Thoroughness
THANK YOU everyone for all your comments yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Felt my eyes were opened with some of them. And while we all have seem to have moments where we question why we’re here, at the end of the day, I still feel the love. Keep the thoughts coming – I love hearing from you!!!
I’m not usually an outwardly political sort of person. I mean, I have my views. And those of you who know me know my opinions are strong (about everything, not just politics). But, I guess when it comes to politics, I’m not on the front lines. I don’t go to rallies (though I did see Clinton speak in college and that was amazing!). I don’t pass out fliers. I don’t do much more than vote. And in this form of passivity, I just assume the people I surround myself with are on the same page as me. So, talking up the cause with those I know seems like preaching to the choir.
That is, until the election 8 years ago. When I proudly voted for Gore. And was appalled at the aftermath of the election (after that, who could ever name their child Chad?!). After the whirlwind settled down, one of my best friends, a woman who is standing up for me in our wedding, admitted to voting for Bush. I was stopped in my tracks. Dumb-founded. Caught trying to choke back the taste of throw-up in my mouth. I was seriously stunned. Never did I think she would lean Republican. Never did I think one of my besties could vote for such an ass. (Ooops, did I just say that?!) Needless to say, I was saddened.
And it was then I realized what do I really know? I mean seriously, unless we talk about the issues, the candidates, their stands, how do we really know what others think? And how do we know what we think? Unless we’re willing to talk through the issues, especially when we disagree, how can we flush out how we really feel? And whether our goals even remotely match up to the candidate we think we like best?
These thoughts and feelings have resurfaced this week. Because last week? During the DNC? When I was so fired up about Obama. And his choices and causes. I thought, How the hell could this country not push this man into office? I, like many of you, was convinced he is the one. And while I still feel strongly about supporting Obama, my conviction has waned a bit about everyone else. As I have watched and listened to the speakers during the RNC, I find myself thinking, Holy hell, they are fired up and not very nice. And, shit, there are a lot of people clapping out there. For the other side. And I see what’s staring me in the face. A heck of a lot of people support the other side. What I want to call the dark side. But, is it really if that many people can support it?
And so, while I’m not sure where to take these thoughts, I keep thinking I need to think about the issues more. Investigate more. Talk about things more with those around me. And what better place that this here blog. Wouldn’t we all benefit from learning what the candidates and the pundits are saying about issues that are most important to us? And so I ask you, regardless of which party lines you fall, what are the issues that will help determine your vote? What are some of the resources you’ll use to learn more about the issues? And would you be interested in guest blogging about an issue that is most important to you?
September 5th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I am definitely most interested in women’s rights and the economic depression. The war in Iraq and a pro-Israel stance are my other concerns.
I have lots of research to do, but very little time to do it. Eek!
September 5th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Seriously, I am so jealous you got to vote for Gore. I was just shy of voting age for that election.
And I’d love to hear your opinions on anything political. I feel like I need to soak up as much as I can in the next two months.
And for the record I am the only liberal in my WAY conservative family. It’s very weird but I’ve always stuck up for myself when it comes to politics. My mom and I actually got into a very heated discussion about the sensationalized media attention each side is getting yesterday on the drive home. :)
September 5th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I too am in search of answers. I can see different points on different sides and want to know what is really going on in the minds of these politicians. I was listening to NPR yesterday and heard about this site:
http://www.politifact.org/truth-o-meter/
Which I think may be one of many resources I’d like to tap into to make a decision. Because this is the time I get sick of all the mud slinging and sometimes empty promises and half truths.
And by the way I’ve voted both Rep and Dem. It depends on the person, their take on the issues and what seems to need to be accomplished at the time. See I agree with the different sides on differing issues. So I can’t really say I am a dem or rep. I just want what’s best. In my opinion of course.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Can I get a religious conservative Amen on this blog post?
I’m not a religious conservative nor am I any kind of conservative for that matter. My politicial leanings tend to be more libertarian than anything.
However, I love our man Obama. My husband and I campaigned for him in March in Ohio. We went door to door trying to convince a neighborhood filled with Republicans why they should choose Obama. And I have to tell you the experience was eye opening.
Nevermind the old man who talked about Obama’s backing of women having abortions. Nevermind the stodgy engineer who got into a verbal war with my husband over Obama’s policies. I stuck with my guy (Obama) then and I do now.
My husband is a political whore. He’s the type of guy who for each and every primary stayed up until all hours. His Google Reader is set to Real Clear Politics and all things political.
I’m not nearly that zealous but I pay attention enough to know who I like and who I don’t like and why I like them or don’t like them.
The big things that I look for in a candidate are:
1. Openness to changing our country’s current economic dependance oil and big companies.
2. Equal rights for everyone. I may get a lot of flack from other commenters when I say that I’m not interested in women’s rights as much as I’m interested in the rights of everyone. Yes, I want to make it legal for me to have a choice to have an abortion, but that’s about where it ends with my women’s rights activism.
3. Get us the heck out of Iraq.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I am definitely not a one-issue voter. There are so many issues that matter to me. Health care, education, welfare, women’s rights, abortion rights, the environment, gay marriage, the war, foreign policy… the list goes on and on. I posted about politics today too, actually.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Social issues tend to be the biggest pusher for me. That and right now economic ones. I tend not to understand Republicans, mostly because they say they want small government that doesn’t interfere with people’s lives, but they also want to tell people who they can marry, to pray in school and many other things the government doesn’t need to be involved in. To me, it just doesn’t make sense…
September 5th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I actually can’t vote here in the US because I am not a US citizen. But if I was, I would most certainly lean towards the candidate that is going to address issues that Bush has just mowed over-
Education
Health Care
Environment (find other sources of energy for God’s sake!)
Equal rights for all (and I mean ALL-gay, women, people from different racial backgrounds, etc.)
I think those are my top four. Too much focus has been on shoving funds outside the US on wars that shouldn’t have been fought in the first place (and by that I mean Iraq) when they should have been directed towards domestic issues.
Sorry, I could go on and on. I have to say, I am a bit worried the majority of Americans are going to vote for McCain. It’s scary to think about.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Ooooh, I would l-o-v-e to guest post on the healthcare end of things. Being self employed gives me a very wide range of vision on things. I could tell you things that would really make your head spin.
I don’t have time right now to read comments or form a complete thought about any of this, nor find links to issue pages, (headed out to tattoo land!) but I will have some things stewing over the weekend for you! ;)
September 5th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
I am a conservative and I will always be. My views stem from the very basic concept that I think people should have a sense of personal responsibility and should be rewarded for their hard work.
The most important single issue to me is national security. I lived through 9-11 -- on the front lines. I never, ever want to feel that fear of walking outside my home again. I again never want to see and smell death and destruction.
I think that is all I will say about that right now.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I read the newspaper and blogs to keep up on the facts. I never feel like I have the whole truth though.
Women’s rights, the environment, and healthcare are very important to me.
I am afraid of the McCain/Palin ticket. I was also frightened when I heard how nasty they were at the convention. I have a lot of Republican family though. I shouldn’t have been surprised.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I have an MPH, so a big thing I care about is healthcare. I also care about a candidates stance on the war, since that is basically hand-in-hand with our rapidly declining economy.
I try and read what I can, both print and online. However, I’m SO tired of all of the fighting between parties.
September 5th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I commented on someone’s blog yesterday, regarding the upcoming election, and her response to me left a really bad taste in my mouth. So I will play the “I’m Canadian!” card and stay the eff out of all election discussions from now on.
September 5th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Definitely women’s rights, the Iraq occupation, the environment, Free Trade…and, you know, basic rights in general.
I worry that some of our basic rights might be limited depending on where we go with our government.
The issue of Free Trade, though not nearly publicized enough since its inception, is still significant and concerns me.
I read a lot of Slate, NYTimes and BBC articles. Although I’m certainly getting a little tired of hearing about this election, it remains extremely important to me. Also, IndyMedia is a great source for what’s really going on.
I am extremely passionate about this election, as I know many are. Though I’m not entirely sure which subject I would discuss, I would be thrilled to guest blog for you!!!
September 5th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I can’t vote, blah, blah, blah, but I’ve been into this election for the past year and a half. I definitely didn’t chose who to support based on one issue, but there are issues that stand out more for me. Definitely the war, the economy, the environment and abortion. The last one being the one reason I couldn’t vote for McCain despite the fact that I find him far more tolerable than Palin.
Someone else put it up, but politifact.org is a great site. I also like checking out each candidates website and then comparing that to what I find in AP articles that debunk what they say (I blogged about the one I really enjoyed yesterday). I watch CNN for commentary, but MSNBC for actual reporting. Also, Time and Newsweek both have had really great articles about the candidates and featuring them.
I find that once people start to really get into and research politics and leaders, it can get kind of addicting. To compare what they say, to what you find to be the truth. And sometimes it’s sad, when you see how far the truth is from what they say.
September 5th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I voted for Gore in 2000 too and was so upset about what happened. It set up the stage for where we are now sadly.
I am a huge fan of NPR and get a lot of news from that. The BF is a news and politic junkie so I get a lot of news from him.
Obama’s message speaks to me and I honestly beleve that he will do his best for our country.
I am just glad that I have the opportunity to vote and get my voice heard.
September 5th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Personally the economy and education are the two BIGGEST issues right now. I was actually disappointed in McCain’s choice for VP because I think Mitt Romney understands the economy better than anyone that was being considered and would have liked to see him involved.
Other that those two issues there are many things that I am passionate about including gun control, gay marriage, the health care crisis, energy independence, and keeping our jobs in the country.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I wanted to weigh in and say the economy is the big issue on my mind. I live in the state with highest unemployment rate, and I’d love that to change before it gets any higher.
…and oh my gosh, I think Hillary was talking about me! I’m very sorry if my response “left a bad taste in your mouth”. It was a hot topic, and I’m not offended by you sharing your view -- I simply disagree with it strongly, and I would hope that I could express that to you without you being offended by it.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Education. I judge a candidate by their stance on education--money to support it, what they think of No Child Left Behind, etc. Every other issue is important, definitely, but for me i’m very close to the education one because our schools are getting worse. We need to fix it.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Education. I judge a candidate by their stance on education--money to support it, what they think of No Child Left Behind, etc. Every other issue is important, definitely, but for me i’m very close to the education one because our schools are getting worse. We need to fix it.
September 5th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Oh!! And health care. Obviously. I think it’s ridiculous that my dad can’t afford his medicine. Our company needs to figure some things out in that area STAT.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
I’ll be honest. I did not vote for Gore. I didn’t trust him and still wouldn’t vote for him. Not that I would vote for Bush either. And I’m not conservative.
I haven’t liked either candidate for either party in a long time. I feel like it’s a career politician or someone who is so young in politics that it makes me nervous. I was glad about Obama’s choice for VP. And horrified at Palin. I’m for women’s rights and so could not in good conscience vote for McCain because of her. However, the Iraq situation concerns me having spoken at length on this issue to friends who are in the military.
That said, while I appreciate a good debate on any topic, politics is one I do not discuss with friends. I pretty much know where they stand on issues and don’t judge for whom they support. It’s a personal choice.
The only thing I do not agree with overall is the voting process itself. The electoral college should be done away with. You win the popular vote, you become president. It’s the right thing to do.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
You know, this was the first time I’ve ever watched both the DNC and the RNC and I think you and I are now on the same wavelength. I was particularly disheartened by the poo-pooing of community organizers. Why would people clap about that?
I would be more than happy to blog about taking 7 years to get my PhD, putting off romance so as not to interfere with my education. Getting married after 30 to another college-educated professional, finally making it to middle class (which is, in fact, the American dream), then getting taxed out the ARSE for all our trouble.
And let me mention that your “Respect” post just gave me the courage to post something thats been in my draft folder for the last 2 days that I kept talking myself out of posting. Thank you.
PS -- thanx for the birthday wishes.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:00 am
As a registered Dem, I still look at the issues. I like to think I don’t vote a straight-party ticket, but I’ve never not.
In general, the Democrats stance on public education, health care, human rights and roe v. wade make me proud. I feel very confident in what I know, what I need to know and, for God’s sake, knowing enough to know I don’t know.
Heck, sometimes the R-Pubs make me smile, too. And not just when they’re showing their “rhythm skills” on national television :)
September 6th, 2008 at 12:47 am
As a Canadian you have no idea how HORRIBLY BORING our impending election looks. As a politics major, I want to marry my dual citizen fiance right now and move to the states tomorrow to cast a vote!
There was a poll done in the spring, and something like 60% of the Canadians polled would give up their vote in the Canadian election to be able to vote in the American election.
I’m glad you’re speaking to the issues, it’s a big deal and as a Canadian I’m glad people are putting a lot of thought into this election. It’s really scary being so tied to you guys without having any say in what happens at the end of the day.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:28 am
I worry about things like health care, women’s rights, appointing Supreme Court justices, getting out of Iraq, renewable energy, immigration, etc. I listen to NPR, read CNN/ the Washington Post, read Newsweek, watch teh Daily Show/ the Colbert Report and I have actually been to both of the candidate’s websites.
September 6th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
When Bush was running for the second time I also found out one of my best friends, a woman I spent most of my free time with was a Republican. I thought she was kidding at first but she wasn’t. It didn’t make me love her any less but I couldn’t believe someone as smart as she is could vote for such a Dick! But you are right, we never talked about it so how were we to know. I am pretty sure however she knew I was voting for Kerry. Maybe that is why she never said anything. Anyway…my major concern is women’s issues. And I don’t see McCain/Palin aligned with my views on that.
September 6th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Hi Nilsa,
I want you to know how much I respect you for asking the tough questions publicly online. As I am facing that challenge myself, it’s heartening to see you standing up for what you feel and believe in.
Canadian here, so I’ll claim bystander status in the U.S. election. However, when a mouse sleeps next to an elephant, she always has to keep one eye open in case he rolls over, so I’ll surely be following along closely!
Hugs,
Spark
September 6th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Easily the issue that tops my list is abortion rights along with comprehensive sex ed and all things related to those issues. I can not vote for someone who does not support them. I care about most of the other big issues too, but roe v wade is my deciding factor
September 7th, 2008 at 12:47 am
I went back home yesterday for a funeral. I’ve been gone from my home town for over 15 years now. I remember specifically leaving for, among many reasons, local conservative politics. I am a liberal of the bleeding heart variety and it was too much for me to be around all the people that I love and their narrow-minded (in my opinion) opinions. Yesterday after the funeral and before the wake I was at lunch with the person most commonly referred to as my best friend. This is because we have been best friends since 7th grade and share many happy memories. She stood by my side when I got married and I by hers. But yesterday when she proudly exclaimed how much she loves Sarah Palin and how she thinks Barack Obama is an idiot (idiot??? really??? I can see disagreeing with his policies but idiot????!!!) I was once again reminded why she is the BFF in many ways but not the friend I can call to have political or philosophical discussions with. I save those for best friends I’ve found as a grown up and not as a young girl.
September 7th, 2008 at 12:47 am
I went back home yesterday for a funeral. I’ve been gone from my home town for over 15 years now. I remember specifically leaving for, among many reasons, local conservative politics. I am a liberal of the bleeding heart variety and it was too much for me to be around all the people that I love and their narrow-minded (in my opinion) opinions. Yesterday after the funeral and before the wake I was at lunch with the person most commonly referred to as my best friend. This is because we have been best friends since 7th grade and share many happy memories. She stood by my side when I got married and I by hers. But yesterday when she proudly exclaimed how much she loves Sarah Palin and how she thinks Barack Obama is an idiot (idiot??? really??? I can see disagreeing with his policies but idiot????!!!) I was once again reminded why she is the BFF in many ways but not the friend I can call to have political or philosophical discussions with. I save those for best friends I’ve found as a grown up and not as a young girl.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:48 am
I just went through this last night -- thinking that my friends were all on the same page, only to find it was not the case. Which leads me back to my original policy -- I rarely talk politics with anyone. It just seems to be so much easier.
As far as things the issues, there are so many, but if I had to put a couple at the top it would be womens issues, health care and the environment -- not that the economy isn’t important to me, but some how I feel like the other issues are more pressing.
September 8th, 2008 at 5:02 am
It is hard being a Canadian in this election, because it some ways, it feels like it is more important in my life than the (just announced, and bloody ridiculous) upcoming Canadian election. While I try to look at the big picture, and I have a lot of issues that matter to me (education, health care, foreign policy), social issues are what really matter most to me. I have a hard time with candidates who don’t support women’s and gay rights.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
dude i can’t see your whole posts?! only like 1/2 of them are showing up on the left. wtf? oh please email me at queenym5@hotmail.com. i gotta ask you something!
September 9th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I am super interested in education, the environment, and social issues. I am liberal about 90% of things, with one or two exceptions that bring me a little closer to the middle.
And, I might be the only one out there, but I’m sick to death of all the “we need to lower taxes” shit. How about, “we need to make sure our taxes are going the right place?” I pay 30% of my income to taxes, and don’t get much of that back at the end of the year. Sure, I wouldn’t mind paying less, but I am fine with paying taxes. In fact, I fully understand that paying taxes is one of the things that keeps this country working the way it does. I do, however, think that there are serious misappropriations of tax money. But that’s an entire other issue.
I will vote for Obama, because to be honest, McCain (or, more specifically, Palin) being responsible for our country after the disaster that is the Bush administration makes me want to put my name on the waiting list to move to Canada.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
- environment/climate change concerns.
- alternative AND renewable energy
- federal funding for stem cell research
I not only voted for Gore in 2000, I campaigned for him… in Utah… the red state we are. The day after Election Day, I sat in horror… and then each day, that horror grew. To this day, I actually will opening (but nicely) correct anyone that says Bush was elected to office twice… He was never elected the first time. He was placed into office by a Supreme Court vote.
And while I have some questions about Biden and some of the policies he’s supported over the years, I will be voting for he and Obama. They are showing that they can do a much better job than McCain/Bush III would.
Well, and the fact that I’m a life long democrat helps.
But I can’t help but wish that the last 7 years should have been with Gore in office.