Both candidates miss an opportunity

By Jeff Orvis

We still have nearly six months before the presidential election and if what we've seen in the past few weeks is any indication, both major parties will be spending an obscene amount of money on ads trying to sell their man like he was a new and improved breakfast cereal.

The Republicans attempt to show what the first few days of a Romney presidency would be like. Please! The first three times gave me enough ammunition for a year's worth of bad dreams. The next few times you see the ad, ask yourself, “Where is there any mention of how a 'President Romney' would work with other countries?”

The president of the greatest nation on earth is not restricted to our country's borders, either ideologically or physically. Recent history (of three administrations) shows us that our president must travel abroad as readily as a major business executive. Of course, not many other executives travel with two 747s, a cargo plane carrying a limo and an entourage of more than 100 folks. But you get the general idea.

The Obama campaign is also out with repeating ads. These warm and fuzzy spots try to remind us that things are getting better, but they aren't good yet. The campaign is apparently trying to take the high road and has not chosen to directly refer to the past administration of the currently exiled George Bush. But there's still nearly six months left and who knows which direction either campaign will go?

In the past few weeks, both candidates fell short of what could have been very positive moments. Somebody uncovered the fact that Romney apparently was ahead of his time when he performed an act we might now call “bullying.” He didn't deny it, but said it was nearly 50 years ago and all but said “boys will be boys,” with no real compassion for the victim. He missed a golden opportunity to go on record against bullying. Many parents across this country, regardless of political preference, are becoming more and more concerned with how their kids are treated by others. I doubt Romney condones bullying. But he missed a chance to condemn it.

President Obama finally came out in favor of gay marriage. That was fuel for TV commentators for quite a few days after. But the president's statement sounded like a johnny-come-lately attempt to appease a certain segment of the population. He missed a golden opportunity to come out in favor of a more sensible federal civil union law. Regular readers of this column may remember that my position is that gay people who are in a committed relationship should have all of the legal rights of those who possess a “marriage” license. Many people connect that word “marriage” with a deep religious conviction. The government doesn't need to be in the marriage business. Civil union is a civil rights issue. Couples should be allowed to go to their courthouse and get a civil union certification, then if they wish, they could go on to a house of worship of their choice for a marriage.

Those are just a couple of thoughts on politics for today. I'll try to find something more pleasant to talk about next time. In the meantime, don't forget to check out the Alcoa Eagle Cam on the web. The three youngsters are peering over the edge of the nest and it won't be long now before they take flight!