"There's small choice in rotten apples." William Shakespeare, Taming of the Shrew
America is in an existential crisis. Quite honestly, it is of our own making. We face a Hobson's choice for our next President. We have lost control of our elections to the wealthy individuals and deceptively named PACs that manipulate the electorate through deceitful and misleading political messages.
At this moment, there is no choice of candidates. One is descending into the sunset of his life; the other is evil and undemocratic.
And the hypocrisy among those raising their voices for one to step aside is astounding.
The debate between the candidates was a disaster. But not just because one's weakness was so apparent. The fact that the other candidate couldn't utter one factual statement, failed to offer any in-depth answer to questions put to him (or ignored it altogether), and used nothing but meaningless superlatives to describe his record, ignoring the reality of the nightmare of his first term in office further underscores our dilemma.
Yet, with all that said, I think it is time. I think it is time for the major political parties to honestly assess their candidates and do what is right for the country.
Mr. Biden has served with distinction throughout his career. His taking the country's helm in January 2021 diverted us from the road to ruin set by the previous administration.
However, his skills are no longer up to the task.
Once President, Mr. Trump acted in a manner that should have surprised no one. Anyone who has investigated his business "success" knows it was mostly smoke and mirrors. A pyramid screen built on lies, deceptive business practices, and lack of integrity.
And now he is a convicted felon. His skills were never up to the task.
For the Democrats to throw up their hands and say we have no choice but to support Mr Biden is an abdication of their responsibility to the party's platforms and, more importantly, the country.
For the Republicans to ignore the fact their leading candidate is a convicted felon—this from the party that claims to support strong law enforcement—and to continue to support his candidacy is the most egregious failure of character in the history of the United States.
And to claim the entire Justice System was corrupted to bring these charges and obtain this conviction is the biggest lie. And Republicans bear the sole responsibility by supporting both the downfall of faith in the Justice system and the willingness to ignore the truth behind the conviction, not to mention the damage down to the faith in the integrity of our elections.
Both of these parties are made up of Americans. Within these parties are those who understand it is time for a change. It is time for voices to be raised on both sides of the political spectrum, demanding new candidates.
If the Republicans refuse to name a new candidate, and the Democrats continue to see their choice as their best opportunity to win in November, we will have no choice.
There comes a time when one must do the right thing even if it goes against your best interests.
The damage to our standing in the world, which began its steep decline under the previous administration, will worsen if one of these two candidates becomes the next President.
Mr. Biden will live under the shadow of being a compromised, vulnerable world leader.
Mr. Trump will merely revitalize the isolationist, naïve, and equally dangerous domestic and foreign policies that so diminished us in the eyes of the world.
There is no more dangerous time than the moment. Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are joined in a cabal, doing whatever they can to hasten our demise.
Idealism can only carry us so far. Sometimes, ideals are threatened by the tip of a spear and offer little protection. That is when reality kicks in.
I hope Mr. Biden weighs his choice carefully. I hope he acts as I expect an experienced statesman would and does what is right for the country. I've heard him say several times that it is time for a new generation to take the lead.
Now is that moment.
As to Mr. Trump, there is no hope. He will act as always and do what is in his best interest. A philanderer, a scam artist, a man with little moral fiber, challenged by the most straightforward task if they contradict his narrow and frighteningly uninformed grasp of history, honor, and duty, cannot be expected to change.
Any change on the Republican side, and there are honorable and respected members of that party who could act, must come from within. Look in a federal prison if they can't find anybody to take his place. There are many people there with the same credentials, and they claim they are innocent and were framed as well.
The reality is that there may not be a choice come November. What does that say about us as a people?
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