Hussein

If you think that political campaigning is bad here in the US, be glad that the shenanigans are well reported, and our press has the freedom to be critical or supportive. It was pointed out in a recent issue of the New Yorker, that things are much more violent, claims are much more outrageous against candidates in places like Russia, Zimbabwe, Taiwan, Nigeria, and Austria. In certain circumstances, the allegation that a candidate is a cannibal may be true...

I just wanted to insert my favorite Putin joke here. I heard it on NPR, and was credited as being published in the LA Times. Putin and the newly elected Russian President go into a restaurant. A waiter comes up to them and asks Putin " What will you have?"

"I'll have the meat." Putin replies.

" Very good, sir. And the vegetable? "

"He'll have the meat, too."

So what if Barack Obama's middle name is Hussein? Let's turn the fear mongering argument around and say that it can be a good thing. We have a tarnished reputation in the Middle East right now, and could use some good press. Its possible that a man with the middle name of Hussein might be able to rebuild, and in some cases, initiate better diplomatic relations with Muslim societies. They might actually respond favorably, and a peace process could go forward instead of occupying countries and killing off civilians. Call me a wild-eyed dreamer, but it could work.

It looks like after that know-nothing Colin Powell's endorsement for Barack Obama, that the coffin was nailed shut on poor John McCain. No thinking Conservative in the public eye will stand up for him. The only place he may win is here in El Paso County, and I doubt if he'll even take Arizona. I believe that his decision to select Sarah Palin was more sincere than George HW Bush's cynical one of Dan Quayle. It just wasn't a good choice and called into question his ability to make good decisions under pressure. Next thing we know he's nominating G. Gordon Liddy to the Supreme Court...