Thoughts from a Republicrat :)

Just so you know, yes, you are reading a political blog by Christen Carter. You have not stumbled into some parallel universe. I promise.

For some reason, this election...I care. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older and tax raises or cuts directly affect me, or that the idea of equal healthcare for every person is extremely appealing, or that I'm tired of being at war, yet I don't think leaving altogether will solve anything.

I spent the last two Thursday evenings listening to two very different acceptance speeches by the men gearing up to lead our country. I love our country. I love that we have the freedom of speech (hello! blogging!), the freedom to bear arms (which I do), the freedom to practice our religions, and to live a life with millions of possibilities. I love that this nation encourages creativity and resourcefulness. I love that we're getting back to some environmental values. And I love that I have a choice of who I can elect to lead this great country. I haven't quite yet decided who I am voting for this year because I feel like we have two very worthy options.
Barack Obama's speech was eloquent. He made so many wonderful points, and I found myself teary eyed agreeing with so much of what he said. I really do like the idea of health care for every American. Keyword: idea. I can't stand the thought of my taxes going up or providing health care for people who won't help themselves. It's a great idea that I'm not sure is ready to be implemented.

I also liked the way he concluded his speech. Of course I'm against abortion. I believe every person was a true life at conception. But do I think we should outlaw abortion? Unfortunately, no. When it's outlawed, women take scary measures to have them done. Plus, part of the American dream is the right of choice, no matter if I agree with that choice or not. I think it would be very wise to educate young people about safe sex, to provide them with the tools to make a choice for themselves, one way or the other. The average 16 year old is going to learn about sex. It's either going to be from a friend, who probably doesn't have his facts straight, or an educated adult who can warn them about STDs and the true facts on pregnancy, and the wonderful option of abstinence. I hope you hear my heart because I absolutely believe abstinence is the best option. Hello? Do you know me?

Also, I won't go into this in detail, but yes, I do believe that homosexual couples should be able to get insurance together and be legally linked so that medical decisions can be made. Do I think homosexual marriage lines up with my beliefs? No. But like I've said, I think America's all about the freedom of choice, no matter the choice.

Overall, great speech by Obama. He is a very likable man. I think he would do a terrific job uniting our country, both parties included. My major hesitations: his energy policy (I think we need to safely drill right now, right here in our country) and his lack of experience. I'm not jumping on that bandwagon; I just think it will be hard for him to be the commander of our troops when he has no military experience, and though I think his years as a senator are great, they are few.

John McCain's speech was oh, so different. McCain is definitely not cut out to be a speech maker. He fumbled over his words a few times, and it probably didn't help that protesters were crying out during the beginning. He refrained from attacking Obama much, which was drastically different from Obama. And he drew on his love of country to appeal to the masses of America-lovers (myself included). He demonstrated that he is experienced, loyal, and a hardworker. He discussed his years in the military and then shared his thoughts on the war in Iraq. I believe with all my heart that he wants to see this war end as much as I do. He watched the torment that he and his family were put through during Vietnam and Pearl Harbor, and he doesn't want to see other families go through that. But I also believe that he will be strategic in his actions. He understands that a resolution to this war won't be overnight, and it will take thought. I trust him. And that's huge.

I love, love, love his energy policy. I think I clapped during that part last night. My entire family is involved in the oil industry. My grandfather, two uncles, my mom, and my brother all work as landmen. They know the ins and outs of drilling and what it means for our economy. It is absolutely possible to safely drill in Alaska and off shore. I'm tired of sending our workers and money overseas for oil when it's available here. I'm very passionate about this.
I like that McCain acknowledged that he and Obama both have great ideas and maybe it would be a good idea to implement some of both. I like that McCain wants to see health care for every American but through different routes. I am okay with this. I just want to see it happen.
Major hesitations: also his age. He's pretty old. He comes from the old republican age. He could very well be a Bush 2.0, which is a terrible thought. He has years and years of experience, but will be be stuck in his ways? How much change will we truly see?

I think one of McCain's best assets at this point is his V.P. Sarah Palin is amazing. She is the more eloquent of the two. She has class and yet isn't afraid to throw punches. I like her. I also think she will draw Hillary's female population.

Bottomline: I'm totally torn. I think both men are great. I think either way, our country will be just fine. I also wonder if my vote is going to count much anyway...

Texas is a red state. It just is. Whether I vote or not, it's going to McCain. Basically, my vote is either going to be a vote of confidence for McCain or a vote of protest for Obama. But I guess we'll see.

Thanks for listening. :) I hope you too are informed.