Thursday, October 30, 2008

Tipping the Scale


I have been thinking a lot about our upcoming election.  I have tried very hard to study each candidate, and nudge my way through all the fluff.  It is difficult when there is so much muck being thrown around about both candidates. 
I have read "The Audacity of Hope" by Barrack Obama.  I will admit that I haven't read any books on John McCain - (mostly because I was to cheap to buy one and someone gave me the book on Obama).  But I have tried to stay current and learn about the man what I could.

There are countless arguments for both sides and each one makes great promises.  So I started to think about what was important to me and how did each candidate measure up.  

The War.  Support it or not, the fact is we are at war.  Looking at both of these men, who do I feel will do what is right for our country and our soldiers.  I, unlike most people, do not support a cut in our military defenses.  I will never forget how I felt on September 11, and I feel better knowing our country has the best military defenses in the world.   I want someone who, along with his party, has a history of supporting funds for our military and supporting what needs to be done to protect our country.

The economy.  I am just as scared as the rest of America.  Believe me, my hubbies in the banking industry.  But any candidate who promotes a "redistribution of wealth"  and higher taxes for the rich, scares me to death.  It's a concept that is dripping with socialism.  I have always believed in free enterprise and capitalism.  Oh how I wish there was a flat tax.  I cannot support the idea of taking from the rich to equal everyone out.  Again, it's a socialistic concept that I don't embrace.

The "A" word.  Yes, abortion.  I am not in favor of it.  I don't feel the need to argue the topic of abortion, because then this blog post would be the size of a book.  Several - and I mean several - of my friends have been so blessed because of these unwanted babies through adoption.  How can I go along with a candidate who supports this - early or late term.

The list goes on and on. And so could this blog post.  I have found that I disagree with both candidates on several points. Both have shady things in their past and some associations that I cannot ignore.   But to not vote would be irresponsible.  I must decide.  

(Now many will say there is so much more to the discussion, and believe me I know this is true.  But for the sake of not making this so long, I just touched on a couple of things).

My sister-in-law (you know I still love you) made a comment the other day that has really bothered me.  She said she loved the idea of a black president.  If you think about it, that is a very narrow minded comment.  The color of ones skin is irrelevant as is their gender.  I love the idea of voting for someone who shares my beliefs.  That is all.

And so my friends, on November 4th, John McCain will be getting my vote.  And no matter who wins this election, I feel I did my best to make an educated decision.  I feel I voted for the candidate that adhered most to my beliefs.

This is just one girls opinion.

39 comments:

elizabeth said...

you're right - I do love this post! whether or not people agree with you is irrelevant . . . what's important is, you've studied out what YOU believe will make this country continue to be great and then selected the candidate YOU think is best suited. you know you're going to get some interesting comments from this blog (I know you knew that as you were writing this) but, being the first commenter, allows me to begin this discussion with a hearty "BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHER'S OPINIONS". the worst thing about this election is the constant attacking that goes on in so-called "discussions". so, let's everyone - be nice!

Anonymous said...

It only seems reasonable that you should feel free to voice your opinions on topics without inciting the wrath of strangers who don't even know you. While I don't share your political views, I absolutely respect your right to voice them in a supportive and respectful environment...

Politics aside... you make the most spectacular cakes and I look forward to seeing your latest, greatest! For me, this blog is really all about the cakes, anyhow.

Ps.. You wouldn't happen to be able to ship cakes to Utah, would you? My son's birthday is in January and I would love to have you make his cake if I could get it here in one piece.

~Caroline~ said...

I too hope other's are respectful with their comments.

I sincerely applaud anyone who really takes the time to learn about the candidates and tries to make the most informed decision possible.

I found this quiz from ABCnews really helpful. It asks you to decide which statement you agree on for several important topics. Once you answer all the questions, it tells you which candidate you agreed with most. I agreed with John McCain's statements on all but two issues.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139

Amberly said...

Hooray for you! I have noticed that a lot of people are NOT voting for the candidate who most closely shares their values. I find this disturbing and wonder how so many people have become confused.

Mari said...

Hooray for you that you have studied it out, made up your mind and are at peace. You are further along than I am in this struggle. And...we are less than a week away from casting our vote. Yea for the red, white and blue of America! I think you are fantastic and the best baker. Smiles.

mrs. timberlake said...

A) I love that you re-opened the political door after the drama last week. Good for You.

B) I bought one of your cookies at the concert for sentimental reasons and fully intended to just keep it in its neat package ..... but I ended up (gasp) eating it. It was divine. Just as tasty on the inside as beautiful on the out.

C) Just wanted you to know I enjoy your blog and your creations.

Robyn said...

The "A" word is my biggest reason for not voting for Obama. I applaud your courage to take a stand. I am surprised by people not making the same decision.

Jennifer said...

I DO hope that people keep up the respectful dialogue on this post!!

Emily said...

I am one of those people who has become so disillusioned with politics this year, and have struggled immensely with both candidates, that the last couple of days I have actually considered not casting a vote for the President. I know...GASP! And I am a firm believer in voting. But, thank you very much for your rebuke (even though I know you didn't mean it as a rebuke, but my guilty conscience took it that way), I will suck it up and do a little more research to figure out where to cast my vote. Thanks for your opinions and helping me see the error of my thinking.

MarySue said...

I have to come out of the shadow of reading your blog and not knowing you to comment. This was a most well spoken post...do I say that because I completely agree with your views, maybe. I love it when we stand for beliefs even at the chance of being "fired" upon. I put up my Prop. 102 yard sign and bumper sticker and wondered what might happen to my house or car. I am a firm believer in the YW motto to Stand for truth and righteousness. Thank you...you brave wonderful young gal. From a regular reader.

Write Your World said...

Love your blog...I guess I'm a lurker. But here's my comment. What makes Obama a black man? He is bi-racial...Just as much a white man as a black man. If he were purple and yellow would we call him a purple man simply because purple was the more controversial color. Do we really care what color he is? Have we not yet learned the color of a man's skin does not reflect the content of his character. I, like you, have struggled. Usually as election day gets nearer my choice becomes clearer. That has certainly not been the case this election year. Where, oh where, is Mitt Romney!

Elizabeth said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have been talking with friends recently about the need to stand up for what we believe. Good for you! This has been a very interesting election. I do wish people understood taxes a little better, specifically how the candidates tax system effects small businesses, mainly becuase my husband has been a small business owner. I could write a long post on that one, but I won't. Thanks for the thoughts.

TX Girl said...

Although we disagree on politics, I'm happy that you have actually looked at both candidates. Unfortunately you have done a lot more than what is typical of the average American.

I disagree with voting for someone solely based on race, gender or religion.

I will say I think it is refreshing how riled people are about this election. Although from someone that has worked in politics and majored in political science, I will happily take an election season when people are excited and interested in what is going on, instead of the usual political apathy that is the norm.

Anonymous said...

Nicely done.

Your opinion...respectful of yourself and of others...thoughtful.

Thank you.

Lisa P said...

First, I respect your opinion. I have good friends who disagree with me on this election and they are still good friends. I am a christian. I totally disagree with abortion too. However, we've had someone in the white house for 8 years that really used that issue, and look where the country is now, and oh yeah, abortion is still legal, and probably will be no matter who is elected. I am voting for Obama. I don't agree with everything he says, but I feel he is more in touch with the middle class and can get the country on the right track.
I'm really glad you are voting though. I hate when people just don't.
Still loving your cakes. I look at them daily.

Lisa said...

Amen! I've already voted...for McCain/Palin 2008!!!

The Jbird, Hugs, and Bfran Gang said...

I've never left a comment on someone's blog that I didn't personally know, but I guess there is a first for everything! I just wanted to respond to your sister-in-law's comment about loving the idea of having a black president...I have had this same thought come across my mind. My reason for this thought is that America has only ever had white males as presidents, and I think it says a lot for our country if we could actually vote in a president who was not a white male. So I think the idea of a "black" president is cool, not because he is "black", but more because he is not "white" (and nothing against white males, I married one...but I think a change is in order). And on to the sensitive topic of abortion. This one is a hard issue for me because there are so many different circumstances where I would not be against someone having an abortion, like a 13 year old girl getting pregnant by her grandfather (it happens!)..would I judge her for getting an abortion? I am against people using abortion as a method of birth control, but there are a lot of situations where I would not be against abortion. And really, who am I to say what is right and wrong for another person...abortion is a CHOICE, but only one to be made by those invovled....anyway, just thought I'd voice my opinions. I will be voting for Obama on Tuesday. But thank you for letting us openly discuss this issue and for letting me ramble on...this is why I don't usually leave comments!

Laurie said...

For the record - my point was that I love that we've come so far that color DOESN'T matter and that we COULD elect a black president. Not that we could elect him BECAUSE he was black.

Regardless (yes I know you still love me) I still like McCain.

Laurie said...

...and I think that being glad that we're color/race blind is about as far away from being narrow minded as one can be.

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa,

I'm the one who left the reeeaaaallly long comment on your post a few days ago. I'm so glad that you decided to post again on politics even though you were burned before, and I agree with other commenters that this is a really thoughtful and interesting blog entry.

Just wanted to make one quick point about the redistribution of wealth. ANY taxation is a redistribution of wealth. And we need that redistribution, because our cities and towns need roads and policemen and clean water supplies and mayors and firefighters. Where did John McCain get his campaign funds? From taxpayers. Where does he get his salary? From taxpayers. And since neither candidate is seriously proposing eliminating taxation, they are both supporters of redistributing wealth. I am totally against socialism, but this isn't socialism so much as making sure the government has enough money to provide essential services and outfit the army and navy with the supplies they need to do their job in the Middle East.

Obama's tax plan will cut taxes for 99% of Americans, and he will not be raising taxes on the other 1% so much as rolling back the Bush tax cuts (which were made in a time of war when he was ramping up government spending and increasing the deficit like whoa) to Clinton-era levels. And however you might feel about Clinton the man (I admit I don't like him much), America was prosperous and entrepeneurship was flourishing during those years, despite higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans.

Also, although we do not precisely agree on abortion, I totally respect your position. However, one thing that bothers me about John McCain is that he is opposed to exceptions based on a woman's health. At the third debate, he even put the words "woman's health" in air-quotes and spoke derisively of the phrase, as if it were trumped up by pro-choicers as some crazy excuse. But as a woman, I don't take my health so lightly, and I want to make sure that I have the opportunity for an abortion if I have, for instance, an ectopic pregnancy or one that is putting my life at risk in some other way. (In El Salvador, where abortion is strictly illegal even when the woman's health depends on it, women with ectopic pregnancies are not allowed to get the embryo in their fallopian tube removed until the tube bursts.)

I'm not trying to change your mind or your vote, just add to the discussion a little bit.

Thanks for reading!
Anne

Diane Arnett Gardiner said...

I vote for my party. I do my homework on all of the candidates and propositions, believe me, but unless there is something really, incredibly, falteringly wrong with my party's candidate...I vote for my party. With the check and balance system that we have in place (ie Congress, senate)I believe that that TOO should be taken seriously into consideration.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your thoughts, I am not a typical blog responder but I appreciate your thoughts and others. I had considered not voting when the primaries had just finished and I didn't like either of the candidates, however I have wholeheartedly changed my feeling on that. The reason is history. I think of the women in the late 1800's and early 1900's who fought long and hard for women to have the right to vote and have their voices heard. Despite the difficulties they endured for that they prevailed. As a modern woman I just can't just sit by when it has only been in the past 100 years that women have the right to vote. Whether I agree or not with everything from the candidates it is becoming clear that one is resonating with me and my value system more than the other. Even though the media has counted MCain out he has my vote!

Jenson Family said...

I am sooo ready for this to all be done with, because there has been so much tension!! I already voted (we have early voting in NV) and I voted for McCain. We have some serious issues to deal with in our country, no doubt. But I am horrified at what the next 4 years are PROBABLY going to be like... The Jimmy Carter years - inflation, 17% interest rates on our homes... Yikes. Anyways. Everyone is so seriously fired up about this election that it kind of freaks me out.

Brent and April said...

This one is for you Anne. (at least the part about taxes)

I completely disagree with you about taxes. Taxes are not redistribution of wealth if they are used for community improvements. They are when they are used for welfare, food stamps and tax rebates when you didn't pay any taxes in the first place.

http://www.constitution.org/law/bastiat.htm

Read the article at this link. This is where I stand on taxes and laws.

I am Melissa's politically incorrect brother. So I'll just say that I can't believe how people can still be undecided? McCain is no Regan but the differences between him and Obama are like night and day.

Abortion - McCain or Obaba will to nothing to affect abortion other than to pick judges. McCain will pick judges who judge, not legislate. Obama has said he will pick judges who judge on their feelings.

Taxes - McCain will close loopholes and cut government spending. He will also push for the Bush tax cuts to be made permanent. Obama will raise taxes while telling you he is lowering them. He will let the Bush tax cuts expire in 2010 and will increase taxes on businesses. Here is a little secret I want to share with you... Businesses don't pay taxes... Consumers do.

Guns - I am very pro 2nd amendment. The right to bear arms has nothing to do with hunting. It has to do with the people being able to overthrow our government if they get out of hand. We should not be restricted on what we can have. An armed society is a polite society.

War - Very clear who will maintain a strong defense and who will pull out.

I am for personal responsibility. You should be free to succeed and free to fail. If I commit a crime then it is my fault. Not my mothers or my neighbors. If I work hard I expect to be rewarded. If I sit on my butt I should not expect anything from the government.

I too could go on and on.

I hope I was respectful. These are my views.

The Cutchen Crew said...

Regardless of who we all vote for it will be nice to see if one of these men will actually DO what they say they are going to, not just SAY what we want to hear to get a vote.

Anonymous said...

Melissa,
I enjoyed reading all of your posts. Your cakes are amazing by the way! I miss seeing you guys! I still think of you when I go running and remember that you were my inspiration!

Pink Slippers said...

The fact about the his stand on Abortion and being that he supports it and EVEN when the baby has survived one and is born alive. He still thinks it is ok to terminate. That is all I need to know NOT vote for him. (But I do know more!)
Wendy

Ma'ama said...

I agree with "the cutchen crew". It will be great to see if whomever is voted in can actually keep the promises that got them there. Is anyone else so sick and tired of the partisan bickering in the legislative branch? I was raised in NV, AND I am LDS, but that does NOT make me a Harry Reid fan. I think this election could bring about some major issues, IF a Democrat is voted into the White House AND the Senate continues to be more Democrat than Republican. It will make socialistic policies too easy to slip in the back door, and that has me concerned. I voted early for McCain/Palin.

Chrissy Jo said...

So I'm another lurker... but I was so interest in your political post that I just had to comment. Though we may not see eye to eye on our politics I applaud you for feeling free to voice your opinion in a reasonable, thought out manner. I too hate all the muck going back and forth and the horrible blanket statments that are being made about people supporting one candidate or the other. Politics is a great interest for me, but I often feel the need to be silent (even on my blog) so as not to offend the friends and family... so I say to you "Way to be brave". Oh, and your cakes are adoreable! -Chrissy

Anonymous said...

Wow, please give your SIL a hug from me. You know how to throw then under the bus! Bet Thanksgiving woll be fun this year!!

Megan said...

to my cute SIL, Laurie...you're far from being narrow minded. You are educated, intelligent, smart and were just misunderstood. As far as this election....this is a pivotal time in history and I am holding on for dear life! McCain for President!

Anonymous said...

I just had a couple of comments on Anne's post.
She is right that everyone has to pay taxes, and that the taxes we pay go to things we need but at what percent? This is where the Laffer curve comes in. Obama's idea of taxation and redistribution of wealth will be at a much higher tax rate. It needs to be capped. (read about Laffer curve)
As for Bill Clinton, just because he was in office doesn't mean he stimulated the economy. He happened to be president during the dot.com boom along with other already prospering businesses. We had economic success, but some people say that George Bush Sr. repaired the automobile and Bill Clinton got in and drove away.

Back to voting. "Knowledge with out labor is profitless knowledge with labor is genius." GBH quote. Everyone should do their homework and study the candidates. It is a choice of the lesser of two evils in my opinion, but we have a duty to speak up for what is right and we should not set aside our moral standards or beliefs. And may we all remember civility is a virtue. Be kind.

Anonymous said...

If it wasn't for Sarah Palin, I'd vote for Mcain.. but i just can't in do it.. she scares me, and there's just too high of a chance that she'll have to step up, and i dont believe she can.

Melissa said...

Just so everyone knows, my sister-in-law is amazing and I don't think she is narrow minded. I have just heard so many people make that comment about having a black president. I used her as an example probably because she was the last one I talk to about it. But I totally knew what she meant and think she is a bright, amazing gal. I was using her as a general example of some peoples take on the election. Bad call by me. Love ya Laur.

Pam said...

Glad to read your post. I am not particularly pleased with either candidate. I have looked at the issues and simply based my choice off of who shares my opinions/values in the most areas. This happens to be McCain even though he is flawed too. Most of your post echoes my political sentiments.

I do feel strongly about voting yes on Prop 102 but interestingly enough all 4 presidential/vice presidential candidates oppose same-sex marriage.

Thanks again for being open with your thoughts.

Brent and April said...

anonymous - I am voting for McCain because of Palin. We all know that McCain is not in lock step with our values. I wish McCain a long life, but in reality, she is the reason I will vote McCain. Knowing that she is one heart beat away gives me comfort.... and she is hot!

Anonymous said...

All the reasons I feel I can't vote for Obama, with also the potential of a complete governmental control by democrats:
1. Defense--in the following youtube video, he says he "will not weaponize space", he "will slow our development of future combat systems....", and he will set a goal for a "world without nuclear weapons," and to get there, he will start by "not developing any new nuclear weapons..." : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg2pDymVX0g
2. House Democrats recently invited Teresa Ghilarducci, a professor at the New School of Social Research, to testify before a subcommittee on her idea to eliminate the preferential tax treatment of the popular retirement plans. In place of 401(k) plans, she would have workers transfer their dough into government-created "guaranteed retirement accounts" for every worker. The government would deposit $600 (inflation indexed) every year into the GRAs. Each worker would also have to save 5 percent of pay into the accounts, to which the government would pay a measly 3 percent return. Rep. Jim McDermott, a Democrat from Washington and chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, said that since "the savings rate isn't going up for the investment of $80 billion [in 401(k) tax breaks], we have to start to think about whether or not we want to continue to invest that $80 billion for a policy that's not generating what we now say it should." I like my freedom to choose whom to invest with, etc. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcKezvLKRLk
3. Fairness Doctrine--only applied to talk radio. Freedom of Speech is lost on the wayside with this. Where does it end? And Obama has a "thing" for Sean Hannity. I shudder to think what's coming for this man If Obama becomes president, because he really seems to have it in for Sean Hannity.
4. That Obama thinks the Constitution is "a fundamentally flawed document." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11OhmY1obS4
5. On oil drilling/energy--only "easing short-term pain". and he's wrong that drilling won't provide us with ANY relief. Does he really believe that drilling won't help for at least a generation, but we're suddenly going to be able to completely replace our current technologies with "alternatives" in less time??: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8fkbEuCQss&feature=related
6. Sarkozy in France (not a country that is considered a war-monger) considers Obama "utterly immature" and comprised of "formulations empty of all content."

Just a few of my reasons, and my worry about him being in charge.

Unknown said...

that was well-thought out and interesting to read. I think you have a valid point, which is to not think in terms of pop culture or to base your voting opinion on others' opinions and values, but weigh the candidates' beliefs with your own.

I have to remind myself about some major beliefs and issues and then make the best decision based on these principals. And NOT on what would make me "cool" or socially acceptable, or just to be like those I know (ie family and church members).

Great, thoughtful post!

(BTW, I'm Amanda Pepper's sister and since she loves you so much, I thought I'd lurk on your site a while. good stuff!)

Em Levy {orange + barrel} said...

While I don't agree with you, I think it is great you made an informed decision. I have gotten hate mail all weekend from "friends" who don't study the issues. It's like how I can I respond to "you are going to hell". ...I am still trying to figure through the one.

and I love the last cake. fab.

 
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