For those of you who regularly check my blog for your political enlightenment, you may have been disappointed to discover that I neglected to post my analysis of the third and final presidential debate. Don’t worry, I’m not kidding myself, I know you really just come here looking for cute pictures of my kiddos, but I’m a stay-at-home mom with a passion for politics (thanks, Dad), so I need to take my brain for a little exercise every now and again. I appreciate your obliging attitudes. And I promise to stop when the election’s over.
I was pleased after the last debate with those who shared that they were still undecided in their presidential vote. Thanks for being willing to share. I will say, however, that I was truly surprised, as I personally do not see the candidates as anything close to similar. So I decided that I should take a closer look at both candidates, so I could truly be confident in my voting decisions. I see myself as a fair-minded person, and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t jumping on any bandwagon. And because I like investigating the ins and outs of politics, I thought I would share my conclusions here, for those who may not enjoy doing the footwork; or for you to conclude that your own analysis was much more in depth and better researched than mine.
A warning: Yes, I was biased heading into this. No, I am not sitting on the fence. I have picked a candidate that I stand firmly behind. Yes, this will be a long post (or two…or six). If you’ve made it this far, maybe you’ll be interested enough to continue. But I suspect most may have dropped off by now anyway. I will say that I have tried my best to be fair, honest and respectful, and to leave behind any “talking-points” and focus on the issues which I think are incredibly important in this election – probably more than ever before. And as always, thoughtful and respectful dialogue is welcome and encouraged.
So, if you’re ready, let’s get started.
I am really going to put myself out there with this one, because I am mixing the two most controversial topics this nation has to offer – you know, the one’s you aren’t supposed to discuss with your girlfriend’s father – religion and politics. Not only that, I’m using my Mormon religion to develop my thesis, so if that’s not asking for trouble, I don’t know what is.
I was recently at a women’s conference, and a speaker was relating a philosophy espoused by Joseph Smith. When asked how he had been able to inspire and govern a people who appeared to be as productive and happy as the Latter-day Saints, his answer was short and to the point: “I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves.” That statement got to me, as I am always fascinated by the way the church runs. It is so efficient in everything it does, and more often than not, runs like clockwork with an unpaid clergy. I’ve often wistfully ruminated that if the US Government were run in even a slightly similar manner, this country would be amazing. So, I’m looking for a candidate who best fits this vision.
Additionally, the speaker at the conference talked about how we often run into competing or contradictory principles, both of which might be good and righteous. How then do we decide which principle to teach or to live by? This speaker declared that the best principles were those that protected the sanctity of free agency (the ability we have to choose our own actions, attitudes and make our own decisions) and which increased love. Our Father in Heaven’s greatest gift to us was to choose for ourselves what path we should take, without being forced. It was Satan’s plan that we should all be compelled to choose only one way – his way.
It was with these thoughts in mind that I really started to take a look at the candidates and their stances on the issues. I’ve compiled a list of the top issues that really concern me in this election, and why I think they’re important. I’ve tried really hard not to use “talking points,” because I am not trying to convince anyone to change their vote, but to clarify for myself and others what I think are critical points in this election.
Thanks Karli! I appreciate you posting this. I know it took a huge chunck of your time to write it all out. You are amazing and have a great skill of insight and understanding. I put a link to your page and politcal views in a post on my blog.
Karli,
I appreciate so much your time, effort, and bravery in sharing your views and research. I don’t really have anything to add. You said it well. Too bad we tend to get caught up in appearances and “sound bites” instead of the issues at their core. This was an apt and timely reminder.
Karli,
Thanks for being my political compass! I’ll have to say that I think I’m actually decided now. I can’t say that I totally and completely agree with everything you’ve said, but I love reading your opinions and they have helped me form mine. For what it’s worth, I’m leaning toward McCain. I think my biggest problem with him is that he seems so out of touch with reality. But I would definitely feel better with him at the wheel, especially in this time of war, because he’s so much more experienced. I’m so glad it will all be over soon.
Hi Karli,
I read your arguments, and you do write quite well. I love when people can actually support their thoughts with facts. As I’ve said, I think that Nathan and you would really enjoy discussing political topics. He learned well from his mother’s influence has it seems you have from your father. What is your main source for political information these days? Do you read something on a daily basis?
Jennifer
Karli,
It is refreshing to see political views so well-stated! I have researched many of the same issues and find your assessment in line with my own. Thanks for posting!
Dorothy Jane…sorry to post as anonymous, but I’m having trouble with my google blogger account.
Kiersten,
I also believe that McCain comes across as a little strange, awkward, and perhaps out of touch. However, I do think that Sarah Palin is one of the most “in touch” with reality candidates out there. She gets made fun of a lot, and I think they’ve made a mistake in giving her wrote memorization to put forth, but when you really listen to her, she is so much like any one of us. And that’s way refreshing to me. McCain, I believe, isn’t that out of touch, but does have a hard time communicating (and another term of a bad communicator isn’t something I particularly look forward to). However, I do think that spending years in a prison torture camp puts one quite a bit closer to being in touch with reality than anything Obama has ever experienced. He was raised pretty middle class, attended an Ivy League college and has pretty much had life much easier than he would like us to believe. When I hear stories about what McCain went through, I am amazed by the man’s character and pray that no one in my family ever has to go through anything like that. Thanks for the comment!