March 2004

Grandpa vs. John Kerry

From the get-go, I was a John Edwards man. But with Edwards out of the picture, I'm stuck with a guy who I used to think was a terrible candidate, John Kerry. To be fair to myself, I gave me a challenge to find the good in Senator Kerry, and to give me some good reasons to vote for him.

This challenge is driving me nuts.

Don't get me wrong, people. I do NOT want to vote for George Bush or Ralph Nader. Both of those guys are insane choices for President (GWB IS a terrible President, but that's another issue.) What I crave is an awesome reason to vote for John Kerry, one that is not "He's not Bush." That argument is rubbish, even if it is true. Saying such a thing requires making too many assumptions.

The Democratic Party, more so in the post-Clinton years than before, have been less than honorable in carrying out it's duty to their constituents. Every day, they are being beaten by the Bushies. At a time of great conflict, they have chosen NOT to stand as the loyal opposition to the President. Instead, they have all tattooed the word "CAPITULATE" on their respective asses. Kerry has that tattoo. Why should I trust him to be my next leader?

Do you see where I am coming from, people? I want to vote for John Kerry, but if the election were tomorrow, I can't say that I would make my way to the polls. Even if I did, I don't know if I would vote for a President.

Worse yet, if I ran into a Republican today, I would not want to talk about the election. The Republican, even though most of his reasons would be lies or at least devoid of reason, would recite chapter and verse about how Bush is strong on terrorism, tax relief and values. All lies, but at least he backs his bluster up with even bigger lies. John Kerry does not stand for anything, does he?

Will John Kerry make a firm stand against the Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage?

Will John Kerry select a pro-labor Labor Secretary?

Will John Kerry increase funding to the IRS to help prosecute corporate tax cheats?

Will John Kerry promote scientific research and reverse Bush's Executive Order preventing stem cell research?

Will John Kerry lead Americans away form the wasteful use of fossil fuels?

Will he at least promise to do so?

I can't say that he will. I sure wish he would.