The sunset tonight seemed especially appropriate for the election of a new President of the United States with it's soft hues of red, white and blue. Retirement in this day and age does not remove you from the normal pressures of living. The economy, world events and politics is just as important as ever. In some ways it's seems even more important since retiree's have the luxury of time to follow these issues as deeply as you wish. There's simply no escaping the issues of our time given the pervasiveness of the Internet and access to media.
Only a few miles up the road from where we are staying, Senator John McCain is anxiously following the results of voting all across America. He is, of course, hoping for a miracle to occur that will allow him to become President of the United States. While the popular vote has tightened, he has an uphill battle to win the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the actual election. While McCain is 'hoping' for a miracle I learned early in my working career "Hope Is Not A Strategy".
I mention this because we are on the outskirts of Phoenix in Arizona, which is McCain's home state. To me, the number of people working to overturn McCain in his home state tells the real story. I don't know if Obama can carry the entire state of Arizona, where McCain has been their Senator for over 20 years, but clearly Obama has made huge inroads in McCain's backyard.
My personal opinion is the world is watching to see if we will elect Obama, a man they feel has roots all over the world. And only Obama has the potential to significantly improve the standing and reputation of the US in the world community, something we sorely need.
Did either candidate talk to the real issues that most concern those of us in or near retirement? Nope.
Did either candidate talk about how they will provide health insurance to the millions of US citizens that currently lack coverage? Nope.
And did either of them spell out how, given the situation with the US (& WW) economy, how they would pay for all of their campaign promises. Nope.
So, regardless of who wins, the back pedaling will start immediately. And that's too bad.
As we travel around this great country we are struck that, in addition to an amazingly beautiful country with tremendous natural resources, the people of America are what really make her special. So much better than our reputation in the WW community. So much better than our opinion of ourselves.
Only a few miles up the road from where we are staying, Senator John McCain is anxiously following the results of voting all across America. He is, of course, hoping for a miracle to occur that will allow him to become President of the United States. While the popular vote has tightened, he has an uphill battle to win the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the actual election. While McCain is 'hoping' for a miracle I learned early in my working career "Hope Is Not A Strategy".
I mention this because we are on the outskirts of Phoenix in Arizona, which is McCain's home state. To me, the number of people working to overturn McCain in his home state tells the real story. I don't know if Obama can carry the entire state of Arizona, where McCain has been their Senator for over 20 years, but clearly Obama has made huge inroads in McCain's backyard.
My personal opinion is the world is watching to see if we will elect Obama, a man they feel has roots all over the world. And only Obama has the potential to significantly improve the standing and reputation of the US in the world community, something we sorely need.
Did either candidate talk to the real issues that most concern those of us in or near retirement? Nope.
Did either candidate talk about how they will provide health insurance to the millions of US citizens that currently lack coverage? Nope.
And did either of them spell out how, given the situation with the US (& WW) economy, how they would pay for all of their campaign promises. Nope.
So, regardless of who wins, the back pedaling will start immediately. And that's too bad.
As we travel around this great country we are struck that, in addition to an amazingly beautiful country with tremendous natural resources, the people of America are what really make her special. So much better than our reputation in the WW community. So much better than our opinion of ourselves.
Will Obama be able to transform the excellence brought to getting elected (better fundraising, better strategy, better advisers, better endorsements, better engagement of younger voters and all minorities, etc) into excellence in governing?
This country deserves the best leadership available from public and/or private sector. It remains to be seen if our next President will be able to forge the necessary alliances to get something meaningful accomplished. We can only hope he does.
God Bless America.
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