For the Undecided

Personally, the presence of Sarah Palin on the Republican ticket is enough for me to vote Democrat. Having her in office would be an embarrassment for this country. I realize that’s probably not enough to make you go out and vote, so here are some good, solid reasons to vote for Obama.

1. Let’s forget all his “socialist” and “terrorist” associations. This kind of populist appeal to social conservatives is nothing but a distraction from real issues. However it is a popular attack because the socially conservative minority (the base of the republican party) tend to view these issues as important. We all have skeletons in our closets, and many of these relationships are tenuous, at best. For instance, I was listening to the ever enigmatic college drop-out Sean Hannity the other day. This level-headed thinker thought it prudent to question if Obama was ever a “drug dealer” because he had mentioned that he had tried cocaine. Talk about a leap of faith.

2. That being said I realize the main issue on everyone’s mind is the economy. We’re worried about both candidate’s tax and spending plans. Obama will not be able to spend as much as he wants to, and that’s a simple fact. However the basics of his economic policy are sound. First of all, the idea that businesses will flee the United States because of Obama’s tax plan may seem like a sound theory, but history has shown that it tends not to happen. In fact, Obama is simply bringing taxes back to their levels during the mid-90’s, a period of rapid growth for American businesses within the United States. Jonathan Parker, a Professor at Northwestern, stated that Obama is “a pragmatist not an ideologue. I expect Clintonian economic policies.”

3. Obama’s economic plan, from the standpoint of a majority of economists, is far superior to John Mccains. The Economist (a moderate “newspaper,” whose economic beliefs are often shared by conservatives) did a survey on October 6th of 142 research associates at the National Bureau of Economic Research. 80% of total respondants say Obama had a better grasp of economics. Even among republicans surveyed, 46% believed that Obama has a better grasp then Mccain (23%).

4. On average these respondents rated Obama’s economic plan at 3.3 and Mccain’s at 2.2 on a scale of 1-5. For reference, they rated Bush as a 1.7. (Importantly, this survey and article were done before The Economist officially endorsed Obama on October 30th).

5. Obama’s tax plan, as estimated by the Tax Policy Centre, will shrink the gap between the wealthy and the poor, while Mccains will increase it. Call it redistribution, however, considering the possibility of recession, pragmatism should trump ideology. Consumer spending accounts for nearly 70 percent of GDP. By creating a strong foundation for spending, businesses, and, therefore that very wealthy 1%, will do better, as will the economy as a whole.

6. As for foreign policy, the next president will be inheriting an incredibly difficult international situation. Debate the intricacies of each plan all you want, but the fact remains that Obama will go a long way towards healing the damage done by Bush to our International Reputation. He is, by far, the more popular candidate.

7. Finally, I personally believe Obama just gets it. It’s important for the United States to begin thinking about it’s role in a changing world, and how we’re going to meet these challenges. It’s about recognizing changing trends and organizing ourselves to meet them. Obama’s tech and internet savvy campaign shows not only his organizational skills, but his ability to creatively utilize emerging tools. We need to focus on a greener future, promote civic responsibility, and reform our education system. No, Obama will not be able to secure success in all of these areas. However, he can set a precedent and a direction for our country for the 21st century.

One World One Dream.....sort of

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're probably well aware that the 2008 Olympic games are to be held in Beijing this summer. You're also (hopefully) aware that holding the games in China has ignited a sort of global firestorm, resulting in worldwide protests over human rights abuses by the Chinese government.

Adding to the flames is the Chinese government's aggressive propaganda campaign to alleviate international focus on its human rights records. Check out 'The Peoples Daily Online,' China's official government sponsored newspaper, and read any article under "Truth Behind the Lhasa Riots." It's goal? To paint western media reports (in this case concerning Tibet) as biased and unfounded. Unfortunately for the Peoples Daily, refuting these 'biased' media reports would be like standing at the foot Mt. Everest and trying convince someone that it doesn't really exist - the mountain of evidence is kinda hard to ignore.

This propaganda campaign, along with the refusal or hesitance of western statesmen to take a stance on this issue, has further aggravated protesters. Through it's aggressive propaganda, the Chinese government is incrementally confirming the very stereotypes they wish to dispel. We call this process negative reciprocity - negative behaviors elicit negative responses. Perhaps the Chinese government should take note of this.

It is obvious the Chinese government considers it's decaying international image to be a problem. For any totalitarian regime, image is vital, the very foundation on which it supports itself. The solution, however, is within easy grasp.

Change.

In fact, the argument for change rests in the very motto of this years summer games. 'One World One Dream.' The motto implies a universal desire for peace, harmony and respect between nations. It also implies however, that we, as human beings, hold common universal values. The Olympic spirit is a symbolic ideal, that we can look past issues of culture and politics, and come together as a global community. Importantly, it is a spirit of tolerance. And for decades, we as a global community have given significance to this spirit of tolerance. It's why the Chinese government wanted the games in the first place. Doing so represents China's rise as a major player in the world, proof the rest of the world is willing to respect and embrace China as it is.

But isn't the global community, by not protesting, discrediting Olympic ideals? In allowing China to host the games, the world becomes a partner to the government's propaganda. If the world knowingly allows a host which does not, in reality, embrace those ideals, then what a shallow symbol the Olympic spirit is.

This isn't to say that the aggressive protests have had fully positive results. On the contrary, many Chinese nationals understandably feel insulted. It's unfortunate, because they do have plenty to be proud of. For one, their country is growing at record paces. To compare China to the United States of the 1950's is a significant understatement. China is on the fast track to becoming one of the worlds premiere powers, and it's important for Chinese nationals to understand that the rest of the world is, in fact, ready to embrace them. As a people.

As we acknowledge the good, however, it's important we don't lose focus on the bad. More pertinent than economic clout, military capability or international influence is a governments regard for human life. The global community isn't rejecting Chinese ingenuity, burgeoning middle class or economic potential; it's rejecting the repressive methods of an outdated regime. The distinction important.

That we as human beings respect the rights of those who are different, because they are human, is the bedrock on which the Olympic spirit rests. The desire to show tolerance during the games is our common ground, our unifier.

It's time for the Chinese government to stop paying lip-service to these ideals.

Actions are louder than words.

Simply Rhetoric?

Barack Obama is causing quite a stir in the political arena.

He has come to represent change, something undeniably surprising - and refreshing- to millions of people across the nation

But how much is just talk? People know not to have faith in politicians, and there is a perception that it takes an 'enlightened' individual to show restraint from being deceived by one. Even one as eloquent and inspiring as Mr. Obama.

This is an issue I've often run into. "He's a good talker, ain't he?" says the blue collar worker sitting next to me at the bar. He sips his beer and regards the television with a cautious eye. "You're right," I reply, "he really is."

Emanating from the television speakers is the voice of Barack Obama, giving a speech after his victories in the Metro-area primaries.

I can see the man was itching to drive home his larger point, the insinuation being that Obama was simply that - talk. He was probably expecting a negative response from me, to lash out in blind defense of this man who hypnotized a nation with words. But what he failed to understand, although i hope he comes to appreciate it, is that Obama's appeal, his charisma and inspiring approach, are not politically concocted formulas. It's the very fact that he so passionately distances himself from that kind of politics.

This isn't to say my fellow at the bar didn't have a point, or that Obama is immune to the inevitable shortcomings of a politician. Nobody's perfect, and frankly, if Obama is elected, it's going to be very difficult for him to live up to hype. The man and I entered a cordial political discussion, in which he, as a "blue collar guy," related his fears that the economy won't pick up. "Results" he said, " I wanna see results."

I found as I talked to him he was more open-minded than his demeanor would suggest. A lot of his worries, it seems, stemmed from what you read and hear every day. That an optimistic outlook is naive, even dangerous. Leads to disappointment. Always has been that way with politics, and life, always will be. But what if it didn't have to be?

We talked for a while longer. I had class in the morning so I bid him goodnight. As I got up to leave, he grabbed me by the arm and looked me square in the eye. "You really think there is something to this guy, kid?"

I just shrugged and nodded. "I really do."

He looked pensive for a moment, then started nodding to himself. "I'll give it a thought."

As I walked away I had a realization. People want to be inspired, want to believe in something. They want to have hope. But it's fear that keeps them from doing so, not any perceived understanding of reality.

So I'll leave it at this. What's a life worth, living in fear?

The Merits of a Candidate

A letter I wrote to my parents regarding the 2008 Presidential Primaries:

"hello parents,

With the primary quickly approaching, i was hoping to ask the two of you to take a good look at what Barack Obama has to offer. I know, mom, that you are a very big Hillary supporter, and that you, dad, at least were on the fence the last time I spoke with you. This I can understand. Mrs. Clinton is a very viable candidate whose experience is hard to disregard, and I'm sure she would make a solid President.

Over these past few weeks, I've taken a keen interest in this election. As both of you know, I consider myself a moderate, and have not had the privilege (as you two have had with Kennedy) of seeing a truly inspiring president in my lifetime. I have never really felt passionate about a candidate, or, for that matter, party politics. Some would point to Bill Clinton, and I'll admit; he was a good, charismatic president who promoted excellent policies. But does he reside with Kennedy, FDR, Lincoln and the other greats when we look back on history? Unfortunately his record under speculation doesn't stand against theirs .

For the first time in my life, I have truly been inspired by a candidate -Barack Obama. His policies may not be so different from Hillary's, but the intricacies of a policy can only carry us so far as a nation. Imagine what this country can accomplish when inspired, energized and motivated. Perhaps you may not think it possible, or at least hesitate to think that it may be, but I implore you to take a good look at his speeches, and the constituency he appeals to (I'll provide some links).

More importantly, he is also bringing something to the Democratic party that I have not seen in my lifetime - real, unabashed patriotism. I know this is a common stereotype promoted by conservatives - that liberals cannot be patriots. But you have to admit, to a certain degree, that it has become vogue in the Democratic party to avoid praising the history of this nation. In my view, it is our natural tendency to try to overcompensate for the wrongs of our past. I have always taken issue with this, but saw no immediate escape from such a point of view. Enter Barack Obama. When an African American compares the plight of escaping slavery to the hardships suffered by our Polish ancestors immigrating to this nation; how they both experienced a common struggle, striving for a common goal, you know that he represents an idea the democratic party has been grasping for for decades. To hear him speak about the United States in such a prideful manner, while staying true to his liberal core, requires a delicate balance and strong character. It's truly powerful.

Mr. obama gave a speech after the primary in New Hampshire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe751kMBwms) (as you know Hillary won) which was the best speech I've heard from him since his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention .. and I am not alone in this sentiment. A successful musician named Will.I.Am., who has never had an interest in politics, was watching that night also. He was so inspired by the speech, he threw together this video/song in under 48 hours <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHEO_fG3mm4>. It became one of the most popular songs on the internet in a matter of days.

This is the kind of product....art...that Obama inspires. It transcends both racial and partisan lines. While I understand you may have your minds made up, at least take a second look at what this man can offer - and not only to this country alone. I don't think I've ever read more articles concerning the international opinion on American elections. Arab country's from all over the world are tuning in; imagine what his election can do for democracy on an international scale?

I sent my absentee ballot in today. Virginia is looking like a Clinton favorite but...well you can't say I didn't try right?"