POST SCRIPTS

There's no question in my mind it's Obama v. McCain and in this contest McCain is the winner.

The contrast is almost black and white, no pun intended, but lets take a look. Experience v almost no experience. Wisdom that comes with age v youthful naivity. Achievment in legislation v almost no achievement. And the political list goes on and on.

When was the last time we voted in someone with as little experience as Obama?

Then we have a veteran military officer and former POW v. a guy with no military status at all.

Let's look at family. We see McCain's dad was an navy admiral and Obama's dad (not even an American) who appears almost as a black sterotype: A black father who ducked out on his wife and kid at an early age. Not his fault, but big difference in how they were raised.

His mom was no prize either, a flakey hippy with no judgement and no sense of responsibility. So Obama gets raised by his Grandmother who sends him to private schools in an ultra-liberal community.

These things are not his fault, but as a voter I have to think it influences his character.

I want the best decision maker in the White House and to me the choice is obvious, it's McCain. McCain has no competition when the facts are layed out about Obama and compared side by side with his credentials.

There is, as you mentioned, no question who is the better choice between the 3 candidates.

I will be voting for McCain.

But as far as long term strategy is considered, I am now all but convinced that defeating Obama now, is the better scenario for those of us who don't think socialism is a good idea.

Well there it is isn't it? Socialism.

If it were about the candidates that would real easy to decide.

You would have to be stupid or crazy to go with an unknown like Obama given the deadly serious nature of this job, however it really does come to down to socialism and are we for or against it?

I'm pretty sure most people see an expanded role for government in our future and that is scary.
Too many people would gladly accept the so called "free" medical, susidized college tuitions, or any number of "free" or subsidized things from the government.

This is what we (conservativesa) are up against and it's been the fight for many decades. You can see by all the safety nets out here how we've done...give aways buy votes.

I think as these pump prices tighten around the necks of consumers those folks are going to look more favorably on some good ol socialism for relief. Least that is my one big concern and I hope I am wrong!

Our economy is faltering and in no small part because of the record high oil prices. Everything is going up to offset that one area. Look at the prices of commodities, wheat, rice, corn, it's sharply up. All the food staples are rising and that is real bad for the family budget. Once up they don't usually come down, even if oil does.

What are we going to do if we hit $150 a barrel for oil or higher? Where does it stop and who stops it? Supply and demand? McCain? Suppose this whole surge in oil prices is a rigged game by the oil monopoly? I think there is evidence to support that, but then again what do we really ever know at our low consumer level? All we really know is oil is far out pacing inflation and it's not because of India or China, even their consumption could not account for the ultra high price of crude. Something else is amiss here.

Obama's socialism might be his one big edge ...when in it should be just the opposite.

Defeating a socialist is a tough row to hoe...it's so EASY to promise people free stuff and pretend a "caring" spirit..."ahhh feeeel your pain!"...and so difficult to sell people on the idea that they'de be better off if they relied on themselves.

The socialist politician also has envy to tap into. It's that natural inclination to hate those who have done better than you or to want to bring down the BIG corporation or boss.

I wonder if socialists ever notice what nosey, meddling, petty green-eyed monsters they can be. There is nothing caring about appealing to the worst in people. There's nothing generous about keeping people down and in "their place". (the blue collar white guy...the black vote...geez they are voters...period) There's certainly nothing noble about encouraging an envious, helpless, demanding attitude.

McCain is the only choice in the socialist department...and he has issues that make him undesirable regardless his conservative voting record. This morning I heard him say he would not support drilling in ANWR saying he also wouldn't support drilling in the Grand Canyon. What a stupid comparison. Not only would no one suggest drilling in the GC, but his comparison makes demonstrates he believes some of us would...what a slap in the face to those with a well reasoned opinion about drilling in ANWR. He's a bit haughty on this issue, failing to understand the conservative position, or the facts. It's frustrating. Same with the immigration issue.

The next four years will be...ugh, give me a word...anyone?

I disagree on one point...

I think increased demand from China and India explains a great deal of the problem.

Add to the situation the fact, that the stability of the Middle East is at question, and I think you have a very rational explanation for the price of oil. (Im not even going into the OPEC phenomena)

If we fail in Iraq, then you have various Shia elements fighting for control of the government. This presents an excellant opportunity for the Iranian's to gain control of Iraq through a puppet government.

The Sunni Arab world know this and cannot allow it to happen. So they will be forced to fund insurgent and terrorist networks who will combat Iran.

Now neither side will commit to actually sending their armies into Iraq, so both sides will rely heavily on utilizing conduits to achieve their objectives.

Al Qeada will be a natural choice for the Sunni (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, etc.) While the Iranians will utilize Muqtadr al sadr's boys as well as their own shia groups to combat the sunni's and "rebel" shia groups.

Now taking all of this into consideration (Iraq is the second most oil rich nation in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia) how are speculators supposed to behave?

We may very well prevent American firms from speculating, but we have no control over foreign firms. This would result in foreign firms buying up the most important commodity to our economy. How does this help us?

Look this situation stinks. But the key to coming out the other end alright is to let the market work concerning the price, and allow the government to work concerning the stabilization of the Iraqi.