All This Political Propoganda

As the presidential campaign for 2008 continues on, I can't help but take notice to how people stand on different issues. I can see now that major issues concerning Iraq, the economy, and healthcare are all headlining these campaigns -- and it begs the question: "What do we really want as the American people?"

The answer is simple, right?

Well, actually, it's not. Each of us has our own opinions, our own mindsets, our own goals that affect which presidential candidate receives our support. As many opinions as we have on every issue, there will be a candidate; oh, lucky for us, there's no need to worry because either the main Democrat or the main Republican is going to win! (Note my sarcasm at the beginning of that statement.)

First, the frontrunner for the Republican party is John McCain, a man who once posed the question, "For all the grandiose promises made in this campaign, has any candidate spoken honestly to the American people about the government's role and failings about individual responsibilities?"

I can't say that McCain is a bad guy. In fact, I don't think he would make a bad president -- and that's coming from a liberal (almost) Democrat; however, I don't agree with his stance on many different issues. He is in favor of the Partial Birth Abortion Act (which is something that I don't necessarily disagree with), but he disagrees with abortion altogether. In addition, he believes the Iraq War to be necessary, and has even voted to put more American troops over there to help fight. As far as healthcare goes, he also doesn't believe in a federally mandated universal coverage program, which is something I think we all need to think about.

I don't know. These are things to ponder, and they cause me to take a look at the other two candidates in the race for presidency.

Hillary Clinton. We've all seen the Clintons in action before, unless, of course, you were living under a rock. In my opinion, Bill Clinton did a lot for this country and I believe Hillary could, too. She wants to sign into law the Freedom of Choice act, which would put the decision of Roe v. Wade into effect as a law. She also supports de-authorizing the war now, even if she voted for it back in 2003 and, as far as healthcare goes, she will mandate health insurance coverage for all Americans.

Lastly, but most definitely not least, is the other Democratic frontrunner, Barack Obama. Perhaps the name "Barack Hussein Obama" offends you, perhaps not, but what's in a name, really? I remember my grandmother telling me once, "I won't vote for anyone whose name has the word 'Hussein' in it!" or something to the effect. But I do ask you: What's in a name? If you ask me, I'd say nothing.

Obama is, by far, my favorite candidate. He's a breath of fresh air for capitol hill. He's young, yes; less experienced, yes; the candidate I hope gets the Democratic nomination, definitely. I feel like he's a man of the people, and not only that, I agree with most of his feelings on "the issues": abortion, healthcare, taxes, the war, homeland security, and immigration, just to name a few.

So this is what people are asking themselves: Am I going to vote Democrat? Am I going to vote Republican? How about Independent?

Don't ask yourself these questions. Don't base your vote on someone because you identify yourself with a specific political party. Don't base your vote on someone because he's African-American or because she's a woman. When you decide to cast your vote this fall, vote for the issues. Do research! Look into the candidates' backgrounds, their beliefs, and how they feel about the things that really matter to you, and don't just go the easy way out.

And actually go out and vote -- otherwise, you can't complain when someone you don't like is put into office!

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