A Political Pig-Pickin'

In North Carolina, where I am from, cooking a full pig (cut in half) over an open fire on inside a large grill and then having the guests come up and actually pick off the carcass what they want to eat is a typical and traditional when raising money for political candidate.  These events not only have side dishes of:  cold slaw and beans, but it is a command performance for all the local “movers and shakers” associated with either the Democratic or Republican parties.  If you are not a “mover and shaker,” these events are still easy to “crash” because the “gate keepers” do not want to turn down anyone who may have brought their check books; although now they are probably only accepting credit cards.

Recently, Mitt Romney was characterized as: WASHINGTON -- The world according to Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney: Europeans are socialists. The Chinese are currency manipulators. Russia can't be trusted to abide by nuclear agreements. The Palestinians are out to destroy Israel. And the U.S. is too generous with humanitarian aid.

While the “pretty boy” will certainly draw in the female voters, I am just not sure if Americans are ready for a Mormon faith president.  I don’t know for sure, but I always thought that they believe in polygamy.  But, their beliefs can be seen here.

Recently, Rick Santorum was characterized as:  WASHINGTON — Most Americans don't share Rick Santorum's absolutist take on abortion. He's out of step on women in combat. He questions the values of the two-thirds of mothers who work. He's even troubled by something as commonplace as birth control – for married couples.

While Santorum may appeal to some of our younger voters, he just does not have the “look” that a presidential candidate let alone a President should have, does he?   Well, he doesn’t to me anyway. Santorum is a bit of an unknown to me, but other unknowns have managed to go far in this country, so what do I know.

Now, do we have any more republican candidates?  Oh yes, there is Gingrich and Paul.  Is that lady still running?  I had forgotten all about her – she certainly isn’t creating attention like Palin did.

Yes, Ron Paul.  Not sure about this dude as his age bothers me and he seems to be a bit confused all the time – maybe that is just a lack of political savvy.  Plus, I am not sure if I can trust someone with two first names or maybe it is just too southern, like the name:  Billy Bob.

Then there is the guy who is like the allergy that you can never seem to shed, Newt Gingrich.  He is the politician’s politician who is adept at speaking out of both side of his mouth simultaneously, while shaking hands with one and looking at the next person in line.  Personally, I think he is candidate for a heart attack but that is about all.

So, does that takes us through the Republicans?  Yup, I believe it does . . .  so, let’s move over to the Democratic side of the house and to Obama who reminds me of the In Like Flint movies with James Coburn.

After the charisma of electing our first black President wore off, I was not too impressed with this man and for a while thought he was in “over his head” and was taking this country down the wrong path.  But, to be fair, every President in some form or fashion is in “over their heads” and no one can really predict what the world is going to do.

We have experts on both sides of the fence saying his bailouts work or did not work depending upon their party preferences which is to be expected; but, a recent interview with the new CEO of GM, said, in his opinion, the bailout worked for GM (who is now profitable) and kept the company from going through years and years of bankruptcy.

Then, there is the fact that Wall Street has rebounded and is cautiously growing.  And then, there is the fact that unemployment is cautiously improving.  And then, there is the fact that real estate is cautiously improving.

But, is it Obama or was he in the right place at the right time?  Interesting, and no doubt will be a point of debate for our infamous experts.  Regardless of what our experts will give or take away from Obama, he was, in fact, our President during these times.  And, regardless of what you personally may think about the man, the office he holds has both aged and changed him.

He, like the rest of us, is frustrated with the Congress and the Senate for their inability to come together because they care more about the party than about Americans.

He, like the rest of us, is frustrated with the greed of Wall Street and business in general that plunders American retirement accounts like modern-day pirates hiding behind the skirts of their mistresses.

He, like the rest of us, is frustrated with the medical community and healthcare industry that does not want to obey the Hippocratic oath taken unless it is backed up with a prepaid insurance policy.

He, like the rest of us, is frustrated with sending young men and women off to war to die when they are not old enough to buy alcohol, and fight someone else’s cries for freedom.

Simply put, this political pig pickin says, that Democrats care about taking care of Americans and their families whereas the Republican care about taking care of Businesses  and their families.  Spock (from Star Trek) said:  The needs of the whole out-weigh the needs of the few.