There is a candidate for this presidential election, whose name will not appear on the ballot, but it should. This candidate is an inspiring orator, with a first rate support system providing excellent technical, political and oratorical backup. This candidate is well educated and possesses first rate diplomatic credentials. Honor, integrity and fairness are an integral part of this candidate's character. Unfortunately this candidate will never see his name on a local or national ballot. His ability to communicate to the people and leave them feeling they are part of the political process, rather than feeling like they came to take a flight that had already left an hour before. President-elect Jed Bartlet will never see the highest office, because the character is the artful politico creation of Aaron Sorkin on NBC's The West Wing.
I love The West Wing, with devotion unparalleled by most any other show I watch. Tonight the show centered on the recent exodus of American jobs abroad, specifically to India in this case. Without getting into all of the nuances of trade agreements, free trade, et al: we live in a global economy. And someday I may very loose my job to outsourcing to another country and it will suck hard. But guess what: if we all still want our Wal-Marts, Targets, K-Marts, and cheap goods sold at other locations, trade agreements and free trade is a necessary evil. We can buy goods cheaply, because they are manufactured cheaply. Do you want a higher minimum wage for Americans or for Americans to make to make goods cheaply? The other evil is corporations could lower prices on goods, but they know that people will buy them, so they can make their deep profits and keep prices. I'm not a socialist, communist or a Marxist. I am a full on capitalist, with propensities towards fairness.
Aside: you know what effin' cracks me up? CNN segments that contain bits of Hip Hop songs. Thus far, Ifve noticed 50 Cent and Missy song's being ripped. And Ifm not even talking for use with entertainment segments. Haha! Love it!
Posted by tony at April 21, 2004 12:34 AM