Transform America!

January 10, 2008

I have been all over he American political landscape! I was a key campaign supporter of Bob Dole in Kansas in the 60′s. I also voted for Robert Kennedy in the 60′s. I loved Bobby Kennedy. I voted for Barry Goldwater, and yet I named a son after Nelson Rockefeller. So, what does that make me? Can you say Independent or may skitzo?

For most of the last quarter of the 20th century I was more in the Republican camp. I grew up on Reganonmics. I liked Bush #41. I was turned off greatly by Bill Clinton and it got worse with every year he served. I was encouraged by Bush #43, but wound up disappointed by where he has led us.

And so, it was that about two years ago, I started looking for a life raft.

A year ago I felt like there was no Republican nor Democrat that could fit the bill for what I saw America needed, what the world needed. And so, I launched the “third party in America web site” and started hoping that someone, anyone, and particularly Michael Bloomberg would give me a serious alternative. We will know in a few weeks if Bloomberg will indeed take the plunge.

America is ready for a CHANGE!

If Iowa did anything for the current politicians, it was to show them that America was READY for a CHANGE! And then of course doing what politicians do, every major candidate became the “change agent” even when they were not, are not, and never will be. Creating flyers and placards that say CHANGE doesn’t mean you are. It’s just the SAME old politics!

And then last Tuesday evening I listened to Barack Obama give his “loser’s speech” in New Hampshire. I was standing up and passsing through the living room, not planning on listening to it completely, but I was enraptured. He reminded me of John F. Kennedy in one part saying in different words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” He reminded me of the idealism of Goldwater. He reminded me of the intelligence of Rockefeller. And basically, he reminded me of all the GOOD things that America has stood for and what we a human beings are.

No candidate is pure. Come on! We know that.

But, if Bloomberg doesn’t run, I will probably vote for and support Obama: and at least for this election cycle set aside my Republican roots. And IF Bloomberg does run, I may vote for Obama anyway. Regardless of all that, it’s time that we transform America before it’s too late, And who better to do it because he understands (in his hope and psyche). He understands what it means to be a minority. He understands what it means to be a Christian and yet one who truly knows other religions as well and is tolerant. He knows culture outside of America where the majority of the world lives!

So, it’s on to the Nevada, Michigan, and South Carolina primaries. I’ watchful and hopeful. He gives me HOPE that we just might unite this world whereas all the other candidates seemed mired in the past divisive politics: red and blue states, liberals and conservatives, Christian and secularists, black and white, male and female, and the such. It’s time we grow up, mature, unite, and live as the ONE that we must- the ONE that we ARE!

Written by Ernie · Filed Under Daily Commentary