Who Are We Really Kidding?

Many times I have been asked what my opinion is in regard to the upcoming election, what direction I will go, and whom I shall cast my vote for. Alas, I haven't a clue. However, I have been a solid Republican for 46 years, was born a Republican and there is no doubt I will die one. However, having said that I firmly believe that the nation needs a two party system. Therefore, I'm terribly concerned with the path the Democratic party has chosen - to again field presidential candidates that are neither qualified nor desired. Why are they endangering their party, and our system, by repeating the mistakes of the past?

There was Geraldine Ferraro. A Democratic politician and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She is best known as the first, and only, woman to represent a major U.S. political party as a candidate for Vice President. Ferraro and running mate Walter Mondale were defeated in a landslide by incumbent President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H. W. Bush in the 1984 election. The reason? Their platform was out of touch with the American people.

Jackson and Sharpton ran for president to show that black men could run for president. They ran just to ensure that issues dear to the African-American community became part of the dialogue. A noble goal, and one that was accomplished. But again, neither are qualified for the office they sought and their platform was again out of touch with the American people.

A question that comes to mind would be, are we really ready for a woman president or a African-American president? My answer, in all honesty, is no. The majority of the American people have not accepted this idea. You can say what you will, think what you want, but it is what it is. I know of very few who would vote for an African-American or a woman. Hopefully in the near future the electorate will accept the idea and elect a person not based on race or gender, but on qualifications. Unfortunately, that point has not yet arrived. However, instead of recognizing this, the Democrats are hell bent on once again being on the wrong end of a landslide by fielding candidates with platforms far from mainstream America and ignoring the realities.

First we have Hillary, who clearly has a hidden agenda and an axe to grind. If for nothing else, she has a point to prove, that she can run the White House without cigars and smoke. She has shown her true colors when she stooped low enough to write a book about her two timing husband who never inhaled. Of more import, if we elect Hillary, we get Bill. Carpetbagging is also a trade mark of Hillary - she had never resided in New York nor directly participated in the state's politics prior to the senate race. Hillary voted in favor of the Iraq Resolution, which authorized the use of military force against Iraq, and stated in 2005 that an immediate withdrawal from Iraq would be a mistake, yet now she opposes all. I cannot trust one, nor should the nation, with these credentials.

Next is Mr. Obama. Well educated and articulate. However what is his experience? A first term senator. Seems to be the northern version of John Edwards, and that did not work well.

I think it is imperative that we all reach deep within ourselves and think about what could happen to our nation if either one of these two candidates make it to the White House. Hillary lacks integrity, Obama experience. Add to this the fact that a large portion of the population still votes on race and gender lines, and you have the makings for a disaster. The weakening of one party to such a degree is as bad as electing either of these candidates.