Wednesday, February 06, 2008

politicians.

I’m not sure if anyone else noticed, but America seems to be electing a president again. Apparently yesterday was Super Tuesday, which is possibly the stupidest official name for a day ever. What was super about it? It was Tuesday. As far as days of the week, Tuesday leaves me feeling not much of anything, least of all super.

Turns out that nothing super even happened.

The whole world seems to be transfixed by this presidential television game show. It possibly has more impact than American Idol, and how I still cringe, but in a different way.

Only Americans get to vote, which would be fine except that the biggest anything with a gun on top belongs to America. With that sort of clout and a proven track record of using it, the rest of the world holds their breath every 4 years while we wonder what our planet might look like for the following 4 years. And every 4 years I forget how long and involved and silly the whole process really is.

This time, a lot of fuss is being made over the first black or female US president, which strikes me as almost too embarrassing to even mention. Women have been in charge of other countries. I’m pretty sure ladies can also make unpleasant decisions. Black people have also been leaders before. Nelson Mandela did some very fine work. Why are race and gender even a consideration? It’s sad that the peoples will vote on this basis. I can understand wanting to ‘change’ things. I don’t think it will work though.

Essentially these people are applying for a job, which is never a dignified process. The wrong sort of folk are bound to apply.

And every time we wave a flag supporting one or the other, it is important to remember that we are only being told what we want to hear.

It’s just a show.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

American Idol -- brilliant metaphor.

Anonymous said...

If it's any colsolation to you, this time Super Tuesday fell on what was also International Pancake Day! How's that for thunder stealing!?

Tom Weston said...

I did not even have a pancake that Tuesday.

Thanks for saying I had a brilliant metaphor. I work alone so any comments make me feel as if I have work mates.