Last night, my friends and I gathered to watch the Republican debate. We had discussions in between and afterwards; we talked about what's most important to us. We also thought Ronald Reagan was resurrected from the dead and running for President because they spent so much time talking about his regime. The shaky cameras were equally as annoying.
I never thought I'd be so interested in politics as I am now. I have been sucked into the debates and the constant campaigning. The first two primaries have left me thirsting for more. Maybe I was too young or in a different state of mind to appreciate the last election. I was a month shy of voting age in 2000, and when Al Gore was made out to be a cry-baby over the Florida (the state I reside in) recount vote… I was absolutely disgusted.
In 2004, the candidates and the hype just weren’t enough to fascinate to me. But now, in 2008, I think the fact that a woman and a black man are running in the Democratic Party is already a major change in itself and a major part of American History, an example of how far our country has come in the past 50 years.
It seems like the word "change" has been in most candidates' slogans or repeated vigorously in their speeches. Change. It's what America wants, but what kind of change? Or, how much of a change are we willing to allow?
I may be speaking for myself, but I feel like everyone is sick of the war and where the economy is heading. The average American is barely scraping by with rising grocery prices, record breaking gas prices, hideous housing slump, mortgage mess, and ridiculous insurance rates (car, home, health). It seems like we are inside an inflated balloon that's about to pop. But President Bush and his administration keep assuring us everything is going to be ok... well it certainly doesn't feel that way.
I am still an undecided voter, so I have been asking almost everybody I know who they are voting for and why. I often hear people say, I don't like politics, I don't care, or our vote doesn't matter anyway. But everyone should care because the political process defines our nation and affects all of us individually. Even if our votes don't necessarily count because the Electoral College makes the final vote, at least we can feel like we participated.
I have argued too many times with friends, family, or strangers about politics. It's one of the conversations most people avoid, but sometimes it's a conversation that needs to be addressed no matter how much it hurts.
Comments
Let us not panic. Remember the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt:
“Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”:
I think your concerns are warranted. I respect the first post regarding the greatness of America, but also believe we have lost our way. Our spending policies have devalued the dollar. The Global opinion of our currency is declining. This cannot continue. The issue of the War is directly related. We continue to finance hundreds of Billions to remain in the Middle east to protect the oil industry. Dont kid yourself, that is all we are doing. Why is Bush over there right now spending more military dollars? Its crazy and its not sustainable. Until we change our spending habits, this economic crisis will continue to worsen. The Federal Reserve continues to lower interest rates and inject capital that doesnt exist.
If we elect a president who proposes more social programs, a continued presence in Iraq, and more spending without significant cuts we are doomed economically. John McCain said the other day he "knows very little about economics", Hillary wants Government to pay for our medical care? So on it goes....lookout America. (Vote Ron Paul)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Don’t sell America short. We are, have been and will always be the greatest nation on earth. I was seven years of age when the Market crashed and America suffered the worst depression in history. It was not to end until 1940 when we started to arm England, who alone was fighting every body’s war. My first job in 1940 paid twenty cents an hour and most of the men working in my factory were married with children. There were no safety nets, no unemployment insurance, no Medicare or Medicaid, nothing. We survived. Those of you who continue to work hard and most important save hard, will look back on today as bump in the road. Those of us who purchased homes that we could afford, and remembered the cardinal rule that in real estate there are three things to consider: location, location, location, are safe. God Bless America.
Frank Panebianco
Change is ok!!! But I dont think America is ready for a woman or a black islamic president.Because of their views and ideas about our constitutional rights especialy our second amendment and our right to keep and bare arms. America has and always will be Free because of our Constitution and both of These Candidates want to change our constitution for their own ideals. Thus Making us not FREE CITIZENS BUT, SUBJECTS IN OUR OWN COUNTRY~AMERICA is known as the land of milk and honey, The Home of the Free and The land of the Brave but if either of these Candidates win the Presidency, will we always be free citizens? What I really want to know is how quickly their plans will help america get back on track?
They all say what we want to hear. What I want to know is If they can get America back on track in Four Years!!!!
Respectfully,
Eddie