All the News That's Fit to be Tied

I have an axe to grind, but unlike the New York Times, I freely admit it.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

We Need Another Choice

Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, Capitalist or Socialist, Fascist or Libertarian, you can only be disappointed by tonight's debate. Both candidates showed why neither should be allowed anywhere near the White House. On healthcare Obama said that if you like your current policy you can keep it, but did not say how he would cover those without it. Assuming that he would subsidize healthcare for those who can't afford it, why would those who pay full price keep theirs when they could have cheaper healthcare under Obama? On mortgage support John McCain said he would use taxpayer money to buy foreclosed mortgages and renegotiate the mortgage as well as the price of the home. Seems a little unfair to the ninety percent of Americans who have paid their mortgages on time, did not fall for the sub-prime bait and did without the extras that those who refinanced themselves into a tremendous hole acquired. In both cases these men are saying that if you have worked hard, kept your commitments and acted responsibly your reward is to see those who have acted the opposite subsidized with the taxes you send to the government. On foreign policy both want to send troops, only the places are different. After eight years of criticizing George Bush for acting preemptively in Iraq, Obama stated policy is to act preemptively by analyzing and reacting to threats before they occur. The irony of all this is that the financial crisis, which was made possible by the US Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission, escaped real scrutiny. On the whole McCain provided more substantive answers, while Obama tended to talk around the questions. However, McCain's constant use of the phrase "my friend" was very annoying, while at the same time Obama's feeling that the debate rules did not apply to him was also annoying. I am extremely disgusted with both men since in my view they think of taxpayers as some sort of host that they can suck dry. What is even worse is that pundits, commentators and partisan spinners think we're stupid. I’m sure I’ll vote on election day, but I will not be happy with the outcome no matter who wins.