As American citizens with a vote in our hand, we need to think carefully, critically, and with our own brain, not merely relying on popular opinion for our insights and understandings to all things political.

George Bush got elected, allegedly, the first time in 2000. OK, that's one mistake but unfortunately he got elected again. What's that about being fooled twice George? "There's an old saying in Tennessee, I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee, that says, fool me once, shame on . . . shame on you. Fool me . . . you can't get fooled again." After the second term, Americans repeated Bush's blunder by saying "Fool me once, shame on . . . shame on you. Fool me . . . you can't get fooled again." That's right, they didn't get it right either. The majority blundered right along with Bush. Fool you once, shame on you, fool you twice, blame Mr. Bush, Mr. and Mrs. American.

Now the sad thing is that there were so many Republicans following him blindly because of party allegiance. I thought this was a free country? Founded on one's ability to think independently and freely, but alas that's not always true . Being a Republican myself, I've even received literature berating me for going against "party policy." How sad is that, Mr. and Mrs. Communist?

The bottom line? We really, really, really have to think for ourselves, clearly, logically, rationally, outside of any party bullying and cajoling. It's nuts to think that we've spent so many lives and years obtaining independence when all we've gained is co-dependence of thought, word, action, and deed. Good God man and woman, stand up for your ideas and ideals.

This brings me to McCain. I don't understand, once again (see 8-year Bush blunder), why people insist on making such heinous mistakes. Why McCain? A couple I know, who aren't political, said that in watching him during the debate or seeing him any time gave them the heebee jeevees. Why? Well, what's in his heart is certainly evident and visible on his sleeve. Read on.

"The truth is that McCain is the candidate we should most fear," writes Hari, a columnist for The Independent in Britain , in an article that appeared in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer . "Not only is he to the right of Bush on a whole range of subjects, he is also the Republican candidate most likely to dispense with Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama ."

Hari writes of McCain: "Rage seems to be at the core of his personality. Describing his own childhood, McCain has written: At the smallest provocation I would go off into a mad frenzy, and then suddenly crash to the floor unconscious. When I got angry I held my breath until I blacked out.'"

"To give a brief smorgasbord of his views: At a recent rally, he sang 'bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb-bomb Iran ,' to the tune of the Beach Boys' Barbara Ann.' He says North Korea should be threatened with extinction."

Man, during the Republican debate in Simi Valley, I was thankful for that pencil in his hand, the only thing keeping him from wrapping a mit around Romney's neck.

But let's get back to our analysis. Now I guess there may be a general fear of Mormons, or at least considerable gross misunderstanding, so Romney is out, and Huckabee is so far behind he'd need a Bush transplant to catch up. So it looks like McCain., But please, do us all a favor, if you don't like a particular candidate don't vote for him or her just because you feel you'll waste a vote anywhere else.

But then again, if you really want to waste a vote, hell, cast it for Eli Manning, at least he can take mental and physical hits (Ever try playing for a professional team in New York? By comprison, DC's a piece of cake). Or maybe even Condoleezza Rice or Nancy Pelosi? Maybe a good shot of estrogen is what this country needs. After all, how many women have started a war? Or maybe even John Kerry, and after he's elected Romney can take his place, and then he can sneak back in as governor. Come on! he was doing such a good job there. Let's help the guy out. No? OK, how about Mariah Carey? She's easy on the eyes and sings a much nicer tune than all the candidates combined.

Bottom line? I don't have the answer and things don't look good. Heaven help us! Vote on America! Vote on!