Inbox: Shallower Than Ever, DC In Deep
War, Schmor, How About Mark Foley!
Foleygate was hot last week, and so were some tempers out in cyberspace. For all the criticism we got from giving the scandal attention, you all seemed to read a lot about it.
I can think of bigger ironies than focusing on one creepy little congressman misbehaving as usual when we should be focusing on Iraq. I think you know that the behavior of one person is not what much of the American populace is so upset about. We are upset that so many of this nation's leaders are indulging in immoral, if not downright criminal behavior, and have been for many years. Mark Foley's activities are a drop in the slop bucket. That is what we are upset about.
We are tired of leaders who not only don't take care of the nation's business, but who never intended to in the first place. What they intended is exactly what they are doing — living obscenely rich lifestyles at our expense and using their offices to indulge their weaknesses and their desire for power. Maybe some of the rest of America has forgotten Bill Clinton's behavior, but I still get nauseated when I glimpse him on TV, and I don't care how nicely he gets his hair cut or how much money he raises.
What we need is a few good men and women whose character is impeccable, who will step up to the plate with a vision for America, and who will attract more good leaders to serve with them. I want leaders who are better, stronger, and more farsighted than me, not Joe Schmoe next door with so many faults and failings that he could not lead a class of kindergarteners, or even worse, could not be trusted with them. The first requirement is that they be neither Democrats nor Republicans. I would certainly vote for them. I just don't know how to get the ball rolling myself. There are a lot of people out here like me.
GLENDA JAMES
One reader sent us a joke to express his dismay with the current state of politicians.
Well, here's one independent voter who will sit this one out in November.
Expensive DishMICHAEL ARNOLDA cannibal was walking through the jungle and came upon a restaurant opened by a fellow cannibal.
Feeling somewhat hungry he sat down and looked over the menu...
Broiled Missionary: $10.00
Fried Explorer: $15.00
Baked Politician: $100.00.
The cannibal called the waiter over and asked, "Why such a price difference for the politician?"
The cook replied "Have you ever tried to clean one of them?"
Zero attention span: I thought this was an attribute of some of our media, always in a desperate chase for the next sensation, revelation, etc., rarely following processes, only events, and the bigger the splash the better.
BONTERRA
I have never been a reader of the National Enquirer, but lately I feel that reading the stories in newspaper and internet sites, and watching the news on local as well as network stations appear to be coming right out of the Enquirer. As someone who has been in the news business for a number of years, who ultimately decides what is news and what is not?
Two days ago was one of the bloodiest days in Iraq, however, it did not seem to make much of a dent in the days stories. Much like the Lewinsky scandal, sex seems to sell. Is that because these stories are easier for the general public to understand as opposed to the war, economy, lack of health care for the poor, and whatever other back page issues should be on the minds of voters come November?
As much of a liberal that I am, I feel both parties are to blame. The Democrats aren't discussing the important issues, and the Republicans are too busy with trying to fix these latest messes. Quite simply, how do we make citizens, politicians, and the rest of the world for that matter pay attention to things that can really make a difference? I'm looking for some kind of hope, because with all these scandals that, in the long run, have no bearing on improving the lives of Americans and citizens of the world, we continue to take steps back.
GREG HORWITZ
Yes, both parties are guilty of corruption. But other than Clinton's crudeness, his administration will not hold a candle to the corruption, dishonesty, and downright thievery of this administration. In fact, had the Republicans not been in complete control and if we had not been in a "war" as Bush conveniently named the attack, not only would he have been impeached but several others would now be in federal prison.
When the history of this administration is written, I think that it will make Richard Nixon's administration look lily white.
If the voters don't quit falling for the religious hypocrisy that they seem so vulnerable to fall for, we are going to be in a heap of trouble in the next few years.
JIM MOSELEY
If you still want to send in an e-mail, you'll have to read a real column to find the address.