Who will be the next President?

Thank you Glenda for taking the time to write everything you did. I couldn't agree more. I am always surprised by how some people can be so emphatic about their candidate of choice - but when pressed - they really don't know much about them. So - whether you are a Democrat or Republican - really study the candidates and issues before voting.

Things that are most important to me:

1. Immigration: I have no problems with people coming to the U.S. - but I absolutely want it to be done legally. I don't believe in amnesty for those here. Some argue that the process of becoming a citizen is too hard/expensive/etc. True - the process may need updating. But...rather than just giving millions of people the idea that it is okay to come here and break our laws - work to change the process.

2. War: Yes, I'm tired of the war. My husband is military and he deploys. But...that is his job. Am I ready for it to all be over? You bet. But I also realize that the consequences of leaving early could make his job SO much worse in the future. Doing the right thing is not always the easy or popular thing.

3. Education: I don't believe in putting a universal pre-k in place. I don't oppose parents being able to send their children, but I am against anything that would require it simply because a growing number of people refuse to take responsibility for their children. I also believe in charter schools and vouchers, and I was a teacher for nine years. I could go on all day about why this would be a great thing.

4. Social Security: I want privatization.

5. Health Care: I don't want universal health care. I have always taken responsibility for being sure that I am covered as far as my health goes. I want to be able to choose my own doctors and do as I wish when it comes to my health. Can you imagine if going to the doctor was like going to the DMV or any other government office? So scary! There are better options that involve changes to insurance coverage.

So...those are the things that are most important to me. It's easy to know how I voted!

it's sad though, really, how much $$ comes into play. there are probably so many qualified candidates out there that just couldn't raise enough $$ to run for president. we'll never know!

I had a huge conversation last night with my FI (who is also a government teacher like Christine) and I mentioned my post last night. I admit I felt a little guilty posting b/c I realized that it may have seemed that I was attacking Obama or criticizing some of your decisions to vote for him (which I genuinly hope you know was not my intention at all).

The truth is there is stuff we could write about all the candidates. Like Jamy said everyone has a past and a present. To be honest people's past don't bother me that much b/c how many of us have done stuff in the past that we would never do now? It's how you spin your past to the American people that I have a problem with. Clinton & McCain's past are pretty much all out there in the media for you to read about. Obama's past is a little more well guarded, particularly b/c he is so well liked by the media.

I mentioned to my FI that I wished people would vote on the issues and not idealistic issues and he made a good point. He said to me "What's wrong with believing in hope and peace? Yes maybe Obama won't be able to change a lot of what is wrong with the world but America and especially a lot of young people need that idealistic spirit."

He made another good point in mentioning that when JFK and Robert Kennedy spoke, they brought tears to people's eyes. They too touted change and hopes for a better America. A lot of people need and want that, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Perhaps, like Jamy I have become jaded and I don't believe that these candidates can change things. But like Christine I would like to believe that one day a candidate will be able to do some good for this country and that is why I plan to vote in the upcoming election and make a decision based on the issues as best I can.

I'm supporting Ron Paul for President. Of course he has no chance but I feel it's really important to continue supporting him because of his frankness and his ability to see through the bull and call it like it is. He pulls the facade off of politics and offers radical solutions to radical problems. This makes him seem somewhat insane because if you pull the facade off this administration it is in fact, completely insane.

Having said all that, when it comes time to vote I'm a one issue voter this time. I'm going to vote for the candidate that will end the war as soon as possible. I'm pulling for Obama. I feel as if nothing is more important than ending wars in this world and standing in opposition to those who start them.

UPDATE: Mitt Romney dropped out of the race.

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Romney quits race, shocks supporters at CPAC « - Blogs from CNN.com

I know mine is not the popular choice, but I will cast my vote for John McCain. I know some have mentioned his age as a potential detriment - I would, though, like to point out that Ronald Reagan was 70 when he took office.

I don't have time (at work) to go into all of the reasons why - will follow up tonight.

I think this is a great discussion, though - I'm glad we're having it!