2008 campaign trail. American politics... McCain

The Republican bid for the 2008 US election, is rather frightening. At least, in my opinion. I am not an American, and I am happy to say that I don't know as much about American politics, as those who study it. Although I am not a political expert, I have been following it quite closely.

So far, I am a staunch Obama supporter. He seems to have the attitude, the youth, and the policies to bring about some very positive changes. He is an eloquent speaker, a seemingly likeable person, and an intelligent man. Some of his speeches have been amazing!

I have nothing but respect for John McCain, as a person. He is tough, a war hero, intelligent; and someone who stands up for what he believes is right. From policy standpoint, however, we disagree. I don't think I could ever stand behind someone so politically conservative. I have a feeling that, if John McCain were to succeed in his presidential bid -- it would be George W. Bush's policies, all over again. Even for someone who doesn't live in America, that is a big deal! Change is important!


Also, there is John McCain's Vice President candidate, Governor Sarah Palin. Staunchly right wing, she is fiercely pro-life and an avid game hunter. I'm presenting this, so that you can make of it what you will. I don't intend to be overly critical of politically-conservative America. Sarah Palin certainly seems to be attracting a lot of public attention, though. Every political issue is approached with the same kind of benign, folksy charm... It is a little scary. The Governor from Alaska is against abortion, even in cases of rape, or incest. That is more than a little frightening.

Then, there is the fact that a great deal of what she says does not make sense, in a political context. It would be perfectly okay, if Palin weren't running for the second-highest office in the United States. The amusing thing is that she seems to be stealing, inadvertently, much of the spotlight from McCain. What's more, she cannot recall one single newspaper, which she reads on a regular basis. It is one of many examples of these kinds of occurrences.

There is more to be said... maybe next time.

Stay tuned.

What's going on with the Olympics?

 So, it seems that people are talking about the 2008 Olympics for all the wrong reasons.

It is definitely the most politicised Olympics, that I can remember.  When there is discussion about the Olympics, that is unrelated to the sports themselves; it's usually about some kind of drugs scandal, or which nations will be competing. In other words, it's pretty boring. 

 Usually, I find the games themselves boring, as well. Unless I want Australia to win really badly, of course!

But now that China is running the show this time around, it is from most politicised Olympic Games that I can remember. This seems to be a lot of talk about who is boycotting these games, and who isn't. It is possible that the lead-up to the games will be more interesting than the games, themselves.

I am thankful that these Olympic Games have brought the Chinese occupation of Tibet for a discussion, again. I would not have known about the situation in Tibet, at all; if not for the publicity surrounding the Olympic Games. It is a horrible business, I am glad that people are speaking out about it.

But it is a situation that has happened in history, on many previous occasions. Australia was thought to be unoccupied, when it was taken over by the British. Of course, it wasn't. Indigenous Australians had been occupying the land for hundreds of thousands of years. I can see some parallels.

Nobody can arbitrarily declare that they have the right to take over a particular piece of land. It happened with the pilgrims, who colonised America. It's a double standard, really. If that had not happened in Australia, I would not be here. Still, it's not right.

I don't believe it's right, or peaceful, to impose democracy on another country. I think that's what happened in the  recent conflict with Iraq. I don't know what the real reasons for the conflict in Iraq are.

I still fully support the job that the troops over there have been assigned to do. I am proud of the bravery of the armed forces.

That's all, for now.  (It took me ages to finish.)