His speech reminded me why I have always liked and admired him. With Jon McCain I don't even really seem to care about his current positions on gay an lesbian Americans. I think he is approachable and reasonable. I think he would sincerely honor gay and lesbian military service-members if he met them. He wouldn't treat them like garbage like Warner used to. If he had been the nominee back then I think I would have voted for him 4 years ago, 8 years ago. John McCain almost made me forget that he belonged to a political Party.
And if I hadn't heard Sarah Palin speak I might have voted for him in this election. But I'm afraid that while McCain reminded me of how good, even noble politicians can be, Palin only reminded me of everything I have come to loathe about politicians.
The nasty insinuations, the snide assumption of moral superiority, the fanatical partisan divisiveness, the "us and them" mentality about who are real Americans and who are not. As she spoke what kept running through my head was that there is no place for someone like me in her America. I felt very sad that once more American politics was going to be taken down that road. Doesn't the GOP know any other tune?
The truth is that Republicans like Sarah Palin believe that they are not only ideologically more suited for running the country, but morally better suited as well. As if! Honey, even a good politican is still a politican. And thats maybe one step above snake in the grass.
Palin reminded me of the truth that lies below all the hollow political promises that are made each election to reach across Party lines, to be compassionate conservatives. I've heard them all before. George W. Bush made the same promises, and the same overtures to moderates and even gays and lesbians both within his Party and without. Once in office he swiftly turned his back on us and turned into our worst nightmare. Massive incompetence coupled with a belief that he was doing Gods Work.
John McCain was absolutely correct when he said that the GOP had lost the trust of the American people.
Politicians like George W. Bush and Sarah Palin are among the reasons why. Politics as Palin practices them are the true face of the Republican Party. Thats why McCain is called the Maverick. He is the exception to the rule.
I would love to elect John McCain President. But I won't do it if it means that he brings the GOP with him. They don't deserve any more chances right now. They have had 8 years. If they want support, they need to earn it. Other than to bash Democrats, or anyone else in their way, really what has the GOP offered? Has there been any indication of turning over a new leaf? McCain is the only Republican I have heard even remotely admit that they had screwed up. And would it really be that difficult to lead the country without bashing any American no matter what Party they belong too? This is why the fastest growing Party is the Party of Cynical. The one I belong to.
I've been reading the Conservative blogs and they are all rejoicing that Palin stuck it to the Democrats and Liberals in her address to the country. And indeed, if you hate Democrats and Liberals she made a terrific speech. Yup. Gotcha all fired up.
But the idea that some Americans are simply disgusted and fed up with that behavior whether it comes from a Democrat or a Republican doesn't seem to occur to them. Because they are part of the "in" crowd, they think its really, really, neat-o and cool. Sheesh. How High School is that?
And as a side note, why are all the conservative blogs upset at the media's grilling of Palin? Especially when their only crime is acting more like bloggers?
