When I heard John McCain say today that “When I am president, I will ensure that space exploration remains a top priority,” my reaction was a big ho hum. It’s not that I’m against space exploration in particular, although it does seem bizarre that space exploration would truly be “a top priority” of the American government.
No, my lack of enthusiasm comes from the knowledge that John McCain seems to be promising that just about everything will be a “top priority” if he becomes President.
On January 2, 2007, John McCain declared that “Broadband access needs to be a top priority.”
On June 20, 2007 McCain said, “We need a strong ally and partner in Mexico, and forging this relationship would be a top priority in my administration.”
On October 13, 2007, McCain said that “defending our nation against attack from Islamic extremists must remain the top priority.”
In March, 2008 McCain told people that the plight of Tibet would be one of his top priorities as President.
On April 4, 2008 McCain said, “I will make the eradication of poverty a top priority of the McCain Administration.”
On June 20, 2008, McCain said that devising a new energy policy would be “a top priority” for him if he were elected President.
In early July 2008, McCain told reporters that gaining the release of hostages would be “a top priority” in a McCain White House.
On July 14, 2008, McCain said that immigration would be “my top priority today and it will be my top priority tomorrow.” Well, yes, but what about the day after tomorrow?
The McCain campaign web page says that “A top priority needs to be putting private capital to work in research and development.”
To the League of Conservation Voters, McCain said that “As president, the nation’s security will be my top priority.” On a somewhat different note, however, the McCain campaign also says that “John McCain will make ensuring the personal security of Americans a top priority of his administration.”
If John McCain really has this many top priorities for his White House, the chances are he couldn’t effectively deal with any of them if elected President this November.
