Mindfulness

Why "mindfulness?" I'll come to that. But, as an American I can't ignore the elephant in the living room which of course was John McCain in tonight's Presidential debate.

A McCain presidency is only beneficial to a very narrow group of people. It's a very simplistic, controlled world view of right and wrong. A view where everyone else is bad and we're good; We must Win at all costs, because we're right. It's a fear-based reality where the boogeyman is out to get us, and EVERYONE else is the boogeyman. We need wars, weapons, and a very jaundiced eye toward anyone who talks or looks different. It's very convenient to play on this type of fear when Obama is so clearly "different." Russians, Iranians, and yes, Obamas are the enemy. The danger of this type of thinking is that at any time, YOU could easily become one of the bad and disenfranchised. Lose your home, or job and you're on the wrong side. Make a wrong decision, lose your health insurance, go broke and you're on the wrong side. Gay or alternative lifestyle? You are definitely wrong -- and here's the real danger -- not part of the Christian Pro-Life? War protester? You are anti-American! More wire-tapping and witch hunting. NO! It must stop!

If you care about real American values, like freedom and choice, then you simply cannot vote for McCain; it's too dangerous. We've seen our rights eroding over the past eight years and after watching tonight I felt a chill up my spine at the thought of McCain/Palin being the next "deciders." We're in trillions of dollars of debt and about to take on more. We can't continue favoring only the wealthiest (or war heroes or Christians) at the expense of everyone else.

Now, back to mindfulness. I had decided I simply couldn't continue with the political ranting. As I retire from my government day job, I've been spending more and more time with creative and spiritual pursuits. Mindfulness training is my true passion. The goal is to be mindful -- not just during meditation -- but off the cushion, as well. That means considering how my speech and actions affect others. Do no harm. So, I will strive to be more mindful of my actions, but at the same time, those who aspire to the highest office in this Democracy (and I still believe it is a Democracy not a banana republic) must also. Who is the most mindful candidate? For me, that is clearly Barack Obama. If you can make another case, please post below.

Houdini Politics

When is a Republican not a Republican? It's Magic! No, it's John McCain trying to BS Americans into believing that he's not really a Republican. He criticizes the Beltway Boys yet is essentially a lifer in that club, having served 26 years in Washington. He's going to shake himself up? Oh, yeah, the maverick... a wild ass, rip roaring rebel who literally put me to sleep during his boring RNC speech. Can someone remind me, please, why he was considered a maverick? For disagreeing with his party? Read on.

He was, and is, a Reagan Republican and when we look back at St Reagan we know that trickle down economics and illegal arms trading (the Iran-Contra Affair) were disasters. But, forget ancient history, let's look at more recent times. He's a staunch supporter of the Bush/Cheney Iraq war -- in the beginning and even if it lasts 100 years, in his own words. And, voted FOR the Patriot Act -- originally (as most Senators did), but McCain voted to REAUTHORIZE in 2006, when thinking folks were voting no. The controversial Patriot Act is the law that enables wiretapping and surveillance against anyone (you or me) and we can be arrested and thrown in jail WITHOUT DUE PROCESS if suspected of "terrorist activities." (like blogging?) Check McCain's positions:
Civil Liberties | Everything.

But, if you don't care about your rights (to speak, write, practice your own religion, make choices about your own body) then vote for these "rebels." Real rebels and mavericks would not support these truly anti-American laws. Like lambs to slaughter, McCain and Palin will lead us further into repression and recession, whistling as we go, blinded by Pretty Woman and POW. Don't be fooled again.

As my friend reminded me yesterday, of Americans: fool me once (Bush) shame on you. Fool me twice (Bush re-elected, Shame on US.) Three times? Then were just damn fools!