It’s a binary election…
Where the candidates stand. This is rather lengthy but it does have the answers people may be asking about the candidates when watching them on the telly.*
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
This entry is in response to a concern brought to my attention the other day about candidates flip-flopping on the issues - specifically about timetables and energy policies.
It’s interesting because only in politics are you not allowed to weigh evidence and adjust your thinking on an issue based on that evidence. Any other job it would be considered an asset to be able to adapt to new situations and conditions on the ground. But in politics if you hold a position on an issue one day and the next day evidence comes out that modifies the reasons you held the original position and you change your mind, you’re a flip-flopper. You can’t lead because you don’t hold to your convictions. What bullshit is that?
I am of course talking about issues that lend themselves to evidence collection. Issues that are made purely for moral convictions are simply based on principles you hold to be truths. (These are usually religious influences or simply how you were brought up.) Even if those principles are contrary to my priniciples and morals at least I understand why you are making that decision however I may disagree or agree. But stances on issues that are based on judgement and a reasoned evaluation of evidence are flexible depending on the evidence.
That’s why I still think this notion of Obama being inexperienced is a red herring. We are all inexperienced in many aspects of life. It’s our ability to respond to the challenges and changes of life that determine whether we are capable or not. I think both candidates are capable. I just think McCain brings more baggage** and favors from corporations than Obama. They both have ties it’s just that McCain’s ties are more like ropes and really don’t set him free to make the right decisions for the People, rather what is OK for people but BETTER for big business. What is good for corporate America is not what is good for Americans. This thinking has gotten all turned around in our society and it can’t stand. Obama is a chance at that change. Even if now his message isn’t as sharp as people may like, the point is it’s a different message. It’s a different leadership.
People are resistant to change in general. Change is hard and always comes across as dangerous and upsetting to the established order of things, but often times, change is necessary and crucial to growth. Sometimes you just have to jump and see where you land. I think with Obama we are all taking a calculated jump. The nation will survive. The people will survive. And who knows, perhaps a fresh perspective from a new location will be good for everyone? Or we can ’stay the course’ as the building burns down around us and taxpayers money gets thrown into un-fillable troughs for special projects and shortsighted futures that benefit only the already rich and established and keep the People running on the treadmill of the American Dream.
*On a side note am I the only one disgusted - literally disgusted and put off - by the hundreds of millions of dollars put into campaign advertising? Why aren’t these corporate donors putting millions of dollars into their local school systems, adult ed classes, drug prevention programs, teenage activities, local parks, etc. etc. etc.? Why aren’t all these ‘private donors’ who give one hundred dollars, or ten dollars, doing the same for their local communities? So basically only the richest among us and only those willing to get covered in the taint of corporate favoritism, can run for office in this country. No wonder we have such poor choices when it comes to leaders.
**Isn’t it amazing how the gas prices are dropping in this country after rising so steadily for so long even as people during that time were cutting back just like they are now. Do people really think there was a sudden influx of people riding bikes to work and the prices adjusted for the lack of demand? Or perhaps to help the candidate on one side of the election get elected this gas issue was taken off the table. I fully expect gas prices to be $3.50, if not lower, by November. And it has nothing to do with speculation and consumer demand. Oh and T.Boone Pickens - the guy stirring up all this trouble by bringing up the whole wind issue - he’s old. You noticed that right? I think he may develop some heart issues that could affect his plans in the near future. Completely natural causes of course. Old people do have health problems. Darn. Guess wind really isn’t a solution after all. Well, back to drilling.