I wrote my first mydd diary and I figured I would cross post it and open the discussion here as well. It doesn't seem to sway any opinions, I guess I'll have to work harder :o)
http://www.mydd.com/...
I'm a relatively new member of mydd. I migrated over from dailykos, which I learned about from the "Colbert Bump". My screen name on dailykos is the same.
This is my first diary so I'll start by introducing myself. I'm a 34 year old, long time Democrat currently serving in the US Army. I spent 6 years in the Marine Corps reserves, during which time I worked in the semiconductor industry. I joined the US Army in October of 2003 as an Airborne Infantryman. Having served with the 82nd for two years, including one tour in Iraq, I came down on orders to recruiter duty :o( I'm currently wrapping up my time in recruiting and next month I report back to the 82nd :o)
For my first diary I wanted to discuss the FL and MI situation because I feel there's a misunderstanding. I think many Clinton supporters believe the argument against seating them as-is is about punishment. In my opinion that's the furthest thing from the truth. In actuality (ironically) the issue is about voter fairness.
A few bullet points.
- Clinton flip-flopped on this issue and her "outrage" is obviously politically motivated. But this is the least important argument and it's a hot-button issue so let's just digress to the remaining three. I had to throw that in because it's a soar subject with me. I apologize if #1 is offensive to Clinton supporters.
- Since all parties involved, Clinton included, said the votes weren't going to count many who wanted to vote stayed home. This taints the results and disenfranchises those voters who wanted to vote but didn't.
- Obama has consistently closed the gap or pulled ahead in Clinton states where both campaigned. Having neither campaign there gives Clinton an unfair advantage, tainting the results.
- Michigan only had Clinton's name on the ballot. Arguing to seat those votes? Seriously.
Voting is about the WILL OF THE PEOPLE (as a collective). When candidates cannot make their case before the people, when the people of that state are told their votes won't count, when the ballots are altered the results are completely tainted. You do NOT get a correct representation of the will of the people.
So now we're left with two choices. Throw completely muddied up results into an otherwise clean pot or leave them out completely. The latter was agreed to in the beginning by all parties. And in my opinion it's the lesser of two evils.
I'm sure this is going to resurface a great deal of arguments and tired, old debates. And that's fine, because the matter isn't settled and it needs to be discussed. Hopefully (trolls aside) we can discuss these matters in a civil manner.
You may agree or disagree with my contentions. But I at least hope you Clinton supporters realize that's it's not about punishment, and it's not about F*** Florida and Michigan.
In the end the country can NOT afford 4+ years of McCain. At this point I think it's all but a done deal for Obama as our candidate. But in the unlikely event Clinton takes it I have pledged that I will vote for her. I won't like it but I can't let my emotions help McCain win. Far too much is at steak. I hope ALL of us, Obama and Clinton supporters alike can make the same pledge. This one is bigger than all of us as individuals. This is about ALL the people in the USA and how our future actions will effect the world.