Momen Thinks

John McCain and Barack Obama are each making a bet on the competency of the American public.  Barack Obama is betting that the American public can see through the utter theatre that is John McCain’s “heroism” and John McCain is hoping that they’re dumb enough to buy it.  There is no doubt that everything that John McCain is doing right now is nothing but theatre.  Nothing…but…theatre.  I’m an actor, so I have a great sense of bullshit.

After eight years of an administration that has been nothing but show and veneer I am hoping that the Americans have learned something…anything.  If they view McCain’s shenanigans as anything but theatre; if they can not see that McCain is erratic and unfit temperamentally to be President; if they do not view Sarah Palin as the most unfit Vice-Presidential candidate in modern times; and if they see McCain as anything more than a sham, than they will be personifying every single stereotype that has been thrown their way. If the majority of the electorate hands John McCain the election, then the majority of the electorate is quite frankly a bunch of “Dumb  Americans.”

Here’s Nicholas Kristof in his latest column posing a great question:

“Just imagine for a moment if it were the black candidate in this election, rather than the white candidate, who was born in Central America, was an indifferent churchgoer, had graduated near the bottom of his university class, had dumped his first wife, had regularly displayed an explosive and profane temper, and had referred to the Pakistani-Iraqi border …”

I would also add, just imagine that Obama had a teenage daughter who got pregnant, or if his education was like Sarah Palin’s – six years in different universities with finally a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Idaho.

One more thing:  Some worry that Obama’s recent aggressiveness towards McCain is damaging his politics of hope, and that he should stop attacking McCain so much.  To them I say don’t you worry.  Barack Obama will once again return to his message of unity and hope…it will be on January 9th, 2009 when he is inaugurated President of the United States.

George and I

Mike, myself, and Jaq

So Shaw is winding down and I’m happy to say that it’s been a great season here.  It’s been a privilege. 

On October 10th I start rehearsals for the Canadian premiere of MASKED by Israeli playwright Ilan Hatsor at Neptune Theatre.  It’s a thrilling piece and I’m excited to be taking part in it.  I’m also excited to hit Hali(fax) for the first time.  Anyways, here are all the details.

And you thought Green Light was sick…

It’s Over feat. Kanye West – LISTEN

‘Nuff said.  Well okay here’s why:

1) Troopergate – she is under investigation for unlawfully attempting firing a state trooper, her ex-brother in law.

2) $26 million dollars in earmarks requested while she was mayor or Wasilla.  She is campaigning as a reformer who is against such a practice.

3) Lobbyist ties – again another practice that she’s campaigning against.

4) Complete lack of foreign policy experience or even interest in such matters.

I want to mention the whole Bristol Palin pregnancy as well, not as a deficiency on Sarah Palin, as I believe families are complicated, and should be dealt privately.  This is by no means a political issue, and speaks nothing of Palin’s politics, unless you want to discuss her views on abstinence and contraceptives.  We will not go there today.  However, the utter lack of vetting by John McCain is once again more evidence that this man is by no means capable of handling the office of President.  It was a gut decision, a “maverick” decision, but ultimately a stupid one.  Stupid.

Here’s the ultimate contrast between McCain and Obama.  The fact is, Obama isn’t promising some kind of radical, idealistic change in Washington.  Obama has consistenly preached a reasoned, rationaled, and pragmatic approach to government.  Perfect evidence is his decision to pick Joe Biden as VP.  He could have  pulled a McCain to spark the electorate, instead he went for the seasoned, experienced, and qualified choice of Joe Biden.  Another example is his opposition to the war in Iraq.  He opposed it not because of ideology, but because of common sense.  I can’t stress enough the difference here.

John McCain on the other hand is someone who feels it necessary, perhaps through some kind of personality deficiency, to approach any issue righteously or from “the gut”.  It’s wonderful, and I’ve grown to love many who are just like him.

However, I believe in what Plato called the “Philosopher King.”  A person like Obama, who thinks in nuance, is aggresive when necessary, and who can inspire and mobilize through ideas and oratory.  Leaders like him come along very rarely.  It would be more than a shame to see John McCain in office…more than a shame.