Friday, May 02, 2008

Warning; sensitive subject!! :)

Wow, I cannot believe the response that I have gotten the last week from some of my friends when I 've told them that I'm favoring Obama. In fact, I'm really hoping that I haven't ruined some of my friendships because I have a differing opinion. I guess that is why you should avoid politics as a topic of conversation because there will always be different opinions no matter what. I guess the thing that frustrates me the most is when people just go off of what they've heard in the media or through emails. If you're going to tell me that I'm crazy for liking Obama then get your facts right and don't come at me with all of the lies, slanders, and rumors, just do your homework is all I'm saying.

I still am a little nervous about voting for a Democrat just because I don't think that the government should be as involved as they would like them to be, but at the same time I have to choose somebody and of all the choices I really feel like Obama is the right one for me. I have really sought out to study and get to know the candidates. In so many ways I feel like McCain is just wanting to put a temporary band-aid on so many of the serious issues that we are facing as a country. I guess the main issue that really stands out for me is education. Because of all of my schooling and my experience in the school systems, I really do not like No Child Left Behind. In fact, I am pretty passionate about it. McCain feels like the answer to our educational issues is to just give parents more freedom to choose whatever schools they want their children to go to. Really? He thinks that is an answer? How will that change anything for the educational system in our country? How do we expect our children to love learning and feel passionate about it when all the teachers have time to teach are the answers to the state test that they have to pass in order for the school to get more money? Okay, sorry. I'm telling you, I really feel passionate about this.

Anyways, I really feel like Obama is a good honest person, and I trust him. I know that some people believe that all politicians are corrupt and horrible people, but I choose to believe that there are good men out there like Obama who really do want to change the world and unite a country that is divided in so many ways. I refuse to believe that everyone is corrupt and just in it for power and glory. I may be naive, but I'd rather be naive and happy in my world then skeptical, miserable, and have no hope or faith in mankind. I know there are a lot of negative rumors, but I find them to be untrue. I just really hope that we haven't come to a point in our society where we believe everything that we hear from those who seek to slander, degrade, and mislead.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now and I promise I'll stop talking politics because I know it is a sensitive subject, I just had to get that off of my chest.

15 comments:

Melissa said...

Thanks... you're awesome! I'm sure you are getting a lot of critisim (sp?), however, when Bush & Kerry were running, I didn't feel great about either one, but I still felt I needed to vote, so I prayed of who I should vote for, & that whoever was supposed to be in office would be. Thank you so much, because you really are helping me think a lot about obama. I know it would be a huge shock to people especially my family if I voted for him, but I do agree with you. I want what's best for our country. I'm not sure who I will vote for... something I need to think more about & pray about. Won't it be so nice when Christ will reign on the earth. I look forward to that day.

Lena said...

I am not happy about our choices either but I've found this time I'm voting for who I think will do the least amount of damage. I'm sorry you've been reamed by friends- it shouldn't be that way.
I'm not as concerned about the educational system because I almost think it is beyond repair without a HUGE overhaul and I have chosen to exercise my right to homeschool my kiddos. I found that it's been the best option for us.

Anyway- I just wanted to say good for you for really studying the candidates and making your own decision. That's all we can do right? We may all get a different answer but thank goodness we live in a country where we can agree to disagree!

Lisa said...

i hope i didnt say anything that offended you. im glad to know that you have found a candidate that you trust and support. me on the other hand nope. im not one of those that is a republican no matter what. i just dont trust any of the candidates at this point. i am huge into politics and always follow both sides of the spectrum and naturally a candidate for me has to support the military after all that person is my husbands boss. im just really going by who i feel is the lesser of two evils and at this point im not quite sure who that might be. thanks for standing up for what/who you believe in. theres nothing wrong with that!

Melissa said...

Lisa,

I am never offended by other people's opinions. I was just saying how surprised I was by the way some of my friends reacted when I told them my opinions. I like to hear other people's opinions because I'm all about getting all the info. that I can to make the best choice. Besides, that's what freedom of speech is all about. :)

Love ya, Mel

Lisa said...

thanks mel, good to know. i was a little worried that i might have upset you, which is something that you never want to do to a pregnant lady :) but truely thanks for sharing.

Jeff Dowdle said...

I guess Obama is ok if you want a racist in the whitehouse. He also contributed money to numerous anti american groups. One such group was directly responsible for bombing the pentagon in the 70's. I suggest you check into him a little closer and take a look at where he has donated money and where he goes to church. You Tube has the full sermons from his wonderful racist pastor and friend. That is the true character of a man. Not to mention he supports abortion. With as many people yearning for kids that are not able have them I find supporting this law to be ridiculous, adoption is always available. Sorry but voting for change just for the sake of change does not make it right.

Melissa said...

Dear Jeff or whoever wrote the above comment,

First of all, I will check into Obama even further. I feel like I have done a pretty good job of doing my research and reading both sides of all the information available. I know about Wright and I also feel that I have gotten to know Obama's character pretty good, thank you. I do not support abortion and I am so thankful that I have been raised in the gospel where I have been taught to know better. I am not voting just for the sake of change. I am voting for who I feel is a man of integrity and value. I'm sorry if you do not feel the same.

Jeff Dowdle said...

The poeple you are voting for are supposed to be your representatives of your values. Good to know what yours are. By supporting him you are supporting Black Liberation Theology (His Racist Church), Abortion, and higher taxes, as well as his association with Tony Rezco (Google his name and Obama). The guy has zero character unless he is on stage. Just trying to open your eyes to who this guy is behind the scenes. You need to look past his slick speeches, which I admit he is good at sounding level headed and believable. I once thought like you until I saw who his friends are. I never thought I would say this but GO HILLARY!! At least we know what she is, a LIAR. Eitherway McCain has so much dirt on each of them now it should be a cake walk for him.

Anonymous said...

I'm not really into this whole blogging thing. However, I find that such aggressive comments are usually made by people who study one side of an argument and get caught up in rumors and hearsay! I also find it rude that someone would attack someone so openly without even knowing that person. Cleary Jeff you are an opinionated person who lacks tack and communication skills. As far as his church goes, you are a white male who grew up in an affluant family and have no clue what being a low income minority is like. Your attack on a culture preaching to its people to better their lives and their heritage is appalling. I suggest attacking your inner charagcteristcs before abusing someones God given right to choose how and who he/she believes would be a good president.

Andrea said...

Wow. I can't just leave this and not comment. I am stunned at the above comments.

Jeff - Why would you think it is appropriate to come onto someone else's blog and attack them for THEIR opinions and beliefs? If you don't like what she has to say - DON'T READ IT. Why does someone else's opinion bother you so much? And you obviously don't know Melissa very well... or you would not have made the comments you did. It is just incomprehensible to me that you would openly attack someone's opinions and beliefs - especially someone who is your sister's friend.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion - especially on THEIR OWN BLOG.

Jeff Dowdle said...

Look, I was simply debating her position that she put out there on a public blog. I was not attacking her in anyway. Only debating the fact that Obama is fit to lead our country. If you don't want comments you should not post it. I feel strongly about it because I have spent time researching it. And by some responses from others here not many have really examined his past. I am sorry if I offended anyone but I am not sorry for defending my position on the subject. I have no ill will towards you Melissa, I just do not agree with you, just like you do not agree with me. I was trying to engage you in a discussion about your belief in this guy. That is what this whole politics thing is about isn't it? If you want to see an example of attacking see the Anonymous post response directed at me. At least I put my name out there with what I said. Again, I never meant to upset you only to challenge your postion on the guy.

Mark said...

I was made aware of this post and after reading it I can not resist weighing on this political commentary. I happen to agree with Andrea. Everyone IS entitled to their own opinion and beliefs, however, that entitlement has to go both ways. It is not only naive, but also a double standard, to expect others to respect your right to have an opinion while at the same time denying them the right to challenge or respond to that opinion with one of their own. Saying that Jeff is attacking Melissa's opinions and beliefs is taking it a bit too far. Challenging them, yes. Attacking them, no. If you watched any of the televised debates this is the very format the debates are designed around. One candidate states their view or opinion on a particular topic and then the other candidates are allowed the time to respond, challenge, or support those views. If having your opinions challenged is offensive and perceived as a personal attack to you, then my advise is to keep them to yourself and not post them in an open forum such as a blog. Regarding Andreas question asking why someone else's opinion bothers him so much, all I can say is that someone else's opinion (aka their vote) will affect who becomes our next president, who will ultimately represent our views and beliefs as citizens of this country
and shape our future. So, yes, other people's opinions matter and should bother us. Bother us enough to want to support them or challenge them. Complacency is our worst enemy. What would have happened if Jeff had come out in support of Obama and encouraged Melissa in her choice? I dare say that the conversation and posts in reply would have been drastically different.
For me, while I am not thrilled with any of the presidential candidates, it all comes down to the abortion issue. I would never be able to forgive myself for voting for someone that supports abortion regardless of how much I may or may not support their views on other topics (ie education in Melissa's case). So i guess you know who I will be voting for in the general election. Anyway, that is my two bits...take it or leave. I am just glad to see people actually making good use of their right to be heard and getting out to vote.

Lena said...

That's kind of silly saying Melissa shouldn't post her PERSONAL opinions on her own personal blog. She should be able to do so without being challenged by passers-by. That's kind of what a blog is all about.

Melissa is a smart woman who knows her mind and from what I know of her, prayerfully considers her decisions and obviously doesn't take it lightly. That is to be respected. Coming to her blog is like coming to her home and her opinion should be respected as such here. I'm sure that your concern would probably be better shared with people you have some sort of relationship with and may have some sway over because this format does little to change people's opinions.

Melissa- I hope I'm not butting in but I just couldn't help myself either.

Melissa said...

Please read my recent posts.

Melissa said...

Sorry, I mean "post". :)

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