I admit it, I voted for Bush in 2004, even back then I remember saying to myself he is the lesser of two evils. I am proud to say today I still feel that way. What I am not proud of is what my vote signifies. The fact that Bush was a better option, and that the best the Democrats could put out there was “John Kerry” is depressing, and shows us where we are as a country, and how our leadership has let us down. I think it signifies a tipping point that we as Americans cannot settle for the incompetence of the Bush administration, or the lack of passion and inspiration of John Kerry and the Baby Boomer Democrats. I know we are two years removed from this election, but for myself I need to talk about why I voted the way that I did, so you can understand that I am not just some conservative nut job that does what the establishment (Karl Rove) wants me to do. I am a Moderate Republican, and a proud one at that. Some might call me “Just Right of Center” in our current political landscape.
One thing that I am learning about the good political leaders, is that you can’t always label them and put them in a conservative or liberal box. That is what makes them “good leaders” being flexible, and willing to compromise. I feel that is obviously been lost in Washington over the past several years. When I think about where I would fall on the political spectrum, most would say that I contradict what a “True Republican” is. I say good, we need to break the molds of what the Conservative ideologues have portrayed our party to be. More folks in this country are like me, than like the extreme right and left wing nut jobs.
The expression “The squeaky wheel get the grease” comes to mind when I think of these extremists. It is no doubt that they have a stronger voice than ever, thus more power than ever. Unfortunately, they are more united in their own fear and hatred for the opposing view, than what is best for the country. With that short-sided mindset, their time of controlling the direction of their respective parties in this country is sure to end. The only question remains is “when” will it come to an end?
I think the “Middle” has been underserved for too long in this country, and the person who has the imagination and creativity to bring the middle together will be the next great leader of this country. As I said before I am Moderate Republican, but I am not obligated to always vote with my party. I am looking for the best person for the job, for me that is a person who is flexible, creative, intelligent and willing to compromise. And yes I would vote Democrat or Independent if that person has the traits I just spoke of.
With a presidential election less than two years away, I am excited about the possibilities of some of the confirmed candidates for president. But time will tell whether or not these potential candidates are a wolf is sheep’s clothing or not. Now is not the time to talk specifics, about whom you should keep an eye on, but that it is already time to start opening your eyes to what is going on in this country, because the races have already begun. I challenge each and every one of you to learn as much as you can about the potential candidates, so hopefully we can have an informed discussion, and as a great friend of mine said to me the other day “get a good dialogue going”.
I make no apologies for the core values of what my party believes, even though I don’t share completely in all of them, I know that when we aspire to do the best that we can, we the party of “Lincoln” and have done great things. It’s when we don’t hear the voice of reason “The Middle” that we can get off track. I believe that the same holds true for the Democratic Party as well. So no matter what side of the isle you are on, my friends in the “Middle” it’s time to stand up and be heard, and if that starts with this Blog than leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
I have learned a lot from the 2004 election. I have learned that we as Americans deserve better options than George Bush, and John Kerry. I have learned that it is my responsibility to inform myself, because too many people out there have an agenda, that you can’t always believe what you read or view. The most important thing I learned in the last presidential election is that never buy into the old saying “The lesser of Two Evils” Because in the end The Lesser of Two Evils is still “Evil.”
God Bless America - Josh
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