Last night, I let myself suffer through Kerry’s Acceptance speech (Transcript)- not because I wanted to, but because I have to. We don’t have cable in our home and all the major networks except FOX were airing it.
Stylistically, the speech was excellent. It appealed to a broad range of people, was eloquent and well-spoken. Anyone who is of the opinion that John Kerry is a poor orator need look no further than this speech.
In content, there were problems, however. President John F. Kennedy famously said in his 1961 inauguration address, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Unfortunately, the Democratic party of the new millenium is much different than the Democratic party of the late 1950s and 60s, and Kerry’s speech reflected that. Kerry’s bottom line is “Ask what your country can do for you.”
In an ideal world, Kerry’s proposals are decent. Lower middle-income taxes. First child tuition assistance to the tune of $4000. Daycare assistance to the tune of $1000. No privatization of social security. Increase in Defense spending to include the top of the line equipment for military personel (hoo rah! but who will pay?).
Who will pay indeed? The only income source Kerry provided is an increase in taxes on the wealthy. Everyone else gets tax breaks. I’m just a little confused on this “soak the rich” mentality. He wants to put forward tons of spending but the payment method is on the backs of “the top one percent”?
Kerry is running dangerously close to crossing his wires on this.
Also, he fails to address the issue that everyone keeps asking but his campaign keeps evading. How does he fall on the issue of Iraq? Should we have gone? If yes, why does he deny funding and support condemnations of the war? If no, why did he vote in favor of it and how does he intend to extract the troops?
What about National Security? If we should make sure our allies and the UN are on board with anything we do, how come “we will never grant any nation a veto over our national security”?
The speech was excellent stylistically, but to me, leaves more questions than answers.
Aaron
Stumble it!
About the Author: Aaron Brazell is the lead editor of Technosailor.com and a social media expert. His passion is to see companies and individuals use the internet and web technologies wisely and effectively to promote their brands and companies. He served as Director of Technology at b5media from 2005-2008 and is currently an independent consultant.
