24, Fiction and the War On Terror

America's mayor, the honorable Rudy Giuliani made a short stop in Buffalo last week. His purpose was to raise money for his presidential campaign war-chest. That being said his visit was limited to those who could afford to shell out the big bucks to listen to Rudy pitching his candidacy. I've always found it amusing to think that a total stranger (and millionaire) would ask people for money to help get him a job that if he does not get, no one gets their money back.

Local reporters wanted to know Rudy's strategy for winning the white house. Of course, his entire pitch was home land security, a strong military and the rallying cry of the republican: 'The War on Terror.'

Rudy reportedly split the scene with several hundred thousand republican dollars.

In the same issue of the local press was a small article congratulating the local catholic charity for raising more than ten million dollars in food contributions. The article went on to praise western New Yorkers for their compassion and generosity, as well it should. And of course, no one wanted to ask the real question; why is it necessary for citizens of the world's most powerful nation to be forced through charity to feed its own people.

If asked, I'm sure Rudy would praise the effort, but would he have a ready solution? I don't know, I have no solution myself.

Coming up with a solution to hunger is complicated and difficult. As are questions relating to the abysmal lack of healthcare in this country. Not to mention the loss of jobs in the middle class. How can the economic health of the inner cities be restored? Immigration questions continue to plague and divide this nation. Race questions will not go away. Neither will the AIDs virus. The domestic laundry list seems endless. The solutions remain elusive as ever.