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An Independent Voice of Confusion

Yes, that a very good description of me right now. I am confused about so many things. But first an introduction. I am Debie, of A Devonshire Design and I am approaching the big 50 in an accelerated manner. ( at least that's how it feels!) I am married, I have a wonderful son 16, 2 steps, a daughter in law and 2 beautiful granddaughters. I am in corporate life today, but tomorrow it may all change.

I am registered as an Independent and over the years I have voted for Ronald Reagan, John Anderson and considered everyone who ever ran at least for a time. I was a McCain supported back in the day, but his Bush-leanings have moved me away. And that was before he chose Ms. Palin.

Maybe no one wants to say it out loud, but aren't some of you really concerned that she could be just a heartbeat away from being our President? I wanted to see a woman President, but not just any woman.

I was a Clinton supporter - both of them, I like their stands on issues and felt that she would be a tough woman in the right role. But, I never wanted her as the VP candidate once we knew she was not the nominee.

So I am supporting Obama. I have read his website side to side and up and down, I have listened to speeches, I have compared his views to mine and I can back him. I also like Joe Biden as his running mate, I think he will be a good complement to the idealism Obama brings forth.

I will listen intently to the debates and hope for more than sound bytes and sniping. I will continue to try to think independently and with an open mind and heart.

And then come November 4th my confusion will clear.

We’re All in It to Win It…………..

Let me first start by introducing myself. I’m Miss Jack. I’m a SAHM for the most part, but I just got a part-time job to earn some extra cash to send our oldest to a private school. (Montessori) I married my best friend and soul mate. I tell him everything which can bite me in the ass sometimes, but I can’t lie to save my life.

We live in the suburbs of Chicago and despite the cost of living here, we love it….so far. We’re all Greek and half Italian so as you can imagine food is our life. My husband and I both went to school for Hospitality Management and currently he’s a chef at a restaurant. Yep! We’re well fed! Along with my degree I’ve added courses in Interior Design and I’ve picked up a few skills in the Montessori Method where I was a teacher’s assistant for a brief time. Since becoming a wife and mother, I’ve had to pursue a second degree in “Jack of All Trades” (hence the Miss Jack reference) and a Masters from the School of Hard Knocks.

I was born and raised Roman Catholic and my husband was born and raised Greek Orthodox. And since Greek Orthodox trumps my Roman Catholic upbringing I had to concede to baptizing our kids Greek Orthodox. My husband is very open-minded about religion and even though we’re raising them with primarily a Greek background we’ve taken them to church services at both churches. We are not regular parishioners at either church but if we ever have a desire or need to go we do. It doesn’t really help that my husband has to work 99% of the Sunday’s in a given year. I know, I know, I can take the kids to church whenever I want.

Then there’s politics. Honestly, I’ve never felt the need to vote. If I was alive when JFK was around, I probably would have voted for him. If I was old enough to vote when Regan was running, I probably would have voted for him. As far as the past 4 elections goes, ehh…no one made me sit up and take notice. However, this election has me looking. My husband and I have really made no decisions yet as far as what side of the political fence we are on. We really feel that our decision is going to be based on who we think is going to make for a better tomorrow. This means we do our share of reading up on both parties. We found a wonderful website at http://www.politifact.com/ that basically goes through all the major claims made by both candidates, both parties, commercials, mass emails, etc and does research to find out if they're true or not. In other words, it helps you sift through the crap and political mumbo-jumbo. And it seems VERY non-partisan, too, because it has mis-truths from BOTH sides - not just one. Anyway, for what it’s worth…..You can always read more about me and check out my blog at http://www.spyroufamily.blogs.com/.

I'm almost embarrassed to admit this, but...

politics confuse me. Or shall I say they bore me, so maybe that is what causes them to then, confuse me.

But I am still very interested in this years election. It does have my interest peaked, to say the least.

My parents are VERY, uh VERY Republican, oddly enough tho, they are registered Democrats, go figure, lol But they follow each and every article & news show about anything going on in the political world, and have been known to get quite angry at the TV or whatever is involved with the upcoming election.

I will not lie and say that I am comfortable with Obama as president, I think the thing that worries me about him is the religion issue, and that is kind of odd coming from someone like me, who is really not very religious herself.

What I hope for is that I can draw from each of you and LEARN more about the facts, the issues and the candidates.

Lynette
http://kookoo4cocoapuffs.blogspot.com/

No surprise here.....

I'm voting for Obama. In my introduction post, I alluded to the fact that one had to be a card carrying Democrat to survive in my family, however, in 2000, I actually supported McCain. At that time, he WAS a maverick and appeared to walk beyond partisan politics to do what he thought was right. I watched him be persecuted and then sickeningly tow the party line there after. I lost a lot of respect for him, even though he still occasionally stepped outside party politics to do the right thing.

Why Obama, why now? It's time - for something different. For too long, we've seen what inside the beltway attitudes have done to this country. Now, I am not naive enough to think a president alone can change things. There has to be more sweeping change in the House and the Senate - we are stuck with such a close margin that no one should be surprised that not much has been done since the mid-term elections. The president can, however, set a precedent with policy and thought leadership. Our current president has done this, it's just that he's made a horrible mess of it all.

Those that claim that Obama lacks experience, think Lincoln. He too, had relatively little legislative experience prior to his presidency, but he had courage in spades and vision - and became one of our greatest, if not our greatest president. It takes vision, and I think Obama has that.

I'm lucky enough (or unlucky enough) to be in the 5% that won't see a tax break if Obama's economic policies are put into place. That's okay - it's worth it to see a sense of dignity come back to this country, to rethink our place in the world and get that 95% out from behind the 8 ball. We need some sort of sanity restored to our financial markets and a timeframe to get the US out of Iraq. It's time for us to stop being the policemen of the world and to pay attention to what we've ignored at home for too long.

My 2 Cents

I am just plain ready for the election to be here and over with. However, with the VP candidates still new to the scene, we need more time. Ahhh.... but one can dream.

Personally, I am voting Democratic this time. When it comes to politics I try not to label myself. I call myself an independant. And I think every American should, too. When we label ourselves with the "Democrat" or "Republican" or "Green" or whatever and adhere strongly to their respective guidelines we only limit ourselves. And let others think for us.

I've only gotten to vote for president twice. I'm embarassed to admit that I voted for Bush the first time. I chalk it up to being young and stupid and not looking into things better. The second time I voted for Kerry. I was (and am still) ready for a change.

This country has gone straight to Hell since Bush has been in charge. And I'd say the same if he were a Democrat. He just S.U.C.K.S. I don't believe in sacrificing American blood for other countries' wars/problems/etc. It's unfortunate when other countries have dictatorships and such, but it's not any of our business and we have enough on our plate here in the USA the way it is. We certainly don't need more problems. And our enconomy has tanked. What else can I say about that? And the oil crisis. Somebody is making way too much money on all of us. And the government needs to grow a pair and stop it. It's ridiculous. The middle class is shriveling away and losing their asses, but the rich are getting richer.

Enough of my bitching, though. We were talking election, weren't we?

I'm making my choice for Obama this time. I don't think he's the perfect candidate, but overall I think he's got the "moxy" to take our country out of the pit we are in. I like that he's youngish, newish (but not too new) to public service, and he seems to have a way with people. In the global game of politics this is important. And Biden has been around long enough to handle the VP position easily.

I do not like his view on abortion. But I don't think McPalin is going to be able to get that outlawed if they get elected anyway.

And then there is McPalin. He's too old and hot headed. She's too new to the game. And personally I just don't think her ducks are in a row. As a woman I'd love to see a woman take office. But not a woman that has that much going on at home. She has an infant. When my son was an infant I was good to have a bath daily, let alone be 2nd in charge to the world's most powerful country. Not to mention her other kids. I would probably think differently if her kids were older. Am I holding her to a double standard? Maybe, but I just feel that moms should put family first.

Regardless of not being 100% satisfied with either team, I have made my decision. This country needs to take another route. Something different. Something never tried. Something newer and fresher.

But honestly, anybody could lead us better than W.

---By Mrs. D who you can also find @ dashofcrazy.

Campaigning Gone Wild

As passionate as I am about my beliefs, I have to say I'm heartily sick of this election. I hate to think of the money that's been spent on commercials, buttons, stickers, and swag. Think of what good that money could have done, had it been spent toward health care, education, or our faltering economy. I think that our country needs major campaign reform, starting with a specific time frame for campaigning. Seriously, this has been a two year presidential campaign!

That said, I'm a Democrat. Liberal. Bleeding heart, the works. I was a major Hillary supporter, but switched allegiance to Obama fairly calmly when she bowed out. The issues are more important to me than the person.

I believe that we need to have a national health care system. My family of four spends about $10,000 in health care premiums a year, and thank goodness we can afford it. There are so many who can't. I find that ridiculous. So many other nations have already figured this one out; I'm unsure why we're so far behind the curve. I'd love to see dramatic change in this area.

I am a passionate supporter of a woman's right to choose. To me, the issue is more medical than moral, and it scares me to death that this right to decide the fate of your own body could be taken away from us.

Environment is another big issue for me. I'm completely against drilling, regardless of how close to whatever shore it may be. The time is long past due for us to find and develop an alternative source of fuel. Let's end our dependence on the oil-producing countries of the Middle East forever, not just for the short-term. Trust me, living in Maine makesyou feel the oil situation keenly. We heat our homes with heating oil in the winters and have watched the price triple since we moved here.

I find all the candidates to be fine people in this election, although I will admit that Sarah Palin vaguely annoys me in one of those can't-quite-put-my-finger-on-it ways. I've always liked John McCain, but I liked him more when he was more openly critical of Pres. Bush's policies. Whether it's the case or not, it gives the impression to me that he's saying what he needs to now to get elected. I hope I'm wrong, because he's always been someone I've respected.

In this case, though, respect isn't enough for me. I feel like dramatic change is needed in our country, and that Barack Obama is the person who can effect that change. His VP choice threw me for a bit of a loop (I was holding out hope for Hillary to the bitter end!), but the more I research Biden, the more I like him.

It's interesting to me, that although we obviously represent a diversity of opinion on this blog, we all feel like change is necessary. We all honestly believe that our candidate is the one who will do the best job. As different as people's beliefs may be, I feel that we all come to them with a spirit of sincerity and hope. And difference in and of itself is never something to be belittled or ridiculed, but celebrated. That's America.

IT'S HARD TO TELL WHAT THE FACTS ARE...

I am anxious to see John McCain and Barack Obama engage in a debate. I want to hear each of them describe why they think we should leave/stay in Iraq. I want to hear each of them say what they would do to lead us away from the edge of economic disaster. I'd like to hear, in their own words, what they think would be a good way to provide affordable healthcare to more Americans.

That said, I am leaning toward Barack Obama. I honestly think we are going to have to raise taxes in order make some things happen, and I would like to see us leave Iraq sooner than later.

But right now there have been so many 'he said, she said' ads on TV and in print, that it is hard to focus on any of the real issues. It will be interesting to see those two men have the chance for instant rebuttal.

I think, by the way, that they are both fine public servants. Not too many people want to grow up and be politicians anymore, do they? Just think, you'd have to have lived an absolutely perfect life, without so much as one mis-step, in order to really contemplate running for office.

You won't be seeing my name out there on the campaign trail, that's for sure!


author: Sarah, SAHM from Kansas. My other blog is:
The Chic Chauffeur's guide to Life in the Carpool Lane

Political Craziness!

It happens every November, especially during a Presidential Election year. The gloves come off and we all seem to stop being polite to each other.

I use to want to run for a political office...so did my husband. As the years go by and the political arena gets nastier and nastier, we changed our minds. Why would we want to set ourselves (and our family) up for the constant character assassination that assaults each candidate and their supportive family?

Why can't we focus on the facts? Why is it necessary to say awful, hateful things about a young girl who is facing a very grown up challenge?

Also, why is it that during the DNC, there were no reports of out-of-control demonstrators? No bomb threats...broken glass...riot police that had to use tear gas? But during the RNC...anyone that entered had to pretty much put their life at risk to enter?

~~~

I was raised by Republican parents and could not wait to register to vote. Did that on my 18th birthday. To me, being able to vote is a privilege and I take it very seriously. I like to listen and read about all the political candidates and then make an informed decision on who will be the best candidate for the job. Sometimes it is according to my Party lines...and sometimes it isn't. My views have changed and evolved with me as I have changed and evolved.

I plan to vote for McCain / Palin because I feel in my heart that they will both do what is best for our wonderful Country. He honestly wants what is best for our country and she does too. Both of them have children who are currently actively serving to protect us and our way of life.

Has anyone read up on McCain's background? Besides the knows facts that he was a Prisoner of War and has served in politics for many years... He married his first wife and adopted her two boys...treated them as his own. Together they had a daughter. Unfortunately, their marriage did not survive the strains of an awful situation...not just his imprisonment and torture, but also the adjustment of being back together after such a long separation. Today, they have a good relationship.

He is happily married to his second wife and together they parented some great children...not just the three children that they had together, but also his three from the first marriage as well as a beautiful daughter that was adopted from Bangladesh at a time when it was uncommon for foreign adoptions. They made the decision together for Cindy to stay in Arizona so that the children could have a "normal" childhood.

And speaking of Cindy...do you know about her? Have you read about all of the things that she has accomplished? What a strong woman she is? She may be a wealthy heiress, but she also does so many wonderful things for others. She has traveled the world helping others in need. She isn't a fragile woman, afraid to get her hands dirty. Did you know that she endured a couple of miscarriages, usually while her husband was away? Did you know that she fought an addiction to pain medication from a back injury and recovered? Or that she is recovering from a stroke? She is just as strong as her husband and I cannot imagine a better First Lady and role model.

Now lets talk about Sarah Palin. When McCain picked her as his running mate, I have to admit that I didn't know a thing about her. I had hoped that Joseph Liebermann would have been his pick. So, I spend some time learning about her...and the more I learn, the more I like her.

She is a wife and mom...someone that I can relate to. She is married to her best friend and they have a great relationship. Together they parent some really great kids. She first ran for political office in the early 1990s and has been able to lead her local and state governments as well as take care of her children. She is a breastfeeding mom to a special needs child and will soon be a proud grandma.

She may be new to big government, but isn't that what alot of people have been asking for? How many times have we heard..."Washington DC needs new blood?"..."get rid of the old timers and bring in fresh ideas"...I think she will do just that.

I could go on and on...but my time is limited. I have to leave and pick up my kindergartner. So in closing, I will just say this...

I am a firm believer that the McCain / Palin ticket will be exactly what our country needs. The two of them can bring us back together...Republicans and Democrats alike. Just give them a chance.

Our first topic of discussion...

Now that we all know each other, let's get the conversation going!



I'm going to start with a subject that's on everyone's minds these days...the upcoming Presidential election.

I have very mixed feelings about this year's race for the White House.

On one hand, I think it's great that there is so much enthusiasm. The whole country is buzzing with excitement. We've broken through some barriers this year. We have our first black candidate for the presidency. We have a young woman with 5 children running for VP. How cool is that?

On the other hand, I'm seeing alot of hatred. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable discussing my choice for President (McCain) with certain people. Friends of mine who are making a different choice have actually said to me..."I'm surprised you're voting for McCain, I thought you were smarter than that." Ouch.

I don't claim to be a rocket scientist, but I am a relatively intelligent well informed person. Each election I look at the candidates and choose the one that best represents my beliefs.

I have yet to find a candidate in ANY election who I agree with completely.

I believe in less government. I want lower taxes, not because I'm a selfish money grubber, but because I want the freedom to decide where my money should go. As a family, we donate our money to the charities of our choosing. I don't want the government making those decisions for me. I actually believe we should have a flat tax across the board. With the same percentage paid by everyone, regardless of how much they make. It'll never happen, but I like the idea.

Our nation's security is a critical issue for me. I hate what's going on in the Middle East, but we're in there and we can't just leave at this point. We need a leader who can help clean up the mess over there (as much as possible) and THEN bring our troops home. I believe McCain is the best candidate for this job.

I can't stand the stereotypes placed on each political party. Democrats feel that Republicans are big fat rich white guys who sit atop their piles of money squashing the less fortunate with their $500 wing tip shoes. Or that they are white trash, living in trailer parks, reading the bible and shooting their guns.

The Republicans will say that Democrats are bleeding heart liberals, who want everything in this country run by the government and don't believe in the principles of family, God and country.

Am I exaggerating? Of course I am, but I'm doing it to make a point.

There are some pretty harsh words getting tossed around, I believe unnecessarily.

Many of you are voting for Barack Obama. Good for you. I'm sure you have very good, very valid reasons for making that choice. I would love to hear why he's your choice, and I'd never attack you because your opinion might differ from mine.

Things are scary right now, and emotions are running high. Let's respect each other's differences and celebrate them instead of resorting to pointing fingers and name calling.

Isn't that what freedom of expression is all about?

Author: Jill, blog administrator, SAHM from NJ. My other blog...Caffeine Court.