*Scroll down for updates*
Pardon this brief interlude of “political blogging,” this foray into frustration, this petulant toe-in-the-water post in which I attempt to alleviate the growing pressure inside my head.
Barack Hussein Obama is an “articulate” infanticide-supporting liberal who doesn’t like being called a liberal.
And he’s going to be our next president.
I have no grand theories about why this is so. I just have a feeling he’ll be living in the White House come November. I feel no “racial pride” that he’s the first black major party nominee or that he’ll be the first black president of the United States, because values trump race in my world. Anyone who believes it’s OK for “doctors” to crush the heads of infants in the birth canal isn’t getting my vote. If you’re black and pro-life but feel “torn” between racial pride about his nomination and disgust for his pro-death stance, shame on you. Get your priorities straight.
I am as disenchanted with John McCain as other social conservatives. His nomination is doubly frustrating for us evangelical Christians. Aside from his wobbly record on pro-life issues and the fact that he cheated on and left his wife for a newer model (Newt Gingrich did it twice!), I simply don’t trust the man. Well, I don’t trust any politician, really.
But that’s neither here nor there. I consider my right to vote a duty, which was fought for and won by those who came before me, people who protested and picketed and pushed to be recognized and treated as first class citizens of this great country. I can’t not vote. So, on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, I will head to my polling place. What I’ll do after that, I do not know.
Who are you voting for, and why? If you’re voting for BHO, I promise I won’t jump all over you. 
Addendum: “President Bush has signed an executive order requiring contractors and others who do business with the federal government to make sure their employees can legally work in the U.S.” (Source)
I think this order will be pretty much ignored during BHO’s administration. No grand theories about why this is so…
Update (2 p.m.): Commenter and blogger SkyePuppy writes:
“Obama wants to chit-chat (strongly, of course) with Ahmadinejad and other genocidal leaders. At the same time, he has promised to decimate the American military, abandon Iraq (which finally on the brink of a tenuous stability) to whatever strongman fills the vacuum left behind by the US forces, and give the Palestinians a ‘contiguous’ state (which would mean chopping Israel in two). I think he must have flunked geography at the same time he flunked foreign affairs.
“At home, he wants to treat the economic slowdown by taxing it into a Great Depression II. He wants to give us government healthcare, abortion on demand (including the precious infanticide), and Michelle ‘Not Proud of America’ Obama as our First Lady.” Read the rest of her comment.
Related posts:
Who am I going to vote for? Neither of the above because they are both liberals. Take a close look at the repluicrats and demopublicans. I’m voting for the only true conservative I’ve seen so far…Ron Paul. Remember we have the power of the write in vote..we do not have to accept the two candidates from the same party. While Ron Paul has the “R” by his name he is a strict Constitutionalist…something we have not had for many decades. Folks need to think for themselves..do some research and NOT LISTEN TO THE MEDIA IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM.
Comment by Hescominsoon — 06.10.08 @ 8:42 am
Write in Ron Paul, eh? Possibly, possibly…
Comment by La Shawn — 06.10.08 @ 8:43 am
Isn’t a write in a wasted vote? after all, I don’t see how a write in could get enough votes in the electoral college.
I am not happy with McCain but unless my nightmare comes true and he picks Hillary as his running mate, then I don’t see any other option.
I hope he picks a good conservative running mate, but I don’t see how that’s going to be much help.
Comment by kaekae — 06.10.08 @ 8:46 am
I think a write in vote is a wasted vote as well. Though it is a vote and symbolic of the state of the race and of the Union if one uses that option. Though I think Ron Paul is a poor choice. If you’re writing in, write in Huckabee. Actually, I’m hoping McCain will take Huck as a running mate.
I certainly won’t be voting for Obama. His pro-infanticide stance horrifies me. That and I am not so sure he isn’t a racist given his ties to his church and its leadership.
Comment by Hal — 06.10.08 @ 9:07 am
Isn’t it time for a change from the old ways of doing business in Washington and the World. This is a new time, day and world that we live in. When a business is losing money, they have to look at the way the business is being ran and make some changes. This is the time, this is the place, this is the generation and this is the year for CHANGE. Don’t be afraid AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by James Blackledge — 06.10.08 @ 9:28 am
Alice Cooper for President? Heh, kidding, sort of. I’m not real impressed with any politicians at this point, but I’m certainly not voting for Obama. So I guess that doesn’t leave me with much of a choice.
Speaking of racial pride, did you hear about T.D. Jakes endorsement of Obama? Disheartening.
Comment by Chuck — 06.10.08 @ 9:39 am
The only TRUE Conservative is Ron Paul. He’s the only one out of the entire (past) field of Republican candidates who is consistent and TRULY conservative. I can’t stand the disrespect Hannity and the other neo-cons dish out to him.
Ron Paul ‘08!
Comment by Anj. — 06.10.08 @ 9:45 am
Well, Chuck, I’m no fan of T.D. Jakes, either. His teachings are unscriptural, and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s endorsed a man who supports murdering infants.
Comment by La Shawn — 06.10.08 @ 9:53 am
I knew it! I knew you just couldn’t keep quiet any longer! I’ve been waiting to hear your opinion about Barack Obama, probably as many other of your readers as well.
La Shawn, this was a tough one for me. I did get caught up in Obamamania because I thought he could be a great uniter of ALL people. But then after the Rev. Wright mess broke out I couldn’t trust him either! And I’m Black! (La Shawn knows this, but other readers may not.) I hadn’t really paid much attention to him until Rev. Wright opened my eyes to ALL about Obama.
I voted for Bush both terms as a faithful Republican. Then I became disgusted with the whole Republican administration and turned Independent a couple of years ago. But now, because we can’t vote for a Republican as an Independent here in San Diego, (I’m so confused by it all - perhaps it’s something else and I’m sure someone will let me know.)I have to be back as a Republican because voting for McCain is the lesser of two evils!
Actually, McCain impressed me when I heard he was going to be on the Ellen Degeneres (sp) show and I was curious as to what he may say. But he firmly, yet humbly presented his stand on straight marriages. I was so impressed by the way he presented himself, but that day I decided I will throw my vote for him. Before that happened, I wasn’t going to vote for anyone. But now I realize with the threat of gay marriages (among so many issues), we need a president strong enough to say NO!
Glad to see your political writing if but for a moment. (But I am waiting to see some things on your Christian music later.)
Comment by Carlotta — 06.10.08 @ 10:28 am
I’m holding my nose and voting for McCain on the principle that, if we DON’T vote for McCain, we WILL get Obama. Of course, I might vote for McCain and get Obama anyway, but let it not be said that I didn’t at least try to stop it from happening.
Yes, I know there are people that say voting for McCain will destroy the Republican Party. But I happen to think there’s more important things than the Republican Party to worry about. Like the United States of America, and perhaps all of Western Civilization as we know it.
Obama represents two things that both start with “S”: Socialism here in the United States, and Surrender to our enemies abroad. And we won’t even have the benefit of a divided government to stop him.
Comment by Erbo — 06.10.08 @ 10:35 am
I WILL NOT vote for BO - he just stinks. I will vote for McCain because if I don’t then I will throw away my vote & that would be bad. I’ll figure out other ways to “protest”.
I’ve been reading other Christian blogs and I’m so surprised to learn that there are alot of Christians who don’t consider abortion to be that important of an issue in this election. They are concerned about the killing in Iraq - but not the killing here in America?
Young people think that America is “screwed up & ruined” & I truly believe that those types are the most naive of all. America has it’s problems but even with our problems we are still an awesome country to live in.
Our medical establishment is the best - just ask me a cancer survivor and I will scream it at the top of my lungs how great it is.
Our taxes are to high but even so my family can still afford to live in a nice house & our lifestyle is very nice & we still give alot to charity.
Gas is to expensive but even so I have 2 great cars to drive with one paid off.
If the USA is so screwed up then why are they still living here? Why not leave? Chances are noone will even miss them.
Sorry LB I disagree with you - BO is not going to be the next president. Too many skeletons are going to come out of his closet and the American people will see him for what he truly is & that is a young unexperienced socialist and possibly…even…the…antichrist…hahaha
Comment by SharonB — 06.10.08 @ 11:11 am
BO doesn’t have a chance of winning … except to the extent that conservatives and repubs stay home or waste their vote in other ways.
I’m no McCain fan, but think of the ways the country will be damaged if BO is elected with a democrat congress. Socialized medicine, terrorist attacks in the homeland, wasted lives in Iraq, taxes so high you can’t afford to work, $7/gallon gas, Hillary Clinton as a supreme court judge.
Obama is scary. He’s inexperienced and immoral. He thinks he’s a Christian and doesn’t have a clue. His wife is at least as bad as HRC.
Part of me wants to see it happen, to see all the smug liberals hit upon really hard times, and not have Bush to blame (though of course it will be his fault anyway). But I’m afraid that the country will be changed in so many ways, it will be impossible to go back, to “unring” the bell.
So, like others, I’ll be holding my nose and voting for McCain.
Comment by ElCee — 06.10.08 @ 11:33 am
I like Barrack.
Comment by Cornelius — 06.10.08 @ 11:35 am
A vote for Obama is, at best, a vote for socialism, and, at worst, a vote for communism. McCain is a pre-Nixon Democrat. Neither are getting my vote. Voting for a Republican just to be voting against a Democrat (and vice-versa) is precisely why this country is now being run by 2 corrupt-to-the-core political parties rather than being run by true representatives of the people.
I haven’t decided yet who will get my vote, only that it will not be Obama or McCain.
Comment by DragonLady — 06.10.08 @ 11:37 am
I am afraid I have to agree with you here, LaShawn. I would like to think there are still enough folks left in this nation who haven’t had every last iota of common sense crushed out of them by the withering, daily assault of secularism, but I confess I am doubtful. As an Arizonan, I know McCain. I could not even bring myself to vote for the man in the last Senatorial election, so you can imagine how excited I am about his presidential bid. It is not that the election is not winnable, but the man simply lacks the foundation to do it.
But what is frightening to me is the Messianic stature granted to Obama *without the slightest bit of basis in his actual actions and accomplishments.* I don’t believe McCain can over come that. Might I be wrong? I sure hope so. But my theology tells me that our nation deserves the very leaders we get. God have mercy.
James
Comment by James White — 06.10.08 @ 11:48 am
Thanks for commenting, James. I listen to your webcast and agree with pretty much everything you say. The nation deserves what it’s going to get.
Comment by La Shawn — 06.10.08 @ 11:59 am
I am voting for Sen. John McCain. No matter how much of a liberal you feel he is, Sen. McCain does not come from the pit of socialism as Sen. Obama (in agreement with you Erbo) who is green and naive.
I am a lone Republican in a family of Democrats. I can not be an Independent, because in my state of Pennsylvania they have limited voting privileges. I am not so caught up in the first black president phenomena that I would vote for him. For me, it is all about the issues (not the Muslim myth or his middle name) and Sen. Obama comes off weak on them. He is so leftist/liberal when measured against Sen. McCain on social/moral issues.
Votes for Rep. Ron Paul and Bob Barr are wasted votes. How many possible electoral votes do you think they can get in November? Votes for Rep. Paul and Mr. Barr would come from the Republican Party. This would be to the delight of the Democrats.
Sen. McCain has a fighting chance at this point. Don’t give your Republican (and Independent) vote to people who can not possibly win. It will be like handing over the presidency to Sen. Obama. At least put up a fight to keep Sen. Obama a senator.
Oh Lashawn, I am so glad for this brief interlude. It would be nice if you would have this brief interlude about once a month. After all, politics are a part of the culture.
Comment by Bev — 06.10.08 @ 12:18 pm
I am voting for McCain, as the lesser of two evils. I hate settling, but his stances on many things Obama supports is much more appealing.
Abortion shouldn’t be legal. Neither should “ILLEGAL” Aliens be tolerated. But of those two, the first is worse. Obama seemingly has no issue killing babies. McCain is at least WOBBLY. *shrug* I like McCain more.
Comment by Dan — 06.10.08 @ 1:10 pm
I’m black. I’m a republican primarily because I am a social conservative and I favor lowering taxes in general and on the middle class in particular. I voted for Bush twice.
In this election, I will be voting for Obama. I am not a single issue voter. I do not agree with him on his social stances with regard to marriage and abortion. That being said, I believe he can be persuaded to modify those positions, particularly as it pertains to abortion. Furthermore, as President he will have no unilateral power to impose his very liberal views. While SCOTUS selections will be in his domain, those selections must be approved by Congress and the people will have a say and I look to activism with Congress as the check and balance on the potential liberal excesses of an Obama administration. I expect him to be busy with the war and the economy, so much so that some of these social issues are likely to be backburnered to some extent. To the extent they are pressed forward by an Obama administration, people of faith should press back.
Obama is a Christian, understands the Scriptural basis for opposition to abortion and is therefore reachable and teachable on this subject. Lets not forget that much of black church leadership actively advocates or turns the other way on the issue of abortion. He is not unusual in his liberal thinking and I’d argue he is typical. But his Christian experience makes him reachable on this issue. Some may think different based on the statements of Wright and Phleger, but the truth is that there is nothing remarkable about their views on some scores. Their dissent from more conservative thinking has merely been more theatrical and hyped in the media for the sensation. No one around the nation knew or more importantly cared about Wright’s political viewpoints until they were made fodder in the media. Wright is entitled to his politics. A former marine, he served in uniform AND combat, unlike our current president or vice president so he has certainly earned the right to dissent.
Others have commented that a vote for Obama is a vote for socialism or communism. This is simply hyperbole. Have we been so long without a national leader that actually had a little charisma that now we all of a sudden fear Americans being turned into lemmings behind a pied piper? You can make the argument that our current POTUS, charisma deficient as he is, is the one leading the people astray. Its silly and its a way of calling people unpatriotic who don’t hew to the republican view of the world. This is America. Republican leadership for the past eight years has us going in a direction that nobody thinks is very good. The POTUS has the lowest approval ratings in history and thats because Americans are not stupid, we know that things are not going the way they should.
John McCain for all that he is a conservative, is still a republican tied to Bush’s and his party’s approaches on the economy, on the war, and on expansion and entrenchment of executive power. I believe a departure from that direction is necessary. I believe it is easier to bring Obama closer to us on social issues than it will be to steer republicans from the path they are taking the country in on the war, the economy and the scope of executive and corporate power.
150,000 troops in Iraq for a minimum of another four years in a nation building exercise that will cost us more lives and more treasure, leaves us exposed and vulnerable to other geopolitical threats and which was waged on the basis of reckless reasoning is not the way. An economic agenda that bails the rich and powerful out of bad and good decision making but turns away from extending help or relief to the middle class is not the way. Expansion of executive power and secrecy and purposeful diminution of the accountability of the President is not the way.
Obama is smart, he is reasonable and I believe him to have sufficient judgment to make good decisions as president. I do not fear him as some charismatic messiah figure that will sweep the masses along in grand social experiments. He’s a politician and I believe he will be more willingly accountable to the American people than our current President, and moreso than John McCain. A vote for McCain is a vote for a continued republican approach that is failing to unite the country or to prosper it. John McCain’s brand has been built on the fact that he has poked his party in the eye many times over the years, but the republican party shows no signs of truly acceding to his leadership. Not so with Obama, who will LEAD the democrats. McCain, maverick styling himself as a maverick, voted over 90% with Bush and the republican party the last two years. Thats not so independent. He’ll need that party to govern if he is President and I don’t believe he will be getting far from his party’s position on the war, the economy or executive power grabs.
Electing McCain will not secure a sufficient break with the direction the country is going in now. I would rather elect a reasonable and pragmatic Obama and manage his liberal politics, than elect a McCain and ensure no significant change in the policies and practice of the presidency and how that is grinding down the middle class and decreasing economic opportunity, governmental accountability and prosperity.
Comment by Aaron — 06.10.08 @ 1:46 pm
Obama wants to chit-chat (strongly, of course) with Ahmadinejad and other genocidal leaders. At the same time, he has promised to decimate the American military, abandon Iraq (which finally on the brink of a tenuous stability) to whatever strongman fills the vacuum left behind by the US forces, and give the Palestinians a “contiguous” state (which would mean chopping Israel in two). I think he must have flunked geography at the same time he flunked foreign affairs.
At home, he wants to treat the economic slowdown by taxing it into a Great Depression II. He wants to give us government healthcare, abortion on demand (including the precious infanticide), and Michelle “Not Proud of America” Obama as our First Lady.
His close associates include the anti-White, anti-America Jeremiah Wright (20 years), the unrepentant terrorists Bill Ayers and his wife Bernardine Dohrn (who were the ones who hosted the kick-off party that launched Obama’s political career), the corrupt and now-convicted Tony Rezko (who “helped” Obama buy his house), and more.
On the other side is John McCain, who is lukewarm on abortion and who hamstrung his Party’s leadership when he formed the Gang of 14 that limited the number of judges who would be confirmed and prolonged the judicial-confirmation filibuster in perpetuity. He wants nearly open borders and the kind of carbon offsets that will hurt the economy (Obama wants these too, I believe).
But McCain will continue to fight the war in Iraq until that country is a force for stability in the Middle East. He supports Israel. He stands strong on the question of traditional marriage. He promises to nominate Supreme Court justices like Scalia and Roberts.
It’s a definite nose-holder, but like Thumper’s daddy said, “If you can’t say anything nice about somebody, vote for the other guy!”
Comment by SkyePuppy — 06.10.08 @ 1:55 pm
La Shawn,
Have you looked at Bob Barr? He’s more conservative than McCain. I am leaning towards voting for him.
Comment by Tracey — 06.10.08 @ 1:57 pm
I totally understand your post and agree down the line.
Right now I am leaning toward McCain because he is pro-life, promised conservative appointments to the Supreme Court and will keep us safe with regard to the war on Terror.
… but there are so many reasons to not vote for him too.
I thought about doing a write in. A vote is a vote. It’s value is in your ability and freedom to cast it. No single vote is wasted. I take the stewardship of that vote very seriously regardless of the masses. I am keeping my options open whether it is a longshot or not.
Except for Ron Paul… dude’s a mess.
Comment by Randy — 06.10.08 @ 1:58 pm
in the ‘04 election, before the count was official, the media reported that kerry had won the election. this report was based on exit polls. lo and behold, when the official count had been made, kerry lost, and by a substantial amount (if i remember correctly). it’s too soon to say obama will be our next president; we’re still 5 months away from the general election. remember the hoopla about guiliani? his candidacy was done with in the span of a few short months. there’s plenty of time for either candidate to pull a michael ‘beetle bailey’ dukakis.
also, aside from obama apologists, i believe people will remember “clinging to guns and religion”, rev. wright, tony rezko, talking to ahmadinejad w/no preconditions, national healthcare, increased taxes, etc. when it comes time to vote in november.
Comment by thomas — 06.10.08 @ 2:17 pm
We’ve been following Ron Paul since he first came out with his newsletters in the 70’s (even though we don’t live in Texas). He’s the only one to vote for — he’s a true statesman. If possible, we’ll write him in on the ballot. If not, I’ll vote for Bob Barr, even though I don’t consider myself a Libertarian.
Comment by Laurie Bluedorn — 06.10.08 @ 2:52 pm
This will be my tenth presidential election as a voter. (Do the math :^) I have always been skeptical of all politicians and cannot remember ever voting any way except the “lesser of two evils” vote. My Christianity compels me to put my trust in Christ, not a human being. Whoever is elected, no one can take my relationship with Christ away from me, and that is the most important thing to me. That said, I will not be voting for Mr. Obama for all the reasons you mentioned, and more. He may have started out a nice enough guy, but it appears to me that the accolades have appealed to his pride and now he believes he really is messianic. I have predicted that he would get the nomination and win the election, and I hope I’m wrong. My vote will go to Mr. McCain.
Comment by fraydna52 — 06.10.08 @ 3:01 pm
@James White:
The Bible speaks of nations that were spared God’s wrath for a time because of a remnant of believers. Even Sodom might have been spared had there been ten righteous men. Did your “theology” forget that?
Regardless of what may happen, history tells us the fate of a nation sometimes hinged on the actions and prayers of a few good men.
Fatalism is always fatal, but hope springs eternal. The mark of a true Christian is one who continues to hope despite what appears to be a hopeless situation, a mark that you and those who imitate you seem to lack.
Comment by Lincoln — 06.10.08 @ 3:19 pm
LaShawn,
I’ll be voting for McCain come November. Obama scares me to death. First of all, let me say this: I have NO problem whatsoever voting for a black man for POTUS, provided that man is qualified. Obama is an empty suit with numerous, dubious ties to some scary bedfellows ie, ayers, dorhn, farrahkan, wright, phleger etc. His story changes with the wind and no one questions this. I have seen friends of mine whom I’ve known for many years suddenly smitten with this man for reasons(substantial) they’ve yet to convince me with. It’s as if they “drank the Kool-Aid”. Obama does have a cult like “messiah” following of young, naive and very liberal folks not to mention the entire mainstream media and all of Hollyweird.
I, like you, believe in my heart that he will be our next president. Like a previous poster said, “God will give us who we deserve”. Frightening, indeed!!
Comment by Libby — 06.10.08 @ 3:19 pm
Lashawn,
I know you’ve moved to a different type of blogging and I very much appreciate the motivation and the commentary, but every time I pop over and see the ‘old’ Lashawn, it warms my heart.
You were and are a very, very wonderful political opinion commentator (sp?). I miss that a lot.
J
Thank you.
- Admin
Comment by Jill — 06.10.08 @ 3:46 pm
I am, by all definitions, considered an independent. I support the most liberal policies, but empathize with more conservative viewpoints as my father is a Marine.
I’m also ‘a younger voter’ and Black, of which Obama has garnered lots of support and will be voting for Obama.
I enjoy stumbling across your page LaShawn from the little application I wrote (rsspect.org) because I like your opinion. The fact that you’ve brought up the issue of abortion, which as a Christian and soon to be new father, I struggle with highly.
I went to CNN (which some of your readers may oppose) to find Obama’s view on the issue, and conveniently, they had a video of him talking about it.
That video is here: LINK
I also assume your issue with him is his opposition to the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.
The one thing I noticed from Obama, and commenter #19 touched on this, is that he seems to be deeply conflicted about the issue and calls it ‘tragic’. He doesn’t say he is pro-abortion or pro-’killing of babies’ as you have characterized him.
In fact, if you looka the video, he simply says that his stance is brought upon the idea that certain situations may not heed to the carte blanche government position and law of outlawing abortion, and that no woman should be forced to choose.
A lot your readers (and you) talk about the importance of faith. I am a Methodist and believe in Jesus Christ. One of the blessings that stands above all the rest, just below His love for us, is His blessing of letting us choose to Love him and find him.
I’m curious as to how the principle of being able to choose, the freedom to choose…..something our Lord has blessed us with….fits into the ideaology of outlawing someone else to do the same. If in the end they choose wrong, won’t that be between them and God?
I guess I don’t see how one can be critical of Obama being ’socialist’ (which if you look up the definition, that term isn’t being used correctly) by ‘mandating the govt. impose healthcare and taxes’, but at the same time be ok with the govt. mandating that a woman cannot choose….even if as a Christian, I disagree.
Thanks.
Comment by Fredric — 06.10.08 @ 4:12 pm
LaShawn,
I urge you and your readers to vote for McCain, however unhappy you are with him. 6 of the 9 Supreme Court justices are over 70 years old. As wobbly as McCain is on pro-life, there is no wobble on Obama’s pro-infanticide. I would love to celebrate the first black president, especially given our history. Unfortunately, for the country, Obama is not the right one. However appealing he may sound, however unappealing McCain may be, know that a vote for Barr, Paul, anyone other than McCain, could ensure Obama as our president. As you pointed out, he supports crushing babies heads- it’s a private matter, you see. He even voted against the Born Alive act. If you live in OH, MI, PA, VA, CO, NM, NV PLEASE vote McCain. Unfortunately, when we are realistic, we have to recognize that either one of those TWO men will be president.
Comment by lottajota — 06.10.08 @ 4:31 pm
Voting may be a duty, but it is a duty that should be trumped by allegiance to our Creator wholly with how think and live - including the leaders to whom we lend support. There are non-negotiable issues of principle that Barack Obama is on the wrong side on, and John McCain is shaky on as well. I don’t see any viable candidate.
I think where we are falling short is taking upon ourselves to raise up leaders who are “men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”
We may not win the fight, as the growth of secularism has been increasingly triumphant in modern times, but we can say that our voices were not found silent.
Comment by Alexander Curtis — 06.10.08 @ 4:32 pm
I could never vote for anyone who champions infanticide. What next, “mercy killing” old people? Furthermore, his association stories are simply not believable. In other words, he has looked us straight in the eye and lied to us. The man has neither ethics nor morality.
And, I am not happy with McCain. I don’t agree with his position on several issues, including immigration and global warming.
I live in a red state. The electoral votes will go to McCain anyhow. Therefore, I believe I can write in a candidate who I do like without handing the state over to Obama, or voting for someone who thumbs his nose at conservatives as McCain is doing.
Comment by dianne — 06.10.08 @ 4:36 pm
Barber on a Obama presidency…
Popular blogger La Shawn Barber has tried to move away from political blogging on her “Corner,” but today she said she had to “alleviate the growing pressure inside [her] head” about Barack Obama’s candidacy, and she doesn’t mince words…
Trackback by WorldMagBlog — 06.10.08 @ 4:40 pm
Whatever you may say about the unattractive attributes of both candidates, it is very clear that their judicial appointments (not just Supreme Court appointments) will be significantly different. This is the driving force for me because those judges will continue to impact our nation for an entire generation after the Obama or McCain administration is gone.
This election will be close. Any vote for anyone but Obama or McCain will have the net effect of aiding the eventual winner. Choose carefully what you do, because the ramifications will be long term and inescapable.
Comment by Craig — 06.10.08 @ 5:00 pm
As for the 3rd-party vote - been there, done that. I was one of the chuckleheads who voted for Anderson - what a waste of a vote.
OTOH, that was the election that brought in Reagan, so maybe it was a good vote.
Comment by Linda F — 06.10.08 @ 5:02 pm
Are African Americans in 2008 supposed to jump for joy because a black man has gotten a major party nomination for President? La Shawn Barber isn’t jumping. It’s silly anyway to talk about–this whole “racial pride” thing.
Pingback by Significant Pursuit by Renaissance Guy — 06.10.08 @ 5:06 pm
It’s good see your thoughts on a political post LB. I’ve missed it!
I will be voting for Barack Obama.
Comment by Tiffany In Houston — 06.10.08 @ 5:24 pm
I am voting for McCain, but only because Ron Paul failed to win the nomination.
Comment by John — 06.10.08 @ 5:27 pm
McCain may be less than ideal, but compared to Obama–it’s not even close. I’m voting McCain, because I like my chances with justices, my wallet, and national defense better with him than that racially divise Marxist Obama.
Comment by Michele — 06.10.08 @ 7:33 pm
I’m of the “nose-holder” group who will with reluctant feet walk into the voting booth and with trembling hand pull the lever for McCain.
How, tell me how, did we get to this point? It is absolutely frightening.
God’s blessing on all of us.
Comment by Shirley Buxton — 06.10.08 @ 7:57 pm
Set your watches back. It’s Jimmy Carter time. Have people already forgotten about the Iranian Hostage Crisis (1980)? ….And, the stakes are so much higher now!
I think it’s tragic that he wants to open up diplomacy with Iran, Pakistan etc…
What is that saying about how making friends with somebody, doesn’t lessen the threat at all? Making them like you is not protection against your enemies.
We are better off if our enemies, rogue nations, fear us. Peace through strength, is what you want, but I’m afraid that’s going to be a lost idea under this guy.
Comment by Glamchild — 06.10.08 @ 8:35 pm
I haven’t decided who I am voting for either, but like you, I can’t NOT vote. It would be irresponsible as a black woman not to when so many fought and even died for me to have that right.
In regard to the “Dope of Hope,” my latest blog post says it best. Glad to know my opinions are shared by others:
“I’m probably among the few black people who could not care less about Barack Obama’s “historic” achievement. News pundits and others are falling all over themselves to show how this proves we have finally moved beyond America’s racist past.
I would surmise that we moved past it years—even decades—ago, and this supposed “historic” achievement is merely the by-product, not the proof.
I had a white friend send me a picture of the Obamas on their recent victory night, with a quote from Martin Luther King’s truly historic I Have A Dream speech: “…that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
That quote doesn’t ring true for this moment—aside from Obama’s soaring rhetoric, the only other reason this is being lauded as “historic” is because of the color of his skin. No one would be batting an eyelash if it were otherwise.
When the first black president is elected–whether it’s Obama or some politician in the future, it’s only a matter of time–and we simply applaud and get on with our lives and not wax ad nauseam about making history, that will surely be an historic moment.
Black people make history all the time—we just need to own it and live it, and not depend on more token symbolism to confirm it.”
Comment by Jennifer — 06.10.08 @ 8:52 pm
I’m a Republican and I won’t be voting for Obama. I live in Illinois, which will go overwhelmingly for him. I’ll probably vote for McCain. But since that vote will almost certainly be wasted, I might just vote for some real oddball candidate or write in Fred Thompson if we get that option.
Comment by Jim C. — 06.10.08 @ 9:26 pm
Good Stuff Tuesday…
Below is a very short list of some blog posts I’ve read tonight. I haven’t published a ‘Good Stuff’ post in awhile, so here goes:Brace Yourself from La Shawn Barber. Depressing. Not La Shawn but the ……
Trackback by 123beta — 06.10.08 @ 10:23 pm
Oh, La Shawn, I am just sickened thinking about our two main choices this year. I do not know who I am voting for, but I know I am not voting for either one of *them*. Maybe the Constitution Party?? It is beyond discouraging.
Comment by kassilou — 06.11.08 @ 1:08 am
Two new conservatives not voting for McCain: Christine DeLay and LaShawn Barber.
Pingback by We’ll Always Have AOL — 06.11.08 @ 1:25 am
I have to hold my nose and vote for McCain. My parents greatly admire his wartime service and fortitude, which I agree with, but I don’t think that overcomes open borders, McCain/Feingold, and global B.S. warming. How can he believe in open borders and strong national security at the same time? They cancel each other out.
Obama frightens me, and not because of his race. You can consider him as much white as black, regardless of his disdain for the white side of his family, the side that raised him when his father and stepfather abandoned him. That’s gratitude for you!
He’s clearly a racist given the company he’s kept for the past 20 years - Wright, Ayers,etc. He purposely didn’t vote on many issues in his home state so as not to leave a record behind, and he’s built up some weird messianic cult around himself. Not to mention his ‘charming’ wife.
At least McCain is somewhat fiscally conservative, voting against pork, and can be relied upon to stand up to terrorists. Hopefully, he would also appoint fairly conservative judges. He’s just less of a risk than Obama.
And McCain may win. I know of several Dems who can’t stand Obama and will be voting for McCain. I’m hoping there’s a lot more just like them.
It’s disappointing that we don’t have a better choice, I was originally a FredHead and when that didn’t work out, I was for Romney, a good, strong family man with some business sense.
But the reality is, if you don’t vote for McCain, you hand the presidency to Obama. We have a 2-party system and that’s how it works. All 3rd party candidates do is trash the hopes of one of the party candidates.
And if Obama is president, and Congress is Dems and RINOs (which looks likely), we’ll be taxed back into the stone age and be plunged into a world of socialism.
It’s what we have here in CO, where we have Dems at the state level across the board - higher taxes, expansion of socialist programs, lots of nanny laws, the taking of private property, etc.
I’m with you LaShawn, I can see the writing on the wall but hold out hope that we don’t go down that path.
McCain will be a one-term president. Maybe he can hold down the fort so that we get someone like Michael Steele or Bobby Jindal the next time around. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Comment by Lorraine — 06.11.08 @ 1:48 am
As an embittered G*d-and-guns-clinging typical white person I have decided to stand in the way of history. He Whose Middle Name Must Not Be Mentioned will not be getting my vote. This Messiah shtick is getting really old - not to mention creepy.
However, I am voting for McCain knowing that his chances of winning in November are remote at best. He is far more likely to end up on the short end of a historic landslide, although a 57-state sweep is probably not in the cards. In any election between a Democrat and a Democrat-Lite, the former usually wins easily, This is something that McCain does not seem to realize.
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi — 06.11.08 @ 3:12 am
I am a South African living in South Africa.
However, my family and I lived in Columbus, Ohio for two years (1999-2000).
I have always been interested in U.S. history and politics.
I think the U.S. is in its most precarious political position ever, since to me McCain is a wolf in sheeps clothing (Democrat in Republican garb) and Obama is almost as close as Ahmadinejad as the devil’s earthly representative.
I see that some are thinking of a write-in vote. Have you considered the Constitution Party, with Chuck Baldwin as their candidate? He is as conservative as they come, believe in upholding and defending your constitution and is a real Christian.
Just a thought.
Comment by William Dicks — 06.11.08 @ 5:11 am
Well, praise be that I do not have to make that decision, seeing as I’m not American.
Having said that, if I were a citizen of the USA, I’d hold my nose and vote for McCain.*
*Unless, and only unless, Obama manages to get Thomas Sowell as his running mate, and switches over to Prof Sowell’s policies. At which point, McCain can go torpedo himself.
Comment by Gregory Kong — 06.11.08 @ 5:57 am
I will be also holding my nose and voting for McCain. The main reason, JUDGES! How you can be a social conservative and vote otherwise is beyond me. Am I 100% convinced that McCain will appoint judges like Scalia, no, but I don’t believe he will appoint ACLU-type judges either. Obama will appoint judges like former ACLU lawyer Ginsburg. I’m pretty sure that he has already said so.
This point cannot be hammered home enough.
Of course there is the war against radical Islam and our economy.
The US Comptroller is screaming from the roof tops that we are slowly collapsing under the weight of our social programs (no ones listening) and liberals want to add to that by having socialized medicine. People talk about how low the president’s approval ratings are. Well, congresses are much lower. Yet, people are just clammoring to have them take over their healthcare. How scary is that? Why people don’t realize how badly government bureaucrats (sp) would screw up our healthcare system is beyond me. One of the reasons healthcare is so expensive is because of government interference. The government has taken competition out of health insurance. You should be able to shop for health insurance like you do car insurance. Another reason why health insurance is so expensive is because of the rise of mostly preventable diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
There are many other reasons, but letting our incompetent government take it over is NOT the answer.
Don’t forget that it won’t be free either. Our taxes will go way up. You will pay. A higher tax here, a higher tax there. Don’t buy the “I’ll raise taxes on the rich” line. The middle class will get hit too. Do some research on your own to see how well it works in other countries. It’s not all sunshine and roses like Michael Moore wants you to believe.
Who was it that asked, “Where will the Canadians go for treatment if the United States has socialized medicine?”
We will rue the day the government takes over healthcare.
Comment by BubbaJ — 06.11.08 @ 8:36 am
You are so right Linda F. Any one else voting for Bob Barr and Ron Paul will be wasting their vote. The bottom line is the electoral college. How many votes do you think they will get? John Anderson, Ross Perot, and Ralph Nader were all Third Party candidates. They received zero electoral college votes.
The end result of a stewardship vote that results in 2008 Third party candidate will be an Obama presidency. Third Party candidacy votes will come from Republicans as did Perot’s votes.
Now think of a naive President Obama dealing with the Middle East for four years. Think about him over our country period. Do not help to give us an Obama presidency by voting for a third party candidate.
Comment by Bev — 06.11.08 @ 9:04 am
Well, I’ll just stream of thought this one.
Because I don’t know who I’ll vote for. I’m pretty lost. I believe him when he says he’s a Christian. So what if his parents are atheists? - a Christian can come from any background; that’s the beauty of it. He’s def a good speaker. I find the emphasis of his middle name offensive, because it’s usually done to incite hate against him, which is unnecessary. His positions on some issues are enough to inspire doubt about voting for the man, there is no need to tap into irrational fears about a name that he could not help being given to him. I don’t like that he is “pro choice”. I don’t know about his more socialist ideas. I do think he’d make a decent leader. People are so unhappy about the war and the state of the economy, etc, that I don’t think they want another Rep pres right now. So I think you are right, Obama is most likely going to win. I don’t know, however, whether I want to vote for Obama or McCain. I don’t feel I know enough about either man.
Comment by Lucy — 06.11.08 @ 11:07 am
I wouldn’t expect a sensible vote from the folks who have re-elected a war murderer in office. Keep holding your noses and keep using reproductive choice as an excuse to continue voting for candidates who are dragging America into the pits of recession and international murders. Our soldiers are dying in a war not worth fighting for and our economy is going down the drain with our resources devoted to the war machine, and your claimed concern and priority is unborn babies. Lawd have mercy! What about the living!! God willing, you will be laughed at 20 years from now as the dinosaurs and hypocrites that you are.
Comment by Jess — 06.11.08 @ 11:57 am
The problem with the election is that people have their own idea of the “perfect” candidate that they want to support. I am an African-American male (47 years old) and I was tempted to support Hilary Clinton because of her name recognition, obvious edge in experience, and command of the issues. I remember her attempting to push through national health care reform (albeit unsuccessfully)and I was struck by her intelligence (after testifying to a congressional committee) and while I didn’t think of her back then as a presidential candidate, it wouldn’t have been a stretch to vote for her. But after seeing what she has morphed into - a lying, bombastic clone of her husband, I would not vote for her as a dog catcher. The way that she tried to ridicule Obama throughout the race offends me as a Black man, becuase it is systematic of how white people think of us. I like Obama primarily because he appealed to my sense of change and is more believable than the other candidates. If Mario Cuomo had actually run in 1992, I would have voted for him, becuase he represented a different type of politician, one who is not afraid to articulate what it really going on with America, and what needs to change in order for my daughter to live a fruitful life. McCain is preferred by Democrats becuase they are mad because either there is no white man or white woman that they can support, not that they think that he can really change anything. If Obama wins and does not do what he has promised, he is definitely fair game for criticism. But my “racial pride” comes second to what is needed to help this country prosper economically and otherwise.
Comment by Robert Tatum — 06.11.08 @ 12:30 pm
Last week Ann Coulter’s article was “How Obama was Selected, not Elected.”
She wrote:
“Under the Constitution that has led to the greatest individual liberty, prosperity and security ever known to mankind, Americans have no constitutional right to vote for president, at all…Americans certainly have no right to demand that their vote prevail over the electors’ vote…The Constitution states that electors from each state are to choose the president, and it is up to state legislatures to determine how those electors are selected. It is only by happenstance that most states use a popular vote to choose their electors…When you vote for president this fall, you will not be voting for Barack Obama or John McCain; you will be voting for an elector who pledges to cast his vote for Obama or McCain.”~Ann Coulter
Shouldn’t we then be paying more attention to how our state chooses it’s electors and how those electors are pledging to cast their vote?
Comment by Margaret — 06.11.08 @ 1:43 pm
Sin is sin. I’m anti-abortion, and voted republican since 1990 but I’m also anti this made-up Iraqi war that killed over 1-million Iragis and 4000 american lives. Go Obama! Hopefully he can begin to clean up the mess Bush/Cheney left our nation in. And yes….I will be very proud of him being the first black president. i’ve had enough of the neo-con’s world viewpoint.
Comment by hr — 06.11.08 @ 2:12 pm
I am still hoping McCain will trip and fall, so I can vote for Congressman Ron Paul.
Comment by Valerie — 06.11.08 @ 2:25 pm
I would like to make a real argument for not voting.
We don’t live in a democracy any more; we have the form without the substance. The real issues in this county we have no say in. Globalization, immigration, abortion, race, education, and so on; these are the real issues, and not only do we have no say in them, but we are not even allowed to talk about them. It’s true that McCain is against abortion but so what, the Supreme Court said years ago that they had discovered a new right in our Constitution, that for two hundred years no one else had noticed before, that made abortion legalized through out the country. The will of the people mean nothing, it’s an allusion. You know what, voting just provides these people cover while making the rest of us think we’re participating, and really have a say in the events that effect our lives.
There is no way to do good by participating in a corrupt process. Sometimes the best you can do is walk away with your head held high, and say “I’ll take no part in this”. It took me a long time to get to this point, I have never, not voted before. However, I may never vote again. I am 61 years old and I don’t except to ever see a time when democracy means that we the people actually have a say in the important issues of the day.
Sincerely, Dale
Comment by Dae Jackson — 06.11.08 @ 3:16 pm
Reply to comment #46 “…And if Obama is president, and Congress is Dems and RINOs (which looks likely), we’ll be taxed back into the stone age…”
Question: Can we actually be taxed more than we are now?
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
Capital Gains Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Sales Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
Comment by Margaret — 06.11.08 @ 3:39 pm
McCain is not my first choice. However, he is a lot less scary to me than Obama.
Comment by arabellafigg — 06.11.08 @ 4:10 pm
Valerie:
you made a rhyme!:-)
Comment by SharonB — 06.11.08 @ 5:15 pm
Sadly I am in agreement with Dale (comment #59). I don’t care anymore because regardless of the victor this coming November, no real desirable change is going to happen. What qualifies as “real change” for me? I think if these 5 changes were to take place we might see some measureable progress on a variety of issues. This is my wish list:
1. A viable 3rd party - Independents, Democrats and Republicans that veer more toward the center could find a home. Plus, this would break the death-grip both parties have on the country.
2. Term limits for the Congress. The POTUS is restricted to 2 terms. Why not senators and representatives?
3. End the practice of earmarks. Now!
4. Line item veto for the president. The executive officer should be the last line of accountability. No more excuses of “Well, the Congress…this or that.”
5. No more new laws on Immigration. How about just enforcing what is already on the books?
If either candidate would stand up and propose 3 out these 5 ideas I might take them seriously. Until then, no.
Our country has arrived at its present state in incremental steps. The analogy that I like to use is the “dirty house analogy.” A house doesn’t get dirty overnight, no, it takes time. If you don’t pick up the clutter, don’t keep up the maintenance cleaning, ignore the spring deep cleaning, your house will become filthy over time. Such is the state of governance in our country.
If you think that it arrived to this point in the last 8 Bush years, in my opinion you are part of the problem. If you think that one person or party is the answer to our problems, again, I think you are part of the problem. If you think your ideology is suprior to the other, I think you are part of the problem.
I don’t forsee any reason for optimism on this particular issue so I will forego my privilege of voting.
Comment by Israel — 06.11.08 @ 5:52 pm
Neither candidate lines up with me on pro-life, illegal immigration, no more taxes, etc. So I’m voting for the one thing left that’s closest to my heart: who will be the better Commander in Chief of my son? It’s McCain, without question.
Comment by MamaTod — 06.11.08 @ 11:02 pm
Question: Can we actually be taxed more than we are now?
You’re right. We’re currently at the absolute limit of taxation. There’s no way anyone could think to tax us anymore than we already are.
??????
Europeans are taxed at over 60% of their income. Get real, Margaret.
Comment by Amy K. — 06.11.08 @ 11:55 pm
i understand your dillema lashawn. i’m the lone supporter of the republican party in my entire community.
unfortunately, my fellow blacks , even those who profess Christ all year long, will turn out and support satan on election days. we were proud of the most vile president who ever lived, bill clinton, some even called him the “first black president” ,which was an insult to me each time i heard that. and now we have an even greater evil to cheer on , barak hussein obama. an articulate ,silver tongued ,child of satan. i feel no sense of pride that obama is the first black to be the nominee of one of the major parties. i consider this advocate of child murder to be a greater evil than the likes of clinton, kerry, or kennedy.
however, i am not at all enthused with the republican nominee either. this year i feel as if there are two democrats running for president. when i consider:
mccain/feingold the attempt to take away the voice of grass roots organizations
mccain/kennedy, the great amnesty give away, which i expect will be revisted no matter who wins.
the so called “gang of fourteen” led by mccain and s.c.’s own democrat in disguise, lindsey graham ,who effectively ensured that conservative judges will continue to be blocked.
mccain’s opposition to a federal amendment defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman.
and the statement that mccain made during his 2000 presidential bid that was something to the effect that he thought evangelicals had too much influence in the republican party. there is no way that i can possibly vote for this democrat(and i’m talking about mccain) he often boasts of “crossing the aisles” to work with democrats. each time this liberal “crossed the aisles” we conservatives were betrayed. he cossed the aisles to craft an amnesty for ILLEGAL immigrants with ted kennedy. he and 7 other liberal republicans “crossed the aisle to join with 7 liberal democrats to form the so called gang of fourteen , the result of that alliance has been that conservatice judicial appointments are still denied an up or down vote. he “crossed the aisles to join with feingold in a veiled attempt at silencing Christians, and the ultra rich mccain was one of few republicans ( two i think, i may be wrong) that opposed the bush tax cuts. so when i cast my vote for Bob Barr, Alan Keyes, mickey mouse , donald duck, or bugs bunny, i’ll have no regrets regardless of the outcome of the election.
there is no way i can support obama, the advocate for child murder, the promoter of perversion, the friend of terrorists, the racist, the enemy of America. but, given mccain’s record neither can i vote for him. and it doesn’t matter that many will call my vote a wasted one, i will be satisfied with my actions. the problem with politics in America is that We the People have failed, have refused to hold those we elect accountable for their actions, and as long as we continue to settle for the “lesser of two evils” people like mccain and graham will continue to “cross the aisles” to betray those that put them in power. and should barak hussein obama win the election because i voted for a third party or write in candidate, i will have no regrets concerning my vote. i will place the blame squarely where it belongs. on a lukewarm republican party that chose a democrat(and i’m talking about john mccain) to represent their party. i’m quite tired of electing republicans so that they can act like democrats.
Comment by mark linen — 06.12.08 @ 1:56 am
Emphasis on his middle name is for what purpose? As not to confuse him with whom exactly? He got to choose his middle name, just like he got a chance to choose his skin color? Explain please the need for people harping on his name? Are children choosing their names these days?
Stay blessed!
Comment by Tish — 06.12.08 @ 8:17 am
In response to comment #65 by Amy K
Just because other countries pay more taxes does not make the practice civilized or ethical.
Dr. Tibor Machan at Politices Resource Center writes about taxation as extortion:
“Some respond to this by noting that in other countries taxation is much higher. Sure, because they are even farther from having lived up to the spirit and letter of the revolution that America experienced, namely, removing power from government and returning it to where it belongs, the individual citizens…”
“…the first step is to acknowledge, unapologetically, that the institution of taxation is not a civilized but a barbaric method to fund anything, because it amounts to nothing less than outright extortion, a gross violation of human liberty.
Comment by Margaret — 06.13.08 @ 1:45 am
Just because other countries pay more taxes does not make the practice civilized or ethical.
So you were just writing a post criticizing taxes in general, not actually responding to the fact that Obama will increase taxation.
Good to know.
Comment by Amy K. — 06.13.08 @ 2:25 am
As posted elsewhere, this is the ‘Election of Lowered Expectations’. Someone above mentioned Bob Barr. A good man, but those of us who lived through the Perot candidacy remember that he enabled Clinton to get in.
We get caught up in all of this, but please remember:
God is in charge, and He directs what happens in this world. Pray that He will raise up strong leaders. I’ve joked that He may give us the President we deserve instead of showing Mercy.
Comment by Doug — 06.13.08 @ 10:40 am
I’m from Chicago, and he’s typical of this place, which is why he won’t get my vote.
Comment by mj — 06.13.08 @ 4:21 pm
I was referring to Obama–I forgot to mention that
Comment by mj — 06.13.08 @ 4:22 pm
At this point, I see no Presidential candidate I desire my vote to be associated with. So for now my plan is to “write in” Duncan Hunter, the only major candidate I really liked. And vote for the other races on my ballot based on the options, but may do some “writing in” in other races too, it depends.
All I know now is that I don’t like and won’t vote for McCain, Obama, Barr (likely Libertarian candidate), McKinney (or whatever the Greens toss up), or Baldwin (Constitution Party candidate). So for President at the moment I’m stuck with having to exercise the write-in option and writing in someone who is not even running.
Comment by IndependentConservative — 06.13.08 @ 6:13 pm
Well, I WAS going to vote for Ron Paul until two things happened. I found out about how he feels about Israel, but wanted to wait and see if that would change, but then, he up and abandoned us all leaving us with two evils on the ballot, neither of which is lesser of an evil than the other. I’m glad I found your site, I added you to my links list.
Comment by Melissa's Cozy Teacup — 06.14.08 @ 11:51 am
Explain please the need for people harping on his name?
Perhaps for the same reason folks use to mock Richard Milhous Nixon’s middle name. Making fun of a candidate’s name is a time-honored political tradition, and it seems odd to object now.
In fact, one of the creepy things about some supporters of He Whose Middle Name Must Not Be Mentioned is their willingness to accuse those who mock His middle name of racism/religious bigotry (they cannot seem to make up their mind which). Given the Democrat Party’s support for fascist measures such as the Fairness Doctrine, it’s not safe to assume that this outrage over playing with the name “Hussein” is entirely harmless.
I lived and worked for a number of years in east Africa (where my wife is from). Many African countries have laws making it a crime to “insult” the government. My favorite is the one that criminalizes naming pets and barnyard animals after the President of the country. These laws are sold to Africans as a way to make political campaigns “clean”. When I listen to our media decry “mudslinging” and call for “bipartisanship”, I am reminded of the anti-pet name law.
Making fun of “Milhous” or “Hussein” may be weak politics, but at least it is an indicator that PC has not devoured all free speech.
Comment by Mwalimu Daudi — 06.14.08 @ 2:32 pm
I’m Black and voting for McCain this election. However, I have a few questions:
1) What’s the purpose of saying Obama’s middle name over and over and over again?
2) Why are people “afraid” of him?
3) I’m not sure what McCain cheating on his wife has to do with anything. It seems to be me that most men with power and/or money cheat at some poit or another.
Comment by FlyDoc1X — 06.14.08 @ 9:15 pm
Interesting…..
Looks like this evangelical Christian author has a refreshing perspective on Obama:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0608/11099.html
Comment by hr — 06.16.08 @ 9:22 am
Good for you!
If I as a white male had said those kinds of comments, fat toadies like Sharpton and Jackson would have howled “racism!” since they have no other rational defense to base thier “logic” on… and once again they’d've been WRONG.
Once again, I find myself faced with voting for the lesser of the evils. Having one party controlling both congress and the White House has me in deep concern over the lack of checks and balances and what a Socialist party agenda could do for taking us warp speed into Depression-II…
Regardless of the rhetoric, experience counts.
And yes, I agree, GB has been one HUGE disappointment. But face it, at least he’s keeping the war and other major issues OVER THERE.
But, at least my garden is still cranking out good veggies so I won’t go hungry for the time being…
I think if the current economic trend continues, you’re going to see alot of the old “victory gardens” coming back…pity the folks in the cities…
…and the beat goes on…
Comment by Don — 06.18.08 @ 7:33 am
I will hold my nose and vote for McCain - I don’t trust him — but at least I know not to trust him. As to Obama, what I know about him is enough to keep me from every considering him acceptable as POTUS.
What scares me about Obama — not Obama the man, but Obama the myth and the glazed eyes, disengaged brains of the followers of this faux messiah. It scares me very much becuase I ask — is this the anti-Christ? That so many don’t even question his credentials, his positions, his beliefs — they just see his black skin and go gah gah over how great it is that the US would elect a black man. Thank you very much — but I am saving my pride in America when it is Michael Steele and not this otherwise unaccomplished baby killer.
Comment by Judy T. — 06.18.08 @ 4:03 pm
As a black person, I have voted conservatively in every election going back to Bush senior in 1988. Because Republicans have been the pro-life party, appointed conservative justices, and at least paid lip service to things like morality, religion, and the goodness of America, they have gotten my vote.
Nor do I think Bush was a bad president in many areas. Our current economic woes are in fact due to trying to make corrections after the Clinton dot.com bubble.
However, we are in a world of difficulty in many areas and Republicans have a tendency to tinker instead of coming up with bold ideas. We are in need of something very different.
There are certain things this time I am willing to gamble on. I am willing to gamble that once in office, Obama will take the right course in Iraq, whatever that proves to be, and once he has more information. I am willing to gamble that if McCain was elected, abortion laws are not going to move one inch in any direction. I am also willing to gamble that someone needs to make big changes in either tax policy, healthcare, or social security and McCain does not seem to be that man.
And in a world where Iran has progressed with possible dangerous weapons despite our “not talking” and where Israel deems it wise to talk to groups like Hamas, engaging your enemies is an additional unexplored option that we don’t nearly use enough. I do want a president who will speak before he fights.
My ideal candidate was Huckabee of all people. But right now I want a candidate who will DO SOMETHING different, given that both candidates are not too high up on the “I love Jesus” meter.
Comment by Finn — 06.21.08 @ 3:28 am
Also, and in looking at the post two floors above me, I am tired of people assuming that people who support Obama are crazed or stupid or “drinking the Loolaid”. If anything, if they are Democrats, Obama is pretty much gonna be like any other Democrat in terms of overall policy plans.
Blacks vote Democrat about 95% of the time unfortunately, and a black Democrat with the exact same views as the white Democrat will get that black vote (and especially if the white candidate turns it into a racial contest or goes out of their way to suggest that the opponent is naive like a child).
As for others, the appeal of Obama consists of a candidate who has done many things differently, and promises to continue that. Most people who do support him have read some of the numerous policy positions on his website and anyone who walks around saying they are “scared” or “don’t know what he will do” are just repeating Republican stupidities.
Both candidates have been pretty outspoken in what they would like to do and you have to just pick which items mean the most to you. But many people not voting for Obama are doing so for reasons that are pretty simplistic or misguided.
Right now I just hope McCain comes up with some really solid initiatives beyond the status quo so that I can be mildly happy with either outcome.
Comment by Finn — 06.21.08 @ 3:36 am
Okay, I’m late to the party and about to step on a “third rail”.
I’m reluctantly voting for McCain. Fred Thompson was my candidate and I’m very disappointed at the way things turned out - he would have been a great President. McCain…well, McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, Gang of 14, etc., etc.
I’m conservative. I could vote for a Democrat like Zell Miller or Sam Nunn (or David Boren) but they are not available to me. McCain comes closest even though I HATE illegal alien amnesty and the quashing of free speech via McCain-Feingold.
The third rail -
I come from a long line of Democratic voters. Indeed, I’m probably the first member of my family to vote for a Republican. And its a VERY large family located in the South. Yellow-dog Democrats for the most part. I grew up handing out Democratic literature at polling places, and my Dad was a union organizer.
The reason I mention this is that there is not one family member I know of who is willing to vote for Obama. Most of them will be sitting out the election so they don’t vote for a Republican, but a number of them intend to vote for McCain.
Why. Well, some of it is admittedly racial. There are a lot of Southern rednecks in my family background who would NEVER vote for a black person, regardless of their qualifications.
On the family members who are NOT racist…Rev. Wright says it all.
My mother cried when Dr. King was assassinated - I remember.
(aside - I also remember being very confused about the King assassination. Why would anyone want to kill the King?? He was the King, after all…)
Mom is one of the nicest, non-judgmental people to walk the face of the planet, and a reliable Democratic voter in EVERY election (no sitting out local elections for her!). My parents have always lived in mixed-race neighborhoods, and there are several black women who have been among her best friends for decades.
And in November, for the first time in her life, she is voting Republican, for McCain.
On Obama when I asked her - “I just don’t trust him. Look at his preacher!” Then the discussion of Chicago politics, Tony Rezko - and she was totally unaware of Obama’s ties to Auichi and Ayers.
Trust me, this is a most difficult decision for her, and she feels a certain amount of guilt over it. But she honestly thinks that Obama is bad for the country. How many other Democrats out there are like her?
Now the next thing, the so-called “Bradley Effect”. How many people will say that they are voting (or willing to vote) for Obama due to the fact that they don’t want to be considered racist? If you look at the primary exit polls it appears that the Bradley effect is pretty strong. It will probably be stronger as the general election season progresses, since Obama is pushing the “they think I’m a scary black man” meme.
Please.
I would be more than happy to pull the lever for a Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice, JC Watts, Thomas Sowell, or Michael Steele. But there is NWIH that I will vote for Obama, as much as I dislike McCain. The behavior among his acolytes is reprehensible (look at their caucus behavior in Texas). And he’s a SOCIALIST. Or, at the very least, a naive Marxist. Plus being entirely unqualified to be President - two years in the Senate? Voting “present” on most of the controversial bills presented in the state legislature where he originally served? The reprehensible conduct towards his past political opponents??
Shame…I’m independent, so the Dems could have conceivably had my vote by nominating someone who had something in the way of conservative values, especially since McCain only pays lip-service to them.
Comment by ElvenPhoenix — 06.23.08 @ 1:38 am