as we move through the initial rites of passage in this election season, it's easy to be cynical. yes, we all want 'change' ... well, no matter what, that's a fait accompli. there are euphemisms for big government, more spending, being green, shrinking the debt - but what are these politicians about, politics aside?
as a democrat, i hear a lot about the things that distinguish this year's candidates. barack obama, a person of color, youthful, a family man, a fresh face. hillary clinton - experience, articulate, knowledgeable. john edwards - fighting corporate greed. and yet, all of 'my' political leaders are pandering to the basest common denominator.
so, in light of new hampshire's primary today, i can tell you what i'd love to see the democrats concentrate on ... universal access to health care (imagine women with breast cancer who have to choose their treatments based upon financial status, not best care). focus on critical thinking in education (and less standardized testing - the death knell for learning!). human rights for all citizens (let's include poor, disenfranchised people and put an end to guantanamo). less meddling in other countries' affairs (iraq, north korea, cuba). more meddling in other countries' affairs (zimbabwe, congo, saudi arabia). funding for alternative sources of energy (do we really want to depend on a country where rape victims are sentenced to prison terms?).
it's not rocket science. stand up for what you believe in, for what's best for the country, for what's best for me, my wife, my family, and my community.
as a democrat, i hear a lot about the things that distinguish this year's candidates. barack obama, a person of color, youthful, a family man, a fresh face. hillary clinton - experience, articulate, knowledgeable. john edwards - fighting corporate greed. and yet, all of 'my' political leaders are pandering to the basest common denominator.
so, in light of new hampshire's primary today, i can tell you what i'd love to see the democrats concentrate on ... universal access to health care (imagine women with breast cancer who have to choose their treatments based upon financial status, not best care). focus on critical thinking in education (and less standardized testing - the death knell for learning!). human rights for all citizens (let's include poor, disenfranchised people and put an end to guantanamo). less meddling in other countries' affairs (iraq, north korea, cuba). more meddling in other countries' affairs (zimbabwe, congo, saudi arabia). funding for alternative sources of energy (do we really want to depend on a country where rape victims are sentenced to prison terms?).
it's not rocket science. stand up for what you believe in, for what's best for the country, for what's best for me, my wife, my family, and my community.
No comments:
Post a Comment