Purple State

I have to admit - this is the first year that I've ever contributed to any political campaign. I currently reside in one of the reddest of red states in the country and have found myself leaning heavily towards the blue side of things. So I've donated $100 towards Obama's campaign thus far.

Maybe it's my age and these things are now more important to me, but in the end, I really am tired of the conservative rhetoric that seems to say a lot about nothing. It's not that I agree with the entire Democratic Party platform - I don't see eye-to-eye on abortion for instance - but at least they are willing to put the issues on the table and get to work on them. And even with several ultra conservative Presidents in the White House, Roe v. Wade is still the rule for the last nearly 40 years. So I'm finding a "stand on abortion" is really a lot of hot air. If people really cared, it would be dealt with and not a question that has become eerily similar to "What team do you support for the World Series?"

I strongly believe that we do have social responsibilities to one another. That we can only find success through teamwork. The Republican ultra-conservatism has devolved into social isolationism: that all you'll ever need is to work hard, love Jesus, read the Bible and carry a large handgun and everyone else, if they follow that tenant, will be OK in the end. It truly is foolish to go about a life that way -and especially when you take into consideration that the Bible mentions God/Jesus being with the poor around 2,000 times, seems to me if you were an actual "Christian" you'd be striving for that on a daily basis.

We are obligated to help one another out. Not in the sense that we subsidize people who are capable but unwilling to help themselves, but putting forth our very best effort to allow for a social system that anyone can find a path to their own version of the American Dream. It is a tapestry of choices that actually allows for success - not the one-size-fits-all approach that the social conservatives preach.

Listening to Obama's speech and then to Palin's last night - the juxtaposition couldn't be more clear. Obama is willing to stand up for himself, but stay focused on the actual issues wherein Palin (and I suppose McCain's will tonight as well) didn't really say anything at all. She spoke of her personal life to introduce us to her and her family, her background as an executive as mayor and of the state, but really nothing that stood out to me that she has any idea of what the issues are that affect all of us in this country. What is the plan from the Republicans? I couldn't even begin to tell you.

It's not that the Democrats have the ultimate silver bullet, but Obama (to me) appears to be able to work together with everyone necessary to at least accomplish something. McCain/Palin look to me like the old man with his old ways and his gun-toting, conservative Christian female running mate who appears more to be pandering for the lost Hillary supporters who are too unwilling (or racist) to vote for Obama.

So I find myself a bit blended these days. In the local elections, I'm sure I'll have my share of Republicans who I'll support and those Democrats too, who I feel will do a better job in the office. But in the end, I am supporting the best method of creating the future infrastructure so my children and my grandchildren can find success. If that means taking it in the shorts now, so be it.