Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Election Day!

I voted for the first time this morning, since becoming a naturalized citizen earlier this year. I've been a little undecided up until this point, but if you must know, my final vote went for Mr. Barrack Obama. My remaining votes for my congressional delegate and for various state and local races was split between the Democratic Party and the Libertarian Party - And just for the record, my vote for Governor of Utah went to the Democrats, not the complete and utter nut job put up by the Libertarians - Seriously now - WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY THINKING!?!?

I feel like I voted for candidates that had my best interests at the heart of their campaigns. My vote for Mr. Obama was not because he is a black man, but because he is an excellent speaker, will likely help improve the international opinion of the US (Not that it matters what other's think, but I would like to be proud to be an American and not have to qualify it with an "inspite of the warmongering moron in the White House.") and because he appears to have the best intentions. I am doubtful that he will deliver on his promises, but I think the odds are better that he will than Mr. McCain will.

As a final note and somewhat different topic - unless you live in California - This disturbed me last night... I make a very sizable donation to the Mormon Church every year as part of my membership. One reason I do this is to keep current on the 'pass' that gives me entrance to the Temples. Part of those requirements also require me to "swear allegiance" to Church leaders, both local and over the entire Church. Based on events in my personal life over the past year involving light bulbs, and stands taken by the Church, including but not limited to Proposition 8 in California, I don't feel like I can honestly answer that question in the affirmative. Which comes back to the donation I make. Maybe you should watch this excerpt from The Daily Show last night first...



$25 million dollars, mostly from members of the LDS Church and from what I understand from the Church itself (Although I could be wrong on this). Do you know how much that could by for the poor and needy? It bothers me that a Church which at one time was persecuted because their form of marriage was considered wrong would back something like this. I was also forwarded a transcript from a talk given by one of the very high up leaders of the Church, where he iterated multiple times what a good financial position the Church is in, as though that should somehow help strengthen member's faith.

This problem isn't just limited to the LDS Church, but many other Churchs as well, especially the Catholic Church with the riches and treasures stored at the Vatican which I have heard many describe as 'OBSCENE'. It makes you wonder if the whole purpose for a Church is mainly to enrich those at the head. Actually, I think anyone would have a really hard time convincing me that is indeed, not the case.

So in light of the millions of dollars donated to support discrimination, and the untold weath of an organization that claims to follow the example of Christ, yet fails to actually follow his example, my 10% donation this year may be finding it's way into the coffers of the local Children's Hospital, Remote Area Medical or some other Organization that actually does something to help people, rather than just talking about it.

6 comments:

  1. You lost your faith in your religion, and I've lost my faith in my country.

    It's a sad day.

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  2. It's a sad day in some respects, but in many other ways I see each day as a new opportunity to improve myself and be a source of good in our society.

    My wife voted the same way as I did yesterday, but was left with an uneasy feeling. It's the same feeling she had after voting for Bush, so I'm hoping it's wrong this time.

    Something that did solidify my decision for Obama was something I heard him say last week. I'll butcher the quote if I try and do it word for word, but it was basically that right wing conservative hawks have valid points about oil in the middle east. Liberal tree huggers and environmentalists have valid points as well. Unfortunately we're so busy arguing with eachother that we aren't seeing those valid points and are failing to do anything about real world problems because we're so busy fighting about us being right about them.

    I have very low expectations that Mr. Obama will be able to heal any of the huge partisan gaps in our country, be it the war, global warming or any of those things, but I am optimistic that he will help to make start bridging those gaps.

    I think you and I differ on a few aspects of our world view, but I think by and large we agree on most things. Likewise many others both from the left and the right with whom I interact online share many common ideals, and are willing to openly discuss the others.

    In all honesty, I think Mr. McCain would likely have made a good president as well, especially if he could have returned to his old self and not the man I saw campaigning. I was very impressed by his speech last night, the only only thing which disturbed me was his statement that Sarah Pallin was going to be a new voice in the Republican Party. I'm sure she has some good ideals, but all I have heard from her since her selection by Mr. McCain has been anger, ignorance and attacks on others. While she and I may be in the same area politically, her attitude is what worries me. I think it's the biggest obstacle our country faces.

    Anyway, I have some demons to deal with as far as my religion and politics go. I don't want to turn into an angry and bitter person, but some underlying feelings need to be dealt with.

    My optimism lies not with the election Mr. Obama, but more with the fact that I think more people are starting to talk to eachother, work together and are willing to see points which others may have. I see the election of Mr. Obama as a result or symptom of that increased tolerance and willingess to discuss things openly. I'm hoping it helps the process along, but I do share some fears that it may have a negative effect as well. I'm betting it'll be good, but it's not a sure bet.

    I'm hoping you and can continue to discuss as well. Your observations and critiques of my posts have given me much greater awareness of how I present arguments and approach issues. I'm still trying to figure out who I am politically, but I'm grateful for your influence on that process.

    To make an incredible long comment short. I think I know how you feel and I can understand why.

    Together and with other Americans from all groups and sides of the political aisle, I think we can get America back to where she needs to be.

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  3. I struggle with this same thing.

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  4. I am very optimistic about our new president. His speech is generative speech, it is the kind of speech that transforms the world. MLK and Gandhi also mostly spoke, and look what happened. I'll be available to support him any way I can. I'm freeing up my time so I can volunteer to help our country regain its greatness. Don't know what I'll be doing, but something.

    And I'm glad you're thinking of giving your 10% to something that does not focus its energy on taking rights away from people. What is particularly heartbreaking about the Cal proposition is that the right has already been conferred, and has been yanked.

    But, Rome wasn't built in a day. Almost half the state voted no on Prop 8, that is a good sign. Fight on, I say. I for one am even more galvanized to get this awful law off the books once and for all.

    I am inspired, lit up, by our new president and what he stands for, and I'm rolling up my sleeves, ready to jump in. He can't do it alone, but with us, he can.

    I'm quite an optimist, and find that life is much more fun this way. Call me pollyanna (sp?), but there it is.

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  5. ps like the new template, i can't read white on black for some reason, so now I'll be a more frequent visitor.

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