Monday, April 14, 2008

A shot o' whiskey and a duck full o' buckshot

 

<sigh>

They call this the "silly season" in politics, and I'm starting to see why.

The current dustup is ludicrous, in my opinion. I actually get what Obama was trying to say about people becoming bitter over their situations and clinging to what they find important in their day-to-day lives. I definitely think he worded it poorly, and he was the first to admit that, but what he's trying to say is that people have lost faith in their government, and no longer believe that those in charge listen to them. So they circle the wagons and rely on the things that have always been a comfort to them. The last thing someone wants to do when they are faced with economic hardship is step outside their comfort zone. To call Obama an "elitist" for making these remarks is a major misrepresentation and an attempt to exploit such fears in those that are hurting economically. My pal Lisa has said in her private journal that things are getting rough in her area, and it's getting harder and harder for people to make it. This is reality, and painting Obama as an "elitist" is disingenuous at best. 

I don't for a moment believe that Obama doesn't care about what is going on, and I don't believe that he's an "elitist." (Where exactly is that coming from, anyway? Is it because he is intelligent, articulate, and talks "good"?) I think he understands the feelings of disenfranchisement among the majority of people in the country, the feeling that no one is listening. He worked on the South side of Chicago, so I don't believe for a moment that he is removed from the reality of the hardships that people go through, and that those hardships are getting worse.

The other issue in the past couple of days is guns. Do ya feel lucky, punk?

I find it interesting (although there are other words that spring to mind) that after years of espousing a strong stance on gun control, Senator Clinton is now talking about how her daddy taught her to shoot, and how she once shot a duck in Arkansas. And oddly enough, a bit of a twang creeps into her voice when she talks about this.

I support our right to bear arms. I'm a gun owner myself, have been for years, and my Dad really did teach me to shoot when I was in junior high. But I have no problem with tougher gun laws designed to go after those who commit crimes with guns or sell them illegally. No one is saying that anyone's guns are going to be taken away, but I find it incredibly silly that Senator Clinton is now talking about what a gun aficionado she is.

And while we're at it, let's all toss back a shot! Over the teeth and through the gums...look out America, here it comes!

 

 

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

What did I tell you J-Land.  Day One - only three entries, <snot> bad :o)

But seriously folks, I am very dismayed by the negativity of the Clinton camp.  As supected, they are pulling out all the stops to win, and in my humble republican opinion, are hurting their party.  

Having said that, Beth and I are seriously considering voting for Barack in the primary here in IN, and then figuring out whom to vote for in November.

Anonymous said...

I just can't get over the fact he attends a racist church and his wife has never been proud of america it sounds to me he is going to be for a selected few americans or non americans and the rest of us will be out in the cold another 4 years I honestly can't take the risk ... if things get worse we won't have to worry about who is president .
hugs
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Oh, I so agree.  I understood what Obama meant as soon as he said it.  And I am a Pennsylvanian =).  I was not offended.  Yes, poorly worded, but I thought he was on target.  Good post!  Hey, stopping by to see your journal.  Haven't met you yet =)!  Hi, I am Val.  Have a nice day!  Hugs!  xox
http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisaSeason

Anonymous said...

I like the phrase, "silly season." I also think that you are on target with your questions regarding why Obama is being perceived as an elitist. I confess, that I've been highly amused by his reference to Hillary as Annie Oakley. I think that we should combine it with her image as Rambo, dodging sniper fire, and call her Rambo Annie.--Sheria

Anonymous said...

In the past, the Clinton's have been accused of being whatever you wanted them to be to get ahead and Hillary is doing that again, it seems. I don't think Obama is a super rich guy, is he? Maybe he does have a hint of what it is like to be an everyday American and working your ass off at whatever your job is and STILL barely meeting the monthly bills. I do not have much confidence in the government but i think if i keep plugging ahead it WILL get better. Gotta have hope.
HUGS!