A Political Thought

We're now 12 days from the mid-term elections for new governors, congressmen, local leaders and things of this nature. I wonder..how many of you choose who you will vote for based on the issues and what/how the person your voting for believes? If you're not issues-oriented, how many of you vote based on what each candidate has done in a previous office and therefore vote based on the leadership qualities of the person you want in office?

I'll admit, in these non-Presidential elections I'll either vote of the Democrat or the person I know by name and what they've done. If the candidate has proven to be a good, strong leader then I want him or her representing me in office. Sure, I sound greedy when I speak of myself here, but if they are showing good leadership and have a good, clear, strong voting record that benefits the people I'm surrounded by, then the person has shown me they can do a good job. In a Presidential election, of course I'll look at the issues and see which potential candidate I want to back and give my support fully. If I don't care about the issues in a Presidential election, well..I could be supporting someone who is as confusing to understand and George W. Bush has been for the last 6 years. I've seen the result of poor decisions on his part lately, and not having a job to look forward and greater job creation..well, he hasn't done a suitable job in supporting and contributing to the success of all Americans, as he should do. He has supported too many money-hungry political fatcats..and I'm tired of that myself.

I think I especially see his not entirely strong lack of leadership when he made a political point yesterday in trying to buy some swing votes and those who have suggested they will not vote at all because of what is going on out in Iraq with the troops. While I don't support an all-out removal of troops at one significant time.. I do support suggested deadlines to be met by the Iraqi government with the result of a certain number of troops returning home as each deadline is satisfactorially met. I understand some of you will disagree with me, but as I said, I don't support an all-out immediately policy. I support the troops protecting us, but I'm not sure they are really fighting terrorism there as much as they are supporting the Iraqi troops in a civil war. President Bush tried to 'dodge the bullet' by saying what he hoped many Democrats wanted to hear, but honestly..I don't think he fooled any Democrats or potential swing voters with his act yesterday. He just said what we, as Democrats, knew he would say, so it wasn't a big surprise, it was just a "calm before the storm", as I thought of it.

If any of you have some dissent in what I'm saying, I'd be glad to discuss it. My email is cmlrun@yahoo.com. I don't care who is a Republican, Democrat, Green, Socialist, Independent or Apathetic...please go vote. You have a better voice by voting, even if the candidate you vote for loses. It means in two years, you can make a real difference. Go out and Rock Your Vote!!

Thanks...