Politicians

Everyone seems so very interested and surprised that President Clinton and President Daddy Bush are on the road together to help raise money for the victims of the Tsunami. When I hear these discussions on MSNBC and Fox news, it makes me cringe. No. It simply frustrates me. This partnership is by no means surprising. Their ability to interact with one another, cordially, for a common goal is no big whoop. They are politicians. That is what they do. Just because they are diametrically opposed in their political beliefs, does not mean they can never work together for a common good. This once an enemy always an enemy sentiment is simply unrealistic.
Webster defines a politician as a number of things. 1. One who seeks political office 2. One who seeks personal or partisan gain often by crafty or dishonest means. 3. One who is skilled in the science or administration of government.

This alliance will only work for the benefit of both men and probably both parties. But what should be most critical and worthwhile in reporting is that this alliance will benefit hundreds of thousands of people who have been disenfranchised by a natural disaster. Time to focus on the important aspects of what is being accomplished rather than being bogged down by the minutiae of party politics?

We have bigger issues to consider. This weekend I heard a story on NPR that focused on the news media. A retired media veteran was candid and honest about how the news on all levels has been dumbed down. How Americans in particular are so unaware of the realities of the operations of their own government, that they/we were truly surprised that anyone would want to attack us. That "people out there" did not like us, and we don't seem to know why. We don't know why because the media is not allowed to give us the full story. We don't know that our military is globally dispersed training other countries to fight Al Queda and other determined enemies. That there no coverage of atrocities allowed to be committed in Africa because it (those people) were deemed unimportant. Not politically useful to the United States at this moment. Hotel Rwanda...
Research what is happening right now in the Sudan.

But I must give credit, in the case of the Sudan, where credit is due. The United States, to date, is the only power on record, admitting that the 75, 000 people slaughtered to date does in fact speak to the possibility of genocide. That gives me hope. No...We are not doing anything about it yet. But we have acknowledged the existence of human tragedy occurring yet again on the "dark continent". My democratic leanings are being challenged with this second term President. A man who caused me much anger and distress in his first term is now leading a charge to wage war. Not the one against Iran... the war he says he will wage against AIDS in Africa. What? Yes...Mr. Bush. He has become the diversity president of the century. He has appointed and supported more people of color in his cabinet than any other of President to date. Huh? Yes it is confusing for me too.

So I watch and hope for the best. I get involved and do what I can from where I live.
What about you?