911.

As the dogmatist reflects on September 11, 2001 he remembers these words of Tony Blair.

America has its faults as a society, as we have ours.

But I think of the Union of America born out of the defeat of slavery.

I think of its Constitution, with its inalienable rights granted to every citizen still a model for the world.

I think of a black man, born in poverty, who became chief of their armed forces and is now secretary of state Colin Powell and I wonder frankly whether such a thing could have happened here.

I think of the Statue of Liberty and how many refugees, migrants and the impoverished passed its light and felt that if not for them, for their children, a new world could indeed be theirs.

I think of a country where people who do well, don't have questions asked about their accent, their class, their beginnings but have admiration for what they have done and the success they've achieved.

I think of those New Yorkers I met, still in shock, but resolute; the fire fighters and police, mourning their comrades but still head held high.

Your Pain.

Remember when Bill Clinton felt your pain? I remember as a young dogmatist thinking, "does anyone really care if he feels their pain?"

How does it matter? I came to believe that people are not really swayed by the, he knows what my life is like, argument.

Then, today, I had a coworker say that she is considering voting for McCain because Sarah Palin, quote, "is a mom." I was not aware that being a mother qualified a person to be one heartbeat from the most powerful office in the world.

If you know the Dogmatist you will know that he believes that both major political parties are leading America down a primrose path to the complete loss of political and economic freedom.

That said, I cannot believe that people would choose a presidential candidate based on who understands their particular situation. Who cares if McCain or Obama know what my life is like? I want to know how they plan to govern. I can't relate to two men who are so close to the Presidency. I can't relate to someone who craves power as much as Obama, nor can I relate to a wealthy former POW (though, I would like to relate to the wealthy part).

I can't vote for Obama because socialism is not acceptable to me no matter how much he feels my pain.

Is the dogmatist the only one who finds this appeal ridiculous? I hope not.