 My Vote for Obama
by Vivian Greentree
I’ve heard a lot lately about perceptions of patriotism, leadership, and what direction our country is and should be headed towards.
People have asked me, and I’ve seen comments written on military boards, how a military member, spouse, or veteran can support Senator Barack Obama – some even going so far as to say that military experience should be a preeminent factor when casting one’s vote or that Obama isn’t “patriotic enough.” Well, as a veteran and military spouse, in my judgment, one doesn’t have to join the military to serve their country – nor does serving in the military qualify one to be president. I respect Sen. McCain for his service, but his experience hasn’t produced the wisdom and sound judgment we need in our next president to restore America’s standing in the international community. Obama has the temperament, the intellect, and the good judgment to lead our country out of the past eight years of bad government and that sort of market, everybody out for themselves, paradigm that has helped lead to this current economic crisis and damaged our national reputation abroad.
Obama wants to nurture a culture that supports public service and volunteerism. Volunteerism is what sustains this country and makes us strong. Our military families know a lot about volunteerism. By signing enlistment papers one agrees to be part of an idea that is larger than themselves – to give their very lives in defense of these ideas, if necessary. The family members also volunteer – to support and provide a safe harbor for the service member, to face bravely the long absences and keep the home fires burning. Having been on both sides of that fence, I’m not sure which one is either more challenging … or more rewarding.
I trust. Obama and his vision for our future – for both our country and our military. I trust him to use diplomacy and not just our military might as we deal with other nations in the world. Gen. Colin Powell recently said as much on “Meet the Press,” the interview in which he formally endorsed Obama for president. I also trust Obama to be an advocate for military members, veterans, and their families as he’s done in the past. Obama was a cosponsor of the new GI Bill, perhaps the most significant piece of legislation to improve the lives of military families in decades. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee in the Senate, he passed legislation to improve care and reduce red tape for our wounded warriors recovering at places like Walter Reed. He also led a bipartisan effort in the Senate to try to halt the military's unfair practice of discharging service members for having a service-connected psychological injury. He fought for fair treatment of Illinois veterans' claims and forced the VA to conduct an unprecedented outreach campaign to disabled veterans with lower than-average benefits. Veteran Tammy Duckworth, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, is a staunch supporter of Obama specifically because he has done more than give empty platitudes; he has made the public more aware of important issues like PTSD, TBI, homeless veterans, and the need for adequate dwell time between deployments.
I guess what it comes down to is our perception of patriotism. Mine is volunteerism, accountability, equality, diversity, and tolerance. It isn’t so much about flag lapel pins, yellow ribbons, and “shopping” to support the troops. I don’t think patriotism is limited to political parties, where one lives, how one votes, or even how much education a person has. I am also not the kind of patriot who thinks fear and aggression is how we stay on top. I believe our strength lies in our freedoms and diversity. Intelligence and individual empowerment, rather than brute strength, appeal to our baser instincts. And, when we talk about honoring our troops, let’s honor them in tangible, real ways – not just by saying we do. Let’s recognize their gift of service to this country by supporting them in ways that are commensurate with their bravery and sacrifice.
As a blue star family, I want to make it clear; it isn’t a hardship to serve or be a family member left behind during a deployment. For us, it is a way of life. Not better or worse, just different. And, it is an honor and a privilege. However, it should be seen as a responsibility for the government to honor the social contract with our citizens and those who serve. Obama sought out a spot on the Veterans' Affairs Committee and has continually used that position to frontline important issues like mental health care and homeless veterans. He understands that taking care of the nation's armed forces is akin to taking care of America herself.
Military force should be a last resort and transparency should be a cornerstone of how we conduct government business. It is more than a yellow ribbon on my bumper (which I don’t have by the way – mine says, “Yellow Ribbons Can’t Bandage Wounds, Support Veterans Funding”), it is also my desire to hold our government accountable for the decisions our leaders have made and continue to make. I’m much more concerned with these appeals to fear, hate, and divisiveness from some right now than I am over how I am going to find a babysitter for next week when I have class. I know I can handle things on my end – we military spouses are resilient, resourceful, and always prepared (well, mostly always prepared … I have had to, on more than one occasion, return home for someone’s shoe or lunchbox). What I am increasingly unsure of is how the larger picture is looking. I need to be sure of how the government is going to look after my interests as a citizen, mother, military spouse, student, community organizer, taxpayer, environmentalist (well, I try to be) – you name it. That is why I am voting for Obama. I trust him to take care of our country and the public good so I can focus on taking care of my military family.
Read the viewpoint of a military spouse who is voting for Senator John McCain: My Vote for McCain
Related Articles:My Vote for McCainPresident-elect Obama; Reflections from a McCain SupporterPalin is a WomanPresident-elect Obama; Reflections from an Obama Supporter
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User comments:| Coco | 10/29/2008 4:57:09 PM | I agree Vivian. Sometimes I feel like I the only one supporting Obama in my housing area. Although I too believe that McCain is great for the military, he is not the best across the board. Besides, the U.S. military will still have great benefits, pay raises, etc. whether or not Obama or McCain wins. I am a military spouse/business owner and my husband is a military member our combined income puts us in an upper middle class category, and we are Obama all the way.
| | Sherry | 10/30/2008 7:31:31 AM | I totally appreciate you writing this article. I agree with your standing on the issues you raised. Sen. Obama has my vote! I hope other military spouse, service members, and affiliates look deeper than patriotism when placing their votes. As a veteran and citizen, I honor Sen. McCain’s service and the sacrifices he made for this country however, this alone doesn't coronate him with the presidency. How many people realize Sen. McCain was originally against the new GI Bill?(http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/26/mccain/index.html). Obama cares about military members and veterans. Sen. McCain would like to keep vets uneducated why? So they will stay the military. Whatever happened to "all volunteer force?" Another question to ask yourself, whose tax plan would benefit you and your family? How about the majority of Americans? My pick Sen. Obama!
| | Coco | 10/30/2008 8:53:15 AM | Definitely Sherry,
Your comment is so substantial.
| | Brenda | 10/30/2008 8:57:20 AM | I can't disagree more, Obama talks about equality for all but does he really mean it? What about equality to the unborn??? Does anyone understand how horrific the PARTIAL BIRTH plan he supports is or just abortion period? And how about making people that take govt. support take a pee test and get a background check like the rest of the working class??? NOW THAT WOULD BE EQUALITABLE!!! These are the reasons your taxes will be raised by Obama, regardless of what he says, to pay people who don't want their babies and do drugs, all while supposedly
"taking care of their families" on the govt. dime. This country is trillions of dollars in debt and he wants to give out more subsidies. Ask yourself, with less than 40% of workers paying no taxes at all who is going to be left paying for this, the working MIDDLE class!!!
| | Lynn | 10/30/2008 9:52:02 AM | Lynn
I disagree with you Vivian, and anyone voting for Obama. He cohorts with terrorists and doesn't agree with his own country's values. This country was based on God and His values. Not only does the man not have the experience needed to run the country, but he hasn't got the value system either. How you can vote for someone who hates his own country? Yes, he wants to change it, but not in the way you think he does. We all want change. I want a place for my children to grow up without Viagra commercials in their faces on prime time TV talking about erections. I want to go to Walmart without the newest Sports Illustrated naked woman staring at my sons and daughters encouraging tolerance of this trash. I want to see the American flag flying high over a country that is economically and morally sound. Obama does not support either of these. He has proven that he doesn't. If he becomes president, you will most surely regret your vote.
| | Jenny | 10/30/2008 11:38:47 AM | Thank you for a very well-written and informative piece Vivian. It is heartening to see increasing support for Obama in our military families. Unfortunately, there will always be individuals who choose to believe (and propagate) slurs, slander, and uninformed opinions and who refuse to consider alternatives. Fortunately there are enough people with open minds, including many still undecided voters, that your piece will surely be read and appreciated by many. Great job :)
| | Jamie | 10/30/2008 11:49:48 AM | Vivian
I agree with you and your outstanding insight into American patriotism, real patriotism and volunteerism. And I am shocked at some of the negative comments that you are receiving to your very positive thoughts. The gullibility of some voters to the scare tactics is what got Bush elected and got us into so many of the problems that the next President will have to dig us out of. Yet here they are, reacting to the same scare tactics again. We must learn, we must trust and we must NOT make the same mistakes again.
| | lauradempsey | 10/30/2008 12:01:18 PM | Vivian;
Great explanation of why so many of us are supporting Barack Obama. We are military families first, and John McCain will always be one of us, but Barack Obama simply has the better plan (and record) to support us. I feel confident that he will be a commander-in-chief who takes care of his troops and their families. Great job!
Laura
| | LAW | 10/30/2008 12:09:06 PM | The slurs and outrageous statements are becoming common, but it's not what makes me want and need to support Obama for President. I have checked Sen. McCain's voting record for Veterans and Military, and it is abysmal. He voted against funding for the VA, was poised to support Bush in the veto of the new GI Bill, and against the payraise. His service must be honoured, but his record has to be examined as well. All the bumper stickers in the world aren't going to help this military community in the ways we need.
As for the negative remarks - that's nothing new, now is it?
LAW
| | LopsidedMom | 10/30/2008 12:28:51 PM | Another Blue Star Family for Obama checking in!
I also very much appreciate Senator Obama's belief in a culture of service. Serving in the military is uniquely suited to some, but many more would like to contribute in their own way.
As the wife of a Reservist recently home from a deployment, being a milspouse is only part of my life. As you say, Vivian, I am also a citizen, mother, community organizer, taxpayer, environmentalist and many, many other things. We should not become one issue voters simply because our loved ones serve in the military. Obama stands for many of my own beliefs. That he also walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to truly supporting our loved ones is icing on the proverbial cake.
| | Brianne | 10/30/2008 12:36:16 PM | I also agree Vivian! I especially agreed with your statements that support for the military is more than a flag pin or a ribbon. That has always bothered my husband and me. Apparently, people still believe Obama is unpatriotic and hates this country because he didn't always wear a flag pin (although McCain stopped wearing one months ago, and there is no comment about him of course). I am shocked that some military spouses actually voting on pins and magnets when our spouses are deploying non-stop and struggling with both physical and mental injuries from these wars.
The bottom line is that Obama has done so much for veterans - supported almost all funding and research bills and the Webb GI Bill, which McCain called "too generous." Michelle Obama has become a strong advocate for military families.
My husband and I have been through too much loss to support a candidate based on rhetoric. It's about time we talked about the issues and what constitutes REAL support for our families. Thank you.
| | Mia | 10/30/2008 1:12:53 PM | Well written Vivian.
Brenda the 40% you are speaking of may not have to write a check out to the IRS yearly, but they do pay taxes out of their payroll checks. The 40% that Senator McCain is talking about are people who get refunds when they file their taxes yearly. Most military families receive refunds from the IRS after filing their taxes.
I'm pro-life, but I'm pro-life from the fetus to the grave with no assistance from the government via the death penalty. Are you? I would rather have a president that is interested in preventing and reducing abortions than continue to vote for politicians who talk but don't actually do anything, or are the biggest proponents of the death penalty and war. That is not pro-life!
I'm pro-life for all those kids in foster care because their parents had them and gave them up hoping all us pro-lifers would adopt them. Not so much right?
Lynn, I can't help but engage you to ask where do you get this foolishness from. Do you believe his grandparents that raised him didn't have American values? Do you believe he wants his kids blown up? If you know 1000 people and 5 people that you know, not as personal friends but people you know who you work with or cross paths with as a military wife in many circles especially overseas, do you think you should be judged by those 5 people and their life views?
As the wife of a 30 year retired Marine and the mother of a new soldier in the US Army (he just graduated boot camp last week) I support Senator Obama for President because of his thoughtfulness in foreign affairs and his judgement regarding the Iraq war. My husband worked at the Pentagon on 9/11 but just happed to be in LA that week (Thank God!) and while we all sat in shock when the rumblings started about Iraq I was the only one in our community that saw that it was a bad idea for all the reasons Senator Obama stated. I appreciated that someone saw it like I did. I appreciate his work with Dick Luger on nuclear non-proliferation and I appreciate that he understands that diplomacy is critical in our nation's safety, standing and military strength. You are not a wimp or a punk for talking with dictators, you don't turn into mush because you speak to someone who totally disagrees with you or don't share your values.
I support him for supporting Veterans to include supporting from the beginning the 21st century GI Bill, for supporting and voting for bills for tbi research and for services for veterans with mental health issues.
I support his stance on not raising taxes on people who make less than $250,000, and reducing them for people making less than $200,000.
I support his stance on providing financial assistance to people joining the military or working in their community.
I totally support his stance on healthcare.
But what I really appreciate and support about Senator Obama is his support for transparency in government and engaging citizens to get involved. His campaign and grassroots effort is proof of his ability to bring diverse people together to work for what they want right now that is to get him elected, but those people will also pull together and never go back to not being engaged and hold him accountable.
| | gskennerly | 10/30/2008 1:30:11 PM | Well said, Vivian, and thanks for standing up and saying so.
Supporting the troops and being pro-American is a lot more than yellow 7-11 ribbon magnets and repeating empty rhetoric.
It's about time we had a thinking, world-wise, intelligent president in the White House, instead of the reactionary trigger pullers and troop wasters we've had lately.
President Bush has violated the Powell Doctrine at every turn and it is our troops and blue ribbon families--not to mention the nation's pocketbook--that is taking the beating. Where's the equity in that?
| | kungfuscribble | 10/30/2008 2:05:32 PM | Thats right all you McCain/Palin fans have the "real news" about Barack Obama.
I for one read... and use my brain.
To insenuated that those of us that are voting for Obama are less patriotic, or even know less that you do about our Canidate is just as retarded as Sarah Palin and her kid.
And for the lady who went on about partial birth abortions.... thats right... all of us Obama supporters are just looking for him to win so we can have a reason to have one....
Here are the benefits:
Hemorrhage -
transfusion-
hysterectomy- to stop the bleeding
Infection -
Infertility-
Perforation -
Organ Injury -
Severe injury to the cervix -
Death-
Sadness -
Anger-
Sexual Dysfunction-
Flashbacks-
Suicidal Ideas -
Oh and don't forget damnation (my personal favorite)
BTW you should know that Abortions happen in Military hospitals every day... Most times they call them a DNC.
I thought this article was Respectful! Thank you for your thoughts!
| | Judy Rudy | 10/30/2008 4:27:33 PM | I voted early yesterday and cast my vote for Senator McCain and Governor Palin. I have read your comments and must disagree with alot of them. First, I am the wife of a retired soldier, US Army, for 24 years with two of those years being in Viet Nam. Now, I know that most of the respondents are probably young enough to be my children, so you will have to put your mindset in the mind of a woman 63 years old. I am so happy that you young military wives have so many amenities that we did not back in the 60's. My husband went to Viet Nam two weeks after we were married and I did not hear his voice for the entire year. Luckily, when he went back for another tour, we were able to talk via MARS once a week. One of your user comments says something about being educated. Well, excuse me, but I have a Masters Degree and am well informed on the issues. The main thing that I disapprove of Obama is his lack of experience. Now, I was a teacher for 30 years and this equates to putting a one year teacher in the position of principal of a very large school. I am also a conservative who is very anti-abortion. You see, I had to have a therapeutic abortion while we were stationed in Germany and I cry for that lost baby all of these 30 plus years. Our only child, our daughter, is expecting her second child in about two weeks and I saw the sonogram of that baby boy as soon as she confirmed the pregnancy. Go look at a sonogram and then tell me that that is not a human being. My God tells me that human life begins at conception. I am sick of women using abortion as a means of birth control. I cannot justify any abortion, let alone the late term when the baby is viable outside the womb. My grandson is now over 5 pounds and prayerfully, could live outside his Mom's womb if he were to come early. I think that if a woman is to request an abortion, she should have to watch her baby on a sonogram and have a doctor point out the wonderful parts that make this child a human already. I weep at the thought of all of the lost children. I have not heard what Obama plans to do in the Middle East with our troops. Being a Viet Nam era wife, we just cannot cut and run again. My husband came home both times to harrassment in the airports and I do not want to see that happen to our troops of today. I also take issue with a questioning of someone's patriotism because they fly the flag or have yellow ribbons in their yards. I am known as the "Pin Lady" because I always wear an American flag, an Army pin, and POW-MIA pin, and a Texas flag among many others that are rotated. Not everyone can volunteer like they would like to because of age and illness so please do not dismiss those of us in that category. I had a liver transplant and now am in stage 4 of renal failure. I cannot drive anymore, so my heart swells with just as much patriotism as you when I put my pins on or my husband raises the American and Texas flags and he salutes while my hand is over my heart. We say the Pledge to both flags as soon as they are in place. I would never question anyone's patriotism, but I was put off early in this year's grandstanding when Obama not only did not put his hand over his heart when our national anthem was played but he did not even face the flag. Sorry, but our 5 year old granddaughter has known for several years what you do when the anthem is played. So, yeah, I know I am a Southern(Texan),Christian,Conservative,Republican. Brenda and Lynn, you said it much more succintly than I did, but I hope my point was made. I do pray for this election like no other in my life and I really do fear for the future of my beloved America.
| | kungfuscribble | 10/30/2008 5:11:43 PM | Judy Rudy I don't understand how you can "disagree" with this authors views because they are her view and her reasons why she voted for who she did.
This issue for you is clear you are voting based on your party, and political lines.
You do not support Barack and that is your right. You may not share her views and that is fine. You may not agree with her selection; but her view is her own.
It is this authors right to say why she is voting the way she is for her own reasons. So what is the problem?
Supporting a woman’s right to choose = less government. I don't ever understand this argument.
I certainly do not want anyone telling me what I can and cannot do with my body to include big brother government; even if it is in the best interest of my brother, neighbor, friend.
It is up to me and my creator and I would have to live with that just as you do today. Were you insinuating that your medical abortion was forced?
I hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, which among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. I hold these near and dear.
I also stand for the separation of church and state which is a legal and principle thereof.
And to this author’s credit, she did not attack, stayed to facts as to why she feels the way she does, and I echo her voice.
| | Lynn | 10/30/2008 6:41:09 PM | Kungfuscribble, I am a surgical nurse and a DNC is NOTHING like an abortion. A DNC is done because a woman hemorrhaged or lost her child due to other reasons. EVERY woman that comes through surgery for a lost child cries and cries and cries. It is not a wanted procedure. Get your facts straight. Don't try to justify such a terrible thing by saying the military does abortions. They DO NOT! Go watch a partial birth abortion and see what it really is before you try to justify it. Go talk to someone who had one and see what they really think. See Roe vs Wade from today's view. She is very sorry. Obama supports this not to mention other things that voting pro-miitary don't make up for. The government makes you wear a seatbelt in a car and a helmet if you ride a motorcycle. You probably support that because people need protection from themselves, but you want to be able to "get ride of" an unwanted baby with no recourse. It's your body. Why don't you drive without your seatbelt? Because it's for your own good. Don't get pregnant. Practice abstinence like the Bible says. I am also in the military with my husband. I see the positive changes that are happening in Iraq. I guess you haven't. I guess you haven't noticed gas prices dropping either. There are things that go on in our government that you don't know about and don't need to know. Obama will not be a good commander in chief. Anyone who doesn't run this country God's way is going to ruin it. You may say that I don't have any "issues" to talk about, that I am not educated about politics. I don't have to be. I know that if it is not God's way, it is the devil's. Good luck to you all if he wins. No amount of education will help you.
| | Rachelle | 10/30/2008 6:53:46 PM | I say Amen! to Judy Rudy's comment. I hear you loud and clear. I could not agree with you more and I too am praying with all I have. Obama just plain scares me. I pray that others would soon open their eyes and see Obama for who he really is and frankly, my husband and I can not stomach any more change that Obama has in store for us all!
McCain - Palin 08!!
| | bgh | 10/30/2008 10:21:10 PM | I agree Vivian! Thank you for making such an intelligent and facts-based argument for Obama. McCain is simply out of touch with today's world and we need a leader who believes in the statement, of the people, for the people and by the people. Lynn, you may be right that ther are somethings happening in the goverment that we don't know about...but I want someone whom I can trust making those decisions. As an Inependent voter who has voted for both republican democratic candidates in past presidential elections, I can honestly say I do not trust McCain and I do not trust the current republican party. Senator Obama is asking us, each and everyone, to participate in our own government, to educate ourselves with the real facts of the economy, foreign policy, education, health care, and social security so we can become involved and have our voices heard by those we elect to office. I want a president who understands the needs of the people of America not just the needs of his own party and the right wing evangelicals, a president who will listen and not just talk at me and tell me "you don't need to know what your government is doing", and a president who speaks of substance and not of empty promises that have no hope of working. Senator Obama is the one who will lead us forward. He has said it will not be an easy road and that is the truth.
But I would rather travel a hard road paved with integrity, honesty, and hard work because in the end we will have made a stronger and better America.
Obama 08!
| | miranda gualtieri | 10/30/2008 11:32:19 PM | reallyliked what you had to say Lynn. Ihave to totaly disagree with Vivian as well as the rest of Obama's supporters. I am certainly well informend and strongly dislike the acusations that mcain supports or not well read in what Mcain stands for. I wrote apaper on the political candidates befor and after the primarys. I am very well informend. I am also a very young spouse just turning 20 and this being my fist time voting, i support Mcain and Palin 100%. I know that Mcain is not perfect vut he has always been behind what we need when it is crusial. I do belive a vote for Obama is a vote against what this country stands for, his ideals are so far from what our country was founded upon. We need some kick in the ass like the austrailian prime minister did forhis country. We should be afraid to relise and hold strong to what our country is all about, it was founded on God, thats right if you dont like it then leave, it was founded on hard work, get off your ass and go to it, why should part of my hard work be speard around to some "minority" that wont get off there butts and go to work. What is minority anyway, why cant we get off the guilt trip about how we owe it to everyone who isnt white, all these instituions that get extra government funding because they are properly diverse and they tunr down more qualified applicants just to get that diversity in order to get the xtra fundidng. How come i cant get a decent amount of money to go to college, but that straight d- football player gets a full scholarship, how come you can get a full grant just because your Asian? You want equality? Thats not equality, hard work never hurt no one as my family loves to say and it is SO right less government less handouts more hard work, increased morale. Americans need that. I have my conserns about Mcains efficency in the enviromental area, but it certainly cant compare to the unpatriotic Obama and his beyond liberal views for where he wishes to lead our country.Ive fed a many of vetrans that doesnt make me patriotic.And this taxing the higher income bracket....thats good for the middle and lower class...yeah right where do you think the corporations we buy are goods from are gonna pass that tax raise onto..right to the ceckout line or God forbid for of our jobs over to India(i only say that because everytime i call cutomer service for some item i own it is someone in india)...and everywhere else
| | kungfuscribble | 10/30/2008 11:40:43 PM | Lynn,
I am sure that you were taught well and were not attempting to be condescending but I have had 2 D&C's because I had miscarried or was in process of... that’s right 2 separate times.
The 2nd time was because I was the process of loosing yet another child and the Military doctor at the Military Hospital explained that I could wait until after I lost my child to have the D&C or have it done then. Of course I had to wait a day to have it scheduled. It was also explained that my child was non viable but I suppose that though it was non viable, in your eyes I killed it even though I wanted this baby more than words can express.
Abortion does happen in our military hospitals by military doctors for many reasons of which are legal. Any time you stick a vacuum in a place it does not belong normally and it is legal…no matter what the term it still is what it is.
Perhaps for those that do not know what a D&C is let me explain:
A dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure that is done to remove tissue from inside the uterus. During a D&C, the vagina is spread open, and a scraping and or suction instrument is passed through the cervix and into the uterus to remove tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
A D&C may be done to:
Remove tissue that remains after a woman has had a miscarriage.
Remove tissue that may be causing abnormal vaginal bleeding. The tissue can then be examined for any abnormalities.
and to *End a pregnancy (abortion).
It would surprise you to learn that I am also a PK born and raised in a Pentecostal church who loves God just as much as you… but I do not use that to proselytize those that do not share my view point. My God is a loving God and has no room for hate in his house.
Again I say there is a separation of church and state for a reason. Also Mc Cain says he is for less government, and that you support that, but it is okay for the government to tell me what to do with my body? I have to face my creator, and when I do I will be happy to point out those that threw stones and will stand in his judgment, not yours.
If abortion is the reasons why you picked the candidate you did, then you picked a good one. Good for you, but as for me, I chose who I have for many reasons that echo the author of this article.
While you are entitled to your opinions it is apparent the reasons you have posted here is to try and sway our views which cannot be done and we are many.
We are proud Blue Star Families for Obama. We believe in hope for a brighter day and do not subscribe to the fear mongering, lies, and half truths. Perhaps your campaign would be better served by pumping up your base, not trying to sway us. In fact I have already cast my ballot, and will be happy to offer those who want to vote a ride to the polls.
| | miranda gualtieri | 10/30/2008 11:52:50 PM | and that is " We shouldnt be afraid to relise and hold strong to what our country is all about,"
sorry many typos i was a little agrrivated.
Oh and as military dependents are we really gonna say get out mow with our tails between our legs? It may have been over the top to invade iraq but now those people will soon indulge in freedoms much like our own, and while i dont really belive we should push our beliefs onto others, it will benifit them in the future and hopefully us as americans as well, if you havent noticed other countries really dont care for us, do you want more attacks? I belive it was best and we shouldnt let all our fallen soldiers down by not finishing the job a solider should never have to give his or her life in vain.The point is we did go and we should finish what we started government wise.
Our military is stretched, and obama loves to talk about Packistan, what you we do if we went there dear me.
i would bein support of more covert specialist seek and destroy type of military operations, less sitting ducks the better.
Im not for war at all but i do understand that force is sometimes nessacary we do NOT live in Candy land people. More strategic desicions that arent tevevised for the world to see for goddness sakes would be a great way to go about cleanning up and tyeing up the lose ends of this war, and Mcain is the one with the prerequisits.
And you should have had to serve our country to be president i totaly belive that and i know many diagree but it is something that should be required, it teaches a stronger love of your country a sense of duty and sacrifice beyond compare, you should be trained and willing to die for our country first to be its leader, you should be a true eximpliary example of an American, a Hero. Just like the men and women of the armed forces.
| | Lawyer Mama | 10/31/2008 12:50:54 AM | You've touched on so many substantial issues here, Vivian. I'm not even sure where to begin. I agree with you on every point.
I'm a big supporter of Obama as well and I find it difficult to believe that anyone who has actually done their homework (aside from watching Fox news and reading slanderous email chains) could actually have a problem with Obama's character.
Some of the comments here horrify me. I feel like I'm listening to some talk radio show.
The attacks about his "palling around with terrorists" are disgusting. They are based on rumor, innuendo & fear of someone different.
The comments about his stance on abortion are simply wrong - Obama has stated more than once that he believes states can and should be able to place reasonable limits on 3rd and even 2nd trimester abortions provided exceptions for the health of the mother are provided.
If someone disagrees with his economic policies or how he views the role of government - that's a *valid* reason to not vote for him. But to attack his patriotism, his family & his background is unconscionable and not worthy of those associated with the military.
Let's make this about issues, ladies, not smears.
| | Jenny | 10/31/2008 8:34:02 AM | I just have to respond to the "get out now with out tail between our legs" comment in reference to pulling troops out of Iraq sooner rather than later. My husband is a doctor who works with soldiers who have very severe physical and psychological injuries resulting from their time in Iraq. I urge anyone who thinks bringing our troops home is "letting the terrorists win" to go visit these broken soldiers and tell me that their bodies, hearts, minds, and lives are worth more than the unjustified belief that bringing them home would signal defeat. If we are going to continue to put our brave military women and men in harm's way, let's do it INTELLIGENTLY and focus their efforts on the place that it is really needed: Afghanistan. We cannot stretch our military to the breaking point indefinitely and still be prepared to defend our country from REAL threats. We cannot afford, especially in this economy, to continue sending manpower and money to a country that has more money from oil than we ever will. We need to be SMART about our military action, not just gung-ho. Obama may not have the service record that McCain does (which, if you read about the many military blunders he made in contrast to his time as a POW, isn't all that stellar), but I'd put his logic and intelligence ahead of John McCain anyday.
| | Lynn | 10/31/2008 9:48:48 AM | Kungfuscribble, A DNC is done for a child that is already deceased, not for a live viable child. THAT is what the military does. They do not take LIVE unborn children and suck them out of you. ABORTION is quite different. The child is ALIVE. No, I do not think that you were wrong to have a DNC. No, I do not think that your child was alive. You wouldn't have had a DNC. You would have had an abortion. The two are very different.
Jenny, We people in the military, me, my husband and many others, are VOLUNTEERS. We can get out any time we want. We understand that we don't always agreee with where and why we are sent somewhere, but we do understand that our president and congress do. Again, I say to you that you don't always need to know some of the things that go on in the government for your own good. If we don't secure Iraq, who do think will? Hmmm, maybe China? How do you think your way of life will be if China controls the majority of oil in the world? Do you know how much oil this country uses? How would you like to live the way your grandparents did during the depression? Just let someone else control the Middle East. You won't like it very much. We ARE fighting in Afghanistan. I work full time for a brigade and many of our Soldiers are deployed to Afghanistan right now and many are due to go. If someone doesn't understand why they are in the military and the things they are asked to do, then they need to find another occupation. No one is forcing them to be in. I do not agree with Obama's campaign and it is based primarily on his liberal stance and the effect that will have on this country. I have 6 children that I want to live in a morally sound country. The president doesn't run the economy by himself. He has the whole government body to agree or disagree with him. This isn't a monarchy although you all seem to blame the president for every bad thing that goes on like he made all the decisions by himself and then shoved them on us. You have Senators and Representatives that you can choose to elect to represent you. So, changing the economy will take Obama trying to convince the rest of the body to agree with his plans. Any president can do that no matter his party. The body will decide as a whole. So, his economic plan makes no matter to me. He will not be deciding by himself. It will be the entire body. What matters to me is the fact that he can appoint liberal judges who sway the course of the country with what they let people get away with. Who he puts in his cabinet and their views and the influence they have is what concerns me. That kind of leadership is not needed here. We need a God fearing man/woman to take us into a morally sound environment. If God leads this country, we will always be undefeated.
Kungfuscribble, I have not posted my views to sway you or anyone else. I pray for you and hope that God will sway you. You are entitled to your opinion. This is a forum where I can post my opinion too. That's what I have fought 22 years in the military for. For you and I to be allowed to post our opinions. I am not "throwing stones" either as you said. I certainly have no stones to throw unless they are at myself. I don't condemn anyone for having an abortion, being gay or whatever else is against God's word. I've done plenty to be guilty of. But, God does say in the Bible that we are supposed to try to help each other be good. If not, what is the purpose of prison or rehab or social workers or counselors, etc, etc. We want our society to be good and kind to one another. We should not tolerate homosexuals on the TV for our kids to see; women with their parts hanging out everywhere. If you are Pentecostal, then why do you wear dresses? And why are they conservative dresses? It is so that you don't cause a man to look at you with lust because the Bible says that is wrong. So, why do you tolerate the liberal views of Obama? How can you support the downfall of morals in our country? That is what sways MY view for president. The other issues can be dealt with by anyone who can run a large business. Those are business issues. The moral issue is the important issue. The government won't let Obama or McCain make decisions alone concerning our economy or war or taxes or health care. They are ALL responsible. But the moral issue, that is different. That is something the government cannot change in a president.
| | Sandy | 10/31/2008 10:34:27 AM | Well, you've certainly hit a nerve here. On the subject of abortion, there are only two ways to prevent an unwanted pregnancy..
1. Abstinence and
2. Birth Control.
Now, I am not a fan of abortion and certainly think that it's a very difficult choice to have to make, but I feel that unfortunately when you have a Republican candidate who does not support honest and real family life (sex) education AND does not support providing access to quality and affordable reproductive health care then you have a real problem. Palin and her family situation is a living breathing example that absitnence only does not work. In that policy, you have to assume that the parents will do the teaching - well either she and her husband were absentee parents who did not know her child was considering sex with her boyfriend, or she is so anti-birth control that she let her daugher shoot herself with a "loaded" weapon. Which is it? When Mr. McCain can't answer the question - "Do you support insurance companies that will provide Viagra but not birth control pills?" what do you think of that? We can't have it both ways. Let's face the facts and deal in realities. I think it's time to get off the political talking points and take back our country. Remember we started this nation to SELF rule - that means to choose the guy we think most genuinely reflects who we are and what we believe. For me, that's Obama.
Additionally, I am a military spouse (my husband has served for 24 years in the Navy.) Let me tell you that when he signed up for the NAVY he anticipated being on ships not in the desert. We are mis-using our troops in jobs they are not prepared for or qualified for because we have over-committed for the troop levels we have.
A friend of mine lost her brother in Iraq last year. When the CAO came to her sister-in-laws house to tell her how he died, her sister-in-law said "no you have the wrong house. My husband is a mechanic and would not have been driving a humvee. That's not his job. He's not a driver."
I think that says it all. We are involved in wars that are not based on our principals but rather for oil and it seems no one wants to admit that. It is not in defeat that we bring home our troops - it is in the best interest of diplomacy and peace that they return to us. It is time to talk with all who will talk about world peace. That does not make us weak but strong. A force of peace in the world is what we need to be. THAT is patriotic, that is what I belive, and that is why I'm voting on Tuesday for Obama.
| | Brianne | 10/31/2008 12:10:51 PM | The "morals" voters here really blow my mind. Supporting a man who cheated on his wife - the woman who stood by him for 5 years while he was a POW - and then divorced her. Since when does the Bible you follow condone that?? You are also voting a man who is richer than most in this country. I am quite sure the Bible speaks a great deal about those who are rich and their place in the afterlife.
The Constitution allows more freedom than the Bible, which is why the founders wanted to separate church and state. If you want to live under your interpretation the Bible, that is your choice, but it is not how all of us choose to live.
| | Lynn | 10/31/2008 2:13:17 PM | First of all, Sandy, you teach your children the way of the Bible and if they stray from it, it is God's promise that if they are a child of His, they will return to Him. If Sarah Palin's daughter is a Christian, she will learn to live her life the way God wants her to. The reason you know that she is a teenage mom is that SHE DID NOT HAVE AN ABORTION! That child's mom may have made one mistake by having sex before marriage, but she chose to do the right thing and keep her baby and stand up in front of you who condemn her and her mother and hold her head high. She chose to show you that even though she made a mistake, her child won't have to die because of it. She is choosing to raise her child not kill it because it is an inconvenience to her and her life. When you have a child, the child comes first, not you. The government shouldn't be telling insurance companies what they can and can't cover when it comes to sex. The government tells you that you can't kill other human beings. Yes, I don't support the death penalty. The government doesn't tell whether or not you talk to your child about sex and pregnancies or if you can get your insurance company to pay for erection medicine or birth control. Take that up with the insurance company. Secondly, when you go through training in the military, you are first and foremost taught that you are a servicemember. That's why basic training is before A school, AIT and Tech school. You learn that you are required to fight however you are needed. Your job that you choose to do for the miltary comes second. In the military, I am also a vehicle mechanic. I am a nurse in civilian life and also work for the Army. My first job is that I am a servicemember. I have been taught to shoot 7 different kinds of weapons. Why? Because some Iraqi terrorist is not going to stop and ask me if I'm a mechanic and decide that I am not a threat to him and decide not to shoot me. Sorry, but they don't care who you are or what your job is. They know you are a US servicemember and they are going to shoot you. I drive HMMWVs all the time. I am required to do many, many things that don't fit my second job description, but they fit the first. If they only took the people who are considered "infantry", to fight, then we would certainly have lost every war we've ever been in. Every sailor, marine, soldier and airman is taught to shoot a weapon for a reason. To protect this country and your way of life.
Thirdly, the Constitution was based on Biblical principles not on separation of church and state. Every national monument that you see has Bible verses quoted on it. Every courthouse has or had the 10 Commandments posted in full view until liberals had them taken down. That means that they don't practice the 10 Commandments. At least not the way God put them forth. Brianne, you are quite sure that the Bible speaks about the rich and the afterlife? The Bible says it is harder for a rich man to go to heaven because he is content with his life and feels that he doesn't need God. See the dictionary under Barack Obama. See the dictionary under John McCain and you will see a man who gives generously to his fellow country men. I don't see Obama with any African children that he adopted to give them a better life here than in their country. I don't see a string of children behind him and his wife. Probably because they hate this country and don't want to raise kids in it. He's not rich too? He has his own 757 airplane, but you don't fault him for that. He owns a very expensive house in a very expensive neighborhood. Why don't you go to his house and plop down on the couch, eat his food and watch his TV and then tell him that you are just sharing the wealth with him since that is what he believes.
| | helen | 10/31/2008 2:29:08 PM | Surprisingly I am an undecided voter! I have read both the articles on why to vote for each candidate and read everyones comments. I have issues with voting for both candidates. I am in a hard spot because I am not crazy about either of them. I would consider myself more liberal than conservative. I vote independent and not for party lines. If we are only going to judge this election by who supports abortion rights then I am pro choice and would not vote McCain. I think that a woman should be able to decide what to do with her body. I do not condone abortion being used as birth control!! And I do think partial birth abortion should be against the law. But enough already with the debate about abortion there are bigger issues out there. I am sick and tired of the candidates bashing each other!!! Get to the issues and tell me what you are going to do for me. I am sick of being told that if I don't vote for Obama then I am a racist. Race has nothing to do with it. I just don't like the guy. I think if he were really going to change things in the government then he would have not picked Biden to run with him. This is a guy who has been in Washington for a long time and is part of the curruption. So what is the change in picking him? And I don't think that McCain made a very good choice picking Palin. I think that she is inexperience (just like Obama) and I think it was just a ploy to get the women to vote for him. Did he think women were stupid? So I have four days to figure out who to vote for because if I don't vote I have no reason to complain! With all the comments that I have been reading I see people doing the same thing the candidates are and bashing each other. Maybe we should all vote for Nader?? Just a thought for all of us undecided voters.
| | ChristinaMM | 10/31/2008 3:17:29 PM | Vivian - Wonderfully written! I agree with every single point you made. Thank you for sharing your opinion.
Regarding the comments, I am very disturbed that some seem to insinuate that this country was founded on ANY religion. I have yet to find a mention of any god in the Constitution. And if you read the quotes from our founding fathers, you will find that they did support a separation of church and state. Many of our founding fathers were Deists who wanted church and government separate. Thus, the creation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. SCOTUS has continued to support the separation of church and state.
It should be noted that article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli says that the US was not founded as a Christian nation. It was signed by president John Adams.
In addition, our laws are derived from English common law. The earliest form of ancient law is Hammurabi's Code. This predates the 10 Commandments.
I am also shocked that not having a "string of children" means that one hates this county. Are you kidding me? My husband and I are still unsure if we want children; and if we decide to it certainly won't be a "string" (most likely one). So I and my husband hate America because we may not want children? Sheesh, I would hate to hear what you think about women who may have the inability to have children.
| | Lynn | 10/31/2008 3:42:04 PM | Ohhhh, yawn! You guys win! Enough sparing, ha, ha! Have a good weekend.
Incidently, Christianity is not a religion; Baptist, Catholic, Scientology, those are religions. And I don't recall seeing any Hammurabi's Code on the Lincoln Memorial stamped into the stone. Also, just because you don't have any children doesn't make you less of a woman. Don't put words in my mouth that I didn't put there. I meant that they seem a little power hungry and self centered. Not that YOU are power hungry and self centered because you don't have kids. I speaking only of Obama and Michelle. They do dislike this country. They said so themselves.
| | helen | 10/31/2008 3:58:22 PM | Lynn: I have never once heard that Obama and Michelle hate this country. If I am correct I heard Michelle say she is finally proud of this country. That does not mean that she hates it. And I haven't heard him say anything negative. I may not like either candidate but get the facts straight! Now who is putting words in peoples mouth? I thought you were done with the comments until you had to get a shot in at someone else. I guess you had to have the last word. And for your information anything can be a religion if that is what someone wants it to be(Kabala).
| | Jenny | 10/31/2008 4:21:16 PM | Sorry to see you've checked out It's not clear whether you are using the "royal we" to describe what members of the military do and don't think or if you are talking only about you and your husband. If you're generalizing, that is more than a little presumptuous. Regardless, I could introduce you to several members of the military (particularly those in the medical field) who would not agree with the majority of the things you have written about what individuals in the military think, feel, or believe. They are "volunteering" their services because they are dedicated to the people, not the cause. There is a BIG difference.
| | Jenny | 10/31/2008 4:30:41 PM | ***Anyone else having posting problems? This is my third attempt at posting this*** Oh dear, my comment got chopped! That was supposed to say that I was sorry to see that Lynn had checked out because I wanted to thank her for introducing me to a new definition of the term "volunteer" I suppose that I too "volunteer" at my paid job. Of course, I don't have a contract and legal reprimand waiting for me if I decide to stop coming to work because I am morally, ethically, or just intelligently opposed to my boss's actions. I can't wait to tell my husband that his opposition to the war means that he can just stop "volunteering" at the hospital on base anytime he wants and not to worry about the whole silly UA thing. Perhaps you can recommend a someone who "volunteers" as a lawyer that we might contact if he has any issues? ;) Please forgive my sarcasm, but I think that you are oversimplifying an often complicated decision to join the military by calling it a volunteer status. I do understand your point that people make a decision to join the military, but I think you are ignoring the many, many factors that play into that decision (financial, educational, opportunistic, etc.) that might make it more or less "voluntary" for different people. Sorry for the chopped post...not sure what happened?
| | TLCESQ | 10/31/2008 4:56:08 PM | Ladies, I have one question: Is it fair a man gets paid more for doing the same job you do, when you both have similar education and experience? If "yes," vote for McCain. If "no," vote for Obama. That's not how we operate in the military, but McCain and Palin have said it is okay in the civilian world. This will directly affect your family when your spouse either retires or leaves the military. Think about it.
| | Judy Rudy | 10/31/2008 11:17:14 PM | I have just one final thought or rather question about Obama. Do you not consider his lack of experience to be a detrement to being president of our country? Just wondering since we don't make new employees the CEO of a big company on their first year of work; we don't promote new teachers to the superintendent job of a big school district; we don't make high school coaches the head coach of a winning NFL team. My point is that to lead our nation, we do, indeed, need a man/woman who is EXPERIENCED. That is the question in a nutshell. And one thing that has bothered me from the beginning might sound racist to alot of people. I will guarantee you that it is not. Why has Obama referred to himself as African-American when in fact he is half Caucasian? Just curious. It is time to go to bed and pray for our country.
| | kungfuscribble | 11/1/2008 12:34:59 PM | Dogma makes things even funnier don’t you think?
Perhaps your campaign would be better served by pumping up your base, not trying to sway us.
I think that for those of you who are voting for McCain based on he has Christian morals is hysterical at best. The man does not, and has not attended church.
I use to be a strong supporter of McCain before he lost his brain, and sold out in 2000. I am also from Arizona born and raised. Because of living in Arizona I have had the distinct pleasure to witness the Keating scandal, Cindy McCain’s thief and drug addiction, the way McCain handles folks that do not agree, and also know all too well about their Anheuser Bush profiteering. I forgot those moral Christians support Alcohol which destroys families by the million.
I suppose because now Cindy uses her money for her pet projects that all that washes her and John McCain clean and makes them true Christians. Hate to tell you but they are not, and do not visit church in any fashion.
To John McCain and his family are from privilege. He comes from a family of Military big wigs who got him into school in the first place. He is a pilot, and most of you maintainer families know that it may be a pilot who gets the glory show, but they really don't have the true understanding of how military works. It's really a fraternity where the real military is subjected to there whim. He also is a cheat. He cheated on his wife who waited for him. Which must make him a real moral guy too I suppose.
To those that do not have children and are military members and family you deserve a lot of credit. You have to put up with a lot of glairing eyes that never understood having a child is a choice. The truth is you are judged as selfish and self centered; but how could this be... you have had the foresight to see down the road, have probably thought of how your military career would effect said child, and know that IF you are ready you will have weighed it, and are truly and lovingly prepared and in want for it.
Lynn I hate to tell you but as in any profession there are people who do what they must under the guise of something else. Yes abortion happens in the military and in military hospitals. You have no idea the conversations that take place behind closed doors between patient and Doctor. To assume that you are the authority is absurd. Some doctors may even call a pregnancy unviable if that is the wish of the patient. It’s called a loophole. And while it may hard for you to hear… it does happen. You have already established yourself as the authority on the subject. Good for you. But not everyone subscribes to your ideology. And as to your “educating” leave it to the professionals eh!
| | msgal66 | 11/2/2008 4:28:18 PM | Well, I will begin from the top. Vivian, thank goodness Bush was the president in 2001. How do you feel Obama would have handled that situation? Rep. Frank spoke of military budget cuts. What do you think that means? Coco, you are a business owner, military spouse, and Obama supporter, Oh My! Sherry, If Obama cares sooo much about the military why did he treat the soldiers wrong when he went to Iraq last summer. Brenda, I like what you had to say! Lynn, I am with you "in more ways than one." Jenny, you go girl!! Jamie, you are shocked by comments? I'm not. So many people voting for Obama have no idea the damage that man will create, if he's elected. Lauradempsey, where have you been in the past year? Mia, your son will not be promoted higher than a SPC if Obama is elected. JudyRudy, don't watch the news much do you? Listen to Glenn Beck. And lastly, Kungfu, you said you do not want the govt. telling you what to do. Well that is what the Democrats are doing and will continue to do if they have control. Democrats want you to "depend" on them. That is why they offer all the "extras." Those being welfare,and free things. If we become dependent on them, then they have control over us. Whatever happened to working and making a living? You must read about Karl Marx. I am new to this forum, but not new as a military spouse. I am seeing our rights as Americans being slowly taken away. I am not happy with all that McCain has to say, but I believe that when choosing between the two candidates, I must choose the lesser of two evils. Obama to me, is very sneaky. I do not believe he has been forthright about most of the information pertaining to him. He just "creeps" me out! To all you spouses out there, before you vote, I recommend you pray! I am a Christian and my Christian beliefs are not in line with Obama's beliefs.
| | ljrblc2010 | 11/2/2008 9:08:17 PM | I couldn't agree with you more! I've seen and heard so much about the military and their spouses voting McCain all the way. I was starting to feel like I was standing alone, being that my fiance is a Marine. But I'm glad to see that I'm not standing alone =] Obama 08!
| | Bedrie | 11/3/2008 12:34:45 PM | Although the following is not my personal view, I found it very thoughtful and reasoned even though it is from a conservative:
"For the record, I consider myself "pro-life" when it comes to abortion. But after eight years of Bush, I think it's time to redefine what it means to be pro-life. Among other things, it should at the very least mean the following: To be pro-life is to be against unnecessary wars, and to be pro-life is to be against torture.
I look at Obama, and while I reject his more left-wing views, I see an intelligent, capable, and reasonable man. I believe Obama would never condone torture, would never take us into an unnecessary war, and will endeavor to make health care more affordable to those of lesser means (which will reduce the number of abortions).
With all due respect, Rod, abortion isn't everything. Why not just recognize that this is one issue in which you vehemently disagree with Obama, and yet vote for the better man anyway? There are hundreds of issues that matter, and abortion is just one of them. Frankly, if the financial system falls apart, the issue of abortion is going to be very low priority (and meanwhile you can be certain the number of abortions will go up). Based on the way that Obama and McCain have behaved themselves, and have run their campaigns, who would you want to be in a position of leadership at this moment in history? "None of the above" really isn't a very mature option.
It would be wonderful, truly wonderful, if we had a society where abortions never happened. In the real world that's not going to occur. But it would also be wonderful if we never get manipulated into another war as foolish and destructive as Iraq. That is something a president has far more control over.
Which is the greater number: The number of Iraqi children who have died as a direct result of our misbegotten adventures there, or the number of American abortions in the past few years? Sorry to ask something so terrible, but being pro-life should mean more than being against a pro-choice candidate who has proven himself a reasonable man in other ways. The president can do far more about taking us into war, or refusing to do so, than he can about the laws, policies, and attitudes concerning abortion in this country. The president is the commander in chief, in regards to the armed services. He has very little command over the culture.
Roe v. Wade is probably never going to be overturned, and even if it is, the vast majority of the states will keep abortion legal. That's a lost fight, Rod, and Obama's views on the issue and his past voting record are just not that relevant to choosing a president right now.
One candidate, McCain, has proven himself to be an angry, belligerent, unpredictable jackass. He may actually have a worse foreign policy than Bush once he becomes president. It is entirely conceivable that with a president McCain we will go to war with Iran, or with Russia, or with North Korea, or with some other country. The other candidate, Obama, has proven himself to be an intelligent, restrained, inspiring and virtuous leader. He has opposed Bush from the start. He would never sing about bombing Iran. He would never start a war and then joke in public, "Now where are those weapons of mass destruction?"
Bush was (and is) pro-life. Look at where that got us. Being pro-life should mean so much more than being against abortion. At the very least, it should mean that you don't play deceitful games with other people's lives. You don't start a war under false pretenses. You don't pursue a war as if it's going to be cheap and easy, and then let chaos reign. Also, you don't keep people captive for years (apart from their families) without bringing charges. You don't undo the Geneva Conventions so that you can be free to violate people's human rights. You don't condone torture by playing word games while winking at its practice. Why? Because human life is sacred. Human beings should be treated with dignity, and all human life should be protected. What else does "pro-life" mean?
Rod, you still have a few days. If I were you, I'd reconsider your decision not to vote. I love your blog, but I notice that you sometimes have a tendency to dance around in a wishy-washy fashion. Please be an adult. You must vote, and encourage everyone you know (including people who read your column) to vote. There are two possible choices in this election: Obama and McCain. To me, the choice is obvious. Frankly, I don't see how a Christian can do anything other than vote in a way that utterly repudiates Bush's policies. Abortion is just not the most important issue right now. Maybe in a few years, when the economy has recovered, America's reputation has been restored, and the country is at peace abroad. Then you can vote your conscience on abortion, including sitting an election out. But not this time.
You supported Bush for many years. You supported the Iraq war. Consider voting for Obama as an act of penance. That's one reason I'm voting for him. But there are many better reasons than that one. There is no good reason to stay at home this time. I honestly think that if McCain somehow wins, and you didn't vote at all, you will regret that decision for the rest of your life.
Bush and McCain are the ones who don't value and treasure human life. Obama may be wrong about abortion, but he is right about war and peace, and so many other things. From one Christian conservative to another, I suggest that you reject your uptightness about one single issue, and vote for the person who will make the best president in these dark times.
Sorry for the lecture.
- Treebeard"
| | Bedrie | 11/3/2008 12:36:16 PM | Yet another very reasoned argument:
"I find it disheartening when people look at Obama’s race with assumptions that assume he couldn’t pull his weight in brain power. Barack Obama’s academic achievements would have been equally admirable if he were a blond, blue-eyed boy from Kansas called John Smith. He has 12 years of elected office experience and has a track record superior to many legislators with similar experience. Yes, he’s never run anything, which makes it more amazing yet that by hard work and despite the albatross that is a Muslim middle name in America, he has built a movement from nothing to involve 18 million people in the best run campaign in history. He has been subjected to impossible scrutiny over the last 18 months on his views on every issue imaginable and was tested by one of the toughest Primary races in history. He never gave up.
Every year around 7,500 people apply to Harvard Law School. Roughly 560 students matriculate with, on average, a 3.8 undergraduate GPA and a 99th percentile LSAT score. After 1L year studying legal theory, around 40 of the best students are appointed to Harvard Law Review based on their first year grades and writing. Law Reviews are highly competitive student run scholarly journals considered mandatory by many for high-end legal careers. For the 7% that make it on to Law Review, 2L year is more legal theory plus highly detailed editing of emerging legal scholarship pending publication in the journal. The articles they produce are largely anonymous. At the end of 2L year, one member of Law Review is elected to be the next year’s Editor-in-Chief (President) by the existing members. The Editor-in-Chief then runs the process of producing the next year’s editions of the journal. Since 1887, 121 people have been appointed Editor-in-Chief (President) of Harvard Law Review. There were more than 7,000 Rhodes Scholarships granted during the same period. You have to be smart enough to impress some of the smartest, most competitive people in the world to get that job. He did it. This is someone whose mother relied on food stamps to feed him for a while. I wonder, do John McCain and Lynn Westmoreland even know what a food stamp looks like?
John McCain graduated 894th out of 899 students. He was given a Navy Pilot assignment on affirmative, nepotistic action. Why? Because his grand-daddy and daddy were Admirals. It was the most coveted assignment for Naval Academy graduates and typically went to the top students. Go back 50 years and see the average graduating rank of Naval Pilots. It’s not even close. Sarah Palin graduated from a 4-year degree course in 6 years, having dropped out 4 times. I wonder who is better able to understand, assimilate and process complex information quickly. It’s sad that we’ve become an anti-intelligence country. McCain is a genuine war hero and Palin may be a tough achiever but let’s be honest, these are not examples of intellectual excellence we want for our children, yet we want them to lead the country and set the destiny of our children’s children. They may win and that’s okay, it’s the way of politics and may the best ideas win.
The RNC was a reminder of where America came from and the people sitting in that hall do not represent the America we will be in 20 years, not by a long shot. I swear, anyone emerging from that convention would have you believe we’re in the mess we face because of Obama’s policies. The saddest part is the fact that nasty attacks that distract from the issues work. By appealing to the ugliest instincts within us with comments like those of Georgia’s Congressman Lynn Westmoreland who proudly called Obama and his wife “uppity” and repeated himself proudly when confronted, the Republicans will win. Obama dare not say a word against such a racially tinged epithet, lest he be accused of playing the race card. The fact that a man in his esteemed position, a sitting US Senator, is unable to honestly challenge a plain bigot like Representative Westmoreland without offending someone is damaging to the dignity of this nation. Not a word from Mr. Maverick Change, Mr. Country First and Mr. Post-partisanship John McCain. Shame on you!
I will always love my country, but sometimes it’s difficult to be proud of the way it treats some of its citizens who were part of the founding population, but bound in chains. Obama doesn’t deserve to win because of his intellect and diligence, but to insult him for it is unChristian, unpatriotic and contrary to conservative values. He is an example to our children, a true conservative who lifted himself up and never gave up and stepped in to organize in the absence of the government. Yet Republicans mocked community service in front of the nation.
Jesus Christ was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor. John McCain needs to tell us who the Republicans are fighting for."
| | Bedrie | 11/3/2008 12:39:17 PM | For the record, I and my husband who is serving his second tour in Iraq are both voting for the most intelligent, most temperate, most realistic, most in-touch, most statesman-like, most unifying candidate; Barack Obama.
| | joss | 11/3/2008 12:39:17 PM | thanks for summing it up so nicely!
| | Judy Rudy | 11/3/2008 2:39:35 PM | To msgal66...you questioned whether or not I read/watch the news. Yep, I do both. And Glenn Beck is #1 in our house; we can hardly wait for him to get back on tv with the move from CNN to FOX. I not only listen to him on the radio, but I subscribe to his newsletter. Do you? I also devour news magazines, e-mails, newspapers, books, the internet, etc. I am just curious about why you questioned my media attention. I am 63 years old with a Masters Degree and 30 years of teaching in the public schools. I am also the wife of a retired soldier so I believe that I do have a vast source of information. Please, I would appreciate an answer as to why you asked if I read the news. A very simple answer is YES, I do.
| | joss | 11/3/2008 4:06:02 PM | @ helen
I don't think McCain picked Palin as a ploy to get women to vote for him; I think it was to appeal to the christian base. He lost the nomination to Bush in 2000 because Bush was more appealing to that base. Picking Palin and changing his mind (or at least saying he has) about being pro-choice are to secure those votes. A VP is chosen to "round out" the presidential candidate, like Obama picking an older, more experienced insider.
I would like to know more about the christian base's world view. I only hear snippets from them (like in this comments section) and I have a hard time telling them apart from religious fundamentalists in other countries. They derive law from their holy text, dislike Western decadence, prefer modesty and restraint with regards to sexual behaviors (and acts that blur the line, like breast feeding), prefer deference to a higher authority to free will (or at least that's how I understand simultaneously being pro-life and pro-war and pro-death-penalty) and seem more likely to support censorship and to employ tactics like assassinations (at least, thus far in our country's history it's only been the Lincoln/Martin Luther King/Kennedy types who have to worry about meeting that end).
| | kungfuscribble | 11/3/2008 11:57:01 PM | for those who wonder what other christians have to say...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j11HoEwJzMM
| | ShaReJa | 11/7/2008 11:45:13 AM | I am a former reservist and my husband is currently deployed to Afghanistan. This is his second deployment in the past 4 years. We are strong Obama supporters. I believe that he loves this country as much as I do. No one but God knows what the future holds for America.
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 Do’s and don’ts while in uniform
The military service etiquette we abide by today is steeped in several hundred years of U.S. history. Many rules change over time as the military updates codes of conduct to reflect new attitudes and etiquette. |
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