I started feeling so invigorated when he announced his candidacy... how long has it been now? I am frustrated...more with myself than anyone...the Rev. Wright thing took me off guard. All of my family is against Obama. I have received several emails trying to "show me the light" to not vote Obama.
I am pro life. I disagree heavily with abortion except in the cases of the mother's life in jeopardy. Perhaps this is one reason I have hesitated to fight so hard for Obama as of recent. I certainly have in the past. As a Christian, I wonder: if I am putting an Obama sign in my front yard...am I showing more loyalty to him than to Christ? Will this hinder any discussion I could have with my neighbor about God's love if they vote someone different? These are thoughts I have struggled with and have prayed to reach a conclusion.
I am pro life, but that is only one aspect of my beliefs and what I look for in a candidate. Why is it so many people I am around make their decision based solely on the abortion issue? Should we not be looking at other crucial issues as well? There are people here already...how is the governmnet helping/treating those? Too many have given their life for this war that nobody truly understands. Veterans are overlooked. Educators are not paid enough. Our children need better schools. Hard working families need a break.
So I ask myself, the worn out "WWJD" question, if Jesus were here, who would he vote for? I believe Jesus would be neither a Republican nor Democrat. I believe by reaching out to others who are just like oneself is selfish and narcissistic. So the question begged is (if you are a Christian) who would Jesus want in office? Who will do the most good? Who will help the society become better than it is today? Who will encourage others to help their neighbor? Should or will it be business as usual? We get to decide. As a Kentuckian I can't wait to make my decision for Obama be heard on May 20th.
Blessings to you, Michele
I just want to say THANKS for everyone who has already committed to making calls in Ohio. I also noticed the Obama folks were asking for callers to students in Ohio and Texas, this could be another "natural" choice for some. Some of you have told me your personal goal. If you would like to blog that for everyone to see, simply click on write a blog post and then check the "Kentucky Women for Obama" group post.
A friend of mine recently said, "There's no way Obama is going to win Ohio." EEEEEKKK! I almost hit the roof :) We know this is not true, we can make it not be true. The main thing is we each do personally what we can. I want to encourage you in that regard. If you haven't made a call before, I promise it is not hard.
You can preview the script and then simply make your first call. Just be yourself and remember why you are supporting Obama.
Happy calling and thankful to be serving alongside you,
Michele
Of course I watched the debate tonite...looked forward to it. There were a few moments I thought, "Well let's all just hug and sing "'Kumbaya'". I was getting a bit aggravated. If we are going to debate, then let's debate. No need at all to mudsling, but I think it's vital to make the differences known especially to those on the fence. Who else loved UNIVISION's Jorge Ramos? This man knows how to ask a question. He did not let Hil keep on babbling (or if she did) he came right back to the question. Gracias Jorge.
It amazes me that Clinton considers herself to be able to work across party lines. Moreover, how can anyone think she will be a leader the world will come to respect if she will not speak to anyone unless they meet "A-Z" criteria and then some? Sounds like she and Bush have more in common than she might realize. Perhaps it is Mrs. Clinton who needs the infamous "reality check"? Obama is exactly right: The next prez is going to have to work that much harder in showing diplomacy to others because of the last eight years.
I also find it intriguing that when push comes to shove Clinton can simply just throw Bush's name around to get a "shoe-in" applause. How many times does she have to mention the obvious negatives vs. Obama to get some cheer coming her way? Seriously look in the transcript to see the numerous references. Another point that I'm going to get off my chest since I'm rambling and it's my blog and I can (and yes I know this is a run on sentence) is that if she does not want to be running as Bill's wife then 'tis best not to make mention of he/nor his administration in speeches, debates, etc, etc. If you are going to run, run on your own. Enough said.
Back to debate tonite! As expected, I was not surprised with Sen. Obama's ability to deflect the negativism away and steer and stay on point. Could this be a sign of a good leader? Hmmm.
Ugggggghhhhhhh (sorry it's the only word that will come to mind) with Hillary. Did anyone else want someone with a big mallet to come out of the ceiling and hit her on the head (not to hurt her, just to get her to stop babbbling). Enough already with her resume.
There are times when I think Obama could become almost borderline pacificist in these debates, but just when I think that he makes a stinger of a comment that is Muhammad Ali-like (get the "stinger" metaphor?) is eloquent, substantial and subtle but not too subtle and yet still not a personal attack really, know what I mean? Good. What a true diplomat, true leader and true next president of our country!!!
How sad that Clinton had to mention plagiarism w/Obama's speeches. She got booed on the Xerox comment and deservedly so. Are you kidding me? Obama handled that non-issue with such grace and finesse. IMO to undecided voters that only shows that she is hurting for votes.
Also interesting- though not surprising- was the question about the Democratic Party nomination process basically re: superdelegates and Hillary's "whatever happens, happens" attitude (interesting since she has so many more sd's...would that attitude be the same if the tables were turned? Hmmmm...) and Obama's supplication that it would be a shame if it wasn't the public that was truly represented.
One last thought, Hillary got to close the debate...I thought we might see tears again (sniff, sniff)...did anyone else think that her speech at the end was sincere or had moments of sincerity? It's just she is so the "politician". I could see perhaps at one time in her career, IMO that she truly did want change and wasn't "playing politics". It's just not now.
Lastly a quote from opening of brilliant Obama regarding lobbyists:
"The problem we have is that Washington has become a place where good ideas go to die. They go to die because the lobbyists and special interests have a strangle-hold on the agenda in Washington. They go to die in Washington because too many politicians are interested in scoring political points rather than bridging differences in order to get things done.
And so the central premise of this campaign is that we can bring this country together, that we can push against the special interests that have come to dominate the agenda in Washington, that we can be straight with the American people about how we're going to solve these problems and enlist them in taking back their government.
You know, Senator Clinton mentioned Barbara Jordan, somebody who was an inspiration to me and so many people throughout the country. And she said that what the American people want is very simple: They want an America that is as good as its promise. I'm running for president because I want to help America be as good as its promise.
Thank you very much."
Thank you, Senator Obama
