Is He or Isn’t He, Will He or Won’t He?

“With seven of the most powerful Washington lobbyists running his campaign from the top, taking on the old boy’s network isn't a fight -- it's a staff meeting”

That has to be one of Obama’s best quips, but it also points out a truth that belies McCain’s claims to be a reformer who will change the way business is done in Washington. How can you promise to solve a problem when the people working to get you elected are a big part of the problem? It is like putting a gun turret in the Statue of Liberty to “welcome” the huddled masses.

We have heard over and over during this campaign that McCain is a hero; a man of honor descended from a long line of honorable men. Men of honor usually have the courage of their convictions. If a man had the courage of his convictions, wouldn’t he campaign on those convictions? If he truly believed that his policies and beliefs were better for America than his opponent’s, wouldn’t he be honest about what those policies and beliefs are?

Do you see that kind of conviction and honesty in what McCain says and does? I don’t. And as a former admirer of John McCain, it is sad to see what he has become:

• A man who claims to put “Country First” but who wants the presidency so badly he will do anything to win it including an opportunistic rather than a reasoned choice of a running mate
• A man who blames his false and sleazy ads on his opponent for not agreeing to Town Hall meetings
• A man who has preached against government regulation and interference, now calling for regulation and government buy outs to solve the problems caused by his supported lack of regulation.
• A man who, with honesty admitted he is not knowledgeable about economics, but now claims expertise gained through a committee (Commerce) that doesn’t even oversee the financially troubled areas of the economy
• A man who admitted the Bush tax cuts helped only the wealthiest but supports making them permanent while lying about his opponent’s tax plan which would actually help the middle class
• A man who rejected, out of hand, even the idea of America using torture, now voting against banning CIA use of torture and using double talk when questioned about it
• A man who claims to care about the middle class but whose voting record consistently favors big business and the wealthy.
• A man who claims to empathize with veterans but whose voting record shows repeated votes against funding and benefits for them.

This list barely scratches the surface of the obvious contrast between McCain’s words and his record on the issues. So where exactly do we see examples of McCain’s honor? Where are the indications that he has the courage of his convictions? Where are the signs that integrity takes priority over expediency? I don't see them.

That leaves us with the question: What can we really expect McCain to do if he is elected President? Judging by past actions, his words paint a fantasy future not to be believed. Judging by what he has done in the past, his actions paint a future that is pretty much like the present.