by Ken King

As November rapidly approaches I felt a need to get out some ramblings before we pick the direction we want to go as we enter the next millennium. Yeah, I'm old school and still believe you start counting from one and not zero. Other old school ideals that I have are that I would like to see our elected officials display and practice ethical conduct while serving. Your character IS what it all IS about. You represent us, show it the respect and dignity the job deserves. I also want our officials to work more towards fixing problems than posturing about them and toeing party lines. I want something we haven't had during the past eight years. To that end I make the following comments for you to consider. 

What is Bill Clinton's legacy? For me it has become the needless deaths of seventeen United States Navy personnel from the USS Cole. This is what Clinton's relentless ambition towards creating one worldwide civilization has led us too. We are making deals with those we shouldn't and sending our troops to places they don't belong. This has held consistent for the entire Clinton era. It will continue under Gore because these two are cut from the same cloth. Anyone that can't see that ought to visit an optometrist before entering the booth. 

Seeing is what people need to do before they vote. You need to see the visions of these candidates. GW wants the people to control more of their lives at State and local level. I agree and believe that is how it was intended. I also believe that I see Gore's vision. I see it as one that erodes away at the basic freedoms of our way of life. It is big government putting its big nose into every aspect of our lives. He wants gun owners to have photo identification cards, much like the driver's license. Excuse me Mr. Gore but driving is a privilege, owning a gun is a right. Why should you, the government, need to know if I, the law-abiding citizen, own a gun? The only logical assumption is that you intend to come take it away one day. In the words of NRA President Heston, "when you pry it from my cold dead hand!" 

Mr. Gore wants everyone covered by health insurance and all seniors to have prescription coverage with government subsidies. I want to know how in the hell we are going to pay for this, pay down the national debt and balance the budget all at the same time. Not to mention boosting the other programs in your false dream. Where are your numbers Mr. Gore? Whose budget gets cut? More from Defense, how about State? Let's re-invent the wheel and put more sides to it like you have with our government agencies. Heck, I guess we don't need agents overseas near the ports where we refuel our vessels, do we. Don't try to scare people about the Bush programs because his ideas make more sense to me than the outrageous promises that will have no chance what so ever with Congress. You are pitching similar promises to those that you and Bill made eight years ago and again four years ago. You have yet to bring them out because it cannot be done your way. Will we see another shutdown if you don't get your way.

Mr. Gore wants to continue to battle for you while Mr. Bush wants to get something done. Why does the process need to be so confrontational like it has for the past eight years? We all have seen it work better, like under Reagan when this prosperity began. I think that Bush can work with the Congress and get some needed changes happening. Gore wants to battle his way with non-compromising issues. He wants the turmoil to continue to be able to place blame on the Congress for his inability to lead. Clinton has done nothing for America other than to put a blemish on our presidency. He has embarrassed us to the whole world and we need better in our highest office. How can a clown effectively represent us? He can't, this is why previous alliances have broken down and various groups around the world are challenging us. In a time when we could be more powerful than ever he has stripped us and stretched us to the maximum limits with regard to our military. At the same time he frolics about with any woman that will have him and tries with several that wouldn't. This is our leader and in the words of Al Gore, "the best President in the history of America." 

All of this while Al was second in command. He was right there at Clinton's shoulder supporting him 100% of the way. At least at that time old Joe Lieberman saw the faults and spoke out, but not AL. If he wouldn't stand up for what was right then how can we trust him to do it now and in the future? He is unable to lead, all I have seen him do is wrangle. Just like the master that taught him. He has yet been able to display the characteristics of what it takes to lead people. I have seen him act like a boss, directing and dictating. We don't need a boss, what America wants and needs is a leader. Bush looks and acts like he can pull it off and I want to see him get a chance. I encourage all of you that read this not to make Al Gore the Clinton legacy. Get out and vote. A couple of minutes can make a difference.