Who's for President?

The roars of tens of thousands of stadium occupants during the Democratic convention still ring in my ears, even though its intensity was dimmed somewhat by the media broadcasts. Claims of bringing about change, guaranteeing rights, and glamorous proposals about reforming America ring true in my ears but lack the substance necessary for me to understand how they could possibly be accomplished. Obama's theories? Much better developed than McCain's. The likelihood of our government accomplishing them effectively without compromising our right to control our government, not the other way around? Given the world's track record of tightened government control, these prospects seem slim. At least McCain's theories mostly involve promoting the control that American citizens have over government.

Their websites reflect their respective campaigns. Obama's is very well-organized, appealing, easy to read, succinct, and emotionally appealing. McCain's is more poorly written, less emotionally appealing, and less comprehensive about issues. However, Obama's website goes into little or no detail about how his goals will be accomplished, which is the main focus of McCain's website. How does one choose between a promising future and a realistic present? This, in my opinion, is the question that gnaws upon the American mind.

Senator Obama is young, only 47 years old. Senator McCain is seventy-two, old enough to be Obama's father. This is certainly an issue that can't be ignored: is it better to have someone young and familiar with today's feelings and issues, or is it better to elect a man who is old enough to know the difference between two generations? For example, Obama wants to pull all troops out of Iraq, saying that we need to simply negotiate with the Iraqi government. McCain, on the other hand, is wise enough (and old enough) to realize that to leave a country in shambles is to essentially hand it over to the most powerful tyranny available (this is exactly how Adolf Hitler, Stalin, Napoleon Bonaparte, and others came to power), and the results can be disastrous. Are we more willing to do what is right, or what we want? Because we all want to pull the troops out. We all want to simply say, deal with your own problems. But is it right? Is it an investment in our own future? We supported the war when it began (80% of America), but as soon as reality set in that this was not a short-term glory run, the majority of Americans backed out.

History has taught us several lessons. First, socialism doesn't work, whether it is complete or partial (such as with the health care system). Second, one cannot destroy a nation and leave it in shambles without extremely serious consequences. Third, just because a government “guarantees” something does not mean that it actually occurs.

Sorry, out of time. My duty to a family reunion now calls me, but may the reader bear in mind the implications of this presidential election and what it means for our country, one way or another. I'll have to continue this discussion later, if I get time. I'll be voting for McCain, but it's still very confusing.