Tuesday
Nov022010
Less than 24 Hours to go.... Please let Sanity triumph.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 5:39AM
The time is almost upon us. I don't know how many Americans read this blog, but I hope that those who do pay attention. Pass it on to all your friends and family, anyone of voting age. And Brits.. I am sure you could learn something too.
There is a lot hanging in the balance in this coming election. The future direction the US could take for a start. Political deadlock in Washington, and across the fifty different states is a distinct possibility, as Republicans refuse to compromise, refuse to offer policy plans, and only intend to attack Obama and the Democrats, repeal anything that has already passed, and block any future proposals. Sound like a good plan for the US to follow?
Take the Republican candidate for the US Senate in Wisconsin for example. Ron Johnson, a millionaire businessman who has gotten to the position in which he finds himself, a likely victor, because of the amount of his own money he has poured into the campaign. And would he serve Wisconsin well, would he be an effective legislature?
Two letters... NO. I say this not because we share different views on the economy, or social issues, or because I don't want rich businessmen like him extending taxcuts to millionaires and repealing constraints on banks. I say this because Ron Johnson is an absolute idiot. He is incredible stupid. He has no, "0", nada plans for his time in the Senate. When asked about specific policy, or legislation he wanted to introduce, or procedures he would implement to help the economy recover, he replied that he had no specific plans. No idea. He just wanted to learn on the job. Now is not the time for newbies! How does the electorate not see this? One of the most conservative newspapers in the state, the Greenbay Gazette, which has always endorsed Senator Feingold's opponent (Democratic incumbant), sat Johnson down for an interview, and when he failed to answer any question they asked of him effectively, they endorsed Feingold.
Does this not scream incompetence? And yet Johnson is well on track to win. Wisconsin voters how you can you even consider voting for this man? You used to be the state of fighting progressives like Bob LaFollette. Or you were home to extreme reactionaries like Joseph McCarthy. Either way you were pretty unique in the US, and certainly didn't follow the tide. But now, you are letting the tsunami in. Embracing the GOP and helping turn the waters on the Democrats in what could be their worst election defeat since 1938. And that was a bad year.
The same is true of Scott Walker, Republican nominee for Governor. This guy is so extreme, he supports the outright ban of abortion... INCLUDING in cases of rape, incest, or where the mother's life is in danger. He ran the economy and budget of Milwaukee County into the ground, devastating a number of employees. And yet he is likely to win the gubernatorial race, over a great guy called Tom Barrett, who could bring great things to Wisconsin.
I have so much more to say on the independent, bright, intelligent nature of the skilled legislators who are running under the Democratic banner this year. Unfortunately that is a major factor playing against them. Please let's make it not be. I'd write more, but it's now half past midnight, and we only got back in ten minutes ago, after a night spent dropping flyers and putting up yard signs. Anything to get out the vote.
Let's not turn this country in the wrong direction. Remember, in a car, R is for reverse. Backwards. D is for drive. Vote Democratic, and restore democracy and sanity to the US. The Jon Stewart rally proved people care. Show your dedication for one final day, and get out to the polls.
There is a lot hanging in the balance in this coming election. The future direction the US could take for a start. Political deadlock in Washington, and across the fifty different states is a distinct possibility, as Republicans refuse to compromise, refuse to offer policy plans, and only intend to attack Obama and the Democrats, repeal anything that has already passed, and block any future proposals. Sound like a good plan for the US to follow?
Take the Republican candidate for the US Senate in Wisconsin for example. Ron Johnson, a millionaire businessman who has gotten to the position in which he finds himself, a likely victor, because of the amount of his own money he has poured into the campaign. And would he serve Wisconsin well, would he be an effective legislature?
Two letters... NO. I say this not because we share different views on the economy, or social issues, or because I don't want rich businessmen like him extending taxcuts to millionaires and repealing constraints on banks. I say this because Ron Johnson is an absolute idiot. He is incredible stupid. He has no, "0", nada plans for his time in the Senate. When asked about specific policy, or legislation he wanted to introduce, or procedures he would implement to help the economy recover, he replied that he had no specific plans. No idea. He just wanted to learn on the job. Now is not the time for newbies! How does the electorate not see this? One of the most conservative newspapers in the state, the Greenbay Gazette, which has always endorsed Senator Feingold's opponent (Democratic incumbant), sat Johnson down for an interview, and when he failed to answer any question they asked of him effectively, they endorsed Feingold.
Does this not scream incompetence? And yet Johnson is well on track to win. Wisconsin voters how you can you even consider voting for this man? You used to be the state of fighting progressives like Bob LaFollette. Or you were home to extreme reactionaries like Joseph McCarthy. Either way you were pretty unique in the US, and certainly didn't follow the tide. But now, you are letting the tsunami in. Embracing the GOP and helping turn the waters on the Democrats in what could be their worst election defeat since 1938. And that was a bad year.
The same is true of Scott Walker, Republican nominee for Governor. This guy is so extreme, he supports the outright ban of abortion... INCLUDING in cases of rape, incest, or where the mother's life is in danger. He ran the economy and budget of Milwaukee County into the ground, devastating a number of employees. And yet he is likely to win the gubernatorial race, over a great guy called Tom Barrett, who could bring great things to Wisconsin.
I have so much more to say on the independent, bright, intelligent nature of the skilled legislators who are running under the Democratic banner this year. Unfortunately that is a major factor playing against them. Please let's make it not be. I'd write more, but it's now half past midnight, and we only got back in ten minutes ago, after a night spent dropping flyers and putting up yard signs. Anything to get out the vote.
Let's not turn this country in the wrong direction. Remember, in a car, R is for reverse. Backwards. D is for drive. Vote Democratic, and restore democracy and sanity to the US. The Jon Stewart rally proved people care. Show your dedication for one final day, and get out to the polls.
Reader Comments (4)
Thanks for all your hard work, Ben. Hopefully it will make a difference. We will do our part and vote today. I just don't understand how our fellow democrats can be so short-sighted. Maybe they will surprise us!
Wellsaid, Ben
I am embarrassed for this country. Never have I seen such dirty politics in an election period. My frustration level is really high right now. Few discuss the issues. The banter back and forth is just character defamation with no insight into the issues we are facing.
Our President has made a few mistakes, granted. He has not explained the rationale for his actions thus far, in a way that the people could understand and what he has said is a bit late in the game. WHAT ARE PEOPLE THINKING!!!! The MO of women like Palin, Engle, etc, is a retreat back to the late 60s, early 70s and the early feminists who knew how to yell and curse but not much else. Enough! I'm done.
Sanity has not triumphed at all :( People have just thrown it out the window!
All true! Thanks for the wonderfully insightful comments!