The Olympic Runners 2008

The war in Iraq has dampened the country’s outlook on many things because of
such depressing circumstances. Most indicators show people are ready for a major
change in the direction the country is headed. The economy appears to be good,
but only based on the stock market, not on main street. Jobs are being lost all over
the country. The unemployment rate belies the true state of joblessness in the nation.
Just look at the companies cutting jobs monthly along with the mergers taking place.
One-third of some companies’ staff exit once the merger is completed.

So here we are, many moons away from the November 2008 election and already
the handicapping and the speculation as to who will be the final two, sprinting to
the finish line, so that they might possibly have their stationery embossed with the
famous address of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue then try to bring that needed change.

The runners are honing their talking points, putting on their best faces and trying
not to make any big mistakes during the so-called debates. Is there any possibility,
that we will ever come to a place where we have a real debate, with point, counter-
point, with time for substantive utterances? Just too many runners at the moment.

Consider the field, the R’s first. Governor Romney is too perfect for words, great face,
great smile, great hair, but what’s behind the curtain of perfection? Senator McCain
is a gentleman and a scholar, until you push the wrong button when you just might
get scalded . Time may have passed him by, it waits for no man they say. Mayor
Guiliani wants the country to think of him, it seems as “mighty mouse”. But mighty
mouse didn’t create fear, he saved the day as I recall, so that we would not be ridden
with fear. Senator Thompson is a good actor, I love Law and Order, but wanting to be
President because someone else thinks you would be good , and talks you into running
without having that good old passion is questionable. Suppose you don’t like the real
job if you are elected? Not good!

Now, the D’s. Senator Edwards reminds one of a beauty queen trying to proffer substance.
The great policy ideas seem sadly lost, while the people stare at the lovely face. Senator
Clinton is a work in progress, skillfully maneuvering toward the finish line, her motto
being that of “ woman on a mission” not to be denied. Mr. Obama is a charismatic,
rhetorically gifted individual who has to prove that his resume is substantial enough
and deep enough to lead the country to a higher plane. Finally, Governor Richardson, who
has four star credentials and is quite intelligent, but some people view being pleasingly
plump as being undisciplined. Other bits of information regarding undisciplined actions
have been bandied about recently as well, not so positive for him if true.

All these great and gifted people, with many studied, diverse ideas as to where they want
to lead the country, will be coming around the last lap of the long race next year. The
American people will have to decide who they want to put their trust in, to lead them,
with some semblance of honesty and foresight. We need help with the educational system,
with the lack of health care, with the steady loss of well- paying jobs, with the need to
rebuild the military, with some sort of closure to this dreadful war or wars, with the
destroying of the earth as we know it and the destruction of the eco-systems, just to cite
a few.

We may need more than mighty mouse or wonder woman this time around, as
we collectively hope that the best of the Olympic runners actually won the race.