America is in crisis. Economic. Political. Stature within the world community. And the presidential election in 2012 that will select a leader to meet these multi-faceted and increasingly frightening challenges seems at present to pit sitting President Obama against Republican Governor Rick Perry.
The former has shown himself to be weak and vacillating, a man without a clear vision for the country, distrusted by his own party and disdained by the other one, a well spoken empty suit. The latter is joined at the hip with a far fringe of the political spectrum, and a person who if elected to the presidency will almost certainly fracture the polity and peace of an already deeply divided nation.
We desperately need better leadership on the top than either of these men can provide. This is the United States of America. We deserve far better.
I know the reasons given why the Democrats can’t simply dump Mr. Obama from the top of their ticket. He’s black and that would offend a large and dependable party constituency.
I know the reasons that Governor Perry (or Bachmann or Palin) can’t be finessed aside by Republican wise ones. Because the Tea Party has become so vital to the Republican’s own electoral prospects.
I know the reasons an outsider, usually of the billionaire variety that’s generally mentioned, doesn’t seem inclined to take the plunge. He or she doesn’t want the scrutiny. Doesn’t need the hassle. Fears being labeled a spoiler by one faction or another. Fears not having a party backing in Congress if elected.
I also know this: Somebody’s gotta do it. Obama can’t cut it and another four years with him at the top would have disastrous results. Perry can cut it, but four years with him at the top would move us toward a social and political conflagration.
Someone has to do it! Someone has to step up! I have personal preferences, of course, but they’re irrelevant. At this juncture anyone with guts, who could lead, who would be respected even if not agreed with figure, anyone not too polarizing will do.
This isn’t a political game anymore. An Obama versus Perry only choice in 2012 is quite simply unacceptable.