Did I Mention?

Did I mention the fact that I have been a life long supporter and card carrying member of the Republican party? Now, before you besiege me with a salvo of boo’s and cheers, let’s just remember that while I am a member of the party, I still vote my own conscious and I have to tell you that it hasn’t been clean cut since the days of Ronald Regan. Speaking of which, one of the things that I really enjoyed about Regan was his ability to feed a quote or a quip in at THE most strategic moments, often turning an apparent loss into a surprising win. To this day I remember the quip he made concerning not taking advantage of his opponents “relative youth and inexperience”. God was that ever a belly laugh and how can you not like a man that even caused his stern opponent to share in the laughter.

I’ve been trying very hard to get on the McCain bandwagon but lately it’s just getting down right impossible. Watching John McCain try to present stinging remarks against his opponent that quickly turn around on him just isn’t fun and I’m having serious doubts about this mans quickness of thought, much less wit. The latest ploy to make fun of the Obama remark that checking tire pressure will help reduce gas usage is just another example of John being out of touch with some of the basic realities. I found the following on the Carnegie Mellon web site on that very subject from some time ago. It reads:

Want to save hundreds at the gasoline pump? It's easy. Instead of hunting for the best price in town, try checking the air pressure in your tires. Proper air pressure results in better gas mileage, which at $3 per gallon could save you as much as $432 per year (based upon $3 per gallon), according to an informal study conducted by Carnegie Mellon students last spring.

And if money isn't a big enough incentive, how about helping to preserve the environment? Less fuel consumption results in less carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere.

Now granted, $432 isn’t a tremendous amount, but it is a good, cheap, and simple act that all of us can do. John touts himself as a warrior, more than capable of leadership, but apparently he’s forgotten that a war is made up of many, many battles … all of which contribute to the eventual victory.

I’m not giving up on McCain just yet, but I must say that the role of a president is leadership which doesn’t necessarily include having all the answers. Part of leadership is presenting a positive, energetic face and to inspire citizens in tough times. Personal wealth has nothing to do with it; lord knows that FDR was a wealthy may, but was able to identify with and earn the respect of the common man. John has his work cut out for him if he hopes to gain such a reputation for himself.

Come on John. Knock off the cheap shots and stick to what you know best; and that is what you KNOW from your experience. You’re a valuable man with much to share. You certainly don’t need to count on dirty politics’ to get elected, but if you insist on it, this Republican will vote for the best candidate, regardless of his party.