The Last Conservative
Feb. 7th, 2008 05:42 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
fantastic_jackieSince Mitt Romney dropped out of the race today, I have no candidate I can fall behind. But I'm still going to be actively campaigning, and I'm still going to vote. You'll never believe who I'm voting for this year, let alone for whom I'll be volunteering.
There's also the Congress, and that's where I'll be shifting my focus.
The Presidential election is lost for me, and for the US, too: we're GOING to have a liberal democrat in office. The only question is from which party will they come.
You may count me in the, "Crush McCain" camp. Ali said, "Now you know how we feel about George Bush." No, I don't. The campaign against Bush was just "Anyone but;" I want McCain to stand absolutely no chance of winning. If we're going to have a liberal democrat in the White House, let's get one that's honest about who they are. One that doesn't attack and demonize his - or her - own base. There's more trust in the situation, and frankly, the other candidates deserve it more than he does. - Not that any of them should be POTUS.
As such, I've got a couple different options I'm playing with, and these are my choices. I will choose to vote for one of them:
A) Ron Paul
B) Write In
C) Hillary Clinton/Barak Obama (Also, fundraising/campaign volunteering)
D) The Unknown - AKA, the Third Party Candidate
Option A.
Ron Paul is the last "Conservative" left in this race. He's actually a Libertarian, and voting for him would mean putting aside a lot of my moral principals and love of the military. Because I wouldn't be voting for him for any other reason than choosing him as my candidate. If I choose to vote for him, it will only be during the Primary.
He has a lot to offer domestically. The foreign war is lost, and I don't mean the actual war. The GOP is relying on the "Anyone but Hillary" base within the party, but if Obama is the nominee, then we may as roll out the red carpet because no one can stop him; the man has charisma, vision, and motivation. As for Hillary, she's a Clinton: she's got it.
But back to Paul; assuming he had a chance to get into office (and I know he doesn't, but voting for someone implies you want them there), my purpose in voting for him would be to be as a check on excessive spendetures in the Congress and for him to be a lame duck on everything else because he wouldn't be able to pass anything with either party controlling the Congress.
Option B.
Writing in is what I want to do, but I'll only do it if I'm sure McCain is going to be thoroughly crushed. My write in would be Newt Gingrich, as he's the candidate I picked from day one. I might write in for the Primary, I might not; it depends on if I can stomach a vote for Paul.
Option C.
Yes, you read that correctly. I will be volunteering for the Democratic Party this year. I have given up hope for the next 4 years, and that is to say that I know I'll probably be extremely active politically sending letters and maybe even organizing/attending events like I have in the past. I don't think everything will change, but enough will. I'm putting my cards on a Carter/Reagan election cycle in 2012.
Taxes are going to rise: you can bet on it. Whether McCain, Clinton, or Obama, no matter what. This is going to affect the economy - negatively. Abroad, who knows, and I don't know if we'll be attacked again, either. I like to say that I have faith in the people that protect us, but it's all incumbent upon how tied their hands become. One thing's for sure, though: just because George W. Bush leaves office doesn't mean that suddenly we have no threat on our hands. The WoT doesn't end. - At least until we're forced to retreat.
So voting/campaigning for the dems is a backwards strategy, but I feel it's the only liable one that exists; I will be genuinely happy when the Dems win this year. If we're going to have a liberal in office, it should be on the party that is openly for such policies. I can and do respect Clinton and Obama as politicians; they're brilliant. McCain is a pansy. He's as Rhino as they come, and he has absolutely no respect for the Conservative principles that govern the Conservative Base of "his" party. I tell you this now: if the Republican party doesn't start shifting back to the right, I will be leaving it.
Additionally, if McCain stands the slightest chance of winning (which I doubt he will, but you never know), then I'll also vote Democrat, although living in Texas, I'm not sure how much effect that will have... ;)
Option D.
A lot of talk has popped up about a true Conservative running as a third party candidate. If such a person arises, of course dependent on who they are, I'll vote for them. I'll volunteer for them, instead, as well; spliting the Conservative vote does enough to guarantee McCain's defeat.
The last round in 2006 was about the Republican party "teaching" the GOP that we're tired of our core values being ignored. What I'm doing is not tied to petty party differences: I genuinely believe liberal principles will destroy this nation, and endorsing that destruction takes a lot of gull, especially considering how much I love the US. That being said, America is stonger than one liberal democrat in the White House. One liberal democrat in the White House will (mostly - hopefully) not affect my life too drastically: I'll still depend on myself for things. Hopefully the government's fingers won't pry too far into our lives.
As such, I've got a couple different options I'm playing with, and these are my choices. I will choose to vote for one of them:
A) Ron Paul
B) Write In
C) Hillary Clinton/Barak Obama (Also, fundraising/campaign volunteering)
D) The Unknown - AKA, the Third Party Candidate
Option A.
Ron Paul is the last "Conservative" left in this race. He's actually a Libertarian, and voting for him would mean putting aside a lot of my moral principals and love of the military. Because I wouldn't be voting for him for any other reason than choosing him as my candidate. If I choose to vote for him, it will only be during the Primary.
He has a lot to offer domestically. The foreign war is lost, and I don't mean the actual war. The GOP is relying on the "Anyone but Hillary" base within the party, but if Obama is the nominee, then we may as roll out the red carpet because no one can stop him; the man has charisma, vision, and motivation. As for Hillary, she's a Clinton: she's got it.
But back to Paul; assuming he had a chance to get into office (and I know he doesn't, but voting for someone implies you want them there), my purpose in voting for him would be to be as a check on excessive spendetures in the Congress and for him to be a lame duck on everything else because he wouldn't be able to pass anything with either party controlling the Congress.
Option B.
Writing in is what I want to do, but I'll only do it if I'm sure McCain is going to be thoroughly crushed. My write in would be Newt Gingrich, as he's the candidate I picked from day one. I might write in for the Primary, I might not; it depends on if I can stomach a vote for Paul.
Option C.
Yes, you read that correctly. I will be volunteering for the Democratic Party this year. I have given up hope for the next 4 years, and that is to say that I know I'll probably be extremely active politically sending letters and maybe even organizing/attending events like I have in the past. I don't think everything will change, but enough will. I'm putting my cards on a Carter/Reagan election cycle in 2012.
Taxes are going to rise: you can bet on it. Whether McCain, Clinton, or Obama, no matter what. This is going to affect the economy - negatively. Abroad, who knows, and I don't know if we'll be attacked again, either. I like to say that I have faith in the people that protect us, but it's all incumbent upon how tied their hands become. One thing's for sure, though: just because George W. Bush leaves office doesn't mean that suddenly we have no threat on our hands. The WoT doesn't end. - At least until we're forced to retreat.
So voting/campaigning for the dems is a backwards strategy, but I feel it's the only liable one that exists; I will be genuinely happy when the Dems win this year. If we're going to have a liberal in office, it should be on the party that is openly for such policies. I can and do respect Clinton and Obama as politicians; they're brilliant. McCain is a pansy. He's as Rhino as they come, and he has absolutely no respect for the Conservative principles that govern the Conservative Base of "his" party. I tell you this now: if the Republican party doesn't start shifting back to the right, I will be leaving it.
Additionally, if McCain stands the slightest chance of winning (which I doubt he will, but you never know), then I'll also vote Democrat, although living in Texas, I'm not sure how much effect that will have... ;)
Option D.
A lot of talk has popped up about a true Conservative running as a third party candidate. If such a person arises, of course dependent on who they are, I'll vote for them. I'll volunteer for them, instead, as well; spliting the Conservative vote does enough to guarantee McCain's defeat.
The last round in 2006 was about the Republican party "teaching" the GOP that we're tired of our core values being ignored. What I'm doing is not tied to petty party differences: I genuinely believe liberal principles will destroy this nation, and endorsing that destruction takes a lot of gull, especially considering how much I love the US. That being said, America is stonger than one liberal democrat in the White House. One liberal democrat in the White House will (mostly - hopefully) not affect my life too drastically: I'll still depend on myself for things. Hopefully the government's fingers won't pry too far into our lives.
There's also the Congress, and that's where I'll be shifting my focus.
The Presidential election is lost for me, and for the US, too: we're GOING to have a liberal democrat in office. The only question is from which party will they come.
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no subject
Date: 2008-02-08 03:18 am (UTC)Before I was old enough to understand any of that though, I just didn't have an interest or like in politics. I thought it was boring and didn't really affect me.
When I even went to register to vote, I think I picked Republican but as I learned more and more about the politicial parties and started to form my own political beliefs, I found myself to be neither a Republican, Democrat, Conserative or Liberal. I still don't fully know what to call myself but I think I'm Independent. Because all of my political beliefs don't full under any specified category...
I did read up on Socialism and Capitalism a while back and come to find out I was more of a socialist than a capitalist. I haven't finished reading up on the two yet but basically what I gathered from my reading, the books pretty much said capitalism was all about money, money, money, money while socialism was more about helping the people. Of course I could be wrong but I didn't get a chance to finish reading/studying socialism and capitalism.
Coming back on topic though which would be this year's upcoming election. As Bush's presidency started to dwindle down, I became terrified. I don't claim to be the most knowledgeable person on the planet but seeing as how our economy is suffering (and I mean big time!)
Just today I glimsped an online article that said the American dollar has weakened so much to the point that some stores are accepting foreign currency... I had no clue we were doing THAT bad! Not only that but there are currently rumors going around that we might experience another Great Depression.
Couple that with the fact that I'm absolutely mortified and terrified that America is well on its way to becoming the next Sodom and Gomarrah or Rome and well you get the idea...
To be truthfully honest, I'm still scared about what the next four years will bring. All I want is an honest and capable leader. One that will actually try to HELP rather than HINDER our country! *sighs*
Sorry about this comment... I didn't mean to get so winded but yeah...
no subject
Date: 2008-02-08 04:49 am (UTC)Socialism is not about helping people for one simple reason. No one has ever managed to create equal prosparity, so equality can only be achived by equal misery. Socialism requires elites who are above "us" in order to maintain our "equality." Captialism is about equal oprotunity, we all are offered the chance to make our own path in life.
If you want an honest president, you are stuck having to write in for your vote. Personally if I don't like my choices I plan to write in Gen Tohmmy Franks.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-08 07:04 am (UTC)Hoy! Someone mentioned a dude I'd completely (embarrassingly) forgotten about! I mean... I've heard the man speak. In person. Shook his hand. And his wife's. Took pictures with him, even. And I'd vote for him over Newt!!
JC Watts!! =D
no subject
Date: 2008-02-08 05:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-02-09 12:39 am (UTC)I understand some people are not combatative at all; they're very passive and just would rather not deal. But then you end up in a state of ignorance, left only to believe what bits and pieces you hear. And you're going to have opinions on those bits and pieces. Ignore it, sure... But then people vote, as if that makes sense after not paying attention, and... Well, the only vote that really pisses me off is an uninformed vote. Because I and millions of other citizens spend time and effort getting to know the issues of our nation only to have them cancelled out by someone who just heard this or that. Whose parents were repubs/dems before them. Whose friends say it's cool to hate GWB.
And I'm not coming down on you; not at all. I just... It doesn't compute with me that you're set to vote, but then acknowledge that you don't know the issues. Obviously, you have the right to vote. But that right has a lot of responsibility behind it; people died and are dying to protect that right, and it should never, ever be abused or treated lightly. But people never think of it that way.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-09 05:20 am (UTC)I just feel really stupid right now for even opening my mouth. I'm not necessarily uninformed though. I know bits and pieces of what's going on. To be honest, I just really don't have any faith in politics because like I said earlier: To me, it seems as though all politicians only care about getting elected and then once they get into office, they forget about the people who worked so hard to support them and get them into office.
I try to keep up with the news and I try to stay informed but nine times out of ten, I'm always hearing about this politician or that politician has done something illegal or has been caught with his pants down so to speak.
My life is definitely worth protecting and so is my country. Although I admit I'm not very patriotic. Not because I'm anti-America or anything but rather, America tends to disappoint me rather than make me proud a lot of the time.
As for GWB, let me be the first to acknowledge that I used to not like him. I was a die hard anti Bush supporter but then something changed. I ended up having a change of heart. I'm not saying he's a saint or that he's perfect but he tried to do what he thought was right.
He made a few mistakes and there were a few things he did that I didn't agree with but I wasn't spewing venom at him left and right like the rest of America.
Basically it all comes down to this: Ever since I opened my mouth about this particular topic, I've felt stupid.
I still think the presidental election will be between Obama and Clinton though. Right now I'm not paying attention to the debates. When it's officially declared who will be elected to represent each party is when I'm going to start doing my homework.
I'm not so apathetic and uncaring as to just vote for anyone. And no I'm not coming down on you or being defensive either. In fact, I'm seriously thinking about deleting the other comments I made (as well as this one). I'm not one for conflict and I think that's basically what I've done: started conflict when I should have just kept quiet.
So on that note, if I have indeed started trouble or confusion, I apologize.
no subject
Date: 2008-02-08 06:58 am (UTC)Capitalism is about self responsibility and self reliabilty. It's put in the context of money because that's the piece of power we all have, but capitalism has much, much more to it than just money. And no, you can't blame it all on the government, nor is the government going to fix it for you. Socialism is about government dependence and keeping everyone down at the same level. Equal misery ensures equality for all on a substandard basis with no chance for ever moving up and on. And here's a secret: out of all the times it's been tried, it has NEVER succeeded.
As for the economy, *raises hand* I'm in the business. I'm by no means an expert, but we don't know a thing, and anyone who claims to know we're even in a recession, let alone depression is a sicko playing on your fears. Those rumors you're hearing? It's called hype: do you actually trust your weatherman? I mean, maybe it's because I live in Texas, but they're ALWAYS wrong. Some things they get right, but they're also repeatedly wrong! And how much do you actually care about Britany Spears' custody battle, anyway? The economy is a story the media wants to grab onto as it starts to decline. Starts. Because the past... 5 years, approximately, we've seen record growth and expansion. Record unemployment lows. Because of the tax cuts President Bush and the Republicans passed. The tax cuts the liberal democrats fought against and want to repeal.
Which, don't even go into the whole "Tax cuts for the rich!!" bit: the top 1% pays for over THIRTY-NINE PERCENT of the nation's taxes! The top 25% pays for EIGHTY-SEVEN PERCENT of the nation's taxes! And these numbers are UP since Bush took office.
So hype? Don't pay attention to it. Don't even give it a passing thought. The media wants you frenzied, and the democrats want you hopeless so that you'll reach out to them as a victim who needs saving. Conservatives, yeah, we're black and white. We look at the cold, hard facts and we make decisions based on logic rather than feeling - because we feel in our hearts it will lead to better outcomes.
Why is the economy going down? Lots of reasons, including the simple fact that *GASP!* the market goes down. It's called an adjustment, and we're long due. (See: record growth and expansion) For anyone to say that this is the next Great Depression, they're, quite frankly, idiots! They don't know anything more than anyone else; we don't even know if we're in a recession! They're hoping for the market to crash - which it hasn't! contrary to what the news may tell you - because then they'd be right! If their wrong, well... "Well, the market is always unpredictable, and this is a pleasent surprise, yatta yatta yatta."
All the candidates think they're going to help the country - in their visions. But check out their visions: is that where YOU think OUR country should go?