The Democrat party is split. Democrat voters have said they wouldn't vote for Hillary Clinton if she won the nomination, it's the same if Barack Obama won the nomination. So....who does one look to? Still, the Democrat and Republican National Conventions are to come and Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, and John McCain have to be officially declared the winner. The American people still have a choice.

The electoral process that has been displayed before us does not represent a fair process nor does it rightly reflect what our nation is about. A few elite (yes John McCain fits the mold as an elitist) seized the spots as the top 3 candidates left who are vying for the presidency, and the American people are left hanging. We deserve a wider selection of choice other than the 3 left standing.

If overall, dissatisfaction with the top 3 candidates linger, who do we vote for?

Obama speaks of change, but he is polarizing and exactly what "change" will he be referring to? The man is too controversial. Not to mention, his far leftist leanings aren't something I will readily jump on board with.

Wonder why Clinton won't quit? It's because she's been working up to this moment for years...her insatiable drive for the White House is palpable. Bill Clinton is also looking forward to occupying the White House again; their appetite for power is underestimated by the public (which serves us no good). 

John McCain also has a penchant for power...along with his elitist/globalist views.

In the May 12 issue of NEWSWEEK, Fareed Zakaria reports that "the United States does not seem to be leading the charge" in the world.  We are wavering as the #1 nation, and he said that "Americans are glum." The title of his new book, The Post American World, is quite disturbing.  Well, the situation is not likely to improve with the top 3 candidates. All of them are of the globalist mindset.

Imagine if the American public turned their backs on the top 3 and started viewing candidates who were loyal to the Constitution of the United States.

Still, there are some that are licking their chops over the prospect of a black or woman becoming president of the United States.  It's an illusion that will bring our nation to collapse if we let it.  Race and gender is a superficial reason to vote for a person for such an important position.  I believe the same for someone who thinks that a candidate's youth or looks is somehow important (or an attractive quality) for the presidency.

It's shocking to think that the two national parties would promote a candidate because "they've gone through a lot" or have "proven themselves." The media does that as well, as they seize on the opportunity to tout their candidate before us (through the "talking heads" and pundits). Some voters have fallen for the slick talk; especially women voters who see Hillary Clinton as one who has stood tough through all the negative campaigning. Many women think she deserves the presidency after all she has gone through. 

The voters must be wise to see through the spin. The only attribute that should and will speak to the character of a politician is their background and stand on the issues.

This brings me to the Republican Party's early endorsement of McCain, who is undoubtedly a liberal. 

Conservative Republicans need not think that they are stuck with McCain because that's who the Republican party has backed and who supposedly has the nomination.  Too many people want to "go with the flow" instead of standing for something. 

There are other choices...where is our conscience to consider a third party candidate? That may be the solution to bringing Americans together and ultimately saving our country: the selection of a third party candidate who doesn't have the mind set of following after big corporations and the elite. 

Who is telling the truth to the electorate? Who is REAL?  America needs to cast off the top 3 candidates and look at those who've been passed over.  The third party candidates may still have a chance to grab the spotlight during the Democrat/Republican national conventions.  I still believe America's best choice was Alan Keyes... or someone who is equally conservative and constitutionally minded. 

Clinton, Obama, and McCain will not bring America back to prominence in the world. If you want someone who espouses a socialist, power sharing viewpoint that marginalizes the power and position of the US in the world, then vote for either of these candidates.

If you want to see America rise from its distress, then the American people must focus in on a candidate that will uphold the Constitution and our traditional values. We should be asking each presidential candidate if they will pledge their allegiance to uphold the sovereignty of America and will they unwaveringly continue in that effort to make sure America remains intact (Note: Now that I'm thinking of it, Congress should take the same pledge).

I'm hoping that between now and the national conventions that a miracle will occur and Americans will be able to take back their nation from the elite that only have selfish, global agendas.

In the midst of everything, the American people remain in power and control.  We just have to use it wisely and keep an eye on what our leaders are doing and hold them accountable. Never attach to the superficial, look deeper.

It's your choice to make, never settle for less when it comes to upholding the freedoms of this country. And that includes using your vote wisely.

*Felicia Benamon is a conservative columnist who writes from a political perspective, but occasionally deviates to write about other concerns facing her country.  A patriotic American, Felicia hopes to motivate others to be more conscious of the current state of affairs in America, and to hold true to the wonderful traditions that make America great.

Felicia comes from a military background and is proud to support the men and women who put their lives on the line daily to protect American citizens and who reach out to help those in need across the globe.

Write to Felicia at: FeliciasDesk@aol.com