The tone of recent campaign events for John McCain and Sarah Palin has gone well beyond “politics as usual.”  Rants and chants from the angry crowds willing to go to any lengths to make sure their frustrated voices are heard. A sampling of such repulsive epithets has included = “He’s a terrorist!”  “Obama bin Lyin’,” “Kill Him,” and “Off With His Head.” 

I certainly agree with our first amendment rights and election time brings out some of the more thoughtful, poignant political discourse. Unfortunately, its also gives rise to the fringe movements – both on the right and left – that make so many of us cringe at what becomes an ever increasing mudslinging, reputation damaging, character assassinating attempt to discount any decent, constructive dialogue.

I tend to be a little left of center, so please pardon my slight bias. But without prejudice or silly labeling, this campaign has now reached its lowest depths.  The hostility seems to be in repeat cycle every four years. With the combustible combination of an angry right and McCain trailing badly in the polls three weeks before the vote, surfaces an unruly populace hell bent on saying anything to discredit the enemy. We’ve seen it before with the Swift Boaters and their blasphemous rage against John Kerry four years ago.

Now, we see this same attitude and behavior all too familiar to many of us rear its ugly head in a cauldron of dangerous words and mistruths.

The Republicans always argue that their opponent is someone to fear, who doesn’t know you as well as I do, that his failure to wear a flag pin on his lapel is somehow dangerous and risky to our well being. The Republicans offer us a world of unpatriotic, terroristic associations with a “street gang” mentality. The straight-talk express and country first motto far outweigh any meaningful discussion of economic policies, health care reforms and environmental preservations. 

I didn’t buy it four years ago and I’m certainly not subscribing to the Bill Ayers guilt by association tactics, the constant smearing that we don’t know who Obama is, his lack of patriotism, his Muslim middle name, his skin color, etc. That “other one” I heard McCain retort in the second debate as if Obama is from a foreign country with outlandish ideas.

However, this time, rather than falling into that quicksand of lies and misrepresentations, more Americans are beginning to see the fallacy of the Republican arguments. These people can picture Obama, an American, a Christian, a family man, a neighbor, a friend. He’s more like us than we first believed. He waves his flag and places his right hand over his chest while singing “God Bless America” just like we do.

Finally, the smoke is beginning to clear. More citizens can see Obama as President of the United States. He’s no more or less patriotic than John McCain. He’s one of us.

But don't ask him if McCain was right about the surge, because he'll tell you his idea was better even though all of congress voted for it. No matter how you look at it, Obama is enjoying acting as our president. Shooting some baskets while the wife sits among selected soldiers does not make one the leader of the greatest free country in the world. I can tell you from experience that the Army only selected Obama supporters and desk jockeys to attend any get together. That's Army protocol.

He was against the surge in Iraq even though he is enjoying the results of it now by putting on his little sideshow. Since he was so much against it, why does he want to use it in Afghanistan? The real fighters in the military are afraid of this clown with the big ears. He wanted to pull them out of the war and admit defeat six months ago! And all of you hippie Obama types that have fallen for his great dream speeches should realize that he's going to copy McCain's ideas for Afghanistan if you elect him. So do you vote for the copier or the person that's the real innovator and leader?

Pride of performance is nurtured by patriotism. People are the true assets of any country who can change the destiny of a sleep-crumpled nation through commitment with national concerns by generating cooperation among their countrymen. The patriots consider work as their national responsibility and not a burden. While people deprived of these gorgeous sentiments seek means to avoid hardwork and think as parasites. They always gave priority to their selfish preoccupations over national imperatives. These cheap Charlie freeloaders can also be easily exploited by the foreign despicable agents who use them as tools for their nefarious activities. Patriots cannot be dissuaded by the enemies working against their nationwide interests.

Venetian blind racism endangers global peace and harmony. World War I was fought due to jingoism of bigoted nationalists. Axis powers were defeated resulting in the triumph of the Allied forces. Millions of lives were lost due to the horrendous war fought due to national chauvinism. The superiority complex of the nations at war resulted in dreadful consequences. League of Nations was established in 1919 to counter the eruption of any global war in future but it badly botched to prevent the mayhem resulting from the brutalities of the World War II.

Tough customer and live wire Adolph Hitler adopted bellicose and pugnacious attitude that ignited the second horrible global war resulting in massive casualties. UNO was established during the termination phase of the WWII. However, this gumless lion has shoddily failed to prevent the global dinosaurs, who love to shed human blood by inflicting injuries, to wreak havoc. The boneless global organization has been hijacked by the yellow-eyed crocodiles having hegemonic designs in the world. Sarcastically, the bridles of the offshoots of this worldwide institution are in the hands of jingoist hawks who have made the future of mankind terrifically insecure through their dreadful adventurisms.

Now several countries possess nukes and other deadly weapons in their arsenals. Therefore, the glimmers of hope for the establishment of global synchronization to ensure nonviolent co-existence are becoming extremely bleak with each passing day because of waging unjust wars and use of lethal weapons by power boozed alligators. These power intoxicated militarists want to impose their nude culture on others because they have illusion that their way of life is supreme. These fanatics have crossed the limits of patriotism and bounds of international morality. Therefore, I can only say:

Blind  nationalism  cultivates  prejudice, pomp, show  and vanity
Blessed patriotism sublimates peace, pride, shelter and humanity;
Solidarity  and fraternity are the byproducts of superb patriotism
Outcomes of canopy chauvinism are nothing but war and inanity.

The disgusting ambiance of feudalism and despotism cannot permit hallowed patriotic sentiments to flourish in the society. In the European countries feudalism was replaced by sightless nationalism. Race superiority complex is still prevalent in these countries that have drawn narrow-minded lines among these nations despite their unity in the form of European Union.  Some members have not adopted Euro as their national currency due to ethnocentrism and some of the countries have not even joined this continental organization. Every country in Europe considers its own mother tongue superior than others. In developing countries patriotism has been eroded by authoritarianism and feudalism. Democracy can provide suitable atmosphere for patriotism to thrive that is hanging in the balance in these states.

Patriotism has been deliberately crushed in Pakistan . After the death of the father of the nation the bridles of power wrongly fell into the hands of feudal lords. The founder of the country successfully evoked patriotic passions among the masses. He tackled the issues of language controversy and the declaring of Karachi as the federal capital through his political sagacity and statesman like wisdom. The Quaid-i-Azam stirred up patriotic passions among the bureaucracy that served the wounded nation with a sense of dedication and selfless devotion. The erudite great leader spared no effort to unite the nascent nation under the banner of the land of the pure. But he did not get sufficient time to indoctrinate the teeming millions with unbounded love for their newly carved out motherland.

His untimely death was an immense jolt for the blossoming nation that has pinned great expectations with his integrity and bolt upright personality. The leadership vacuum generated after the death of the grand leader, having indomitable will and dauntless courage, could not be adequately replaced by PM Liaqat Ali Khan. The leadership crisis further worsened after the assassination of the Quaid-i-Millat on October 16, 1951 in Company Bagh Rawalpindi. Subsequent political wrangling among the vested interests did not permit patriotic fraternity to take its firm roots. Patriotism further withered away with the imposition of Martial Law. Partisan industrialization policies of President Ayub Khan resulted in driving the economic wedge between the two wings that culminated in their permanent separation. Economic exploitation by the business tycoons resulted in the dominance of divisive forces between the constituent units. The Bengalis gave priority to the regional language over national language. Ideology also failed to act as a cementing force. Patriotism was dominated by Bengali nationalism and ultimately the monument of the Quiad-i-Azam fractured into two parts.

Patriotism can flourish when needs of the people are fulfilled by the state and the hoi polloi genuinely feel that they are the masters of their destiny. If state is negligent toward the meeting out of basic necessities of life then it would generate indifference in the public toward the country. Patriotic sentiments die down when a person has empty stomach for want of a square meal. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), British lexicographer and writer fittingly attributed in his magnum opus “Lives of the English Poets” "Collins" (1779-1781). “A man, doubtful of his dinner, or trembling at a creditor, is not much disposed to abstracted meditation, or remote enquiries.” Therefore, it is essential to empower the public by establishing true democracy at the grassroots level to inculcate genuine national pride .Only a popular government elected through transparent polls can help to fulfill the requirements of the people.

Blind nationalism is the basis of prejudice and hate. It is a distorted form of patriotism. Everyone should love his country without abhorring other nations. Every nation has its own culture. Therefore, the global hammer men should promote cultural relativism instead of ethnocentrism to bring harmony and peace in the world. Cecil Arthur Spring-Rice (1859-1918), British diplomat, written on his departure from Washington these passionate words under the caption “I Vow to Thee, My Country" (January 12, 1918) that reflects the feelings of every true patriot:”

“I vow to thee, my country-all earthly things above-
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love,
The love that asks no question: the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best:
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.”

Everybody says "independence", "Freedom" and so on, but to me the 4th of July means something more entirely. The 4th of July is the celebration of the fulfillment of a dream.

The 4th of July and the birth of the American nation is the celebration of a dream our forefathers had finally coming to fruition.

No country is more free, no people more independent than those of America.

However, with great freedom comes great responsibility and that seems to be something too many Americans forget. They want to have the cake, but they don't want to take part in baking it.

Americans need to realize freedom is more than just "Oh, I can say what I want,it's a free country"

Freedom is a gift, had it not been for our forefathers dream, we may never have known the America we do today, and the sad part of it all is that so much is taken for granted.

So many are unthankful for the blessings we've been given.

Even Loving and marrying the person you want is a freedom not enjoyed in many other countries.

In India, and innumerable other places,marriages are still arranged. Some people are so unthankful for our freedoms, they've taken to mocking them and the people who've fought and died to protect them.

Example,soldiers who served in Vietnam, to preserve the liberties of people there, are still to this day often ridiculed. Liberty is not just a "concept" it is not just for the "elite".

Liberty is a God-given,valuable,priceless gift, my final statement in writing this article,

Have some respect ! The fourth of July should be a celebration of Liberty, not just another commercialized occasion.

• Spike Lee has come out saying that when Obama is elected, it will be a "Chocolate City"!
  
• Obama promised to debate McCain anywhere and anytime. Now he will only debate him on the 4th of July when almost every American will not be home!
  
• He has promised to bring all ethnicities together but would not let Muslim women set behind him.
  
• He now is sporting his own personal seal which resembles the Presidential Seal! Is this the beginning of the Obama Republic? How arrogant!
  
• Mosheh Oinounou, writes that McCain Campaign Senior Adviser Steve Schmidt says: "As we scrutinize Barack Obama's words, it is increasingly difficult for those of us with the responsibility of following this year's election closely to discern what Obama truly believes at his core on the issues of great importance to the American people."
  
• Barack Obama said during the primaries, "Don't tell me words don't matter." That's all he has done is speak words without any explanations of any plans to restore our country!
  
• Obama reversed his position on accepting general election public financing. This change in position comes after nearly two years of speaking to and signing his name to his commitment to the public financing system. In the end, Barack Obama's words were empty and he decided to break his pledge to accept public financing in the general election.
  
• The energy policy that he assails for being a Bush-Cheney creation for the benefit of the oil companies is the very same energy policy he voted for in the 2005 Energy Bill. Again, Barack Obama's words on energy are empty and actually contrary to his own public record.
  
• His tax increases would hurt the economy and American workers.
  
• Obama consistently attacks John McCain for favoring "tax breaks to corporations." Yet, he recently told The Wall Street Journal that he too was considering cutting corporate taxes. Just last month, Barack Obama called corporate tax cuts "the exact wrong prescription for America." On one day, Barack Obama took two positions on one issue, again leaving observers and voters unsure of what he really believes.
  
• Throughout the primaries, Barack Obama has been determined to withdraw from Iraq regardless of the consequences or the facts on the ground. This week, Barack Obama talked with the Iraqi Foreign Minister. According to The Washington Post, the Foreign Minister left the conversation "reassured". The ABC News headline captures this perplexing issue clearly: "Obama and Iraqi Foreign Minister have Different Memories of their Conversation." In our foreign policy, we cannot afford a president whose public words are discounted by allies and enemies alike.
  
• OBAMA said: "Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided." Yet, only a day later, Barack Obama said the future of Jerusalem would have to be negotiated by Israel and the Palestinians. Barack Obama was no longer prepared to say that Jerusalem should be undivided.
  
• At a time when we need a break on gas, Obama is still against any tax cuts which would help the common people!
  

Every word out of his mouth about wanting to help the common people of this nation is a lie! If you don't wake up, We'll have Obama as our Supreme Commander, Farrakhan as our Nation Defense Secretary, Father Michael Pfleger as Minister of Intelligence, Reverend Wright as Minister of Education and Reverend Al Sharpton as Minister of Justice! The time is coming unless America wakes up, we will all be singing, "Hail to the Supreme Commander Obama." (That is if the White Race is not ethnically cleansed by the new Supreme Order!)

The Chinese are trying to poison our children and pets with lead. Now they are slurping up our greatly needed oil just 50 miles of the coast of Florida! We have more oil in just 3 of our states than the whole Middle East combined. Who is allowing this to tear down our democracy? Is there some kind of pact we don't know about? The Democrats in Congress have the majority but refuse to do anything unless they can pocket a huge amount of money in the process. How many of them do you think owns stock in petroleum? Everyone thinks the good old Democratic Party represents the poor and middle classes. That's an old theory now. I'm tired of the Democrats setting on their rear-ends, doing nothing. Then when the people ask why nothing is being done, they just set around and point a finger at the poor President! Even Obama the new Dali Lama, has people believing he will help them. It's a lie! How can you help people by saying you are going to increase the tax on coal and natural gas? Wake up people! That's just going to increase your power bills even more! He says that he wants to send everyone more money to stimulate the economy and help the people. I don't know about you but, I think that may only equal about 5 trips to the gas station. That just means more money in the pockets of the petroleum companies! I'm glad that Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio told Obama to stick Vice Presidency in his ear!

The unheard majority, THE HANDICAPPED, need to be heard also. Most of my readers have no idea what it's like to be disabled. You take our parking spots when you're completely healthy. Until you pull up to a store and dread having to walk to the short distance to the entrance because it feels like you're running a marathon, or until you dream at night hoe you used to run and enjoy life, then wake up to the reality that you can hardly walk or can't walk, or you get hit with diabetes or heart problems and the GOODY-GOODY TWO SHOES people of the world prevent you from being cured through stem cell research, will you ever understand. As long as you remain not handicapped you won't really care as long as it's the other person, not you that needs the help. Try this little experiment. Tie a board to an arm or leg, or both, and go the whole day that way. Then tell the government there is no need for stem cell research!

Thank God for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute that was featured last week on 60 minutes! It gives all of us handicapped a gleam of light at the end of a very long tunnel. Someone cares! Amazing! Maybe we can all walk again!

So, no fuel, no money, no food, no help to cure the sick, food being poisoned, toys and pet food being poisoned, a do nothing congress, all being determined by outside sources. TO ME THAT'S WAR!

Hamas and other terrorist organizations are hoping he wins so it will be easier to defeat us. Ahmadinejad is licking his chops and telling the world that the unraveling of the United States has begun! He will cleanse the earth by destroying anyone that does not follow his beliefs.

Senators and Congressmen have decided they know better than the people, and selected a Demon with a gold tongue. They actually believe he can control the world and make the people believe all is well with extreme taxation so the Delegates and Super Delegates can gain riches and wealth beyond their wildest dreams! They will be able to have uncontrolled power or the peasants. We won't need an Army as long as the Golden Tongued Warrior exists.

YOU IDIOTS! You have just picked Obama to lead the Democrats because of his speech and race. Just like an American Idol gets selected. Well, when malls start blowing up, you have no money because taxes are so high, and our troops get defeated because of poor morale and not enough supplies; just remember that you selected Obama the Great to lead this country to its destruction. JUST AS IT HAPPENED DURING THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. Someday, someone will read in the history books about a country named "The United States Of America" that was the strongest in the world, but the stupid people failed to see all the warning signs about this man, and collapsed!

The other day if you recall, Obama scorned the Pastor's remarks. BUT he did not come out and cut all relationship to the man he loves as much as his White Grandmother! Why?
And how can you trust Hillary? Her background is covered with supporting communists and terrorists. Is that the reason Bill didn't pull the trigger on Osama Bin Laden when he had the chance? Also, husband Bill still must carry the guilt of the thousands of slaughtered people by ethnic cleansing in Rwanda! She's getting some very shady donations lately.

To quote Fox News,

Clearly Barack Obama should not have stayed in Rev Wright's church and his campaign should not maintain a "friendly" relationship with William Ayers. But what about Hillary's service on a board that gave money to a terrorist organization? And her hosting of a terror supporting group in the White House? And her acceptance of a $50,000 contribution from that group? And the statements of terrorists that they are hoping for her to win.

We must elect John McCain at all costs. Just remember Hoosiers & North Carolinians, WE NEED A PRESIDENT NOT A POP IDOL! The very survival of our way of lives will depend on who's elected in November.

Last night on Fox News "Special Report" it was as if they plucked the words from my yesterday!

As I tuned to the Fox News Channel, guests were all saying "we need a strong leader like John McCain." They said that Iran or Osama Bin Laden would not want to aggravate him if he were President. They would fear getting him upset because of the consequences.

So now that McCainiacs are starting to grow in huge numbers the Democrats will grow weaker. You can't have a good economy or health care plan without security. We must protect ourselves first. McCain is very passionate in his belief of protecting our country.

If you are a veteran ask yourself who you would want to be Commander-in-Chief! Obama? All he would do is talk. Hillary? She would hesitate maybe to long before doing something. Or McCain? The person who wouldn't talk or hesitate. He'd take immediate action as we should have in the beginning with Iraq.

We McCainiacs know that John McCain will not play games. He will definitely come out of Iraq with a victory, and will once and for all bring Osama Bin Laden to justice. Sorry Democrats but McCainiacs will rule come November. You have no leaders running for President and Americans will see it once McCain pins your nominee to the mat!

Both Hillary & Obama have not shown the American people that they can be a good leader. I want a spitfire, determinant minded, no-nonsense kind of President. My vote is on John McCain. He displays the kind of leadership everyone is looking for. Do you honestly think Hillary or Obama have the where-withal to stand up to Iran or the Taliban? Or any of the other so-called bullies of the world? John McCain would spit in their eye and draw a line in the sand, while standing his ground! McCain even has an idea that would lower the gas prices by about one-third of what it costs now.

Last night I watched the reality of what's happening in Afghanistan on CBS's 60 Minutes. While we have been fighting in Iraq, Al-Qaeda and the Talban have been getting stronger. They have even proven that they have better tactical training than ever before. Only one Candidate running for President says that he "knows the people and the plan to end our troubles in both areas". We must strengthen our forces in Afghanistan before it's too late, while keeping Iraq from falling into hostile hands. The next President will have a large plate on his table. I only hope America decides on a "leader" not a "speaker or do-nothing". If you want to be safe in America, you'll vote for McCain. The man that won't be pushed around!