Upcoming election (2)

As the election approaches, we may be tempted to think that we are seeing the light at the end of the long dark tunnel of President Bush's miserable tenure.

Don't be so certain. There is an all too strong possibility that we are actually seeing the headlight of an oncoming locomotive.

The probability that Senator Barack Obama will be our next President is high. Although lacking age and experience, he does say some really good things. That some of those things are very politically incorrect only adds to his appeal.

He may also share President Ronald Reagan's ability to attract, and listen to, some really competent advisers. Of note are Paul Volcker (former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board), Robert Rubin (former Treasury Secretary in the Clinton years) and Warren Buffet.

Perhaps he will be able to attract an equally strong foreign policy team. Certainly former Secretary of State Colin Powell's endorsement provides some encouragement.

The real dangers of an Obama Administration will appear if the likely results in Senate and Congressional races come to pass.

There is a high probability that the that the new Democratic majority in the House of Representatives will be such that controversial, and highly partisan, legislation can be passed without the need for serious discussion or compromise. In the Senate, it is also likely - although not guaranteed - that the Democratic Party will have a filibuster-proof majority of 60 or more votes. These majorities will permit the Democratic Party to impose its will on the nation with little need for reasoned discussion or compromise.

This sort of power, in the hands of honorable and substantial Senators and Representatives, is dangerous. When the likely wielders are highly partisan lightweights such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Harry Byrd, the Chief Porker of Legislative Branch, we have good reason to worry.

Worse, Senator Obama, if he is President, is likely to be sparing in his use of the power to veto such legislation.

Much as I am disappointed in Senator McCain, and appalled by Governor Palin, I shall hold my nose and vote for divided government. It works at least as well as, and usually better than, a government where one party controls both the White House and Capitol Hill.