Okay… I’ve been quiet about the election, but this really captures why I could never vote for Obama/Biden. I think both are decent men with good intentions, but fundamentally wrong and ill advised on many issues. Like the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
For the economy in particular, here is proof that that Obama doesn’t get the idea of a “free market” where rewards are given to those who take risks, work hard, and live appropriately. Follow the link below to see Obama tell a plumber that “the goal isn’t to raise taxes,” the goal is to “spread the wealth around.”
Interesting. My dad is from Bolivia, where many revolutions since the turn of the 20th century have resulted in the state deciding where to “spread the wealth around.”
As a pre-teen I had the honor of meeting my great-grandfather on his deathbed. He lived in poverty, but twice in his life he had been one of the richest guys in his area (Cochabamba, not exactly a tiny village). Twice in his life the state took his lands, redistributed them to the peasants and left him to rebuild. He was able to claw his way back to the top the first time, but by the 2nd, he was too old to get back on his feet and died a poor man.
So I share your concerns. However, surely you wouldn’t suggest that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with our current system? I would suggest that there are inherent flaws with what we currently do vs. what we preach vs. what would actually work. Somewhere in that mix of reality, hope and fantasy is a formula for success.
Frankly, I’m not sure either guy is gonna be able to work out the precise formula. It’s a matter of betting on the odds, however. Like most of life!
Thanks for the comment. Also, I love to hear the stories of immigration and family history. I can imagine that meeting your great grandfather made for a very special memory. And what a lesson in discipline and diligence to have it all taken twice and keep going.
I think I agree with you, the current system is flawed and is not operating as it should. Personally, I think we have tolerated too much spending on the part of the government (it took us over 200 years to reach a $1 trillion in the late ’90s, we’re now at around $10 trillion). Likewise, I think individual consumers have made bad decisions ranging from absurd credit debt to zero down adjustable mortgages. Honestly, I think we’ve abused the markets and are now paying the price. We have to remain confident in the markets… they always return long-term if left to correct themselves.
As for the current candidates, I’m not sure that I feel “compelled” by either one… but it is not a difficult choice to select between Obama and McCain based on their life history, experience, platforms, and comments. I’ll take a decorated veteran with a long history of service and reform over the younger, inexperienced, and dangerously loose lipped Obama. Not to mention some of his affiliations and relationships really bother me.
If Mr. Obama had waited 8 more years and built a career around demonstrated success, reform, and leadership in the senate (where, lets face it, there are few profiles in courage these days), I could be more understanding of his candidacy. At this point, his comments and actions just don’t offset his lack of record, experience, and accomplishment.
Thanks again for the comment!