It’s shocking, really, from an administration that promised change, this couldn’t sound like more of the same misleading rhetoric that tricked Americans into the bloody, unjust war in Iraq. For seven long years, Bush & Co. argued that “Islamist terrorists” of the Middle East would run free and Americans would be in constant danger of another Sept. 11 — end of story. By inflating the threat of attack with faulty logic, the administration scared Americans into ignoring facts and supporting a massive push of troops into a largely innocent country.

With my piece, I included an Afghan woman’s critique of the occupation, in the interview conducted by CODEPINK activist and journalist, Liz Kimmerly. It’s really fascinating to hear her voice and learn her perspective, so be sure to check that out, too.

“I went to see the Palinettes — the supporters of this unspectacular woman who had so readily been won over. I wanted to meet them and speak with them and understand their attachment to this lowest common denominator politician — a woman so unqualified for Vice President that her appointer running mate should be imprisoned for treason. As a patriot and voter, I disagree categorically with the choice of Sarah Palin. I seek knowledge, experience, maturity, integrity, charity, clarity, humanity, intellectual curiosity, and wisdom from the leaders I select. Since Palin, in my opinion, exhibits none of these traits, I wanted to assess her supporters’ rationale (or rational-ity).”

Raises a great question…what if everything you hold dear as a voter (such as those values Milazzo mentions) is totally shunned by others? If person X and person Y view the world in completely different terms with wildly different priorities, and have only two major parties to choose from, how could they agree on one “perfect” candidate?