Time for Some Campaignin’
Posted by derekbender | Filed under General
With the presidential election less than 2 months away you can barely get away with avoiding the media throwing in it your face every other minute, and believe me, I’ve tried. Don’t get me wrong, I like to talk about politics and the state of things over a couple beers with friends, or even watching a few minutes of the DNC (and pointing out their Socialist points and hypocrisy; I missed the RNC but I think I’d do the same). To tell you the truth I already made up my mind about who I’m voting for (see if you can guess who!). Even with all this I still felt like writing my thoughts about the election and the candidates, so, here they are.
Aside from the usual non-issues every election seems to bring up (guns, abortion, and religion) there are a few real issues out there, namely the war, the economy and the looming “energy crisis.” But instead of talking about the important stuff I’d like to focus on some things that are fresh in my mind.
Recently both candidates called for a more service from the ordinary citizen. Great. The PeaceCorps of the 60s was and still is the benchmark for successful service and other programs since then have followed suit. McCain’s stance is that they should be promoted but not forced down your throat by the government while still giving support where needed (by support I mean cash). Obama stance differs a bit. More government regulation and a helluva lot more cash (billions) into promoting, maintaining and starting new programs. Also it seems like he almost borders on forcing these programs on the population. In the end McCain likes small government, and that’s good. One thing I do like about Republicans is that most like small government and they won’t tell you how to run your lives.
A few days ago I was slightly surprised to learn that McCain can’t use a computer or email. Ouch. But given his age I almost expected it. I don’t hold it against him at all. Many people I know (mostly older relatives) don’t use computers. But in the next four years technology laws could change, mostly due to laws affecting net neutrality. While McCain is the best Republican to defend this, I don’t think he’s the best one to understand it. This is one of those rare occasions I support the government coming in and doing something (Obama’s big vs McCain’s small government). Obama’s concept of regulation of the big companies gives me more piece of mind in the long run and the fact that he can relate to a younger generation, and not just about tech, helps me trust him in those regards. Although Biden doesn’t help that.
The big surprise to me are the outright lies that McCain’s commercials try to promote - specifically that Obama will take money from everyday Americans by raising taxes.
I was watching CNN (I know) a few days ago and this caught my eye (see image). I actually did the research on this. McCain will lower taxes across the board, true. Obama wil cut taxes for everyone too but he will also save the average family almost $800 over McCain’s cuts. Hmm, but the ad said Obama will raise taxes… Looks like the more of the same from the GOP, ha. (To be fair Dems are guilty of lies to; I just caught this one and had to voice my opinion.)
I could go on for awhile about miscellaneous topcis about the election but I think enough of my thoughts are here for now. In closing I’d like to leave you with this awesome video from JibJab. (I especially like the unicorn.) Enjoy.
Tags: election, energy crisis, net nuetrality, politics, Technology
