Politics -

[mary_j_59]

While browsing some alternate online news sources, I came across an article that states exactly what I feel about the democratic primary. Here is the link:
http://www.counterpunch.org/santina04232008.html

I don't normally post about politics, but this said it so perfectly, IMO-

Also, I saw Bill Moyers conversing with the infamous Reverend Wright last night on PBS. My conclusion: based on what I saw, having had this man as a spiritual mentor is by no means a bad thing. I got the strong impression that some of the reverend's more inflammatory comments must have been taken out of context and then blown out of proportion. In the bit of conversation I saw, he came across as passionate (to be sure), but also intelligent, sincere, and knowledgeable about both his Protestant faith and his community. No, he's not perfect. Yes, he's said some things I do not necessarily agree with. But he struck me as a thoughtful man of deep faith. I was surprised - and more favorably impressed than I'd expected to be.

That's it for me. I'm getting more and more reluctant to discuss politics as I get older, but comments are of course welcome!

Comments

[anne-arthur.livejournal.com]

Interesting. This is of course not my country and so my view of things is necessarily partial and ignorant, but what the writer depicts is pretty much the Hillary I see on the news.

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

Yes, unfortunately, that is the way she comes across. I don't want to even start about the brouhaha about Reverend Wright. It's all rather dispiriting. What I don't understand is this: why is all criticism of one's country considered unpatriotic? and why must every presidential candidate strive to appear more belligerent and knee-jerk patriotic than his/her rivals?

I'd really prefer to believe the voters are not that foolish. Oh, well.

[anne-arthur.livejournal.com]

It did seem depressing (the Reverend Wright business, I mean). While I didn't like the way he put it, it seems fairly obvious to me that American (and British) foreign policy has not been making us many friends - as you say, it is sad that candidates have to wrap themsleves in the flag in this way. I think you could get away with more on this front in Britain - but we have plenty of sacred cows of our own, that the politicians are afraid to touch.

But anyway, a depressing thing generally. I'm glad it's an election I don't have to vote in!