on politics

THE POLITICAL BRUHAHA GOES ON this week in St. Paul, Minnesota. This week, like last week, many Americans listed to a lot of rhetoric, politicians telling the American people what they think they want to hear. It's a broad brushing of what they are going to do for us, that same broad brushing that goes away right after the first Tuesday in November.

I'd like to be hopeful about something, but it's difficult. My concern lies in the future: I want to see the planet preserved for generations to come; my tax dollars spent on helping other Americans rather than the world, part of which we have destroyed; a solution to the healthcare crisis; and an opportunity for all Americans to live what was called, when I was young, the American Dream.

My dad -- my moral compass -- taught two very basic lessons both by example and in conversation. First, be nice to others, and they'll be nice to you. On a personal level I have always found this to be true. Sadly, religion against religion, government against government -- our leaders get in the way of us being nice to other citizens of the world. There are misguided zealots and power-hungry take-it-all leaders, but they are the exception, not the norm. I like to think that applies to people in this country, too. The second lesson revolved around working hard to earn a living and be rewarded with a happy life. I work hard. Always have given more than 100% of my energy in any position I've had. Still, I find myself at this rapidly approaching senior citizen age not having enough in this pitiful economy. I work for a terrific startup company, and they do well for us, but I know they have felt the tightening of the belt, too.

So, what will we see come January? Will any of the promises made be fulfilled? I think if 25% of them are, we'll be lucky. What do you think?