Democratic National Convention: The more things change . . .

So, the Olympics are over.

NBC repeatedly reminded us that we could not live without it.

Still, many of us did.

Ever wonder if the average Iraqi or Afghan tuned in?

Tape delay was the order of the day.

After all China is way over there.

Even when we knew about the outcome, we were still thrilled, overjoyed or despondent once we 'witnessed' the event.

But, we were able to 'see' it and that's the thing, right?

And to the great relief of the millions of viewers who tuned in from Providence to Petaluma, the US won the overall medal count.

Barely.

When it became clear that the Red, White and Blue could not earn the most Gold medals, we reassured ourselves with the knowledge that the People's Republic in Red could not match our overall athletic prowess to finish first, second and third.

We Americans, it is said, are pragmatists.

We are rationalizers of the highest order.

Perhaps if the viewers concerned themselves as much about our how our nation's policies are being sold to the highest bidder or about our nation's war-mongering foreign policies and the damage it has inflicted on our nation's image and diplomatic efforts with our few remaining friends worldwide, we might stand up and demand an end to corporate domination and an end the senseless wars.



Now, the media frenzy shifts to Denver, then later to Saint Paul, for the presidential nominating conventions.

Perhaps it's just me, but exactly what purpose are these gatherings supposed to serve?

In the old days, before texting, e-mailing, cell phone videoes, these grand gatherings evidently filled a void. Nowadays, a presidential candidate can barely make a move of any type, including one involving the bowels, without a complete description.

So, what is there to know?

We all know what is going to happen.

And, yet, we are compelled to watch.



In the case of the Democrats, the nominating convention is more difficult to figure out, particularly when you consider the sponsors include the telecommunications industry that was granted immunity last month from any liability for its part in the pervasive domestic spying that occurred in the emotional maelstrom that accompanied 911



http://www.democracynow.org/2008/8/25/at_t_throws_party_to_support



and Big Oil.



The official line is that Democrats despise both.



That is until the question of sponsorships comes up.


Even the words of concern are espoused and the hands of concern are wrung, political operatives are busily working the phone lines and corporate hallways of big oil, pharmaceuticals, insurance, banks . . . you name it.



Oh. And after they agree to bankroll the extravaganzas, they watch it from luxury sky boxes.



http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/08/so-whos-up-in-those-skyboxes.html



Democracy Now! sums it up very well:



And so, what this is is it’s a very bipartisan corporate-political class that really functions without regard to things like ideological belief or political positions. Democrats, Republicans really don’t matter in this world. It’s a political and corporate class that is very insulated and has its own interests and ensures that those interests are served by the Congress, no matter which party is in control. And they write their own rules that apply only to them and to nobody else. And it’s really at the center of why Americans are so deeply dissatisfied with how our government functions. (July, 22, 2008)



Many cynics figure this is SOP for the GOP.

But, the Democrats?

In January 2007, they rolled into Washington, DC mounted on white stallions, pledging to drive out the 'bad guys.'

Hmmm. The good guys were shaking down the 'bad guys' even before they were sworn in

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4736940

As for the 'bad guys,' all but the very worst of them still ply their trade.

Evidently, the only true ticket out of the Beltway is an indictment or conviction.

Many of those attending regale us about the many evils of PAC's, and then slurp up the finger food at the many parties and 'events' sponsored by you know who.

Obama is the agent of change, right?

Okay, so when does that 'change' thing start exactly?



The Denver gathering is all about unity [let's see how how Hillary's die-hards toe the line] and leadership [Joe Biden for VP. No. No, really.]

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the hired hands are left to wonder if their jobs will be outsourced, if anyone is going to get serious about access to affordable health care, whether we will even take the hard steps needed to end our addiction to oil, whether they can afford to heat their homes this winter, or when those now seemingly reasonable fuel prices will resume that steep ascent.

So, check your local listings for the schedule of events. It's sort of like the Olympics: You know what is going to happen, but you can tune in live.

Don't miss it.

After all, the coverage is sponsored by ExxonMobil.