The final presidential debate

I managed to stick through most of the debate, despite a recurrent urge to hurl every time McCain rambled through another "My friends, we will fix that (whatever the issue under discussion)...it will be easy!"

Let me begin with the disclaimer that I am not naive enough to believe that a Democratic administration will turn things around in this country. It is obvious in my writing, that I favor a progressive brand of politics, and thus tend to oppose Republicanism by sheer instinct. The sad truth is that the Democratic party is almost as deep into the pockets of the Corporate Masters as the Republicans, but at least they paint nicer scenery (and play nicer theme music).

The present administration has done tremendous damage to this nation, so it's not hard to project that a McCain administration would offer little more than cosmetic changes. McCain seems to have abandoned the "straight talk" shtick for a desperate tactic of repeating untrue and disproved assertions over and over in hopes some voters will eventually be persuaded. This plays right into Obama's cool, deliberate approach, and makes McCain look like a blubbering fool. I have not seen any opinion polls yet regarding who won the debate, but this voter is disgusted enough with McCain to wish he would crawl under a rock in the Arizona desert and hibernate with the Diamondbacks and Scorpions.

I wonder how much stock people put into campaign positions any more. The Dow tanked another 700+ points today on "recession fears". The problems faced by the next president are so formidable; they probably couldn't begin to address them now. The question is, how disconnected from reality are the candidates? Is their role reduced to mere cheerleading and glad-handing, as opposed to true leadership? Are they really unaware of the challenges ahead?

It would be quite refreshing to hear substantial debate on issues that are blacked out be consensus of both parties...issues like...

-The use of depleted uranium ordinance in Iraq and Afghanistan - contaminating vast areas with highly toxic radioactive contamination, and condemning millions of people to early death and birth defects in future generations to come.

-The trashing of the constitution under the present administration by passage of the Patriot Act, the use of torture, and the general explosion of governmental power and intrusion into the lives of private citizens.

-The enormous transfer of wealth taking place from the middle class to the ultra-rich via the “pump and dump” scheme of collapsing market bubbles

Let's imagine Mr. Shieffer asking questions like "What do you intend to do as president to undue the intrusion of unconstitutional executive authority?"

Sen. McCain, you say you want to reduce the intrusion of the federal government in the lives of people? How about calling for repeal of the Patriot act? Dismantle Gulag Guantannamo? End the intrusive wiretapping without judicial oversight?

Here's another in my series of things I'd love to see...When McCain goes after Obama on the issue of raising taxes, Obama retorts by asking why McCain considers it preferable to borrow from foreign governments rather than pay for spending straight-up through honest taxation. If Iraq is such a noble cause to fight for, why not ask patriotic Americans to pay the $400B + cost through higher taxes? (Almost forgot – all candidates must promise tax cuts, regardless of the consequences). Just thought it nice to imagine a Democrat not being on the defensive on this one for once.

The Bankster Bailout didn't get much play in the last debate, it's over and done, but how about a question concerning the conflict of interest inherent in the ex-CEO of Goldman Sachs (Paulson) pushing through and administering a bailout that will put billions in the coffers of said company? Eh? Anyone care any more?

I have not yet decided: I may vote for Obama, or may vote for an obscure third party as a protest against the electoral charade. I'm still thinking about the potential benefits of that nice scenery and theme music, which a Democratic administration will provide. We are still headed into the general direction of Hell no matter what - but why not at least feel better about it along the way?

-Darkwave