Those of you who read this blog know that I have lent my support to a number of politicians running for the presidency of the United States. I have spoken highly of Congressman Denis Kucinich, Congressman Dr. Ron Paul, and former Senator Mike Gravel. During this time, all three of these men have dropped out of the race, or their campaigns are no longer viable. I must express extreme disappointment in regards to Ron Paul, who simply chose not to spend enough during his campaign regardless of numerous campaign contributions driven mainly by grassroots organization. Dr. Ron Paul apparently was not all that serious about running for the presidency, since he switched gears to run a re-election campaign for his seat in Congress. Dr. Ron Paul has continually pronounced his belief that his campaign was not about "him" or any particular individual, and instead about the ideals expressed, namely "freedom".
That's fine by me, if you want to wax poetic. I love philosophical ramblings as much as any quasi-intellectual. But Ron Paul's musing is a cop-out. Leadership is still necessary to effect change. Anthropologically speaking, mankind is not yet a "collective" that works towards a common goal. We still behave as egoistic creatures regardless of our innate sense of love for our fellow man. And we still look for leaders to move us forward. Unfortunately, what we seem to get time and time again, are the least qualified and worst intentioned individuals that do not represent our best interests.
I have decided to lend my support to Senator Barack Obama. I have made a few contributions to his campaign and I have voiced my support for him whenever the topic is brought up. I must admit that I was not initially taken by the man, but the more I listen to him, the more I like him. I do not agree with his entire platform, but I do believe that Senator Obama will represent the average American's best interests. I also can see that his campaign is by far the more "populist" of all the rest. Neither McCain nor Clinton are viable options in my opinion. If in fact, Clinton manages to steal the show, I cannot see myself voting for her. Frankly, I'd prefer to see McCain win, because nothing will feed revolutionary change quicker than another four years of the same Bush & Co. policies!
5 comments:
Mankind will never be a collective. We are individuals. With different wants, needs, talents,etc.. We should be free to decide if want to cars or want to be like N. Korea. We should be free to work for money, spend that money, buy land, and not be taxed on every choice we make. Unity is not all of us agreeing with your world view. For that captialist world view to continue to succeed you don't have to agree with it. If you want to ride your bike to work, do it, leave my 95 madza alone. Obama will not bring about radical change, in Iraq, in oil prices, in candle stick construction.
Paul,
Thanks for your eloquent and intelligent response to my blog post. I stopped by your blog, and I must say it is nicely done.
You and I agree more than you might think. Of course we are individuals, and we all have our own unique world view. You're talking to a fellow libertarian, after all. I started writing to share my world view, to have it challenged, and to refine it.
I also agree that Obama will not bring about radical change. Read my post again, and read my other posts on politics for reference. You also might want to read the first entry to this blog that states its entire raison d'être.
Willy,
One main reason that I am not supporting Obama, is that the more I listen to him the more the truth is revieled: That he is a politiacian, not different than any other. It is distirbing to hear he recount the personal anicdotes of the trobles of people he has met and the misguided belief that he holds a the magical antidote.
Civil society, not government mandates hold the best chance at changing the world for the better. Many institutions would be better off without government's reasonble interest, the inturision of the people into the lives others they don't know. Government would do best to get out of marriage business once and for all, end my tax breaks, and return to the people our religion and relationships.
I will never understand the audacity of people who are generous with other people's money. Though I question the innate goodness of people, I hope for it, and hope that this is not manifest through tryanny and cohersion (which steals its viture) but through civil organizations and true community interaction. I enjoy your blog and your viewpoint.
One main reason that I am not supporting Obama, is that the more I listen to him the more the truth is revealed: That he is a politician, not different than any other. It is disturbing to hear he recount the personal anecdotes of the troubles of people he has met and the misguided belief that he holds a the magical antidote.
Civil society, not government mandates hold the best chance at changing the world for the better. Many institutions would be better off without government's reasonable interest, the intuition of the people into the lives others they don't know. Government would do best to get out of marriage business once and for all, end my tax breaks, and return to the people our religion and relationships.
I will never understand the audacity of people who are generous with other people's money. Though I question the innate goodness of people, I hope for it, and hope that this is not manifest through tyranny and coercion (which steals its virtue) but through civil organizations and true community interaction. I enjoy your blog and your viewpoint.
Paul,
You write with a subtle humor that makes me snicker!
Yep, Obama is a politician. No doubt about it. But is there some rogue candidate out there who is not a politician that stands the remotest chance of winning? Sometimes one has to make concessions. I suppose I could vote for myself, since I do have the constitutional qualifications to be president of the United States, but something tells me that would be a vote wasted. However, if it does come to McCain versus Clinton, I might just do that! I'd say after yesterday's primaries, Clinton is a gonner. So I'll vote for Obama. He's not my number one pick. Personally, I liked Ron Paul. Yet Obama will be a better choice than any other, because he will defend our (working people like you and me) best economic interests and maybe, just maybe reverse the trend of government spending in this "war against terror" that is bankrupting us and doing little to ensure peace and prosperity here or abroad. Unless, of course, you happen to be a weapons contractor.
All that said, remember that constitutional governance is indeed our responsibility as citizens. Our government is designed to be representative of our interests, desires and goals, and it is indeed, a civil and community structure. But it requires our participation. And that means much more than a simple vote for a politician. It means holding our politicians accountable, including the media as well. It means we write letters, protest, and make personal choices that further our convictions. Lastly, counter to many libertarians' philosophical views, if we as Americans want to spend our tax dollars on furthering our economic empire abroad, offering free health care to children, or building economic infrastructure such as high speed rail; to do so is our right. It is after all, our government. But such does require an informed and responsible citizenry. That is something we could certainly work on.
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