A continuum of commotion and confusion

This past week was a political and personal rollercoaster. Between radio talk and television talk shows, going to a nurses and REAL ID press conference, teaching the finer points of finance, getting my livelihood done and recent exchanges on the net, there was just enough time for the rest of the people in my life and a few nods of rest.

I have to say thanks to Chad and Kat, who have lent support this past week as well as a kind broadcast by Dr. R who seriously questioned the accuracy of political polls making the rounds in RI and out of state last week. Thanks to Rebecca for providing advance notice so we could be a supporter of the Black Heritage gathering this weekend. There had to have been 400+ people there. Thanks to Ingrid, Janis, Nomi, "Stella", my wife and well wishers, who have really loved our Be Patriotic Impeach Bush Billboard on I-95. It IS a release.

A funny thing, too. Mayor C- is at almost all the events I get to and likely more. Kudos to him. I saw Senator Metts and Rep. Fox, but who has been woefully absent to these events are many members from the General Assembly and its leadership. What are the odds of such infrequent attendance by the House Speaker and Senate President to many of these events I have been to these past several months? They don't just represent their districts in these leadership positions. This absence of a united coalition is what allows for GOP wins.

Some say Matt and Sheldon don't attend, because they already have name recognition. What the hell does that say? That's like saying the best leaders are the ones with money or access to it. Leadership is being among the people, not above the people. Using this logic, once elected, one does not have to be accessible, which has been the case by some. I saw first hand Matt Brown get slammed for his absence in his duties as Secretary of State at a press conference this past week. I saw him wearing a scruffy sports jacket, shirt and tie, as he "crashed" a black tie event, so he could get 10 minutes of face time. I wonder why the press has not blasted both candidates for dropping the ball on the War in Iraq and my renewed challenge that this issue is still worthy of debate. Where's the leadership?

This kind of politics is clearly not the way of connecting with people and building trust; especially, if the motivations are so inauthentic? Sheldon? Matt?