raising heller

I love Ron Paul and have been completely confused on why the Republican base hasn’t embraced him. Heck, I honestly can’t figure out why Republicans didn’t make him the nominee. An Obama-Paul race would have been brilliant. The rhetoric would be focused on issues, not personal attacks. The debates would have been substantive. And we would be focused on the things that actually matter to every single American.

Instead, he’s ridiculed by his own party because he opposes a war that 70% of Americans now oppose. It’s a little bit insane. My absolute favorite moment from the Republican debates (and I watched them all) was when the field was asked if hey would go to war without Congressional approval. After they all went off about lawyers and executive privilege, Ron Paul said, “Are you KIDDING me?!?” And explained that we are literally Constitutionally disallowed from going to war without Congressional approval. It was fantastic and pitch perfect. Paul has steered clear of the so-called “hot button issues” in favor of a grander vision. I am amazed by any politician… heck, any human being with an innate ability to focus their followers’ anger into an articulate call for change and genuine love for the work required get it. I’m not alone in thinking that Ron Paul will be remembered as one of our great leaders, despite his party’s instance on marginalizing him.

Alas, I simply can’t subscribe to Libertarian ideals. While I like the idea of trimming programs and streamlining government, I fundamentally disagree on a basic level: I believe it is a government’s responsibility to take care of its citizens. While I agree that the current state of welfare is abysmal, ending it entirely would put far too much pressure on the local church (the most widely used charity organizations) to provide for the basic needs of its members. If parents were entirely responsible for the costs of schooling, wealthy families would get the best educations, poor families would get none. If a truly “free market” drove the economy, monopolistic companies would deliberately drown out locally owned businesses.

There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these ideals, I just don’t subscribe to them. I like the way it’s worded in the Declaration of Independence, that governments are instituted among men to secure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, “deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

It’s no secret that I am an Obama fan, so I won’t bore you with details (I have my own site for that), but I have to say, I fully support any and all write-in candidates. It’s so much better to vote for the candidate you want, not against the candidate you don’t.

Honestly, I’m hoping the Libertarian Party sees a huge surge after this election. I would love to have debates with some substance again. And I would love Ron Paul to be recognized as the clear-minded leader he is.

I think this guy pretty much seems complacent about all of the things that our prophet has warned us about. He’s a throw back to the 60’s free love, do whatever feels good to you, kind of attitude. I’m not ready to live next door to the drug dealing hooker who is told by our President “it’s your right!” Thanks for the info though. Your sister loves you anyway!

Oh man, you hit it on the head. The entire Republican convention has been about attacking the opposition (Obama, liberals, Democrats, San Fransisco, community organizers, etc.) instead of outlining their actual plan. Do they even have an actual plan? They’ve turned this election into a vote for either “Obama” or “Not Obama.” McCain has given us nothing, no specifics of any kind, on what he’ll do to help the country. In fact, he is deliberately catering to the single-issue-driven, hard right, evangelical vote (which, I’ll be honest, as a Mormon, I find a little frightening). He picked a VP who is currently under investigation for ethics violations, for heaven’s sake.

Others are specifically outlining what they will do. Ron Paul, Barack Obama, even Bob Barr are talking about a direction, a goal, and a plan. I’d like to think that the framers of the Constitution had that in mind when they wrote it: a government that moved away from the nonsensical and oligarchical, toward a government focused on the people and their problems. To me, there’s no such thing as “throwing away” a vote. If American citizens weren’t so scared of voting their principles, we wouldn’t be stuck with a two party system.

(And, as an aside, I literally fell asleep during McCain’s speech. I mean, jeez, can we please have a President who knows how to talk? Please?)

And, wow. That was pretty good. I will probably be quoting you.

A vote for Ron Paul is a vote wasted. Like it or not, the major parties hold all the cards AND they run the game! Obama offers the only chance for real change for the future. McCain will continue Bush’s flawed domestic and foreign policies and he certainly won’t have the support of a Democrat controlled Congress. Thus, with McCain we’ll have at least 4 more years of nothing getting done in Washington.

Regardless of whether you like Obama personally, what’s really at stake is: 1. ending the immoral Iraq war sooner rather than later 2. saving Social Security vs. reducing it 3. appointing Supreme Court justices than favor individual rights over those of the government 4. continuing to allow a woman rather than others to choose whether or not to end her pregnancy 5. allowing gays and lesbians to have equal rights under the law 6. giving tax savings to the middle class vs. the wealthy 7. providing access to universal health care to all Americans 8. granting citizenship to worthy immigrants and setting up reasonable immigration reforms 9. shifting policies to support the environment and energy savings, and 10. enhancing our stature in the world via diplomacy vs. military actions. Ten very important differences that set Obama far apart from McCain and will make him a far better President.

The choice in Nov. is quite simple: A vote for Obama will improve America and uphold the American way of life.

Voteforobamaman

I’m the biggest Obama fan I know (volunteered, donated, called, attended rallies, etc.), and I also disagree with voteforobamaman (no offense, man).

The good news; I actually do believe that Obama will fundamentally change our foreign and domestic policy. Obama is perfectly suited for the job because he will focus (and has focused) on people rather than procedures. Internationally, he is a diplomat. Domestically, he is a forceful and articulate leader. From his time as a Constitutional professor to passing ethics laws in the Senate, he has always sought information and concusses to make important decisions. Only as an example (not as a comparison), it’s what made Abraham Lincoln a great President. When elected, he led by making tough decisions based on solid information.

But the points listed by voteforobamaman are basically anti-McCain talking points. Obama doesn’t support and hasn’t written a “universal” health care plan. A single-payer system simply will not be approved by Congress. Obama is smart enough to know this, so his plan is much more intelligent. Obama also believes that gay marriage should be left to the states, not the federal government. While I agree that the things listed are important, much of it is moved forward by citizens, not politicians.

I’m voting for Obama because I genuinely believe he’s the best man for the job, not because I think we need to kick some Republican butt. No vote for any candidate is “wasted” in our democratic-republic. How else can we, as citizens, voice our opinion? The First Amendment guarantees us the right to “petition the Government,” and while this protects groups who lobby for specific issues, it also highlights our ability to make the most personal petition of all: our vote.

While I desperately want Steve to vote for Obama (I want everyone to vote for Obama), it is his ability to vote for anyone he likes that makes this country great.

And Ron Paul is a great vote, exactly because of the personal petition it reflects.

Another aside, it’s another reason I like Obama. He is funding and organizing voter registration drives in states (like Utah and West Virginia) who will absolutely vote against him. Elections are not only about electoral votes or the Supreme Court, they about making sure that every single American has a voice.

Dang, I love America today.

There’s been a lot of great comments on this. But…

It’s hard for me to understand why everyone is not an independent. Luckily, I figured out a long time ago that there’s not much of a difference between the 2 most powerful parties. I know they like to pretend there is (and there was a long time ago). They’ll argue the point till they’re blue in the face, but they won’t accept it because then they’d have to admit that most of their beliefs are wrong; and that would take humility. Deep down they all want the security net of a big government to take care of them. Because of all the things that have happened to my immediate family, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, is that as soon as you expect a company or the government to take care of you…you are screwed!

sadly, lack of responsibility is now ok in society. It’s easy to say that people should have the right to make all their own decisions. What’s harder is to accept any negative consequences for them. I’m just tired of paying for people’s personal mistakes. I work very hard to support my family, and I don’t need people telling me I need to pay more to help those who don’t. I’m sorry if someone picked the wrong major, or they decided to screw around until they were kicked out of the house, but don’t ask me to support you. I tried my damnedest to make money at music, but also didn’t expect the govt to take care of me while i was doing it. If you have bad times thrust upon you, then you deserve some help. But if it’s your fault, sorry.

Obama or McCain will NOT get my vote. The sheep will secretly say that it’s a throw away (yes you will). but real change has to start somewhere. Power back to the states, give me back my S.S. so that I can invest it properly, limit legal immigration to only “X” amount per year (you’re fooling yourself if you think we have the resources to support the world and remain economically strong), no more welfare to any company with more than 50 employees, any whatever any other crazy idea and can come up with.

I’m sorry if i offended anyone. I really do like most people. i just don’t have very much respect for people who only vote party lines. pull your head out of the sand

I was going to leave a comment on here; but, between Voteforobamaman and Ethan’s comments I’m frankly too frustrated to know where to even start.

Between the comment that the government being responsible for the citizens social welfare and Ethan’s suggestion that Obama and Paul run together (could you have more polar opposite ideologies on one ticket?) I think people have lost their minds.

Even Steven is spitting out dem-lib lines and doesn’t even know what they mean!

We’re screwed people.

(and know that I love Ethan but I would punch him in his face if I could right now:)

Steven,

If Paul is running, he’ll get my vote. Excuse my ignorance, but I’m not sure if was running. between the boy starting school, 2 bands going on in the studio at the same time, and everything else, my lack of knowledge of current events has been at a peak.

Someone told me i’m a libertarian. from what i’ve read, i can get behind some of their ideals, but not all of them. I guess the cheese still stands alone.

Alright, here are my thoughts. I apologize for the other day as I just got off digg.com and am so sick of the politics on that site.

Point on Ethan, I get that he was saying that an Obama vs. Paul race would’ve been rad. Thanks for the correction Steven. My fundamental disagreement with Ethan is his statement that “I believe it is a government’s responsibility to take care of its citizens.” I guess he would need to clarify what taking care of its citizens entails. Militarily? Sure. Minimal regulation which intervenes only when neutral third parties are involved, and the free market can’t correct, absolutely.

But, forced distribution of wealth for social welfare programs. Absolutely not. This country (and the gospel) is founded upon mercy and assistance through self guided efforts. The BOM repeatedly tells us that it’s our duty and responsibility to help the needy and the poor, not to turn our backs on those that hunger, bear anothers burdens, etc. But, the most important element to social welfare and the gospel is that it is through ones own efforts using self agency as the vehicle. Only through self agency can we grow or digress as an individual. If you look at any humanitarian/social help offered by the church it is largely funded through fast offerings, I.e., voluntary contributions.

Now to the government, I absolutely believe that there are individuals which need help and assistance time to time. The fundamental question is to what extent is the government obligated to provide for its citizens. We obviously have exploited those that work hard and advance themselves fiscally. It’s a fact that the top 5% of wage earners pay close to 40% of total revenue through federal taxation.

If we as a people decide that the government should be in the social welfare game then major reform is needed. Such as; programs designed to help the individual temporarily all with the goal of self reliance. A mandatory repayment of assistance provided, etc.

But at the core, I believe helping another should be voluntary and not mandated through distribution of wealth.

Lastly to Steven, your comments I make reference to are the ones where you offer no explanation as to why. It seems you’re simply regurgitating the same lines from the DNC with no substance or examples.

Some of them are;

“With McCain we would have 8 more years of what we’ve had with Bush.”
“Republicans have increased taxes for middle class America.”

Ahh, I hate politics.

By the way, most peoples opinion on taxing and political party is limited to:

Republicans want to cut taxes and Democrats increase taxes. The theory is that Republicans want independence from Government and to create liberty through individual powers and wealth. Democrats see a strong governmental state with high regulation key to prosperity individually and collectively.

This is an excellent article on tax theory of both parties and what history has shown.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Democrat_vs_Republican_Tax_Cuts_

“and i just feel like with mccain, if we don’t get more of the same stuff we’ve had for the last 8 years”

you said it Heller. in response to your sister’s post. suck on that.

And not that I agree or disagree, but; in what way do you feel the Republicans have expanded government and increased taxes?

You need to be careful in comparing administrations or decades as they are not equals. The Iraq and Afghanistan war, the housing crisis, 9-11, etc. all play important parts in your comparisons.

So with that adjusted, in what way has government and taxes increased under Republicans?

Steven,

I have been lost and alone this past year. I feel as if the Republican Party no longer represents my beliefs; I feel it is no longer conservative. I was hell bent on renouncing my membership in the party until I started researching Ron Paul, who in my opinion is the only REAL Republican in the political mix.

The US NEEDS a peaceful revolution, and Ron Paul should be our leader. Take for example the bail-out plan, which no American I know wanted to happen. What did the folks on Capitol Hill do? They pushed it through; expanding the government even further past its post-Constitution size. Karl Marx has been smiling in his grave even wider recently, as the US has become even more socialist with all of this bailout madness.

The Federal Reserve is unconstitutional; and it possess too much power with no checks and balances. We can thank Alan Greenspan for toying with the price of money, completely jacking house prices through the roof. As Ron Paul says, “someday we’ll let the market determin [interest rates].” We can thanks Paulson for sinking this country deeper into the trench of socialism. And we can thanks these snakes in Congress in being more interested in voting along Party lines than attempting to represent their states.

But, this is the real problem: the 2 party system has failed us for the aforementioned reason. How can it be that the Republicans turned their backs on Dr. Paul? He is the defender of the Constitution. He is the only fiscal conservative with a voice. But, he hasn’t voted along party lines, so I am sure, that has something to do with his being utterly rejected by the party. Party lines? Party lines?? Who cares. Whatever happened to Congressional members doing the right thing, instead of voting based on winning points to be used latter when attempting to pass one’s own bill? Whatever happened to limiting the size of government and being fiscally conservative?

Ron Paul is the only politician who is honest and stands for real change. McCain and Obama are incredibly similar as far as I am concerned.

I will be writing-in Dr. Paul in Nov, as I cannot be held responsible for the damage the 2 popular candidates are about to unload on the United States, and the world. I am voting for what I feel is right, not for any other reason. I suspect many others are out there. Many who feel alone, but you’re not. Please write-in Ron Paul with me. He may not win this go around, but look to the future.

-Dex

Is it too late to comment on this? I looked at the videos…mostly…I’ve heard some interesting things. I have a couple of things to say.
1. I don’t get the love for obama. His morals and his politics have nothing for me. I hear “spread the wealth around” and “I don’t mind paying more taxes”=more people thinking “why try” when the big guys will pay for me. I hear how he feels about late term abortion and it makes me ill.
2. Your point about how the church works is not meant for ruling society. Are you telling me if someone sold Lily pot/meth/whatever you’d just want him/her to get consequences on judgement day-I must of misunderstood that point I know you don’t think that way.
3. I believe in as little government as necessary (always spell that wrong) I believe government needs to fix priorities and put money where we need it and quit being soooo incapable of being smart and efficient. I believe in a leader that comes close to representing my morals. I know Bush spent a whole lot of money-I hate no child left behind but Mc Cain is not Bush’s clone. Do I love him and feel like hes even close to perfect…no. Is he closer than anyone else with a chance, yes.
4. I really don’t have any conclusions about Ron Paul. I did hear an interview of him the other day and I know he is not a fan of obama. It kind of seems like if you are for Paul you are taking a big jump to Obama who is as big gov’t as you can get.
Lastly-I don’t know who above stated = rights for those who are gay and lesbian, but both candidates are the same on that one. Biden himself says he does not support gay marriage.
I love politics. It gets my blood boiling and upsets me when people don’t care. Up until 2 seconds ago I’d laugh and say you’re stupid for throwing your vote away. I’ve changed my mind. I do think you should do what feels right. For me, its voting for McCain.
Too be honest, I can’t wait for this to be over and see how it plays out. I feel like Obama’s going to win (horror) and am anxious to see if anyone president has the power to make as many changes as they claim. I hope I’m wrong, but we’ll see.
Geez did I really write all that-sorry boys.

The whole someone selling Lily pot wasn’t taken quite as I meant it. I’m going to be honest my mind isn’t made up about legalizing drugs. I just meant it sounded like you were almost saying we don’t need laws. I did follow that up with saying I must not get what you are saying…understand? Many people out there (my dear old dad) hates what the democratic party has become but refuses to say he’s a republican even though they’ve had his “vote” for the last 20 years or so. The democratic party used to have more to offer. Not saying this was the case for President Faust…something to think about though. I’m just glad I have friends who give our country some thought. Its hard being busy with day to day life and interested in crazy politcs. I think I’m starting to calm down a little though and realize what is realistic and what isn’t. I just can’t seem to stop writing…sorry. Now you know why Jana and I are on the phone forever.