A Few Good Men (and Women)

I'm normally a pretty optimistic guy. I can usually be found looking on the bright side, hoping for and expecting the best. I believe in the good of mankind. I've always looked for the best in people, and I have a tendency to take them at their word until given a reason to do otherwise.

Not so much anymore.

This isn't about John Edwards specifically; it's more about politicians in general. Edwards' ignominy is just the most recent shining example of the character of our illustrious elected leaders. This is a guy who made a pretty serious run at the most powerful position in the world, and he's a confirmed cheater and an admitted liar. I'm inclined to believe he's also a thief.

I'm fed up with Democrats and Republicans alike. If the current roster of Senators and Congresspeople are a sample of the best people that America has to offer, we're all doomed.

The lies are so blantant, and told with a smile and a gleam in the eye of the teller. And it's not just a few of them. Seems like every politician is a liar. I'm sure that's not true (there's my optimism again), but take just a couple of examples.

Bammy (my sobriquet for President Obama) runs on a platform of "Change We Can Believe In", and gets elected. Most Americans recognize the need for change, and we put our money where our mouth is and elected the first black president in American history. During his campaign, Bammy promised the American people that his administration would be different, no more Washington insider bullshit. He promised that no lobbyists would be appointed to his administration. Then, it seemed like everyone he tried to appoint to his staff were not only lobbyists, but HAD NOT PAID THEIR FUCKING TAXES! Tom Daschle, anyone? Not a lobbyist? Uh, okay. Also, he owed $140,000 in back taxes and interest. A fine upstanding citizen. Timothy Geithner, Bammy's pick for Treasury Secretary, owed $34,000 in back taxes and $8,000 in interest! Really? What a surprise.

Way to live up to your word, Bammy.

And how about that Sarah Palin? What a fine character she is. Gets elected Governor of Alaska, and is subsequently chosen by John McCain to be his running mate as Vice President. She comes on strong, gets the Republican Party fired up with her sexy mouth and well-toned legs, and promptly shows her ignorance on national TV during the infamous Katie Couric interview. She's completely clueless about world affairs. She comes across like a total bimbo. My heart was broken, and I began to question McCain's judgement. Then, after they lost the election, Palin fucking QUITS her job as Governor! Really, Sarah? And now people are talking about her potentially running for President? God save us all.

"The only thing required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."

This quote has been attributed to several different people over the years but no one knows for sure who originated it. Doesn't matter. It's the truth.