17 posts tagged “republican”

Why is it that we follow others?   If we are truly a nation built on the individuality of people, why do some people rise while others fall?   Why do some people allow themselves to be herded to blindly follow a leader that may or may not be the right person for the job?  If history has taught us anything, it should be this – never trust your leaders. 

Trust is not something that should be offered to leaders, especially political leaders.   I do not care if the man or woman can perform miracles; you have to doubt your leaders at all times.  Doubting your leader should be mandatory because it keeps you thinking, questioning and analyzing their movements and actions.  Its doubt that allows you to see a “leader” for what they truly are – your equal that is capable of making mistakes and errors just like you.  Doubt helps you to understand that leaders are not better than you because they are simply operating on authority you gave them and you can take away.

I understand that there are people that need to trust their leaders, but that need is flawed.  Trust is something that should be earned and it simply cannot be done on a national level.   The people of this country can’t sit back and claim to know the President; they don’t know him at all.  They know the image and the brand.  They know the shiny exterior that is packaged and presented to the world, not the real person.  I don’t care if you have seen a President hug their children and kiss their wives – that is nothing more than a framed snippet presented to make the leader more likeable to the “common” people that are so willing to give away their own authority in the world.

Yes, many of you will read this and think I am talking about Obama followers, but others will look at this see Bush followers.   It doesn’t matter.  Apply it to whomever you want but you must understand that if you are willing to trust a leader without question, you are doomed.   After all, the people of Germany trusted Hitler because he was a moving and powerful leader that rescued the nation from a crushing depression and restored national pride lost during World War I.  Look what happened to that nation when trust was given rather than doubt.

We have ALL seen it before.  A group protests the ruling political party's policies and the participants are deemed dangerous to the Country, the President and even themselves.  The most recent victims of the anti-protest rhetoric are the participants of T.E.A. Party demonstrations.  From Nancy Pelosi to CNN - participants were mocked, demeaned, belittled, and even declared dangerous.   The evil "neo-con" word was thrown around too - even though some of the protestors were liberal democrats.  I won't even go into the amount of times that people attempted to race bait participants.  During the Bush years, anti-war and liberal protestors were declared dangerous and unamerican.  The Right declared these protestors to be commies, radicals, unamerican, unpatriotic and even terrorists!

Why can't Americans see that, no matter what side of the political fence you are on - protesting is a staple of a democracy, a republic and the USA?  These protestors are involved in their country and its governance that supercedes most Americans.  Their participation surpasses that of ANY elected official (to include St Bush and St Obama) because they are doing it for something more than wealth, money, power or fame.

I don't care what the person is protesting, they are doing so because they want to make the nation better.  They are doing it out of a love for their country.  They are protesting because they want to make a difference.   Unlike politicians and talking heads - they generally don't seek fame and glory.  They aren't paid.   They aren't rich.   They are there on their dime. 

So, maybe we can all sit back and respect that thes people are true Americans that are actively involved in the way that it runs rather than calling them names.

First off, let me start by saying that Obama gave me the one major change I wanted out of the last election cycle - an end to the presidency of George W Bush. So for me, anything else that changes (for the better) is gravy.  For me he has done some great things to help protect women's reproductive choice (GRAVY!).

The reason I ask this is because for so many people, they voted for a dream in 2008 not reality.  

• They voted for the troops to be magically transported out of dangerous warzones.  However, they got the very approach that McCain promised - a coordinated withdrawal of combat troops while leaving a peacekeeping force to assist the Iraqis that would be withdrawn (hopefully) in a year or so but would stay as long as needed if something changed (*cough*  remember McCain's 100 years comment?)
• They voted to end Guantanamo.  However the reality is the closure of the prison leaves 100s of terrorists without anywhere to go (we don't want them here, their countries dont want them).   The prison is set to close in a year but where will those 200+ prisoners go?   I personally doubt that they will make their way to mainland America so they will probably end up at one of the secret prisons we run (or our allies run on our behalf). 
• They voted for a new kind of "non-partisan" politics.  However we have all seen that both the Republicans and the Democrats (Obama included) are firmly entrenched in their party alliances and wars.  Just because Pres Obama declares a bill he wrote to be "non-partisan" does not make it true.   You can not expect people to go completely against their ideology and beliefs to accept legislation that is radically different.  It didn't work under Republican rule and it wont work under Democrat rule.
• They voted for an end to lobbyists that are beholden to large corporations and the rich.  President Obama even declared that his administration would be lobbyist free.  However, he backtracked on that promise within days of making it by hiring multiple lobbyists who owe companies like Raytheon massive favors.
• They voted for Obama because he would restore the USA's standing in the world and bring peace.  The reality is that plenty of countries simply don't like us and they haven't liked us for generations - with or without George W Bush.

Now, I don;t want President Obama to fail.  In fact, I want him succeed.  I just know that there were a LOT of naive people that believed Obama to be this mythical figure that could solve the world's woes.   They believed he would bring peace while protecting us from all harm.  They believed he would bring an economic revival that would make the poor rich (or at least middle class).  They thought he would fix our educational system.   They thought he had magic in him that would fix everything.  So I wonder this, at what point will their fantasy view of Obama end and reality set in?  

Worse yet, will their inevitable disillusionment with Obama lead to a return to their apathetic voting practices?  I would hate to see Sarah Palin come into power because Democrats decide to not vote (thats how we got Bush!)

President Obama began declaring that his economic recovery package was non- or bi-partisan before he ever stepped into the Oval Office.   While many people sat agreeing that Mr Obama's bill was indeed a bi-partisan wonder that would save the country, they forgot to do one thing - ask the opinion of the other party.  You see, most of the people talking were die-hard Democrats.  Republicans have made their thoughts known over the past couple of days and guess what happened?   The Republicans don't like the bill.  Shocker.

Now, I am still debating the merits of the bill as I am a fiscal conservative (socially extremely liberal).  So I have not decided where I stand on the bill.  However, I do no one thing - the bill is EXCEEDINGLY liberal.  It follows the Democrat platform almost verbatim.  So how did Mr Obama ever think that it would pass as some non-partisan approach to economic recovery? 

It really frustrates me that Obama makes a decree and expects everyone to fall in line with his thinking.  I spent the last eight years of Bush jr doing the same. 

On November 4, 2008 - I joined with the masses of voters here in the Metro detroit area and voted for President.  Up until the point where I stepped into the booth, I was undecided.   I did not know who I would vote for even though I had educated myself on EVERY issue.   In the days before, I tried to make up my mind using every information resource and election tool available on the internet.  I was even stumped at a non-partisan site that had me fill out a survey of issues so it could match me to the proper candidate - I matched 48% Obama and 48% McCain.  In the end it came down to Palin and her conservative views, attacks on reproductive rights, and I hate to say it - McCain's age.   I voted for Barack Obama because I was worried that if the office took a toll on him - we would end up with a Palin Presidency (possibly worse than Bush).

So now I will stand up and support our new President Elect.  I am going to hope that the Democratic Party can actually do the good that it promises to do.  Obama certainly has the tools to do it - charisma, charm, intellect and a Democrat controlled congress.  If he blows the promises and does stuff I hate - I will disagree out loud.

McCain moved me with his grace last night during his concession speech.  He told booing supporters to be quiet.  He told them that BArack Obama was HIS President.  I loved that he was able to handle defeat without throwing a temper tantrum or calling for recount after recount. 

No matter your candidate - you have to admit that both men fought hard.  The race was MUCH closer than anybody thought it could be after 8 years of George W Bush, a failing economy and an endless war. 

So congratulations to both men on ending such a hard fought campaign with grace and dignity.

We actually drove by a man in fatigues carrying a cross and completely decked out in military camo heading away from our voting station. 

Please note - he wisely hid his nametag under the Palin sign.   We pulled over and asked the man some questions and he immediately began talking about the "great Sarah Palin" and how he wants HER to be President because she is a real conservative.   Jeez...this guy probably likes GW Bush too....

downsized_1104081047a.jpg

OK.  In the 6th grade, I can still remember political campaigns of the time.  I knew what my parents wanted.   I thought Reagan and Bush Sr were supposed to be cool because Dad said so.  Kids are so easily lead in their belief systems.  However, we never wore political crap to school.  We also didn't wear stuff that was meant to cause a controversy or disruption in the school.

Last week a six grader in Aurora, Colorado was suspended for causing a disruption in school when he wore an Anti-Obama shirt that went beyond campaign slogans and moved into the realm of derogatory rhetoric.  It said "Obama - A Terrorist's Best Friend".  This shirt was not designed to campaign or support any candidate.  the shirt was not meant to be a positive statement about anybody.  It was meant to offend.  It was meant to cause a stir at the school.  It hit its target.  When the child was told to turn the shirt inside out or to go home and change - he refused.  the result?  A three day suspension and a dad whining about his child's "freedom of speech".

092308_obamashirt.jpg

1 comment

In 2007 the Supreme Court (Morse Vs. Fredrick) ruled that students should not receive First Amendment protections in school when the school has a clearly defined student code of conduct.  In 1969, the Supreme Court stated that students could wear protest armbands so long as they did not cause a disruption.   Clearly, the shirt caused a disruption and that was what the boy was suspended for in the end - the disruption and his refusal to change the cause of the disruption.

I have to laugh though.   I've been hearing a multitude of conservatives complaining that had it been an anti-McCain shirt, the result would have been different and the shirt allowed.  Wrong!  The child had a sister who wore the same shirt and managed to go the whole day without being suspended because there was no disruption in her class over the shirt.  It was the disruption the boy caused and then the boy;s choices that got him suspended.

Since when did our children become political billboards?  It great to be politically active and to show your children their future rights.  However, turning your child into a zombie spouting empty rhetoric or participating in the lowest level of the political machine - mudslinging - is not acceptable.  Teach children to use critical thinking to analyze a candidate.  Teach your children to engage in respectful, mature debate.   Pissing people off just because its fun is not what kids need to learn!

Ladies and gentleman, I have noticed a disturbing trend in American politics.   There is a large majority of voters that are voting based on popularity rather than being informed voters.   What's worse - the popularity of the candidate is created by the same system that gave us "stars" like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and the cast of "The Hills".

What happened to people that actually went out and learned about the candidates?  In the 18th, 19th and part of the 20th century information was difficult to come by and voters relied on what the news agencies and candidates told them.  This generation has no information accessibility issue - with the internet and half a brain people can find anything they want on the candidates.  So why are people relying on sound bites and packaged information from spin masters? 

People WAKE UP!   You are about to vote for the leaders of your country.  You should put thought into this process.  You should stay up at night wondering who is right for the job.  You should be doing research on their voting history, policy proposals and other pertinent information. 

It doesn't matter WHO you vote for but that choice needs to be an informed one!  Don't let the news agencies, television shows and  (ie corporate america) make that choice for you.   They do NOT have your best interests at heart - they have theirs.  Get the facts and VOTE!

Come on people.   Get off your asses and educate yourself before casting that ballot.  People have DIED for this right and are still dying for this right -  we should show some respect and do it responsibly.

In the immortal words of GI JOE - Knowing is half the battle!

OK Obama Supporters let me give you some advice – enough with the downright dirty attacks on Palin.   We get it – you don’t like her.  You think she is a horrible person.  You don’t want her as the Vice President.  We all understand that and I applaud your passion.  HOWEVER, you must learn to express you dislike for the woman in a mature and intelligent way.  

First off, children should be off limits.  Guess what – it’s nobody’s business about Trig’s birth.  I don’t care if she gave birth to him or if Bristol or the Devil himself gave birth to that kid.  Fact is, Sarah Palin is the baby’s mother – so leave the kid and its mom alone.  Also, who cares if Bristol is pregnant?  She is 17 (a few months young than when Obama’s unmarried mama gave birth) and she is taking care of it in her own way.  That girl is not our concern.

Second, do we really need to attack working women?  That is what is happening when democrats are screaming about how Palin is an unfit Mother.  I actually heard a woman that identifies herself as a feminist declare that if Sarah Palin had stayed home and done her job as a mother – her kids wouldn’t be so screwed up.  WHAT?!?!?!?!  Please people; remember your own values when you attack this woman.  As a liberal – I expect you all to understand that a woman CAN work and be a mother.   Having children should not dictate that you only take low level jobs either.  Don’t even get me started on people saying that she can’t do the job because she nothing but a beauty queen.

Come on people – talk about her stance on the environment.  Talk about her qualifications for the job.   Talk about her positions on social issues.   Talk about things of substance.   I promise you, it can be done.  I know that when talking about Palin’s anti-choice, abstinence only positions – it’s easy to use Bristol Palin as an example but you don’t need to do it.  You can discuss the issue without using her kid.  Do you realize what the nasty attacks are doing?

These attacks on Palin’s family have actually energized the Republican base.  Democrats have actually done the work for the Republicans.  The GOP was worried that conservatives wouldn’t come out to vote for the moderate McCain – but the DNC fixed that problem.  The latest polls are now showing McCain 15 points ahead.  I know that people say the polls are irrelevant but that is crap.  The DNC has a case of chronic apathy when it comes to voters – the GOP does not.  An Obama lead in the polls means little because many supporters will just be too lazy to vote in November, but a McCain lead is huge.  The GOP voters go to the polls.

So we need to find new ways to attack Palin and McCain.  If you want Obama to be in office and to be the “Change” that this nation needs – act like you are representing him.  Right now, many Obama supporters are acting like petulant children rather than mature informed voters and that has to change.  Obama supporters need to go at this differently or else they will be the reason that Obama loses.

Oh and FYI – I have been hesitant to support Obama in the past but McCain’s choice of Palin as his running mate changed my mind.  She is far too conservative for my taste.  As the tie-breaking vote in a narrowly divided Senate, she would work against most of my interests.  So I guess as of right now, I support Obama.

Its 2008 and guess what, it’s time to elect a President in the United States of America.  We have a choice between the Democratic Presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama and the Republican Presidential candidate, John Sidney McCain.  What if NEITHER of these candidates meet your needs?  Even moving out to the minor parties (that don’t have a chance in hell of being elected) – what if none of them meet your needs either?  What’s a girl to do?  I know…maybe if I blog my needs somebody can help me find that perfect candidate – regardless of the party.

In no particular order, I want a candidate who:

·         Understands that all people in this nation are equal.

·         Supports the equal citizenship rights of gay people.  This includes the right to equal recognition of gay and straight marriages.

·         Protects a woman’s right to choose when it is right to have a child. 

·         Knows that while reproductive rights are paramount to a woman’s independence, there comes a point where life takes over and that choice is ended by a sentient life that can survive beyond the uterus.

·         Declares that a baby born alive and that has the chance of life – deserves that chance. 

·         Pushes for programs designed to end the societal flaws that force women to choose abortions.

·         Fights for programs that are designed to move the poor into well-paying jobs rather than minimum wage service sector positions.

·         Fights for programs to push people unwilling to work off public assistance rolls.

·         Secures our border that leaks like a sieve to prevent our nation being the Central American welfare solution.

·         Develops a policy that allows the illegals that are already in the country to become legal long-term tax paying guests in this country – without full citizenship.

·         Implements a guest worker plan that allows foreign nationals to come to the US to work and prevents abusive employer practices.

·         Has military experience – if you want to be commander-in-chief, you need to understand how the military works and how you lead the military.

·         Wants to eliminate the budget deficit by making necessary cuts to the US government and its agencies.  There is a ton of fat in our government and its agencies – it needs to be cut.  It really doesn’t take 10 people to place a piece of paper in a filing cabinet.

·         Only allows AMERICAN corporations to research and build the weapons and tools of our military.

·         Makes English the official language.

·         Acts with honor and dignity.  They will also demand that all around them do the same.

·         Says what they mean.

·         Makes diplomacy over military might a priority.

·         Understands the economy and employs people that know how to fix it.

·         Continues the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

·         Withdraws troops from Afghanistan.

·         Work WITH the UN, rather than against it.

·         Is honest about policy issues.

·         Understands that both the far right wing religious extremists and the far left wing extremists are equally bad for this nation.  Enough of extreme science and extreme religion.

·         Understands that religion become irrelevant when it condemns most Americans to the fiery pits of hell because they believe that social acceptance and science are good things.

·         Understands that scientific devotees become irrelevant when they completely dismiss other scientific viewpoints and studies because it does not fit their ideology.

·         Understands that there are thousands, if not millions, of embryos that will be destroyed because they are not needed and that these embryos should be used for embryonic research.

·         Does not support human cloning in any way, shape or form.

·         Understands that the lower the taxes – the more people have to spend and give.