I just finished watching President Obama accept the Democratic nomination for Presidential candidate for the upcoming election. Last week, I watched Mitt Romney accept on behalf of the Republicans.
Without disclosing any political leanings I might have, because that’s a personal issue, I have made a few observances that I want to share.
- There is no Ideal Candidate.
- There is no Ideal Party.
- There are aspects to each that I like, and aspects to each that I don’t like.
- I think Electoral Votes should be obsolete. I believe the Popular Vote should be recognized.
- I think State-issued ID’s should be required for all voters.
- I seriously dislike mudslinging, and it doesn’t do anyone a disservice by saying “my opponent” and “they” instead of naming the person/party. Literal finger pointing feels like an attack.
- I don’t like people standing up to say they speak for me. I am female. I am a mother. I am a Christian. I am a worker. I am a business owner. I am an employee. I am a homeowner. It is impossible for another person or group of people to completely represent me, and I wish they would stop trying.
- Just because I am all those things does not mean I agree with those who are trying to speak for me. I do, however, respect those who speak to one or two of these things without acting like they speak for me in my entirety.
- I agree with many people on many things, but I don’t agree with just one person or party on all things.
- I am not looking forward to the abundance of negative political ads that are now anticipated.
- No one is perfect. I’m not. You’re not. I don’t expect the candidate I choose to vote for to be perfect.
- I do, however, believe public personas, particularly powerful politicians, have a duty and responsibility to maintain a better character. Not just a clean image; but actual character.
- I respect people who own up to their mistakes. I dislike people who shovel blame onto others.
- I think this country needs some major changes on some issues, and should remain hands-off on others.
- I’m worried that being Politically Correct will get in the way of Common Sense, and I’m worried that Bipartisanship is a thing of the past.
Anyway, part of me is looking forward to the election. Another part of me is terrified.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Thanks for this, Molly. I agree with each thought. Praying four our country is my strongest weapon. Followed by voting and not being afraid to share my views. Have a blessed day!
Thanks, Cris! I agree, we can no longer sit back and just wait. This is an Action-Election!
I agree with each of your points. One of my biggest pet peeves is people “speaking” for me as a woman, wife, Christian etc etc. Hubby laughs when I watch tv and I yell back at women who say “I am speaking for all women”..UGH.
I can’t wait for the middle of January. I find so much stress with these elections now, and am afraid to voice my opinions vocally sometimes as I am not always politically correct.
I think everyone who can, should vote, and make their voice heard.
Winnie recently posted..A Heart On The Mend
Thanks, Winnie. I agree: If you CAN vote, you SHOULD vote. And vote with KNOWLEDGE.
I hate election years. they really bring out the worst in everyone it seems, as far as mud slinging and accusations. And I’m so jaded by politics that I think they only thing that will actually make any real change is a revolution!!! :) Great post though, I agree.
jenn @ so this is love recently posted..The Story of Road Warrior
Thanks, Jenn. I think we’re in for a change, one way or another!
I really dislike negative ads and also think the electoral system is unfair. I agree with most except for 5. I really don’t believe there is voter fraud happening and I do think it will prevent many from voting and I think every vote counts even the ones from people who don’t have the means to go get an id. Example, how about the guy who gets his wallet stolen the week before the election and don’t have the $ or the ride to get it replaced.
I don’t think either party can represent us perfectly but I feel like it is not about just me it is about the country as a whole and I am optimistic.
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I see your point about the ID, but I think that’s less than 1% of people. The majority of people eligible to vote already have ID’s so it shouldn’t be a problem.
I agree there is a lot of rhetoric being slung around. However, as women we finally have a chance to influence and change the conversation. We must remember that together women and mothers are powerful!
Estelle recently posted..All Choked Up about Motherhood
Thanks for checking in, Estelle. I agree, we should all have a voice!
I agree with some of this but I really disagree with the voter ID. I did not have any state ID for years and neither did many people I knew. We were students so we could not afford cars, or just did not need one because they lived on campus. I don’t know where that 1% figure came from – it seems extraordinarily low to me. Requiring people to get a copy of their birth certificate (mail home to mom for it or pay money to the county), wait for it to arrive, take off work or class and go to the DMV where they pay again to get a state ID just to vote seems way more excessive than the old poll tax that used to be used to keep minorities from voting.
AnnMaria recently posted..Are Blacks and Hispanics too Lazy to be Statisticians?
Thanks for your response, AnnMaria. It definitely gave me a lot to think about. The “less than 1%” isn’t a scientific poll… it’s based on the group of people around me who have/don’t have ID’s and who are/aren’t registered to vote. With ID’s being used for much more than just voting once every four years, it might be the better option.
I hate the mudslinging and the big promises. UGH. I don’t think it will matter who is elected, he is going to have one big merry mess to unravel and no matter who he is, if he doesn’t get instantaneous results that solve the problem completely, we will find ourselves right in the middle of the blame game once again.
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Kathy recently posted..Focus on This: Crafts
I agree with you there, Kathy. I think whoever “wins” is going to inherit an abundance of blame, no matter what.
We think somewhat alike!
Sylvia phillips recently posted..Tomatoes
That’s good to know! Because I’d hate to think this kind of thinking would actually alienate me from others.