A
merica is a fascinating country at He has fought with undoubted pride and
the best of times. Fascinatingly passion for his country at times of real
beautiful, creative, enthusiastic…and personal suffering, but having already
fascinatingly stupid, egotistical and backed Bush on 90% of his policies
ruthless. In the theatre production that (Iraq policies particularly), this can only
is the US Election we are exposed to all indicate a burning desire to continue some
these factors no matter what corner of the deeply intuitive yearning he has for war.
globe you reside. But the place to really Of course, it will never be worded quite
feel this show take off is the USA itself. like that by anyone remotely connected
The nation that gave birth to Hollywood, with the Republican Party, but McCain’s
over-dramatised television and, on strength in character seems mainly to
occasion, unprecedented outbursts of have stemmed from the cruel times of
excitement, now gives us the ultimate in his life. Pledging $10billion a month into
exaggeration, hypocrisy, obsession, and the Iraq effort is one of his many policies,
downright passionate entertainment. while in camp Obama we hear of very
idealistic plans to dramatically reduce
It is never a chore to watch this passion in taxes for almost all working families
action. Most recently, the Republican and across the country. I think we can all
Democratic conventions have taken place agree on which one is more appealing,
in Minnesota and Denver respectively, but which one is most likely to happen?
highly elaborate and excitable in their own
right – Obama perhaps outdoing McCain Both parties beautifully exploit each
on theatrics on this checkbox - but it is other’s weaknesses, though sometimes
the sheer spectacle you cannot fail to we get to see them exploiting their own
love. Even if you hate the politics, the weakness even more effectively. Sarah
bravado and the highly-strung hardcore Palin – McCain’s right-hand-woman – has
followers who attend these events, you stirred up quite an interest, sometimes
have to appreciate the show they put on. through no direct fault of her own. Mostly
The 90,000-seater stadia, four day long her daughter’s antics, whether we choose
political conventions sure are unique to to believe the stories or not, or her very
this bold country. own growing sex appeal. But even more
amusing is when the US media dig deep
The State to State tours are delightfully for incriminating evidence. A personal
fruitful also; with the diehard audiences favourite has to be Palin’s very blunt and
(no surprises if they are hand-picked contradictory remark from an interview on
crowds) placed in front and behind the CNBS asking ‘’What is it exactly that the
cameras, as if to symbolically show ‘look VP does?’’. On the contrary, Palin no doubt
at all these people supporting me!’ and made a very impressive speech at the
‘look at what a tight-knit, diverse nation convention to a crowd she was desperate
we are!’ Flags, banners, hats and t-shirts to impress. In doing so, however, she has
drowned by rapturous applause at every outshone McCain, whose speech was by
given moment. At times the candidate no means as compelling. Maybe all this
is left standing waiting for the hysterics negative media aimed at Palin has gone
to calm before being able to utter a full circle and actually ended up worse
word. And by the end of it all, happy after it seemed to be getting better. The
campaigners leave with chants of ‘U S A!’ fun never stops.
ringing in their ears. God bless America.
_Our Man on
the Inside
_The indefatigable Fraser Gibb has de-camped to America to
bring Scotcampus the latest on the most heated Presidential
election in decades.
_By Fraser Gibb
So who is going to rule this mighty nation Interestingly, it seems to come more
which has suffered eight long years under naturally to discuss the McCain
the thumb of Bush? A 72 year old, war-torn movement than Mr Obama’s, despite his
‘hero’, or a young, inexperienced African sudden rise as the first black American
American? Interesting choices, both with to get this far in running for presidency.
the familiar warped visions for rebuilding McCain’s ‘country first’ campaign and real needs of this election. Isn’t the heart
the homeland, though in the context his strategically chosen running mate of a community where you realise what
of this election, some very profound has bizarrely become a wider talking the needs of communities are? The inner
statements and challenges facing the point. Even events such as Obama workings of society; a place where all up
eventual winner. Quite worryingly McCain finding himself the target of some rather and coming presidents, or politicians for Safety in local communities and cities,
clearly wishes to continue where Bush left cruel mockery from former NYC mayor that matter, should work at some time in and health and job security? Of course,
off as a (to quote George W himself) ‘’war Rudi Giuliani sniggering at the fact their careers? Or does this not matter? this is just a snippet of some of the many
president’’. With so many sob stories of Obama’s only experience comes in the Apparently not. Depends what your issues facing this larger than life nation.
McCain’s time spent as a POW in Vietnam form of a ‘community organiser’, takes priorities are I suppose – in other words,
being broadcast to the nation, one aspect precedence over other issues, purely on national security and a continued middle- It’s a battle that will come right down to
of his ‘strong character’ seems to register its entertainment value. class hammering from the Republicans, the wire. Should the population determine
as sincerely worrying for a potential or an all rounded restoration of America’s that America is at the heart of the issues,
president; that is, John McCain is a man Outlandish remarks grab the media’s most important domestic issues form the then hail to Barack Obama. Should they
reaching his peak (although some may attention with ease, and the McCain party Democrats. Ok, Americas can feel safe decide that international matters are the
say that happened decades ago) and is know it. But the educated viewer would from bombs, planes and god knows what most important issues, make way for
a man who is fuelled with a quiet thirst for surely push such drama out of their prime else out with their borders, but does this McCain. If you ask me, should the latter
revenge when it comes to war. focus and concentrate on the ensure safety within their own country? prevail, god help America.
Substance_34_
www.scotcampus.com_
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