casting my pebble, don't let my ripples throw you

Turn on the news these days, and you’ll most likely get an overdose of the McCain-Obama-Economy trilogy. With only a few days left before the big election, there is no escaping the political storm growing in your television, computer, radio, and most recently, in your house plumbing. There certainly is a lot of information out there, accusations and mud-slinging, by the candidates and by the media-pundits themselves. I try to inform myself, see both sides of the issue, watch the debates with an open mind, and even read all the pros and cons of the candidates. But everyone out there has an opinion – whether it be valid or not. My computer almost crashed while downloading the myriad of websites that are pro/con Obama and pro/con McCain. My brain is washed up after watching hours of news reports on pro-Obama MSNBC and pro-McCain FOX News. There is so much to learn and understand – the trick is to filter out all that information, weed out the myths from the facts. But in the end – what really matters is choosing the candidate who will steer the country in the direction that I am going.

And so… this is why I am voting for Obama:
Sure there are many things he is accused of, such as having radical friends (William Ayers and Jeremiah Wright come to mind), his alleged connection to ACORN (voter registration fraud), his possible Muslim faith (his middle name is Hussein, ergo he’s a terrorist), and his lack of experience (this is possibly my only dire concern). But the PROS are what really counts for me, and here they are:

1. Economic plan – Tax the very rich and help the very poor. I definitely make less than $250,000/year- so, of course this is a good plan for me. But more so, I am so sick and tired of wealthy big oil companies laughing their way to the bank while people like me are working crazy hours to make ends meet (Exxon Mobil’s fourth quarter net income last year was $11.66 billion… the company made $1,300/second in 2007!!!) Barack will tax these big oil company profits to help American families pay for rising bills.

2. The environment – Anyone who wants to protect the environment gets my vote. Obama has a history of introducing legislation and voting for issues that protect the environment. These issues include banning the US export of mercury, strengthening fuel economy standards, increasing the use of clean, renewable energy, creating 5 million green-collar jobs. I trust him to carry these environmentally sound principles to the next level.

3. Service – A lot of my free-time is dedicated to volunteering, and I applaud anyone who believes in Einstein’s quote: a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Obama’s plans include expansion of the Peace Corps and Americorps, and establishment of programs that will give retired Americans, youths, and college students the opportunity to volunteer.

4. Affordable Healthcare – Anyone and everyone should be insured. Right now, 46 million Americans (including 9 million children) have no health insurance. As a result, many kids and adults don’t get the health care they need. While each candidate’s healthcare plans seem all talk and no substance, I like Obama’s plan better. His plan ensures insurance affordability via a mix of private and government plans. Employers are to either insure employees or pay a tax toward a national health plan. And how would this plan be funded? Big oil taxes of course.

5. Education – As Aristotle said, education is the best provision for old age. Americans really must do more to ensure no child is left behind. Obama’s plan is very ambitious, starting at the very earliest: 0 – 5 year-olds, creating grants that will promote readiness for kindergarten. He plans to address the drop-out crisis, expand afterschool opportunities, and create the American opportunity tax credit among other things.

This is by no means a complete list. I like Obama for the things he stands for and for the things he does not. I believe that both McCain and Obama only want to serve the country to the best of their abilities. However, Obama is advocating for issues that matter to me.