Now that the end of the Bush presidency is nearing it's end, who are Americans going to blame for their problems? It seems that in lieu of personal responsibility, Americans have enjoyed the auspices of blaming bush and absolving themselves of blame. Elevating Bush to the status of Americhrist (my own original term).

While I was never a bush supporter, I was not in the bash camp either. I found disappointment in the Democrats, poor treatment of their first anti-war candidate, Howard Dean. Also a fair amount of disgust with all the Kerry bumper stickers on SUVs. We want oil without guilt. When Bush was in office there wasn't an opportunity to live in denial about where are resources come from. So much to the horror of many, I think it can be said that Bush opened many peoples eyes and did in fact promote some to taking responsibility for their impact.

A solution to many of the worlds current and impending problems is controlling the growth of population. Climate change, whether it be warming or cooling would benefit from a global population that would be at a reasonable carrying capacity. Education, health care, agriculture/starvation, transportation, all would benefit with manageable population numbers.

Zero Population growth, one child per person is a reasonable place to start, with perhaps incentive/disincentive tax policies that stimulate this type of model would be an effective tool. Pushing retirement age further back for people that have more children. Not making it a crime, instead creating strong incentive based policies that encourage this type of scenario. This needs to be a global movement.

Tax based incentive programs could also be used to generate funding for things such as alternative energy sources, and alternative transportation. Something like a 40/40 rule that charges a 40% tax on vehicles that do not get 40 miles a gallon. With obvious exemptions for things like schools, farms, hospitals, etc... This would allow people to drive the car they want while helping fund the roadway to the future. A transitional step into the future of energy independence.

In this 2008 election I can't bring myself to vote for either of the major parties. I actually wanted to run a campaign this year but due to sciatic issues was not able to dedicate the time to solidify my platform, which consists of ideas such as above. So don't blame me. I voted for myself.

This may also be a beginning for my website heyliberal.com. While I often find myself in support of the ideals that are often considered "liberal" territory, I usually find myself in direct opposition to the method, attitude and the general elitism that accompanies the liberal stance. Ideas, good or bad, are generally unpalatable when they are being forced down ones throat.

There I said it.