reaching for stars

Somewhere in the current election cycle, with accusations running rampant, we've forgotten about the most important aspect... what is ultimately best for all Americans... not just the 1% who are currently doing quite well (actually, extremely well), thanks to policies of the last 30-some years... but everyone in America.

The questions we should be asking... is this really the best we can do for our children, or our country... are sadly missing from the discussion. Instead, fingers are pointed at immigrants... or gays... or women... for all the ills currently plaguing this nation.

I think it's time to get back to basics, because we do need to bring jobs back to the states, and stop the bickering amongst ourselves.

As I look at those who've tossed their hat into the ring... the current crop of Republicans vying for the opportunity to take on Obama, I have yet to see one candidate up to the challenge! I see nothing presented by any of the would-be candidates that would put this country first... would encourage the best from the upcoming graduating classes... unless it's to put self first, above everything and everyone else.

We need to stop this "Me First" attitude that seems to have permeated our society and our political process. It used to be that politicians ran for office because they were interested in making a better society for all... Now, it would appear that no one of substance wants to run because self above all seems to be the driving force in politics. It appears that the crop of candidates on the Republican slate are more interested in selling books, or themselves as potential speakers, but not making a better country for the rest of America.

A while back, I had a conversation with a well-educated young woman who felt let down by our current president and felt that Ronald Reagan was a much better president on policy issues than Barack Obama. While I could appreciate how disappointed she felt, I disagreed profoundly with the notion that Reagan was a better president in any respect.

However, to a degree, I share her disappointment because, while many promises were made, only a few have been kept. Although we could argue about the reasons for this, the facts are irrefutable.

The DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act] still affords only a man and a woman all the rights and privileges of marriage, shutting out many who would like to share the benefits but because they are gay or lesbian, marriage is currently not an option. And while we celebrate the ending of DADT (Don't Ask, Don't Tell) policies in the military, this was only a small step. Other countries have scoffed at our policies around treatment of gays for years, yet our conservative bent persists. I wonder why this is... 

This discussion will be further investigated in future posts...