Harold Keller / L’Observateur / August 19, 2000

I thoroughly enjoy politics. I don’t think all politicians are crooks. Aresome selfish, self-serving and proud? Yes, just as in any other profession.

My wife is amazed with my involvement and, until this day, can’t always understand. I, at times, ask myself if it’s worth it. The answer is alwaysyes, because it’s my duty as an American.

Being involved is one thing, but why do I like it so much? I think that answer is because it’s exciting. It’s also a people business and that’swhere the action is! I understand that not many people were interested in the two conventions recently held in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. I enjoyed both. Did I look atboth conventions to make up my mind for whom to vote? No. Two yearsago, I knew I was voting for George W. Bush. The reason is because his, andthe Republican Party’s platform, mostly reflects my convictions. Theirviews on abortion, especially, are important to me.

I thought the Republican convention in Philadelphia was well done. On ascale of 1 to 10, I’d give it an 8. Gov. Bush’s selection of Dick Cheney ashis vice-president running mate has given added strength to the party’s chance of winning the presidency.

The Democratic convention in Los Angeles was so short on substance, it didn’t aggravate me. I kept waiting for something to happen. It never did.On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give it a 3.

Pres. Clinton’s eight years are about to come to an end. My onlyconsolation it that it’s almost over and I take pride in saying that I voted against him twice. His speech Monday night was considered by most of thepress to be great. A black brother asked me Tuesday what I thought of thespeech? “One of his worst,” I answered. He seemed shocked!The newspaper’s headlines the next day read: “Proud Clinton revels in accomplishment.” He was very good at taking the credit, but mentionednothing about the harm he’s done this country. Are we better off todaythan eight years ago? Finanically, maybe so. But mostly, he has helped tomorally bankrupt this nation.

Yes, Al Gore has been given the task of continuing the Democratic rule.

Will he succeed? I pray not. Al Gore seemed dull and boring until he chosehis running mate, Joseph Lieberman. The senator from Connecticut isacting more like he’s won the lottery, instead of being chosen for a responsible position. In only 10 days since he was chosen, he is acompletely different man. He seemed to have strong convictions on issuesthat were different from the Clinton and Gore administration. That’s allchanged. Those convictions don’t seem that important today. Thatshouldn’t surprise me, because the eight years of Clinton and Gore have shown me that their administration lacked having strong convictions on anything.

Am I excited about this election? Yes, and I’ll try to influence as many people as I can to vote for George W. Bush. Will I be disappointed if mycandidate loses? Definitely, but I have to keep in mind that regardless of the outcome, God is in control.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group.

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