
window display in my tree-hugging part of the world
I had a conversation last week with a couple of my family members that really threw me for a loop and has been heavy on my mind since. It started when one of them asked me who I was voting for next month, which I thought was pretty obvious, but I was the one in shock when they told me they were supporting McCain.
I am not one who thrives on conflict, and I adore my family, so I told them I didn't think we should have this conversation as it certainly couldn't go anywhere good. But questions kept getting asked and opinions were being thrown and I found myself just wanting to end it and go about our merry way.
This is where I am beating myself up. Because I backed down. Rather than using my voice to state my "whys" I ended the conversation by saying, "well, you know us California types, we are all just tree-hugging hippies around here." I am now kicking myself for saying this as an easy way out. I don't want to raise my daughter to be passive with anyone just to make nice, no matter who it is... even her father and I.
I could have just called them back to continue the conversation but I realized this isn't even about them, it's about me, and all of us and using our voice and I think blogging gives us the power to do exactly that.
So, here is my voice: {no disclaimers}
I am proudly voting for Barack Obama in this upcoming election. I have never felt more confident about who I want to be our next president. I have felt this way for two years.
Here is why:
Let's take all the issues surrounding the economy and healthcare and abortion rights, etc., off the table for just a moment because not only is that an entirely different and much too lengthy discussion on a non-political blog, but I believe that no matter what both candidates want, they will be spending the majority of the next four years cleaning up the mess that is our current administration and all of these promises that all politicians make still need to pass through congress anyway, so I don't put a ton of weight on that, but here is the thesis of what is important to me and what I want in a president:
A strong and stable leader to represent our country who I, as an American, can be proud of and look up to.
When I watch the debates I see McCain and Palin do little more than bad mouth Obama, and I also see a very angry man who gets his feathers all ruffled every now and again. This frightens me. The last thing we need in office is an angry person. I know when I am upset or angry is when I start making really stupid, regrettable decisions. So it scares the bejeezers out of me when I see him become visibly upset during television appearances thinking that he may be making fear-based decisions while possibly serving as commander in chief.
When I see Obama, I see an eloquence that I haven't seen since Kennedy. I see a role model. I see people once again having hope and believing in change and loving him. I see a person who is strong, smart articulate and presidential. I see him staying calm under pressure and not becoming angry when someone disagrees with him. I see his calmness, clarity and compassion in the eye of the storm. I see him bringing much-needed change.
When I think about Obama representing Americans in world issues with world leaders, my confidence is at ease. He is the man to do this, and with Joe Biden by his side, I think there will be plenty of schooling and cleaning of house. This is a good thing.
When I think of McCain and Palin working alongside these same world leaders, I cringe. I want to call my friends in other countries and say, "You know all Americans aren't like this, right?" I say this as an American, I am patriotic and there are many things I adore about this country. Though I will say that I feel we, indeed, are a country divided.
So, I truly don't understand when people say in this election they are voting for "the lesser of two evils" or that they are still undecided. I really don't. The issues are out on the table, it's all out there plain as day. What's the hold-up?.
I realize that I sometimes tend to live in a bubble and would like to think that everyone just shares my same opinion, but I know that is not the case and am reminded of this when these types of discussions come up and unbelievable videos are passed around these here internets.
I truly want to understand why people support McCain and Palin in this election, which is why I had to get this out. Of course we are all entitled to our beliefs free of judgement but I am curious: Is it religion, race, party, relating to a hockey-mom with shiny hair, because you are buying into the crap about Obama being associated with a terrorist?
If you are supporting McCain & Palin in this election, and happen to come across my little blog, please, enlighten me with your reasons why, I sincerely want to know and understand this.