Flower,
While Vera makes up her about replying, I'll share my immediate thoughts.
Sarah Palin strikes me as a bully. Her style, as I have watched her on television (both during her acceptance speech at the RNC and then in her one-on-one interview with Charles Gibson from ABC News) suggests to me that Ms. Palin is a "it's my way or the highway" type of leader, which is not something I have ever appreciated, admired, or respected.
As a side note, I have personally witnessed this behavior when it comes to Mr. McCain also (I have watched how he has conducted himself during live Senate hearings, on multiple occasions over the last 10 years, and there again, his style is not one I appreciate, support or respect.
Together, these two individuals working in concert as the primary face of leadership for our country really scares the heck out of me.
Now, that being said, perhaps I'll learn more about them in the weeks and months to come (before the election) that says to me that they possess leadership characteristics that I admire and feel are good for the United States of America. Right now, as a tax payer, however, I do not think they are what's best for this country.
I believe we need more of a conciliatory tone. The style of the ugly American has gotten us virtually nowhere in the last eight years. And least you think that I favor the other jokers (Barack Obama and Joe Biden), think again. While their tone and empathy speaks to me more than does McCain and Palin's, their inauthentic politics and maneuvering does not.
Mikal -
Thank you for stepping outside of the curtain to respond.
You have raised a point that I struggle with as a viewer of the political scene unfolding before our eyes here in America: the concern about image versus substance/fact/experience.
You and many others in this country may not like the message: its frankness and lack of polish, but we do need to look at the message itself.
As I sit here at home and discuss with my family the frustration about Bush's lack of presence in this horrendous Wall Street mess, I know this: the capitalist spirit MUST prevail in this country.
I can also recount to you numerous first hand accounts of the greed I have witnessed in Corporate America.
Mikal, I don't know if you have traveled to other countries during your life, but I can list a (decent) number I have visited: third world, European and Asian collectively. The American framework offers the most freedom of expression, human rights and right to thrive. Lastly, we are the most diverse (ie: NON homogenous) society on the planet.
Long story short, we have a lot of diversity to manage and a relatively short history in the world with our government model.
We need to sort through all of the BS that is being thrown our way these days and get down to a reality check.
Here are some serious reflections I would like to offer:
1. - The impact of a hurtful capital gains tax at a time when we need to rebuild the stock market - the vehicle for investing in cutting edge healthcare AND energy.
2. - The impact of taxes on oil companies when we can reflect upon heavy taxation on oil companies during the late '70s/early '80s which caused a significant SHRINK in a presumed tax windfall by hitting up these companies.
3. - Tracing back our dependence on foreign oil during these times of heavier taxation referred to above.
4. - The reality of OPEC and the governing nations involved in this alliance. No, folks, we cannot drive OPEC negotiations until we allow our own lack of dependency on foreign oil.
5. - A real threat that other nations out there really do intend Americans harm. As a person who lost a family member in 9-11, I will never step down from defending our own. We were attacked plain and simple - on our own ground.
6. - The history of America stepping in to shield the European community during the World Wars and the related ineffectiveness of the UN. Why do I mention this? Well, when has America ever been publicly backed to the end when defending other countries? I would like to beg the question of Hitler minus foreign retaliation.
Now, have I witnessed the shameful display of Americanism while traveling abroad? No Doubt! I was yelled at by a fellow American while exiting a Buddhist Temple in Asia. NOT GOOD.
I have also heard first hand accounts of those living in countries with socialized medicine: how people I KNOW were put on hold (ie: MONTHS) for CANCER treatments, AFTER going to a doctor.
So, when I assess my life experiences and watch leaders from varying levels/areas, I have learned one thing... Being a leader is not always a popularity contest. I have also observed that Conservatives do not openly profess like Liberals do, and I resent that. We should me more vocal, BUT we will not sugar-coat.
Lastly, Mikal, on a personal level, I am a conservative. I save as much as I can, when I can - many times against the wishes of friends and family (ie: Sorry, honey we can't go out to eat again because we have spent our budget this month).
No, I am not always 'popular' when the budget discussion comes up, but I can assure you that this mindset has protected my family from financial woes.
No, I don't always have a great delivery with my point but I know where my heart is....
However and added to the point above, I do not penny-pinch on health or security at home. If someone is sick in the family, get the right medical treatment and get well. If the house is at risk, insure and protect it. If the car could break down and cause an accident, get it fixed.
If someone threatens or hurts my family, I will defend and retaliate HARD.
It should be no guess that I am voting for the party who reflects my personal life - at least I am consistent.
I will let you connect the rest of the dots!
Best regards -
Flower
