Lately, I have been holding my tongue on the recent political upheavals. I have been trying to remain mindful that political and religious standings go hand in hand with the concept we all learned in kindergarten. No, not the do not eat paste rule.. the other rule, If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all.
However, I feel as though I have remained silent long enough. After all, how fair is it that others views and opinions have been shoved down my throat? If they can voice their opinions then so can I. I promise to lay it out as respectfully as possible.
I voted for Obama. In fact, I think I should have been invited to the white house for dinner given my charismatic campaign techniques. For I rallied on the streets of Las Vegas, with a yard long margarita in hand yelling at the top of my Minnie mouse lungs, “ Obama for your Momma! Paint the White House black!” And I even gained Obama support from two of the most strong willed Republican, right winged Southern folk I know. My grandparents, who before would have never dreamed of the day they would see a ‘Negro’ run for office, let alone cast their vote for one. * Pats herself on the back*
In the beginning of it all, I listened and read and became very passionate about the issues that this man was promising. And when he won I celebrated. And my Passion and eagerness to learn about Politics lessened. But now, now that the country seems to be splitting in half because of recent changes and ideals I feel myself getting back involved.
There are issues that I have not or cannot seem to fully wrap my mind around. For example, I do not understand the dynamics of the banks closures and then our Government paying off the banks head honchos with several million dollars. I do not understand why or how it was thought to be acceptable to change the peoples tax ratio’s so that when tax time rolled around the majority of these people were shocked at the little amount they got back in return or in several peoples cases the amount they had to pay. And they didn’t even tell anyone about it. I know that sure ruffled my feathers! I mean how is that ok?? How does that make sense?? I understand that they were taking less out on each paycheck so our take home was greater but not by much! Obviously, because a ton of people didn’t even notice the change. And most of the people I know rely on tax time to play catch up with their returns or to participate in stimulating our economy by taking a vacation, or buying the sofa they have been wanting, or the down payment on the nice new car they have been saving for. But this year no, many of us looked at our return and wanted to personally hunt down Uncle Sam and smack the shit out of the man with his own silly ridiculous hat.
I don’t understand how when running, President Obama promised to end the War in Iraq. Yet sent several more groups of troops overseas. I am aware that Iraq is in the midst of electing a new president and forming a functioning government.. but, I guess I fail to see how this is our business. Maybe, this makes me naïve, but isn’t this a big reason why so many extremist hate America?? And I understand that some of the troops overseas are trying to get a handle on the drug crops and distribution. Which although commendable is also something that I think is aiding us in digging our own whole. Can’t we just monitor our borders and what is brought into this country better? Poppy crops are many people’s livelihood in Afghanistan. Destroying those crops are bound to cause serious retaliation. And I don’t know about you, but I think we have gone and pissed off enough of these people who have access to extreme terrorist groups just waiting for another reason to bring ‘death to America’. How about we come home now? Or, send troops to Chile to help build their country back up or Haiti or maybe Nigeria who in the last several months have fallen victim to extreme violence. Where Christian persecution has left millions of unarmed Men, Women and children slain?
America seems far too focused on Americanizing the rest of the world. And all the while America seems to be lagging behind.
In my opinion, it seems that with the billions of dollars we spend on warfare we could fight quite the war that is going on here on American soil. A war of poverty, starvation, and crime. And also help those in other countries who need and welcome some kind of help, any kind of help.
I do not understand the Healthcare Bill in its entirety. I have watched Glenn Beck and listened to his opinion, Rush Limbaugh and others, I have read opinions on the web as well as those from my friends and family. And I got to be honest, I still remain on the fence.
My attention was brought to our Nations trouble with healthcare or lack thereof after watching Michael Moores ‘Sicko’. Having watched that film I felt that Canada and France had the right Idea. I thought it to be an injustice to the American people to deny those without insurance care. And hearing Obama in his campaign promise change and reform I was thrilled. But, now that it’s here and in learning the pro’s and con’s of this bill I am having mixed emotions about it.
I do like that Medicaid will now be available to young adults without children and that Illegal Immigrants will not be covered. Not only will Illegal Immigrants not be covered through Medicaid but they won’t be covered through any other insurance even if paid with their own money. I do like that prescription costs for seniors will be cut down by 50%. I like the concept that thousands of people will now have the benefits of healthcare and no one will be refused treatment. I like that the wealthy will be paying the a higher tax required to fund this reform. They’ll still be able to afford their Yachts and keep their fancy lifestyle’s all the while contributing to a ‘charity’ of sorts right here at home. Allowing the children of low income families, as well as the family to have healthcare coverage. Inside my mind, where there are rainbows and puppies that eat cupcakes and poop out rainbows this sounds pretty darn fair and fantastic.
What I don’t like is that the Government is pretty much forcing the people to get health care coverage. Now, I can’t really understand why a person wouldn’t want insurance but I certainly don’t think they should make you have it and charge you with a hefty fine if you refuse. That’s unconstitutional! Either way you slice it! I like the idea of the reform.. And would hope that in the goodness of peoples heart’s they would participate in it and take advantage of its perks, but I certainly think that as Americans we should have a right to choose. We should have a right to decide to give our hard earned money for the cause and sign something for them to take more taxes out so that others can have insurance. Or if we don’t want to participate we shouldn’t have to.
I don’t like that they are rising the taxes on tanning salons by 10%. This will seriously hurt the industry. And that’s the last thing we should be doing is hurting more small businesses. Tanning has been linked to cancer.True. But, every Bahama bronzed person out there is aware of this. Just like cigarettes when a person takes a drag I guarandamntee you they are very much aware of the risk. If a person wants to tan their hides and smoke isn’t that their prerogative?? Why does the government have to hike up the cost? I mean.. this is America right? Since when is freedom free only if you can afford it?
People now want us to take the word God off of our money and out of the Pledge of allegiance. Why?? If the word and concept of God does not mean anything to you then why are you taking any validity into what a coin says or a song? Please, allow those of us who believe to keep it. It can be ours. The others who don’t can practice whatever it is they believe and when saying the pledge they can skip over that part like when singing happy birthday to a person whom you didn’t catch their name. And with the money buy yourself a coke, smile, and shut the hell up.
The constitution says that the Government shall work for the people and if it stops working for the people then the people have the right to stand up and say so. Well, I suppose that is what many are doing. However, an opinion doesn’t have to be laced with hateful words and accusations. Today, on a break at work I overheard an older gentlemen say “Sorry to say, but that black baby is sending our nation straight down the shitter.” And when listening to Glenn Beck I can’t help but think how much more credible his viewpoints would be if they weren’t delivered with such angst and anger. The same goes for Russ Limbaugh.. do people really take such hatred seriously?
I don’t know if I am a Liberal, a Republican, a Democrat, a member of the Tea Party or a Constitutionalist. I guess, in a nut shell I am just a free thinking American woman that believes in freedom and freedom for all. I also believe that the world is vast, as are the people of it. Culture differs from country to country, region to region, state to state. If clothing, Language, food, traditions and laws vary and are accepted then why can’t we accept that Government and Beliefs will vary as well?
Every country has their good points and their bad. And every Michael Moore, Rush Limbaugh, and Glenn Beck has the right to their opinion and the capability of glorifying it to the mainstream public through the telephoto lens of fame. Remember, it is our right as Americans to form our own opinion. And I hope we all do just that.
God Bless the whole wide world. ( No exceptions)
