My “political” post is going to be short and sweet. I tried to think of just a few sentences that I could use and was surprised when I watched Colin Powell because several of the things he said were things I was thinking.
I think that each of the candidates are great. I don’t think that our country is going to go down the drain depending on which candidate is elected. I think that they all bring something unique to the table. I do not think that McCain is Bush and I do not think Obama is a terrorist. I’m glad the election is nearly here because I’m, frankly, tired of everyone getting so emotional about it all. Especially since most of those getting emotional don’t seem to know fact from opinion.
I have this thing where I follow my gut, no matter if I understand it or not. I’ve known all along that I was going to vote for Obama but I’ve kept an open mind this whole election season. Because I live in Oklahoma, most political conversations have been focused on the bad things that’ll happen if Obama is elected, not what good things will happen if McCain is elected. This has gotten tiring because so much of what I hear, I don’t agree with. Even if you erased these candidates from the conversation, and I was left to talk about the issues everyone is talking about, I would probably just sit quietly and listen, because I think most things people are stressing about are insignificant. In general, Americans have a terribly limited scope of the world. It’s unfortunate. And while I have not had every experience there is to be had, I think I’ve had a few unique ones, and I believe that Obama does have something to offer. Something different. Something better. I’m excited to see the changes our country will go through if he’s elected. He has good men surrounding him and I don’t think he’s be above asking them for help. He inspires me.
I believe we are in a time that we will look back at one day as being a turning point. I think that Americans need to step up and make changes, and stop acting like the government has to make them all. So many things need to be worked on and it would be beneficial for our nation to come together. I’m excited about the future. I’m excited to see what we Americans do, which President we choose, and what changes will take place as a result.
Not so short, but sweet. 
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I agree, I don’t think our country is going down the drain no matter who is elected. However, I do prefer one candidate over another.
Here’s what I disagree with in your post: the part about because you live in Oklahoma, political conversations have been focused on what will happen if Obama is elected vs. McCain.
As for me, I’m basing my decision on voting records and experience and facts. I guarantee you that I’ve had many conversations regarding facts with friends and co-workers.
Maybe you should participate & invite a healthy debate? I’d like to know what facts you are making your decision on because the only thing you really mention in this post is that Obama has surrounded himself with good men. Which men are you referring to? Colin Powell? Yes, he is a good and respectable man. But he is just one former Secretary of State…. and dare I mention that McCain has 4 former Secretaries of State endorsing him?
Here are just a FEW of the reasons I’m voting for McCain:
-McCain won’t raise taxes http://tinyurl.com/5q2vzf
-Energy independence for the United States http://tinyurl.com/595nuk
-McCain has been harshly critical of congressional overspending, particularly of budgetary earmarks, a position Bush only lately adopted.
For some reasons I’m not voting Obama, click on Get the Proof:
http://tinyurl.com/49a2bh
And then there’s the abortion & infanticide issue that I can’t ignore either.
Bottom line is that this is one Oklahoman voting because of the facts that are important to me… and your comments somewhat insinuate that emotion and fear of Obama being a terrorist guides our decisions. Not something I would expect to hear from you.
It’s comments like that which get me fired up.
I think you should know better… especially if you’re going to point fingers in my direction (Oklahoma). As you know, I’ve been overseas and most of our friends have been overseas. Sorry, but going abroad does not somehow broaden your understanding of the candidates in this election.
Something else that fires me up is when people say “God damn America”. And that is something that TOO often comes out of the mouths of Obama supporters. I know there are ignorant people in both parties… but how dare anyone say that about ANY country… much less their own. The following two links are from a blog run by Democrats who are voting McCain:
http://tinyurl.com/63b9ow
http://tinyurl.com/5wpl6s
I think it’s about the character of each candidate. I think it’s about their voting record- what they say to the public vs. how they actually vote. Obama does not have a good record for voting the way he claimed he would vote… in fact, he chose to vote “present” 129 times while in the Senate for Illinois. http://tinyurl.com/5a3qfq
And the fact is, McCain does have a strong voting record that proves he votes as he says he’ll vote. http://tinyurl.com/5lxogj
What does this tell me? One is trustworthy and one is not.
Each of us is entitled to vote the way he or she sees fit.
I’m sick of this election too. Bring on Nov 4!
whether you were offended by my post or just trying to have a healthy conversation about it, i don’t know. i appreciate your honesty, although i have no desire to debate any of this with you. you are actually an exception to my comment about so many people not knowing the difference between fact and opinion. you’ve done a lot of research. my comment about oklahoma referred only to the fact that i’m living in a red state. if i was living in california, it would be the opposite. i was attacking oklahoma in no way, i was simply offering a glimpse into my world.
Hear! Hear! Stephanie. Good word!
Well said Steph, it takes courage to put yourself out there like that- especially in such a volatile election season.
I’ve definitely had my share of sitting silently in some heated debates about the candidates. What I’ve noticed is nobody ever leaves those talks with their minds changed. So what’s the use? Silence is sometimes the best response.
I am with you on being ready for this to end!
Wow. I’m almost afraid to respond here (just due to the volatile nature of opinions and emotions in connection with the election), but I have to say I’m ready for this election to be over with too, and I agree with you on the point that I don’t think the country will go down the tubes if either candidate is elected. I think it is quite a hard decision between the two this time around, and have never debated more (in my own head, of course) about which to choose. Sigh.
I hadn’t heard Colin Powell’s entire speech on the matter though, and as a respectable person, I found it quite interesting indeed.
Steph, Thanks for letting me know that I’m an exception. As I told you face-to-face at work, I wanted to respond here & let everyone know: I’m simply suggesting a healthy debate/conversation of voting records & facts.
Yes, many people in this red state will vote according to the same research, facts, and voting records that I took the time to give you. Actually, many people in the blue states will too.
I find it concerning when people who support Obama can’t or won’t provide any information or facts behind their decisions… you know, like many of the people we work with. They usually play the quiet game when any opportunity for debate regarding voting records takes place.
So, if anyone can or will… I’m looking for facts. Don’t worry, I won’t get emotional or crazy on anyone. I’m probably Stephanie’s most non-emotional friend ever.
So, the floor is all yours… enlighten me.