Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The Founders' Point of View

Do we ever stop and think about the Founders and what they were trying to do when they penned and fought for the Constitution? As I was reading some blogs today, I found this blog written by a History professor about the Founders and their idea of the presidency, which is shown in the Constitution. I urge everyone to read it.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Europe can be beautiful this time of year....

I love Europe. It is an amazing place. Old buildings that are gorgeous and have history engrained in the smallest stone or carving. The food is amazing and the people are intriguing. The one thing that I have never fully accepted is the politics. Government run health care. Socialized business practices. High taxes. Lots of government control. Just isn't my thing.
Well today as I was reading through the news, I found an intereting poll that should have great resounding through American politics. The poll of over 6,000 people from several important European countries (Britain, Germany, Italy, France and Russia) showed that between 50% and 75% of the people would vote for Obama in the upcoming election if they could.
Now, I am no great lover of either of the major party candidates, nor do I dislike one more than the other. However, I do find it interesting that all of these countries are run by varying degrees of socialism, and they would choose Obama if they could. Hopefully everyone is drawing the same conclusion as I did. The people in Europe are saying that Obama fits best with their own semi-socialist beliefs. Not to discourage any Obama supporters, just know who you are voting for come November.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

World's Smallest Political Ideology Quiz

I've posted another one before, but this one takes about 30 seconds and is just fun and concise. Everyone should do it to give you a better idea where you stand.

http://www.theadvocates.org/quizp/index.html

The Candidates

It can sometimes be difficult to wade through the information that is presented in an election year. There is so much to take in and it is easy for a voter to get confused by the distinct types of media that are available to them. The forums of mass media rarely portray anything but the two most popular parties and candidates, which is a gross disservice to the American public. All national candidates should be given plenty of opportunity to get their names and platforms out to the people. I encourage everyone to look at each candidate with your minds open. Brush away the thoughts of that e-mail you received about Obama being an evil Muslim, or McCain not even being an American citizen, or Ralph Nader single-handedly ruining the 2000 election. Media will show what it will, but that does not mean that we must let it influence our decision. Below is a list of the presidential candidates, though not a complete one I am sure, and their websites so you can see what they have to say. I've tried to include as many as I can, but please let me know if I missed one.

Bob Barr - Libertarian (My candidate for now, though I'm not done researching)
http://www.bobbarr2008.com/issues/

Chuck Baldwin - Constitutionalist
http://baldwin08.com/Candidate-Comparisons.cfm

Ralph Nader - Independent
http://www.votenader.org/issues/

Cynthia McKinney - Green
http://www.runcynthiarun.org/Issues

John McCain - Republican
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/

Barack Obama - Democrat
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

I hope this gives everyone a place to start when looking for your candidate. I suggest taking a political ideology quiz before starting the decision making process just to give you an idea as to what your beliefs are. Anyone can be swayed by a well-worded ad about something you don't necessarily believe in. Happy Candidate Hunting!!!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Congressional Approval Rating

Got to work this morning and the first article I saw after checking my e-mail was this one. It tells just how we think that Congress is doing. Interestingly enough, our public servants, whose job it is to serve their constituents and vote on issues that we find important, are not really performing their job well. Only 9% of the people in the US believe that Congress is doing a good or excellent job. Doing some simple math, which was never my joy, shows that that means that 91% of people are dissatisfied with the work that the people hired are doing.
Another interesting fact that came from the survey is that only 12% of those polled felt that Congress had done anything to improve life in the US. More math leads us to 88% that feel that Congress is doing nothing to help our country.
My wife can attest that I am a very logical man, which has served me well until now. So, logically if I was working a job and 91% felt that I was doing a bad job, and 88% felt that I had done nothing to improve the lives of those I worked for, what would happen to me? I would be thrown out on my head!!! I would not keep my job! I would probably never be able to get a job again from the bad references that would follow me everywhere.
Here comes the logic again...If this is how we feel about Congress...and we are the employers who give them the job, and pay them (have we forgotten that fact?)...why the hell do these men and women still have jobs??!?!?!
"Change" is the catch phrase for this election year. How about we do something about it and change those who are not serving us the way we want them to? (Oh, and promoting from the inside probably wont cut it either, just in case you were wondering my true feelings.)

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Political Strategy

I was just watching Anderson Cooper and he and his team of analysts were discussing the strategy the presidential candidates should take in the upcoming election. The general consensus was that they should feed off of the other candidate's weaknesses and capitalize on them by reminding voters of flaws.
Now I could be wrong, but how many Americans are tired of this tactic? Do we really want to sit by and watch the candidates for our highest office take pot shots at each other? We really need to get back to real politics. It is obvious that the candidates have differing opinions on issues. Would it be so strange if we just allowed the candidates to run on their merits and the merits of their policies? I'm really wondering how we choose who we are going to vote for. Give me your thoughts.
Is it more important to have a flawless image, or the right policies?

Friday, July 4, 2008

My Favorite Word

This may seem like a strange title for a July 4th post, but I really want to share my favorite word with everyone because it is very relevant to this holiday. Remember. There it is. A word that we use quite often. I doubt that most people go a whole day without hearing or using it. Remember. So much is wrapped up in the word. Remember. What comes to mind when you read it.
On this July the 4th, I want every person to remember. Remember where you came from. Remember the family who came before you to make you who you are. Remember the beliefs you hold, whatever they may be. Remember remember the goals you've set and the dreams you had. July the 4th should be a very personal holiday. It should remind each of us of the awesome blessings that each and every one of us have. I don't care how horrible you think your life is, each person can find true miracles and blessings in their lives every day.
For citizens of the United States of America, our duty is to remember those who came before us. And not even those who were specifically American. Martin Luther. Christopher Columbus. Jesus Christ. Patrick Henry. George Washington. Thomas Jefferson. And don't forget their wives or mothers. These people fought and lived passionately so that we can live the lives we do. Especially the Founding Fathers who penned the Constitution deserve our respect and remembrance on this day. Remember those who have lost their lives in pursuit of destiny and greatness. Every soldier. Every mother. Every normal citizen who votes. Remember their lives and their sacrifice.
Remember and God Bless America!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Are you an American???

Just a little July 4th fun. I want everyone to take this test to see if you get to be a citizen of the United States of America. I have to admit that I got a 90% which I was disappointed with but which still makes me a citizen. Can anyone beat me? I hope everyone can...if not, get studying.

The quiz is here.