Time for a Change
I am getting sick and tired of McCain and Clinton supporters describing Obama backers as young and naive. I feel that I am just as, if not more, informed about the presidential candidates as the typical voter. I think it is time for the older people who come out in droves to pay attention to and learn from the youth supporting Obama. They say that the elderly are the only ones who watch the news, and they are informed and experienced. They call the young naive and uninformed. Well, the youth are out actually living in the world that the news covers and not just sitting at home watching it on the television. We are too busy to waste our time watching the talking heads deliver the same corporate controlled news day in day out. We are dealing with the world that our predecessors have shaped, and we are informed enough to know that it is time for a change.
The older generation are partially to blame for the current state of affairs in this country. They are the ones who have voted in the same mold of politicians for the past 30 years. It is time for a break from the old. I don't want to see a succession of Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton in the White House. Heck, if Hillary wins and survives for a second term, we can expect Neil Bush to run in 2016. After 8 years of him, that will be perfect timing for Chelsea Clinton followed by the Bush twins (Jenna would be VP). It is time to mix it up. We need some fresh ideas and thinking to run this country.
I am also fed up with people insinuating that I am sexist when I support Obama over Hillary. I have absolutely no issues whatsoever with a woman being in the White House. If Hillary wins the nomination, I will vote for her. Conjointly, if you are a Hillary supporter, does that make you a racist for not voting for a black man as President? No, it just means that you and I support candidates who happen to be minorities.
And, John McCain isn't the solution. Heck, I am sure there are lots of blue hairs out there that think that McCain is a fine young fellow. The man is 71. He would be 80 after two terms in office. I am not trying to say that a senior citizen can't be president. I just don't think that this is the time for one, and McCain isn't the person for the job (Although I do have to give him credit for showing up late to meet the President for his endorsement today. Might as well let the punk, who's campaign slandered you and in 2000, wait around a little while).
The future is going to present a great deal of challenges for the United States and the rest of the world. Population growth, climate change, diminishing natural resources, global heath crises, religious fanaticism, and poverty are a few of the global issues that we face. We need a candidate with the courage, conviction, and ingenuity to tackle them.
The results of yesterday's primaries will be hyped by the media as being huge wins for the Clinton campaign. However, I have read that it is estimated that she only picked up 4 more total delegates than Obama after Tuesday's primaries, essentially keeping Obama's lead intact. Additionally, since McCain took control of the Republican candidacy, Obama is battling against Hillary and the Republicans who are strategically voting for her in the primaries, as they would prefer to face her in the general election. Yet, Obama is still leading. It is still a tough fight, but I believe that Barack Obama is the candidate to lead this country into the future.
Here is another link that a friend sent to me about Obama that you may find interesting.
posted by Me @ 6:52 PM
16 comments
16 Comments:
So just what makes you think that Obama has better critical thinking and decision skills than the other candidate?
Nice Niall.
To take the nagging mom analogy a little further…
It's not that nagging mom's aren't correct in their assessments of what should and shouldn't be done. You probably should wear a seatbelt or drink your milk or go to school or whatever. Hell, Hillary's got a nice agenda – one that is very similar to Barrack's. However, simply having a good plan and bitching about things all the time never accomplishes much. The issue for me is that I don't want to be told what I should and shouldn't do. I feel like I have my own ability and 'critical thinking skills' to make a positive difference in my community and country. Barrack doesn't bitch and moan about people who don't drink their milk, he encourages folks to do so by example. This is the unique thing about Barrack – he is empowering folks who have felt disenfranchised by the system. I'm a guy who's fairly well engaged, but this is the first time I've ever felt a sense of real optimism about the direction this country could take under the leadership of someone who not only believes (but empowers others to take action) in the power of average folks to positively affect their lives and the lives of others.
My assessment is that folks who require a lot of structure to their lives and need mandates to do the right thing support Hillary. This lot would include a lot of bureaucrats and school teachers, and office do-gooders. Barrack supporters are people of action – just look at how well he does in Caucus states. Caucusing requires a huge commitment of time to what I consider a very pure democratic process – it's active, and requires thought. A simple vote is one thing – action is another.
Sure, I could live with Hillary in the white house – but I don't think she would be able to really accomplish any of the things she supposedly has experience doing.
Barrack's the man, and I think he'll come out ahead.
jsg
Judge Dredd,
I think that a previous post of mine gives a good example of the critical thinking and decision skills you ask about. Check out the January 2008 archive's in the right menu bar or go to http://nstewart.blogspot.com/2008/01/obama-08.html
Back when people were attacked as being unpatriotic for speaking out against the war (like the Dixie Chicks), Obama wasn't afraid to critically analyze the decision to invade Iraq and speak his mind about it.
Josset,
Wow. That might be the best comment that I have ever read. I do appreciate your analysis and insight on politics.
I forgot to mention that I really like the fact that Barrack is a smoker. There's something very comforting to me (a non-smoker) about a leader who will take the time to sneak out of an important meeting to have a quick smoke, and gather his thoughts. I don't know exactly what it is, but there's something very cool about some people who smoke.
jsg
Wow, I think this is a first. I read the entire post and completely agree with you! Actually I respect your passion for politics and I use you as a balace for my naturally conservative tendencies. I say we break the Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton with a Stewart!
People are becoming more relaxed about certain items in their candidates' pasts, so maybe I could become Prez (I did inhale).
You might have some conservative leanings Josh, but don't equate those ideals to the Republican party. I think there are many issues that I am conservative on that I think the Dems are doing better at.
What is it you think Obama is actually going to do, and how do you think he will do it? Don't get me wrong, I think he is a great second choice to Hillary and will definately get my vote over McCain if he beats out Hillary.
As far as the Repbulicans voting for her goes, as long as they can keep the race between these two goeing the happier they will be. If she pulls ahead they will vote for him.
Don't worry Josh, its okay to be conservative. When you need to worry is when you start thinking W. has done a good job.
Buschy
On What Obama will actually do.
You’ve asked the question of what Senator Obama will actually do if chosen as our next President of the United States. The answer seems very plain to me – he’ll do what he has already done during his brief campaign – rally millions of diverse Americans to once again believe in the United States. The necessary change that this country needs can only be realized by millions of everyday folks working to address major issues at a local level. Senator Obama is the only candidate who can currently facilitate such a change.
In response to several contributors being republicans - hell, no problem. I think most on this blog are westerners and would be wise to read up on a recent HCN profile of Jim Posewitz - director of the Hunters Institute who, in response to the question: "Why are so many hunters across the country aligned with the Republican Party and the resource-extraction industries?" responds: "Because they're easily deceived, unfortunately."
Don't be easily deceived.
Read. Think.
jsg
I guess I am just a cynical bastard, but really. You're right, Barack has "rallied millions" into believing in America. And I have to reply, so what? How is that going to repair our national image, improve the collapsing economy, and allow me to retire in 30 years with some sort of affordable health care?
Granted I couldn't tell you how Hillary would pull off these feats, I just hope that she paid attention to what was going on during her husband's administration. Hell, when he was in office I could almost buy more groceries and gas with the paycheck I was bringing home then, more than half what I make now. I'm not sure I could tell you what they were doing right then, but it was a good thing.
Reading these previous posts, I guess I'm like my candidate; a nagging parent who likes to bitch. But before last February, had you even heard of Barack Obama? I've know about Hillary and seen how she handles, has handled, and will handle any variety of issues.
Buschy
Hey Doug,
I want to let you know that I do value your opinion on this matter. You work in one of the important manufacturing industries, which has suffered a decline in employment and profits over the years. Also, living in Virginia, I think it gives you a different perspective than us Coloradans and Montanans. To quote myself, "If Hillary wins the nomination, I will vote for her." I also think that Josset has said the same and complimented her agenda. I am not trying to change your mind (like I could), but just giving a little insight into my thoughts.
As most of you know by now, Obama went to Harvard Law School, and while there became the first black president of the Harvard Law Review and graduated magna cum laude. After graduation, he could have worked anywhere and pulled in some serious dough or worked as a clerk for a federal judge. Instead, he chose to return to Chicago to work as a community organizer and run voter registration drives.
Now there is a reason I bring this up. Obama used his experience running voter drives to create a revolutionary grass roots campaign that we are now witnessing. I think it is a small glimpse of the resourcefulness and vision of the man. He melded the internet sensation of Howard Dean with old fashioned grass roots politics. In the process, he created a vast network of volunteers on the ground who are out there working for him - not paid employees. He has used this network to dominate the caucuses. In the states where he was the underdog, his grass roots organization was able to capture a substantial number of delegates even if he lost the popular vote.
This is one of the reasons why the Clinton campaign has only focused on a few large states and put all of its energy on those states. She knows that her campaign cannot compete nationwide on a state by state basis. Both the McCain and Clinton use the old method of TV ads and quick stops in each state to promote their campaigns. Obama started off as the underdog, and used innovative thinking to drive his campaign to forefront.
Now, I understand that a good campaigner does not necessarily make a good president. I will post more about reasons why I think he will be a good prez. I just wanted to point out one of the things I like about Obama's campaign. As Josset wrote, Obama's campaign has rallied millions of diverse Americans to once again believe in the United States. I think that optimism and support will be crucial to changing the course of the US. Not from the top down, but from the bottom up.
Oh yeah, here is a link to an article about Obama's community work in Chicago after the closing of some several steel mills and factories. http://www.examiner.com/a-1239213~Obama_s_first_lessons_in_politics_came_as_Chicago_community_organizer.html
Josset,
I am assuming that Montana is like Western Colorado politically. I have also wondered why hunters typically vote republican. Maybe it has to do with the gun control issues and the NRA. Hell, I know you like to fish and shoot big animals. Same with Rider and Drew, yet none of you voted for Bush. Maybe that is just the older generation. They probably grew up voting Republican and have stayed that way. Perhaps the younger people like you and me, who hunt and/or fish have paid attention to the current events and issues facing our nation and feel that the democratic party is the party of the people. I don't know.
Niall you bring up a good point that is really frustrating to me about politics today. Why does everyone have to fit in a bucket. Niall does things that are stereotypical of a Republicans but is a Democrat. I said that I had conservative views and most of the people responding picked that up to mean I'm a Republican. I'm actually leaning towards Obama. What happened to the days when you voted for the person who you felt was the best for the job?
I also get upset with the tone in these comments that one side is right and the other is wrong. Isn't that what debate and America are all about. I don't like to see thoughts like the one above that seem to say if you are Republican you are "easily deceived" or "uninformed". Or even if you are Democrate you are "tree-hugger" or "hippie". I think those are personal attacks and not politcal commentary. Just because I'm not as informed as you doesn't mean I don't read or think for myself.
Sorry for the rant. I will get off of my soap box now.
I still love you Josh. I don't think anyone meant you were ignorant. Your big, not a big dumby. I typically vote republican in state matters and democrat in national and local issues -- never planned it that way, it is just the way the candidates have shaken out.
Niall, thanks for the insight. I actually did want to know some actual reasons you believe he will be a good President. It is neat to see people like you and Josset with your passions. Me, I'm just comfortable with Hillary because she is familliar and I feel comfortable with how I believe she will act and perform.
On a side note, the steel industry is thriving. With the dollar plummeting, there is no incentive for imports to come in so North America and in particualr the US is taking care of itself. The bad part is that the US is the largest supplier of scrap steel in the world and a vast majority of our scrap is being shipped overseas (China, Korea, and Turkey are the big players)forcing the domestic steel producers to pay ever increasing prices for our scrap. You did know that I work at the largest recycling center on the East Coast. We recycle nearly 1 million tons of scrap steel every year at our facillity alone. We pass that cost along on to our customers. The bad part here is that as we spiral in to a recession our customers will most likely start looking for alternative building materials, i.e. concrete and polymers. Sorry for the potentially unwanted lesson in the metals industry.
Virginia traditionally goes republican. That being said, with the whole electorial college system come November I'll most likely feel like I have the past 2 presidential elections.
Buschy
I gotta agree with this Buschy guy about the cost of living. Just look at how low the dollar has fallen and how much gas has gone up since we invaded Iraq. I actually remember thinking to myself that Bush wouldn't be that much different than Gore, although I still voted for Gore. When Bush's Dad's buddies helped him steal the election, I said to my homeboys, at least gas will stay cheap. He is a Texas oil man afterall. Man was I wrong.
- Axel F
Josh,
I think that often people don't analyze the candidates and just vote on a party line. That can be a big mistake sometimes. I am also surprised when I find out that someone voted for a certain candidate when it goes against their best interests. I also think that so much has changed politically in the last 20 years that the old stereotypes about the Republican and Democratic parties no longer fit. That is another reason to analyze the candidates.
Buschy,
Thanks for the input on the steel industry. I was going to ask you about it, as I hadn't heard much in the last four years. Normally it is only in the news when things are going bad or there are some controversial tariffs or something.
Also, I have been paying attention to Obama since Bush's first term, so that is why I am comfortable with him. I am glad that you are supporting Clinton. I think she is the next best thing to Obama.
Axel F,
You and Buschy are right about the dollar not going as far as it used to. On this, the 5 year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, I think it is important to look back and analyze how things change. One staggering statistic. A barrel of oil was around $36 on March 19, 2003. Just last week it hit $111 a barrel. Now, I know there are lots of factors involved, but a 300% increase in 5 years is shocking.
And my boss was trying to convince me a 3.5% raise was good...
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