Raven's View

My local paper has an interesting story on the US Election by Bob Harvey, "Why Religion will decide who is the next president". He writes:

Forget the war in Iraq and the economy. It is religion that will decide the American presidential election this year.
The United States is the most devout of the world's industrialized nations and President George W. Bush is the most openly religious president in decades. He speaks in a language that religious conservatives understand.
In the 2000 election, Mr. Bush won 87 per cent of the votes cast by Southern Baptists, Pentecostals and others on the religious right, as well as 57 per cent of the votes by Catholics who attend church frequently.
The religious vote will be crucial once again on Nov. 2. "The significance of the faith factor cannot be overlooked in Campaign 2004," says California's Barna Group.
The group has been analyzing trends related to values and beliefs since 1984, and says the dominant issue in this year's election is Mr. Bush.
Those who plan to vote for him say it is because of his character and his leadership abilities, while a majority of Mr. Kerry's supporters said they are backing him because "he is not George Bush."
In a survey by the Pew Research Center, 7 in 10 Americans told pollsters they want a president with strong religious beliefs, and don't mind the candidates discussing those beliefs in public. Two out of three Americans said the candidates' values will influence how they mark their ballots.
Mr. Bush makes no secret of his values. He is a born-again Christian, and talks openly and often about his own conversion, and how that commitment to Christ helped him quit drinking.
He says he often prays as he makes his way to a microphone in press conferences, and has been quoted as saying "I believe that God wants me to be president" and that "I get great sustenance from my personal relationship" (with God)."

According to the polls, that's what Americans want - and what they may get. Many are hoping for more fact than faith, but there are an equal number that are hard-core right wing. But even some of those conservatives are having second thoughts.
So here I am, a Canadian, posting about US politics. Or as some will say I'm sure, interfering. A friend had asked if it was really that relevant to her either way. Would her teenager have less homework? Would her hibiscus bloom longer? Would she get a raise at her job at the "chicken farm"?
Well, if there are more nations to be shown the error of their ways (I think Iran is next on the to-do list) Canada will need to beef up it's military - we haven't had conscription since 1945 but that son could be overseas, with no homework at all. If the facts of the Kyoto accord continue to get ignored, that hibiscus could fade. And if the US interpretation of NAFTA results in controls on our egg marketing boards, or bans for supposed health reasons, her job could disappear.
Much of the world will be watching November 2, with apprehension.

Certainly is a leisurely way to meander to Toronto. Granted, it's almost twice the rate as coach, but VIA1 is a nice way to travel. No line-up, wait in the lounge, first car so you get there before anyone else. Sit in a comfy wide seat and read the paper, then freshen up with the hot moist towels. Sip a cocktail, choose dinner, enjoy the scenery while you sip a glass of wine. And another. Chocolates for dessert, and a digestif. And another.
Get up and stretch your legs, then relax with a book, or pull out the laptop and get some work done.
The countryside is lovely from the train, unfortunately the towns all present their backside, with blemishes and smells. Luckily there's often some great graffiti to liven it up.
Anyone tried first class with Amtrak?

Surprise!!

Just saw this news item via CBC alerts -

Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden appeared in a new taped message aired on an Arabic television station Friday evening, just four days before the American presidential election. In the message, played on Qatar-based Al-Jazeera, bin Laden threatens new attacks against the American people and attacked the Bush administration as corrupt.

Certainly good (suspicious) timing to remind a country at war (unofficially) against terror (not terrorism) of their duty to protect the world, and also who will continue to lead them on the Crusades against the infidels.

Got some SPAM trying to persuade me to vote for BUSH, from Worldwide Republicans For A Better Planet Security (WRAPS). It was so peculiar I wondered if it was from the Kerry Kamp.
Email was titled "Deadly Wicked Weapons" and had a cartoon of characters floating in space above the earth. Talking about black horses and white horses and red horses.

Message goes on to say...
"This or any other message from (WRAPS) Worldwide Republicans For A Better Planet Security, will not be emailed to you again.

This is a one time only email to you.

If you received this message in error or if you want to be removed from any mailing list of RepubcampWraps (WRAPS) and or you choose to UNSUBSCRIBE or OPT-OUT, please email WRAPS at the following address indicating the word "UNSUBSCRIBE" [email protected] - Or - [email protected]
**(RepubcampWraps is no longer associated with Yahoo.com services or email services)

Please help to make the world a better safer place. Vote Bush for President.

Learn Whats Happening Beginning Here GeorgeWBush.com

Be A Team Leader GOPTeamLeader.com

Better Health Care Link (Health Savings Accounts)

George Bush for president. The best welfare and future of the world and all mankind is the service of the generations of expert dedication and determination of George Bush and family and friends, for the good and welfare of all nations and people.

You are permitted to copy and redistribute the above cartoon to any extent only for the good of the Bush For President Campaign and or the good, welfare, and future of all nations and all mankind. And providing that the contents of the cartoon are r not altered."