The Republicans have as their standard bearer a bona fide war hero, John McCain, a person of recognized integrity. While running as a true conservative on a host of issues, including the Iraq war, taxes, abortion, and gay rights, he also has the reputation of a maverick, able to work with those who disagree with him. McCain conveys his goal of defending and protecting us with the slogan, “Our Country.”
John McCain must be lauded for his sacrifices in defending our country during the Vietnam War. He has criticized some Bush administration policies and agreed with others while seeking to establish that he is his own man.
Putting the pending election aside for a moment, each of us should acknowledge that warts and all our country is special and should be defended not only from military assault but from unfair criticisms. Both candidates would agree to that. It has given to the world values and protections for its citizens that don’t exit in most countries. Foremost among them are the first ten amendments to the Constitution. First among those amendments is the enshrined right of free speech allowing us to voice our concerns for justice and allowing us to protest against the government without fear. Those rights became even more meaningful as we witnessed the Chinese government during the recent Olympics while the world was watching, arresting foreigners, including Americans, and its own citizens for engaging in peaceful protests. Those protests include the occupation of Tibet, and Chinese citizens protesting the deaths of their children who sat at their desks in poorly built government school buildings unable to withstand the recent Sichuan earthquake.
In the next few months we will exercise our right and obligation to elect our next President. I have great confidence that the American people will select the person and team that will best protect our country for the next four years. For whatever it’s worth, I will announce my preference and campaign for that ticket after both conventions have concluded. Philosophically, I am a liberal with sanity. I believe that most Americans are politically close to the center. My political center remains the place occupied by Scoop Jackson, Hubert Humphrey, Harry Truman, Pat Moynihan and Joe Lieberman.
I watched the Democratic Convention on opening night and the program was superb. The presentation of Barack’s wife Michelle was brilliant both in delivery and substance. She knocked the ball out of the park. Particularly moving was to see the dignified face of her mother, Mrs. Marian Robinson, as her daughter extolled her role in the family as the rock that anchored it. I was reminded of my own mom, now deceased, as I am sure millions of those watching were as well. An extraordinary performance.
