Debate I

Here's my quick take on the first debate.

On Economics
If you think that raising taxes on businesses and business owners is the key to economic development in this country, Obama won.
Is it not common sense to realize that if you raise the cost of doing business that is going to be passed onto you and me the consumer? It's comparable to the entire idea of state lottery's (aka the Poor tax).

On Foreign Policy
My opinion is the only thing Obama has going for him is the he voted against the war in Iraq from the beginning.
Guess what? We're there. What are you gonna do about it?
And by the way Osama Bin Laden and General Petraus have one thing in common -calling Iraq the central front of the war on terror (at least until we were "winning")
I honestly hope neither candidate really looks at this as a war with borders. I am guessing McCain gets this. Obama I am not sure does. We're at war with an ideal. A belief system. It permiates a region, not a country.
Bin Laden being brought to justice certainly needs to be a priority but not a singular focus.
Does anyone really think that the capture/killing of he is the end game?

On Obama

The first thing I have to say about Senator Barack Obama is going to sound alot like something that recently came out of Bill O'Reilly's mouth. I swear I said it first, my wife can vouch for me having said this to her months ago:

I find the Senator to be sincere in his ideals. I just happen to disagree with all of them. Sincerity is certainly important. It beats Hillary who I believe would say and do anything for power. Obama on the other hand, really truly believes his ideals are the right direction for America.

To me, he's a border line Socialist. Borderline is probably being kind.

Yes, there are serious problems in our country. I am just not of the mind set that the Government is the answer. I look at any Government run organization (Department of Motor Vehicles as an example). It's a total cluster you know what. Yet these are the same people at least 50% of the country according to recent polls want to give more power to and intrust with our health and retirement.

I don't buy into much of the political posturing I guess you could call it with calling out each candidates associations. I read what former President Clinton had to say about Palin a couple days ago. I'll parapharase and it really mirrors my feelings on Obama. Nice man I'm sure. Terrific family. Someone who has overcome alot in his upbrining and is someone to be admired. I just don't agree with him on the future of the country.

It's been far too long for me to update this blog. Thanks for checking it out.

On Sarah Palin

The Presidential race got my interest all of a sudden with the choice of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate.
Prior to her selection I was none too excited about McCain's chances or him in general as President really.
Running against a candidate whose entire mandate is "Change" I believe she is a brilliant choice.
While her experience as Governor and Mayor of a small town is limited, she has more "executive" experience than any of the other 3 men in the race.
That experience is valuable and at the same time gives her a Washington "outsider" status which is what Obama's candidacy seems to be all about.
She's bucked her own party as Governor of Alaska. Something neither Obama or Biden have done in their Senate careers.
Getting beyond some of the outright nasty rumors about her (infant son is really her Grandchild) and onto some legitimate questions, this is how I see it:
-She lacks foreign policy experience certainly, but is not running for Chief Executive. Want to play the foreign policy game? You have to look at John McCain.
-She secured millions in earmarks for her state and community as Governor and Mayor respectively but is part of a campaign that pledges to end earmark spending. Here's the deal. Earmarks are currently a part of the political process like it or not. Getting funds for her state and community were part of her JOB. There's a big pile of money sitting there and not everyone can get some. Do you want a Mayor or a Governor that is gonna take an empty ethical stance and not go after some money for your community?

I like her back ground and what she believes in. From what I've seen she has talked the talk and walked the walk in her political and personal life.

The mainstream media and far left have been absolutely obsessed with trying to discredit her over the last three weeks. From what I can see at this point to no avail.

If she wasn't a great candidate, why all the fuss?

Why not?

I've thought of starting a blog for a couple of years now to put down random thoughts about various interests, ideas, happenings, etc. But mostly thoughts and ideas.
Think of this blog kinda like the episode of Seinfeld where Kramer gets the intern.

So why now?
I guess I've been thinking alot about the Presidential election this year.
Really I am tired of seeing all the garbage that is put out (in blogs!) from the left, and thought why not put down my thoughts in on those.
Stay tuned for those in the next day or two.
Thanks for stopping by.