I don't know if it is because I am biased, but did anyone else notice that overwhelmingly, Barack Obama's debate last night focused mainly on spending money? Even during the question about how this economic bailout will affect the presidency, (not only did it take Obama 3-4 times to finally answer the question--I think McCain got it in maybe 2 tries) Obama kept going back to "add this new program, fund that new program, spend more money here and there. . ." It doesn't give me much confidence in a man, who during huge nationwide economic anxiety, only seems to focus on spending even more money. It sounds like all of his so called "change" and "hope" required billions of dollars to me. And Obama himself, admitted that budgetary issues will actually limit greatly many of the things he is promising to do as president. I also wondered how during what was supposed to be a discussion of foreign policy, instead, Obama began again to discuss the need for alternative energy. I hear you on that one, Barack, but not while you are supposed to be talking about protecting this country. I usually see McCain as dry and wonder about his ability to lead this country. But last night, I was surprised at how well versed McCain seemed, especially in regard to military and foreign policy. Obama seemed pretty clueless to me. I don't particularly like either choice, but I don't know how I can trust a man as the commander in chief who believes the best foreign relations work is simply telling countries like Russia, "You are a 21st century super-power. You need to start acting like a 21st century super power instead of a 20th century one." I'm not so sure any country, especially Russia, would simply say, "Okay. You are exactly right. . ."
I don't think this is the kind of change I want for me and my family.
4 comments:
We missed the debate last night and am hoping it got taped for us to see. I feel much the same way you do about presidential politics. I am a bit nervous about either candidate but maybe change isn't so great. Do I want to pay MORE taxes (change), get less healthcare (with socialized medicine), and become more vulnerable? I used to think I liked Obama as a person, not a candidate, but he is starting to creep me out. Like the cheshire cat or something. This big false grin to lure us away into his frightening politics.
I love that you are really involved in this presidency canidates! You were the smarter one of the two of us! I am just starting to understand the politics side of things, but yes... I agree on what you had to say. Either one is going to do something crazy to this country. I think things are really going to get ugly. Hold on for dear life! This ride is going to be an adventure! The end of the world is coming :)
Change is now the mantra of the nation and the slogan of both candidates. When they (and we) talk about change, it means "change for the better." I am not one to believe those who predict the imminent destruction of America and/or end of the world. However, things in America are not the way we want them to be. There is much to be done; many improvements to make. Americans are ready for new leadership. Things may get worse before they get better, but I think that things will get better--whichever candidate becomes our next president. Why? Because I think (and this may be overly optimistic) that Americans are ready to change for the better. Hopefully, enough Americans will recognize that it isn't the man (or woman) who occupies the White House and it isn't the political party in control at a given time that can make the changes necessary for profound improvement. The genius of America is that one person and one party should never have the power to make sweeping changes without the permission of the American people. I hope for leaders of integrity, wisdom, patriotism, courage, humility, faith and foresight. I hope that our next president will be able to bring about positive change by providing leadership and inspiring Americans to do those things which will really make America better: take a more active role in government beginning in your own community, work harder to better take care of yourself and your family, reach out to make life better for those who are struggling more than you are.
Many question marks surround both candidates and how they will help improve our nation. These question marks make people nervous. Rightly so. But isn't that what happens every 4 (or at least every 8) years? We can't predict who will step up and become a great leader and who won't. We can't foresee all the crises which may come during the next 4 or 8 years. We can't fully measure leadership qualities from the campaign speeches and commercials that we see. We have to do our homework, make our choice, and then cast our vote--realizing that we can't predict how things are going to go during the next 4 years. There is always a risk, always uncertainty, in an election. But it's the best system we have and, overall, it's worked for us.
I like to think that both candidates are men that we can look to for leadership. Both have their shortcomings but, overall, I think they mean well for this country and will do all that they can to improve America. But they can't do anything without our help. So I applaud all those who are taking an active role in democracy and preparing to cast their ballot for the next president (and congressperson, senator, etc.). I'm glad we're discussing policy issues and the directions we may or may not want our country to go. It is active citizens who have always brought positive change to America and I believe this will continue to be the case.
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