This is HILARIOUS.
On that note, who do you plan to vote for? And, yes, Mickey Mouse is a viable option.
For my part, I am thorougly jaded. Jaded, I say.
I get my rich liberal thoughts from Democracy Now, and then turn on Rush when I’m in the car during 9am-12pm (like, every now and then) to get good old-fashioned conservative ranting, so it’s not that I’m one-sided. To be fair, Rush usually ticks me off and I shut him off, but, hey, at least I’m trying. Personally, I lean all sorts of different ways on all sorts of different issues. And I’d love to say I have a clear head about the upcoming election, but I remain decidedly unlikely to put much trust in the machine as it currently exists.
And, okay, okay, I’ll admit it: I voted for Bush. Twice. I consider myself a sucker for it. Since when did torture become pro-life? I’m disgusted with the whole thing. Bleugh. Feel free to do your best to talk me out of all or part of the above. Or join me. Whatever.
HT to MommyLife for the Youtube vid.
Posted by reneegrace on July 18, 2008 at 10:07 pm
that is HYSTERICAL!!! T hanks for the great laugh
Posted by Beth a.k.a. ThursdaysChild on July 19, 2008 at 1:40 am
I understand about not being particularly thrilled with the choices. As someone who’s pro-life I understand your feelings on torture. Just remember, the people being tortured have no such qualms about torture and killing. Makes it a little easier for me to stomach it.
Posted by Bill Samuel on July 19, 2008 at 4:58 am
Well, Beth, the argument that the other guy’s evil so I can be evil too just perpetuates evil. It means we stand for nothing except being No. 1.
The two establishment parties do play a lot of games, and the candidates say whatever they think will help them win, even if it contradicts what they said before and their voting record. In the end, the only change they really seem to care about is to have them in the White House.
And amidst all the rhetoric about divisiveness and how polarized things are, about the important things it winds up that the major party candidates are both firmly for the establishment way of doing things. They have a lot more in common than different.
Pretty critical is what our national priorities are. The U.S. currently devotes over half of its discretionary budget to wars and preparations for wars, starving human needs. McCain and Obama have virtually identical records and identical campaign positions on this. Both have consistently voted for the President’s military budget figures, but both say Bush has starved the military and it needs more! More money and more cannon fodder. Maybe that’s a little bit of change, but definitely in the wrong direction.
Both have recently come out for escalating the war in Afghanistan. Both have made bellicose statements about other countries we could get into war with. Both support the death penalty, and attacked the Supreme Court for trying to set some limits on its use.
Even on the environment, where the two parties are said to be greatly at odds, there isn’t a big difference. Both have mixed records. Both are willing to do something about global warming. But McCain wants to drill for oil everywhere, regardless of consequences. Obama has been a leading advocate for the coal industry, the dirtiest fuel, and a strong backer of corn-based ethanol, which is highly irresponsible.
So if you vote for one of those two, you are voting for the status quo and taking a strong stand against real change. If you want to cast a vote for change, there are third party and independent candidates. As long as people stick to voting for the two establishment parties, things will continue to go downhill and the parties will think they can ignore people who want meaningful change.
People have been trying the vote for the lesser evil strategy all along. Isn’t it obvious this has not worked? How long does a strategy need to fail before you try something different?
Posted by E on July 19, 2008 at 5:15 am
Interesting essay on McCain versus Obama:
“24 Hours on the ‘Big Stick’”:
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/006dgrlw.asp?pg=1
I saw Obama in Dallas, and maybe it’s the way campaigning is, but his speech was almost word-for-word what he had said the night before in Houston. It was canned, prepared, and rather unimpressive. A bunch of one-liners aimed to get applause.
I’ve skimmed his 2 books. Apparently he wrote them himself, in longhand on legal pads late at night. That is impressive – i.e., no ghostwriter. One thus can know what Obama believes, and why. Or at least what he wants you to know or think he believes.
The Jeremiah Wright affair probably turned me totally against Obama, even if the Republicans were to nominate a turtle.
My biggest disappointment with Bush, at least as far a what goes on in public, is that he failed to use the Presidency to make a case for the things that conservatives elected him to do. We’ve had nearly 8 years of hearing/reading the rants of Kennedy, Pelosi, etc., in the news, and Bush hardly says a word. I understand that what he has done in and for Africa is amazing, but no one hears about that. However, that’s Africa, not America, and what he’s done for America is … well, someone tell me. What has he done? I’d like to know.
War sucks. I’ve never been in the military, but caught a few minutes the other night of Harrison’s Flowers with Andie McDowell, a movie I’m going to have to watch or Netflix. It’s about the Serbo-Croatian war and being a war photojournalist. What I saw absolutely sickened me re: the way it made me think how war can tear up a person, a family, a village, a country, one’s soul, etc. In the words of Rodney King: “Why can’t we all just get along?”
If McCain were 10 years younger, I don’t think this would be a close election. Even so, I think the media hype/hope about an Obama victory is wishful thinking. Unless and Barr and Nader tear up the vote, I think McCain will win by decent margins in both the popular and the electoral vote, which will mean that we’ll have to spend the next year hearing how racist Americans are.
I like Jib Jab’s use of Bob Dylan’s music. Heck, I like anyone’s use of Bob Dylan’s music. I think the should have used Highway 61, though, and riffed on that.
Posted by Shauna on July 19, 2008 at 7:23 am
I’m voting for a “spoiler.” I put that in quotes because if my choices on the ballot really were limited to only Obama or McCain, I would choose not to cast a vote at all.
Posted by April on July 19, 2008 at 7:42 am
The thing that solidified my choice was an observation by my sister about what exactly a President can do as per Article Two of the Constitution. It’s nothing novel, but could bear repeating a thousand gajillion times to the American public. A President’s real powers are in the commanding of the forces, appointing judges, vetoing and appointing a cabinet. They don’t have the power to do what we ask our presidential candidates to promise. They can’t raise or lower taxes or change the economy. They can’t make laws. That’s the congress’ responsibility. I think it is ridiculous that we ask our candidates to run on a congressional platform. Stupid, really.
So — on those criteria — totally voting for McCain. For the record, I was a flaming liberal until this year. But Islamo-facism, is, in my mind, a HUGE threat to the safety of our country. (It was reading about the bomb strapped to the baby girl during the attempt to kill Benazair Bhutto the first time she returned to Pakistan that finally changed my mind on that point.)
I think McCain is prepared to do what he actually has power to do. And, as far as I can tell, McCain may be a curmudgeon, but he’s a man of principle and has served and sacrificed for this country. He’s chosen the unpopular way many a time because it is the right thing to do in his mind. I don’t agree with all that he has chosen, but he’s admitted his wrongs and apologized for past poor choices and has stuck with his convictions even when his own party has been slamming him.
Aside from his policy issues which are a big problem for me, Obama has emerged from Kane County politics with nary a spot, which in this state (IL), means that someone else is heavily spotted on his behalf. I think he says little of substance or meaning. I’ve read the books and thought that if they were written by a Republican, they’d be heavily criticized for complete lack of heft. And I think Obama has been too easily given a pass on matters of “faith” by some Christians. He uses the word a lot — I guess the novelty of that from a Democrat has wowed us.
I liked this video. I love how the voices sound right. I might post it, too.
Posted by Amy on July 19, 2008 at 9:03 am
Molly,
Hilarious Campaigning video! I love your sense of humor.
To “introduce” myself, I found your Blog page from AidaC’s. I’m also now in the God Journey Forum “niche” (hee hee). Molly excellent posts & thoughts here. I look spending some time reading more here. I also love the pictures of your boys. They look like a great threesome.
~Amy
http://www.myspace.com/amyinsurprise
http://www.freebelieversnecklaces.com
Posted by molleth on July 19, 2008 at 10:43 am
Nice to meet you, Amy.
On the comments above, you folks are GREAT! Thanks for the thoughtful commentary… now I have stuff to chew on…
Posted by yarrrrrr on July 19, 2008 at 10:53 am
Christians should give up on politics to fulfill anything and leverage the capabilities in the church.
http://ethicscenter.nd.edu/archives/macintyre.shtml
http://www.iep.utm.edu/p/p-macint.htm
Posted by normalmiddle on July 19, 2008 at 11:02 am
Well, you know my choice: Mickey Mouse.
It is the first time in my life that I have NO idea what to do when it comes to my vote. I have voted in every election, including primary run-offs in my small town. Never missed one election. And every time, I’ve felt CLEAR about who to vote for (and for the record I voted for Clinton once, Bush twice, so I’m not your typical conservative).
I just don’t know. I think they’re both full of crap, honestly.
Posted by Anglicanmum on July 19, 2008 at 11:53 am
“Just remember, the people being tortured have no such qualms about torture and killing.”
I hear that torture makes you queasy. But are you sure that ALL the people being tortured have no such qualms? Amongst the thousands tortured there might be some, perhaps many, who are innocent (and therefore violated simply because they are weak and the torturers powerful). I don’t think that ‘eye for eye’ thoughts should bring us comfort, honestly.
Don’t envy you in the choice of candidates (I’m not American) – no idea how I’d choose between them if I had a vote.
Posted by Bryan Riley on July 19, 2008 at 11:55 am
Molly,
I’ve not been to one blog since leaving for outreach to South Africa in June. I had a moment so I thought I’d stop by. Interesting post. I find it interesting that here I am in South Africa but in every way it feels a lot like America – spiritually, emotionally, and (less so) physically. Although their racial issues are much more raw than ours given the fact Apartheid ended only 14 years ago, the “feel”of how people interact is the same. It is very different than the spiritual and emotional feel of Britain.
I identify with what you write in this post.
Posted by mrsjoy on July 19, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Oh…man… *wipes away a tear*
I haven’t laughed that hard in so very long! Thank you.
Move over on the “I have no idea who I want to vote for” bench…I’ve never been so bothered by both of the choices as I am this election year. And I’m one of those that has been casting a vote since I could legally do so at 18! Good thoughts here, though. I am seeing some of it from a different perspective I’ve never heard before.
Posted by Emily on July 19, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I don’t know who I’m going to vote for….and I’m really not too worried about it right now. Instead, I’m reading one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read that I HIGHLY recommend—-Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw. It’s not about parties or how to get God back in America…. it’s about how our allegiance is to Jesus and not our country…how the two often compete and we don’t really believe the teachings of Jesus are relevant to politics. Without realizing it, we sacrifice the hard teachings of Jesus for what ‘works” politically. I think every Christian should read this book before the upcoming election. It won’t tell you how to vote, but it will transform the way you look at political involvement and what it means to walk in Jesus’ steps in that area of our lives. Seriously—GET IT!!! =)
Posted by E on July 19, 2008 at 12:52 pm
April:
Those are some very good points. People really should read our country’s founding documents on a regular basis. If the mainstream media weren’t so driven by sensationalism and pop-celebrity-dom, we might have a better-informed electorate. But we don’t. And, unfortunately, we probably won’t see intelligence and literacy and property-ownership tests for voters anytime soon….
My other big problem with Obama is that he hasn’t even served a single term as a U.S. Senator.
Youth may be fine and fresh, but experience trumps “youth” and “change,” IMO, almost every time.
Posted by belowthesurface on July 19, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Molly, hilarious video! I’m right there with you. I voted for Bush both times and have no idea what to do this fall. I kind of see it the opposite way as E. The fact that Obama has not even served a single term as Senator may be a positive thing. The longer they are in there, the more likely they are to have sold out. When our country was founded, people were not career politicians. That’s not to say I’m voting for Obama… I just don’t know.
Posted by sarah on July 19, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Interesting comments…Bob Barr gets my vote this time around.
Posted by kevin on July 19, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Dang, Molly, with kids how do you find time to be so complicated?
Now the kids are hollering. Bye.
Posted by barb on July 19, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I loved the video. Very appropriate. Very true. I stand with you Molly. Very disappointed in the choices before us. I wonder when a candidate can rise through the ranks who truly stands for what gets my ticket. Seems big government and big money, mega-billions of it is what gets the vote and that sickens me. Seems we’ve lost the radicalness of what started our country, which may be a result of maturing as a country. What does it take to give a third party the power to really make a difference in an election? Who knows?
I’m not ready to sacrifice my vote for the cause…yet.
I think for Obama to gain more credibility and clout he should run for governor – gain experience running something – like a state, then he’d be more electable. But his policies, yowza, a little too socialist leaning for my taste and therefore my vote goes, by default, to McCain.
Posted by Kievas Fargo on July 19, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I’d seen the video earlier, but agree that it’s great. I’m one of those folks who isn’t that thrilled with either party or nominee. Now, if the Libertarians actually ahd a chance of winning…
Posted by molleth on July 20, 2008 at 12:10 am
Just remember, the people being tortured have no such qualms about torture and killing.
That doesn’t make it right.
Posted by Shauna on July 20, 2008 at 7:52 am
Marcia Ford’s We the Purple is an interesting, thought-provoking book that highlights our country’s independents and some of the issues important to us. She includes a discussion about how the major parties (and the media) create hurdles that make it extremely difficult for independent and third-party candidates to even get on the ballot, let alone become viable contenders. You can also hear a recent podcast interview with her at Steve Brown, Etc.
Posted by Nathan Bubna on July 21, 2008 at 8:48 pm
VOTE THIRD PARTY! ANY THIRD PARTY! Don’t vote for Mickey, or you may as well not vote.
We need more options. So long as people continue to vote for “the lesser of two evils” as they see it or abstain from the democratic process altogether, we will NEVER GET ANY OTHER CHOICES. Nothing will change if we keep doing the same old things or do nothing (like voting for Mickey!) and leave others to do the same old things.
WE NEED MORE PARTIES! The two party system is hopelessly corrupt and very prone to remain so.
VOTE THIRD PARTY!!!! In this initial stage, it really doesn’t matter which third party you vote for. Every vote for any third party is a vote against the continued stupidity and inconsistency and mediocrity of the Republicans and Democrats. The point is not so much to strengthen one specific third party, but to weaken the stranglehold the big two have on American politics. Once sufficiently weakened, it will be much easier for other parties to make a real difference.
Posted by E on July 21, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Instead of voting 3rd Party, I think I’ll just throw a party.
Posted by molleth on July 22, 2008 at 9:50 am
Nathan,
Your preaching is convincing… Just for you, I will *not* write in MIckey Mouse.
What 3rd party candidates do you recommend looking into?
Btw, GREAT comments, all… More than I can respond to at this moment (these few delicious minutes wherein I sip coffee and enjoy the sounds of a silent house, sounds that will be punctuated by squeaks and squeals and yawns and, “whazzfer breakfast, mommy?” any second now)…
But I so enjoy all ya’ll’s thoughts…good stuff to muse on….
Posted by Maureen E on July 23, 2008 at 10:08 am
I’m not sure yet. Not McCain. I’m somewhat dubious about Obama. Maybe I”ll write in Dennis Kucinich.
Posted by Lynn on July 24, 2008 at 4:20 am
I know my SS teacher, when it came to Bush and Gore back in 2000, said he wrote in the name of his dog.
He works for the EPA in some capacity in the area of air pollution, and he has nothing but contempt for the Bush administration. I’m talking about a hard working man who constantly is studying the Bible, handing out DVDs of good sermons he can download, and working hard in our church’s leadership for no pay. He’s one of those people who truly are worthy of double honor.
He’s spent a lot of time before Congressional committees and sub-committees, and he’s seen first hand how things get done, and his view of the Bush administration is that it is corrupt by controlling what is properly left to other entities to decide. I cannnot specify what he meant, but I’ve never seen him so angry as when speaking about the Bush administration when it comes to political heavy handedness as far as the EPA goes. I don’t know what to make, in the final analysis, of his perspective, but it disturbs me.
Recently, he’s told us he’s going to endorse McCain.
I’m not going to write someone in, and I’m not going to vote for a third party. I will probably be voting for McCain (not because of my SS teacher), but I’d rather be voting for Huckabee.
The reason I’m voting for McCain, is, the President is the Commander in Chief if he is anything, and McCain has more saavy than Obama in this regard, and as someone said above, it is no small consideration. Terrorism is still very much a threat to our country. I know some good people who have very high security clearances who work for Air Force, and although they can’t say what they know, they do say terrorism remains a very real threat.
April’s comments above reflect my thoughts as well here.
Posted by E on July 24, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I heard the talk radio hosts deride everything Barack Obama said today in Berlin.
Then I read the transcript of his speech.
I am suffering from cognitive dissonance.
I don’t think what they heard is what I read.
I am Joe’s state of confusion. (Or if you saw the movie version: I am Jack’s state of confusion.)
Posted by barb on July 25, 2008 at 4:31 am
Yeah, yeah, yeah…I listened to his speech and heard 5 minutes (all I could take) of Sean Hannity. He hates Obama and it wouldn’t matter if Obama said nice things about Bush, Hannity and others would still deride him.
But back to the speech…first- why is Obama giving a speech to 200,000 in Berlin? They don’t vote. Does he care that much about what Europe thinks of him that he needs to court them? I have never seen a candidate from France, Germany, England, etc come to the States prior to an election to insure that the U.S.. would have some rate of approval with their election. His speech was fine – nothing extraordinary, mostly a history lesson. But what irks me is why he was there. I really don’t care, in all honesty, whether those in other countries like my president. He isn’t running for election around the world….or is he (snark)?