DON’T MEAN NOTHIN

There was a saying in Vietnam used by those of us who experienced something really horrific.  Sometimes the pain was literally too much to bear, so we would just turn off our emotions and say “it don’t mean nothin.”  Obviously, this is a classic example of reverse psychology.  By saying “it don’t mean nothin” we actually meant the exact opposite.

During the Republican debate we saw another opportunity for using this phrase, because in reality the two debates literally “don’t mean nothin.”  What on earth do either of this fiasco’s have to do with choosing the next President of the United States?  This is insane.  Does “winning” the debate this week mean anything?  I don’t think so.

It’s not like somebody boldly stepped forth with a brilliant new vision.  That happened during the Lincoln – Douglas debates when Abraham Lincoln focused the national spotlight on slavery.  It is not what happened Wednesday night.  This was closer to a poor conceived reality TV show that represents everything but reality.

Now, after eight years of just plain awful results, we are trying to choose a President by the worst possible method.  The typical CNN question was:  “Donald Trump said this about you, how would you like to respond.”  The response should have been:  give me a break.  We are not here to trade insults.  We are here to choose a President of the United States.  If you have any questions about something said by Mr. Trump, ask him about it.  The problems we face are too serious to waste time with a meaningless exchange of insults.

The only way to really win such a debate would be to refuse to participate in the verbal food fight.  My vote goes for the candidates who didn’t bother wasting time insulting each other.  If someone wants to be President, it would be a good start to try acting like one.  This process is beyond insane.  If we are this stupid, we probably deserve our fate.

TDM