Monday, October 20, 2008
2008 POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ISSUES
We are currently entering the last section of the 2008 political campaign and the voting stage is now upon us. Numerous citizens, such as I, are still uninformed on some of the political issues that Obama and McCain are for or against and are in a sense ignorant to what will occur when one of them will soon take office. In attempt to help enlighten myslef and many other readers, who could possibly be blind voting in the next few weeks, I am hoping for people to comment by raising questions and sharing their views of the presidential nominees and their stances on issues such as the economy, environment, and healthcare policies. This is not meant to sway ones vote, but rather share knowledge of the facts and what our potential leaders of America have in mind for change.
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8 comments:
Three issues:
Healthcare: Having the government involved in any major program is a recipe for disaster. Look at Social Security as an example. What was originally intended to be a supplemental retirement program has now become a social assistance program. Obama wants to put government in control of our health care. What may begin with good intentions will eventually be skewed to include illegal immigrants. The US Government cannot afford to supplement a socialized health care program.
Experience: Obama's campaign makes a big deal about Sarah Palin's lack of experience. But Palin is the VICE Presidential candidate. Obama is on the top of the ticket and he has had only one year as a Senator and most of that time has been spent campaigning. McCain has a long record of accomplishments in his service to our country. He has long legislative experience.
Taxes: Obama says he wants to "spread the wealth" with his tax proposals. When has it become a crime in this country to be successful? Our current tax system is a graduated system. Why should it be further skewed to penalize the people who work hard and succeed?
I am very concerned about Barack Obama's lack of leadership experience. He has only been in the senate a short time and has no previous government or corporate leadership experience.
In addition I am very afraid of a government controlled health care system. There is a reason why Canadian citizens come to the USA for health care...it is because their own government run system lowers the quality of care in Canada. They are not allowed to choose their own doctors.
McCain's experience in foreign affairs is extensive. Obama's is non-existent.
I think a question can be raised when you say, "numerous citizens, such as I, are still uninformed on some of the political issues". Is it our responsibility to remain informed? I believe that information concerning the election is ubiquitous, however, some decide not to acknowledge it and therefore become the "typical uniformed American".
Yes, "ignorant" is a good way to put it!!! You wrote, "Numerous citizens, such as I, are still uninformed"--but why--this thing has been going on for 2 years.... now, do you expect some biased guy to "inform" you. Are you now going to heed whatever I write here. Ok, Vote, Obama because he'll help the economy--no, wait, vote McCain b/c he'll take care of the Iraqi's-- no wait, vote Obama because he's for change, no wait, vote for McCain because he has foreign policy experience, no wait, vote for.....
Due to the fact that many people such as I originally were apathetic coming into the race, I didn't keep up with it for a long period of time. Think about it: For instance 2 years ago, a now 18 year old voter was 16 year old at the time the race for the 2008 election started. As a kid in highschool, many people do not feel effected by political issues as it is their parents who are still taking care of them and are reaping or being detrimentally effected by the benefits. But come of age 18, one might begin to realize that they are almost classified as an independent and think "whoa this stuff might actually be important and soon affect me." And thus that is the reasoning behind some voters still feeling in the dark about the candidates and trying to, last minute, understand how each potential commander in chief will affect us once in the office. And so, I am striving for people to leave as unbiased of opinions as possible to share their knowledge of our candidates.
In regard to health care, Obama does not want to put the government in control of health care. If you have your own health insurance, it will remain the same. You will only be affected by the new system if you currently do not have health insurance. I think it is a travesty that in the wealthiest nation in the world 8.3 million children are without any type of health care.
On the issue of taxes, yes Obama will increase taxes for those making over $250,000 a year, only 5% of US citizens. If McCain were to be elected, his tax proposal will give the top 1% of Ameicans a tax cut of $270,000 on average. As for the middle class, Obama will cut taxes for 60% of tax payers by almost $1,000 while McCain will only cut them by about $150. Is it more beneficial for our country to give the middle class tax breaks to feed and clothe their families or to the wealthy to pay for the membership to their country club?
How about the economy? Well, McCain supports cutting corporate taxes by almost 30% and tax breaks for businesses who invest in "equipment and technology". Obama will support tax incentives for companies who keep jobs in the US and renegotiate NAFTA to protect our economy. Obama will also put a stop to mortgage fraud and predatory lending (which he proposed legislation for TWO YEARS ago).
Humm.... I wonder who Ashley will be voting for? I think there should be something done about health care but, what ever is done I think it needs to be done in a manner which prevents the type of decreases in quality of care seen in many other countries when they moved to socialized medicine.
Why are we talking about tax cuts and new ways to spend money in government? I wish there was someone looking at this deficit the nation keeps racking up. We are spending money we don't have. Someone is going to have to pay it back some day an I have a feeling it is going to be our generation.
Dear Elizabeth,
Thanks for your comments. I actually agree in part with your issue of how am I being informed. I will admit to my bias, but I just want to express to you that it comes as a result of my life long experience as a citizen. My comments about the esteemed congresswomen came as a direct rebuttal from what I actually saw and hear come from her own mouth. She called out democrats in the congress and demanded an investigation because in her own words "there are some that are anti American". So I must say I felt that since my dad and four of his brothers fought in WWII and three of my fathers brothers kids, my cousins including myself fought in the Vietnam war and we are all Democrats, she who has done nothing but spread hate has no right to say Democrats are not the real Americans, or we don't love our country and if you stop and think a minute, all you ever hear as one of the republican talking points is that they and their constituents are more pro American, and we "liberals" as if that is a dirty word are not, look what they called Obama. To many names to repeat. Look I respect your viewpoints and will follow your blog, and now that Obama has been elected I will hold him and his cabinet to his word, and their decisions. If I feel like they are hurting our citizens and this country as the Bush administration has, I will not hold back, and I never will any defend policies that are not moral and made in good faith no matter what party makes them.
Regards,
Joseph
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