Slinging Mud, and Other Joys of Political Behavior

Disclaimer: YOU MAY BE OFFENDED BY MY POLITICAL STATEMENTS AND VIEWS. But that's the beauty of our political system. I can have an opinion, you can too. To my benefit, I try to be fair in my arguments (as does CNN).

I have voted mostly Republican during my voting career. Although I claim socialist/communist ideals, I really am quite fond of democracy and the comfortable life that capitalism has provided for me. I am not fond with the government messing with our agency, or providing us a way out of situations for which we should take full responsibility. In other words, big government spending and social programs do not float my boat.

So you do not think that I am some consuming uncaring monster, I am aware that many of my commodities come at the expense of others' work. This disturbs me, and quite honestly has kept me up at night. (You can even ask my wife and my previous roommates about long, overdrawn, over-analytical, and intense conversations about solutions on how to change the world, communist Chinese workers, workers in Nike factories, workers in India, and especially Latin America who are forced to work long hours with sickeningly low wages). We do take some consolation in that these are usually well-paying jobs for these people, without them, they probably would not be able to provide for their families at all. However, due to poor compensation for their labor, they are still starving, as are their families. And the conclusion and solution: well, there is usually just a depressing lull followed by a hope for better things to come.

While I know that our system has flaws, I think that it's a pretty good one. It allows for agency -- it allows us to use our agency to become what we want. We mostly have ourselves to blame if we do not achieve the desired outcome of our lives. I think that a lot of people do not want that responsibility right now, and instead seek a scape goat for their problems (ie. President Bush, Congress, the government in general). I say, let's buck up and take some responsibility for our actions and our lives! Let's use our God-given and constitutional freedoms to make responsible choices instead of waiting for some presidential savior to save us with his social programs. Remember that the founders of this nation and those who have fought for it have fought for "The American Dream." The last time I checked, "The American Dream" was not socialism or communism.

Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty.


Like the most of the nation, Kenz and I have been following the latest on the ensuing presidential political battle. I actually am amused by some of the hypocrisies of the democratic news media and party, and really cannot wait for the debates to commence and the mud-slinging to really begin.

I think that once that happens (as has happened with the situation involving Gov. Palin's daugther), we get to see what people and parties are really made of.

Fortunately, Obama has admonished his party to leave candidates' children and their issues out of the politics of this race. Unfortunately, other democrats just can't seem to let it go. Funny how the very candidate whom they laud was in fact born to a mother who was also unwed while pregnant with him. Oooops....

Others argue that Governor Palin lacks the leadership experience needed to fill the office of Vice President, or the office of President if something should happen to McCain. (I agree, he's old. But frankly, I think that if he survived years of Vietnamese torture methods, he may have a good chance against a democratic Congress for a couple of years).

They say Palin has too little executive experience; she is naive to the dynamics of Washington. However, while Obama has experience as a first term Senator in Washington, his executive experience well... leaves more to be desired. Personally, I don't consider community organizing as reputable experience, especially since it involves asking for money, and taking people's money. Will this experience lead to higher taxes for social programs? A higher budget deficit? Or will this money appear from China like our stimulus checks? Where's Mitt when you need him?

Then there are issues with the fact that Palin is under investigation in Alaska. And well, Obama's interactions and dealings with a former American terrorist who helped him jump start his political career, or his past pastor's reputation are not of import.


And maybe Obama's wife, who has called the United States of America (a country that has provided her a life of luxury) a mean country, is right. (Insert sarcastic tone) We are self concerned. In light of Hurricane Gustav, I see that we are very much concerned with our own citizens. And in light of the recent humanitarian efforts worldwide in India and in Georgia, well, we are concerned with the well being of others, too. BUT, we are mean to terrorist harboring countries. Very mean. Maybe we should give the terrorists a break. Maybe we should meet with them without preconditions...sound familiar?

I really do not understand this: Why has Obama declined to meet with "conservative" media? What is he afraid of? Obviously not terrorists. Maybe he figures he has had enough media exposure with his media friends on their international escapade/qualifying trip for international policy-making.

I think this has the potential to be the most heated presidential race that I will have witnessed in my voting career. (Two elections so far, this will be my third). And, while I don't agree with everything Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Ann Coulter have to say (I guess I find the extremes too hard to swallow or believe), I also don't agree with a lot that CNN has to say because the bias is overtly blatant. So, to conclude, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am not impressed with the rhetoric. But, I will tell you what impresses me: honesty and delivery. Hopefully the next president will be able to provide both.

I just want some concrete answers I guess. Some concrete solutions rather than empty rhetoric of a promised glorious change for the future. I hope this future does not include 10.00/gallon gas and free access to air to inflate my tires properly. I have yet to hear a decent explanation about Obama's proposed energy policy, or really anything else he plans to do. And yes, I do inquire. Someone enlighten me, please. I really am open to explanations.