From dougsloan@neo.rr.com Thu Mar 11 12:47:22 2004
Subject:Re: 50 dollar gigs....and sour grapes

Just to chime in on the `kin OT political statements. What ceases to
amaze me is the negative rhetoric and blame that the political
machines use to gain power. See how the tv-watching, radio listening
sheep in this country can parrot what they've heard in casual
conversations with one another and actually build an intense swell of
hatred toward one politician as the principal behind all the problems
that we face. All while failing to appreciate what is good in our
society. So many people seem focus on the negative because of this.
And then its all the fault of this person or that group. More people
work than don't even in a bad economy. Even in the best of economic
times, plenty of people experience hardship through no fault of their
own. Politicians come and go, each time promising to cure this ill or
that, when we have far more control over our own fate, even when it
involves hard choices. That is such a stretch to pin ones well-being
on our "leaders". Coming of age in the Akron Ohio (once the booming
tire capital of the world) the late 70s and early 80s taught me to
adapt to whatever environment as best I can, and not be a pawn of
opportunist "leaders". Akron started taking it really hard while
Carter was president. Was it his fault? Not really. NAFTA has not
been good for Northeast Ohio. Are the area's manufacturing losses
Bill Clinton's fault? Not really. Is the gay movement behind the
frequent child molestation cases? Not really. Oh yeah, I could point
to these culprits as contributing in a minuscule way to each of these
situations, but the reality is that s_it happens.

Pinning crap musician fees on Bush and his cabinet - pitiful. Sadly,
BOTH parties have found that the best way to win power is to drum up
HATRED to those on the other side. We saw it when Clinton was in
office, and now we're seeing it with Bush in office, and we'll see it
again when Kerry gets in. Be strong, put aside the political hype
that is constantly thrown at all of us, and use a little perspective.
Neither candidate is perfect, but each has plenty to offer and is not
really that different if you look beyond the hype. Most issues have
two sides, and I can at least respect one side even if I disagree with
their proposal. Neither is a Nazi or Commie. More important, put the
role of government with this president or that in a balanced
perspective. Our system does not lend itself to extreme swings.
Stability ain't so bad when you look at the alternatives. Support who
you feel is the better choice, but respect the other for his strengths
as well. If you can't find strengths in that person and plenty to
like even if they're not your first choice, I suggest you take a long
hard look in the mirror.

Sorry about the rant, but, ironically, insanely one-sided political
rants saden me. I have a fiercely independent streak that on occasion
will offend some, though that is not my intent. Next post will be
gear related!

Regards,

Doug