Are You Serious?

by Ruth A. Sheets

Five days after the “big debate” for the 2012 Presidential campaign and Romney seems to be moving into the lead in a lot of swing states.  I keep hearing that and can’t help but say in a very loud voice “Are you serious???”

It is true  that President Obama did not have his best speaking event ever, but he did stick to the truth and told us what he stands for.  He probably should have used a few theatrics and demonstrated a lot more enthusiasm and energy, but should someone’s vote be changed by what they saw on Wednesday night?

Mr. Romney had no problem lying to the American people, but he did it with such conviction that people didn’t seem to care that what he said involved significant falsehoods being tossed out at will.  He had no trouble changing his positions on nearly every issue.  His disrespect for both the President and the debate moderator was startling. 

So what about Mitt Romney’s performance is changing minds?  I suspect it relates to the old adage, “If you say it loud enough and often enough, people will think it’s true, even if it isn’t.”  And, if you smirk while you are saying it, why that’s almost magic.  

I heard a commentator today declare that the American public is stupid.  He said it with a lot of conviction.

Is the American electorate “stupid?”  No.  But, we like people who talk tough and don’t have to think before they speak.  We tend to be drawn to bullies, as long as they are not bullying us.  We want the world to respect, even fear us, so we take the role of bully assuming that, as we have done for nearly 70 years, often in the role of bully, we will prevail.

 Despite the job improvement, the nearly doubling of the stock market, the ending of a war and drawing down of another, a health care program that enables more people to be covered than ever before, and a saving of America’s auto industry, President Obama can’t seem to get most Americans behind him.  Why is that?

Mitt Romney has very little to offer anyone.  He wants to be elected because he wants to be elected.  His lying and frequent changing of position on every issue should clearly demonstrate that, but Romney has experience being a bully from earliest childhood and it is going to be hard for President Obama to stand up to that level of experience. 

Americans really should wake up to the demands of a world that is quite different from what it was during the last century.  America does not need to be the bullying world police.  We need a leader who can work with other people, not push them around.  We need a leader who has shown he can improve people’s lives, respect people of all backgrounds.  Mr. Romney does not meet any of these criteria. 

Winning or losing a debate proves nothing about one’s ability to lead, but polls seem to show that Americans think it does.  Are you serious!!!!!