US Politics

America through the looking glass!

The Tides of Power

Political circumstances can change rapidly. Much like a submerged tsnami rising the effects of a shift in political power sometimes remain unknown until the first impact is felt.  The question remains – how can this happen?

Civic Apathy

Civic apathy is the main culprit. It is primarily responsible for citizens of voting age choosing to opt out of the political process and that’s where the trouble begins. Many non voters are probably not aware that they provide fertile ground for the arrival and survival of unscrupulous, and often inept politicians. Refusing to be electorally engaged means that people generally remain oblivious as to how their future is being shaped and impacted by all levels of government. 

During my early schooldays the subject of Civics formed an important element of the education syllabus from 12 years of age.  Since that time many education authorities in Australia have placed less importance on the subject. That is plain silly and has the potential to threaten any stable democracy. 

The Barbarians within the Gates

If the status quo continues, a Clinton or a McCain in the White House would see America continue its slide down a very slippery slope. Early signs indicate that the country is in danger of becoming a quasi political  dictatorship and a highly divisive society. Beginning in the Clinton years the shift away from the rule of law has continued during the Bush / Cheney era. Homeland security is often used as an excuse.

The days of Hillary and Bill Clinton appear numbered. Like the world record timeline which moves ahead of the leader in the pool at the Olympics, the Clintons’ past is catching up with them.  Should Obama win the Democratic nomination, the big money which has backed Hillary Clinton will not be rewarded. The other half of its investment will still pay off if McCain wins the White House.  Major business groups usually have each way bets when doling out financial political patronage. Of course business donors always demand a specific bang for their buck. This is the point where the actual corruption of the political process begins.  

It is possible that Clintons are in so much trouble with their financial dealings that they need the level of protection only a White House incumbency could provide. To date based on their performance in the truth department  - nothing would surprise.  Surely it is time the media began probing to verify all of the sources of Bill and Hillary Clinton’s new found wealth  and not simply be accepting of his normally unreliable words. It is in the public interest to ensure that all is above board and in conformity with the laws of the country.

Bill Clinton lying to cover Hillary Clinton’s proven lies about sniper fire in Bosnia

Hillary Clinton has also been quite anxious to avoid being examined in depth on any number of issues. Candidates should be required to answer questions and not pass them to their campaign people. Clinton’s strategy all along has been to entreat the media to investigate Barack Obama in an attempt to divert attention away from her own issues.