Your premise that we need unifying issues is a good one, but the conclusion that there aren’t many of them is unwarranted. There are plenty of issues that people on both the ‘left’ and ‘right’ agree on.

The wisdom of the Iraq war is one, despite your closing line. Only ideological extremists (and naive believers in the inherent good of the US military apparatus) still think it was a good idea to invade, or that the whole thing has served some constructive purpose for the US or anyone else.

To return to the subject of your post, Iraq is also an environmental disaster what with (for one) the widespread use of depleted uranium in US munitions, dooming tens of thousands of both US veterans and Iraqis to progressively debilitating diseases.

So, apparently, my life of being a good steward to the land I inhabit is all for naught because I am a conservative? Should I become an angry leftie looney? Will that affect how I should vote November 7? Should I even consider voting now that I am so confused?

Gee, my feelings are really hurt. Guess I’ll go out with my Uzis and .50 cal sniper rifles and lay waste to all the wildlife around me. I am a member of P.E.T.A. (People Eating Tasty Animals), so I will not waste the meat, and all those hides and heads make swell decorations! Then, perhaps a good old fashion fire to clear some land so I can put in some tennis courts, golf course, cell tower and whatever else I can cram on my land.

Want to bring the booze and marshmallows? All are invited!!

BTW: for those without a sense of humor the above is known as sarcasm; a trait I have a bit of familiarity with.