In 2000, I was dismayed that we elected, clearly, the stupid one.
Bush vs. Gore? Please.
In 2004, we elected the stupid one, even with facts on the ground that made it clear.
Bush vs. Kerry? Perhaps not quite so absolutely clear, but still, clearly obvious.
In 2008?
McCain is cemented. Solidified. Constrained. Dare I say it? Old and intransigent.
Intransigent, of course, except when he flip-flops, as he's done repeatedly in the last N years.
What has stupid brought us? Palin. Iraq. Trillions in debt. Housing crisis. Climate chaos. Social Security, in doubt. International disdain. International suspicion of US solvency. Toxic abuse of the environment. Appalling betrayal of conservative values. Betrayal of long-term solvency.
We have been devoid of smart, the last seven years. They know what's best. They know what we should do. And they have brought us to the brink of ruin.
What they've promoted has failed. What they've promoted has benefited the privileged, at the cost of the rest. What they've promoted has resulted in a dramatic decline in our international prestige and influence. What they've promoted has resulted in a rise in the strength of terrorist entities worldwide. What they've promoted has resulted in weaker environmental rules. What they've promoted has resulted in a decay in almost all the things that might result in a brighter future.
That's stupid.
It's stupid to imagine that the capitalist system, unconstrained, will result in a good future for our elderly.
It's stupid to believe that "values" will address a four-front war, an ecology in free-fall, a preponderance of policies that focus on electability, as opposed to survival and success.
How can we confront stupid, and elect the smart?
Are we -- the US electorate -- really so stupid that we'd elect a president who believes that it's acceptable that Palin is "one chicken bone" away from the presidency? Someone who believes that climate change is still "just a theory"? who thinks evolution is on par with creationism? who sees the Iraq situation as "winning"?
Please. Please. Tell me that my horror is unsubstantiated.
How can we ensure that "the smart one" is elected in November?