RIGHT WING, LEFT WING... DISAPPOINTMENTS EVERYWHERE
What were Terry McAuliffe and George Ryan Thinking?

Republican or Democrat... Right-wing or Left-wing... People are people, but it is sometimes easy to forget in the whirlwind of political rhetoric, blind partisanship, and heated debates. So today I present idiots from both sides of the spectrum: Terry McAuliffe and George Ryan.

McAuliffe, Democratic Party National Chairman, used his time in addressing high school students to heavily criticize President Bush ("‘Party politics’ during PHS speech raises ire"). Some Republicans labeled it a "I Hate Bush" fest, but I'm not certain if his language was that strong. What I am bothered by is that his speech should have been more informative on the political process or history. Something without such strong biases and political rhetoric. The school's superintendent responded by stating that they have to make "sure that students are not the targets of political exploitation." Come on, Terry, sometimes give it a rest. You don't have to be in campaign mode all the time. Lighten up. Also next time, at least do it with some subtleness... geeez.

In a more serious case, George Ryan, the former Illinois Governor who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for ending capital punishment and clearing death row in Illinois, was indicted on corruption charges. Pathetic. Using his position of higher office for his own selfish gain. I guess he was a career politican more so than someone wanting to be a servant to the public or to change the world. From my two years in Springfield, IL, you realize that there are a fair amount of career politicans at the local levels of government. Definitely a black mark for Illinois Republicans and my home state.

"Workers under Ryan when he was secretary of state sold driver's licenses for bribes to fill his campaign chest... received illegal cash payments, gifts, vacations and personal services while serving as both secretary of state and governor, the indictments alleged."