The Poet's Eye-(final) Fiddler on the Roof

[Lightning Rod]

here is the final formatted and illustrated version of The Poet's Eye:

http://www.stormpages.com/gitdown/Poetseye091304.html

[mnaz]

Seems a bit of a contradiction, here....

"What good is a chief who is incapable of guile?"

"Guile" could easily describe the policy fraud of the Iraq war and the
way both campaigns are currently being conducted; both of which
(apparently) disgust you (and me).

So perhaps, "integrity" isn't such a bad thing after all.... at least moving away from leadership with a 3.5 year demonstrated record
of very little integrity toward a change, even if the change isn't all
that you could hope for.

John Kerry would not have invaded Iraq.

There is still a difference between the candidates, I would say.

[Lightning Rod]

I would say the contrast between the two candidates (Ford and Chevy) are slight.

My point is that what is important is not character but policy.

mnaz, your observations always give me a new perspective. Thank you.

[mnaz]

Well, I agree there.

Policy matters more than "character". Policy is what I have to
go on in this election; the ruinous known policy of the current
Administration. I admit that I might be voting more against
this terrible policy than for another policy in particular, but I really
don't think I have any other choice in this election. Not all Fords
are bad, but this particular Ford is a disaster. I'll take my chances with Chevy this time.

[Doreen Peri]

Good column, LR.... I love your writing...... and you, too!

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Actually, mnaz, john kerry voted to invade Iraq.

I'm voting for him anyway.

Hopefully he doesn't work for the same people Bush does, though I'm afraid to even venture a guess.

I was so very surprised that during the DNC, he emphasized his war record rather than his strong and effective presence in protesting the unjust Vietnam war after he returned. I would be happier with his platform if this were his stance. Instead, sometimes he sounds just like Bush, making remarks about the need for a strong military against terrorism. The only difference is that he states that he can get a bigger alliance of countries together. Hope that doesn't spell World War 111.

Perhaps the man has changed through the years.

But Bush scares the hell outa me .... he's clearly a terrorist in my book.

So, I'll vote for Kerry with hopes that he's not a warmonger and a closet Republican ....

and with even bigger hopes that the office of the Presidency isn't really only a figurehead office and that he works for the same financially powerful corporations as Bush.

[mnaz]

doreen: I think this is a common misconception that people have
with regard to Kerry's vote on Iraq, and the nature of the Iraq
resolution in general.

The vote was actually to authorize the use of military force in Iraq
as a last resort. Nearly all of Congress voted yes on this resolution. The problem here lies with Bush & Co for misleading
not just Congress, but all of America into this unnecessary war with their constant barrage of trumped up partial truths and all-out lies about Iraq's "ominous threat" during that period, and with Bush's failure to honor his promise to use force as a last resort, in accordance with the resolution. He never had any such intention. His cabal planned for this war from Day One in office, and
even before.

Even though it could be argued that Kerry's 'yes' vote on Iraq was politically motivated to some degree, it's probably not fair to criticize this vote, or any other 'yes' vote, given the circumstances
and deception of Bush's Administration. That's how I see it.

[Doreen Peri]

good response, mnaz

you are right, of course... and unfortunately

Bush scares the hell outa me

I'm just worried for this country and this planet and I'm at the point where I don't trust anybody, I don't trust the system, I don't believe anybody, and I don't know where to turn because, believe me, I want to believe in something positive and work for it

Sad

[abcrystcats]

Thanks L-Rod and Mnaz. I always learn something from reading these posts.

Doreen, if I were to throw everything I know about Bush out the window (almost everything, anyways) and just go with my gut instinct, I'd still vote for Kerry or at any rate not vote for BUSH! He scares the hell outta me, too!