Reflections on Elections
Well, the 2008 election is coming to a close, and I feel really good. Though the electoral college was a landslide (more so than I predicted) - the popular vote appears to be Obama 52%, McCain 47%.
I have been a lifelong Republican. I still believe in small government, low taxes, fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms, and state’s rights. I supported John McCain in his 2000 bid for the Republican nomination for president. In 2000 I voted for Ralph Nader, in 2004 John Kerry. These days I consider myself independent. This year I voted for Barack Obama.
I feel that the last eight years have been disastrous for America. The national debt has gone from $5 trillion to $10 trillion under Republican leadership. The new Republican mode of operation seems to be “Tax Less—Spend More”. I have also been disgusted by the Bush administration’s “If we want to do something unpopular, scare the hell out of the American people.”
The 2008 presidential race has been fascinating to watch. We got to see Obama try to inspire his supporters, while McCain tried to scare his supporters. This was not the John McCain I saw in 2000.
I truly respect everyone’s political opinions. I won’t say I’m right and you’re wrong. I will say that my opinion, and my vote is as valid as yours—and yours as valid as mine. I think the Republican’s have passed some pretty crappy legislation (Patriot Act), and so have the Democrats (NAFTA comes to mind). But as far as who I trust more right now, to lead us out of the terrible shape we are in as a country right now, it is Barack Obama.
It surprises me to see that some people still think that he is Muslim, or that he “pals around with terrorists”, but they are free to think what they will. I think that the McCain/Palin scare machine kicked in to high gear to try to pull this thing off. I’m glad that at least 52% of the population saw through it.
The thing is, that we all want what is best for America. We sometimes disagree on what that is. I hope that we can all move forward with that in mind. Let’s turn off Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Kieth Olberman and Rachael Maddow and try to have honest, open discussions about issues… that don’t include William Ayers or the Alaskan Independence Party.
God bless America.
on November 8th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
How can you believe in “small government, low taxes, fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms, and state’s rights.”, but then turn around and vote for Nader, then Kerry, then Obama? Your beliefs, and the candidates you vote for cancel each other out. In the next 4-8 years, look forward to bigger government, higher taxes, fiscal irresponsibility, and fewer individual freedoms.
on September 30th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Like RH said …. How can you believe in “small government, low taxes, fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms, and state’s rights.”, but then turn around and vote for … Obama?
He spent MORE IN HIS FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE than ALL the previous presidents combined. Going clear back to George W! Covering World War I and II, the Korean War, War of 1812, the War for Independance, the Civil War, the Viet Naum War, and the recent Iraq War that the Dems keep pouting about.
But, even if there WEREN’T WMD, we STILL needed to get the CREEP out of power. What he was doing was wrong — right? Clinton should have taken care of him when he bombed our servicemen. But, no, not a Dem. Leave it to a Rep to Kick Ass and Take Names….but Congress has to make the vote! And make excuses later … for years, and years!
One question about Obama… when is he going to Man UP and take responsibility for ANYTHING? The oil spill that happened on his watch … he handled so poorly — poured chems into the Gulf faster than the oil was spilling in. And took more vacations than you could shake a stick at.
And give money to the banks to ‘bail them out’ … but without any oversight or cavet as to how they spend it — no big payouts to the top guys should have been allowed, right? But, no, Obama never takes any responsibility for anything.
Even when he sticks his foot in his mouth, like with the cop and the college prof situation. Since the prof was black, he had to be in the right, right? But, when inviting people to the WH afterwards, why not invite the female that phoned it in? Isn’t he supposed to be aware that women are REAL people? Evidently She didn’t want to go, anyway! I sure wouldn’t.
I didn’t even go try to look at the fancy WHI plane when it was at the IF airport when Clinton was in office. I was scolded — told I should respect the office. I respect the office. Can’t always respect the man IN the office.
Clinton seems to be a better EX pres than a pres! Go figure!!