The View From Here

While driving along the North Coast last Sunday, Slim and I both observed something : almost every political sign in front of the multi-million dollar homes of the “old money” and “nouveau riche” were in support of the McCain/Palin ticket.  Today, as I was driving through one of Cleveland’s “Trendy & Cool” neighborhoods, chock full of hipsters, gays & young apartment dwellers – the opposite.  The only signs to be found were Obama/Biden, and I thought about the interesting contrast, especially since the two areas are only separated by a short distance.

Speaking of, LeBron James and Jay-Z are throwing a free concert at Quicken Loans Arena in support of Obama/Biden.  As I passed through downtown, I  noticed a line of about 75 people outside of Consumer Credit Counseling – how sad I thought.  Driving through Lakewood past the O/B Headquarters I noticed several hundred people in line for the free tickets.  Upon further review, the people downtown were doing the same, so I guess it wasn’t as sad as I originally surmised.

O/B’s campaign team has been out in force, trying to register voters and rally support – something I have not seen much evidence of from Mc/P.  I have even been visited at home multiple times.  I am not personally voting for either candidate for my own reasons, but I think it’s fairly clear that Obama will be our next President…

Update : No report on China’s official website about murdered American Tourist ( 9 Aug 08 )

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Update : Article on International Herald Tribune ( 2 May 08 ) http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/01/asia/letter.php

Originally posted in March 2008 : I tried to find a Chinese word for censorship, but it doesn’t appear to exist. Censorship exists – but there just isn’t a word for it other than “government”. This should surprise no one since the “People’s Republic”, at the end of the day, is a Communist state. And what do Communists do best ? Control virtually EVERY aspect of of their citzenry’s life. What they read, what they listen to, internet access – even the number of children you can have.

I think we all know what goes on in China – it’s only been happening since the “Republic’s” inception in 1949 (and before). Without going into every violation of human rights that the government is guilty of, I just want to bring up something I noticed on the internet. It should surprise, again, no one.

Tibet has been protesting against Chinese control for quite some time. Recently the Tibetan people, and especially monks in particular, have held large-scale protests that have often led to violence. This week is no different – two people were killed, cars overturned, fires set and people arrested. What was most surprising to me was that ALL the major international news agencies reported on the situation, and it was normally the lead story. After checking 3 or 4 CHINESE news agencies, I could not find a single story on anything related to the Tibetan conflict. Watch your back, Taiwan…

Update :  In a “surprising” turn of events, Vladimir Putin named Prime Minister of Russia

Originally posted in March 2008 : As some of you may know, there is a very important transfer of power about to take place in the former Soviet Union. They are holding “elections” today to elect a new President – how exciting ! When Russia, China and others hold elections for top leadership there are worldwide ramifications. A superpower having a changing of the guard is normally a big deal, but not this time. It seems the resurgent Russian Bear is back to her old ways.

Vladimir Putin, the current President, basically hand-picked his successor – Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev is “running” for President, and has the “support” of Putin. If Medvedev wins, he will appoint Putin as his Prime Minister, thus leaving him in power. Most agree that the President will basically be a “figurehead” – as is the case in this country – and that Putin will continue to wield vast amounts of power in his new role as PM. It’s no secret that Putin is power hungry – this just confirms it beyond the shadow of a doubt.

The Putin administration “allegedly” oppressed (suppressed ?) the competition to the point that labor leaders are making their members phone in after they leave the polling places to confirm that they voted for Medvedev “or else”. Children were sent home with literature to help persuade parents to vote for Medvedev. Opposition party workers were harassed to stop working for their candidate. The government has raided campaign offices, closed newspapers, and frozen bank accounts. Looks like an old dog “has returned to it’s vomit”. Welcome to Cold War v. 2.0…

I know it’s too early to decide, but I’m looking for some input on the 2008 Presidential Race.  I’m not a very political person, at least not like I was when I was younger.  With the privilege to elect a new President looming, I haven’t any idea who I really care for.  Since I’m not passionate about any particular candidate or political affiliation, your help is needed.

 I would appreciate any input or reasons why I should (or should not) vote a certain way.  Heck, if you can sway me towards a particular candidate,  I can get my wife and others to go along with me due to the tremendous amount of influence I wield.  In the past I’ve always seemed to “know” who I was going to vote for, but I haven’t a clue at this point.

So, having stated where I don’t stand, please post your comments and let me know what you think.  There are no prizes, and you can’t “win one for The Gipper” (r.i.p. RWR), but a vote for ___________ is a vote for ____________…