Just to make it clear, I'm a registered independent . I have contributed nothing in financial terms to any political party, nor am I a card carrying whatever, but I am capable enough to recognize sound reasoning, and I believe, more important than that, compassion. That latter quality is essential to leadership. There is no point in debating numbers if you are incapable of translating those numbers into  action on behalf of those who seek some amount of solace.

Today, the Mayor of New York City cancelled the 2012 NYC Marathon, when many days before he had adamantly insisted that it be held to show the rest of the world that his city would not be defeated by calamity, but it is not his city, even if it is the city that elected him into office three terms in a row. His city, at least, the telling majority of it told him, no, not while we're still bleeding. That is the genius of democracy. That an electorate can hold whomever it has chosen to lead to their standards.

I don't understand how Mr. Romney is unable to grasp that simple truth. I do not understand how he can make speeches far from disaster and offer condolences. Is it so difficult, or somehow intimidating, to finally visit the New Jersey shoreline to make the same exact speech? Does he somehow think that folk are going to show up and ask for help that he can't actually, or even want to consider?

Insofar as the President is concerned, he showed up. Goodness, Mayor Bloomberg was so intimidated by the President's intention to visit NYC, with all the necessary demands on the city's strained resources, that he told the POTUS, thanks, but no thanks, go to Jersey, why don't you? This while he was insisting that the Marathon run through his stricken city. I am frankly surprised that the President held his tongue when he could have very easily said that those people in your city voted for me too, and I'm the POTUS.

All I can say to Governor Romney is that its too late. If you can't be moved by the sight of homes and lives swept away overnight, moved enough to stop and visit with those who suffered and are by every measure, still suffering, then I cannot, in good conscience, vote you into the Office you seek.

Regardless of the state of the economy.