Reb,

I am in no way defending obama, or mccain for that matter.  Everything you say about political speeches is true.  Those same speeches can be traced back to the Greek times and further back.  In politics, what works - works.  Right or wrong, like it or not.  If I had my way, never will, there would be qualifiers for voters.  I am sure you have studied your history and know how that went out the window.  Remember the analogy about how to tame wild hogs?  Feed them daily, gently remove the trouble makers, pen them in and do as you will.  I wish someone smarter than me would tell me why that will not keep working.  Teach your children well as they will be the ones to bear the sabre.

Its too early for us, I hope, to be running the world from those rockin' chairs.

regards

Lonster