The American Idol Crowd

I'm part of what those who stay on top of politics and world events call the "American Idol Crowd". I'll admit it, I would much rather sit at home and watch people sing and wonder how Sanjaya keeps getting votes than think about the current state of affairs in our Nation.

The funny thing about that is that I hate popularity contests. I hate them because they usually put people in positions that they have no qualifications for - just because they were able to get people to vote for them. American Idol is definitely a popularity contest. The difference between it and other popularity contests is that by the time it gets down to the top 24 - everyone who makes it has talent. They beat out thousands of other people and any of them deserve to win. Sure it's a popularity contest, but it is entertaining and I love to listen to people sing.

Politics is also a popularity contest. Unfortunately, there isn't a Randy, Paula and Simon to help weed out those with no talent or no business being in politics before they are put before the public for a popular vote. The winner of American Idol receives a recording contract paid for by a private party. The winner of a political race gets to influence and make laws and decisions that affect our freedom and our way of life - paid for with our tax dollars. Yikes.

Not only don't the politicians have to have any real qualifications, neither do those who vote for them. Talk about the blind leading the blind. Think about the popular kids when you were in school - and where are they now? Most of them are probably still waiting for their buddies so they can go to the bathroom or decide what to wear. You think Bill Gates would have won any popularity contests as a kid? I doubt it, but look where he is now.

The thought of a total incompetent who has no regard for freedom or what makes this country great becoming a representative, senator or even the president scares me way more than the thought of Sanjaya getting a record deal. I feel like I cannot really affect the outcome of either situation, so if I have to just sit back and watch I'd much rather be entertained than scared out of my wits.

I think politicians should have to meet specific educational and experience requirements to run for office - just like the rest of us must to get our jobs. I also think that voters should have to pass some kind of test in order to be able to vote.

Despite my preference to watch American Idol in blissful ignorance, I do think about current events.

I think what we are doing in Iraq is the right thing to do. Getting rid of Saddam was the right thing to do. I cannot believe that the women's rights activists in this country are not screaming that we are not doing enough to end the horror that the women must suffer in the Middle East. I think the world is a better place with Iraq being our ally instead of our enemy. I think if we pull out now - Iraq will eventually fall back to the same horrible rule as they had before. What a shame.

I think Iran is a huge threat to our safety and security. Ahmadinajad is trying to get rid of Israel and everyone who will not submit to Islam - just like Hitler tried to get rid of the Jews. He's said this - why do so many refuse to believe that he means it? I think the taking of the British sailors by Iran is an act of war. I think the British are totally wimping out - and Iran is winning. They want the Brits to admit they were wrong and apologize. I do not believe that the Brits were in Iranian waters - and even if they were I don't believe that the taking of hostages was justified. The way they are treating these hostages is even worse. I don't believe any of the letters or speeches that have been released from the hostages. Those who were taken hostage by Iran in the past and who were lucky enough to eventually be rescued will tell you that they were forced to write letters admitting to things they didn't do. Iran wants everyone to bow down and accept Islam or die. Again - not a secret. If you don't believe this just listen to them sometime. I don't want to bow down to Islam - and I will die defending myself before I would do so.

I think Rosie O'Donnell has a right to say what she thinks. I also think she is a traitor to our country and I don't understand what she is trying to do by being so outspoken. I heard her say that the current hostage situation has been fabricated to incite a war, and that the events of 9/11 were also part of a big scheme by our own government. I think she is insane. Unfortunately there are a lot of people out their who listen to her and believe her. I wish she would pack them all up and take them out of our country - we'd all be much better off for it. She appears to have no respect for our country and is trying to destroy it. Why must people try and destroy things that they do not like? If you don't like it - leave!!!! Just like I have no tolerance for people who hate their jobs and instead of doing something about it like finding another one - they try to destroy things for everyone else so that they are not the only ones who are miserable.

I think our country is headed for self destruction; or socialism which in my opinion is the same thing. I cannot stand it that some people expect others to support them. I enjoy working and earning a living. I enjoy paying my own bills. I don't expect anyone else to support me and I don't want to support anyone else other than my family. I don't want to earn a certain wage because I am a woman - I want to earn it because I do a damn good job (and I do). I see the benefit of certain social programs, and yes I do have loved ones who benefit from some of them. However, I think that if we were not taxed so much and if the social programs were left up to individuals they would still exist. People have an amazing way of helping each other out when it is our choice and not forced upon us.

I think that there are legitimate functions of the government, and I have no problem with my tax dollars going to support the defense of our country. I do have a problem with my tax dollars going toward public education - but that's an entire different blog!

I don't understand how so many people in this country can be so blind to what is really happening. Is it any wonder I prefer to watch American Idol?