I’ve already voted for Obama. He has shown a penchant for brushing off criticism with class and respect. He is immensely talented in forging alliances for the greater good. His bill with Chuck Hagel on weapons proliferation is an example. Considering his race, his knowledge has jumped any hurdle racism has even for the most gifted of black men.
Conversely, Obama has been wrong on many issues that are pressing for America’s future. Afghanistan is a quagmire that needs to be stopped immediately. Talking directly with the warlords to provide healthcare and schools for the poor of that land will work better than bombs. The policy of nation-building hasn’t worked for America in years. Iraq has proven we’ll negotiate with the worst of characters to achieve our aims. The stop of nation building, unless it is within the borders of the USA, is the first thing Obama must change. Unfortunately, I don’t see that in his rhetoric.
In addition, Obama was wrong about the surge. It didn’t work. Violence went down because of massive ethnic cleansing in many areas along with vast migration to neighboring countries. The militias were paid off to stop aggression. The surge was to establish a better government which could stand on its’ own. After almost 1000 soldiers have died since the surge, that goal is still far from achievable.
The financial bailout was not necessary and could bankrupt the financial system. The money should have went to a pay raise for government workers at federal, state, and local levels. Another portion could have gone to create jobs for America’s infrastructure and schools. Giving money to people who have proven to mismanage it is not a good idea. People with more consistent income can pay down their debts, which is a major problem for most of the citizens of America, not faulty mortgages.
Pay raises have not kept up with the times. Credit Card industry has to be more regulated. On both of these issues, I’ve seen Obama thread very lightly. He mentioned a 30% interest rate cap was too high but never followed up on that statement. Paying less tax means nothing; when goods costs an even higher portion of people’s income. Money is supposed to double in value every 10 years. It seems as if most necessity items have double their prices in 5 years. More money needs to go to worker salaries than a couple hundred dollar shot in the arm that the economic stimulus plan, that Obama supported, gave.
Obama has been centrist in his principles. Possibly to ensure he wouldn’t be seen as "too" liberal. The economy will improve more under Obama than Bush II simple because he can’t do much worse. I think Obama will be good but his judgment is still in doubt. Although it is better than John, I picked a VP with ethic violations, lost planes with no good excuse, showed bad judgment in the Keating 5 scandal, pal around with convicted felons like G. Gordon Liddy, voted with a president who has an approval rating under 30 percent 90% of the time but I’m a maverick McCain. Obama barometer is just to get us back to mediocrity and that is what has people so excited. It is sad to see the bar still so low for our so-called leaders.
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