After a wild last week, this week was about as mundane and uneventful as you can possibly imagine. Since the majority of my reader base is from Iowa, you can possibly imagine. The general breakdown is this: I sat at my computer, applying for about five jobs a day, hearing nothing back from any of them, and spending my evenings with Rose and Ruby. I was more than happy to do the latter. Rose and Ruby are great. The hostel and its inhabitants have taken the form of a perverse surrogate family, and Rose and Ruby feel like the siblings I can relate to the most because either, a.) they speak English, b.) are not absolutely bat shit insane, or c.) are closest to me in age and interests. To stick with that analogy, Gweat’s is our older brother that came back from the war…a bit different. I will be sad to see Rose and Ruby leave to go back to Ohio next week. Very sad. But the former, me not being able to land a job, is getting somewhat obnoxious and scary.
As an English major, I am no stranger to feelings of inadequacy. But to have graduated from a respectable college (an oxymoron, and a phrase used maybe more than it should be) at the top of my class, coupled with a strong work ethic and can-do attitude, and still not being able to land a single entry level position job is disheartening. To not even hear anything back from a one of them is simply humiliating.
So be it. I’m in the eleventh hour now. My funds are evaporating. It’s do-or-die time. My options are either to find a job, any job, no matter how below me I think it is in order to stay in California, or trek across the country in the Cougar back home, broke and broken, live with Jay and his current wife until I can land a menial job, save up money to return to California on, and return to California, and start from scratch again. Might as well cut out the middle-man and try to make it out here.
I chewed up my pride and swallowed it. The taste and consistency reminded me of Children’s Tylenol. Then I got out there and pounded the pavement. The Cougar and I strolled up and down Pico Blvd. looking for jobs. I picked up applications for Starbucks, Subway, Barnes & Noble, and any store I saw that might have high turnover rates and low standards for what they hire. I happened across a movie theater that just so happens to be having open interviews tomorrow. I’ve always wanted to work at a movie theater, seeing as how I love movies and they are the reason I left for Los Angeles in the first place, but the opportunity has never been feasible until now. Besides, I’ll need something to do when Rose and Ruby leave.
Returning to the hostel, I banged out a few applications before preparing to meet up with Ben for what is becoming a weekend tradition. Over the past several weeks, we’ve frequented a karaoke bar in Burbank called Dimples. Aside from the Gaza Strip, I think you’ll be hard pressed to find a more unpleasant experience in this world than the one you’ll have at Dimples. But that’s a story for a blog I didn’t write. Tonight, Ben and I met with a fellow Iowan making her way out in California named Christy and her fiancé Wayland.
Through circumstances out of my control, I arrived in Burbank to meet with Ben later than expected. Then, Ben and I got lost on our way to the meeting place roughly three miles away from Ben’s apartment. Christy and Wayland were kind enough to not mind we showed up forty minutes late. Or if they did, they covered it up really well.
It was nice to meet with two people that have a similar background to myself. Even in the global village we all now live in, where everything is homogenized, everyone has access to the same everything, and the world is very much at our fingertips, that common bond goes a long way. We know of the same streets and buildings and things and people, and have similar ideals. That goes a long way when you’re in unfamiliar territory. It gives complete strangers an automatic linking bond.
Christy informed Ben and I that Ashley Tinsdale, a High School Musical alum was eating at the same restaurant as us. Neither Ben nor I knew it was Ashley Tinsdale—we only saw a group of attractive girls sitting at a table outside—one of which happened to be a popular actress. This will be my first run-in with a celebrity to my knowledge in Los Angeles. I could also give a damn less. That’s not to say I don’t find it cool to be eating at the same restaurant as someone famous, but I don’t get too hopped up just because someone has been in a highly popular television movie(s). Now, if Jack Nicholson were to be within a football field’s length from me, chances are I would start to infinitely crap my pants. I respect his work as an actor, I’ve read many an interview with him, and love what he has to say about life and the lessons he’s learned along the way. I would get star-struck for someone like Jack. But it’s based around a respect for what he does and how he does it. It is out of an appreciation for his craft, not just because he is a recognizable face and a marquee name. Oddly enough, I tend to react the same way when I hear an ice cream truck and its driver.
After the celebrity dinner, it was back to the hostel, back to reality.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Another Conversation I Had Today
The conversation I had today happens on a different day from the previous conversation I had today. It is a brand new conversation I had today, and a brand new today, so today is not the same today as the before today. Today is its own day, with it’s own conversation, separate from the today and conversation in an older blog, and having had another conversation since that today’s conversation, I have a now taken part in another conversation—this conversation is that conversation. I thought I should clarify, as the title can be slightly misleading.
Reprising his role from “A Conversation I Had Today,” is me, who will be playing the part of I. Her will once again be played by Old French Whore. I, and by I, I mean me, not the character I, who is actually me, still does not know the person that plays Her’s real name.
I exits the kitchen with a peanut butter sandwich sandwiched in his mouth. Her is walking down the hall in his direction.
I: Hello.
Her: Do you know anything about computers?
I: Um, no.
Her: Dammit. I can’t get the Internet to work on my laptop and have homework that has to get done right now.
I: My roommate is pretty good with computers. I could go ask him if he would know what’s wrong. Do you use a PC or Mac?
Her: PC.
I exits to talk to his roommate. While gone, Her does whatever it is that Old French Whore did while I (me) was away. I returns.
I: My roommate really only knows Macs. Do you know Ali?
Her: No.
I: Ali used to be a computer programmer. He lives downstairs, but I don’t know which room number. You could ask in the office to see what room he’s in. Maybe he could help you.
Her: Maybe I’ll do that later. I have to leave now.
Her, not believing in exchanging pleasantries, exits abruptly. I is left wondering how much he dislikes Her. Later, I learns he dislikes Her very much.
Later (approximately ten hours later)…
I sits near a window playing a handheld video game system. Her comes up the stairs and sees I.
Her: Did you get a hold of Ali?
I: Um, no.
Her looks disgusted at I.
I: I thought you were going to go talk to him earlier.
Her: Well, I didn’t want to just go knocking on doors randomly.
I: (thinking) And I did? That’s why I told you to go to the office approximately ten hours ago and ask for his room number, so you wouldn’t have to randomly knock on doors, you old French whore. Besides, this clearly wasn’t a top priority for you, so why should it be a top priority of mine?
(said aloud) I don’t know what to tell you.
Her exits angrily. I flips her off as she leaves, unbeknownst to Her.
For the rest of the night, Her looks angrily at I whenever their paths cross, as if he did her wrong. I just flips Her off for the rest of the night whenever she’s not looking.
End scene.
Reprising his role from “A Conversation I Had Today,” is me, who will be playing the part of I. Her will once again be played by Old French Whore. I, and by I, I mean me, not the character I, who is actually me, still does not know the person that plays Her’s real name.
I exits the kitchen with a peanut butter sandwich sandwiched in his mouth. Her is walking down the hall in his direction.
I: Hello.
Her: Do you know anything about computers?
I: Um, no.
Her: Dammit. I can’t get the Internet to work on my laptop and have homework that has to get done right now.
I: My roommate is pretty good with computers. I could go ask him if he would know what’s wrong. Do you use a PC or Mac?
Her: PC.
I exits to talk to his roommate. While gone, Her does whatever it is that Old French Whore did while I (me) was away. I returns.
I: My roommate really only knows Macs. Do you know Ali?
Her: No.
I: Ali used to be a computer programmer. He lives downstairs, but I don’t know which room number. You could ask in the office to see what room he’s in. Maybe he could help you.
Her: Maybe I’ll do that later. I have to leave now.
Her, not believing in exchanging pleasantries, exits abruptly. I is left wondering how much he dislikes Her. Later, I learns he dislikes Her very much.
Later (approximately ten hours later)…
I sits near a window playing a handheld video game system. Her comes up the stairs and sees I.
Her: Did you get a hold of Ali?
I: Um, no.
Her looks disgusted at I.
I: I thought you were going to go talk to him earlier.
Her: Well, I didn’t want to just go knocking on doors randomly.
I: (thinking) And I did? That’s why I told you to go to the office approximately ten hours ago and ask for his room number, so you wouldn’t have to randomly knock on doors, you old French whore. Besides, this clearly wasn’t a top priority for you, so why should it be a top priority of mine?
(said aloud) I don’t know what to tell you.
Her exits angrily. I flips her off as she leaves, unbeknownst to Her.
For the rest of the night, Her looks angrily at I whenever their paths cross, as if he did her wrong. I just flips Her off for the rest of the night whenever she’s not looking.
End scene.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Envelope Please...
And the 44th President of the United States of America is Barack Hussein Obama. Shortly after the voting booths closed on the Pacific Coast, it was a decisive victory for the Illinois Senator, coming away with 364 electoral votes to John McCain’s 163. 52% of the popular vote went Obama’s way to 46% for McCain. McCain conceded in a graceful way I expected from the Arizona Senator. Obama took the stage reiterating the change that will take place for the United States under his presidency. It was an historic day for the United States.
Obama winning seemed like a sigh of relief to supporters who had been holding their breath for the past six months, wondering if the Republicans were going to run away with another elections. News stations across the nation, afraid to call the game early after the debacle in 2000, and in an attempt to drum up ratings, billed the race to the White House “too close to call.” Obama’s landslide victory resulted in a simultaneous exhalation of air.
Shortly after Obama was christened President-elect, I got a text from a friend saying, “We did it!”
I replied back, “We’ve done nothing yet. But the wheels have started to turn.”
In no way, shape, or form did I say that to belittle my friend or to distance myself from the Obama camp. Barack Obama has won. That in and of itself is a step forward in progress for our country as a whole. It suggests some of the bigotry so deeply ensconced in our nation’s history has been eviscerated. But he as a President has done nothing yet. Between now and January 20th, 2009, he will be busy building his cabinet and prepping for when he does take office. This is an important first step. A President’s cabinet has huge influence over the President himself. Look no further than the Bush administration as an example (I’m looking at you Vice and Rummy). The important thing to remember though is Obama has done nothing yet. It will be up to us, the United States citizens to keep him correct. Should he slouch or break his promises, it is up to us to criticize and let our voice be heard, just as it was when we elected Obama to the Commander-In-Chief position. We can’t let Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert do all the grunt work.
Later in the evening, I called my father, a McCain supporter. He said to me, “It looks like your guy won.”
It’s true, the guy I was supporting in this election won. But the second he won, he ceased to be my guy. He became our guy. Our democratic voice was heard. I don’t expect people to simply endorse a President simply because he won, so I won’t say something like, “He’s now our President and you have to support him whether you like it or not.” On the contrary—I think it is up to Obama to prove he is the right man for the job and stick to the policies he promised his supporters in the first place. He also needs to convince the other half of the country that did not vote for him that he can handle such a lofty position. Actions speak louder than words and Obama needs to prove his actions are the right ones for the country and its people.
Noticing a lack of bread in my basket and a hankering for a peanut butter sandwich, I took to the streets in search of sliced staff of life. Driving down the road, people were honking at nothing and anything. In the parking lot, I could hear people shouting, “Obama” as they whizzed past. Entering the grocery store, people were doing the same thing—strangers uniting under the Obama banner. It was really a sight to behold. Never have I seen this kind of celebration for a President elect. Had Bob Dole won in 1996, maybe a similar ebullience would have been present, but I doubt. This display might have been exclusive to my area. Living in Los Angeles, one of the most liberal cities in the country, they were probably more vocal about Obama’s win than in other places. Furthermore, the part of Los Angeles I live in is largely a Black and Hispanic area. Given that Obama is the first Black President of the United States, I can see how they would be thrilled with the results of the elections.
This display is part of the appeal of Obama. He is able to unite people under a common cause. No other Democratic or Republican candidate for the 2008 election had that zeal. It is unique in a politician really in any election. His ability to bring people together is key to his term. A lot of his presidential legacy will be determined by if he can bring a country together that has been separated by a schism for roughly eight years, if not longer.
Returning home, I heard on the radio about Obama parties across the country. It’s great that people are celebrating. Like I said, it was a step forward for our country. Take a night to enjoy it, but it’s back to business now. It’s time to make sure those promises of change are not empty. At the same time, the election proved we have a long way to go. In California, Proposition 8, a proposal to ban gay marriage in California, passed. Not once did I think Prop 8 would actually pass, given the general outcry from everyone in Los Angeles and the huge number of people with influence strongly opposing Prop 8. But California is a big state. Apparently, much of the state is largely conservative. In fact, Bakersfield, CA is one of the most conservative cities in the nation. News to me. A black man is President, but same-sex couples cannot marry. One step forward, one step back.
In short, congratulations Obama. Congratulations America. The first step has been taken. But it’s a long road ahead of us. By Obama being elected, our economic crisis isn’t just magically going to fix itself, nor are our healthcare and social security problems. We still do not have a concrete exit strategy for our occupation in the Middle East. Our country still adheres to the adage that, “All men are created equal, but some men are created more equal than others.” The 2008 Presidential race was one for the history books, but I don’t think Obama wants his legacy to be only the “First Black President of the United States.” I think it would serve him well, and the people of the United States, to have his legacy be the change he promises. This is the beginning.
Obama winning seemed like a sigh of relief to supporters who had been holding their breath for the past six months, wondering if the Republicans were going to run away with another elections. News stations across the nation, afraid to call the game early after the debacle in 2000, and in an attempt to drum up ratings, billed the race to the White House “too close to call.” Obama’s landslide victory resulted in a simultaneous exhalation of air.
Shortly after Obama was christened President-elect, I got a text from a friend saying, “We did it!”
I replied back, “We’ve done nothing yet. But the wheels have started to turn.”
In no way, shape, or form did I say that to belittle my friend or to distance myself from the Obama camp. Barack Obama has won. That in and of itself is a step forward in progress for our country as a whole. It suggests some of the bigotry so deeply ensconced in our nation’s history has been eviscerated. But he as a President has done nothing yet. Between now and January 20th, 2009, he will be busy building his cabinet and prepping for when he does take office. This is an important first step. A President’s cabinet has huge influence over the President himself. Look no further than the Bush administration as an example (I’m looking at you Vice and Rummy). The important thing to remember though is Obama has done nothing yet. It will be up to us, the United States citizens to keep him correct. Should he slouch or break his promises, it is up to us to criticize and let our voice be heard, just as it was when we elected Obama to the Commander-In-Chief position. We can’t let Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert do all the grunt work.
Later in the evening, I called my father, a McCain supporter. He said to me, “It looks like your guy won.”
It’s true, the guy I was supporting in this election won. But the second he won, he ceased to be my guy. He became our guy. Our democratic voice was heard. I don’t expect people to simply endorse a President simply because he won, so I won’t say something like, “He’s now our President and you have to support him whether you like it or not.” On the contrary—I think it is up to Obama to prove he is the right man for the job and stick to the policies he promised his supporters in the first place. He also needs to convince the other half of the country that did not vote for him that he can handle such a lofty position. Actions speak louder than words and Obama needs to prove his actions are the right ones for the country and its people.
Noticing a lack of bread in my basket and a hankering for a peanut butter sandwich, I took to the streets in search of sliced staff of life. Driving down the road, people were honking at nothing and anything. In the parking lot, I could hear people shouting, “Obama” as they whizzed past. Entering the grocery store, people were doing the same thing—strangers uniting under the Obama banner. It was really a sight to behold. Never have I seen this kind of celebration for a President elect. Had Bob Dole won in 1996, maybe a similar ebullience would have been present, but I doubt. This display might have been exclusive to my area. Living in Los Angeles, one of the most liberal cities in the country, they were probably more vocal about Obama’s win than in other places. Furthermore, the part of Los Angeles I live in is largely a Black and Hispanic area. Given that Obama is the first Black President of the United States, I can see how they would be thrilled with the results of the elections.
This display is part of the appeal of Obama. He is able to unite people under a common cause. No other Democratic or Republican candidate for the 2008 election had that zeal. It is unique in a politician really in any election. His ability to bring people together is key to his term. A lot of his presidential legacy will be determined by if he can bring a country together that has been separated by a schism for roughly eight years, if not longer.
Returning home, I heard on the radio about Obama parties across the country. It’s great that people are celebrating. Like I said, it was a step forward for our country. Take a night to enjoy it, but it’s back to business now. It’s time to make sure those promises of change are not empty. At the same time, the election proved we have a long way to go. In California, Proposition 8, a proposal to ban gay marriage in California, passed. Not once did I think Prop 8 would actually pass, given the general outcry from everyone in Los Angeles and the huge number of people with influence strongly opposing Prop 8. But California is a big state. Apparently, much of the state is largely conservative. In fact, Bakersfield, CA is one of the most conservative cities in the nation. News to me. A black man is President, but same-sex couples cannot marry. One step forward, one step back.
In short, congratulations Obama. Congratulations America. The first step has been taken. But it’s a long road ahead of us. By Obama being elected, our economic crisis isn’t just magically going to fix itself, nor are our healthcare and social security problems. We still do not have a concrete exit strategy for our occupation in the Middle East. Our country still adheres to the adage that, “All men are created equal, but some men are created more equal than others.” The 2008 Presidential race was one for the history books, but I don’t think Obama wants his legacy to be only the “First Black President of the United States.” I think it would serve him well, and the people of the United States, to have his legacy be the change he promises. This is the beginning.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The State of the Union
I’m not one to hide my political affiliations, mostly because I don’t have any. To label something either Republican or Democrat or one of the offshoot hippie political parties is to label something by genre. It’s like going to a video store and looking for something under “Drama,” or “Horror,” or “Comedy.” The problems arise when there is overlap. “The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly,” is a “Western,” but it also has a “War” element to it. But through and through, it’s also filled with a lot of “Action.” So what heading do you look for it under? Do you see how defining something by genre can get confusing?
Political parties are the same way. Trying to define an elected official or candidate under a specific banner is limiting and does not do justice to him or her. It takes away their individual beliefs and thrusts them into a category they must adhere to or face scorn from their opposition and the people they represent.
Speaking of the people our elected officials are supposed to represent, I think being affiliated to a party prevents said elected officials from effectively representing their people. The United States is a republic after all. They are elected to represent the people and what the people want. However, in order for a representative of the people to represent the people, he must first squash his own beliefs on an issue, a hurdle in and of itself, and then also fan the flame that comes from other representatives with their own agendas and special interest groups. Oftentimes, this requires a Senator or Congressman to make strange bedfellows, signing documents they might not believe in, but in order for them to get the necessary signatures needed on their own documents, they do it anyway. I scratch your back, you scratch mine. As an outsider looking in on how the system works, it’s easy to see that the system doesn’t work.
The world is organic. Business is organic. Art is organic. Government is organic. Change is an inevitability. Failing to adapt and to change to one’s surroundings results in death. It’s Darwinian. When things fail to adapt, outside forces act on the stagnation and force change, replacing the old with something new. As an inevitability, it is hard to fight change. But if you do fight change, you will lose.
Election Day is coming up in a few days. This is arguably one of the most important elections in recent history. With our economy in the slumps and a global depression practically guaranteed, a healthcare plan damaged beyond repair, as well as no end in sight to our occupation in Iraq, the result of this election will have worldwide ramifications. It is time to adapt or die. That is why I believe Barack Obama is the best fit for the next President of the United States.
Obama is new to the political game (read: inexperienced). It’s been a major point of contention to his candidacy for President, but certainly does not make him unqualified for the job. His lack of experience in the political spectrum is actually a good thing. He’s a fresh face in the crusty, stubborn old system. He’s not been around long enough to feel the influence or pull of the system. He’s still bright eyed and bushy-tailed, not tainted by the politics of politics. He’s a change of pace, something his campaign is not afraid to admit every chance they get. After eight years of living under the banner of “stay the course,” and seeing the result of such thinking, I think taking a scenic route will be a nice change of pace.
Obama is being labeled a socialist. To which, I say, no he’s not a socialist. He has socialist ideas, but that does not make him a socialist, no more than it makes Martin Luther King Jr. a socialist for believing every man to be equal. I can’t speak personally for Obama, but I do not think he’s trying to create New Russia or be buddy-buddy with China. But he does bring with him a change, a change our country greatly needs.
As for John McCain, personally, I thought the Republican Party did good to make him their Presidential candidate. He was the best man for the job in 2000, but due to defamation of character by the Karl Rove Sports Machine, Bush came away with the nomination. But for the 2008 election, McCain was chosen to represent the Republican Party at the beginning of the year. Now, in late October, we are looking at a different John McCain. To say the road to the White House has been hard on McCain is an understatement. He’s not the same John McCain we saw in January, in more ways than one.
First, look at the decisions he’s made over the past year. Sarah Palin being the most eye catching. In what seemed like an act of desperation, McCain called upon the Alaskan governor to run with him, having only met her on two previous occasions. This, merely a day after Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate. It certainly felt like a move to bring Camp McCain into the spotlight and overshadow Obama’s announcement, rather than a sound thoughtful decision on whom best to serve as second in command. To that effect, the decision worked. Palin is probably the only thing keeping McCain in voter’s minds. But it’s hard to imagine much thought went into this brash decision. He also suspended his campaign to fix the financial crisis our country is facing now (note: McCain is not a member of this Senate committee—he merely took it upon himself to join in the eleventh hour).
These decisions feed into the persona McCain has made for himself for being a maverick. He’s a loner; a sheep strayed from the herd. Like an out of control teen on Maury, he does what he wants. Or so it seems. He’s changed sides on plenty of key issues. Once he opposed waterboarding, citing it as a definite form of torture. Now, he sees it as sound and just. This coming from a man that spent more than two years in a POW camp. At one time he did not oppose gay marriage, and now he condemns it.
I’m not going to badmouth a man for changing his opinion. I didn’t blast John Kerry in 2004 for flip-flopping on issues such as the war in Iraq. It is understandable to vote on something that seems like a good idea at the time only to realize that once it is put into action, it does not work, or additional information comes through that makes one realize the wrong course has been taken. McCain once was for allowing more immigrants to come into our country and look for work. Now in our nation’s current financial state, he has changed his opinion on that. But going back to the previous examples of waterboarding and gay marriage, really, what could have changed his opinion on those?
John McCain is not a maverick. He’s an opportunist. His vote is swung in whatever direction will get him what he wants. George W. Bush was a maverick. He did what he wanted no matter what the opinions were from the opposition, his own party member, or the people of his country. Maybe Obama is an opportunist too, telling the American people one thing, but in practice, he’ll do another. As far as I can tell though, he seems adamant to fix social security and not privatize it and cut healthcare costs to make it more affordable for all. But him not being in the game as long as McCain, we just have to take his word that he will follow through on what he preaches. With McCain, there are enough examples to fall back on that he will not, beyond the scant examples I just gave.
My opinion doesn’t really matter. It’s the opinion of our nation as a whole. This election is important. Really important. Before voting, please research both candidates and their stance on issues that will affect you and your country. Do what’s right for the country. Ignore political affiliations and look at the issues present. Don’t go in blindly, because for once, your vote counts.
Political parties are the same way. Trying to define an elected official or candidate under a specific banner is limiting and does not do justice to him or her. It takes away their individual beliefs and thrusts them into a category they must adhere to or face scorn from their opposition and the people they represent.
Speaking of the people our elected officials are supposed to represent, I think being affiliated to a party prevents said elected officials from effectively representing their people. The United States is a republic after all. They are elected to represent the people and what the people want. However, in order for a representative of the people to represent the people, he must first squash his own beliefs on an issue, a hurdle in and of itself, and then also fan the flame that comes from other representatives with their own agendas and special interest groups. Oftentimes, this requires a Senator or Congressman to make strange bedfellows, signing documents they might not believe in, but in order for them to get the necessary signatures needed on their own documents, they do it anyway. I scratch your back, you scratch mine. As an outsider looking in on how the system works, it’s easy to see that the system doesn’t work.
The world is organic. Business is organic. Art is organic. Government is organic. Change is an inevitability. Failing to adapt and to change to one’s surroundings results in death. It’s Darwinian. When things fail to adapt, outside forces act on the stagnation and force change, replacing the old with something new. As an inevitability, it is hard to fight change. But if you do fight change, you will lose.
Election Day is coming up in a few days. This is arguably one of the most important elections in recent history. With our economy in the slumps and a global depression practically guaranteed, a healthcare plan damaged beyond repair, as well as no end in sight to our occupation in Iraq, the result of this election will have worldwide ramifications. It is time to adapt or die. That is why I believe Barack Obama is the best fit for the next President of the United States.
Obama is new to the political game (read: inexperienced). It’s been a major point of contention to his candidacy for President, but certainly does not make him unqualified for the job. His lack of experience in the political spectrum is actually a good thing. He’s a fresh face in the crusty, stubborn old system. He’s not been around long enough to feel the influence or pull of the system. He’s still bright eyed and bushy-tailed, not tainted by the politics of politics. He’s a change of pace, something his campaign is not afraid to admit every chance they get. After eight years of living under the banner of “stay the course,” and seeing the result of such thinking, I think taking a scenic route will be a nice change of pace.
Obama is being labeled a socialist. To which, I say, no he’s not a socialist. He has socialist ideas, but that does not make him a socialist, no more than it makes Martin Luther King Jr. a socialist for believing every man to be equal. I can’t speak personally for Obama, but I do not think he’s trying to create New Russia or be buddy-buddy with China. But he does bring with him a change, a change our country greatly needs.
As for John McCain, personally, I thought the Republican Party did good to make him their Presidential candidate. He was the best man for the job in 2000, but due to defamation of character by the Karl Rove Sports Machine, Bush came away with the nomination. But for the 2008 election, McCain was chosen to represent the Republican Party at the beginning of the year. Now, in late October, we are looking at a different John McCain. To say the road to the White House has been hard on McCain is an understatement. He’s not the same John McCain we saw in January, in more ways than one.
First, look at the decisions he’s made over the past year. Sarah Palin being the most eye catching. In what seemed like an act of desperation, McCain called upon the Alaskan governor to run with him, having only met her on two previous occasions. This, merely a day after Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate. It certainly felt like a move to bring Camp McCain into the spotlight and overshadow Obama’s announcement, rather than a sound thoughtful decision on whom best to serve as second in command. To that effect, the decision worked. Palin is probably the only thing keeping McCain in voter’s minds. But it’s hard to imagine much thought went into this brash decision. He also suspended his campaign to fix the financial crisis our country is facing now (note: McCain is not a member of this Senate committee—he merely took it upon himself to join in the eleventh hour).
These decisions feed into the persona McCain has made for himself for being a maverick. He’s a loner; a sheep strayed from the herd. Like an out of control teen on Maury, he does what he wants. Or so it seems. He’s changed sides on plenty of key issues. Once he opposed waterboarding, citing it as a definite form of torture. Now, he sees it as sound and just. This coming from a man that spent more than two years in a POW camp. At one time he did not oppose gay marriage, and now he condemns it.
I’m not going to badmouth a man for changing his opinion. I didn’t blast John Kerry in 2004 for flip-flopping on issues such as the war in Iraq. It is understandable to vote on something that seems like a good idea at the time only to realize that once it is put into action, it does not work, or additional information comes through that makes one realize the wrong course has been taken. McCain once was for allowing more immigrants to come into our country and look for work. Now in our nation’s current financial state, he has changed his opinion on that. But going back to the previous examples of waterboarding and gay marriage, really, what could have changed his opinion on those?
John McCain is not a maverick. He’s an opportunist. His vote is swung in whatever direction will get him what he wants. George W. Bush was a maverick. He did what he wanted no matter what the opinions were from the opposition, his own party member, or the people of his country. Maybe Obama is an opportunist too, telling the American people one thing, but in practice, he’ll do another. As far as I can tell though, he seems adamant to fix social security and not privatize it and cut healthcare costs to make it more affordable for all. But him not being in the game as long as McCain, we just have to take his word that he will follow through on what he preaches. With McCain, there are enough examples to fall back on that he will not, beyond the scant examples I just gave.
My opinion doesn’t really matter. It’s the opinion of our nation as a whole. This election is important. Really important. Before voting, please research both candidates and their stance on issues that will affect you and your country. Do what’s right for the country. Ignore political affiliations and look at the issues present. Don’t go in blindly, because for once, your vote counts.
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