Presidential Politics: Why I Care

Apparently, the U.S. wants change, regardless of which party is in charge.  Both Republicans and Democrats are claiming that they will shake up Washington.  As for third-party candidates, well, that’s a given.  They’d like to see even bigger changes in our country.

I’m not convinced that a change in presidential leadership will bring about real change.  A leader can cast a vision and inspire change, but real change comes from the actions of individuals and families on the ground.  If that’s true, why does it even matter who is elected President?

I’m tempted to ignore the whole thing, but there are reasons to care.  Here’s one:  national security.  That’s one function a national government is good for.  It’s harder (and possibly more dangerous) for local militias to protect the various parts of the country.

Therefore, I’m concerned about which candidate will do the best job of keeping us safe, and which will lead us in a direction that will keep my children safe in the future.

The Republican party and John McCain claim that they are best able to do this.  They also claim that we have good reason to be afraid!  If you haven’t seen the so-called 9/11 tribute that was played at the Republican National Convention (and on national TV), take a couple of minutes to watch it.  The terrorists are out to get us and have been for 20 years!  Be afraid!  But don’t be afraid, because we can protect you!

Protect us how?  By going to war against a sovereign nation under false pretenses? By sneaking into Pakistan, a nation that has nuclear weapons, to carry out military operations without the approval of the Pakistani government?  By killing civilians, including women and children, and then denying it?

These are the kind of actions that make me feel less safe.  I think these actions put our country and our children in greater danger.

I want a government that considers military solutions last, not first.  I want a government that sees the whole picture, not just a military picture.   Hey, kind of like this:

I am running for President of the United States to lead this country in a new direction… Instead of being distracted from the most pressing threats that we face, I want to overcome them. Instead of pushing the entire burden of our foreign policy on to the brave men and women of our military, I want to use all elements of American power to keep us safe, and prosperous, and free. Instead of alienating ourselves from the world, I want America – once again – to lead…

–Barack Obama