Leave My Shoes Where They Are, Please.

I know both parties can't agree on many things, but here's a few thing all Americans can rally around.

-No more Bush jobs. I like my shoes on me, it does nothing for security. Keep our airport's sane and secure! Yes special well trained security agents are needed. However any security measures should be predicated on the assumption that one is not sneaking a stick of dynamite in their Keds. Scope for the wolves not the herd. And since Joe Biden announced he wouldn't hesitate to prosecute officials in the Bush Administration or at least investigate misdoings such as lying to the public about going to war, I think these jobs and policies should be duly revised and amended.

-No more drug commercials. I don't want to hear about prostrate cancer and the wonders of viagra while at the dinner table. Legislation should be drawn up to hold drug companies accountable if an advertised drug should cause complications and other negative side effects.

-A comprehensive policy for our G.I.'s, veterans of every war. Veterans should be ensured the ability to and right to congregate and organize, march and become part of the political process. Both sides fall short of giving exclusive comprehensive health care, free of cost, to themselves and their families. Our veterans have the right to good health and with their veteran I.D. Walk into any doctor's office and hospital in the country and

I think the candidate who adopts these policies will have a secret edge, not visible in the polls. But the public will secretly agree.

During her speech a Palin reference to Obama saying one thing to one audience and another thing to another mentioning “Us” smacks of xenophobia. That tone of the speech implies us vs. them thinking and smells of an ugly elitism. I liked McCain's speech because it felt like I was listening to a real American talking, not just showcasing specific talking points. McCain has cast himself in the light of Teddy Roosevelt, a reformer running against Washington interests he thinks are cheating the American public. I think this strategy might work for him. He can't exactly run on Bush's record. Repulicans are running for cover under the term “witchhunt” to stymie such efforts and nip them in the bud. Biden has preempted that emphasized importance, seriousness, and gravity of the law over base politics. And isn't this why the country is in such trouble in the first place? Well, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. Who is more apt to restore the F.C.C., for example and guarantee the rights of free speech on the public airwaves? With a plethora of talent in their camp and Hilary Clinton topping the waiting list, the Democrats manage to inspire more confidence. A host of other government agencies needing regeneration and attention to become what they were meant to be: service to the People, not the special interests. Begin with the Justice Department. If republicans want labor and the catholic vote, they have a funny way to show it. Preach and screech tactics about abortion won't work. Guys like the indicted Ted Stevens can't be entrusted with a nifty position affecting real people, real lives. People need health care, and they need a real job (One Please) to be able to pay for it. We don't need slogans, we need solutions. The challenge is to get the message out over the GOP talking point wagon.

A word on the crack down of free speech outside the convention. Well done, Minneapolis. You managed to sack political speech at a time where its at it's most evident. Hopefully charges of the “PC” riot will be sumarily dismissed. Cheers to Amy Goodman, Nicole Salazar and others keeping the torch of freedom alive.

Sigh. I've got to catch a flight. I'm thinking of wearing slippers.