Well...
Posted By: kam on 2007-10-13
In Reply to: Not bashing, not going to challenge, just have question... - Observer
Obama was raised by a single Republican mother, who he obviously respected, so I think that alone would make it easier for him to relate to, respect, and work with other Republicans. He just strikes me as an extremely intelligent man who could really bring about some great compromises between Republicans and Democrats. I think he just Gets It! The way he speaks makes sense. His speeches inspire me. He makes me feel hopeful about America's future. He actually answers questions instead of dancing around them like so many politicians. He just seems to have a lot of common sense and a good, solid head on his shoulders.
I actually like the fact that he hasn't been around DC for too long, because I think so many politicians become corrupt after a long time in power. He refuses to fly on any private jets, because he does not want to give the impression that he is receiving any favors from big corporations, because he has not been bought and paid for. I think politicians taking money from big corporations is a HUGE problem in America. Politicians are supposed to work for us, the American people, not vote for what is best for some rich CEO's company! I think big companies could potentially destory this country, because they are really just looking out for their own pocket books.
He said something about how we often focus on gay marriage and abortion as family values, and of course those are important issues, but issues that are more important to many families are affordable college eductation, good schools, affordable healthcare for our kids and our elderly parents, and that just really struck me for some reason. Those things are very important to all Americans imo. I do care about abortion and gay marriage, but honestly, those things do no affect my family's health and well-being, and my family is what is most important to me.
I will cut and paste some of the issues he has listed on his website that mean the most to my family and me:
Throughout America's history, education has been the vehicle for social and economic mobility, giving hope and opportunity to millions of young people. Our schools must prepare students not only to meet the demands of the global economy, but also help students take their place as committed and engaged citizens. It must ensure that all students have a quality education regardless of race, class, or background. Barack Obama is committed to strengthening our public schools to maximize our country's greatest natural resource - the American people. Obama believes that we must equip poor and struggling districts, both rural and urban, with the support and resources they need to provide disadvantaged students with an opportunity to reach their full potential. Too often, our leaders present this issue as an either - or debate, divided between giving our schools more funding, or demanding more accountability. Obama believes that we have to do both, and has offered innovative ideas to break through the political stalemate in Washington.
Americans turning 65 this year have grown our economy by 4.5 times over the course of their working lives. They have tilled our soil, defended our country, taught our children, worked in our factories, and raised a new generation to build upon their successes. And yet, many struggle to get by. Threats to Social Security and Medicare, skyrocketing health costs, and abuse and neglect of seniors all jeopardize our unspoken covenant: our seniors worked hard to take care of us, and now we must be here for them.
Senator Obama has been a leader in the Senate in pushing for a comprehensive national energy policy and has introduced a number of bills to get us closer to the goal of energy independence. By putting aside partisan battles, he has found common ground on CAFE, renewable fuels, and clean coal.
"I...believe that every American has the right to affordable health care. I believe that the millions of Americans who can't take their children to a doctor when they get sick have that right...We now face an opportunity - and an obligation - to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates. It's time to bring together businesses, the medical community, and members of both parties around a comprehensive solution to this crisis, and it's time to let the drug and insurance industries know that while they'll get a seat at the table, they don't get to buy every chair." -Barack Obama, Speech in Iowa City, IA, 5/27/07
Barack Obama believes the immigration issue has been exploited by politicians to divide the nation rather than find real solutions. This divisiveness has allowed the illegal immigration problem to worsen, with borders that are less secure than ever and an economy that depends on millions of workers living in the shadows.
Throughout his political career, Barack Obama has been a leader in fighting for open and honest government. As a U.S. Senator, he has spearheaded the effort to clean up Washington in the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal. In a politically charged election year, Obama acknowledged that corruption was a problem that plagued both political parties. He subsequently enlisted the help of Republican allies to limit lobbyist influence, shine sunlight into the earmarks process and promote open government.
Five years after 9/11, our country is still unprepared for a terrorist attack. From improving security for our transit systems and chemical plants, to increasing cargo screening in our airports and seaports, the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission have been underfunded and ignored. The 9/11 Commission gave the government five F's and 12 D's on the implementation of its recommendations. Senator Obama is a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and has supported efforts to base homeland security spending on risk rather than pork-barrel politics. He has also introduced legislation to strengthen chemical plant and drinking water security and to enhance disaster preparedness.
Barack Obama believes that we have a responsibility to our children to leave this Earth better than we found it. He has a plan to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to turn the global warming crisis into a moment of opportunity for innovation and job creation. And as president, he will restore America's promise of a clean and beautiful environment by cleaning up our air and water, building healthier communities with fewer toxins, and preserving our forests and other national treasures. In doing so, Obama will make sure that our environmental laws and policies balance America's need for a healthy, sustainable environment with economic growth.
---Feel free to reply/argue with my statements, but I honestly don't think there is anything you can say that will make me not want to vote for Obama. I know no man is perfect, and I'm sure he has made and will make mistakes, but I just feel that is the man for the job - if only he can beat Hilary!
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