BuzzFlash
presents Southern Style
by Rebecca Knight
The
Choice
Southern
Style
by Rebecca Knight
It is doubtful that there has ever been a more critical time in our nation's history than the one we are currently living. Sure, previous times have been frightening, terrifying even. Our nation survived those times through the courage of valiant leaders who made choices that either took our nation out of harm's way or guided us through critical situations. The majority of Americans supported those choices.
Think about those times as we face the upcoming elections. Think about them in the sense that voters faced difficult choices and cast their ballots according to their consciences during those historical times. Were those choices any less difficult than what we face as we weigh the consequences of our ballots to be cast? Only those who lived through past times of crisis can answer that question. All we know is that come election day this November, we may very well hold within our hands the ability to tip this nation on paths never traveled before in America.
Many wrote of their frustrations with our political leaders in response to "Crunch Time." Yes, the Democrats in Congress disappointed and infuriated those of us who see no need to take action against Iraq at this point in time. Yes, it is extremely frustrating. No matter what their rationale for voting in favor of Bush's war resolution, we see it as a betrayal. We see them as spineless capitulators. We see no reason to give them our votes this November. We may be considering independent candidates as a result.
However, turning to independent candidates at this point in our history may be a luxury we cannot afford. The possible result of doing so may tip the balance of power into the total control of the Bush administration. Giving Bush, Cheney, right wing think tanks, and right wing radicals like Tom DeLay, Trent Lott, Jerry Falwell, and Karl Rove free reign over U.S. policy decisions is a frightening concept. It is a concept that should awaken us all to the seriousness of the votes we are about to cast.
If we did not vote for George W. Bush in the presidential election of 2000 and we still do not approve of the choices he would make as encouraged by the right, why would we now cast a vote that might put more power into his hands? That is the relevant question. As unpalatable as voting for a Democrat who capitulated to the pressure and voted approval of the Bush war resolutions may seem, what other choice do we have?
Independent candidates, while they may appear to be attractive alternatives and while we may like their stances on the issues, have little chance of being elected. Therefore, casting a vote for an independent candidate is definitely taking away a vote for a Democrat. The end result is that it gives a better chance for a Republican candidate to be elected. It gives a better chance for the House to remain controlled by the Republicans. It gives a better chance for the Senate to return to the control of the Republicans. If that were accomplished, there would be absolutely no restraint placed on the Bush administration. That is why it is a luxury that cannot be afforded.
Are you satisfied with the Bush administration? Are you satisfied with the direction of this nation? We already know that Bush would like to be a dictator. He has told us so. He has said that being a dictator would make his job much easier. Is that what we want? Heaven help the United States if George W. Bush is given more power.
We must consider the evidence of the failures of the Bush administration. Are we satisfied that Bush and Cheney are opposed to an open investigation into the events leading up to the tragedy of 9/11? Are we satisfied that the media consistently uses its bully pulpit to promote Bush as a success, even as all evidence points to the contrary? Are we satisfied that the Bush administration has consistently failed to address the economic problems we are facing? Are we satisfied with the encroachment on our civil liberties as supported by the Bush administration? Are we satisfied that Cheney refuses to cooperate with Congressional requests for information regarding the formation of our nation's energy policy? Are we satisfied with the Bush explanations for corporate corruption involving Enron and Harken Energy? Are we satisfied with the cuts of social and environmental programs? Are we satisfied with handing over our tax dollars to greedy corporations and wealthy individuals, while unemployment rises? Are we satisfied with a return to deficit spending and accumulating massive national debt? Are we satisfied with rising healthcare and prescription drug costs as millions go without insurance? Are we satisfied with possible cuts in Medicare and Medicaid coverage? Are we satisfied that Social Security may be privatized as the stock market continues to decline? Are we satisfied with the "war on terror," even as bin Laden's whereabouts continue to remain unknown? Are we satisfied with sending our young men and women into Iraq to depose Saddam Hussein? The questions are endless and the answers are obviously a resounding NO! NO! NO!
We must also remember how the right responded to the successes of the Clinton/Gore administration. They fought them at every turn and they launched investigation after investigation into all levels of their administration. They launched investigations in Clinton's personal life and they tried to unseat him. Yet, the failures and possible corruption in the Bush administration are far more egregious than anything the Clinton/Gore administration ever did. Where are the investigations now? There will be none if the Republicans control all three branches of the federal government.
When we have the courage to ask these multiple relevant questions or point out inconsistencies and hypocritical stances of the right, we are labeled "anti-American" and "traitorous." How dare they! How dare they call us names for doing our duty as American citizens! We still have the right to free speech and freedom of thought, but it appears the right feels we should be stifled. Yes, suddenly it has become okay to round up dissenters and place them in the so-called "First Amendment Zones." Is this what we want to risk with our votes in November? How horrendous!
As unhappy as we may be with the Democratic Party right now, it is still the party that represents the stands we agree with on most of the issues. It is also the only party with the strength of numbers to fight for what most of us believe in. No, it does not do so on every issue. However, to weaken the Democratic Party with our votes in November, would not take us where we want our beloved America to be.
So, the choice is ours to make. We will do so in the voting booth in a few short weeks. What will it be? Will we risk giving more power to an administration that would silence dissent? Will we risk giving more power to an administration that seems to care more about a grasp for power than it does for doing what is right and best for the American people?
Yes, that is the choice we face.
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Rebecca Knight is a native Tennessean, who grew up in Nashville, and currently resides in a small town near Nashville. Ms. Knight's political awareness evolved through the civil rights movement, the Vietnam era, the Watergate era, and the cold war. The debacle of the 2000 election increased her sense of responsibility for political activism. You may contact Rebecca Knight via e-mail at tennessee_gal655@yahoo.com.
© 2002 by Rebecca Knight
