Feel free to leave a comment, even if you disagree with me. However, if you surfed your way here by searching out election-related blog entries, just know my longstanding policy is to delete anything that is not kind. Disagree nicely and you’ll see it here. Disagree rudely and you’ll be deleted.
So I mentioned before that I was probably going to vote for McCain/Palin. If you haven’t read those previous posts, you probably should before reading today’s post. It will give you a little context.
I didn’t plan on writing again about the election, but I decided if I wrote about some of these points it would probably make me feel better. Because, in all honesty, I cannot understand why anyone who considers themselves even remotely conservative or even remotely moderate would vote for Obama. I know there are people who read here who plan on voting for him and I’m not trying to be insulting. But there are well established facts about him that just are such a matter of concern that I don’t understand how people can look past them.
Before I pick apart Obama, let me just say that I’m not totally thrilled with voting for McCain. I’m not in agreement with him on some major issues such as immigration. So don’t expect me to defend McCain point by point. And I’m not worried about the whole “what if McCain dies and Palin becomes president?” First, it may never happen. And, second, there is a lot more to Palin than the mainstream media would want you to believe.
I also want to say that I’m writing this from the assumption that it is ok for Sarah Palin to be running (from a Christian standpoint). I’m not going to discuss that either because both sides have discussed it ad naseum elsewhere.
So what is it about Obama that I find so objectionable?
His church and pastor. For twenty years Obama has attended a church where the pastor speaks forth hatred for America. And not just once. Obama only left that church when he knew that it was political suicide to stay. He didn’t leave because he was offended by what was spoken from the pulpit. He left because he had no political choice. He stayed for TWENTY YEARS and sat under the teachings of a “pastor” whose comments about America are so bad that they have to be bleeped when played on the radio. If you want proof, go through these clips on YouTube.
His view on babies. He supports infanticide. If a baby is miraculously born alive after a botched abortion, he believes the baby should be left to die. Don’t believe me? Go through these clips on YouTube.
His arrogance. Was I the only one who caught this the other night? When answering one of the questions, he said, “During my first term in office…” Well, what does that mean? He fully expects to serve two terms and he hasn’t even been elected yet. He is arrogant and so this news article from yesterday (from a CBS reporter, no less) didn’t surprise me in the least. He is not running to serve this country. He is running to serve himself. We’re just the accessories he needs.
His record. He is the most liberal senator in the senate. He votes “present” rather than taking a stand. He has accomplished almost nothing. Even his time as a community organizer was with ACORN, an organization with a reputation for being dishonest. Don’t believe me? Read here and here for just two of the most recent stories.
The company he keeps. I’ve already mentioned his pastor and his time as a community organizer. Now it is finally coming out in the mainstream press about his associations with domestic terrorists and other far, far left-wing (socialist) movers and shakers. The current spin from his campaign is that he didn’t know that about these people. Ok, so let’s take him at his word and assume somehow he didn’t know. How clueless would he have to be to not know these things? Wouldn’t that level of cluelessness bring a great amount of concern as to his ability to be president? So either he is lying (which I completely believe) or he is totally unaware of who he is friends with. For the smartest man alive with a degree from Harvard, could he really be that dumb?
Well, that’s enough. I need to get on to other things today. One last thought. Who is John McCain? I think most people have a pretty good idea of who he is. He’s been around a long time. You may not agree with him on everything, but he is a known entity. Who is Barak Obama? I think most people don’t really know who he is. But the bits we can see from his life should be enough to scare people spitless if they would actually think about the implications of those beliefs and associations.
The bottom line?
McCain? Love of country (2022 update – HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!)
Obama? Love of self
The bottom, bottom line?
Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
I read this yesterday and found it very interesting. It ties up a lot of the loose ends that have been floating around.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/09/barack_obama_and_the_strategy.html
I too do not understand how people can sweep these things under the rug and think it’s not true when it’s well documented.
Another thing that bothers me is the children singing and chanting in his honor. My dad says that’s exactly what they did for Hitler and I find it very creepy.
Looking back over the last few plus decades. . . this has been an underground, systematic takedown of America. This is what it has been leading up to, and Barack Obama is the specially-tapped, specially-trained puppet of the radical left. The radical hippie boomers have been living for this moment. The Greatest Generation gave birth The Big Big Me (as my bro-in-law says). God bless those born during that time who have had to endure the antics of their fellow radical boomers not once now, but now as of 2008 TWICE.
I agree with everything you wrote.
Barry O’s membership to Liberation Theology congregations is bad enough to me without the Ayers connection. How in the world is liberation theology Christian? All I’ve heard spewing from the mouths of the “pastors” of those churches is hate. You don’t hear about Jesus, the peace He gives, forgiveness, forebearance, responsibility for self so you can be in a position to help others. . . instead you hear, it’s okay to hate your enemies, they deserve what they get.
I read Michelle Obama’s thesis online. While there was nothing incriminating about her thesis, I do believe it says alot about what she was thinking about how she wanted to spend her life. It’s very personally written and worth a look if you are interested in some of their ideological development.
I might add that I found Obama’s manners in the recent town hall debate offensive. When told he couldn’t respond to a McCain comment because it was time to move to the next question, he impolitely tried to talk over the moderator’s objections in a complete disrespect for the rules and structure of the event.
He could save his comments for the media and campaign stops, but now was the time to let it go and let Tom Brokaw ask his next question. But he couldn’t. Very poor manners.
I just don’t understand how people would feel comfortable to want their next President to be a rookie Senator who has only gone through half a term in office, and has such questionable alliances with the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac folks who have a huge stake in why our economy is tanking. Sure he’s a strong speaker, but it’s all ideas without experience … and ideas have consequences.
Seems that a person who has a history of tackling wasteful spending and government corruption is desperately needed. And I’m please to see both McCain and Palin on the ticket in that respect.
Just to add:
Obama was a card carrying member of the New Party in 1996. The party is now defunct BUT they were an outgrowth of the Democratic Socialist Party which is still in existence.
Obama knows Ayers. He knows him intimately.
I’m glad you brought this up because although this doesn’t have anything to do with the substance of who he is, this idea that he is a great speaker makes me just scratch my head.
During the debate the other night, if I had heard him say “aaaaaaaaaaaaand” one more time I was going to throw something at the TV.
And his excessive use of “ta” instead of “to”. As in “We are going ta have ta do something” instead of “We are going to have to do something.”
Good grief. And people complain about the way Palin speaks? I mean, he’s the lawyer from Harvard and the great speaker. At least speak like it then!!!! 🙄
Very well written (as always) Sally.
As a conservative I find it very hard to understand the Obama frenzy that is taking over people’s thinking. They are so disatisfied with how things currently are that they are willing to not use their critical thinking skills all in the name of “change”.
I have to keep reminding myself that God is in control, He already knows the outcome of the election and if the next President isn’t who I think should be President I need to keep in mind that God does – it isn’t a suprise to Him.
All I can do is pray as I vote, vote the way I feel the Lord is impressing upon me and to trust Him for the outcome.
Stacy
I consider myself a moderate and I will not be voting this time around. I cannot, in good conscience, cast a vote for either of the major candidates.
I think the Bush years have been a total disaster and I believe McCain is more of the same.
I agree withmost of the Dems’ stances. I worry about the environment, the war, poverty, health care. I think that a change of party at the top would be good for all of these issues.
However, abortion remains a real deal-breaker.
My personal prediction is that McCain wins.
Great post Sallie. I agree (as you know) with you and David, and everyone here. It’s horrible to watch this election period.
Hate is a very strong word, but I’ll use it here – I hate everything Obama represents, and plans to do. After looking over everything he proposes, he’ll turn into a Marxist/socialist country within a very short period of time if he is elected, and the Congress & Senate decide to support him. Every investment the middle class has made will be taxed so heavily that it will be lost. He also wants to bring back the inheritance tax. Along with that, he wants to repeal all the tax breaks that were put into place in the Bush administration.
That he believes in the redistribution of wealth is the worst thing I’ve ever heard from a candidate. I don’t even want to think about what will happen to the generation ahead of me (The Greatest Generation). Their investments (especially real estate, even their primary residence) will be taxed so heavily that they will either reap nothing or a fraction of what they planned on.
We have been praying that God will spare us from Obama. I’m a realist and I know that our country is not a God fearing country anymore. However, while we deserve what we get now, I am praying that God will be merciful and not allow Obama to win.
Hopefully, many others will be praying for the same thing.
I’m getting a bit peaved with ONLY hearing about the economy in the news. I KNOW, as we ALL do, that it is a huge issue. Still. It isn’t the ONLY issue.
With the economy tanking I am getting concerned about crime increasing. I cannot even watch the news without wondering who will murder who over a bit of money.
Then, there is education. I happen to want our public school system to be excellent, even if I never sent my children to one. I cannot remember hearing anything indepth about education yet. Case in point, my daughter took an application from someone at her job who, when filling out the top line asked, “Is it the 21th today?” (twenty-oneth?).
I’d love to hear who the farmers are favoring, but then, ARE there any farmers anymore – the kind I remember from my youth?
Health care. Goodness. I spent all of last year trying to find out how to get help for my mom, who has Alzheimer’s. It should not be so hard to find out how to go about navigating the health care system. There was NO WAY my father, at 81, could begin to make sense of anything. Especially when most places offered him a website address. He doesn’t even know what that is.
At first I was somewhat concerned about Sarah Palin. But, now I truly believe that it won’t matter what someone does or doesn’t know about Washington. EVERYTHING is going to change, and change quickly, and even a true insider has never had to deal with the things we are about to experience in this country, so my guess is that brains, heart and courage (suddenly, that sounds very wizard of oz!) will be more helpful than years working in a place that has crumbled.
Last month, our church had a 3 week sermon series about the church and politics. It was the first time in the 29 year history of our church they had a sermon series about politics. It was all very interesting to me. At the end of the last sermon in the series, our pastor and another pastor (who served as the mayor of Kentwood, MI years and years ago) got up and just gave some ideas for the congregation to think about as we all try to sort through the political ideas of the candidates. A couple things our senior pastor said has stuck with me as I watch the debates, etc. First, he said we all need to see if what the candidates say about their faith matches up with how they live out their faith. In other words, do they walk their talk. Secondly, our pastor said we need to take the various issues the candidates have and look at them from a biblical perspective. Very good advice, in my opinion.
One thing that has been impressed on me for my entire life is that voting in an election is not only a right, but it is a responsibility. Registering to vote was NOT an option in my parents house. In fact, the day I turned 18 my dad personally drove me down to the secretary of state’s office and made sure I registered to vote. And, I am so thankful that my parents made sure we knew the importance and privilege we have to vote.
As a citizen of the United States of America, and especially as a Christian, I not only have a right to vote, I have a responsibility to vote. The man that I want may not get into office. But, at least I made my voice heard.
I don’t mean to step on any toes, and I say this with all due respect, but for those that choose not to vote in this upcoming election, they do NOT have a right to complain should this country take a nose dive.
Excellent post, Sally. Obama makes me miss the Clintons. He is scary and would make an excellent anti-Christ, IMO. People worship him. They’re absolutely nuts over him.
I have been praying so hard that he doesn’t win.I’ve been praying for McCain to do well in these debates. Obama does seem so arrogant and sure of himself. I agree with David and I noticed the same thing about him interrupting Tom Brokaw at the debate.
His church affiliation is so scary. It’s no different than the Klan, IMO. He does not love this country. Wake up people!
Eh. The whole thing makes me feel sick.
I feel sometimes we need a reminder that God is not a republican or a democrat, and he’s not even American for that matter. I’m voting for McCain but I don’t feel “good” about it or “Christian” about it.
I do believe big things are ahead, one way or another, and I’m not sure either one of them is prepared to fix them, stop them, change them, what have you. This economic tide has been swelling for a seriously LONG time, and we will have to ride it in, no matter who is the president of the USA. It will matter little in many ways.
I’m just really appalled at so many things, but I will not let my churning stomach keep me away from voting. It is a right my forefathers died for, and I will vote for someone, somehow.
And election day is my birthday. GAHHHH!!!!
An excellent summary, Sallie. I’m just about exactly where you are on these issues.
Best wishes,
Laura
Thank you Sallie. You articulate so well what was floating around in my mind. I too am shocked that people actually considered Obama worthy to be president of this country. This shows just how far America has fallen away from her roots as a Christian nation. Even twenty years ago, it would be the kiss of political death if a politican was known to consort with terrorists. Now people don’t even care anymore. We have become such an immoral, ungodly and wicked people. I keep feeling that God will send his judgment on Amerca that we so rightly deserved.
Where are our Christian leaders to sound the alarm and call on Christians to pray, repent and return to the Lord? Maybe I am missing something but I haven’t seen or heard anything. I am praying and will be praying everyday for this election. My cry is that God will have mercy on us in spite of our wicked ways. Oh, may He hear our cries and be merciful to us!
Couldn’t agree more with your post. My husband and I were just talking about this very thing in the car this morning. One of my biggest issues with BO (how fitting are those initials…) are the faces he makes when his opponents are talking. He just cannot stand hearing criticism, not for one minute, and he will sit there with a smarmy look on his face until he can get a word in. He laughs, he smiles, he rolls his eyes, he get visibly upset and annoyed. This is not a good trait for someone who will need to deal with opposition for the next four years in other countries! If he can’t have some manners and keep a serious face when his election opponent is speaking, how will he handle himself against other nations? His body language is quite immature, IMO. It truly bothers me.
After the last debate, I’m even more disgusted with the two options available to us. Let’s see… Obama, who is a socialist, and McCain, who copies Obama if he thinks it might help him steal a few votes from him.
I was absolutely appalled when he said on national tv that he wanted to restructure all the bad mortgages in America. And he said it in almost the same breath that he said he wanted to freeze spending. Which is it, dude? You can’t have both.
He just ticked off his conservative base in a big, big way, and I doubt it helped him at all. I just wish that we had a clear alternative to Obama in this election. Unfortunately, we have two guys who just want to do something, anything, even if its wrong headed and irresponsible, to get people to like them.
The fact that the bailout was pushed through by tacking on 100 billion in pork is enough to make me lose my lunch. Hmmm… this is a fiscally irresponsible idea, and we won’t vote for it, but adding in some goodies for me will make me vote for it?
There is no one in Washington who has any sense. It is scary to see how poorly our politicians are handling anything at all. It’s like the world has just gone crazy. I have no faith that anyone there can fix anything at all.
I’m even more thankful that I voted for Ron Paul in the primaries. At least that was one vote I can feel good about while I hold my nose and push the R button in the next few weeks…
Sallie, the only thing I have to say is this….here in Wisconsin, I’m seeing McCain signs all over that say, “Change is coming.” You mentioned that Obama was being arrogant by using the phrase, “During my first term in office…”, but I don’t think it is arrogance anymore than John McCain thinking that he can ACTUALLY make a difference.
I’m not buyin’. Either one, really, but one a far cry less than the other.
Hello, my name is Jennifer. I am new to your blog and I thought I would add my two cents. Alright, I want to give you credit, you at least didn’t say you were voting for the lesser of two evils.I really grow tired of that phrase. I think you said “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”. So, in a way, its similar to the “lesser of two evils” isn’t it? Let me ask you, isn’t the lesser of two evils still evil? Can you stand before a Holy God saying that you thought one was less of a devil than the other? I don’t know, for me, I just could not do it. I can’t in good conscience vote for either of them. The great thing for Christians is that after the election, God will still be on his Throne no matter who is in office. Another bonus is that Proverbs (I think) says that the heart of the king is in Gods hands and He will turn it (the kings heart) whichever way He wants to. No matter who wins, Jesus is still coming, there is time to warn others to repent. There is time to examine ourselves to see if we are still in the faith. The election just seems like small peanuts in compairison to that.
Hi Sallie,
Whew, as always, you take my breath away with your unique ability to say out loud what I’m thinking in my head! Hooray, and I’m linking this post on my blog!
Jennifer’s approach (above) has me more scared than those who would vote for Obama. By not voting McCain, that’s one less possible conservative vote going for McCain, and one less voice speaking out against Obama. I absolutely shudder to think of this country under Obama. I can’t even look at the man’s face without feeling nausea. You’re right, McCain is not perfect, but we can’t sit idly by and let an obviously scary man sail into the White House (not if we can help it).
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”
Thanks Sallie!
Becky
Emily said up above in 2008:
“Looking back over the last few plus decades. . . this has been an underground, systematic takedown of America. This is what it has been leading up to, and Barack Obama is the specially-tapped, specially-trained puppet of the radical left.”
It’s now 2022. Boy, did Emily nail it.
And that specially-tapped, specially-trained puppet is running things right now with Biden as the front.
ETA: I looked at her email address from that time and it has a four letter man’s name that starts with a C in it as well. I’d love to know if this particular Emily is still around and give her a virtual high five.