Today is a big day in Texas. It's election day - and with any luck, the picture of our impending national election in November will be a little clearer.
In the midst of all of this, and after discussions with many (because "talking politics" starts to feel like "talking Longhorns football"), I found myself wondering about the potentialities that are ahead of us. So before the events of today play themselves out completely, I thought I'd throw out a few thoughts in no certain order ...
Let's take a look at our contestants.
I've got to start off with a comment by the Clinton campaign this past week - about how Barack Obama doesn't have the "experience" necessary to be president (and, of course, following that up with "... and Hillary does").
It's that time again - time to choose a Democrat and Republican to go head-to-head for the Presidency of the United States. As Super Tuesday just passed, some things have become a little more focused - and others haven't.
Growing up in Canada, we learned a lot about US history. In Canada, we actually realize that there is a neighbor to the south and that it's only neighborly to learn about them, hence our studying of the US political system. Living within a mile of the US, I got my fair share of US television and US politics.
Fascinating stuff, when you're observing from afar!
Now, I am within it all ... and have been for years. It's still so very fascinating, but for so many different reasons.
The court of public opinion.
Since when had this become a part of our legal system?
I find this is slowly becoming a rather significant issue in our society. Even if we have an amazing legal system based on the legendary "checks and balances" mentality, people are initially tried in the court of public opinion first and foremost. Even if we have the basic premise of "beyond a reasonable doubt", well, that doesn't seem to matter much either. "Guilty" the populace will yell, and to hell with the data.
Everyone in this country is, by law, entitled to a fair trial. If we stand to our principles as a country, then this must occur - and must occur for everyone under the law equally.
Allan Besselink, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Dip.MDT has a unique voice in the world of sports, education, and health care. Read more about Allan here.