I watched a bit of the first debate held tonight in Oxford, MS. Honestly, I struggled between granting my limited attention span after a long day at work alternatingly to Miguel de Cervantes and Jim Lehrer. Granted, both senators addressed by said narrator themelves addressed matters of uncontrovertibly momentous importance, but, hey, our knight errant Don Quixote was also cogitating matters of chivalric gravity while lying beaten on a meager mattress — AND — while addressing his squire, Sancho Panza (who is at least as capable as Sarah Palin).
So…..
What did I think of the debate?
I thought, on first reflection, that Senator Obama was wiser on Iraq while Senator John McCain was wiser on the economy. How is that for a “skew-whiffed” perspective (to quote our Don Quixote)? Actually, I’m not so sure McCain was wiser on the economy, but I am fairly certain I agreed more with the approach taken by Senator Obama on Iraq. The problem seems to be that the two senators talked past each other half the time.
Truth be told, after listening to a debate like this….. “Senator Obama, just look at the facts… it’s right there….. it’s just the facts…..” and “….That’s just not true….. Senator McCain is just incorrect….just look at the facts….” I am left scratching my head about as vigorously as Sancho when his master charged the giants windmills.
After watching the closing moments of the debate, I watched the CNN talking heads debating whether John McCain should have — and I quote — “looked more” at Senator Obama. And also whether — and again I quote — Senator Obama “looked natural” when he looked at the camera. For the love of all that is holy, is this what politics in this country has been reduced to? Sadly, I wonder how many Americans take just such a superficial approach. The problem is, in such an environment, it becomes difficult for the average Joe, like me, to sift through the gibberish in search of the gems. I am left, after the bedlam has calmed, feeling much like our thoughtful vice president squire, Sancho Panza:
“How am I supposed to sleep, damn it, when anyone would think all the devils in hell have been messing with me?” (Don Quixote, Part 1, ch. xvii)
And on that note, I’m on to the next chapter. No, I still have not decided for whom I shall vote. I’m still disappointed that Ron Paul was not in Oxford. Rocinante must have fallen.
agreed.
I have been in the same predicament. I like Ron Paul too. I have been thinking about just writing him in! Today, I stumbled upon a bill called ‘HR 2343′- the ‘Education Begins at Home Act’. It is disgusting. It completely infringes on our freedoms. And it’s put forth by the democrats. I don’t like McCain or Palin. I don’t really like Obama. But, it seems to me, that the Republicans generally like to keep government out of personal business. I’m a homeschooler of 5 children and the thought of some government official entering my home and evaluating my children makes me sick (check out the bill). This bill sounds nice at this point. It uses words such as ‘voluntary’ now, but I can see where it’s going. And it wouldn’t be pretty for my children’s children.
I would point out one major difference. As many times as Obama refuted McCain, he gave him credit when he agreed with McCain. Politics is SUPPOSED to be the art of finding middle ground. I’m not sure either cared much about that, but at least Obama is willing to acknowledge when McCain had a good idea.
I thought it was pretty clear that Obama is at least capable of giving McCain credit where it was due–McCain wasn’t able to reciprocate.
I was like a schoolboy looking beyond the teacher, dreaming that I was anywhere than where I was. Then I realized I had the power to turn off the television. And so I did.
But every now and then I would try to imagine how Ron Paul would have responded to their statements. But being far less intelligent than he is – and not having his book memorized – my imagination came up short at several points.
Pardon, “anywhere other than where I was.”
Forgive me, but as Orthodox Christians we have a responsibility to vote on issues that preserve our faith and relationship with God.
This election has major differences which could lead the American people even further from God.
There is talk of redefining marriage, legalizing all abortions, euthanasia, and human cloning.
Sure, the price of gas stinks, but I don’t think in the end we will have compromised Orthodoxy by paying more.
Kyrie Eleison Me
Oh, I agree that we have a responsibility, in this country, to vote in a way as consonant with our Orthodox Faith as possible. I just don’t think that who a president is has as much effect on the Kingdom of God as some think.
I would not compare the price of gas with abortion on demand, although when poor families who have to drive to work are short on money for food, or when already born children in Africa are starving at a faster rate because we have less money to help their food banks…. then economics is shown to inextricably connected to “moral issues,” too. And this is not to diminish the importance of our fight against abortion, either.
The early Church grew without too much worry over Emperor Caligula. I think we can still see the Kingdom of God flourish regardless of whomever is elected. But I do share your concern over various things. Let us all pray!
To be sure politics is a pageant and rhetoric (refer to the Rep VP and the debates)
The issue here for me is the rhetoric that
1. these are the only two options (polar) on the issues
2. the Prez can just do what he wants … (thus make good on promises and plans)
3. the lack up vigor and frankness on the economic issue
4. we can legislate morality or education
5. The absolute LACK on logical and reasonable thinking in the presentational race (ads and such)
6. Jesus has to like him. (assuming I know)
However this is politics
Some one I respect a lot said Obama is a terrorist and a socialist… (funny given the health care approaches) seriously, we get the government we deserve…
Ron Paul is awesome not because of what he says he can do , he is honest about how the system actually works. He tried to let us see the man behind the curtain. America just does not want to know. “just give me the shinny lights… hoohoo!”
Ah, Ron Paul — the quintessential, modern Don Quixote. He that sits astride the tuckered-out mare and leans so valiantly against his windmills. How long must we supplicate him before those windmills fall?
Ron Paul could afford to be honest because he knew he never had a chance. Sometimes that voice crying in the wilderness is what we need to wake (some of) us up to the state of our condition. Yet it’s that very condition which demands our victorious politicians keep things at a third-grade level.
But, come on, can you really imagine a Ron Paul presidency? Can we even fathom how vastly different everything must become in the span of eight years? For instance, could there even be a place for foreign oil market under a Ron Paul regime?
In response to Elenie, let me say I sympathize with your concern to vote both your conscience and in alignment with God’s. But with the same breath I pray for the end of abortion, I also pray for the end of war, fear-mongering, torture, and oppressive dealings with one’s own citizens (wire-tapping) and the citizens of the world (multiple deleterious dealings with disposing sovereign governments) — all of which the alternate party has propagated and sustained over many years. I hope the Orthodox Christian is also concerned about these injustices, as well.
As it is, there may not truly be a “lesser of two evils” between the candidates (even Ron Paul). I believe they’re both fallen individuals working from fallen constructs. But I can say at least I believe they are sincere, and that’s something we often can’t witness in politicians. We, the voters, can only vote our consciences, and in the meantime be as pro-active for life and liberty as we can in our communities, counties, and states.
I appreciate your speech. Nice and informative blog.
I guess it’s all a moot point now but my nickel’s worth is posted on my blog. Obama will need our prayers night and day. Remember we are to judge not. Give the man a chance.