9.04.2008

Here go the republicans with their scare tactics again.

Terrorism. Terrorism. Terrorism.

No mention of the middle class. No mention of health care. No mention of getting people to college. No mention of how we're going to get out of the mess that Bush has so kindly created for us. Although I agree that safety and security are crucial in these times, I do not think it should be the constant, overriding topic in Washington. I'd like to see dedication to the home front and to fixing our wounds here instead of abroad.

I really gave Governor Palin a chance. I did. I was impressed with her story. She was a stay-at-home mother who decided to make a difference. Republican or Democrat, that's an impressive story. But other than being impressed with her leap for women, there is nothing about Sarah Palin's politics that I find particularly impressive. She hit below the belt last night and fronted herself as an elitist. I think someone should remind Sarah Palin that she comes from the rugged, low-populated state of Alaska. There is nothing elitist, or classy, about her love for guns or mounting moose heads. I expected Giuliani to have no class. Afterall, he has had how many affairs and sexual escapades while married to his wife? But, I was disappointed with how nasty Palin spoke of Barack Obama. Sure, the Democratic National Convention displayed a few zingers toward Republicans. I expect that kind of stuff in the political field, but the Republicans took it too far last night.

I'm bothered by the fact that Giuliani and Palin described Obama's work as a "community organizer" with so much blatant disrespect. If anyone EVER even showed the slightest hint of sarcasm toward McCain's service in the military, the Republicans would be floored. Apparently you're only qualified to be president if you're a war monger. Nice.

Luckily, I belong to the party that has showed class and respect in this election. I got an e-mail this morning from the Obama campaign and feel inspired to share this quote,

"Both Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin specifically mocked Barack's experience as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago more than two decades ago, where he worked with people who had lost jobs and been left behind when the local steel plants closed.

Let's clarify something for them right now.

Community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies."

How dare they imply that Obama's experience in Chicago was something silly or made up. He helped a lot of people and no matter what his title was during the project, it was noteworthy work. Just like McCain's experience in the military was noteworthy. It's just class-less to mock or demean someone's experiences.

Tonight I will watch McCain speak. And I will do it with an open mind. I hope he can refrain from inappropriate attacks and focus on the real issues of what he plans to do in Washington.

...Actually, who am I kidding, I don't really care what the hell he has to say. My vote is for Obama. End of story.

6 comments:

Chris Jewell said...

You know, I was actually pleasantly surprised by John McCain's speech tonight. While they may not have been the focus of his speech, he mentioned the middle class, health care, and education. He targeted Obama's policy proposals, but except for references to experience (which are both inaccurate and irrelevant, but that's apparently what politics are about these days), I didn't feel like he got excessively personal. Of course, that could be because he's letting Palin do all the dirty work, leaving him free to portray himself as a nice guy, a unifier, and all that other warm fuzzy stuff.

Don't get me wrong - I'm still an Obama supporter. I'm just tired of both sides bashing each other. Where's the Barack Obama who wrote with such passion about how both sides need to come together and listen to each other? The one who talked about reaching across the aisle and mending the rift that has been part of our politics, not just for the last eight years, but for the last thirty? When's he coming back?

lindsay and mark said...

Honestly, I thought McCain did alright tonight. I'm glad he didn't go the harsh route like his other half did. It's OK for him not to think Obama is the man. That's expected. And I think he had class in his speech. I did think he got confused a few times with the rowdy crowd and a few of his jokes and comments were delievered awkwardly. But, what can I expect? He's 72 years old.

I agree, I am also tired of the sides bashing each other. But I suppose that is what politics are all about. I suppose if one side stands up and bashes the other, it's hard not to rebuttle. I did think Joe Biden handled the bashing from the Republicans well. He laughed about it and complimented Sarah Palin for her strong ability to debate. What a good guy!

Anonymous said...

GREAT views on what is going on. I enjoyed them a lot and like the spirit and enthusiasm which is shown in the piece and response. It is great to be involved and share our views on things that effect us and our daily lives. However, I do have a slight problem with the age comment. Many movers throughout history, and today, have been, or are, older than 72. That subject should not be an issue against anybody, especially these days, when so many people after retirement start great new careers and businesses and are as sharp as a tack high into old age and way beyond 72
Just a thought.
(Lindsay, you knew I would have an opinion on that one, right? =) )
Irene (Omi)

Anonymous said...

You say a lot of good things. But,I just wish that there were no political parties. I wish that their were candidates that thought for themselves regardless of what their party believes. George Washington was against a party system because he knew that it would tear a country apart. Where is the candidate that is for peace in Iraq, small government, environmentally friendly, aswell as prochoice? I will continue to be disillusioned with politics until that day.

Anonymous said...

I meant prolife instead of prochoice. :)

lindsay and mark said...

And anonymous...you are?