Who is Theora, you ask? If you watched the debate last night she posed the Internet question 28 minutes into the debate. She asked, “What sacrifices will you ask every American to make?”

Ever since I watched “The War” on PBS, I have wondered this same thing. American’s supported the Second World War because they were personally vested in it. Despite the vast numbers of individuals who went to war those at home sacrificed by rationing food and fuel, changing their lifestyles, purchasing war bonds, and much more. Of course, we were bombed on American soil (like we were on Sept 11) but it was the European War we were fighting before the Pacific. I don’t feel American’s understood the extent of the holocaust until after we defeated Germany. Sure, we knew he was a tyrant, but we didn’t understand the extent of his evil ways until we had been fighting for years and lost millions of lives. (If you are a member of “the greatest generation” correct me if I’m wrong.)

America supported retaliation against Osama bin Laden but we have grown tired of the war. I think this is because we have nothing vested. With the exception of those who have volunteered to go to War (and their families) we have never been asked to sacrifice anything in support of our country or our troops.

So, what did the candidates reply: McCain proposed a government spending freeze and the suspension or termination of unnamed programs. — Doesn’t sound like he’s asking us to do anything, but continuing to force our hand. Will it be a sacrifice for me? Depends on what unnamed programs these turn out to be. A spending freeze and shut down of government sounds kind of appealing - at least then they can’t screw anything up. —– Obama said he would ask us to make changes in our personal lives to conserve energy and then continued to tell us he would offer incentives to do so. If he offers us incentives, is it a sacrifice? He also said he would double the peace core. Sounds like serious sacrifice.

Great question, Theora. I think you understand what this country really needs: some sacrifice for the good of others rather than the selfish greed that runs rampant.

As for generalities in the debate: they did pretty good at answering the questions. I think they did better than Biden & Palin. The lack of applause is refreshing. Some questions did go completely unanswered however. I guess the candidates feel they don’t owe us answers to our questions. I think both candidates are completely out of touch. They both misrepresent their opponents and possibly themselves. I have a hard time believing much of what either of them say. One thing is for certain, I don’t believe anything they say about their opponents.