One Less Hanging Chad...

I've finally decided my Presidential vote will go to Hilary Clinton. Barack Obama is an extremely impressive young man, and I understand why so many find him inspirational. But we have to stop voting for folks based upon how well they perform behind a podium. That is not to say that Mr. Obama won't make an outstanding future President... but for now, particularly given the quicksand in which our country presently finds itself quagmired in terms of war, the economy, Constitutional and security issues, and overall global instability, I'm far more concerned with how great a reserve of experience our Presidential candidates have to draw upon and bring with them to the White House. And the fact of the matter is, Mrs. Clinton has not only her own appreciable amount of political and worldly experience, but a wellspring to draw from in former president Bill Clinton, as well.

While you're hissing and booing, kindly remember this... ALL Presidents worth their salt have taken into consideration wise input that their spouses had to share. That did not make THEM puppets - it simply rendered them wiser and better prepared to admirably serve our nation. I've heard and contemplated each criticism, jab, and put-down hurled at Mr. and Mrs Clinton and the Bill Clinton Presidency, and the bottom line still remains... this country enjoyed FAR more prosperity, stability, and national security - and far LESS national debt - during the Clinton years than in decades preceding it - and most certainly in the eight egregious years we've suffered since. Now we are embroiled in Vietnam, the Sequel, in debt up to our eyeballs, and borrowing like a bat out of hell from nations that can strategically call in their markers at will. Our borders are wide open to every Tom, Dick, and Terrorist on all fronts, our military personnel and resources are spread perilously thin, our Social Security System is on the brink of collapse, and thousands upon thousands of citizens are facing loss of both employment AND their homes.

LONG gone are the days when political candidates spoke to us in their own words - so much so that we've begun electing speech writers more than we are the candidates themselves. I don't give a damn about whether one candidate speaks and/or comes across as more "charming", "witty", or even "inspirational" than another on television and/or in a debate. I don't give a rat's posterior about which is more charismatic, photogenic, or youthful and/or physically attractive. Many said Eleanor Roosevelt was an "ugly" woman, but she brought more honesty, beauty, grace, and genuine progress to our nation than mere words can give credit for. We don't need Camelot... we need leadership, integrity, courage, and strength - all well attenuated by experience. I don't think Mr. Obama is there yet. I believe Hilary Clinton is.

It's all up to you, Ohio and Texas. THINK before you vote.