POLITICAL/ELECTION RANT

The Democratic Convention is here and for the next three days, there will be extensive coverage. Soon, McCain will chose his vice presidential running mate and the Republicans will have their three days of media circus time. And let the mudslinging begin . . .

On election years, the 8 to 10 weeks from now until election day, seems to go on forever. The phone calls, the commercials, the entire news coverage will be on the candidates: local, state and national. I remember paying closer attention to this when I was younger. We all get set in our ways and attitudes, and not much will be different for my vote this time. I am, nor no longer will be, "on the fence".

The younger generation always looks at elections in a more positive way than I do. They look at everything, hear what the candidates are saying, and have more of an open mind. They are still finding their way in this world, and many of them are experiencing things for the first time in their young adult lives.

The main reason, but not the only reason, I chose a candidate is based whether they are Pro Life or Pro Choice. I look at this first because of my life experiences. No one can take these away from me, nor my opinion, and I know many people do not agree with my stand.

However, as much as I believe in the Pro Life stance (for human babies), I also believe in a Pro Life stance when it comes to the ecology of this world. I do not believe in senseless killing of animals, nor do I believe in capital punishment. I do not believe in euthanasia or genocide either.

My beliefs cross over the Democratic and Republican lines. One is Pro Life and one is Pro Choice when it comes to babies. One party cares more about the carbon footprint of humans; one party cares more about the genocide in Darfur. One cares more about helping the senior citizens of this country; one cares more of helping the poor dispose of unwanted pregnancies. It's difficult to keep up with all the world issues, assess which are true and which are biased journalism, then vote accordingly.

There never was, nor ever will be the perfect candidate, for any of us. The day after Election Day, there will probably be a large percentage of the people of this country disappointed, as there always is. After the inauguration in January, we have to watch carefully and speak our minds. We shouldn't do this with the help of some of the biased media, but should think first of our own life, education and morals. No one else should be able to tell us whom to vote for in the election.

God tries to help us understand, but is often misquoted in his words "an eye for an eye". First, if a burglar broke into your home and stole your television set, this saying would simply mean he gives it back and all is well. That can't be right. If you run through a red light and end up hitting a car in cross traffic, would it make sense for your victim to redo it with him hitting your car?

Second, this passage is taken completely out of context. In our hurried life, we read what we want to read. These words are further explanation of the Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Until the world agrees with using the Ten Commandments in daily life, and not ripping them off the walls of state buildings, they can not be hypocritical and use them to support their reason for capital punishment. The same scripture text also tells a man how to take care of their slaves. We are more civilized than this now, some 4,000 years later, aren't we???

I no longer have the patience for hearing the half assed reasons and campaign promises we are all about to endure. Nor do I want to hear comparisons to Abe Lincoln, JFK or Ronald Reagan. Let them be your examples, but do not tell me you are like them. If you were, we would ALL be voting for the same candidate. I don't care what the polls say either. They are as accurate as a weather forecast.

Quit promising me that you are going to change shit in Washington. No one can do that, unless you have the majority support of both the House and the Senate. Good luck with that one. All previous presidents are laughing at that statement, because they couldn't change shit either. The congressmen/women and senators are laughing even louder! You will not be able to lower gas prices, you will not be able to give $1000 tax credit to all families, and you will not be able to give everyone a job. Gas prices are not controlled by the Executive Branch. Family units, in this country, have yet to be defined. Not everyone wants a job - some like doing nothing, quite frankly. You will not be able to stop the war. You will not be able to wipe your ass without approval from the House Speaker.

If you are registered to vote, get out there November 4th , no matter whom your vote goes to, it would be nice to see that the people of this country actually care about their right to vote. If you're not sure what the issues are or need help with registering, visit the "League of Women Voters" web site. They are a nonpartisan group that will help with all of these, including staying informed as election day gets closer. If you are not registered to vote, please keep the pie hole closed.