Week 1, Election Post

This is long, sorry. :\

My political viewpoints, I believe, don’t lean toward a certain political party. I’m split even: I’m for equal representation, free trade, and universal healthcare, but I oppose abortion & gay marriage. I favor national and military spending and off-shore drilling, but then I feel like environment and global warming are huge concerns. Illegal immigration is another issue that should be dealt with, but immigration should not be discouraged. The war in Iraq, I’m also against, but America should at least fix things up now that its there so no other country can say that America went into Iraq and just made things worse. Therefore, I wouldn’t label myself a Democrat or a Republican. I have respect for both parties and their views. My family, however, is a democratic middle class family, though. So I suppose I could be labeled as a Democrat and a supporter of Obama. The main reason would be because of the fact that he’s willing to represent the common people and because of the tax relief he promises for the middle-class, which I think would really help many Americans over the nation.

When looking at the viewpoints of both candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, surprisingly there are a couple similarities apart from the difference, which definitely shows that those issues are being pressured to be changed or handled.

Energy:
Both candidates plan to lower greenhouse gas emotions (Obama 80% by 2050). Both would like clean alternative sources of energy where Obama will like 10% of all energy by 2012 to by renewable energy. However, McCain will expand domestic oil exploration (off-shore drilling) whereas Obama would like to save more oil. McCain wants cars to have cleaner fuel and greater fuel efficiency to the hybrid cars Obama wants to get out in America.

Iraq:
John McCain would like to keep troops in Iraq but using a counterinsurgency strategy. Barack Obama plans a “responsible removal” of troops, but still have troops to counter-terrorism (no permanent bases though). Both would like to stabilize the Iraqi government so that it can continue to expand and progress.

Gay Marriage:
McCain endorses efforts to ban gay marriage. Obama says no to gay marriages, but okay to civil unions.

Economy:
Obama and McCain are willing to support small businesses and provide relief for families through tax cuts and fairer taxes. Obama would like to create more fair trade, and McCain will lower barriers to trade. McCain favors government reform and workplace flexibility, while Obama would like to create and save jobs (by spending $50 billion). Barack Obama also will establish universal mortage credit to help with the bank and housing conflict.

Iran:
In the both foreign policies, the presidential nominees are going to pressurize Iran to change it’s behavior. Obama provides a choice: leave the nuclear program and terrorism or face economic consequences and political isolation. McCain supports troops in Iran in order to strengthen the military morale of the region.

Early this week, Hurricane Ike ravaged the Texas Gulf Coast, leaving thousands homeless and heading for Red Cross shelters. I remember having to evacuate for Hurricane Rita back in 2005, and evacuation is not as easy as it sounds. Gas was no where to be found (Houston, Texas is facing a similar state once again because of Hurricane Ike) and, instead of a half an hour or so, it took three to four hours just to get off of one highway to get to another because of traffic . Hurricane Rita ended up turning away from the Houston region at the last minute, which is probably another reason why some people decided not to evacuate. Realizing how much damage was done, McCain and Obama put away their rivalries to recognize and pray for the victims of Ike. Sarah Palin, McCain’s VP choice, talked about giving money back to the people by offering tax relief. While visiting Texas, Obama reached out to the victims by reassuring them that relief was on the way and encouraging people all over the nation to help raise funds for efforts.

The treacherous, scorching war for the presidency between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama persists as the two and their VP’s clash against each other with cruel slander and controversies.

Till next week!