Obamaramamania!

Okay, I realize that I've been notoriously mute regarding the hot topic of America's two predominant front runners for president - Barack Obama and John McCain. If it's any mystery, my sole endorsement is for Ron Paul. Yes, I realize that the man does not have a viable chance of being elected president. This no doubt owing to misinformation. And, media/political manipulation (or lack of information thereof) to the point of exclusion.

However, we live in very uncertain and unstable times. A time and place that calls for a true maverick and renegade, a reformer who possesses clear pragmatic sense and sound logic. Someone who can lead effectively, and not merely through force but through thoughtful deliberation and innovative thinking to the problems that beleaguer our nation.

That man (still) in my estimation is Ron Paul - not McCain and sadly, not Obama though I did hold some high hopes for Obama initially. By no means am I implying a messianic connotation to Ron Paul as he is only a man, fallible like the rest of us. But judging from some of the ceremonies I've witnessed from Obama's "coronation" yesterday, I wonder if the "Obamamania" fervor hasn't reached a similar messianic pitch.

Please allow me to be frank. Up until very recently, I tended to lean predominantly Democratic with some Independent/Libertarian leanings. After seeing the utter ineptitude of many in the Democratic dominated congress since 2006 (and it cannot all be attributed to merely Bush and Cheyney still in the throne), my hopes for any "revolution" within the framework of the existing Democratic party were dashed. Nancy Pelosi and her ilk just didn't cut the mustard. I could go on.

But seriously, my eyes have become wide open to the fact that there is serious sham in the system. We really do need a complete reform, a proverbial fresh reset from the existing status quo. It's bad, chronically so. As Einstein once observed, it is impossible and insane to hope to solve problems from the same level that such were created. This axiom applies to the current state of American government with certainty. The current mainstream nominees for president are not of the caliber to bring about the true and legitimate CHANGE that is urgently warranted.

No matter how desperate and exasperated I am for "regime change" in this country, I am also sensible enough to know that change in of itself is merely a vehicle - a neutral entity. It serves as a channel for an agent - and that agent cannot be effectively evaluated and determined until after the fact. In this case, once said candidate takes the presidential position and governs.

I realize that for all anyone knows, Ron Paul could possibly fall short of the glory some accorded to him. Yeah, he's fallible as I previously mentioned. But I would rather take my chances on Mr. Paul than any of the seeming officially sanctioned choices for president. Just my two cents.

Let's start with McCain. Despite the fact that I tend to disagree with the majority of his political positions, there is something I like and admire about him. He definitely possesses character and virtue of some sort. And I admit, I find his pick for V.P., Sarah Palin, an attractive and perky sort (and that could be very distracting to me!). Okay...she's pretty damned cute. But...I will never choose to endorse or vote for someone on the basis of such whimsical grounds. I do not cast a vote for someone merely because they are red, black, white, green, female, male, etc. Get the drift?

Here's a case in point. Take Sarah Palin's assertion that capitalized upon Hillary Clinton's statement of her inability to shatter the "glass ceiling". Palin attempted to turn this observation to her advantage on the grounds that a vote for her (instead) would effectively shatter such a ceiling, serving as an adequate substitute for Hillary Clinton in the process. In essence, the value she endorses here rests on the trivial fact that she is a woman and that alone should be grounds enough to direct would be votes for Hilary Clinton to her.

This is an obtuse proclamation as the values and ideas that she and Hillary Clinton hold could not be more different (or so it appears). Again, it's foolish to cast a vote on such superficial grounds - gender, race, ethnicity, etc (a trend that seems endemic in the American mindset to a pronounced degree). Sure, such factors can orient a voter subjectively to a varying degree. But it's APTITUDE and qualities that translate into LEADERSHIP; effective leadership that is tantamount to competency.

Personally, I think it should be required (or strongly suggested) for any potential voter to take a briefing (or a reading synopsis summing up the values that the candidates support as well as prior track records) on what positions a candidate endorses and represents. Regardless of how effective this tactic would be, said voter would have no barriers to being able to vote of course. But the means to educate a voter from (hopefully) an objective politically neutral source can yield valuable results. Or not. It's worth a shot - if only in the dark. Oh well, I can daydream can't I?

That proposal may sound elitist but consider the consequences of the last 8 years. I make this statement on the grounds that I know a good number of people personally who were "taken" by G.W. Bush on the most superficial reasons. When I mentioned to said persons that Bush actually supports positions that appeared contrary to what such individuals seemed to believe, I bore witness to some befuddled expressions. Ignorance is not bliss in politics - it's downright dangerous.

So now we stand at the crossroads of change that reek of desperation. Again, I am all for change when it's warranted. But only truly meaningful change, change with substance and a solid bedrock of supporting principles towards truly effective government. The Constitution comes to mind.

Back to Barack Obama. When I first got a glimpse of him during the 2004 campaign, I found him a refreshing breath of fresh air. He definitely captured my attention as someone who was incredibly charismatic and who held a solid grasp of of his convictions - many of which I happened to agree with.
But over the last few months, it seemed to me that Obama has lost some of his proverbial luster and sheen. He no longer struck me as the renegade many (or at least I) hoped him to be. Somehow, Obama started to assume the all too familiar political mold so many of his predecessors had assumed. I became a bit jaded over any hope for prospect of any meaningful change and reform under Obama's watch. Politics as usual once again, sadly it seemed.

Watching Obama during the convention was an exercise in pageantry. He has silver tongued orator skills that would shame any smooth talker. His presentation dazzled, his legions of fans, awestruck. I hate to validate any criticisms that McCain has attempted to foist upon him but somehow, the "pop icon" label fits to a degree (though not necessarily for the reasons McCain implies).

Obviously, having such attributes can be merely part of a package. Personally, I would hope Obama is multifaceted enough to show substance as well as the showman's "glitz" he seems to excel in. For those about to lambaste me for "dissin'" Obama, allow to me clarify my opinion (and everyone has one) on him:

I like Obama. I find him very personable. He's evidently intelligent and charismatic and definitely makes an impact. He's enormously personable and seems to have superb skills in establishing a rapport with people. I loathe it when "Obama haters" attempt to obfuscate and smear him on the grounds of his name, background, etc. I definitely find such "dirty tricks" the hallmark of so much of the ignorance that plagues much of the United States at present.

And if anyone attempts to spread disinformation about him, I am the first to correct the issue if given the chance. One example: my mother actually assumed that I was going to vote for Obama and stated "you're not going to vote for that terrorist are you?". Of which I corrected her that Obama was not Osama bin Laden. Yes, the times and place we live in.

So there's my disclaimer. I have no anti-Obama sentiments and hope that in the event he does make the grade, he manages to steer America back onto a more proper trajectory. And I like Joe Biden as he hails from my region (not the grounds for why I like him mind you) and find him a competent choice to complement Obama. I wish no ill towards Obama at all, and wish him well...luck. But I wish Ron Paul more so. I am not convinced Obama is fit to lead for the "unique" times America has found itself in. And that goes for McCain for a host of different reasons as well.

This is the first time in my life that I may actually abstain from voting. Believe me, I am NOT pro bono McCain at all as he definitely appears to be a "lost cause" for any hope of meaningful change. MCain was once somewhat independent minded (for a Republican) earlier this decade but has fallen into goosestep with Bush-Cheyney as of late. And THAT factor alone is assurance why I will not vote for him - even with the "cute babe" (as Rush Limbaugh stated) he has for his VP candidate. Once again, it's Ron Paul or busted.