Yesterday afternoon, I went to see Barrack Obama at Key Arena (Sonics stadium). I always enjoy being a part of "history" in the making, so I thought it'd be fun.
Besides, I love being the only conservative in a crowd of thousands of liberals. (seriously, I should have a therapist analyze that...)
Unfortunately, he packed the house way before I got there, so I stood outside of the arena with several thousand other people and listened to his speech over loudspeakers.
Now, I have to admit - I like Barrack Obama. There really is something about him that I admire. He just seems to be a guy that would really be enjoyable to sit and talk with over a cup of coffee. Truly, I would love to see the next President have a personality like him (at least my perception of his personality).
And with McCain leading the way for the Republicans, I had actually begun to consider voting for Obama (maybe this liberal town is really getting to me??!!).
I thought of voting for him, that is, until I listened to his speech. Finally, I heard a candidate say what they really thought about the issues. They spend so much time during the race (at least what the media reports) saying absolutely nothing that you never really know what or who you're voting for. I guess in a safe, friendly crowd, he felt more free to speak his mind. As the speech wore on, I became more and more convinced of my conservative values - and his liberal policies.
Now, I still like the guy (I would never turn down an invitation for a cup of coffee), and I think he wants to do good things for this country, but we just have different opinions. For example, he wants to raise the minimum wage or provide health care for everyone. Brilliant! I love his concern for people that struggle every day to get by. I just don't think his policies are the way to do it.
Barrack actually said these words yesterday, "I am a capitalist." Please, tell me why any presidential candidate of the United States has to affirm the fact that they are a capitalist? I guess only if you fear people may think your policies are bordering on socialism. Sometimes, I hate being a ruthless, greedy, money-hoarding capitalist - I would love to believe in economic equality, but I just don't think it's a better system.
So, when the polls open in one hour, as much as I like Barrack, he won't be getting my vote.
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4 comments:
I'm so glad you wrote all this. I needed to hear it. I trust your judgement.
Your sister sent me to your blog - because I am a big Obama supporter. I appreciate your thoughts and I am really enjoying learning more about politics this year. And, like you wrote, I have really come to understand how different Republicans and Democrats are - and that there are just really multiple ways to look at solving problems.
I'm glad to hear that you made your choice based on a full range of policies, rather than just two issues, as it seems so many Christians do.
While I respect your concerns about socialism, from what I've read and learned about Obama, I don't think his policies are so far left to be considered socialist. I think they seem so far left because we have been so far right for the past 8 years. I agree with Obama that our country is not in a good state right now, and so some major changes do need to take place.
I just can't get into the current conservative policies of bigger military, gun owner rights, and what Huckabee calls "US sovereignty", which to me is too close to ethnocentrism, which I do not want my kids to grow up in. I also haven't found any Republicans offering any concrete ways they are going to help our economy or our foreign policy - aside from bigger tax cuts (which hasn't seeed to work) and creating a bigger miliatary (which Huckabee said today "will let others know we are too big to mess with").
I'd love to hear on your blog about the types of policies or anenues you think might help those who need it - we've had some great discussions lately with our Christian friends about this issue - historically conservatives feeling that churches are better equipped to serve the poor than the government is, but it seems many Christians are starting to wonder or even believe that government could be a way to help us take care of the poor.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on politics - I love it...it's hard to find Christians really interested in politics and giving them a good look. The last thing I will say about Obama is I am so impressed with his strong faith and how he has been unashamed to share his faith and really tries to live out Christ's principles - I believe Jesus was the strongest progressive, if not radical, of his time.
Jodi Simons Mulder
Troy - love it how open you are with all your thoughts. It's very refreshing!! :)
What a great experience heading to a political rally. Definitely something everyone should do in his/her lifetime. The synergy can be amazing!
Anyway, I echo some of Jodi's thoughts regarding the BIG TWO issues, and that is coming from someone who worked for over a year at Right to Life of Michigan! When I think about the "moral" issues of politics, there are ways that government can and should influence access, information, etc., however, ultimately those issues will be decided when people reach out and impact other people through the touch of Christ. Policies don't help a middle-income husband and wife with three kids already decide to forgo an abortion: people and the Holy Spirit do.
So that leaves me often in a bind when I think about politics and the role of religion in politics (good books out there on that one!). I absolutely, definitely believe that religion plays the absolutely role in it as a Christian, and as such, like you, I take a full look at all issues. As you rightly point out, your PHILOSOPHY on the role of government is conservative which is what is so unique in politics (do a good search on President Pierce, veto and you'll read about the tension in the role and purpose of government). I just taught this last week in my class. My dilema is that my philosophy is conversative, but my values are both. I appreciate more of the values of the democratic party (environment, stewardship - who are the ones who want a balanced budget????, campaign finance, social justice), but often disagree with the role of government as it plays out in those values. But when it comes to minimum wage, health care and things I consider basic rights, I do think many conservatives have missed the boat. It's too bad more can't combine their passion for limited government with the right type of spending/influence, vs. the traditional ways. I actually heard on Moody radio this morning a host almost, not quite, but almost advocate for some type of universal health care coverage. Unfortunately, unless the people of Christ start being the hands and feet of Christ, the statistics on those who don't have health insurance is staggering and unacceptable. Do I want it? No. As a Christian, should it be available to all? Absolutely. It just matters how.
But enough from me...curious to hear your thoughts back especially in the area you are in! What a great place to challenge your mind and articulate your thoughts! :)
You know what Troy,
As Ihave listened to Obama, I agree with you, that he is easy to listen too. But I am fearful of some of the things he says. He wants to bring the military home, which I think is a bad idea.
The media just does not tell us about the good things that has been done in Iraq.
I find myself thinking I would vote for Obama, just to keep the money grabbing, power grabbing Mrs CLINTON from getting the votes, and to become president.
She has lied, refuses to publish her tax report, and so many other things about her. But I cannot vote for a liberal--so I will have to vote for whoever gets the nomination.
God help us, if either one of them are elected.
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