Hatred and bitterness are equally present on all sides, imho.
I think that politics, by it's nature has the tendency to bring out the worst in all of us. This is not helped by the class-envy promoted by many Democrats or the social/morality codes promulgated by many Republicans.
People are tired of the negativity, but as long as people disagree as much as they seem to do, we're destined for more frustration. This sense of frustration is only heightened by the lack to bipartisanship- the lack of cooperation and compromise- in Washington. Everyone is dug-in, and it's going to take a uniter to bring everyone out of the fox holes. That is my problem with Al Gore (aside from the many faces of Al Gore, which may be one in the same with my problem->). He is not a uniter, and he will not bring bipartisanship to Washington.
Bush will in my opinion, but if he fails, he too will be axed in 2004 (assuming he wins FL now).
We all need to agree to disagree at times on the things on which we cannot move forward together. As it stands, there is no movement in that direction. I believe that the Clinton Administration has failed miserably to lead this country in that direction, and has chosen instead to try to cast the other side as "evil". Most reasonable Americans would agree that both sides are "evil" (not literally) in their own ways.
We have to move beyond the finger pointing and name calling. We have to work on making America better. Regardless of political leanings, we just need a President that doesn't place blame and take all of the credit. Those of us that know Bush, know that he's that kind of guy. Gore made his bed when he stuck it out with Clinton. For better or worse, he's not viewed as someone who can bridge the gap. George W. Bush is.
JMHO,
LoF |
