THE NOT AS GOOD AS WE THOUGHT BUT COULD BE MUCH WORSE ELECTION

Hopefully, all eligible voters will soon be heading to the polls to choose a U.S. president and to vote for those seeking congressional seats. Here's my take. When Obama was elected there was a sense of almost Camelot euphoria. Big changes were supposed to come in every aspect of society. Many of these changes never really materialized. In fact, numerous key issues regarding the environment and climate change didn't even get discussed. Perhaps this is what Obama meant when he said that you can't change the system from within. In other words, there are too many interests with too much power to create any real change once you get in the system. This is a form of forced co-option. No matter who sits in the oval office, they do not have the power most think they have. Money still reigns supreme in American politics. The inner system eats you up and uses you for their purposes, allowing only scant free reign to accomplish your own agenda. No matter the president, these forces are ever present.

Granted, the President faced an antagonistic House. At every turn, efforts at change were blocked or amended  in such a way as to render reform meaningless. If there is ever to be true change, it must come not from with the political system, but from without. In other words, the people must require that change occur. They must use their votes, their consumer dollars and information to expose the dangers and peacefully force a change. In other words, we are responsible for what our government does or doesn't do. If the President used the office to expose the way the system really works to rally the people, things might be different. Although, that path can be dangerous-shades of JFK.

However, while power, until we wake up, will remain in the hands of monied interests regardless of who is elected, there is still a choice. That choice rests in the fundamental philosophies of the candidates.  These choices include:

• Under Obama, there will be a hesitancy to pull the trigger or drop the bomb. Not so much so under Romney.
• Obama at least is making an attempt to have some form of universal health care. Romney will sell your health to the lowest bidder.
• Obama understands the importance of education and public schools. Romney would segregate the rich back into private charter schools like the good old days of the 18th and 19th centuries.
• There might be some discussion of alternative energy and climate change with Obama. With Romney oil and coal producers will get free rein to continue to ravage and rape the planet.
• The middle class has a fighting chance under Obama. Romney will sacrifice the middle class to aid the rich.
• Obama has a genuine concern, although not through actions, for the poor. Romney has no use for the poor. 
• More truth from Obama; less truth from Romney.
• More consistency from Obama; Romney, whichever the money blows.
• Obama has heart and soul; Romney has soul but little heart.
• Obama has a greater intellect than Romney and thinks things out more than Romney.
• Obama has empathy and sympathy. For Romney, sympathy can be found under 'S' in the dictionary.
• Both have ties to the wealthy and neither seem able or willing to stand up to big money. However, Romney is deeper into the club.

Something to consider is that most issues are now global. Climate change, economies, terrorists, environmental collapse, etc. will not be solved by either Obama or Romney. So many tipping points have been reached and we, the planet, is in big trouble. We will soon be looking at much "gnashing of teeth." When it all begins to crash, I guess I just trust Obama to help put it together than I ever would Romney who would probably try to restore the monarchy.