Election Day

[Pre-Election Day musings written 11/3.  Perhaps I was concerned about what others would think about my having voted for Nader when I left this post in draft status.  Seems wrong to delete it.  Leaving this in its original, unfinished state.]

Hard not to think about the Presidential election this year.  I am constantly having to remind myself that no matter which major party candidate wins, little will change unless it takes root at ground level.  I recall that Obama said something like this early in his campaign, and I wonder if anyone actually paid attention to it.  Last time I checked, Congress makes the laws.  The President wields veto power and executes foreign policy.  Gun and abortion rights aren’t going anywhere.

On foreign policy, Obama shows a far less belligerent attitude in general than the warmonger McCain.  What idiot jokes about bombing Iran?  Scant “pro-life” outrage will be found on that issue.  This alone makes him a no-brainer choice between these two, but I’m constantly reminded of Nader’s words: “The problem with voting for the lesser of two evils is that at the end of the day, you’re left with evil.”  Or something like that.

Voting for Nader in NY was an easy choice in 2004, but a more difficult choice in TX in 2008.  Principles won out in the end:

  • I still hold a grudge against the Democrats for suing to keep Nader off the ballot in 2004 (to be fair, this isn’t necessarily specific to Obama).
  • Obama voted in favor of telecom immunity on the issue of warrant-less wiretaps, which even Hillary opposed.
  • Strong support for ethanol as part of energy reform.
  • Supported the $700B bank bailout bill. This is a huge theft of taxpayer money in my mind, but it seems no one really cares.

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