McCain’s Musings for World Peace in 2013

While the democrats are wrapping up their final weeks of mud wrestling, John McCain announced his “vision” for the end of his first term in 2013. Over the past several weeks, it seems that McCain has been cautiously taking on issues on which the democrats have traditionally been strong, such as climate change, wooing moderate voters who have become disillusioned with both democratic candidates. I can see some of this playing into McCain’s vision plan, but I’d like to focus my soapbox on other parts of framing that make me queasy.

One- why voters would find it interesting to see McCain’s musings for 2013, with no concrete plans for achieving his goals. This leaves me with dim hopes that we can move beyond lapel pins and radical preachers and discuss substantive solutions during the general election season. Honestly, I like many of these goals, but I have no faith that McCain (and the next Congress) can achieve them, especially in four years.

Two- we only get solutions that fall under the categories ‘national security’ and ‘the economy’? I’m really confused by his categorization of the issues (or is it telling??) Under ‘The Economy in 2013′ he lists: “Public education is much improved due to measures that lead to increased competition, higher quality teachers, a revolution in teaching methods, higher graduation rates and higher test scores.” Seriously? Sure, I see the tie-ins between good education and the economy, but I hate the political framing here. It stinks. So does the framing of new nuclear plants and oil-independence as an economic issue and not an environmental one, and the framing of the crisis in Darfur as a national security issue and not a humanitarian/ crimes against humanity issue (though it is both).

This set of goals is incredibly pie-in-the-sky for one term. McCain claims he’s going to fix Iraq and Darfur, solve our immigration problems, build 20 new nuclear power plants, increase volunteerism, and end the era of the permanent campaign. The problem with this election, and part of the underlying reason behind the permanent campaign, is that these are issues that can’t be solved in four years. It’s time we acknowledge that and work to change the system so long-term goals can be achieved.

I’m reminded of that lousy Miss Congeniality movie in which the FBI agent disguised as a Miss America pageant competitor is asked what our society needs today. She responds with a substantive solution- harsher penalties for parole violators. When the audience is silent, she adds ‘and world peace,’ as the rest of her competitors have answered. Applause erupts. American doesn’t need beauty pageant solutions and beauty pageant elections. We need policymakers and a political system that will work towards substantive, long-term solutions instead of struggling to maintain power. Now that rivals even McCain’s idealism… Thoughts?

-Iron