Reflections
columnist: twanda

Topic: Presidential Campaign 2008
BENT TWIGS

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A short discussion of public discourse and opinion.

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by twanda
(Liberal)
Friday, September 7, 2007

Quite a challenge here - write a column to discuss a policy, program or issue without casting aspersions on the perpetrator[s].  It sounds great in theory, but we've had little demonstrations or examples from history, education or the media.

In fact the entire history of politics has been characterized as down and dirty, rough and tumble, anything goes that one can get away with.  "Politics ain't beanbag", we are often reminded.  In the jumble of words the only thing that comes through clearly is that they who talk the loudest and fastest win simply because the opposing side is not heard.

Even our presidential candidates appear to be characterized much in the manner of the advertising for fast foods.  Never mind what the smelly snorey  guy may say, what's important is the loudness of the screams from those young ‘uns and the empty, unthinking minds like the one John McCain called "a little punk".

And John got lots of applause for that remark from the pundits who laughed and giggled and declared that the old straight talk was back and wasn't it  just great how he said whatever came into his mind no matter who got hurt. 

Boos also come forth from the mouths of the same empty, unthinking minds when another candidate expresses her opinion.  Their opinions are influenced by hormones that convince them that the rock star or the hair will bring Utopia to the political process. 

Most of the screaming masses have no idea of what politics is about.    They will adore and follow their movie star be he from Hollywood, hell or anywhere in between.  They look for a big daddy to protect them and do their thinking for them.

And what of the one with two first names?  He's Heckled and Jeckled by his own Party members as they cheer on his opposing candidates who drum the drums of war and more to drown his cry for peace; those who love the fetus and hate the child and women?

Certainly the media mavens who populate TV talk shows [there are hardly any newscasts anymore] are always egging the candidates on to all manner of nastiness.  When it happens, they roll around in it for days like a pig in muck.  "Issues, issues, who needs those stinkin' issues?"

The very few factual reporting programs have few watchers/listeners because they are not entertaining.  The land of the free and the home of the brave has become the reality of the Daily Show.

                                                              -30-

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2007 twanda, all rights reserved.
Published: Friday, September 7, 2007
Last modified: Friday, September 7, 2007

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