This is not going to be about issues, I swear. Then again, so far the Democratic candidate nomination process has hardly been about issues, has it? I have been in hell the past few weeks, my insides twisted with the wretchedness of what this race has already become, and it’s not even close to being over. My problem stems (correction: HAS stemmed) from reading opinion. See, opinion, it seems, is still just that. Always has been. I need to quit reading message boards, not only because they’re a terrible format by which to even attempt to have a lucid argument, but also because I can’t stomach the stupidity.
I am supporting Barack Obama for president. If you are not, it’s pretty likely that you have instantly given me a label. I am a cult member, a misogynist, a “-bot,” and a maniac, a sheep. Apparently I’m also supporting a terrorist and a cheater. If I’m not with the other side, I’m against them (thanks, Georgie, if you didn’t do anything else in 7 years, you managed to pound that into our collective brains.) Here are some of the arguments I have heard or read against Obama, and my arguments against them (expressed in various degrees of maturity.)
1.) He’s good at rhetoric in his speeches, bad on talking points.
I thought campaign speeches were supposed to be “vote for me” orations; debates are for examining issues. I have the ability to go to a website and find out how candidates voted on issues, read their platforms. Or I could even watch a debate, (although they’re pretty rare, right? Sheesh.)
2.) The youth of this country don’t know what’s good for them, and shouldn’t decide who’s the candidate.
Seriously. I read this. How about, you’re old enough to die for your country, you’re old enough to vote for who has the ability to put you into that situation. Didn’t we go through that issue once? Try again to formulate a real argument.
3.) The youth of this country want everything now, and aren’t patient enough to do things right.
Okay, okay, this issue is near and dear to me because of my darling place of employ. I have 18 year old students who expect me to be on standby night and day to help them. I don’t own a Blackberry, and I do expect them to quit texting when I’m trying to teach. However, I’m not stupid enough to think all of this technology is going to go away. What’s going to happen when the 18 year olds get to be 50? They're still going to want things quickly; it's the way they've been raised. Thinking "old" is not going to get us anywhere. We need to meet in the middle on this one.
4.) There is potential for a huge let-down because of his cult status.
Anyone who listens to his speeches should be hearing that, yes, hope is important…but they should also hear that work and accountability are necessary, also. Some “real” journalists liken Obama to Mandela, and the South African people looking for free washing machines from the government. Anyone who expects anything for free (and I don’t mean financially,) is not paying attention.
And while I’m on this one, let me address the “cult” thing. All of a sudden it seems that inspiration is a terrible, mind numbing state. Why? Inspiration can drive people to work together, can cause the best and brightest to come forward to act instead of hanging back in the shadows. Has anyone heard John McCain speak? He may be a nice guy, and a good public servant, but he would not get me up in the morning thinking how I might be a better American. FDR asked Americans to pull together and sacrifice self so that the troops might have more. We need someone who can do the same. That, to me is of utmost importance.
5.) Hussein?
There are several “democratic” posters out there that think it’s really cute to refer to Obama consistently as “Barack Obama Hussein.” Wow, that’s cool…wait??? His middle name’s Hussein? Oh my GOD, he must be Saddam’s son! A Muslim! A Terrorist! At least a half -Muslim (Whatever that is.) I mean, Obama, Osama, right? A big shout out to Karl Rove for this one. Can I get a Whoop-whoop, MC Rove? You’ve taught us well. Say it often enough, and it becomes true. To all idiots that keep writing this, and those bigots that believe it: please find a new hobby. The world's got bigger problems to deal with than your pathetic cries for attention.
There is no convenient close to this post, as the nomination has not been and won't be clinched for a long time. Stay calm out there, and please, try to play fair.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I would say it's unlikely that "the other side" will ever really play fair because their only goal is to win. That's it. Not really change anything, or bring the country together. Just to win. Consequences of the recently re-enfranchised turned DISenfranchised be damned. (What do you mean they won't vote for me? I'm a Democrat, too!- Yah, that argument no longer applies to this election.)
Just because Obama has style, does not mean he lacks substance. I'm with you- I'm smart enough to FIND policy proposals and positions on the Web, the newspaper, where ever necessary, in order to educate myself on ALL of the candidates. Style and substance are NOT mutually exclusive, and God forbid we have someone who motivates the previously apathetic to DO something about the state of the nation.
Here's to November, Jen :) Stay true to your hopemongering self!
I'm hardly a democrat cheerleader, but I have to say it's refreshing that someone believes IN something as opposed to being against point after point. There's only so long I can listen to anti-abortion/anti-gay marriage folks before I have to ask, "So okay, let's say tomorrow there's no more queers or baby killers. What will you care about then?" If we hate terrorists, fine, but what do we love? What does this "freedom" the world is so jealous of really mean to you? I'm recalling Andrew Shepherd's speech in the American President.
So yea, let's be FOR something for a change. And after seven years of being told who to be afraid of, I'm glad someone's telling me there's something to hope for. Even if that someone isn't a vegetarian socialist pacifist. :-)
Post a Comment