Patio Man

I think I am a patio man.

Cynical

This sounds awfully cynical, but I'm just not sure humans can handle democracy. I in know way advocate totalitarianism, but lately I have become more convinced that humans are just too selfish to think about the greater good. Our political system is boiled down to this as its most austere - most Americans sending a portion of their income to Washington, and a group of elected representatives and non-elected bureaucrats determines what groups will get some of their money back while Washington keeps 70% of it. That's why I hate the term federal "grant." It is not a grant but a refund.

Our system would be served by getting back to basics. Whether roads or schools, we should focus on roads and education not social experimentation and pork-barrel projects. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if we can. So the election boils down to this: two candidates representing distinct special interest groups. So whoever wins in November simply will decide what groups of big-monied special interests gets most of your money.

More Mean-spirited Obamaniacs

Suppressing free speech.
Intelligent political debate.
Attacking the opposition.

Debate

I did not have the energy to watch the presidential debate. I can summarize it for you. "blah blah blah." John McCain just does not seem very sharp. He misses lots of opportunities to question Barack Obama's policies. For example, I heard Obama stated he would invade any country that practiced genocide. Saddam Hussein practiced genocide. Therefore, Obama would have invaded Iraq. Interesting.

Election
It is about a month out, and I still am undecided. I probably will vote Libertarian. I do not like McCain's foreign policy, and I think Obama is unqualified. Philosophically, I am closer to the McCain middle than the extreme left of Obama. I fear both offer just more of the same. At least McCain warned of the impending crisis of Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae while Obama counts former Freddie/Fannie execuitves as economic advisers.

I really have become a single-issue voter: BALANCE THE BUDGET! I am convinced, neither will. McCain will pour more money down the Iraq black hole while Obama wants to double our payout to third-world dictators. I really do want change, but Washington does not. It wants just more of the same.

Blasphemy, but I think Sarah Palin offers the only fresh voice or potential change among the four. Unfortunately, the media began ruthlessly crucifying her the second she was announced, so I am confident she did not get a fair shake - at least fair in the sense of the same standard applied to the other guys.

Alas ...