He's won an Oscar, he's been nomiated for the Nobel Peace Prize, he's on the cover of Time. I can go on listing the many wonderful acheivements of former Vice-President, Al Gore.
Looking back at 2000, when The Supreme Court and Scalia elected Bush, Al has come a long way. But yet, something about the way he was played so dirty only makes his current hot streak all the more satisfying. Former VP cheated of his role as president makes a comeback to become the hottest candidate without even entering the race.
Here's what I think. Al Gore is due his turn. I know that we elect our leaders and "next in line," in theory, doesn't apply. But here, it does. Al Gore has served America for his entire lifetime. He has done so with integrity and class, unlike other candidates (read: Barack Obama, too "new" to win anything in my book). I support Hillary Clinton, but, if Al Gore were to run, I'd celebrate and support him faster than you can say "recount."
Our country is a mess. No one disputes that. We need a man with some of Gore's integrity and experience in charge. If we want to restore American to the respected superpower that it once was, we need to use logia and reason in '08. I am a Democrat, but let me say this, with Hillary, Edwards or Obama, it's a risk, and we can't afford to gamble this time.
Hillary, female, risky.
Obama, African-American, too fresh, risky.
Edwards, also inexperienced, risky.
Like I was saying, we need a sure bet. And that bet is Al Gore.
Should he enter the race, it blows everyone else out of the water - on both sides - Dem and Republican.
I think the American people want a chance to set things right, and with what happened in 2000, I think we'd see justice in '08. Al Gore deserves it. The American people want it.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
The First Debate - Winners and Losers Among Democrats.
Like so many others eager to elect a new leader of the free world, I tuned into last night's debate on MSNBC. There were eight Democratic candidates on stage. I have to admit that since this race has started so early, I was glad to see the debate finally happening.
Overall, everyone did a nice job in my book. There were a few moments worthy of discussion. And the first I see as needing to be pointed out concerns John Edwards.
I like John Edwards. My money was on him last night, if not as the Democratic nominee, then at least as the winner of the debate. I thought he was going to doing very well considering his experience as a trial lawyer with Southern charm.
I was wrong.
I really don't care about his four-hundred-dollar haircut. I think he'd look just as good with a forty-dollar haircut. But, it's his money so he can do as he pleases. I had not heard that this haircut was paid for with campaign funds until I saw the debate. His admission that was a "mistake" was news to me.
I thought about it. As I've said, this race started early. But Edwards has made a few mistakes already. The first being that his staff leaked his announcement that he was running for an office a day early online. Kind of embarassing.
And now this haircut business. I think the haircut becomes an issue for Edwards only because he is the anti-poverty candidate. To preach helping the poor once you're elected is smart politics, but to compromise you're sincerity in spending THAT much on a haircut isn't all that bright.
On top of that, he said nothing special last night. I expected more/better from Edwards.
Hillary did very well last night. I saw nothing wrong with any of her answers last night. She held her place among her opponents and I was happy for her.
Obama, he was very rehearsed. I don't understand the hype surrounding this guy. He comes as smart, but not smart enough to fix the ills America faces right now. His tendency to talk "new politics" while enaging in old politics doesn't impress me.
For me, Biden was fresh last night. He was both charming and serious, and dare I say, presidential. Having the spotlight for a few minutes did him well. The "yes" moment was great. His answers were on the money. He was at ease and seemed to be having fun actually, while the others seemed too serious most of the time.
He took the most from last night's debate. We'll have to keep an out to see where it goes from here, and only time will tell if my statements about Biden are right.
Overall, everyone did a nice job in my book. There were a few moments worthy of discussion. And the first I see as needing to be pointed out concerns John Edwards.
I like John Edwards. My money was on him last night, if not as the Democratic nominee, then at least as the winner of the debate. I thought he was going to doing very well considering his experience as a trial lawyer with Southern charm.
I was wrong.
I really don't care about his four-hundred-dollar haircut. I think he'd look just as good with a forty-dollar haircut. But, it's his money so he can do as he pleases. I had not heard that this haircut was paid for with campaign funds until I saw the debate. His admission that was a "mistake" was news to me.
I thought about it. As I've said, this race started early. But Edwards has made a few mistakes already. The first being that his staff leaked his announcement that he was running for an office a day early online. Kind of embarassing.
And now this haircut business. I think the haircut becomes an issue for Edwards only because he is the anti-poverty candidate. To preach helping the poor once you're elected is smart politics, but to compromise you're sincerity in spending THAT much on a haircut isn't all that bright.
On top of that, he said nothing special last night. I expected more/better from Edwards.
Hillary did very well last night. I saw nothing wrong with any of her answers last night. She held her place among her opponents and I was happy for her.
Obama, he was very rehearsed. I don't understand the hype surrounding this guy. He comes as smart, but not smart enough to fix the ills America faces right now. His tendency to talk "new politics" while enaging in old politics doesn't impress me.
For me, Biden was fresh last night. He was both charming and serious, and dare I say, presidential. Having the spotlight for a few minutes did him well. The "yes" moment was great. His answers were on the money. He was at ease and seemed to be having fun actually, while the others seemed too serious most of the time.
He took the most from last night's debate. We'll have to keep an out to see where it goes from here, and only time will tell if my statements about Biden are right.
Friday, March 9, 2007
What We REALLY Want To Hear From Candidates
In light of the manner in which serious matters were botched during Bush's time in office, we need a debate about competency. We want to hear that unqualified people will be immediately terminated and off the payroll. We want qualified people that can do a good job and provide valuable service to the American people. In short, we want to stop wasting tax-payer dollars paying large salaries to idiots who aren't worthy. Will any candidate come forward and demand that higher standards will be implemented and kept at all levels of Government?
Katrina, 9/11, The War in Iraq.
Billions of American dollars "missing" in Iraq.
Troops going without.
Afghanistan.
Bin laden still free.
Gas prices out of control.
Weak job market.
No health coverage.
Foley.
Hastert.
Cheney.
Rumsfeld.
Rice.
Bremer.
The above listed issues have resulted from the above listed individuals that were clearly NOT capable of their duties. Let's be clear. They do not deserve their titles or their paychecks. So why are they still on the payroll? Yes, Donald Rumsfeld is gone, but I think we all agree that he was there for far too long.
Part of being an American means having pride. But with these people making the news each day with another failure and another disaster makes my head spin.
Have our standards sunk so low that we no longer know the difference between a poor performance and a great one? Why are their so few brilliant people on our payroll? What ever happened to taking pride in one's position rather lying, spinning and blaming Bill Clinton?
I'd LOVE to see this debate happen. I'd LOVE to hear that someone else has noticed this revolting trend, and I'd LOVE if they promised to reverse it.
We are a country that loves to talk about our children. But are these the "heros" we want our kids to look up to? Lying incompetent unpatriotic people that got in because of who they knew, rather than because of what they could do.
I think we can do better than that.
Katrina, 9/11, The War in Iraq.
Billions of American dollars "missing" in Iraq.
Troops going without.
Afghanistan.
Bin laden still free.
Gas prices out of control.
Weak job market.
No health coverage.
Foley.
Hastert.
Cheney.
Rumsfeld.
Rice.
Bremer.
The above listed issues have resulted from the above listed individuals that were clearly NOT capable of their duties. Let's be clear. They do not deserve their titles or their paychecks. So why are they still on the payroll? Yes, Donald Rumsfeld is gone, but I think we all agree that he was there for far too long.
Part of being an American means having pride. But with these people making the news each day with another failure and another disaster makes my head spin.
Have our standards sunk so low that we no longer know the difference between a poor performance and a great one? Why are their so few brilliant people on our payroll? What ever happened to taking pride in one's position rather lying, spinning and blaming Bill Clinton?
I'd LOVE to see this debate happen. I'd LOVE to hear that someone else has noticed this revolting trend, and I'd LOVE if they promised to reverse it.
We are a country that loves to talk about our children. But are these the "heros" we want our kids to look up to? Lying incompetent unpatriotic people that got in because of who they knew, rather than because of what they could do.
I think we can do better than that.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
An Open Letter To Senator Hillary Clinton
Dear Senator Clinton:
There are some of us out there who care about your positions beyond the war in Iraq. While I am personally tired of hearing about your vote to authorize the war and do not hold it against you, I am glad that you have properly addressed the matter. But let's be done with it. I know it isn't your fault that this question of your vote is repeatedly thrown at you. To me it is a non-issue, and your statement that you'd end the war in Iraq once elected is good enough for me.
So, this leaves us in a new place. A place where you can address other pressing matters regarding our country. And I am curious about how you'd take this country to a better place overall.
What would you do about the economy? About jobs, the quality of jobs and the quantity.
What about healthcare? How would remedy the crisis?
About our global image, it has been badly damaged thanks to Bush, what would you do to make things better?
About N.Korea, Iran and Iraq, what needs to be done? But this question ties into the war on terror, and therefore, what are your plans on dealing with nation-states we cannot trust to fight terror? Safe-havens are popping up again in Afghanistan, what is your remedy? And so we hear that Pakistan isn't exactly turning over terrorists, how do we deal with that?
Education, especially the costs of higher education, what else can we do to help more families see their kids go to college?
These are some of the things I'm curious about. It sure would be awesome if anyone out there gave you the opportunity to address these things rather than just go on about the past and the vote for the war in Iraq.
There are some of us out there who care about your positions beyond the war in Iraq. While I am personally tired of hearing about your vote to authorize the war and do not hold it against you, I am glad that you have properly addressed the matter. But let's be done with it. I know it isn't your fault that this question of your vote is repeatedly thrown at you. To me it is a non-issue, and your statement that you'd end the war in Iraq once elected is good enough for me.
So, this leaves us in a new place. A place where you can address other pressing matters regarding our country. And I am curious about how you'd take this country to a better place overall.
What would you do about the economy? About jobs, the quality of jobs and the quantity.
What about healthcare? How would remedy the crisis?
About our global image, it has been badly damaged thanks to Bush, what would you do to make things better?
About N.Korea, Iran and Iraq, what needs to be done? But this question ties into the war on terror, and therefore, what are your plans on dealing with nation-states we cannot trust to fight terror? Safe-havens are popping up again in Afghanistan, what is your remedy? And so we hear that Pakistan isn't exactly turning over terrorists, how do we deal with that?
Education, especially the costs of higher education, what else can we do to help more families see their kids go to college?
These are some of the things I'm curious about. It sure would be awesome if anyone out there gave you the opportunity to address these things rather than just go on about the past and the vote for the war in Iraq.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Biden Comes Out Swinging.
Joe Biden wanted to make some noise as he threw his hat into the ring. Well, he sure did, and - as I think many are saying right now - he probably made more noise than he intended to.
It's unfortunate that so many took Biden's comments regarding Sen. Obama the wrong way. I think that Biden intended to compliment Sen. Obama on his obviously good, "polished" qualities. I also take it that Sen. Biden meant to express that while Obama may be slick and media-savvy, he lacks the governing experience to run this country and become our president.
These are tricky times.
A candidate may come across as articulate, sharp, and handsome. An empty suit, as they say. And again, this is more the point Biden was trying to make. Obama looks good on the surface, but scratch the surface and you may not find critical presidential qualities there.
Again, these are tricky times.
Our relations with the Middle East are deteriorating by the minute. We're in Iraq with no solution, and Iran is playing games with us. This is very serious, but I didn't have to tell you that.
Things with N. Korea aren't pretty either. Basically, we have disasters waiting to happen in a few places.
That Senator Biden made this minor error is trivial to some, but very serious to others. I think they're opinion is that if Biden can so quickly slip up that maybe he can't handle being president. And maybe he can't.
Some talk about Hillary and make her out to be cold, cautious and too controlled, then on the other end we have Biden, speaking freely and openly, and he's taking a beating for it. I honestly feel sorry for our politicians, they can do no right almost. It really is unfair, and I think we need to have some uniform standard instead of different rules that change for different people.
Is that Hillary is a woman that we demand she be warm?
Is that Biden is a man that we expect him to be cold and calculating?
Is it that Edwards is attractive we need him to prove he's smarter?
Is it that Obama is an African-American we expect him to prove he's perfect?
Personally, I find Biden's personality rather refreshing. I also happen to think that Hillary is fine as she is and doesn't have to change. I don't think Edwards or Obama have to prove anything more.
And not yet. We have time. We have the debates, and this is where it REALLY matters - when tough questions are put out there and they have to answer and take a position; they have to answer on the spot, off the cuff, and be themselves. No speeches, no notes, no consultants - just a candidate and a mic. But in our tricky times, trivial things become big news, and the big news becomes trivial. Go figure.
It's unfortunate that so many took Biden's comments regarding Sen. Obama the wrong way. I think that Biden intended to compliment Sen. Obama on his obviously good, "polished" qualities. I also take it that Sen. Biden meant to express that while Obama may be slick and media-savvy, he lacks the governing experience to run this country and become our president.
These are tricky times.
A candidate may come across as articulate, sharp, and handsome. An empty suit, as they say. And again, this is more the point Biden was trying to make. Obama looks good on the surface, but scratch the surface and you may not find critical presidential qualities there.
Again, these are tricky times.
Our relations with the Middle East are deteriorating by the minute. We're in Iraq with no solution, and Iran is playing games with us. This is very serious, but I didn't have to tell you that.
Things with N. Korea aren't pretty either. Basically, we have disasters waiting to happen in a few places.
That Senator Biden made this minor error is trivial to some, but very serious to others. I think they're opinion is that if Biden can so quickly slip up that maybe he can't handle being president. And maybe he can't.
Some talk about Hillary and make her out to be cold, cautious and too controlled, then on the other end we have Biden, speaking freely and openly, and he's taking a beating for it. I honestly feel sorry for our politicians, they can do no right almost. It really is unfair, and I think we need to have some uniform standard instead of different rules that change for different people.
Is that Hillary is a woman that we demand she be warm?
Is that Biden is a man that we expect him to be cold and calculating?
Is it that Edwards is attractive we need him to prove he's smarter?
Is it that Obama is an African-American we expect him to prove he's perfect?
Personally, I find Biden's personality rather refreshing. I also happen to think that Hillary is fine as she is and doesn't have to change. I don't think Edwards or Obama have to prove anything more.
And not yet. We have time. We have the debates, and this is where it REALLY matters - when tough questions are put out there and they have to answer and take a position; they have to answer on the spot, off the cuff, and be themselves. No speeches, no notes, no consultants - just a candidate and a mic. But in our tricky times, trivial things become big news, and the big news becomes trivial. Go figure.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Hillary's In And She's In To Win!
What an exciting week this has been for Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)! She's made history with her recent announcement of her presidential run, and she's doing it with great ease.
I'm not sure what it is, but Hillary seems rather warm and relaxed on TV these days. She was interviewed before and after the State of the Union on MSNBC. She seemed quite comfortable in her own skin. Not at all the wearing the the ice-queen label in any of her recent appearances.
I've made it clear here in the past that I support Edwards, but also that I found Biden an interesting candidate, well, now let me add to that Hillary is looking better and better each day.
She's in Iowa right now, where polls have her behind Edwards and Obama. No matter, she drew a massive crowd who was filled with enthusiasm and thrilled to see her. Iowa seems to have laid out the welcome mat to Senator Clinton in a big way.
Of all the candidates running, Hillary leads the pack with her prior experience. Having occupied The White House for 8 years, I'm sure she's picked up some good experience. Having been our Senator in New York only adds to her resume. And let's not forget her years with Bill when we was Governor.
Hillary knows government. But so does Biden, however, Hillary is a stronger candidate in terms of her team/staff and her fundraising capabilities, and of course, let's not forget her husband, our wonderful former president, Bill Clinton.
I admit it, I am a Bill Clinton fan. I would LOVE to see Hillary run and run well and get both herself and Bill back into the White House, I'd be in Heaven. We all know that Bill Clinton has done great things for America when he was in charge; our economy was strong, jobs were plentiful, our image abroad was in intact, and our president did an outstanding job.
So far, the only negative the Media has thrown at Hillary is her vote for the war. I think many voters don't hold this vote against her. Congress was mislead by faulty intelligence designed to fool them, just like they fooled us. How can anyone seriously make more of her vote than that?
Overall, this is becoming a very exciting time for Democrats. And the more I see of our party, the more certain I become that we'll have a new Democratic president in 2009. From all us here, good luck to Senator Clinton! And thank you and President Clinton for all the good you both have done for our country.
I'm not sure what it is, but Hillary seems rather warm and relaxed on TV these days. She was interviewed before and after the State of the Union on MSNBC. She seemed quite comfortable in her own skin. Not at all the wearing the the ice-queen label in any of her recent appearances.
I've made it clear here in the past that I support Edwards, but also that I found Biden an interesting candidate, well, now let me add to that Hillary is looking better and better each day.
She's in Iowa right now, where polls have her behind Edwards and Obama. No matter, she drew a massive crowd who was filled with enthusiasm and thrilled to see her. Iowa seems to have laid out the welcome mat to Senator Clinton in a big way.
Of all the candidates running, Hillary leads the pack with her prior experience. Having occupied The White House for 8 years, I'm sure she's picked up some good experience. Having been our Senator in New York only adds to her resume. And let's not forget her years with Bill when we was Governor.
Hillary knows government. But so does Biden, however, Hillary is a stronger candidate in terms of her team/staff and her fundraising capabilities, and of course, let's not forget her husband, our wonderful former president, Bill Clinton.
I admit it, I am a Bill Clinton fan. I would LOVE to see Hillary run and run well and get both herself and Bill back into the White House, I'd be in Heaven. We all know that Bill Clinton has done great things for America when he was in charge; our economy was strong, jobs were plentiful, our image abroad was in intact, and our president did an outstanding job.
So far, the only negative the Media has thrown at Hillary is her vote for the war. I think many voters don't hold this vote against her. Congress was mislead by faulty intelligence designed to fool them, just like they fooled us. How can anyone seriously make more of her vote than that?
Overall, this is becoming a very exciting time for Democrats. And the more I see of our party, the more certain I become that we'll have a new Democratic president in 2009. From all us here, good luck to Senator Clinton! And thank you and President Clinton for all the good you both have done for our country.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
EIGHT MORE KILLED
Eight more members of my brother's brigade in Alaska were killed on Saturday. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. (see article immediately below this post).
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