Our House...

...is an Obama house! We have always resisted officially identifying with a particular political party; however, this campaign is bringing me the closest to that declaration that I've ever been! Obama is our man!

Let's talk about Jon the Programmer
There's been a lot of talk about some plumber, but I want to show a different picture of small business in America. Jon the Programmer owns a small business that has quickly reached mild success. He does not yet employ anyone other than himself and would only benefit from Obama's tax plan. However, unlike this plumber guy, once his business actually earns enough to have more than a quarter million in taxable income, he will joyfully pay 3% in additional taxes to support the services that are essential to the functioning of our society. Some call that "redistributing the wealth" or "socialism," but we like to refer to a Biblical principle that reminds us that this money is not really ours to begin with. If only our society was generous enough to support one another, provide social services, look out for the issues of those without a voice - however, history (and even McCain's own tax return!) show that Americans (on the whole) are not so generous. We have a giving-oriented society and a volunteer-oriented society; however, it's still not enough to end poverty, hunger, and inequality. I know allowing the government to determine how our money is "distributed" is not a perfect solution, but it does at least ensure that something is being done to look out for people as a whole and not simply the wealthiest of Americans. And hey - redistribution of income is not socialism and it's not a new concept. It's called taxes people, and we've always paid them.

Fear This!
Fear is not the way to make decisions. It's not. The Rovian tactics of the last administration have led us down a fear-based, reactionary policy path. I was SHOCKED in 2003 when the Bush Administration actually convinced congress, America, the world that retribution for 9/11 would be found in Iraq! Seriously?! Those who engaged their brains at that time knew that the two were not related; however, Karl Rove was a brilliant strategist who sadly harnessed fear to convince people that this was our only alternative. Okay, so popular opinion has now accepted that mistake (and I'm not even going to go down the ludicrous path of "victory" and "honorable end" with regard to this war...). So, what I ask is "have we learned nothing?"

Once again, fear-based tactics are being employed to convince people not to vote for Obama. I know the negative campaigning happens on both sides, but I have not heard the Obama campaign incite racist and xenophobic beliefs to scare people into not voting for the other guy. This is beyond "below the belt." Come on McCain and supporters! Attack the issues. Stop the further marginalization of groups in our society that already exist on the fringes. This advances nothing. Rather, it digs a deeper hole of social stratification, elitism, classism, racism, and many other disgusting -isms.

Are we really so single-minded?
For the people with whom I have spoken that are only voting for a particular candidate because of their stance on abortion or gay marriage, I have some news for you. You are being manipulated! Republican strategists are doing the same thing in this election that amazingly won W a second term - placing "controversial" issues on the ballot in key states in order to draw the "evangelical vote." Let's be smarter than the strategy. I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure neither party has secured the much-sought-after Jesus endorsement. There are issues on both sides that all faiths may have to struggle with, but the truth is that we live in a world of competing moral goods. In my ethics classes, the one concept I really hope my students can grasp is that life is not so simple as to think that all ethical choices are black and white. What is "right" and "good" sometimes competes with other "right" and "good" alternatives. The difficulty in ethics is weighing those "goods" and making value-congruent choices. What drives me batty more than anything else is hearing people make their political choices based on a single issue, as if none of the others are relevant. Yes, abortion is an important topic to discuss and debate. So are genocide, homophobia, capital punishment, oppression, poverty, etc., etc. I can respect someone with an opinion different from mine if it is a thoughtful and informed decision. However, making a choice simply because strategists have wielded their power to deceive you into believing that it is the only "Christian" way to vote - well, that I don't respect.

Oh, those "community organizers!"
Sarah Palin, please do not mock those who are on the ground affecting positive change in their local communities. You may not respect community organizers, but I happen to think those are the people who are bringing real leadership and real change to our nation. If your belief is that only those who hold position, power, and title can create positive change in our society, then we will quickly have a crisis of leadership under your reign. How exactly do you think society will take care of itself after you cut taxes, cut programs, cut funding if not for community organizers? These are the people who live out their passions, act upon their convictions, and seek nothing other than to make their community a better place. Our country was indeed founded by "community organizers."

Do we REALLY want a maverick running our country?
How did I wake up in this foggy world in which McCain/Palin are campaigning on a maverick platform as if it's a good thing?! Have we not had a maverick running our country for the last 8 years?? Look where that got us! W has been first-rate maverick, making his own shoot-from-the-hip choices despite the pleas and protests of our allies around the world. He has been a maverick on policy in the Middle East, and he has been a maverick on policy as it relates to our environment. Neither of those "do-it-my-own-way" positions have earned him my respect or the respect of the world. I have no interest in maintaining a US hegemony; however, I do have hope that it's not too late to re-gain the respect of the world.

This will be the third presidential election in which I am eligible to vote. I sincerely hope it will be the first one in which I can finally cast a ballot for the future president.