Thoughts on politics

U.S. Presidential Election 2008:

I can hear it now. The term "tax and spend liberal" being applied to Barack Obama. Then I asked myself, what have the Republicans done? Well, of course, it's more complicated than that - just as there is not one kind of 'liberal' there isn't just one kind of 'conservative' either. But the Repulbicans who have held office and Congress for most of the last 8 years have done as much or more spending as any liberal ever has. But where did they get the money if not from taxes? By borrowing it, of course. So shall we coin a new phrase "borrow and spend conservative?" Actually, I have respect for some genuine conservative positions - consider that Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul actually agree on some things, even though one is supposed to be 'extremely liberal' and the other 'very conservative.' So perhaps we can just say "Debt and War Republican." Or even better, reverse it, to read, "War and Debt Republican."

I know, I know. On other pages on this site, I have written about how power is draining away from Washington, DC and decentralizing more and more to the states, to localities, towns, neighborhoods, and finally down to the individual. But it would be nice if those in office in our federal government recognized and supported this trend instead of raping the public coffers to continue a military occupation of a country we literally destroyed almost single handedly. Where does the money go? Well, to military contractors, of course. And, yes, these military contractors employ workers who will have to find new jobs if we stop building so many planes, tanks, guns, ammunition, bombs, missles, etc.

But there is plenty of work to be had out there, if we just change our focus. On the technical side, there is a huge opportunity in energy conservation technology. Look at all the poorly insulated (or uninsulated) buildings. Millions of them that need to be either insulated or torn down and replaced. On the human side, the biggest problem on the planet right now is too many human beings. So working to slow population growth is a huge job I think we had better put some attention and resources to. The next biggest problem is our separation from nature. Just because roots don't grow from our own feet, down into the ground, doesn't mean that we don't depend on our very lives on the soil and its health. So out job over the next few centuries is to change our attitude from dominating and destroying nature (because, as part of nature, we are destroying ourselves), but to accept and celebrate our inclusion in nature and give to the earth more than we take from it.

Massachusetts Governor Race:

So far, as of the end of September 2006, it looks like this:

Christy Mihos might make a great TV ad, but Deval Patrick will make a better governor.

Kerry Healey comes across to me as biting, nasty; not someone I'd want in the corner office. Just mean.

Grace Ross? Sadly, our "two party system" is an artificial arrangement supported by our unfortunate 'no second chances, winner takes all' voting system, and the media corporations that are doing little to change it. So, we haven't heard much of anything about Grace. You have to watch the debates and pay close attention, or dig deep into web sites to find out. Otherwise, she's pretty invisible on TV or in newspaper headlines.

2 November 2006 - Now that I've watched the debates, I have learned a lot more about Grace Ross. I am grateful that those who wanted to narrow it down to a two person debate did not prevail. The debates were much more than just deciding who to vote for or who is more likely a winner. They have been a learning experience enriched by having all contenders present and given an equal chance. Anything less would be even more of a sham than our current 'winner takes all' system is presently. If nothing else, Mr. Mihos has added an element of humor and chutzpa and kept the exchange lively. And his challenge to return more local aid than ever before deserves at least some discussion. And Grace Ross has consistently shown that she has command of the facts about what is actually going on down on the front lines in our state. The front lines of which I speak are the lines at the teller window where average folks line up to deposit their paychecks and ponder how they will cover the bills that will show up in their mailboxes that month.

Anyway, ...

With his impressive lead, Deval Patrick is likely to win. And, yes, I think he would make a good governor. But somewhere inside I keep wishing that Grace had better backing. Someday soon I hope to have the chance to vote for her or someone like her and know that she has a chance to win. We're not there yet, but we're getting there.

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