Did any of you watch the Democratic debate the other night? I did. In fact, Hubs and my daughter watched with me. Yes, my 15 year old daughter watched the debate — voluntarily. LOL Not too many kids her age realize the importance of politics and knowing the people who want to “work for us”. When I asked her why she wanted to watch the debate, she told me it was because she’ll be 18 in less than three years and able to vote, so she better have an understanding of what she’ll be doing. Is she cool or what?

Anyway, getting back to the debate itself, it was very, very interesting. The people with whom I was most impressed were Barack Obama, Dennis Kucinich (very impressed with him, especially when he called for the impeachment of Bush!), Bill Richardson and Joe Biden. There’s just something about John Edwards I don’t like, even though I can’t put my finger on it yet, and of course Hillary is as dishonest as the day is long. Her husband was “Slick Willie” and she is quickly becoming “Slick Wilma”. Her performance (and I use that word literally) was ridiculous in the debate a week prior to Las Vegas, followed by the announcement of the college student who came forth with the information that she was spoon-fed a question for Hillary at one of her open forums. Soon afterward a man stepped forward and had the same story to tell. Aside from that being highly deceptive, doesn’t it completely destroy the whole idea behind an open forum? And then to hear her staffers’ explanation as to why that happened, well, it was absolutely mind-blowing! The aide who did it was dyslexic??? WTH?? She was supposed to prepare Hillary with the answers, but because she is dyslexic she gave the questions to audience members instead??? Do they think we’re all idiots??!! They couldn’t come up with a better cover than that?? Who do YOU think the idiots are?!

Someday a woman WILL be president of this country, but Hillary is NOT that woman! I implore all women NOT to vote for her simply because she is a woman. That would be such a horrible mistake! Her being a woman is no more a reason to cast your vote for her as is casting one for Barack Obama because he’s African American, or for Bill Richardson because he’s Latino. Ones ethnicity or gender is NOT what makes a good president! As much as I absolutely do NOT want another Republican in the office of President, I will have no choice but to vote Republican if Hillary is representing the Democratic ticket. Of course, if Ron Paul were the Republican on the ballot, I would race to the polls to vote for him! HE is the person for the job! Without a doubt!

PLEASE take a long, hard look at ALL the candidates before you cast your vote next year. We still have plenty of time in which to do so. There are a few candidates, whom I named earlier in this post, who would be very good for the job.

Now, in closing I want to talk about something I consider to be of the utmost importance. Out of ALL the candidates, both Democrat and Republican, there are only FOUR people who did not vote Yes in support of the invasion of Iraq in 2002. They are Barack Obama, Dennis Kicinich, Mike Gravel and Ron Paul. To the rest of them I would say this: Until you can show the American people you truly are as deeply appreciative as you say you are of the men and women who went to Iraq to do your bidding, and swiftly take a stand to completely overhaul the VA’s 62-year-old disability ratings system, which is now causing countless American servicemen and women to have to FIGHT for benefits when they return home — like Ty Ziegel — because medical advances in the battlefield have outpaced the home front, then don’t even try to convince me or anyone else in this country how much you support our troops! It is UNCONSCIONABLE what these brave men and women are having to come home to. No American soldier should EVER have to fight for their rightful benefits after serving our country and leaving parts of their bodies in Iraq! Nor should they not be readily compensated for the horrible mental and emotional anguish their time in Iraq has caused them. Please, read Ty’s story linked above. You’ll be shocked and angered. MAKE THE CANDIDATES WHO VOTED FOR THIS HORRENDOUS WAR ANSWER FOR IT — AND CHANGE IT!

Las Vegas Democratic Debate, Democratic Candidates, VA Benefits, War