I am proud, though it is not quite as you say, fearfullkitty. McCain was the first to think of this, and Obama just followed suit. I am more proud of the AARP maverick than the copycat!

Do you understand how absolutely normal that used to be? Do you know how recently it was that people from each US political party could understand that they are working for their constituents? They used to understand that their party did not vote them in to that position and they used to feel at least some obligation to work for the people. Now they follow the instructions of their party boss. They do as they are told by the party and their every action is predictable along party lines. Do you understand how recent a phenomenon the hatred and bitterness is? Can you conceive of a long ago time when the politicians were the servant of the people and tried to keep the best interest of their constituents in the forefront of their maneuvering? Do you understand that it is only in the past few years that colours have been assigned and you call each other red and blue with hatred in your voice? As an outsider I look in and cannot help but feel puzzled at the complete change in American society, in American politicians, and in the total lack of unity in addressing problems. Once upon a time American politicians looked out and identified the problem and turned to their fellow politicians and worked with them to fight against it. Now your politicians identify the politicians from the other party and are instructed to treat them as the problem and the issues out there that are hampering American society are allow to fester because politicians are so completely concerned with fighting the other party. Hurray for McCain and Obama for working together…how pitiful that someone thinks it is special and worthy of a cheer. The difference between Republican and Democrat is the difference between gonorrhea and syphilis.

I may have been premature with my excitetment. It looks instead like it will be business as usual.