>>But, I'm now beginning to think that it's beyond repair either because the American public is too ignorant to actually understand the situation or it's just too apathetic and unmotivated to give a damn. It's with that thought that I wonder why I bother to try and fight this fight.

If it makes you feel any better, try to think of it as incurable optimism rather than ignorance and apathy.

We do have the same problem up here in Canada, although the sides are a bit easier to pigeonhole. Heartless rednecks on one side and arrogant, lying scoundrels on the other. Neither characterization is totally true (we do get the occasional exception on both sides) but there is enough truth there to take to the polls.

We seem to have a chronic preference for the arrogant, lying scoundrels no matter how many times I vote for the rednecks. It's not just a question of intelligence, energy or even education -- the question is whether you believe that "being nice" is enough to get by in the real world.

Inside our protected little countries (well, big honkin' countries) being nice will go a long way. The further you get from home, the more you need to project the image that you are willing to OVER-REACT if necessary to protect yourselves. It helps a lot if you don't over-react on a regular basis, but you HAVE to show strength.

The problem we always seem to have is that very few presidents (or PMs) seem to be able to find the right balance of strength and insight. If I have to choose, I have to hold my nose and go with someone willing to take and hold a strong position if required (ie Bush).

Having said that, there are a few things Bush desperately needs to fix.

1. The "bringing peace to Iraq" thing isn't working, and part of the problem seems to be that the administration seems to be having a tough time deciding if there is still a war going on. Hey, wake up and smell the Anfo guys. Build a "Fort Bush" out in the desert if you have to. Put all the aid and support organizions inside a fence with security checks in AND out. Nobody gets kidnapped if the bad guys have to pass a post full of Marines to get back to their hideout. Make sure the insurgents can only kill Iraqis -- either they will stop right quick or it will become clear that they are no friends of Iraq and their support will fade.

2. Drug pricing. Importing drugs from Canada is not the answer, but there is no reason why the US can't start to play a bit tough with "big pharma" and start to get some of the volume pricing that Canada enjoys. Bush has to make it clear to the drug companies that they have to throw his administration a bone BEFORE the election, or Kerry is going to win too many supporters on the drug pricing issue.

I can live with the left wing guys, at least the honest ones, but Kerry strikes me as the worst of both worlds -- a left-leaning idealogue willing to wrap himself in the flag and lie about being a tough guy just long enough to get elected. Then watch what happens... you are NOT going to like it.

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