I want to KNOW.

[Mythsaje]

I've come to a decision. I want to meet the Democratic candidates. I want to spend five minutes in conversation with each and every one of them, from Clinton to Kucinich. Wait, on second thought, I'd like to sit down with each of them for about fifteen minutes.

Yes, I know it's highly unlikely. But the fact is that I could learn a lot in fifteen minutes. I could learn a lot in five, to tell you the truth. People have remarked on my ability to read people and I'd love for the chance to get into the heads of the candidates for even that short span of time.

It sounds nutty. But those of you who've followed my posts know what kind of mind I have. A little unusual. Slightly wacky. But often perceptive, with an unusual perspective.

Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind sitting down with the Republican candidates as well. But I know that's even LESS likely than the original idea. I'm not a person of wealth and influence and that's pretty much a requisite to even be noticed by their ilk.

I'd like to talk about healthcare with Edwards. Whether he really thinks it's in America's best interest to keep the insurance companies in the loop rather than allowing medical decisions to be decided by doctors and patients. I'd like to talk about class warfare and poverty, and the strength of the middle class. I'd like to talk about educational opportunities and financial aid, and promoting science and innovation in the 21st Century.

I'd like to discuss bi-partisanship with Obama, and whether he truly believes one can negotiate in good faith with people who seem dedicated to destroying everything the Democratic Party is supposed to stand for. I'd like to talk about atheism and new-found faith, and where he thinks religion and government should intersect.

I'd like to talk lobbying and lobbyists with Hillary, and see if she really understands the difference between those that represent the voice of the people and those that represent the interests of FAKE (artificial) persons. I'd like to talk about Free Trade and Fair Trade, and the health of the American job market in the light of NAFTA and CAFTA.

I'd like to talk about a LOT of things with Dennis Kucinich. I'd like to talk about universal education and universal education and the war on (some) drugs. I'd like to talk about his "woo-woo" new age beliefs and the corporate media.


When you get right down to it, you could mix and match all these subjects and I'd like to discuss all of them with any of the candidates, for as long as they'd be willing and able to do so. All of these people possess sharp minds and any conversation with them would be a wonderful experience. I might even learn a thing or two. No, I KNOW I'd learn a thing or two.

I'd like to sit down with any number of people--with Cindy Sheehan, and Paul Hackett, and Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi. I'd LOVE to sit down with Howard Dean and talk about the threat posed by the Republican party.

I wouldn't mind have a discussion with Hugo Chavez, or Fidel Castro, for that matter. I'd like to share a long talk with Jimmy Carter, or Gorbachev. People who've done some amazing things I will never know.

I've learned an immense amount since I've been here at DU. There are some incredible minds here as well. But I find it intensely frustrating to be exposed daily to the PERCEPTIONS of people very much like myself about all these folks.

My ex, the mother of my children, and now one of my best friends, used to call me "Mr. Gotta Have An Answer." Not without reason.

I want to know and sometimes conjecture just isn't good enough. It'll never be enough.

[billyoc]

1. Only the Iowans get to do that.

:hi: