I’m not tired of reading your thoughts here, Dona. Couldn’t be. I understand and feel as you do. I live 5 miles east of the site of the RNC so I am following local news stations’ reactions (first blush) to the changes to the big show in town. I am also watching the Networks. McCain was given an incredible (and FREE) boost on the 6 PM news when he was interviewed today by Brian Williams. McCain was given air time and acted “presidential”, indicating that he would act in the coming days for the good of the People (in reference to the folks in Gustav’s path). The 5 seconds given to a tape of Obama made him look like an afterthought. That was a strategy carried out by the Network. It was very disheartening to watch tonight. I would like to run an 15-second piece nightly during prime time that reminds the People to get/stay informed, question what they see and hear, vote on the issues that matter to them, and always have “the good of our entire County at heart”. Thank you for your wonderful post.

It was very troubling for me to watch the news tonight (Sunday), Diana. Lester Holt was anchoring from NO just a day from Gustav making landfall. The network chose to show viewers a piece about Gustav & Politics showing McCain acting “presidential” and making decisions for the good of the People. The interview was conducted by Brian Williams, who showed no inclination to keep to the role of impartial journalist. They made one comment about Obama: that he would visit the damaged areas later. This piece landed in the living rooms of millions of citizens catching up on current events. That twist and delivery was clearly biased and did more to promote McCain (for FREE!) than anything I’ve seen to date. It brings to mind a Geo. Orwell book and the ugly face of fa**ism.

Hi Diana and Frank. That reporter is CBS News correspondent Kimberly Dozier. Thanks for this thread. I’m doing okay albeit weary —listening and learning for the most part.

A good many issues and a lot of visceral things are out on the table. It has been an emotional time for me too. Fortunately we’ve got time (weeks, anyway) to appreciate who we are, what we’ve been through, how things are shaking out politically, and what’s important to us - where to put our vote. Thanks for your reply.

Let’s back up and use some intellect here rather than bravado. We’re all going to make our decisions in the voter’s booth. Name issues most important to you, Star, that leaders should focus on if elected? How you are using reasoning to form your opinions?

Appreciate you all. Keep it up!

THAT perception should be stated again and loudly: “McCain and the GOP think so little of this country”. If you think this too strong a statement, take it upon yourself to learn from history, read current events, put yourself in another’s shoes and decide how YOU would like the country to be treated. With care? Or with no regard. Time passes, things change. Maybe take a drive around your city or town. Hmmm. Potholes gettin’ worse and that bridgework looked like it was from the 50’s. Storefronts closed. For sale signs everywhere. What else do you see that needs fixin’? Now don’t go getting defensive. That’s not my intent. ‘Awareness’ is the point. It takes responsible people to work on problems of infrastructure, education, the economy. Work to be done by you, by our neighbors all the way up to the highest levels. Who makes the biggest impact on the greatest number of people? It is ultimately the responsibility of the leaders we elect. Our leaders need to have our citizens’ well-being and respect for the Constitution & Bill of Rights at the core of their vision. Big word, Vision. It’s important and so are the objectives and strategies for seeing it happen. Takes bucks. Takes prioritization. Takes teamwork. No time for pettiness or blame. Leader’s got to feel this in his gut that, yes, there are problems to solve in this country that I love. It’s a call to action. Not a call to serve self and buddies. If you haven’t used your eyes, heart and reasoning to decide what a good leader is, then I challenge you to do so now. You want better, maybe for your selves, son or daughter? Read some, listen some, question everything. We all need to stay informed. I, for one, want my leaders to care about our country’s today, tomorrow and yesterday.

Gee, you didn’t write back. Off to your second part time job?

I get perhaps a false sense of security on wOw that there are many informed citizens, Anam Cara, but then at the State Fair we attended yesterday I saw many folks indicating they were backing other candidates. A bit scary-looking on a lot of levels. That’s all I’l say so as not to sound unkind. It is early and what a wild week we’ve just seen! How will Gustav be used to political advantage. It will; we know that. Your thoughts?

And what a game, joan. Is it possible another shoe will drop? Can’t say this hasn’t gotten everyone’s attention. Hi Whoopi :-)

LOL! The buzz today is electric!

They played their idea of a trump card. But then again —They Don’t Get It. Fortunately informed citizens look past the “external”.

I’d agree that that motivation is there at the higher levels in the political arena. Disasters begin locally. Emergency Ops Plans are being reviewed. Individuals have responsibilities too. Like you, RL, I’m thinking about how to stay informed, get prepared and get connected in my community.

If you feel blueish (your typo - everyone makes them from time to time, don’t feel bad) your heart may not be working. Seek medical attention right away.