America/The World Is Hungry for Leadership, Dinner Begins Tonight in Oxford, MS

So, on your mark, get set, . . . . . . the runners have finally decided to get on with the final leg of the relay. Sen. McCain decided not to drop his baton. Let's get serious about hearing the competing visions on the issues. And more importantly, let's hear directly from the persons of which we are looking to for leadership in America. Our throats are parched, the skin is clammy, and our stomachs are grumbling. We have less than 39 days and counting to make up our minds on what we wish to have on the menu of leadership:

An eclectic mix of
Strong Leadership
Compassion
Vision
Judgement
Experience
Intelligence
Smart ideas
Consensus-builder
Integrity
Sprinkled with a dash of core values and any other condiments you wish

I am certainly hungry and I believe the debates will offer up a clear opportunity for the American public to vote up or down the Obama-Biden and McCain-Palin tickets. We have spent countless sleepless hours watching cable television as morsels of appetizers to the main meal: the opportunity to vote. In the interim, we will defer to our current president, congressional leadership, and governmental arms to deal with and resolve any further crises that we are confronted with over the next 39 days. In either event, the next president will have a mountain of mail in his INBOX.

Since my last note, we have had lots of drama and excitement since the end of both Conventions . All in my view - qualify as all distractions and diversions (I paused to reflect). It is imperative that you and your family remain focused on the kitchen sink issues that directly impact your daily lives. Likewise, I implore you to ignore any chain emails purporting to tell you what your voting rights are. Please press delete and refrain from forwarding any YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO VOTE ALERTS. Let me assure you that there will be countless of lawyers and legal professionals on hand across America to ensure that EVERY VOTE COUNTS. Not this time. No way. No how. You can take this to the bank (ooops, well, wait a second, until bailout bill is signed by the President). It is important that you update your picture identificiation, your voter registration card, and identify when and where you are able to vote in advance. Turnout is going to be extremely high.

If you are hungry for leadership, pick up your knife and fork, grab your napkins, and lick your lips. We are about to enter the phase of the last meal. First stop, Oxford, Mississippi. Do not leave anything on your plate. Mummy is likely to put you in a corner.

Enjoy and eat up!