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  • President - Best Person For the Job

    Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 12:13AM / Standard Entry / Members only
    20 comments

    I've been mainly keeping quiet on the political front, cause I know it can lead to endless debates.  Which, I personally don't believe changes people minds if they know what they want/believe without any interest in truth.  Yet, I've been getting a little frustrated that for those who are still deciding, there's a plethora of one-sided information going around.  So, I found Daniel Cox's (AerylonBW) blog to be very interesting.  I didn't write any of it below, and claim no credit.  I'm not looking for a debate either, but simply giving more food for thought.


    Written By Daniel Cox (AerylonBW)

    I don't consider myself to be either conservative or liberal, and I vote for the person, not whether they're a Republican or a Democrat. I don't believe there are 'two Americas,' but that every person in this country can be whomever and whatever they want to be if they'll just work to get there - and nowhere else on earth can they find such opportunities. I believe our government should help those who are legitimately downtrodden, and should always put the interests of America, and her people first.

     

    The purpose of this message is that I'm concerned about the future of this great nation.  I'm worried that the silent majority of honest, hard-working, tax-paying people in this country have been passive for far too long.

     

    Most folks I know choose not to involve themselves in politics. They go about their daily lives, paying their bills, raising their kids, and doing what they can to maintain the good life. They vote and consider doing so to be a sacred trust. They shake their

    heads at the political pundits and so-called 'news', thinking that what they hear is always spun by whoever is reporting it. They can't understand how elected officials can regularly violate the public trust with pork barrel spending. They don't want government handouts. They want the government to protect them, not raise their taxes for more government programs.

     

    We are in the unique position in this country of electing our leaders. It's a privilege to do so. I've never found a candidate in any election with whom I agreed on everything. I'll wager that most of us don't even agree with our families or spouses 100% of the time. So when I step into that voting booth, I always try to look at the big picture and cast my vote for the man or woman who is best qualified

    for the job. Essentially election is a hiring process, and the candidates of any Presidential Campaign go from city to city, state to state, to take their voices to the people, and to those who vote and elect our leaders...it is this idea that is the job interview for which these people who run for president strive for most of if not all of, their adult lives. So, Who has the credentials? Whom do I want working for me? Whom can I trust to do the job right?

     

    I'm concerned that a growing number of voters in this country simply don't get it. They are caught up in a fervor they can't explain, and calling it 'change'. Change what?, I ask.

     

    Well, we're going to change America , they say.

     

    In what way?, I query.

     

    We want someone new and fresh in the White House, they exclaim.

     

    So, someone who's not a politician?, I press.

     

    Uh, well, no, we just want a lot of stuff changed, so we're voting for Obama, they state.

     

    So the current system, the system of freedom and democracy that has enabled a man to grow up in this great country, get a fine education, raise incredible amounts of money and dominate the news and win his party's nomination for the White House - that system's all wrong?

     

    No, no, that part of the system's okay - we just need a lot of change.

     

    And so it goes. 'Change we can believe in.' Quite frankly, I don't believe that vague proclamations of change hold any promise for me. In recent months, I've been asking virtually everyone I encounter how they're voting. No one can really tell me why or how Obama is going to change anything-only that "he's going to change a lot of stuff." Stuff? WHAT STUFF?! Be specific. Step by step. Whats broken? What needs fixing and what in all opf God's green Earth needs Change, change, change.? I have yet to find one single person who can tell me distinctly and convincingly why this man is qualified to be President and Commander-in-Chief of the most powerful nation on earth - other than the fact that he claims he's going to implement a lot of change. We've all seen the emails about Obama's genealogy, his upbringing, his Muslim background, and his church affiliations. Let's ignore this for a moment. Put it all aside. Then ask yourself, what qualifies this man to be my president? That he's a brilliant orator and talks about change?

     

    CHANGE WHAT?

     

    I'll be forthright with you - I believe the American voters who are supporting Barack Obama don't have a clue what they're doing, as evidenced by the fact that not one of them - NOT ONE of them I've spoken to can spell out his qualifications. Not even the most liberal media can explain why he should be elected. Political experience? Negligible. Foreign relations? Non-existent. Achievements? Name one.

     

    Someone who wants to unite the country? If you haven't read his wife's thesis from Princeton , look it up on the web. This is who's lining up to be our next First Lady? The only thing I can glean from Obama's constant harping about change is that we're in for a lot of new taxes.

     

    For me, the choice is clear. I've looked carefully at the two leading applicants for the job, and I've made my choice.

     

    Here's a question - where were you five and a half years ago? Around Christmas, 2002. You've had five or six birthdays in that time. Five a half years is a good chunk of time. About 2,000 days. 2,000 nights of sleep. (Or lack there-of if your voting for Obama) 6, 000 meals, give or take.

     

    John McCain spent that amount of time, from 1967 to 1973, in a North Vietnamese prisoner-of-war camp. When offered early release, he refused it. He considered this offer to be a public relations stunt by his captors, and insisted that those held longer than he should be released first. Did you get that part?

     

    He was offered his freedom, and he turned it down. A regimen of beatings and torture began. Do you possess such strength of character? Locked in a filthy, bug infested, disease ridden cell in a foreign country, would you turn down your own freedom in favor of your fellow man?

     

    I submit to you that that's a quality of character that is rarely found, and for me, this singular act defines John McCain. The issues as important as they are, and as callous as the media have become, it is this single act of a man who was not only NOT selfish, he opted to stay with his fellow soldiers. The type of Sacrifice that cannot be matched without someone out right dying for you and your country.

     

    Unlike several presidential candidates in recent years whose military service is questionable or non-existent, you will not find anyone to denigrate the integrity and moral courage of this man. A graduate of Annapolis , during his Naval service he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. His own son is now serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq . Barack Obama is fond of saying 'We honor John McCain's service...BUT...', which to me is condescending and offensive - because what I hear is, 'Let's forget this man's sacrifice for his country and his proven leadership abilities, and talk some more about change.'

     

    I don't agree with John McCain on everything - but I am utterly convinced that he is qualified to be our next President, and I trust him to do what's right. I know in my heart that he has the best interests of our country in mind. He doesn't simply want to be President - he wants to lead America , and there's a huge difference.

     

    Factually, there is simply no comparison between the two candidates. A man of questionable background and motives who prattles on about change can't hold a candle to a man who has devoted his life in public service to this nation, retiring from the Navy in 1981 and elected to the Senate in 1982.

     

    Perhaps Obama's supporters are taking a stance between old and new. Maybe they don't care about McCain's service or his strength of character, or his unblemished qualifications to be President. Maybe 'likability' is a higher priority for them than 'trust'. Being a prisoner of war is not what qualifies John McCain to be President of

    the United States of America - but his demonstrated leadership certainly DOES.

     

    Don't you see that it is time for us to take a stand? It is time for thinking  Americans to say, 'Enough is enough!' It is time for people of all parties to stop following the party lines.  It is time for anyone who wants to keep America, and her people, and the future of those people and the generations to come first, who wants the right man leading their nation, to start a dialogue with all their friends and neighbors and ask who they're voting for, and why.

     

    There's a lot of evil in this world. That should be readily apparent to all of us by now. And when faced with that evil as we are now, I want a man who knows the cost of war on his troops and on his citizens. I want a man who puts my family's interests before any foreign country. I want a man who puts his country, and his people before his own needs, and the needs of his family after our own families. A President is not just a fancy title of someone that sits in a big white office all day doing nothing but calculating how much he can 'score' today. Being a president is about being a leader of men, and an example to the rest of the world that shines brighter than any other world leader.

     

    This is a man who knows full well that he and his come second to the good of the USA and her people. This is A man who will not only lead us to a brighter future, but a future that is not curtailed to by cowardly men, but by men and women who not only know how to fight for their citizens, but do so without hesitance. There is no greater honor than to serve your fellow man, and if you should die in that service, then let the future generations know why and how, and who you were, and that you gave everything, including your life, the ultimate sacrifice, for the idea that freedom is everyone's job, and everyone has a right to it, and you died with honor and glory that goes into our history books marking you forever as the hero you are,  male or female, black or white, Christian or Muslim, Asian or Mexican, Republican or Democrat or Independent, Green Party or NO PARTY. It is not about one man, or one woman. It is about millions of them. It is about the United States of America. And you know what? I am and always will be proud of my country, and I will always love it, and what it stands for: FREEDOM FOR ALL. So as you can see. I want a President who's qualified to lead.

     

    And [dangit], I want my country back! So ya, I'm voting for John McCain. Sorry Obama, you may be a pretty face to the media, but the real men and women of this country can see right through your charade and how plastic and fake you really are.

    Vote in November for John McCain!!

     

    And If you happen to find someone without a smile, why not give him one of yours?

Entry comments (20)

  • Melly
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 5:00AM
    Thanks for the comment James, and since it wasn't bringing up any arguing points, I'll leave the comment, lol...

    I agree with Etchy that I think this has run its course.  I may try to close this blog to further comments if that's possible.  For I like talking, but I have no desire to debate or generate ill-will on AnD, that serves no purpose.  

    Thank you all for your comments and attention :)
  • jamesmar
    Official artist
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 4:36AM [Report]
    Anyone who gets to the point where they're one sided and only see either absolute positives or negatives in politics are selling themselves short.  Obama and McCain are not flawless individuals.  

    I can never feel completely comfortable about a potential nominee's promises.  While I am assured they do sincerely want what's best for this nation, at this point they're just all talk.  Wait til they get into office.  

    Honestly, I can't say I've felt any significant personal change or agitation as a result of any president's term in my lifetime.  At least, I wouldn't attribute anything solely on a president.  I really can't blame presidents for most of the stuff that ebbs and flows in the world.  I know it still is a collective process and our government always has the nation's best interests in mind whether they succeed or fail.

    Sometimes positive things arise from negative events.  The energy independence movement and subsequent environmentalism would never have been pushed into a big issue if it weren't for the oil price increases.
  • Melly
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 3:38AM
    Etchy, I don't mean to be rude, but please take this as a last warning.  I'm only addressing the question of what change Obama is specifically proposing and how he plans on doing that. (Please see comment I posted on: Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 11:34AM)

    Any further deviating comments on the blog will be deleted.

    With all due respect, this is the last time I'm addressing a side issue.  Yes, a leader needs to lead, that's why Bush has gotten in trouble for doing what's right and sticking to his guns.  As for McCain, he's shown leadership, evidenced in his stances and background.  Yet, a leader that doesn't take into account what the people wants, is only a dictatorship.
  • Etchy
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 3:27AM [Report]
    actually I may be the only one who thinks this, but I think a leader should 'lead' and not follow public opinion.  Sometimes leadership means following your judgment and wise advice to make decisions that may be unpopular at the time but will pay off in the long term.  

    (remember that one of the main criticisms of Bill Clinton from his detractors was that he wouldn't make any decision til he took a public opinion pole?)

    In the past McCain has shown leadership in the face of public unpopularity by pushing for campaign finance reform, immigration reform, acknowledging global warming's existence, opposing waterboarding, opposing tax cuts for the rich, opposing offshore oil drilling, opposing Rumsfield's inept Iraq policy....  

    unfortunately I feel the McCain of 8 years ago (or even 2 years ago) is not the same one who's running for President...
  • Melly
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 3:15AM
    Thanks Etchy.  I will go look at those links later, when I can give it sufficient time for review.  Then I'll reply here and let you know I've done so on your blog.

    However, from previous research, I have a feeling this is not going to specifically say WHAT and HOW he plans on doing this.  But I will definitely be fair and review.
  • Etchy
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 3:03AM [Report]
    yes, those are all things I want changed,  I think most americans want changed (we'll see in November).  as for what Obama says he'll change,  just go to his website.

    here's a few related to the issues /I/ want changed:
    http://www.barackobama.com/issues/civilrights/#strengthen-enforcement

    http://www.barackobama.com/issues/ethics/

    http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/newenergy

    http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/

    http://www.barackobama.com/issues/iraq/

    http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/

    relatively straight from the horse's mouth...   


    As i mentioned,  McCain has changed his position significantly from the one i liked to the current one (which I pretty much don't like...)
  • Melly
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 2:40AM
    Unfortunately Etchy, you stated what YOU want changed and think Obama could possibly do.  However, I want what OBAMA states HE'S going to specifically change and the steps of HOW.  Otherwise, this is all wishful thinking of hoping that Obama lines up with what changes YOU want.
  • Etchy
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 2:36AM [Report]
    change what - as i mentioned in aerylon's blog - the first and most significant thing to change (in my view) is the politicization of the government that has happened under the Bush administration.    Under bush career professionals in all branches of government have been passed over or pushed out in favor of political supporters, whether they be qualified or not (Mike Brown of FEMA being just one of many examples - do a google search for 'loyal bushies', 'Lurita Doan', "Jim O'Beirne Pentagon", "George Deutsch"... )

    When the leadership of the government's primary concern shifts from doing whats best for all the people to preserving and supporting their grasp on power and their supporters,  thats when things need to be changed.  

    other things that he can change - restoring our eroding privacy and civil rights (Obama has already worked hard to preserve our Habius Corpus laws), shoring up our broken health care system,  overturning energy policies written in secret by oil companies,  stopping the deficit spending that has led to the weak dollar (big for those of us living overseas),   removing our military for open ended foreign entanglements that make us unable to respond to real threats like Iran and Russia....  

    i can go on...  McCain has lost my trust in these cases,  he is too close to Bush/Cheney's views, as proven by his voting record and his current campaign platform.
  • Melly
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 2:34AM
    For those readers interested in the issues brought up by Etchy, please see Daniel Cox's (AerylonBW) blog, whose been responding to the other issues.  As stated in my forward, I'm NOT going to get into a debate.  I'm asking only a simple question and will only reply to it.

    WHAT exactly are the changes Obama's specifically going to do and HOW.  

    With all due respect, no other issues or questions please.  If you post other issues without address the question, from this point forward I'll be deleting those comments.  Direct that to Daniel, following his guidelines.

    Thanks folks, I want to keep this friendly, so please abide by my guidelines :)
  • Melly
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 2:19AM
    As always, thanks for stopping by.

    Unfortunately Etchy, I don't think you read my response very well.  I'm not going to be addressing the spin-off's below like I stated in my previous comment until you answer the critical question proposed.

    WHAT are the changes Obama's proposing and HOW has he proposed he's going to accomplish that specifically.

    Until then, let's stop throwing rabbits out there, huh?
  • MissScarlett
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 2:17AM [Report]
    Well, so much for avoiding a debate...
  • Etchy
     
    posted on Friday, Sep 5, 2008 2:05AM [Report]
    1) In 2007 McCain rejected the religious right as 'agents of intolerance', then in 2008 he embraced them.  

    He co-wrote immigration reform in 2007 named 'McCain-Kennedy', it was rejected by the Republican house and senate,  in the Republican primary, to ingratiate himself with his own party, he now claims he would not vote for McCain Kennedy if it were proposed again.

    In 2001 he spoke out against the Bush tax cuts as irresponsible, saying they were irresponsible and that he couldn't vote for them with a clear conscience, now he has changed his position to be for extending them as part of his proposed economic plan for 2009.  

    For years he supported a federal ban on offshore drilling but just 2 months ago, changed his mind to become one of its biggest advocates.  

    Do you really know where he stands?   



    2) Katrina - no, Bush didn't cause Katrina,  but he was also at least partly responsible for the calamity that happened afterward.  Did you forget who appointed Mike Brown, a wholly unqualified political supporter for a critical leadership role?   Where does the buck stop?

    3. I'm not trying to use the death of a soldier to advocate any other point than to point out that we are in a 5+ year war right now and American soldiers are dying (by the thousands I might add).  I mentioned that, Katrina and the current financial crisis, etc to point out that yes, things have been actually quite tough for many many Americans (and I'm not even mentioning 9/11).

    In perspective of the last century  - energy costs are at an all time high,  foreclosure rates are the worst in 70 years,  we are unfortunately involved in the longest, most bloody, most expensive war in almost 40 years,  worst governmental response to a natural disaster in who knows how long?   (since the 1906 SF earthquake I guess?)

    change - oh, i forgot to address that, let's do that in a separate message entry.
  • Melly
     
    posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 8:24PM
    In Response to Etchy:

    First of all, thank you for your reply :)  I hope you know I'm responding in a very respectful way.

    However, before we get into chasing rabbits, you haven't answered the main question.

    - WHAT change, and HOW?

    (I respectfully ask before you respond to any of the issues below or bring up other ones, that the above question be answered.)

    Second, as stated before I don't want to get into debate, so I'm simply going to address the issues you stated.  And I'll leave it at that.

    1 - McCain: He's had a basic outline of stance, but he's solidified as desired by the American people (I know that can't include everyone) and what he feels this country needs.  Would we want a leader who doesn't listen to the desires and stances of the people?  No.  Do we want a leader whose fuzzy, never is very clear on WHERE he stands on issues like Obama? Me personally, no. Obama reminds me of Kerry, as evidenced in the debate that happened with him and McCain, hosted by Rick Warren.  He doesn't give a straight answer, and that makes me more nervous than anything.  While McCain wasn't my first pick in the running, at least with McCain I know where he stands.  

    2 - Katrina?  Ok, I'm sorry but NO president has control over weather and natural disasters that hit.  As for the response and economy afterwards, I feel Bush has tried his best. But, it's hard to move a parked car, as our country could be considered.  With in-government fighting between all the posturing by the parties (both sides), things aren't accomplished because everyone's trying to posture and make THEIR party look good, instead of cooperating.

    3 - Parent's son dead in Irag:  I respectfully ask that no one bring up this argument on my blog.  With all due respect to you Etchy and the parents, this deeply offends me on behalf of all the men and women soldiers who WILLINGLY signed up for service, and sacrificed their VERY ALL for our country.  I do not belittle the grief a parent must feel, and they have to work through it and their anger.  However, I believe for repeating that argument, it cheapens and disrespects the honor, commitment, and sacrifice of our soldiers.  Why don't you ask some of the serving soldiers if they know what we're fighting for over there?  Many of them can expound on the good that we're doing and how it's needed.  But then again, that part doesn't really get published in the media does it?

    3 - As for the "picnic" reference, I think the point being given is that we need to have an overall perspective on this, a little more broader.  It's hard to understand things accurately, if we don't see it in the big picture.
  • Melly
     
    posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 8:18PM
    In Response to James:

    Thanks for your response :)  I appreciate the bit of perspective thrown into this :)
  • Melly
     
    posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 8:17PM
    In Response to JoanneSanderson:

    Thanks for your response :)

    You said he made some good points.  Since his campaign is about change, what are his points of WHAT he's going to change, and how?
  • Etchy
     
    posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 5:39PM [Report]
    i left a few comments on Aerylon's blog.  I don't think that McCain is an agent for change anymore, he has changed too much to appease the republican base.  

    As for the last 8 years being a picnic - if its your house being foreclosed, you were sitting in new Orleans a week after Katrina or your son dead in Iraq,  I don't think you can call this a picnic...
  • jamesmar
    Official artist
    posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 4:25PM [Report]
    There's no such thing as a perfect clean candidate for president.  I'm a conservative and not enthusiastic over either nominees, and despite all the hype from both camps, I wouldn't be surprised if it's politics as usual.  On social and economic issues, Democrats clearly have a philosophy and Republicans clearly have a philosophy.  No mystery here.

    People who foam at the mouth over stuff like this, even over Bush's administration faults (a hellish $2 gasoline increase, a non-draft war, slow economy, etc...), are totally exaggerating and spoiled.  Of all the great tragedies and downturns that have occurred in the last 100 years, World Wars, The Great Depression, Stock Market Crashes, living in America during the last 8 years have been a picnic.
  • JoanneSanderson
     
    posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 2:56PM [Report]
    Definitely very interesting. I still would like to see Obama, but he was never my first choice, and I do believe a lot of voters have simply jumped on the bandwagon because of his colour, but I also believe he has made some good points and I blame the media a lot for only concentrating on his skin.
  • MissScarlett
     
    posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 2:25AM [Report]
    Aye! Very well written and thought out. Time to share this article with a few I know...
  • stormy1
     
    posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2008 2:14AM [Report]
    Very well written....Maybe MC it is

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  • Born at a very young age on April 14, Melly grew tired of her rainy cocoon of Oregon, and went South. Basking in the sun and intellectual downpour at USC, she completed her mission of studying music ...

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