Friday, April 4, 2008

Joining Obama Campaign

I think I'm joining the Obama campaign. I think I have a few concerns about Obama, but I believe he's the best man.

I cannot abide the idea of Hillary in office, even as I support her right to stay in the race as long as she likes, for the sake of democracy. I don't believe she's a feminist, I think she's an enabler and that she had a part in defaming other women for the sake of her husband and her own career. It also was not just a "personal matter". It was perjury in a court of law, defamation of women who had legitimate claims, and Clinton was rightfully impeached, and I think, also rightfully redeemed in a way, in mercy. I just wouldn't trust anything she does because the character of the team speaks for itself. I heard it speaking for 4 years in office. However, I know how it is to try to join a democratic process and feel the pressure of being pushed out when I know I have something to offer. So on that count, I say she stays in and fights to the death, and in doing this, she is not only helping Obama refine his skills, but keeping democracy alive, and in some ways, redeeming herself in my eyes as a feminist. I'd like her better if she didn't have the baggage: Bill.

As for John McCain, I'm mainly opposed to his party of choice. I'm tired of corporate hand-outs and hypocrisy and don't want 4 more years of republican policies more than anything. Not that I'd never vote Republican again.

Obama may be young, but he actually did stand up to pressure, already, when he made his speech and refused to leave his church for statements he disagreed with. His speech shows he can think on both sides of the fence, and understand the origins of prejudice while not condoning it. His perspectives are broader than those of Clinton. He can connect, simply through his life experiences, with more people than Clinton ever could, which is valuable in that it affects the lens he's seeing through. I think he would be more careful about decision making. Even if he is learning about some things still, all of the President's have their advisors, and it's not as though the President has the last or final say.

The debates will be telling, because McCain will go after him, but I think Obama can and will present sophisticated and measured debate in return. He certaintly has a different style, but it's "good-different". I also think other nations might respond better to Obama than to McCain. I don't know though...A lot of nations' leaders are more macho than even we are, and could view Obama's style or personality as "weaker" in some ways. Just not sure. Will have to see the debates.

Another thing about Obama, which I considered in my experiments with marijuana and the confusion about the hold-ups in research, I think he's more open-minded on these matters. McCain says absolutely not, which makes pharmaceutical companies happy, and Clinton says "maybe" and Obama says "maybe". I think Obama is more open minded though--in general, if he is open on this narrow subject--which is good for science and our citizens.

Clinton can still promote her healthcare policies through the Senate. She can do a lot of good in her own way.

I guess I feel Obama is least likely to take special favors and serve certain interests. I think he is genuinely more concerned about the public interest, and I am going to throw in my support efforts now, rather than later, because I think I believe in him too, and I hope he is given a chance. I have faith enough, at this point, to put him in office, hoping and believing he will accomplish some things no other candidate can.

I'm dirt poor, but I'm throwing in my 2 cents and whatever else I can spare. I identify with the kind of mother he had, and I believe in her son.

No comments: