THE GOP DEBATE: A SHOW OF CIVILITY

GOP Debate, November 9th

From the perspective of a neutral viewer, today's GOP debate in Michigan showed much calmer and more collective field of presidential hopefuls.

In primaries of the past, the candidates for the GOP nomination, more often than not, resorted to a verbal slug-fest with their counterparts what amounted to nothing more than tirades of defamation, slander and the proverbial mud slinging.

Today we saw a different face to the GOP nominees, a face of civility.  They were all well mannered and avoided spiraling into rhetoric and accusations, they kept to the spirit of the debate and kept their answers concise.  Even in the face of some tough questions, most notably when Governor Mitt Romney was asked to comment, indirectly of course, on the accusations of sexual harassment regarding Herman Cain, he refused to answer as it wasn't relevant.  In debates of past, this opportunity to stick to a fellow candidate would have been jumped upon with no qualms.

Another memorable note of the night included Governor Rick Perry's failure to recall three areas of government he would abolish if he ascended to the White House in next years coming election.  Although I understand that everyone has their moments of forgetfulness, it ultimately will make him look extremely inept.

Arguably though, the most prominent and, in my opinion, wisest moment of the debate was when Speaker Of The House Newt Gingrich alluded to the moderator that it was almost impossible to voice his solution on the issue of healthcare in 30 seconds.  He did so in a very civil manner and I applaud him for that.

The truth is that if any politician offers a 'simple' plan to something, chances are that it will be, at best, a grave misrepresentation of their actual intent, and at worst, showing a complete lack of understanding of the world we live in.

Whether it be a new tax code, healthcare, education, social security, or economic proposal, there is no way that it will ever be simple, or can ever be explained in full in 30 seconds.  We live in such a diverse world that these issues need to be resolved in the interest of everyone.  They require a tremendous understanding of whichever area they intent to change and must take into account a plethora of variables.

All in all, the debate was coherent.  Though I don't agree with many conservative policies, I admired the way they put fourth their arguments at tonight's debate.  The cornerstone of any democracy is the principle that at some point we all must compromise for the over all benefit of all, I just hope that the future of politics becomes less of the bi-party rhetoric and condemnation, and more of coming together as people and solving the problems all of us face.

Article By: Phil McCarron

THE VOTE IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD

Phil McCarron on the recent violence muddying the waters of protest.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said that “There are only two forces in this world, the sword and the spirit. In the long run, the sword will always be conquered by the spirit.”

Liberty in blood

The Occupy protests have remained firmly entrenched on the battle field of social and economical change, proving that this is much more than a half-hearted fad.  Remaining true to the routes of the movement, they have been orderly and peaceful.  However, those that wish to see an end to the fight for social equality have grown weary of listening to the voice of the people and are stepping up efforts to shut them down.  The tipping point on the seesaw of forceful and peace has quivered.

All across America, city ordinances and curfews are being put into place in an attempt to stamp out the movement, with some cities even resorting to tear gas, baton rounds, and rubber bullets. 

Violence is contagious and is always destined to escalate…it should never be bilaterally used to promote change, as a change bought in blood will always be stained, and the memory of that blood always lasts longer than the wound.

“When liberty comes with hands dabbled in blood, it is hard to shake hands with her.”

~Oscar Wilde

 Non-violent solution

In the London riots, the police were criticized for not clearing the rioters out.  They were scorned for not using force.  In hindsight, they did the correct thing.  At a heavy financial cost, they merely contained the rioters and let their blind rage peter out.  Had the London Police met violence with violence, the escalation would have torn the city streets apart.

The Occupy movement MUST remain non-violent at all costs in order to succeed.  Victory for the movement can only come from the method that first bore this inequality.  Legislation.

Your contract is up for renewal Mr. Senator

In one year’s time, the election polls will be open for business.  The representatives and senators of both parties that have struck down jobs bills, avoided tax loopholes, bailed out corporations instead of the working class, had their pockets lined by lobbyists and kept the 1% appeased, will be interviewing to keep their jobs.  Though the politicians work for the 1% of the country, it’s the 99% that employ them.

A final message to the elected officials,

“You are one election away from being unemployed like the rest of us.”

~Phil McCarron

Article by: Phil McCarron