Best Democracy

I have just finished reading Greg Palast's "The Best Democracy Money Can Buy" and if you are interested in how your government really works, I recommend it.

However, it has made me eat my words. I once said that "Dubya" was not good at anything he did. After reading this book I find that he is really good indeed at sleazy, manipulative, underhanded dirty politics. Oh, I don't give him all the credit. A man of his limited abilities couldn't do this all on his own. No, he had plenty of help.

He has been indulged by a powerful and wealthy family who has supported his candidacy for president in every way imaginable. And his advisors were able to manipulate him to their own good and well-being. The rest of us are bearing the fruits of these selfish and failed policies. When I think of the young men and women who faithfully invaded another country and died or were maimed and changed for the rest of their lives, my heart bleeds for them. We are on the brink of recession and in debt to China and Japan among others and the outlook is bleak. So, to whom do we look to save us?

With the election ahead of us, we have to ask ourselves, "Which candidate can I trust?" Oh, I forgot. Truth has no place in politics.

When the smear campaigns start, I will scrutinize the smearer. Once the smear appears on TV and in the newspapers, we all think it's truth. And then we tell our families, e-mail our friends and innocently and unintentionally do the dirty work for them. Works every time.

If I sound disheartened, I probably am. But I am an optimist. Hopefully, the people will start to take charge and this veil of apathy and acceptance will disappear. These candidates need to know that we expect them to run this country with honor, integrity and truth.

I am not sure that my education on government is complete, so I am going to read Mr. Palast's next book, "Armed Madhouse." If I find it interesting and revealing, I'll let you know. By the way, these opinions are mine alone and I know that many will disagree. That's what makes this such fun and I hope makes people think.

Carol Spear
Lake Placid