The vice presidential debate was rather shocking on several levels. I also feel that it was rather revealing on a fundamental problem that we have in this country.
On the shocking level, I am stunned by the position of Joe Biden on the situation in Libya. There are only two conclusions that one can come to after listening to him. Either the Administration is completely out of the loop, or they are lying. Either scenario is very troubling. Our intelligence agencies had real time information about what was happening on the ground in Benghazi. They knew that this was a coordinated terrorist attack and had nothing to do with a YouTube video. The fact is there were not even any protesters around when the events transpired. To further exacerbate the failings of the Administration, we have learned that our Ambassador had requested and been denied additional security. Who in their right mind would deny additional security to our Ambassador, who is in one of the most dangerous countries in the world, on the anniversary of the deadliest attack on the United States? The lack of leadership on this issue has led to yet another death of an American security official in Yemen. We have to stand up and call these horrible acts what they are ... terrorism. To do anything less does nothing but embolden our enemies and project weakness.
Joe Biden came across as very condescending, dismissing, and downright rude. I would like to think that the office of vice president deserves to be administered in a more dignified manner. The tone that the left takes is condescending and rudeness. It is what is driving a wedge in this country. There is no willingness to work together in the least bit. Romney has a proven record of working with the left to get things done. When ideas are not listened to and all the other side can do is call you a racist or other degrading names, there is a huge problem. We must remember that the Democrats had two solid years of complete control of everything. They seem to want to say that the Republicans were obstructing. How could they do that when they had no power? They had good ideas on health care reform. Not one bit of input was accepted. Today when anyone wants to bring anything to the table, they act exactly like Joe Biden did in the debate. This has to change.
In closing I would say that we as a nation are facing serious issues. We have a choice. We can continue on with the divisive rhetoric of division and hate while accomplishing nothing, or we can choose to work together to overcome the very real and serious problems that we face as a nation. I am hopeful that the choice is clear and we will vote for real hope and change come Nov. 6.
Jay Owens
Waterford
