The Santa Ana’s are blowing huge today so feel free to dismiss the following to positive ions and seratonin depletion, but the more I learn about the Democratic presidential candidates, and their acolytes, the less enthralled I am.
First off, again, is this issue of “identity politics” , a moldy expression left over from the 60’s, connoting an attraction to a politician or candidate based not on shared principle or belief, but on shared race, gender, or ethnicity. Perhaps I’m just jealous that the only 2 white guys still standing in this race are the loathsome, war mongering McCain and the affable-yet-insane Huckabee, but I’m repulsed by the idea that some imagined shared history based on skin pigmentation or genitalia would drive huge numbers of people to vote for and support Obama and Clinton. But that’s unfortunately how it’s shaking out. Blacks and men are disproportionate in their support for Obama and women in their support for Hillary.
Additionally, a creepy resentment has apparently set in amongst some “feminists” because, after all, it was Hillary’s turn, damn it! So far, this anger hasn’t been specifically directed at Obama but, if it becomes so, the word “uppity” will be just below the surface.
Meanwhile, the Rezko scandal continues to dog Barack and promises to really heat up in the general election should he get the nod. After all, it was a real estate transaction that brought down the Dukester, and this deal between Obama and Rezko looks a little slimy. So far there is no indication of any “consideration” in return for the lot purchase, but if anything comes out, however minor, watch out. Remember it was an appointment to a hospital board that landed the Alabama governor in federal prison, fairly or not.
I know what you’re thinking. “What does all this have to do with Change!, Ending the War!, Holding the Bush Crime Empire Accountable!, etc?” Well, I just get a sinking feeling as I watch the 2 Dems wonkishly and laboriously debate the nuances of their largely identical, unfunded health care plans, or listen to Hillary declare that she would call for an “examination” of NAFTA, or read about Obama’s groveling before the Israeli Lobby, that not a whole lot of Big Changes are in store anytime soon should one of those 2 win the election.
And of course we know that there will be big changes in store should McCain get the nod. We’ll all be dead or bankrupt helping to fight the lunatic’s 1000 Year War. This was no time for the Democrats to hoist up the 2 iffyist presidential candidates in my or anybody else’s lifetime. This was no time to experiment. The stakes were too high.
Yes…I expected more from the party of Humprey, the party of Mondale, the party of Dukakis, the party of Kennedy.
Too bad its no longer the party of Truman.
Me, I just get to vote AGAINST people. Once in a blue moon, I can actually vote FOR someone. Used to happily vote FOR Jim Jeffords, when I lived in Varmint. Back then, the party of Mondale et al actually put up the Operation Phoenix chief of Quang Ngai Province (the Prof sez turn to your Wiki) which racked up some 20,000 plus extrajudicial executions under his command. As ATTORNEY GENERAL! He lost. Thank Odin. Ah, yes, the Dims. The Party of Peace.
If its Hillary, that line on the ballot goes blank. But I do see some daylight (could be my failing eyes) between my fellow veteran & full time headcase McCain & this Obama chap, in which case I can vote AGAINST McC…….
Comment by mutt — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 9:38 am
Stacy, Just stop focusing on the gender/race thing if you are tired of it! can’t you please see how important this election is? Let’s shine a light on the differences between the parties!
I’m tired of that angle and so are you, so stop talking and thinking about it and move on to something that you do care about.
Comment by Virginia M — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 10:50 am
About a year ago I was at an event where all the democratic candidates spoke. When I heard John Edwards speak, I knew that I would support him. He spoke from the heart and most of all, I believed him. I was saddened when he dropped out of the race. But because of being in that audience that day and getting to hear all of the democratic candidates speak, Hillary was my natural 2nd choice. She also spoke from the heart and about issues that matter to me and I believed her too. I have heard her speak live twice now, and I sincerely believe that she is what’s best for our country now. She’s not going to solve all of our problems, but she’s known to be a hard worker and she’s smart. Plus she’s got a built-in great advisor in Bill. Perhaps we can benefit from his mistakes and his victories.
Obama’s words rang hollow. He is inspiring, but that’s all he is to me. I’m not sure that he would even know where to begin with the mess our county’s in.
Anyway, since Edwards dropped out of the race, it’s about who we’re left with, while I think there is an institutionalized sexism in our society, for me it’s not about genetals or skin color. If it was, why would my first choice be Edwards?
Comment by Lorelei — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 10:52 am
I have been getting a sinking feeling lately that McCain is going to be the next pres. OMG!
Comment by goodgolly — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 10:53 am
Edwards was also my choice! He had the best, detailed plans for action. And Hillary’s healthcare plan is closest to his. (She was even accused of copying it.) I think the “I feel pretty” youtube video was his downfall. But McCain’s coziness with the telecom lobby and past participation in the Keating 5 doesn’t seem to phase people. Go figure!
Comment by goodgolly — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 10:57 am
“This was no time for the Democrats to hoist up the 2 iffyist presidential candidates in my or anybody else’s lifetime. This was no time to experiment. The stakes were too high.”
Stacy, you could not have summarized my feelings about this pitiful election better!!!
Comment by pt loma dude — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 11:15 am
She also spoke from the heart and about issues that matter to me and I believed her too. I have heard her speak live twice now, and I sincerely believe that she is what’s best for our country now.
I agree with you Lorelei. I am subject to believing what the media tells us is important and I go to Drudge a little to often and I was put off by Hillary. When I actually starting listening to her and thinking about what it takes to get elected I warmed up. I will support whoever is nominated though and I am sick and tired of hearing Democrats bashed.
I can listen to any station on the AM dial at any time if I want to do that. On another topic I secretly like listening to Ray Luccia.
Comment by Virginia M — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 11:25 am
My Fellow Americans; Great start, What? I just finished a great piece for this Spikeorama but as things would have it something jumped up and grabed it off the page ( Don’t you just hate that) anyway, it gives me a chance to reserect it best I can. The Jist was how we are fu*ked any way if we don’t repair this planet and keep us from choking to death on the polution of our own makeing. Were looking for great managers of our wealth and health, not so called leaders charging, swords drawn screaming, down a path to no where. As a people, we have to stop giving up our ,so called,rights and start qustioning everthing. Obama, Clinton,whomever,must point the country in a direction of well being and away from doom and distruction. As on 60 Min. last night, I saw the most disturbing piece on America’s RAY GUN where they are attempting to controll the masses by (of all things) a Ray Gun? What the F**ck is this country comming to? Hey, how about that great piece on the American health system, Go Figure
Comment by knifemaster — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 11:55 am
A question; Did anyone see a large bright glow in the south western sky last night looked like a comet but beighter and a shorter tail, cold it have been that satelite entering the atmospher? It happened at 3:11 AM and no I wasn’t drinking
Comment by knifemaster — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
I think the press had already decided who they wanted and ran the other candidates off. They like Obama because he is charismatic and Clinton because she is Bill #2. Everyone else they found something wrong with to attempt to discredit them (Edwards - Haircut, Kucinich - he sees UFO’s…) Even tho those things have nothing to do with their ability to run our nation.
I think the people of the US are easily manipulated by the “mainstream media”. I bet most get their news only from the big 4 networks or from biased non-news papers like the union fish-wrap, and if you’ve seen one newscast you’ve seen them all.
It’s turned our election into a popularity contest with the one who looks and sounds the best winning the race. Sad state of affairs and yes, it makes me physically sick.
Comment by Lori from Mission Beach — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
Not that this has anything to do with anything, but I have tuned into New York Mike’s show once or twice and one thing has been kinda eating at me. When the hell did the “fuck authority” bad ass biker become a right wing Bush loving Repuglican? I don’t get it. I know in NY Mike’s case, he was a war vet, but shit…my dad is a war vet too but he isn’t exactly a rightie because of his experience.
Comment by BigJ — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
Lori, why so down? We’re on the verge of a new presidency. No matter who’s (elected as long as it’s a democrat) things have to get better. Don’t listen to the press, listen to the candidates. And then pick the one who matches most closely to your own views. I swear they will inspire you. Do you really think I’d be so gung-ho about Hillary if I listened to the press?
Comment by Lorelei — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
How can we get Stacy to get on-board with supporting both of the two likely candidates? Let’s say nice things about our guys instead of echoing the media’s take.
Mind your brand, Stacy!
Comment by Virginia M — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Lorelei, it isn’t just about who we nominate. I will vote for the democratic candidate no matter who it is. It’s about who can beat the Rebublican candidate.
Some of my friends living right here in San Diego, middle of the roadfolks mostly democrat leanin g, who hate Bush. and at first they vowed to vote to get him out of office. But at that time there were white mens also running for the nominations. Now I hear them say…”It better be Hillary becaus I will not vote for a n****”. (yup they still believe that way) And then there are others who say “there’s no way I will vote for a woman.” (yup, some of those here too. After all it is a military/’good ole boys’ town). That makes me afraid. If these people exist here in California, the most liberal of all the states, how many are there out in the back woods/welfare (red)states thinking the same thing? I think both Clinton and Obama are beatable and that scares the sh** out of me.
Comment by Lori from Mission Beach — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Oh that’s harsh. It makes me afraid too Lori. I guess I’m a little naive that people are still that bigoted. I still have hope…
Comment by Lorelei — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
Hey, thanks for bringing up the Iraq Vets Against the War “Winter Soldier” testimonies….300 plus vets of Iraq & Afghanistan talking about what they saw, did, & think. Sat uplink & live stream, mid March.
it got me back into Public Life…..I remember how war apologists, assorted stooges, war profiteers, and the like smeared Viet Vets Against the War back when we did the same thing, so Im firing up a VVAW chapter here in San Diego, as IVAW is stretched thin, and looking for venues to stream the WS2 panels live. Cant get the time of day from PBS/NPR, Im pounding the pavement for student groups who might put it on at thier campus. Spent today at UCSD….usta be you could spot the radicals- guys had berets, the gals went for serious eyeliner & fishnets…..be still, oh heart. Guess fashions change, met some folks at the , ummmm”Cross Cultural Center’….got a $40 ticket, tho- I went way out of my way to find what I thought was a legit place to park my bike. it was a trap…..
Anyway, check out IVAW.org, theres a complete explantion there, & if you got any ideas how we can get these guys testimony into a public venue, ping me, its my job. That & cleanin the grill before Herself gets home…..
Comment by mutt — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
Hey mutt, fishnets are back in style…
Comment by Lorelei — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 4:09 pm
AntiWar’s Justin Raimondo Behind the Headlines:
Check him out! Excellent writer and well informed!
Lebanon: The Unknown Crisis
3/3/2008
The Foreign Policy Follies
2/29/2008
McCain, Militarism, and the Legacy of Teddy Roosevelt
2/27/2008
Kosovo, the Kremlin, and the Kurds
2/25/2008
The Year of the Insurgents
2/22/2008
Why Is John McCain Running Against Robert A. Taft?
2/20/2008
Iraq and the Kosovo Connection
2/18/2008
The War Party Targets Obama
2/15/2008
The Monster That Wouldn’t Die
2/13/2008
The Rise of the Imperial Class
2/11/2008
The Cable-Cutter Mystery
2/8/2008
The Winter of Our Discontent
2/6/2008
Can Obama Save Us?
2/4/2008
Deadly Hubris
2/1/2008
Presidential Pantomime
1/30/2008
None Dare Call It Treason
1/28/2008
America – A Bankrupt Empire
1/25/2008
Foreign Thought Police Target US Candidates
1/23/2008
McCain and the Militarist Mentality
1/21/2008
The Hormuz Hoax
1/18/2008
In Mourning
1/16/2008
etc.
Comment by Johhny Walk — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
Duh. Herself said: you didnt provide any links, Mr NCOIC/Comm-VVAW Dago- get with the 21st century…..
This Winter Soldier act of defiance is explained here, among other places. I would like to say, tho, the TruthOut article mentions how we (VVAW) was smeared, it leaves the impression there was truth to the smears. There wasn’t.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/printer_030108Z.shtml
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/ArticleID/9420
http://ivaw.org/index.php
http://www.vvaw.org/
Thanks for letting me hyjack your space here for this Stacy. Its rude, I think, to do this, and I wouldnt but for the deadline coming up, and the quarter billion dollar slush fund “Freedom Watch” (sic) has to smear & disrupt- stated aim- our front line brothers & sisters.
ESSAYONS!
Comment by mutt — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
Great source of independent news check it out:
http://therealnews.com/web/index.php
Comment by Jesse east county — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Alas,I thought the village idiot would not jump aboard but no such luck. Fish, understand, no one likes you and your opinions are less than idiotic. no one here wants your opinion. You constently annoy people, tell me, is that your purpose in life, if so,I’ll not bother to acknowledge your existence.Stacy, I didn’t tell him.
Comment by knifemaster — Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
And of course we know that there will be big changes in store should McCain get the nod. We’ll all be dead or bankrupt helping to fight the lunatic’s 1000 Year War. This was no time for the Democrats to hoist up the 2 iffyist presidential candidates in my or anybody else’s lifetime. This was no time to experiment. The stakes were too high.
Stacy, are you trying to pull a Phil Hendry? Don’t hate me for saying that. But this isn’t helping. If you really can’t get behind Hillary or Barack, please just cry into your beer. The idea that we can’t win because we are putting up a woman and a black man has been soundly rejected by the Democratic party. That is the inherent beauty of this election cycle. We aren’t pandering to the white men only club. We are making history. For the first time we are betting that rational, progressive and enlightened voters will outnumber the old-school, reactionary conservatives.
Initially, I was extremely impressed by Barack and yearned deeply for his vision of rebuilding American diplomatic ties shredded and burned by the Bush administration. I mean, it hurt a lot to watch several of the 10,000 videos of Europeans telling us that they didn’t blame everyone in the U.S. for re-electing Bush. Then I began to believe in Hillary. I think what nailed it for me was when Barack said he would like to have Arnold in his cabinet. And, sure enough, Hillary and Barack continue to steal ideas from each other and everybody else, but I don’t really care about that. Mostly, they are good ideas. But I was kind of sad to hear Hillary say that she would love to have a bi-partisan cabinet. To her credit, she followed with,”But it is time for Democratic leadership after 8 years of Bush, because there is a lot of repair work to be done.”
It is a helluva big bet, and one where there is a lot at stake. Big changes if McCain? Maybe. I see more of the same. Unfortunately, the same means totally f***ed. Be part of the revolution. Get behind a candidate, and then pledge to support the nominee, no matter who it is. Get real.
Comment by Flying Junior — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 8:45 am
motoring past the boring car wreck….. jeez, people, seen one ya seen em all-theres more interesting things to discuss than the moral equivalent than a petri dish gone wrong– the Times of London has a feature piece about the Winter Soldier Investigations-
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article3444835.ece?Submitted=true
bonus Feature: Pics of our lads & lasses marchin thru Valley Forge, like VVAW did almost 40 yrs ago: http://s105660334.onlinehome.us/
Comment by mutt — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 9:39 am
Boring… Ouch! I stand burned. Do you mind if I ask whom you are supporting for president? Oh, that’s right. It’s not interesting. Never mind.
Comment by Flying Junior — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 10:05 am
Hey Flying Junior! Right on! We know what happened to Phil Hendry even though he did his best to toe the Clear Channel line.
Cynical as it may be (but it really isn’t) Stacy needs a clear brand. Did Limbaugh make his way out of Sacremento by criticizing Republicans in the interest of fairness? NIX! Bottom line though he believes it and if Stacy doesn’t than he can’t fake it I guess.
Oh wait! He is a performer and a radio genius so he could if he wanted to. Yay, Stacy!! Go, Stacy!!!
Comment by Virginia M — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 10:23 am
Maybe I am a yellow dog democrat. I once believed in Roger Hedgdecock and Pete Wilson. Look what happened to those guys! Prop 187? I’m still looking for that one righteous republican. I actually thought Arnold might be the one. (Just kidding, hardy-har-har!)
I love you crazy independents. It’s a romantic notion not to be tied to party loyalty. If the past seven years won’t convince you that there is a very real difference between dems and repubs, obviously, nothing will. But I think you’re all just dreamers. (But, you’re not the only ones.) An independent is just someone who isn’t willing to fight republicans on the real battleground. I’m not saying the democratic party is perfect. Obviously, far from it…. Work for change from within. Help elect good people.
Comment by Flying Junior — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 10:35 am
If the past seven years won’t convince you that there is a very real difference between dems and repubs, obviously, nothing will
That is it in a nutshell. No matter what happens in this election I would still like to have a voice on the radio speaking for the other fifty per cent of the people.
Playing both sides of the fence won’t ingratiate you with those riding the conservative hobby horse and it won’t build a following among the half of the population who currently have no radio voice in San Diego.
The opportunity is there but you need to seize it and run with it.
Comment by Virginia M — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 11:00 am
I guess independent voters are alright. I did not mean to generalize.
Comment by Flying Junior — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 11:39 am
Fish,
I agree with you on the fact that we are feeling way too negative. I am frustrated over the situation our country is in, and I can’t see it getting any better, in the near future. I’m glad for you in the fact that your business is doing well, not too many in the construction industry are right now.
I try to count my blessings every day. We do live in paradise, and being from the mid-west, I am happy for the lovely weather the open-mindedness (compared to there anyway) and the opportunities we have here. But 11 years of horrific traffic, city government corruption and greed, sky-rocketing home prices, gas prices and grocery prices, (also fueled by greed) coupled with the miniscule increases in salaries have jaded my views.
I do what I can to make my life and the lives of those I come in contact with each day better. But I feel that here (this blog) is a place I can debate the issues with like-minded people who want to make the country a better place. It’s those issues that create the negative space and that’s what we are wanting to change.
So please understand that derogatory statements about peoples’ opinions are only going to fuel the anger towards whoever is making them.
Practice tolerance.
Comment by Lori from Mission Beach — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 11:47 am
And may God bless you my son. He who casts the first stone usually gets stoned. Re; The word [overe] has maybe some subliminal meanings for you, but I can’t see it. We are all here just exchanging thoughts and ideas on this blog, not writing a thesis for a doctorate
Comment by knifemaster — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
Boring… Ouch! I stand burned. Do you mind if I ask whom you are supporting for president? Oh, that’s right. It’s not interesting. Never mind.Comment by Flying Junior
Wow….that sailed over yer head………
Comment by mutt — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
Sorry Mutt, your comment still makes no sense, but I appreciate you weighing in on Obama and Hillary on the other post.
Comment by Flying Junior — Tuesday, March 4, 2008 @ 4:31 pm