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My mother-in-law sent this to Jeff and Kenny, but I've already played it 3 times with a high sherry count and I can't stop laughing. Oh my, people...don't drink and hunt; that's all I gotta say.
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Take Cover! I’m sorta talking politics, God forbid.
10-3-2008 · 75 Comments
I’m not a political blogger; I’m just not. I watched the Vice Presidential Debate this morning and cringed.
Why are these my choices?
Where is our nation going to TRULY GET what we need?
Where are strategies, like The Common Sense Fix, to TRULY “shore-up” the nation’s economy (thanks for that link, MomUnscripted)?
I felt disappointed at what both Vice Presidential candidates had to offer in response to the moderator’s questions.
First, I wanted Palin to stop justifying HOW and WHY she was selected to run alongside McCain. I wanted her to stop weaving in her past record as Governor of Alaska at every opportunity. I wanted her to JUST ANSWER A FREAKIN’ QUESTION!
It was the equivalent, in my opinion, of my 5 year old screaming, “Momma! Look at me! Do you see me? Watch what I can do! Did you see that? Huh? Huh? Did you see me? WAIT! I’ll do it again! Are you watching?!”
As far as debates go, Biden clearly came out ahead if only because HE ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS. I have to give credit where credit is due in this debate; Biden was respectful and didn’t bait Palin, even though he certainly showed more knowledge about the issues and record of both parties.
Of course, HE SHOULD have more knowledge and presence since has has spent the LAST THREE DECADES in the Senate. And though some would think this a feather in his cap, I’m not so sure.
Just as I don’t see the change I want in McCain, I don’t see it in Biden either. As far as Obama is concerned, its the opposite, I see more change than I’d like - but not in a direction I want to go.
And Palin? Well, 5 weeks ago she was a breath of fresh air. And then, she was a slight embarrassment. And now? She’s entertaining.
Anyone else want to weigh-in?
I like Palin. She is a breath of fresh air, however, you are so right. I am getting very tired of hearing her bragging.
I know that Biden told a boatload of lies, but I don’t want to get into that either.
I was sad that there wasn’t much question answering. I really, really, really wanted to hear some answers from her.
I can’t help that when I look at her I see Tina Fey. I hear Tina Fey. I just start giggling everytime she opens her mouth, and I think she’s going to say “Live in New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
I think I’d rather have Tina Fey!
I missed the debate. I was out late last night. I have to find it somewhere to watch today. But I must say that I feel frightened for the future of this country. It makes me sad that I don’t see anything/anyone politically that makes me feel hopeful or confident in the future.
Honestly, I don’t know how you guys have these long drawn out elections. Doesn’t it make you nutty??
Here in Canada we had an election called a month ago. We vote in 12 days. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am. LOL!
I don’t know too much about Palin, but I have to say that I would be completely thrown off by the way she HID her pregnancy for so long, and by the way she brags about going back to work 3 days post partum. To me, that says that motherhood is not important enough to focus on. But, that’s just me, and I’m a Canadian so don’t really have a say. ;)
Oh, and? I’m not crazy about any of our candidates either. Even tho we have five to choose from. I’m seriously thinking about writing in the cat. or OMSH. ;) Waddaya say, Heather, wanna be Prime Minister of Canada??
The democrats want “change” - yet they control congress. I’m sick to death of the “good old boy” mentality. Obama slick talks about “fixing” everything from social security to the war to our economy - then why isn’t it happening NOW?
I look to our leaders to be LEADERS - and surround themselves with competent experts. Thinking one person can know it all and have all the answers not a realistic expectation. I support change where I see innovative ideas, energy and courage. Being President isn’t a “miracle worker” title - and our first order of business is prayer.
My last point - someone is going to be paying back +$780,000,000,000.00 You, me, our grandkids. Promising to tax only the “rich” is downright dishonest. We will all pay. We need to bombard Washington with Dave Ramsey’s plan - and not let Congress mortgage our country to the hilt.
Both parties have completely underscored my belief that term limits would be an excellent thing for our nation.
I think Palin did what she was supposed to do and that was to focus on her assets. Biden is politics as usual and teamed up with Obama, that’s a lethal combination, in my humble opinion. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Who we elect won’t really matter in the long run. They are just a figure with a title. We’ve been in a Democrat run House for almost 4 years and look where we are today. I’m not betting on either one of these guys to fix anything. I’m just leaving it in God’s hands.
The number one thing that makes this country great is our Constitution. Without that, we’re just any other group of people on a land mass. The Constitution describes a system of government that works on a system of checks and balances, with no one person holding too much power. The problem is, we’ve spent the last 8 years watching the executive branch of our government violate the Constitution, over and over again, citing “executive privilege.” As a veteran and a patriot, I’m tired of it. I’m tired of seeing the Constitution that I swore to protect and defend get dragged through the mud.
I may not agree with Barack Obama about everything, but I feel confident that he will uphold the constitution. He has a JD in Constitutional Law, so I know he’s at least read the thing once or twice — more than I can say for Palin.
The president is the CEO of the country, he’s also the chief ambassador. Diplomats and executives both need to be able to negotiate and compromise. Obama has shown that he knows how to compromise. McCain’s history shows the opposite. He’s a “maverick”, as we all know, and that’s fine. His ability to dig in his heels without budging makes him a great senator. I have no doubt that he will be remembered as one of our country’s greatest senators. But that mule-like stubbornness that has served him well in the senate would make for a lousy president.
In the end, campaign promises don’t matter much. Laws don’t get passed without congressional approval. Supreme Court justices don’t get appointed without approval. As long as the president doesn’t violate the constitution, or insult another world leader, he can’t get into too much trouble. I go with the guy who seems least likely to do either.
Good post. I concur.
Your comments are great too. I am tiring of the whole thing.
I do not like Obama’s policies and I do not like his condescending attititude towards many - being from Illinois I have heard him insult rural people claiming they have been lead by conservative radio stations wha???? versus the mainstream ultra liberal media on TV most everyone else watches??? come on! -
I like Sarah’s politics. I think the media has put her in a position of constantly defending her experience and qualifications and it keeps her from being able to talk about the subjects.
Joe Biden handled the debate well. I thought Sarah held her own just fine, though.
I concur with Midlife Slices, though. I really do not think it matters all that much who is in office. The economies will run their cyclical courses. I just want someone that I feel can protect America and help get a Congress to compromise to get the economy turned back around. The recent turn in polls to Obama’s favor has me puzzled cuz I don’t see how he is any more equipped to do that than McCain.
Blaming isn’t going to help. yes we can pinpoint Democrat legislation from Carter and Clinton administration for causing the subprime collapse, but has there been NO Republican willing to fight hard enough to make this known in the last 30 years? Come on!
I also don’t see the point in continuing to say “well you voted this way and now sing this tune.” I certainly hope that people give me ACCOLADES for changing my tunes when the song around me changes. We SHOULD change our votes and our policies based on changing times. If we stayed firm and never learned from the past, we would never grow and develop as people or a nation.
My thoughts anyway.
KEEP BELIEVING
I’m just frustrated–yes, we have a bi-cameral congress, but why does that seem to equate with only two parties being given any serious consideration for national office? The Constitution does not specify there can only be two contenders from two set parties, and I’m really, really tired of what each of the Big Two have offerred in the past, and what they’re still offerring.
Liz C. - A resounding AMEN! I want Ron Paul! I want a PROBLEM SOLVER & A LEADER, not a politician.
You asked…I think she’s dangerous. She’s clearly out of her element, she does not know her stuff, and is not even remotely presidential. “Joe Sixpack” is not my criteria for VP when we are in the most dangerous times of my lifetime. With a 72 year old man on the ticket, I don’t feel I can vote for the republican ticket. Obama wins me by default. I had much higher hopes for who John McCain’s pick would be.
Uh, no, I don’t want to weigh in, but I’ll say…”good points!”
It seems to me that Joe Biden is a man with character who is no doubt qualified to be vice-president. It seems to me that Sarah Palin is a woman with lofty ambitions but who is clearly NOT qualified to be vice-president. Her “yer darn right” and “joe six-pack” comments were both embarrassing and entertaining-but not reassuring in this day and age. In fact, she came across as cute-but clueless. We’ve already had eight years of that. I long for the time when our government was transparent and our president gave news conferences and actually took and answered questions. We won’t get that with a McCain/Palin administration. We, the American people, will be “clueless” as to what is going on in Washington if we elect Bush/Cheney Part II. I say no more. We deserve better-and so do our children.
haha! I agree with you. I think Palin has a lot to learn, but I think she’s learned a lot in the last five weeks. I just watched the debate this morning as well, and if Palin said “in my home state of Alaska” one more time, I was going to punch my TV.
One thing I do see positive about both parties, though, is that they’re both against changing the definition of marriage. That is awesome. It doesn’t solve any wars, but it’s good none the less.
If I was American, I wouldn’t know who to vote for. The old man who may die in office and the new woman, or the man that wants SO MUCH change, and, like you said, it may not be change for the good.
ps. what the DEUCE is with that line in the middle of the screen between the candidates? Is that supposed to detract our attention from what’s being said so that we can focus on the oil/water thingy that’s going on there?
I’m staying out of this on a political level but will offer that Palin reminds me of a girl who made me glad I wasn’t popular in high school - if I had been, I’d have had to put up with her much more often and I don’t think I’d have managed it with any grace.
My husband and I were talking when the Pres. debates were going on about why there were only two parties debating. What happened to “Choice”. I’m a Repub. but now I would like to hear from ALL candidates. I feel as if our rights are being denied by only allowing the top two to be heard.
I will admit that I’m pretty much allergic to political campaigns and the thought of watching a debate gives me hives.
That said, I’m not thrilled with our choices this year either. But I think it’s funny that of the four (McCain, Palin, Obama, Biden), Sarah Palin is the only one who actually has executive experience as a mayor and governor. The other three only have legislative experience. Not that that means Palin is extra-qualified and the other three are not qualified for the offices they’re running for, I just think it’s kinda funny. :-)
I really wanted Ron Paul. And I was hoping Ron Paul would pick Sarah Palin and then groom her for 2012.
I was relieved because Palin did so much better than I had expected - not as bad as her recent television interviews. But I, too, and disappointed with our choices. I don’t care for McCain but I definitely don’t want Obama. What do you do?
I didn’t watch the debate - have never watched the debates. I personnally do not care if any of the candidates get ALL of their facts straight and I believe we have all fallen prey to the media on this count. And so have the candidates….
I believe all of them would LIKE to do a good job for us. BUT, I personally align more closely with the view and strategies of McCain/Palin. I’m ok and like both and feel both are smart enough to surround themselves with experts and listen to those experts.
I am a Republican but would not necessarily vote a Republican ticket if I thought the candidate(s) were “bad”.
I believe McCain will lead and will lead well. I believe Palin could lead and lead well if that should be necessary. To qualify, I am good with G.W. Bush also - he inherited a mess from Clinton - in my opinion - or maybe more accurately, the beginnings of a mess.
I tried to watch the debate but lasted for about 1 minute…. the minute Palin opened her whiney mouth with that folksy talk I ran out of the room and puked. She couldn’t and wouldn’t answer a question if her life depended on it. Politics in general used to stand for something, leadership…. now it’s just a joke at the taxpayer’s expense.
BTW… Clinton left our country with a surplus of money…. so, not sure what mess he left to G.W. Bush who has left us broke to the tune of trillions of dollars. Could you specify what mess he left, Ann? Thanks.
I would really like a box that says none of the above, try again. I have a lot of thoughts, and no energy to share them. I spent the morning listening to a lot of politicians apologizing and trying to justify my husband leaving his family for a year. I’m not angry, he signed up and this is what his job is, but I really don’t have a high regard for them.
I think my opinion of politicians has been greatly changed by living in such a small state. That may have to be a post soon.
Palin makes me want to pluck my eyeballs out and shove them in my eardrums.
And the winking? Must stop. The condescending tone and sarcasm? Not helping. And please stop with the throwing the infant in the spotlight. Most 5 month olds are not normally up and dressed at 11pm EST. Put the baby to bed!
Up front, I can’t stand her politics and will vote for Obama.
However, her politics aside, I am just blown away at how unbelievably rude and disrepectful she is. So freaking patronizing. And parading her totally asleep infant around at 11pm who was happy in her daughter’s arms, then plucking him off her only to hold him, manically smacking his back like he was crying jsut so that she could prove she could mother and lead at the same time, is so contrived.
She is so clearly inexperienced and could not answer a question even when confronted about not answering questions. what concerns me is that some less poltically savvy people in my life are woo’d by her folksy talk that they haven’t even noticed she isn’t answering any questions. I think these debates are not “accessible” to the everyday person who doesn’t understand the lingo. It goes over their heads and they are distracted like a toddler….pay no attention to the chaos in front you….come with mama and we will eat a lollipop and read a book.
And frankly I love that Tina Fey is mocking her as at least SNL is watched by more everyday people so maybe there is a chance that a light will go on.
And yeah, the fact that McCain is so advanced in age with a significant chance of relapse, I am terrifed that this post turtle could be in charge.
I’ve been sick of this “election process” for a long time. I just wanna shut off all media and wait for it to blow over.
I will not vote for Obama. No way. He has less experience leading than Palin. Way less.
Not sure on McCain. Sure he’s old, but so what? Hate it when people use that as an excuse not to vote for him.
Wish there was a third choice…
I wish I could, but I missed the debate. :(
This isn’t a comment on who is running but to answer your question “why are these my our choices?”
Think of what it takes to get elected to just about any office. You have to appeal to a broad base of personalities, often contradictory at that. So you learn to answer the same question with words that may mean the same to you but could be interpreted differently by others. Once you win you are the big cheese. So you run for a higher office and the process starts again. Initially, possibly even now, the goal is to serve. However, I think the process corrupts even those with the purest of motives.
The saying “absolute power corrupts absolutely” even applies to a little bit of power.
I am not going to tell you who to vote for but I am going to tell you to vote. It is our right and duty.
You asked, so I’ll answer. I find Palin frightening. Scary. You were right in your appraisal of how she did in the debate. That folksy charm doesn’t work for me. She didn’t answer a question. She kept talking about Alaska, like that’s going to be relevant to heading a world power. She’s clueless, she was prepped with some catch phrases but was clearly out of her range of abilities. The winking? CREEPY.
I can’t abide John McCain. He once was someone to admire, but he’s a complete lacky now, he can’t tell the truth if it came out and bit him, his attack ads are horrendously mean and untruthful, and he wants to win at all costs, even if it takes away every bit of his integrity. I find him nothing short of corrupt at this point in the election process.
Obama wasn’t my first choice, and there are many things about him I don’t like. But I DO like that both he and Biden are intelligent, thoughtful, and have an idea about what it means to be middle-class. There is no way I could support another moron for President. Haven’t we all suffered enough as it is? So I’m voting for Obama and Biden. For me, it’s the best thing I can do.
One of the things I like about Biden is that he has been in the Senate 3 decades and has done a lot yet still hasn’t had any disgraces. That’s a long time to be a politician and still have the respect of the people and to still be doing your job and not resting on your laurels.
I am so glad I stopped by your blog tonight! I can’t wait to come back when I have more time to read older posts, because I am sure I’m going to love them! This one was great, and I’ve enjoyed reading the comments.
I’m insulted (as a woman and as an American) by the entire Sarah Palin thing. I feel like she was chosen to offset some of the spotlight and ‘celebrity’ focused on Obama, and nothing more. She’s clearly inexperienced, and honestly, I have no idea what her policies are because she only recites what was written for her. If she’s not doing that, I can’t follow a single sentence that comes out of her mouth.
I just posted about the debate. And that’s all the weighing in I’m going to do for now, because I’m spent.
And I haven’t forgotten about the latin diction book. I just can’t find it.
I think Palin just has to keep standing up for herself - and although we’re tired of the “bragging,” think of how tired SHE has to be! I wasn’t going to vote for either candidate (GASP) until Palin showed up. I think she goes against the grain of the news media, and that is a good thing! I do agree with the previous comments: Ron Paul would have been the best choice all around!
I understand that Biden didn’t actually answer 6 questions while Palin didn’t answer 10 questions. Sadly, the SNL skits are so on it is frightening.
Jennifer said, “I may not agree with Barack Obama about everything, but I feel confident that he will uphold the constitution.” Um, yeah, for everyone except a child born ALIVE as a result of a late-term abortion. He’s an evil, barbaric excuse for a human being. And though I don’t like the alternative much, I can’t vote for a monster such as Obama.
How’s that for weighing in?
Instant-runoff voting. That’s all I can think about when I consider the options we have in this race.
OK, I’m jumping in. I’m disappointed with all candidates simply because I KNOW they are just mouthing words to get elected. After the election … well, that’s what scares me. I don’t think Obama, as smooth as he speaks, will help us. He hasn’t helped Chicago during the time he served (highest high school drop out rate ((among blacks over 65%)), highest unemployment percentage, huge population of homeless, largest debt with the highest sales tax - 10.5%, plus the crime rate will literally scare you to death) so by looking back to look forward, Obama is a failure. McCain, I can’t put my finger on why I not sure about him, but I’m not.
So I have an idea. Biden sounded pretty good during the VP debate, he should, he has years of experience. Palin, I do like her but she could be quickly in over her head. But I admire her guts and her fresh look upon things. So why not have a real bipartisan election. I want to vote for Biden as president and Palin for VP. Why not?
Sometimes I feel having to choose the “lesser of two evils” is such a travesty for our great nation. We’re in the middle of a mess right now and it has to be fixed.
I’m not sure either candidate can actually do that but I cannot and will not put Sarah Palin in office. As one commenter put it, maybe in 2012 but not now.
And as irrational as it may be, her having her infant there didn’t sit well with me either. When she handed him off to her daughter and turned her back on both of them that was the proverbial nail for me.
I AM a political blogger. Oh, wait, never mind. I don’t even HAVE a blog yet. So here’s my two cents…
http://www.baldwin08.com
It’s time that this country be led legally, ethically, morally, and just with down-home common sense. I’ve already decided where my vote is going.
I’m with Jennifer. I grew up in a bi-partisan household (mom’s a republican, dad’s a democrat), and when I registered at 18, I registered as an independent. I can honestly see both sides and understand what’s good and bad about the parties’ general foundations… But over the past 8 years, I have been upset by the way the current administration has disregarded the country and the constitution, that I’m definitely swinging the other way. I know there’s no guarantee that the democrats will do a better job, but I want to give them a chance, because the republican party sure isn’t working for me right now. And I was interested to hear my mom say the same thing this weekend… She’s leaning strongly toward Obama. It’s one thing to push little ol’ independent me toward the other side, but it’s another to turn off my lifelong-republican mother! That’s when you know you’ve done something wrong.
our choice in canada is equally frustrating. come oct 14 i’m sure after my birthday present will be sorely disappointing regardless of the results.
1) I too hear Tina Fey when I see Sarah Palin.
2) If Heather becomes PM of Canada then we are going to stop discussing it and move there already. Yeah!
3) I’m voting for Obama and though I dislike both VP candidates, they have nothing to do with it. I think that McCain has a terrible temper and I don’t want him to be Commander-in-Chief even if I didn’t have cousins in the Marine Corps and feel that a bad leader could be bad for our family in a personal way.
3) I’m very tired of being asked what I think of Sarah Palin just because her son and my son both have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. I *so* want this election to be over.
4) I love the John Quincy Adams quote at the bottom of the page Mr.OMSH linked to. I totally agree with that. I just have a problem with the anti-gay marriage stuff. Next thing you know someone will say that people with Down syndrome shouldn’t be married. Slippery slope and shouldn’t the less-govt-is-better Republicans be the ones staying out of our private lives?
Just found your blog on PW and have to agree this election is the same as the last few, not the best options. Obama scares the heck out of me, as he is clearly the faceman for the demo Daly machine. Can you imagine Hillary promoting her socialist agenda on the Supreme Court? Its pro life and preserving freedom, individually and as a country for me.
Regarding chocolatechic’s comments about Biden’s lies, check your facts and get them straight. Both VP candidates mangled some facts: http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/factchecking_biden-palin_debate.html
i haven’t watched it yet,
but did Biden really call them
BOZNIACs?!?!?
hah! sorta
I became a citizen recently so this is the first year I get to vote.
It’s sad really. Nobody seems like a good choice.
It was great reading these comments. Nice to see people expressing their thoughts and very very little of “talking points” from either Party.
Palin seems totally unqualified to me and I know from watching my Dad get sick that a 74+ person can go from being perfectly healthy to terminally ill in just 2 weeks, so I will not be voting for that ticket.
And the poster who talked about Obama not upholding the Constitution for a child born alive after a late term abortion, please go to Factcheck.org and see the real story. Dick Cheney recommended Factcheck.org so you know it is not a product of the liberal media. Thanks
Palin is ridiculous. I agree, she didn’t answer the questions, she didn’t do anything worthwhile with the debate except spout off catch phrases, “greedy politicians,” etc. She doesn’t do a lot for the female vote if this is who we would choose to represent women.
Palin is an insult to women. Her poor grammer, lack of knowledge, stupid opinions and bad hair contribute to a bimbo. Why in the world do people say they like her because she is “just another mom”, etc? I always thought the leaders of our country should be the cream of the crop, not some below-average intelligence moose killer.
I don’t think it’s fair to call someone evil. That’s nasty and speaks to the kind of person you are.
I am pro-life. I accept the fact that others do not have the same religious belief system that I have and for their own reasons do not agree. Given that, I teach my family the preciousness of life and will encourage them to follow suit. I do not think that this personal decision should be a deal breaker with elections in general. These are things I can control or influence in my personal life.
I am more fearful of going to war with Iran. Being lied to be the president et al, to fighting terror (a feeling) and killing over a million civilian Iraqis when there was no Al Qaeda in Iraq to begin with. LIES to create terror! I shake in my boots when I think of what our government is capable of.
Ralph Nader is my choice for president.
I appreciate being pointed to factcheck.org. Hadn’t heard of it but like the balance there.
I am a person who does not want the government involved in abortion, which puts me in the position of being labeled “pro-choice” when actually I could never have an abortion and ethically am “pro-life” — I just don’t want the govt in my bedroom!
Anyway, the comment calling Obama an evil monster really bothered me so that’s what I looked up at factcheck.org and I was very happy to see that the ad where a woman accuses him of wishing she wasn’t alive was chock full of lies. I wish he and his campaign had done a better job in their response ad, but I am now confident that he is *not* an evil monster. So he still has my vote.
I also concur with the shame that we effectively only have 2 parties. I did vote for Nader one of those years (can’t really remember which) because I hoped that it would be the time that a 3rd party got enough votes to help them in future elections. Obama has my vote not because he’s a Dem, but because he makes me feel a kind of hope I haven’t felt in a long time. I know I’ve voting with my heart and not my head, but I really think we all do that.
Wow, the old saying is true, “never talk politics or religion.”
Many people have passionate opinions about our leaders. The sad part is, most of those people will do nothing to change who is in office. At this point, the person who is labeled President or Vice-President is little more than a figurehead. The decisions are made by the advisors (and a whole slew of them, at that).
The changes that we want in America have to start at home. I’m sure that most of you will agree that our children are our future. We, as mothers, need to raise the next generation of politicians. Then they will be the ethical, moral choice that we are left without in this election.
That being said, I am much more fond of the “old, uncool white guy and the hockey mom” than I am someone who promises so much change that there is no way all of his promises can be kept even if I did agree with them. I guess that’s why they call us “conservatives”. I bet on what I know.
I am truly amazed that all of ya’ll (and yes I am from texas)are not in support of a woman that has done more for her state in 2 years than most men as well as women in the senate and thehouse of representatives. I really don’t blog. This is my first, but I am truly stunned by the uneducated decision made by a 90 minute debate. Girls, this the person that can show that we “all” have the right to become anything in this country. Not going to happen in other countries.
Palin is more than a breath of fresh air. She is our liason to create change for the rest of us.
As a small business owner, mother of 5 boys,church going 42 year old women I know of one thing to be true.
Business people who speak of their political bias may risk losing customers. I actually was looking around for someone to build our website. It looks like most of your friends and fellow bloggers information comes from Snl. I hope that the website that I linked from doesn’t have the same views. I so love her website. Nonetheless, thanks for this opportunity to vent! McCain/Palin
8 years of a Bush administration coupled with 10 out of 12 years of a GOP controlled congress has left us on the brink of another Great Depression. McCain is on record being a proponent of deregulation with the belief that “the free market will correct itself”. McCain chose his running mate after meeting her once, this is frightening to me. Palin lacks the intellect and McCain lacks the judgment and temperament neccesary to be POTUS.
Wow. Look at all these comments. One thing is certain, this country is certainly divided in what it believes is good and right. I don’t want a President or VP in the white house who will try to force their personal moral values on me, my daughter, or anyone else in America. If McCain and Palin get into office, you can kiss Roe vs Wade goodbye, as well as any rights for individuals who don’t fit their mold of what an American should be. That’s why I’m voting for Obama. Unfortunately, there are quite a few American citizens who feel their religion is the only religion and our country should be run according to their religion. That’s not a good thing and if you think it is, maybe you should do some reading about the Salem witch trials.
Yep! That’s the summation I have seen! I have said several times, “Not voting isn’t the right answer but, THESE are my choices???” It is cause for despair as to the state of our country!
Oops! Forgot best, ….the best summation I have seen….
Well, to MOT and others considering not voting: Just remember that many Americans didn’t want to have their guts ripped out or blown up, or their lives shortened, but throughout our history they have done this to ensure our rights (we could argue here about the unnecessary current war). One of those rights is VOTING. You are insulting them and their descendants by not voting. Complacency and mediocrity in American are disgusting moral flaws.
4peoplenotrepubs - OH BELIEVE ME…I AM VOTING. My husband served in our Armed Forces and not only do we support our military (not always the actions of its leaders, but definitely the soldiers), but we wouldn’t dare consider not voting.
4peoplenotrepubs - I’ve searched this page twice now and can’t find anyone that is saying that they will not be voting. Lots of comments at being disappointed with the 2 major tickets, but it seems like all us commenters are going to vote for someone, even if we aren’t entirely happy with our choice. Maybe you are reading something into the comments that I’m not, maybe I’m reading something into them that you aren’t. I do know that if I wasn’t going to vote because of my unhappiness at my choices that you telling me I have a “disgusting moral flaw” would not be a compelling reason to get me out voting. While I admire your enthusiastic support of the rights that many have won for us (I a civilian who has sat back and let my cousins and other family do the fighting for me), I think perhaps you may need a chill-pill. Or a nap. You seem a tad cranky, where I think on the whole we have kept a good humor here. I’d hate to see the comments die down or degenerate when they are going to be open for a whole month more. I’m really enjoying reading what people have to say and feel I’m learning and would certainly like that to continue. On the other hand perhaps it’s just me, bristling at the idea that I would not vote even when I don’t like what’s on the ballot. I’ve yet to miss an election, federal, state or local, and I think that’s a pretty good record at 1-day-shy of 43.
I inferred the not-voting option from the following slice of negativity:
“Not voting isn’t the right answer but, THESE are my choices???”
I can certainly see how you could infer that choice from that quote, but I still don’t think she was saying that she’s not voting. And I *do* think that it was me bristling because, frankly, I’m still bristled. But at least we both agree that we think skipping out on voting is a bad choice, we just disagree on how to convince people not to go that route.
Oh, and my 3yo is not shaking whatever he’s sick with so I’m a bit freaked out anyway. That’s probably a big portion of the tone I’m hearing when I read your “disgusting moral flaw” phrase.
@belindap: Sarah Palin is not the woman that should be looked up to as what “we all can become” in the states. There are far better qualified and accomplished women of both parties, including one particular woman from your own state of Texas, that would better represent accomplished women. In terms of Palin’s accomplishments, attempting to ban books and putting a town of 6,000 $22 million in debt are not what I would consider accomplishments.
As far as your note about not being able to succeed in other countries: remember Margaret Thatcher and Benazir Bhutto? Talk about female empowerment. Those are women to be proud of and to be proud voting for. If they can find one in Pakistan, we can find a worthy woman to vote for in the US.
Not sure if I am doing this correctly in response to gini please try to not use democratic talking points to make up your mind. Please Please look it up yourself. The librarian( eew I don’t think I spelled that correctly )herself said that Palin did not ban any books. The debt that was in Alaska was within her first year and her cabinet has reduced that debt. I have family that actually live in Alaska or better yet they go their to collect the money that is passed out to each family in that State after Palin took office. They really love that state !
My reference to other women in other countries was to the ones that are not allowed freedom. Freedom to make such choices. I apologize for that not being clear. But since you brought it up please do some checking on Margaret Thatcher. There were some that just weren’t to keen on her either. mmmmm I am sorry that there are so many that don’t see a conservative woman as a great choice. We may be a dying breed. my family has fought for all of you within the Marines, Airforce and Army so that each of you may have this freedom to speak your opinions. I hope each of you take some time to really look things ups and make sure that the decisions you make are educated ones. The decisions that we make will affect all of us as well as our children. I don’t want to tell my children I am sorry for a bad decision because I didn’t do my homework!
PS As to the the Female Senator from Texas, her record is pretty strong. But I want her to be govenor first. ;)
I don’t know how each of you blog. I can’t cook supper and do this at the same time
BelindaP,
THe debt that she caused was when she was mayor. She did other wrong things while in office as Governor, but I don’t think that is the argument going on here. As someone else stated, there were far better conservative choices for McCain to pick. Actually, I find it hard to believe he doesn’t dump her a few weeks before the election. Palin is under qualified, full stop. Her “you betcha” and winking are childish and tooootally unprofessional.
For all your fact checking on these other women, they were polititians just like men. They are all only human and not perfect. That does not mean they were not qualified. That just means that ALL politicians fall into the political machine regardless of how starry-eyed they are when they head to DC.
BTW, your family is not protecting our freedom of speech. They are doing a job. I have a cousin in the Marines and after his first stint in Afghanistan, he re-enlisted because of a sense of commitment to his Marines. I know we come from a small town with not a lot of choices for young people so the the military looks attractive with signing bonuses and benefits.
My rights are protected by the constitution and are also ignored by the constitution. I don’t think we’ve fought a just war since WWII. Anyone fighting in a war after that was not fighting for our rights. We definitely are NOT fighting for the Iraqi’s rights. We busted up their country and invited terrorist there, based on lies from our president. Personally, I think individuals need to be held responsible for their participation in this illegal war. Just my opinion. Take a look at Russia and how democracy is working for them. It takes years for a society to embrace it. U.S. was lucky to have a totally different beginning, although committing genocide on the original inhabitants is nothing to be proud of. . .but some part of our hstory that makes us who we are today.
I just do not want to be a country who kills in the name of democracy but really for imperialist reasons.
You said what I’ve been trying to say much more eloquently about the way I feel about the candidates, both presidential and vice-presidential.
thank you Christine, well said.
@belindap
As you can see from my post, I said “tried to ban books” and as you can also see from my post, I said TOWN, not STATE that she created debt in. My opinions are my own, not talking points.
I’ve done my homework, as you can see, but that doesn’t mean my opinion is going to be the same as yours.
@belindap re: doing your homework:
As I said in my post, she “tried” around the banning books issue - she asked the librarian about a list that is commonly issued for banned books. http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/sliming_palin.html
I have to admit that even asking the librarian what the procedure for banning a book is raises my hackles. Why on earth would she ask unless she was thinking that something needed to be banned? Perhaps she was just doing research, helping one of her kids with their homework? My gut says that she had been annoyed by something previously and when she became mayor she wanted to do something about it — and that means she wanted to ban a book. Obviously my gut has no facts to back this up, but my heart tends to listen to my gut anyway.
I am voting… but I’m not voting happily. And unless I randomly decide to do a write-in, which isn’t honestly completely off the table, I will be voting against someone and not for someone. I don’t like our choices at all. Nothing like a string of bad leaders to shape up a nation (eventually) though… (((sigh))) And I agree with Jamie. Although I’m an American living in Canada, I do prefer the short election run-up to the painfully prolonged American one. But to be quite honest, in neither scenario does the amount of time give the voters enough REAL information… It’s all about scare tactics and one liners, clichés and butt covering.
I hate that your election is currently about race, sex and age. Older folks are obviously for McCain because he’s old, the young generation is obviously for Obama because he’s young, women obviously have to vote for Palin because she’s got a vajayjay. White folks are obviously for McCain/Palin, and if you’re black, you betray yourself if you don’t vote for Obama.
Please note that all of the above is said with an extreme sense of sarcasm, so no one jump down my throat. There are a lot bigger issues in your country that Barack Obama’s middle name and whether it sounds Muslim, or Sarah Palin’s pronounciation of goin’, but this is what makes news. I’m sick of the smear campaign; hearing about what a bad mother Sarah Palin is for working while she has a child (yeah, she’s the first to do that), hearing who Barack Obama might have been connected to that might have been a terrorist, etc etc. Do your elections EVER focus on the actual politics?
Instead of spending time bashing the candidate you don’t like (and this isn’t aimed at you, OMSH, its for everyone), find the one you do and support him/her. If that means picking the lesser of two evils, so be it. Enjoy the fact that you have the right to pick when some people are under a dictator; the right to critcize your country’s leaders while others get killed for doing the same; the right to argue about whether the healthcare system is good enough while some people have none and die because of it; and a multitude of other rights and luxuries half of the world’s population will never see.
Enjoy them. And use them. Women, it wasn’t that long ago that you didn’t have them, and men, you need not trace back all that much further in history to find a time period where only rich landowners could vote. So whoever you choose to support, VOTE.
You lose all right to criticize government when you choose not to vote. I agree with 4peoplenotrepubs that complacency is disgusting.
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