Our Freedom To Vote

I thought I would venture out and create a post with a little different twist. As Dy and I were watching the presidential debate the other night, we both expressed general frustrations with the process. While it is great to have each side share their views, I get so frustrated with the 2nd grade name calling that goes on. Rarely do they actually answer the questions posed and it seems to be more about the bad the others are doing rather than the good ideas of their own. Having worked for a public policy think tank for a couple years, I definitely appreciate all of the time public servants put in...and most of their intentions. But I still have a hard time with antics that go along with politics.

While I tend to lean towards one candidate, I have not entirely made my decision yet. While Obama tends to be very polished as a speaker and presenter (which I agree is an important characteristic for a president), he seems to spend most of his efforts ripping on the current administration and trying to tie McCain to it all. However, last I checked most all of that legislation is voted on by congress controlled by Obama's party. In fact, many of his votes in the Senate are in support of the very pieces he rips apart. It sounds to me like he often is trying to just say what will best get him elected and not what we need. I do get leery about McCain's age and he definitely isn't as smooth an orator as his counterpart. Although their views are different, his personality is too much like Bush's...plus, what is the "Maverick" campaign about. Should we elect Mel Gibson instead? I also don't like his *health* plan as much as Obama's. However, I do like his experience and feel he and Palin would bring sincerity and integrity to the Whitehouse.

The point of the post is not to create a debate or argument about the candidates, rather to see what some of your thoughts are about the election/debate process in general. I am opposed to those who blindly vote straight party tickets. I get annoyed by people who are so polarized and irrational in their views they don't listen to a word you say (i.e. - environmentalists and PETA). To be honest, my vote is largely influenced by simple integrity and sincerity.

If you have any comments about the process I thought it would be fun to see your thoughts. Most importantly, though, I am grateful for the right to vote and for a country that really is a great place to live. Too often we forget the freedoms we are blessed with and such a positive overall quality of life we live. Be sure to get out there and exercise your right to vote on November 4.