I’m dismayed by a populace that sees adapting to a changing environment as flip-flopping. Using a Darwinian train of thought, if we hadn’t flip-flopped, we wouldn’t be here now. We’ve become so used to politicians who drift where the wind blows, and/or aren’t mentally agile enough to think on their feet, that when one does, they’re accused of wavering. This is only compounded by our current president, who, if one is to be judged by one’s actions and words, can’t much think at all.

It’s depressing.

As I’ve written previously “it’s going to take dismissing … polarizing categories of thought in order for us to get back on track with the expediency that’s necessary”.

Therefore, I hold these truths to be self-evident, and not mutually exclusive:

Barack Obama, although by no means ideal, is this country’s best hope for improving our individual daily lives and our nation’s relationship with the rest of the world.

If anything, the Christian Right should be the most tolerant folks around, and yet they are the epitome of “my way or the highway”. If you’re a Bible believer, we’re all sinners, we’re all imperfect, and the candidates, none of whom are members of the Holy Trinity, are no exception. Why Dr. Dobson gets apoplectic in the face of Obama’s carefully considered modulations is inexplicable, and would be inexcusable if he and we weren’t directed to turn the other cheek while reminding ourselves that no one is beyond redemption. And if he’s secure in the knowledge that his God is both just and vengeful, why doesn’t he take comfort knowing that supporters of abortion (to take one contentious issue) will meet their fate in due time, and realize that he’s being a bit presumptuous giving them hell on earth. That’s not his job, although I’m sure his staff can dig up a line of scripture making it clear that it is.

John Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., is a brilliant man and a gifted strategist. He is also, by all accounts, an ethical and forthright fellow. I don’t agree with every conclusion he reaches, but his input should be sought by whichever party wins control of the White House.

Big oil is not the big problem. Their profit margin is less than most businesses; they do such a large dollar volume that they appear to be far more greedy and prosperous than they are. Except for Dick Cheney and those of his cronies who were cut from the Jeff Skilling cloth. Way back when, big oil had to take on the risk of drilling when they didn’t know if the well was going to be dry or a gusher. America has always rewarded and been rewarded for risk taking. When did that change?

One problem related to energy is the NIMBY (not in my backyard) crowd. Years ago, Texans and Louisianans were willing to alter the land and seascape if it meant energy independence. And the nation flourished. The Hyanisport and Malibu elites can’t have it both ways. Spouting bright green doctrine while claiming a privileged exemption to wind farms destroys their credibility, and cripples the pace of progress towards national energy independence.

To be continued.