The 2008 Election: Who I'll be voting for and why

I know it's a touchy topic, but yes, I'm going to get into politics. I've decided that, in my opinion, political opinions should be limited to things like blogs and open discussions, not myspace, facebook, etc. Yes, it's a free country, but since politics is such a sensitive topic, I just don't feel anyone should be subjected to your opinion against their will and I want to make a better effort to respect that. Just my opinion.

This post is probably not for the person who is far right or far left. I'm probably not going to change your mind and I don't really intend to. We all have the right to vote for who we feel will serve our country best and to talk about it freely. That's what makes our country so great. This post is for the people, who, like me, maybe found themselves feeling apathetic when it came to the 2008 election. For those who weren't really sure who they would vote for, or who were thinking about not voting at all. Though voting is such a privilege, and though I am ashamed, I truly was thinking about skipping voting all together. However, this is a freedom I'm too grateful for to pass up, so I decided to really take a look at the issues, and what's most important to me. Sometime I feel like many of us unfortunately inherit our parents religion and politics. I have found myself in that position in the past and have made a concerted effort to think for myself in both of these areas. Although I was raised in a very conservative home, I've found myself disappointed at the way in which the Bush Administration has lead this country as of late. However, please read on with an open mind to find out why this year, I will be voting for McCain-Palin.

Before I go down the list, let me start out by saying what really bothers me about the Republican Party. Hate me if you want, conservatives, but why must the Republican Party be the "Christian choice?" One of the other things I love about our country is that supposedly there is to be a separation between church and state. I have friends who, at the root, have conservative tendencies, however are so bothered by the fact that Republicans are so bound and determined to make Christian ideals part of Federal legislature that they vote the other way. Why can't we leave the government out of it? I am 100% pro-life. Especially after I saw my baby's heart beating so strongly at 7 weeks. However, a good friend of mine is from Brazil and knew that thousands of young mother's were dying getting unsanitary, backwoods abortions simply because it was illegal. Please don't misunderstand me, I don't condone abortion. However, why can't we just leave the federal government out of it? I also don't condone gay marriage. I've had gay friends, and I don't condone their lifestyle, but who am I to judge? Again, why can't we leave the government out of it? Although these are problems I have with the Republican Party, these issues are ones that I feel don't affect me personally, and I just choose to deal with it. Maybe you disagree, but that's my opinion. I don't need the government to validate my morality. However the things below are things that do affect me personally and that I worry about for my sake and my family's.

#1 - Healthcare

Maybe some of you saw Sicko and were changed. It's kind of hard to watch that and not be swayed. However, I ask you, Do you really understand what universal healthcare means? Yes, it sounds great. And yes, our current system is NOT perfect and changes need to be made. I believe that no child should be without insurance or healthcare. However, I'm of the strong opinion that universal healthcare is not the answer. Do you want to wait in line for the doctor? Do you want a GOVERNMENT worker standing between you and the doctor? This is what will happen with universal healthcare. Yes, this is better than nothing for some poor families, but there are other answers. Let's think about the quality of doctors coming through the system were we to switch to a government-run healthcare system. Doctor's would not be paid as much, therefore, the incentives to become a doctor would be far less. Less doctors, more people needing care. Also, most of the worlds greatest advances in healthcare come from the United States. If someone in another country needs special care, you better believe they are being sent to the US. How can advances in medicine be reached if the government controls our healthcare system? Again, I know there are problems that need to be solved in our current system, however I do not feel universal healthcare is the answer. In fact, it scares the crap out of me.

#2 Alternative sources of energy/gas prices

I don't pretend to know it all about the above topic....there are many people who could probably argue me into the ground. There are probably classes at universities about the economics of oil. However I do know that the democrats are so scared of being politically correct when it comes to this topic. Even FRANCE has offshore oil rigs, but Americans (especially liberals...and I don't think liberal is a dirty word) are so scared to even go there. Why? Most European countries have them, why can't we? I'm not saying there may not be better alternative energy source out there, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't work towards independence from the Middle East and other countries who don't even like us. Also, don't misunderstand John McCain and Sarah Palin when they talk about nuclear plants. They do not mean plants to make nuclear weapons. They mean alternative sources of energy. They are not against research to explore natural sources of energy either, so don't be misinformed.

#3 Taxes

Why is it such a bad thing to give the wealthy a tax break? I am a middle class gal myself so I feel like I'm saying a lot when it's not really even me that will benefit. I don't think folks really understand this. Studies have shown time and time again, that when the wealthy are heavily taxed poverty increases and the middle class suffers. Why? Think about it. When there are higher penalties for your investments and profits, the wealthy limit their investments, stop making products and offering jobs. Like it or not, the wealthy create jobs and stimulate the economy, no bones about it. Also, (let me get on my soap box a minute)....since when is it a crime to make more money?? We work hard for our money! I was livid when a friend of mine said, "Well, the rich don't need it anyway." Says who? We all work hard for our money. I'm interested in the Candidate who lets me keep more of it in my pocket so I can spend it as I please (thus stimulating the economy).

#4 - Obama's lack of experience

This is one topic that's been talked about quite a bit. Some of those on the left may not think it matters and that maybe some of us on the right are just trying to scrounge up reasons why we don't like him. I actually like Obama. The man lived in my building in DC and was, I believe, a genuinely nice guy. I talked to him several times and he seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say which was refreshing. However, should this be a reason to vote a man Commander in Chief, because he's a nice guy? Let's face the facts here....Obama has not even served a full term as Senator (or in any other Fenderal Government position). I can't even believe we have a candidate who has served such little time in the Whitehouse. Yes, Palin hasn't either, but #1 The Vice Presidential office is very different and #2 you have to make more decisions as Governer. Did you know that Obama has not written one single piece of legislature?? McCain has been writing legislature for 30 years. Yes, Obama's an extremely charismatic speaker and probably a really nice guy. But once you dig pass the fluff, what does he tangibly have to offer?

I'll stop at that. Sorry if I've offended you, that was not my intent. I have friends all over the board and a deeply respect (most!) of them. If I've shed some light on some issues for you, great! Mainly I just needed to vent, and to let you know what I've been hashing out as these campaigns take off....maybe you found yourself torn like me. If so, I just encourage you to figure out what's important to you and really take the time to learn the facts as best you can.

VOTE!