I love politics - sometimes. Not today. I am teaching an American Government class this semester for the History Department. Like most students that I have had in the past in PLS 122, many this semester are not terribly excited about the subject. My initial reaction to their disinterest is to be horrified. Why do they not have the same passion that I do for government, public policy and politics? I just can't figure it out. Then I get home last night to discover "lipstick gate" has swept the nation. Okay, I am reminded effectively of why many turn off to any mention of politics.
I have been involved in politics for years. In my past life, I actually was active in running political campaigns. I thought that I had seen everything. Guess not. Now, a "major issue" about lipstick and pigs! I saw the clip in which Obama uttered the phrase, "you can put lipstick on a pig but it is still a pig" and , of course, I was outraged (yeah, right!). He had been talking for several minutes about Bush policies and how McCain was running from them even though he had supoprted them. In characterizing McCain's "change" argument, he used the "lipstick' line. Now, naturally he was talking about Palin who used the word lipstick in a speech. What the HECK? Are you kidding me? Oh, the anguish from the McCain camp. The "slur" had hurt some feelings. What slur you ask. I have no idea. But McCain certainly saw one, or at least his campaign strategists had told him, probably on a teleprompter, that a "slur" had occurred. Oh, the unfairness of it all! Leave Sarah alone you pigs!
I have my differences with Obama. His willingness to move from one quagmire in Iran to another unwinnable fiasco in Afghanistan (please place call to Russian leaders) is distressing. His willingness to reconsider eliminating tax cuts for the rich at this time is unfortunate and his support for charter schools, which serve to cost public schools needed money, is disheartening. But, at least he is talking about policy issues. Come on John, say something meaningful, if your knowledge of economic issues goes beyond that which can be written on a napkin. Say something about your foreign policy views. Do you believe in Nation building as part of our international role? How many more billions will you spend to spread democracy worldwide? Would a traditional conservative support such efforts? Come on John, say something. And, while you are at it, let Sarah say something. Let her tell us about her desire, as a conservative who supposedly believes in limited government, why the government should be involved in a woman's decision making process. Let her tell us if she believes in "equal pay for equal work" for women.
On second thought John, keep quiet about such things. Continue to discuss "lipstick" and other pressing issues such as who Obama hung around with years ago. That may well get you elected. Then we can spend four more years complaining about all the things that have disturbed us for the past eight years. Joy to the World!
Dale