WHY CAN’T REAL LIFE BE MORE LIKE TELEVISION?

Being the cynical, pessimistic person that I am, it should come as no surprise that I’m not too interested in politics. For years I was registered as an Independent, not wanting to affiliate myself with either party. A few years ago I did change my registration to Democrat, just so I’d be able to vote in the primaries. Still, my opinion of politicians remains the same. I watch shows like “The West Wing and “Commander in Chief” or movies like “An American President” and “Dave” and think “If only there were real people like this!” I’d vote for Martin Sheen in a heartbeat, but I don’t think we’ll ever see such a man in the White House…or even in the running.

Art and I were both happy to be in the states for the most recent election, happy to be able to cast our vote against Anne Northup and for whomever it was running against her. Isn’t this part of the problem? I don’t know if I can even remember the last time I voted FOR someone rather than against someone. Politics today seem to be the lesser of two evils, the scandal that hasn’t yet come to light, or simply fear combined with large amounts of money.

When the Democrats won not only in local elections but also all over the country, my first thought was “PLEASE don’t screw this up!!!” The Democratic party has had such a difficult time in recent years finding intelligent, articulate and charismatic candidates. Maybe all the good ones are just too smart to run for office. The Democratic Party seems to be its own worst enemy most of the time.

Apparently my wish to not screw things up isn’t going to come true. After promising to clean up, first Pelosi nominates Murtha, not exactly squeaky clean, and now Hastings, another dubious choice. What…were there no other candidates available? No one without questionable connections, no one free of convictions?

Now instead of trying to do some good, instead of trying to build some momentum for the 2008 elections, Democrats everywhere will either have to distance themselves from the party (making them remarkably similar to most elected Republicans) or they’ll have to spend their time trying to justify the unjustifiable.

What the hell was Pelosi thinking??? Who’s advising her? Oh yeah, probably the same idiots who haven’t been able to mount a viable candidate for years and who have obviously lost their minds due to the shock of the Democratic wins this past time.

It’s enough to make be go back to being an Independent. Or to urge Martin Sheen to run for office.