9:18 PM// The Bush Campaign

I suppose my feelings towards the Bush Administration are no secret. But there are some things about the campaign that I just have to get off my chest, so here we go.

As in every election, supporters on both sides attack the candidate on the other side. But here is what I don't understand: Bush supporters attack Kerry's war record, Edwards' experience, and the general anti-American attitude of "liberals". Every time I hear an add or flip through the newest Kerry-bashing book at Barnes and Noble, I see these same arguments, and I always think the same thing: Look who's talking.

Kerry's war record

Kerry fought in the Vietnam War. He won three purple hearts. But Bush supporters are trying to show that Kerry may have won one or more of his purple hearts in a questionable manner. Maybe he even faked an injury. While I of course do not buy into these baseless accusations, I'm left to wonder....so what? It is clear that he put himself in the line of fire, risked his life for his country. What was it Bush did for his country during that time? He used his father's connections to get him into the Air National Guard (presumably so he could serve without really serving) and then didn't even show up. I know all this came out over a year ago, and maybe people think it's old news now, but why don't the democrats come back with this? Bush deserted a pseudo-army without ever seeing a single day of combat, and they have the audacity to accuse Kerry of not getting hurt badly enough to deserve one of his purple hearts? Basically, it comes down to this: even if all the smear campaigns against Kerry are true, his service record is still heads and shoulders above Bush's.

Edwards' Experience

It's true. Edwards' experience is lacking. But then so was Bush's. I remember when Bush was still in his first or second year as President. I heard an NPR snippet about the possibility of Edwards running in 2004, and a panelist noted he had less experience than any previous President, well "with the exception of President Bush, of course." Bush had less experience in public service than any recent president when he was sworn in, and they're attacking the running mate on this issue?

Anti-American Attitudes

Nothing gets me more worked up than those who think anti-Bush is synonymous with anti-American. If you don't like Bush, you must not like America. For those who need a refresher course on American History 101, let's remember the principles on which this country was founded. Open and public debate, free speech, free expression, separation of powers. One man making all the decisions with no one allowed to contradict him has a name: dictator. Even Bush admits this would be a much easier way to govern, and he seems to be doing everything to make governing easier. At a recent meeting with Cheney and Bush, supporters weren't even allowed to enter the building unless they signed pledges of allegiance to the Bush Administration. So you aren't allowed to speak to the President unless you agree with him 100%. What happened to open debate? Aren't we supposed to get together and decide what's best for the country? Or should only the people who think the same way get together and decide what's best for them? This is scary stuff folks. No administration has been this secretive since Nixon.

The Founding Fathers started this country because they were tired of being persecuted for their beliefs. They wanted a place where no idea would be shot down until it was discussed, where everyone had a say (or at least felt like they did). The Fathers were not fools; they wanted to keep some level of control away from the masses, without the masses feeling that way, hence the electoral college. But we are supposed to voice our opinions, debate ideas, discuss the best options for the future. Those who mindlessly follow the leader and "trust the President in every decision he makes without question" to quote Ms. Spears (or is it Mrs. now, I can't keep up) are fools. They are being had. This country is meant to be unfinished. We are meant to discuss new ideas and keep alive old ones. There's nothing more American than voicing opposition, since this country was founded for exactly that reason.

One final note on Anti-Americanism. When "Operation Iraqi Freedom" began, those who supported going to war with Iraq were known as "pro-Bush" and those who opposed it were "anti-American". How the Hell did that happen? No one wanted to be called "pro war", so instead they called them selves "pro Bush". It's scary enough that pro war and pro Bush are synonymous, but why does opposing sending several thousand young Americans into combat make you anti-American? So let me get this straight: starting a war which alienates us from international allies, strengthens the hatred for Americans all over the world, and costs the lives of hundreds of American soldiers is pro Bush. Opposing this action is "unpatriotic and anti-American". While I may be anti-Bush, I certainly think bringing home our valiant soldiers, raising the level of public debate, and generally getting along with the several billion others who also live on this planet would be a start toward true pro-Americanism.

And with that, dare I suggest that the Bush Administration is the epitome of true anti-Americanism.

In the spirit of raising the level of public debate, I welcome your comments.