My Official Political Post

I feel nervous writing this, but I have been meaning to for a while and after the debate on Friday and the First Presidency message read over the pulpit this morning, I feel the need, to put out there what I really think, politically. Before I just say, "I love Senator X and hope that he will become president because it will be the best thing for our country!!!!" I want to let you in on my reasoning and gut feelings about a few important issues to me.
Issue # 1: Foreign Policy and WAR
To me this is the most important issue because it affects our relations with other countries, our standing in the world, peace at home, and our economy. I have to come right out and say that in general I don't like war, although I do understand the important role that our country played in the 2 world wars. Although I do respect the people of the armed services for putting their life on the line to serve their country, I do not agree with a lot of our country's recent choices in using force around the world. I believe that diplomacy should always be the first method in resolving international conflicts, and that we need to make allies with countries who share common values and not alienate them by acting unilaterally. I was appalled that congress gave Bush the power to invade Iraq, and I disagree with the idea of "declaring war on terror." To me that sounds like a war that will never end. So, when I watched MaCain's acceptance speech at the Republican convention, I was shocked and appalled at how much they glorified and highlighted his family's military background. To me it was reminisce of Nazi propaganda films--very scary.
Here are some of the things he has promised if we elect him that make me vary wary:
"We will be involved in another war."
"War is inevitable if I am president of this great country."
"I would not be opposed to a 100 year's presence in Iraq."

Issue #2 Health Coverage
My belief is that every citizen of our country should enjoy the benefits of modern medicine regardless of their financial situation. I understand that it is a strongly held value in our country that people should reap the rewards of their hard labor and we value the rugged individual and subconsciously judge people's worth based on superficial factors because we do value work so much. This mindset leads to the thought that those who have money deserve the best, and if you don't than you probably don't work hard enough. Well, we all know that it rains on the just and unjust equally and that fortunes can be lost overnight. Taking all this into account, we do live in a country where we are blessed to have access to superb medical care, but there are people who live in this great country who cannot access the care they need. I think it is a crying shame and very un-Christian. So, can you guess which candidate appeals to me more? That's right, the one who wants to make a change in the health care system so that all Americans are covered. Not the one who wants to add a new tax to employers who offer health insurance and give people a rebate for opting out of group insurance (they would effectively have to go without insurance for a year before they could independently buy their own with the rebate). I am aware of the many issues that this brings up and the fears of socialized medicine, but I believe that we can come up with a way for all Americans to have access to the best medical care without sacrificing our right to chose our own doctors.

OK well, I guess those are the two big issues for me. Some other things that bug me about McCain are:

1. During the debate he kept trying to make it seem like Obama wants to spend too much money on social causes while not addressing the huge overspending on defense that he supports. Wouldn't we rather keep our tax dollars at home to bless our citizens than invading other countries and putting our soldiers in harm's way? It is seriously a DROP in the bucket compared to the millions of dollars we spend every day on the military.
2. His ploy to win over women's votes by choosing an unqualified and over-committed female running mate. I don't have anything against women holding office, but her kids need her at home. I needed my mom at home and she was only working 40 minutes away, not in the White House. I'm sure he could have found a more qualified running mate who didn't have small children to raise.
3. The fact that he is trying to win voters with the "pro-life" card. I know that a lot of Christians feel strongly about this issue, but it is just one issue, and he is trying to use it to get people to not really think about a lot of other issues, that could potentially affect a lot more people's lives. Consider all of the people who voted for Bush just on the issue of abortion. What if you said to them X number of innocent people (in Iraq and Afganistan, not to mention US soldiers) are going to die at Bush's hands if he is elected, and during his presidency he will have no affect on the abortion issue in our country, would they have voted the same? I am pro-life, but not just for fetuses, for all of Heavenly Father's children.


Here are some things that I LOVE about Obama (besides the fact that his speeches bring me to tears and that he is so handsome and articulate, unlike his opponent who can't say more than 3 words without looking at his notes.)
1. He cares about people and the welfare of all Americans not just the wealthiest.
2. He wants to get out of Iraq ASAP.
3. He knows what it takes to succeed against all odds.
4. He wants to reform our health care system.
5. He doesn't have military background.

I really believe that our country would have been a lot better off if eight years ago the man we elected for president could have actually taken office.

Call me a liberal if you want, I'll take it as a compliment. I believe that our Savior is the most liberal man ever, and I am trying to be like him.