DNC

[n0es]

Preface: Although I'm reveling in the Democratic spirit this week, I will reserve final judgement until I give the Republicans a fair chance. But I've been watching too much politics in the past week or two, chiefly the past few days, to not collect my thoughts. Thank you to Abhi for getting my political engine revved up like it hasn't been since

Comments

[sandyeggo]

First off, very well-written dude, props on that. I am impressed. That said, 'tis time to respond to your points.

• As to the "well-meaning Democrat", I agree there. I think one way the difference between Dems and Reps is that the former are more in touch with their social conscience. Well, that might sound a bit unfair, but basically it's just that they tend to want government to look out for the people, whereas, like you mentioned, Reps say that you gotta make your own breaks. While I can see the merit in both, I believe that in the real world, sometimes giving it your all simply isn't enough, and that's why government needs to assist the people. As for Bush...I think he has alienated some Republicans as well with his insensitivity to many things, esp. America's position as a leader and moral voice in the world. Oh, and "compassionate conservatism" my ass!
  
  
• John Edwards' soft Southern drawl is very attractive, and yeah maybe his plain-spoken Southern ideals can attract voters down South, but even then, this will be a very,

[n0es]

The Daily Show put it best...

"Sharpton spoke concise elegant circles around his opponents but alas... he was black."

Comment, Vol. II

[sandyeggo]

• Iraq. Hmmm, we've discussed this a bunch of times. I'm waiting to see what Kerry will say. Tonight's speech, again, will be crucial^max. But hey, check out an op-ed piece by Richard Cohen in today's Washington Post: "The Wrong Way to Be Right". It really rings true. Basically, Cohen is chastising Kerry for not taking firm positions, clarifying his thoughts, and generally sticking it to the man (Bush) when he has a good opportunity.
  
  
• Energy independence. Very cool idea. Something we really should be working to achieve. And I'll be damned if it'll happen any time soon. Everyone knows the world's oil supply will run out at some point, and when it does, well we'll be up shit creek. (FYI, Saudia Arabia, who has the world's largest oil reserves, have used up about 50% of their supply.) We're dependent on the Middle East right now cuz they have 2/3 of the world's oil supply. Sure, we're looking into alternative places to get oil from...South America, Alaska, Siberia...well OK, but that's not solving the fundamental problem. We

Re: Comment, Vol. II

[n0es]

EXCELLENT articles you've linked! Thanks so much.