Submitted by Ignatius Anyanwu, Feb 25, 2008 02:28

As the saying goes: "Be careful what you wish for ..." John McCain is finding out the hard way, the prophetic power of that time honored quote. It has not been a good week for John McCain.

First, it was the New York Times article on allegation of improper mixing of business and pleasure, while in office, in ther words, influence pendaling with some lobyyists, John McCain's absolute denial, and apparent contradicting witness accounts by some of the alleged benefiting entities. Now, appearance/potential violation of the very Campaign Finance law he co-sponsored to curb the influence of "big money" and the lobbyists that bundle them. These are not all that have been haunting John McCain this week, and threatens to derail his candidacy for the Republican nomination. His critiques including, his fellow Republicans, and his potential Democratic rival, Sen. Obama, have challenged John McCain on the high number and role of lobbyists on his campaign. Talk about self contradiction and apparent hypocrisy on the issue of curbing the influence of lobbyists in politics, which John McCain claims to be a champion of! John McCain has straddled so many positions and engaged in apparent self-contracdictory actions on the issue of the influence of lobbyists and big money, he may have lost the moral high ground on that issue. His Democratic opponent cannot wait to take him up on these.

Also, John McCain proclaimed himself, a straight shooter -his "straight talk express". However, we all watched in utter dismay and disappointment, when this "Straight shooter" shriveled and caved in on his moderate principles, just to win Republican conservatives over. Consequently, John McCain is now, neither a true moderate, nor a true conservative. His words and actions of late, do not match his rhetoric. He has lost his authenticity, and may not regain it again. All around, John McCain has now found himself in a self created trap. The New York Times article and allegations there in, are still unfolding. These may just be the beginning of the unmaking of a Republican nominee. I know some Republicans are going to do any and everything to change the rule of the game, mid-stream, and have already mounted an all front assault and smear campaign against the New York Times and just about anyone who dares question any of the things they and their presumptive nominee do in this election.

For once, Democrats should get the proverbial backbone not to let them get away with any questionable thing in this election. The days of "no rule applies to us, Republicans" era of Karl Rove, Jack Abrammof, Tom Delay, Newt Gingrich, Dick Cheney and others, should be brought to a final end, and public accountability brought back to public offices. All patriotic Americans should join in this quest. Democrats, if they are elected in 2008, should be held to a high standard also. This is our country and all of us -Republicans, Democrats, Independents and everyone else in between, has a civic responsibility and obligation in making this democracy and its republic endure. Reforming our political system from its current ruins, is a responsibility for all Americans and everyone, who, in anyway enjoys the rights and priviledges that are inherent in our system of government.

Ignatius Anyanwu

California

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