I have found myself rather fascinated and discouraged at the same time during this U.S. political season and the seemingly fanatical allegiance to a given political party regardless of whether the other party may, for these next 4 years, be able to govern better or have candidates that are more competent (re: Palin). What happens at the national level is so complicated and diluted by party politics, compromise, lobbyists and corruption that little of what is said can pass the truth test with flying colors. How much change can occur from the top-down remains to be seen. Furthermore, the electoral system belies the whole "democratic" majority rules thing and it is rather unfair that states like Ohio, etc. become the key decision makers for the rest of the country. With all due respect to rural America of Grant Wood "American Gothic" fame, over 70% of the population is urban and since the decisions of presidents that can potentially raise the ire of terrorists will most likely impact the citizens of San Francisco, New York, and D.C. rather than Columbus, Ohio or Omaha.
"There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle".
~Alexis de Tocqueville
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