The highly advertised “historic” 2008 election is historic in one sense: It is no different than those of the last century. Once again American voters are satisfied with two choices: money/power and weak-kneed humanitarism supported by money and power.

It is not the candidates who are so disappointing, but an American public obsessed with personal finances and world domination. The campaign issues reflect America’s contempt well.

Visionaries who could lead us exist, but are spurned by voters preferring SUVs and weapons, while other countries move ahead economically, socially, more responsibly.

What is the point of our great education system if the public remains unwilling to exchange Wall Street and weapons systems for new ideas and behavior? America’s “I am right, and you are wrong” mentality is a quagmire of vanity, contempt, fear and outright ignorance.

Patrick Cunningham

Twin Lakes