Spirit Song United Methodist Church

I dislike politics. I don’t like it when politicians begin making personal attacks on their foes rather than attacking the issues. I hate the dirty tricks that get played during the campaigns. While Karl Rove didn’t invent dirty tricks I think he certainly was a master in using them during Bush’s two presidential campaigns. I guess I just like to see politicians take the high road whenever possible. I commend John Edwards for his campaign which  seems to have avoided (so far) the mudslinging and personal attacks.

I’m offended that John McCain, a true war hero, has had to fend off allegations that while he was in a prisoner of war prison he somehow betrayed his country by providing the enemy with information. That attack is reminiscent of the ludicrous attacks on the war record of John Kerry when he was running against George W. Bush. That “swift-boating” was so offensive and yet so effective that the phrase has entered our political lexicon. I find it extremely disturbing that such outright lies and distortions should enter into the political process and discussion. But unfortunately that seems to be part of politics.

I’m a life-long Democrat and so I’m really torn right now between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Electing either of them to the presidency would be an historic event. I like John Edwards as a person but disagree with his economic policies. As for the Republicans, the only one I would even consider voting for would be John McCain, and not just because he’s Arizona’s favorite son. I admire his honesty, his willingness to take tough stands, to go against the crowd (even his own party) all in the best interests of this country. I believe that John McCain is a true patriot and a man of honor and integrity. I can’t say the same about Mitt Romney who seems to me to be too much of a political opportunist who is willing to say whatever people want to hear.

While I like Mike Huckabee as a person who comes across as friendly and approachable, I am nervous about his blatant appeals to the religious right, which I feel has done great harm to this country. I don’t have a good feeling about Rudy Guliani (just call it a gut reaction) and I don’t think any of the others have much of a chance.

It’s going to be a long political campaign and we’re all going to have to be patient as we are inundated with political ads and have it dominate the newscast between now and November. But it’s a necessary part of the democratic process so we’ll all just have to grin and bear it.

Blessings,

Steve

This entry was posted on Friday, January 25, 2008 at 04:00 PM and is filed under General. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.