My $0.02 on the First Presidential Debate of 2008

Two days ago, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain held the first of three debates at the University of Mississippi at Oxford. The main topics that were discussed dealt with the economy and foreign relations (mainly the Middle East). A few days prior to the debate, there were rumors that McCain might not show up, but he ultimately did.

In the hours following the 90 minute debate, the media sounded off on each candidate's performance. Many praised Obama for coming off as calm and patient, but assertive. Some said McCain could have done better, though he certainly came off as tough and willful. These were the most common views held by television networks and newspapers.

Personally, I think both candidates failed to talk about the real issues America faces. Forget the government bailout; it's going to fail, as it is backed by nothing but paper money. Forget whether Afghanistan is more dangerous than Iran. The truth is both men represent similar interests and that is big government spending.

Both men claim their goal is to reform Washington. But how can they when both of them are controlled by billionaire special interest groups? I could care less about the technicalities and petty issues each men pointed out. I didn't tune into the debate to hear the same bickering one would expect from high school girls.

I tuned in to the debate because I wanted to hear both candidates' views on the Federal Reserve and the IRS, and why they rob taxpayers' hundreds of millions of dollars. I tuned in because I hoped either one of them would address the issue of Americans losing countless liberties every day. I thought I might hear something regarding why our government continues to believe it's an obligation to maintain an empire overseas and tell other nations what to do. I wanted to know what each thought about America becoming more socialist as time goes on.

But I didn't. All I heard was nonsense. That is why I cannot and will not vote for either corporate, neo-conservative lap dog.