Let's talk about John McCain...

I saved this one for last because it is the most important. Last night, John McCain made his acceptance speech. On the surface, it was generic, uninspired, and devoid of substance. After a second glance, however, it becomes a harrowing look at our potential future. John McCain must not be elected in November. Using only last night's speech, I'll tell you why...

1. If elected, John McCain will preemptively strike Iran and start a war with Russia.

Though he touts himself as the candidate with the most foreign experience, John McCain spent little time talking about his foreign policy. However, in a few short sentences, he promised global war with nuclear consequences.

"Iran remains the chief state sponsor of terrorism and on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons. Russia's leaders, rich with oil wealth and corrupt with power, have rejected democratic ideals and the obligations of a responsible power. They invaded a small, democratic neighbor to gain more control over the world's oil supply, intimidate other neighbors, and further their ambitions of reassembling the Russian empire. And the brave people of Georgia need our solidarity and prayers."

Iran is not the chief state sponsor of terrorism, that title belongs to Saudi Arabia. Fifteen of the nineteen 9/11 hijackers were Saudi. Osama Bin Laden was a native Saudi. War with Iran is senseless, unfounded, and irresponsible. Russia did invade South Ossetia, but not for oil. Georgian forces, trained by the United States in Iraq, launched a preemptive strike to reclaim South Ossetia, leveling the city of Tskhinvali and killing 2,000 civilians. Russia responded with force because ten of their soldiers were killed in the attack. In supporting Georgia so steadfastly, John McCain is telling the American people that he is prepared to start a war with Russia.

2. If elected, John McCain will not hear his dissenters.

Last night, towards the beginning of his speech, an Iraq war veteran named Adam Kokesh held up a sign that said "McCain Votes Against Vets", referring to several instances where McCain voted against bills to give veterans better pensions and health care. Amid soaring chants of "USA! USA! USA!", McCain quickly curbed his anger, smiled, and said, "My friends, my dear friends...please don't be diverted by the ground noise and the static," as Kokesh was handcuffed and dragged out of the building by several security guards. This tells me that John McCain has no ears for a second opinion. If anybody objects, perhaps even a majority of U.S. citizens, he will not hear it.

3. If elected, John McCain will, once again, employ trickle down economics.

On paper, it might work. In practice, see Herbert Hoover, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush. John McCain wants to cut taxes for wealthy business owners and maintain or increase taxes for everybody else.

"Cutting the second highest business tax rate in the world will help American companies compete and keep jobs from moving overseas."

No, it won't. Reorganizing our education system so that it teaches our children a variety of skills suitable for a constantly evolving workplace will keep our jobs from moving overseas. American companies already compete pretty damn well. McDonalds, Starbucks, and Wal-Mart come to mind. It's the people who work for these companies that spend their money recklessly and stimulate our economy. Giving them more cash can only help our situation.

A vote for this man, more than continuing the failed policies of George W. Bush, will further degrade our international standing, throw us into a deep depression, and trample our civil liberties. A vote for John McCain is a vote to destroy the ideals this country was founded on in the name of ignorance and false securities.

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This is the end of my profiles on our candidates. You make the choice, you be the judge. No matter what, though, make sure you DO choose, because apathy is infinitely worse than any candidate in the history of American politics. Participation is vital. Don't squander your opportunity to take part..:-)

-Matt