everyone could be her downfall.
Joe Biden - not normally mentioned in the front-runners category, though I think he could come from behind to really give everyone a run for the nomination.

Until next time...

Now, just don't screw this up...

As you have no doubt heard, in the US, the Democrats have reclaimed the House of Representatives and are a single close race away from a majority in the Senate.

Now for my open note to the Democratic party...

You almost certainly were put in power due to the abysmal performance of the Republicans with regard to foreign policy - most specifically the war in Iraq.

So, your #1 priority is to do what you can to give the government direction with regard to fixing Iraq and getting our troops out.

However, that isn't all you should be concerned with now. You know there are lots of things you can do to actually help the American people - from health care, the environment, minimum wage, and countless other issues that are traditional Democratic strengths.

Remember, what you do for the next 2 years will directly impact the ability of the party to take back the White House in 2008...so get your agenda in order and don't waste this opportunity to show the American people that your policies are the ones that work.

Don't even think of wasting your time being vindictive - it might feel good, but it will come back to bite you.

Until next time...