As an outspoken person the political arena has never been a place I’d like to be.

This year though, after eight years of bad leadership, I eagerly watched the candidates vie for first place in both parties. I am much more a Democrat in my beliefs than a Republican and found myself in agreement on most issues with Bill Richardson. His stance on energy, immigration and the economy pleased me. He got shot down early in the game. I liked Mike Huckabee somewhat but he too was soon out.

Barack Obama quickly became a rising star despite the fact that he’s only been a senator for one term. In his first debate with Hillary he answered the first question wrong and exposed his lack of experience. Surprisingly this did not slow his momentum.

Then I began to notice that the newscasters, the very press known for their ability to dig out the dirt on anyone, was walking on eggshells with Obama. I assume they were fearful of being called racist. If they don’t respect the Presidential office enough to temper their curiosity why won’t they ask the questions lots of us want the answers to?
Why won’t Obama salute the very flag that represents the nation he’s trying to be President of? I don’t care that he won’t wear a flag lapel pin but I do care that he won’t salute our flag with his hand over his heart. The photo of him not saluting was taken in Indianola, Iowa on Sept. 16, 2007, and was in Time magazine. Campaign workers said it was just snapped it when his hand was down but ABC video of the event showed that AT NO TIME did he salute. How heartbreaking for all of those frail WW II vets we've seen saluting our flag.

I like John McCain and thought even if he was in the wrong party for me, I might vote for him. Then when he was introduced in a speech and the man whose name escapes me, railed against Barack Hussein Obama, McCain chastised the guy! It’s his middle name for heavens sake! If it’s that offensive to Obama he’s had many years, then change it. Again no one in the news asked what was wrong with using the candidate’s full name?

Obama’s associates leave room for lots of questions. Yes he returned $150,000 to Tony Rezko who donated to the campaign but he kept $185,000 that Rezko’s associates donated. I’d like to meet Mrs. Rezko and pick her brain on budgeting. She makes $37,500 a year but was able to spend $625,000 on the lot adjoining the Obama house so the Obamas could purchase the house as the owner wanted to sell both the house and lot. Rezko is $50 million in debt and depends on friends and relatives to contribute $7,500 a month to his family. Rezko is currently on trial for corruption charges, gee, what a surprise.

What’s up with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s pastor? How can a man of God stand in the pulpit and use the phrase "God d--- America?” Rev. Wright also preached that the United States was to blame for 9-11. Obama compared him to his grandmother who is white and afraid of groups of black men loitering on street corners. He also said "I don’t think my church is actually particularly controversial."

Really???

I believe that it is time for the press to start asking this man some tough questions. It is time to see what his answers are and now, before the election puts him in the White House.