Our Un-Enlightenment

I’ve spent the last few posts aiming my cynicisms at our presidential candidates, particularly their issue-evasive techniques and the he-said-she-said fingerpointing that comes with every Oval Office election.

Truth be told, my accusations haven’t been 100 percent fair. Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama are a product of a media-influenced (and dominated) system. I want to root for them, as I hope most conscientious Americans do, but it is difficult to do when the media loops the playback of each candidates’ follies.

That’s why this time around I choose to take aim at the very people who are so quick to point out our learders’ foibles. No not the media, despite the reports of bias, many of them are still doing their jobs. I would like to point a finger at the presidential constituency — the American public.

The public had spent countless dollars and hours complaining and lobbying to change the electoral system or at least affect the election’s outcome. However, activist groups and not-so-activist CNN junkies are the root of the problem. They desire a candidate who manages fit all molds; to be in the right all the time; to be eloquent and stern and giving and wise. They desire omnipotence, which is lunacy. No single person, or institution for that matter, could achieve all of these things.

When voting, Americans must realize that flexibility is a must for a position with such a vast and varied constituency.  Politicians lie and backtrack because they have to please everyone. It comes with the job.

I don’t like to be lied to, either, but it’s the nature of the beast, and we all have to get past it so we can focus on our collective future.