Howard Dean is expected to be annointed the next Democratic Party chief. Following the November election defeats in the House and Senate many political pundits have opined on the fate of the party. Dean is seen as the only hope. He will define what it means to be 'a Democrat'. While I am not a Democrat myself, I do understand and appreciate many of the party's positions. If Dean can help elevate the level of honest debate within the USA, I'll applaud his leadership and efforts. However, if Dean allows the Dems in D.C. to stonewall, block, and derail honest, goodness debate, then I will deride his efforts.
Personally, I hope Dean will bring a 'good fight' to the Republicans. As someone who considers himself to be more 'in line' with many of the positions of the conservatives, I do know the world requires a balance between liberalism and conservatism.
I don't like the notion of 'My (conservative) way or the highway' - type of thinking and philosophy. And just because someone disagrees with Republicans does not make them 'unpatriotic' or 'uncaring' Americans. Any person who 'labels' another as 'unpatriotic' just because they disagree with GW is just downright 'stupid'. Disagreeing with POTUS is the right of every American or citizen of the world.
I still like the idea of a government-run social security system. The very notion that workers put their 'future savings' into some type of 'stock market casino' worries me. As GW stated in his State of the Union address, the young workers of America should have the 'option' of putting aside some of their money into 'investment funds' for their future retirement. While this may be a great idea, I would want to ensure that should a young person's retirement fund become worthless, future taxpayers should not have to 'bail out' these gamblers. If young people are worried about their futures, then -perhaps- they should save more money!!! Remember, there's 'NO FREE LUNCH'!!
While we are at it, shouldn't GW be recommending that everyone regardless of age set aside more of their net income for their future retirement? Realistically, how many people can afford to live on their social security benefits? I am putting away (saving and investing) approximately 40% of my take home pay each month. People need to take responsibility of/over their own lives and future. If GW is right and the social security system cannot meets the future needs of a graying population, then people (young workers, middle-aged workers, and retirees) need to rethink how they live.
****Message to Dr. Dean****
Welcome back to the political arena.
Good luck with the new job and I hope you will keep people on both sides of the aisle honest in the debates. Whenever the conservatives are wrong, tell them. Whenever the liberals are wrong, tell them. Keep everyone in D.C. focused on the task at home: Leaving the world in a much better state for our grandchildren.
And see you again in 2008!
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