The criticisms of the candidates made here are valid, but that shouldn't be interpreted as meaning that both candidates are equally bad or good for the country. In Obama's case we need to fear he will compromise too much toward the center. In McCain's case we need to fear he will no move nearly enough toward the center, that he will be Bush reincarnated. Obama appears more stable and calm. McCain appears quite angry and erratic. And, then there are the age and health issues, and the differences in the vice presidential candidates they picked. Criticism alone is not much help without weighing the worth of each candidate relative to one another.

Sir;...With what alarm should I take the news that the republicans may not side down hill into the white house on a scum of slurs, and mud, insults and lies. I swear, democrats must be born with targets or kick me signs on their backs. They can't seem to fight back. They can't seem to get angry, or call a spade a spade. I think the American people would respect the democrats better if they would tell the voters how the republicans were using them. The only thing is, both parties keep the people powerless, begging every good from government, and getting only what they get. Neither party supports education because the people are powerless to demand education, and one side actively promotes ignorance. Educated people are human capital, but human capital deep in debt are the slaves of their paychecks. The rich can import that sort of capital at minimum wage. Why should they pay more to see people educated when so many educated people vote democratic??? No; neither side supports the population. Each party realizes some one has to win, and those who win have got to do some good, at least. They take turns misleading the country, and all the people can do is vote against the pain. But, God bless them, the people know what they hate, and even if they can be tied in a knot fighting their demons nothing will improve, and the demons can always be resurrected, every election year... So what if the slime isn't working this year, and people have fears of the future so great that they do something crazy like voting democrat??? They'll get 'em next time. They won't cooperate. They can poison the process if they can't steal the election. As you can see... I've seen it all before...But while they fiddle, the economy piddles......Thanks....Sweeney

It's a nice simple tale, Cockburn, but not worth much. What are you and Nader going to do to have an impact for any purpose other than politically correct vanity?

Re: Masako;...Sir, I think Mr. Cockburn as discovered that the republicans need a weatherman to tell them which way the wind blows. They know a lot about wind... I think over the years they have blown enough sand up my yas to cover a beach.  I wonder how many back aches and hemorrhoids I have suffered in my life to put money in republican pockets. I only wish I could say that it is all behind me. And it might be if I could die quick, because if  I don't die quick, I might be dieing broke. What do you think? How much over 250K are you??? I'd vote with my wallet,  but my wallet is too thin to hold an opinion. It's as skinny as a snake on meth...Kind of like the republican plan for the future...Thanks...Sweeney

Re: James A, Sweeney: All true, and none of that's news to Cockburn. But you know me, just trying to work with what I got, and I still can't get my mind off the initial victory of Bush that was aided and abetted by Nader (and, of course, the Supremes). Sometimes it really matters who gets elected, and now is one of those times. Cheers. Masako

Okay, let me try again. Mr. Cockburn, if we can't look to you, how bad off are we? Why don't you articulate what the nation should be doing right now, you old fool? Remember the lyrics from the old "The Who" song: "then I'll get on my knees and pray, pray, pray, we don't get fooled again?" Tell the world what we should do. This is a time when the rules of wealth and how it is shared can be redefined.