The two-headed “debate monster” that’s seemingly the basis for our current social structure in America is as destructive (and in many ways utterly pointless) as anything I can possibly imagine. And if you don’t believe me, just take a look around, because it’s not too pretty out there. Or better yet go out in public – among the masses – and try to start a polite discussion on hydrofracturing, terrorism, politics, war, peace, racism, conservatism versus liberalism, religion, the tea party or the driving abilities of the modern teenager ... $10 bucks says you can’t do it (at least politely).
In fact, I’d be surprised if two people with differing backgrounds, religions, viewpoints or political leanings could agree on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in this day and age.
And yes, I truly believe it’s gotten that bad.
Case in point – the continuing struggle and downright senseless division between our decidedly partisan politicians (who have it so tough, I might add) and the fact that – as far as I’m concerned – each and every one (including the recent tea-flavored additions) have failed their constituents in every way. I say that because, in all honesty, when was the last time the über-wealthy body politic in Washington really accomplished anything remotely resembling efficient change for the better of all.
To me, it seems a long, long time.
Unlike many people, however, I refuse to simply point a finger at one side or the other, not to mention our commander-in-chief. I don’t think the blame in this case is so easily cast. As for Obama ... am I happy with every decision the man has made? No. Do I still support the man? Yes.
Why, you ask? First of all, because that’s my right as an American citizen. Secondly, I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt, considering most (if not all) presidents burdened with the likes of Bush’s portfolio of senseless decisions would have already fallen to the pressure.
Regardless, Monday night’s CNN/Tea Party debate was a perfect example of it’s-true-because-I-say-it-is politics. I particularly liked the verbal sparring between presidential hopefuls Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry, neither of whom I would vote for even if you had a gun to my head.
Said Bachmann, “The drug company gave thousands of dollars in political donations to the governor ... and this is just flat-out wrong.”
Perry responded, “The company was Merck, and it was a $5,000 contribution that I had received from them. I raise about $30 million. And if you’re saying that I can be bought for $5,000, I’m offended.”
That’s right, Mr. Perry is offended that anyone would accuse him of accepting such a paltry sum for “being bought.” Does this strike anyone else as one of the most inane (yet probably true) statements ever made? On top of that, I guess I’d never quite realized just how lucrative running for president could be.
Perry raises about $30 million? Hell, I can’t wait to run for president in 2016 (following Barack Obama’s second term ... what can I say, I’m certainly not voting for Palin, Perry, Bachmann or the rest of that crew).
And why shouldn’t I? I’m a natural born citizen of the United States (born January 12, 1977 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital, no less), I’ll be 39 years old (four years older than the requisite 35), I’ve been a resident of the United States all my life, I’ve never been impeached (at least not yet) and I’ve never rebelled against the United States, although I’ll admit it’s tempting sometimes, especially after watching Monday night’s tea party debate.
Then again, I’ve never been an outspoken Christian, which seems to be an unofficial qualification for the presidency these days. And don’t give me that “America was founded on Christianity” nonsense. It wasn’t, that’s why we have the Bill of Rights.
Yet both Bachmann and Perry are (and I would add ridiculously) forthright in their religious convictions. Which is also nonsense, because I could personally care less which God they believe in, I’d rather hear some intelligent discussion about the direction our country should be going in.
Notice I said intelligent discussion.
As for you ... err ... people ... that still haven’t given up the whole “Obama is a Muslim” idea, well, I don’t have much hope for you.
After all, the truth is much easier to come by if you make it up as you go along, right? That’s the case – it seems – in Washington today. And that, my friends, is a sad, sad thing.

Follow me on Twitter ... @evesunbrian.