Warning: this post might be my most controversial to date.
I think I have a unique perspective on the presidential elections. I’ve been living overseas in a developing country for the past 8 years. I have been less influenced by the American media since I didn’t watch tv or read newspapers. (I did check the news on the Internet but it was typically BBC.) My political views have changed so much that I don’t side with either party. I would be a fool to think that I am completely objective, but perhaps I simply offer a different set of ideas. Here are some of my observations and opinions of Americans and the candidates.
- Many Christians equate Christianity with being a Republican.
- To many Christians it seems like the most important moral issue on the table is abortion.
- Republicans and Democrats are both pro-military they just differ in the details.
- Reps and Dems both spend and absurd amount money on their campaigns.
- Reps and Dems both spin information like it’s cotton candy.
- Americans can be downright rude or racist when discussing the other side’s candidate.
- Americans it seems only think of themselves when it comes to candidates. What can this guy do for me?
- It is interesting how each party’s followers can so easily overlook/forgive their own candidates shortcomings but zero in and viciously attack the other candidate.
I am making a prediction (not an endorsement) of who will win this year’s election: Obama. Who do you think will win? What are your observations on American politics?
I agree with it all.
I think you have made some very accurate observations about the election process we are in as well as the whole process in general. It’s hard to stay objective when the news in the US tends to lean heavily in one direction. In trying to balance that, I think many of us pull (push) too hard for the other candidate. It would be much simpler if we could make a decision knowing that whoever is running is serving God and not themselves, or a special interest.
I am praying for tomorrow! May God bless whoever is elected with a wisdom to do the right thing…not the politically correct thing!
Blessings!
Donna
Great topic to get some feedback/comments on:) I completely agree with you Tracey. I thought of two big words that the election bring to light, selfishness and pride. It’s because of one or the other that make everything so heated. When I went to the polls this morning, I tried to think of the word peace.
Tracey, I’m with you. I’ve said several of these same things to Dave during this campaign. I think politics brings out the worst in people, and you’re right — everyone is blinded to the negative sides of their candidate or party. They get defensive and angry without keeping a level head. I find myself increasingly in the middle seeing good and bad on both sides. I, too, think that Obama is going to win — but whoever wins, the other side will not just let it go and be a good sport — I’m pretty sure about that.
There is nothing new under the sun.
The things people have said on both sides of this election are pretty tame compared to things said over the last 200+ years of free elections in this country. I’ve found this oddly comforting.
And despite all the insane allegations leveled at the current occupant of the White House, we do not and will not have our votes thrown out by force. In Cambodia this year, there was real fear that if the prime minister’s party was not reelected, he would send out the tanks. Several opposition leaders were killed in mysterious incidents. He bribed rural villages with cash, and made sure he did it out of the sight of UN election observers, who pronounced the election free and fair. Sure enough, he won with a comfortable margin.
I’d love for you to run some topics on how elections and government in Togo work–or don’t.