Thursday, February 07, 2008

Lessons in Democracy- Part 2

I have to say, I NEVER thought I would find myself googling for an image of Hilary Clinton (hope my father doesn't find out-I'm sure to be disowned!). But I'm determined to do a thorough and fair job of these lessons with my son.

So we start with Hilary Clinton. I'd like to say I wanted to get the worse out of the way first; but to be truthful, I don't think I can say that. One of my top complaints with Hilary: she's too shrill. And I keep hearing echoes of her voice saying: it's a right-wing conspiracy. She had such faith in Bill.

But this is not a personality contest. So exactly how is she different from Barack Obama?

When you find the answer to that one- Let me know! Seriously, she and Obama are so similar that I am having to really work to find any differences.

And I'm not the only one. More than a few people asked by the media concerning their Super Tuesday votes said: "I don't know WHAT to do. I came here to vote for Hilary/Obama, but when I got in the booth, I voted for the other one!"

Now some of their supporters would have you believe there are big differences in some of their Senate votes; I could (and will if you really want me to) cite some of these supposed differences. But when you distill them down, there is not much substance to their claims, atleast not on the main issues.

One difference I did find: Hilary Clinton DID vote to go to war after 9/11. Obama was firmly against it.

But wait just a second- Obama was not even a Senator then- sounds like a little monday morning quarterbacking to me! He had nothing to lose by his stand, no one to answer to. And once he got into office, he was mostly silent on the issue until recently (wonder what prompted that?) .

And Please tell me I DIDN'T just defend Hilary Clinton! (forgive me Dad).

And if I chose one on the strength of that decision, it would have to be Hilary. Just what does Mr. Obama think we should have done?.

Would he rather we had told that mean ol' Osama Bin Laden that " He better not do it again, and we mean it!"

Now that I think of it, that's just what we did do!

And when given the chance to enact Sen. Russ Feingold's measure ordering Bush to withdraw most U.S. troops by July 1, 2007, both Clinton and Obama voted "NO."

Their main policy division: healthcare. Let me just say, if this is a main issue to you, you can go ahead and read the fine print. While Hillary is definitely pulling in some people with her "universal health plan", I'm afraid I'm not buying it's as easy a fix as Mrs.Clinton would like the average person to think.
And yes, I have been without healthcare for myself and my children and know what a hard and difficult situation it can be.

So my conclusion is: Hilary and Obama are just too much alike when you look at the facts.

Enter: Political catch phrases. You know, those catchy phrases that supporters can repeat mindlessly without really having to think about what they are saying, or how truthful it is . Sounds similar to brainwashing techniques I've heard of.

Does America want experience or change?

Yes, Hillary has been there, done that (somewhat). And some of what was done there we definitely don't want to happen again. Hopefully Bill will be given a job doing something that keeps him far from the oval office.... But I digress.

Hillary says we need someone who can" wrest the power" from the present White House leadership as soon as they get into office (meaning her over Obama). Let me just ask, is she planning to arm-wrestle Bush? Does she think when she arrives George Bush is going to refuse to budge, claiming "I'm King of this hill!" (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Enough with the drama! If you really have the qualifications Hillary, just say so (minus the drama).

I admit some of the changes Obama speaks of sound good; so much so that some Republicans are crossing over to his side. He plans to "overcome partisanship" and "restore faith in the government." Some are even hailing him as another J.F.K. - including some of the Kennedy family themselves.

What makes me a little nervous about Obama is how often the fact that he is so nice is brought up as a (?) qualifying trait. I read a newspaper article that said, and I quote, "He's someone you feel like you could have to dinner and talk over the Super bowl without any discomfort." Come again?

What does that have to do with anything?

At the end of the day, I feel SO confused! There would seem to be so much talk and so little substance. I thought with reading so many articles the division would be clear. Not so.

And if you have issues with any of these items I have pointed out, take it up with the Liberal writers whose many articles I read in an effort to find differences between these two candidates.

Yes, that's right. You don't have to go to the other sides (as in Republicans) camp to get ammunition any more.

Dare I say it? Rush Limbagh can be silent for awhile; the Democrats are shooting up each other just fine.

*If interested in reading more on the Clinton vs. Obama saga, here's a link:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/01/28/080128fa_fact_packer

***JUST TO LET ALL KNOW: I did not deny my family basic care or attention to write this post, I actually did it while everyone was safely tucked in bed. I spend very little time actually on politics, so it is a fun little hobby in my down time. While some may think Christian moms should stay out of it, this is a stimulating fun project for me right now, just as you have things you do that I might not totally agree with. It would be a boring world if we all thought and did things exactly alike.

8 comments:

kerri @ gladoil said...

Heehee. I put up a picture on my blog for you to use in your studious desire to train your children. :) Make sure not to look at it in the dark...

Stylin said...

You went up a whole bunch in my opinion !I absolutely love these posts,they are very intelligent.
My husband is a small business owner and we cannot afford health care and I am finally so happy to meet someone I can commiserate with!!

kerri @ gladoil said...

We haven't had health insurance in years. Hillary's system would make the cost of healthcare go up for everyone.

BTW-I think politics are healthy intellectual stimulation. I love to talk politics. To me, politics is theology applied. I really do believe that the philosophy behind government is very, very important and we spend a lot of time on it.

If you wanna talk politics we should get together and the kids can play and I'll show you my funniest YouTube videos-err-we can discuss the books "God and Government". Heheeh

Mr. Ghost said...

Listen Red, you don't have to justify your actions to anyone. Whether cleaning your house or talking politics to the kids. You have to live your life.

And I have an e-mail right under my pic in case you hadn't noticed.

Mrs. Darling said...

:)

kari and kijsa said...

Fun reading!!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Marva said...

Thanks for the insight......;)

MyKidsMom said...

Thank you all for your input; I don't plan to blog politics exclusively, but I DO think that this is a very interesting subject at this point in time.
Most of my life rotates around church and homeschooling, but sometimes it's good to add other things to the mix. And hubbys enjoying the diversion too. Works for me!