I am Afraid for My Country.
September 11, 2008
I originally posted this on Palin’s Travels. We have a thread called Palin for President. For a (welcome) change, I am not being silly and tongue in cheek.
It is especially poingnant I am writing this on September 11th.
Look, in past years, I might vote for the lesser of two evils. This year, I am voting for who will HARM me the least.
In the past, we may not have been happy with who won, but the country moved on.
This time, no matter who wins, we are going into uncharted waters. I’ll start with the Republicans, since I have been having the most fun with Sarah Palin on my blog.
Like my mother and sisters, I was leaning toward McCain (I was more grudging than the three mentioned ladies). I’ve said this before, John McCain is my Senator and I have always supported him. As President though, he really does not understand the economy, and on Foreign Policy, on the one hand, I would feel safer, because the schoolyard bullies of the world would be less likely to mess with him. (Like with Reagan, they may think McCain too crazy to cross LOL)! On the other hand, his Foreign Policy experience is Cold War, and that is what got us into Iraq. Sarah Palin is the only executive of the four, but I don’t want religion forced down my throat and I have read disturbing things about her bigotry.
Now the Democrats. My hope is Joe Biden can keep Obama grounded. Again, I am voting Democratic out of nowhere else to go, like my sisters. I think my mother is going to stay home. My favorite cousin is still voting for McCain as is a close friend.
Obama is good with groups and listening on a grassroots level. I do not think he has a real grasp of our problems. I think the Intl schoolyard bullies will see Obama as an easy mark.
I am genuinely afraid of the future for the first time. This election is splitting families and friends and raising all sorts of rancor. I really do fear for my country.
[...] Original tucsonmike [...]
I agree that in this voting season, it is much more of a case to vote for the lesser of the two evils: McCain was not my first choice in the Republican party but I can not bring myself by any means to vote for Obama.
Between Obama’s view on taxes, a socialized medical program and bigger government, (just to name a few), I feel he would lead this country in the wrong direction. That is just way too much government in our lives.
I see McCain coming around to a more conservative side which is a definite plus. By selecting Palin, he proved just that.
However, I do disagree on one comment you made about “forcing her religion”. Not once has she brought up her religion as an issue. She may have answered a question about her beliefs but never has implemented any policy that encapsulated a specific doctrine. Don’t believe the lies about the “book banning”.
I also find it funny that when the Obama and Jeremiah Wright issue was in the news how the media defended Obama stating that was his personal life. When in fact, Wright was making direct accusations against the very heart of our country.
Thanks for your post.
Well Mike, I’m afraid for a real change in your country you will at first need a new election system. I don’t follow these ridiculously long winding and exhausting election campaign very closely, but how can you expect to get the most capable politican for president when the election system calls for the best actor delivering the best and most expensive show?
There are no doubt lots of excellent politicians available in your country, capable to encounter the problems of the 21st century, but they will hardly ever get a chance to become No.One with all the lobbying, religion, patriotism… that’s needed for a ‘proper’ US election campaign. And the candidate who will finally make it to the finish line will be completely exhausted. What would your boss say if you turn up in such condition in your new job at the first day?
I don’t say that our election system here in Germany allways brings the best suitable persons into positions, but at least they don’t waste such amounts of time, money and effort before actually start doing their job.
Thank you Holger (Holle is the ID of a friend of mine). Our Presidential Season goes on way too long. My suspicion is it would take legal action to do something about it. An election season with a time limit. I would be exhausted too on January 21st, if I were the President Elect. Heck of a hangover, that is for sure.
Hixsnob, thank you. Obama should have jettisoned Jeremiah Wright long before he did. I think Senator Obama felt funny about doing it.
Two weeks ago, Newsweek had some interesting stuff about what makes Obama tick.
No question, the mainstream media sees Senator Obama as a star.
I too am afraid. I no longer know if our futures are in doubt or just the perception of that future. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter; the affect is the same. I no longer feel as if I have any input or any amount of control of my future, that’s to say that I ever did. But, I can’t be alone in the thought that we are alone in a very real sense. We’ve been reduced to – I get mine now you get yours. Ciao and good luck.