How much does John McCain love America?

A lot, I would imagine, given his long history of service. But wasn't it strange to hear him say he knows how to get bin Laden and yet, so far, not to have done anything about it? As far as we know, bin Laden is still at large. Unless he just had an epiphany (or made it up) during the debate, it sure seems weird to withhold critical knowledge, that would directly benefit the country, unless, as he made it appear, he is elected president first.

To give him benefit of the doubt though, maybe he is already doing something about it and, one hopes, there is secret work in progress based on what he knows. Otherwise, it raises a question whether McCain loves America enough -- if he denies her the immediate benefit of his knowledge.

McCain has also been a bit 'erratic' the last few weeks for letting his campaign take us to dangerous territory. To his credit, he is beginning to stand up to the vitriol of his extremist supporters who still fail to understand America is a diverse nation that belongs to ALL its citizens. America is much better than the turn his campaign took (with his permission or tolerance) - a divisive turn that weakens America instead of strengthening it through unity.

The suggestion by his supporters that there is something un-American about being a Moslem, by the repeated amplification of Mr. Obama's middle name, is un-American itself. The failure to distance himself from such hate mongering in no uncertain times, tarnishes McCain's judgment and character. Although he repeatedly questions Obama's judgment - which is fare game - his own judgment should also be seriously questioned for choosing a running mate whose primary contribution so far has been pressing divisive emotional buttons - which seems to be bringing the worst in people.

I hope good Republicans are outraged enough by the hate-filled crowds shouting "off with his head", "terrorist", "kill him" -- to stand up and say "not in my name". This kind of "energizing" may win Mr. McCain a few more votes. But it is more damaging to the long-term image of the Republican party, and good-hearted Republicans ought to be the first to condemn it -- loud and clear.

I fell in love with an America that, in spite of an ugly past, managed to re-invent itself with a promise of a better future for ALL its citizens. A beautiful America where people ought to be judged by the "content of their character" (MLK), where education and hard work are appreciated and rewarded. After decades of solid progress, it would be tragic to renege on that promise now. The old, ugly and xenophobic America where injustice, segregation and lynchings were accepted as the norm should be allowed to die and to stay dead.

Regression to the old "us and them" dichotomy will be very costly to ALL Americans and people, especially Mr. McCain and those of his caliber, should not be tempted to tolerate hateful people for the sake of a few votes. After all, it was Mr. McCain who bravely once said he would rather lose an election than lose a war. Well, going back to the old America would be the mother of all wars, and there will be no honor in that.

In spite of election season fireworks, it is very encouraging to see the momentum is still in favor of the beautiful America. Mr. Obama has done a good job of bringing people of diverse backgrounds together energized by a common vision - a vision that America belongs to ALL Americans where none are left behind by design. That promise is to ALL its citizens - and yes, including Moslem Americans - inspite of how Mr. Obama's middle name is used by some to suggest otherwise. By the way, what is McCain's middle name? This is the silly season of politics and this may even be the first time in American history where a middle name is given undue prominence - unfortunately not for good intentions.

The main problem, it seems to me, is the monopolization of politics by the two behemoths. Everyone talks about how lobbyists have taken over Washington but nothing seems to be done to reduce their influence because both parties happily take their money. When elections cost so much and last so long (I am so bored and tired of it by now), it is hard to imagine the influence of lobbyists diminishing any time soon.

What we need is more parties to shake things up a bit so people can have real choices. Or enough people to abandon the two parties and become independents (I did). That way, both parties, with their bases shrunk down to size could be kept on their toes so to speak. Maybe then, they will stop taking people for granted. Wall street monopolies kill meaningful competition in the financial and business world. Ditto for the Republican and Democratic parties.