I want to say, that I normally keep my political and religious views to myself, but the stuff that is going on in this presidential race are so very absurd that I can keep my mouth shut no longer.And let me just say here, that I have NOT decided who to vote FOR, I just know for sure some of the ones I WON’T vote for.
1. Mitt Romney–He actually joked that he was unemployed while he was speaking to a group of unemployed people in Florida. What? How crass and out of touch with reality is that? Watch the YouTube Video here.
While I am unemployed at the moment, it is by choice, and I have a job to go to in the spring. To me, a presidential candidate who makes fun of being unemployed is just inappropriate.
2. Newt Gingrich–he said in a speech that ‘by his second term in 2020, we would have space station on the moon.’ This is the very same candidate that is touting cutting spending, and repealing Obamacare. I for one want to know why it is ok to spend money to build a motel on the moon, but we can not spend the money to feed the poor or provide healthcare to the people right here on earth.Oh, and he also said that he would offer former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin a “major role in the next administration if I’m president.”
3.Ron Paul–he also wants to repeal Obamacare. While I don’t know if Obamacare is a good thing or not, it is the only plan they have come up with so far in Washington that even partially addresses the healthcare needs of the uninsured in the country. Mr. Paul also wants to abolish five cabinet departments,one of which is the Department of the Interior. The Department of the Interior oversees the National Parks, which I personally believe would be a tragic thing if we lost them to commercialization. The parks are there for everyone in this country, in the world in fact, and if they were not protected and maintained they would be trashed, mined, pulp-wooded and sold to the highest bidder. Imagine a United States without a Grand Canyon National Park. I can’t. So, unless he can say exactly what he would do to protect our national treasures, I’d never vote for him just because of that.
I still don’t know who I will give my vote, but I know for sure it won’t be these guys. Hate me if you must. This is all my opinion and we all have one.
Susan Adcox says
January 27, 2012 at 10:15 pmThere are a lot of reasons not to vote for someone, but you have certainly cited some excellent ones. Oh, and Ron Paul also wants to do away with the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture. Because what we put in our kids’ heads and in our stomachs is so minor that the federal government doesn’t need to get involved.
Fab Grandma says
January 27, 2012 at 10:35 pmSusan, I agree.Education should be more important in this country. And I really hate to think what would happen if there was no department of agriculture. Our food and medicine are supposed to be protected by the agencies under the Department of Agriculture. So are our national forests.
Bev says
January 27, 2012 at 10:26 pm“I still don’t know who I will give my vote, but I know for sure it won’t be these guys. Hate me if you must. This is all my opinion and we all have one.”
LOL! That would leave one candidate in your favor! You’ll probably get a gazillion comments on this one. I find that most people focus on one thing dear to their heart and use that as the basis for their decision. Leading our country is more complex than appeasing minority groups (am not talking race here). I’m looking for that leader who has the ability to analyze; prioritize; and facilitate for the whole good and not for a chosen few. Is there such a person? Probably not. Because as long as there are egos and mega-billions of dollars in play, our choices will be limited. JMHO
Fab Grandma says
January 27, 2012 at 10:37 pmYou are right, leading the country is complex–but when you can not provide basic food and health care for your people, it is insane to even discuss sending people to the moon. For what? That just reeks of money in someone’s pocket to me, and since the speech was given in Florida, it also smacked of pork barrel promises.
Bev says
January 28, 2012 at 11:55 amThe moon comment was so out of line. I surmise that it was meant that we should return to a robust space program. Just say it! As far as health care, I do not favor our government handling our health care. Maybe regulating insurance agencies is a better option. The Medicare program is riddled with fraud. There are too many layers within a government department to effectively deal with individual concerns and process claims. What I would hope for you is an Insurance Co supported by physicians at an affordable cost for you to receive basic care. The talk about dissolving the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture is nothing more than whipping up a emotional frenzy. I worked for both for 26.5 years–heard it then–have been retired for 17 years and am still hearing it.
Siouxsie says
January 29, 2012 at 9:58 amThe idea that government cannot run anything efficiently is another myth perpetuated by big business so they can insert themselves and make big profits. The Social Security system operates at .6%. The disability insurance division of the SSA consumes just 2.3% in administrative costs. Yet private insurance companies are screaming because the new health care program requires them to return 80% of their income in benefits? If government can’t handle health care efficiently, why can the British buy any prescription they need for 8 pounds, while one medication that my doctor wants me on costs over $2000 a month? These are all facts readily available on government websites. Read the facts, not right-wing propaganda.
Bev says
January 29, 2012 at 9:53 pmNo right-wing propaganda here–the left wing have their propaganda as well. The British aren’t doing so well and reported a sluggish economy in 2011. Seriously, did you check with Canada or Mexico for your medication? Also, my daughter had breast cancer; had no insurance and was able to have surgery; breast reconstruction; and chemotherapy. Later, she was able to receive coverage with a pre-existing condition. Can you understand why I don’t believe some of the propaganda sent my way? Based upon your figures, SS should be solvent forever however all sides are reporting sustainability for only 35 more years. Those low administrative costs sound good–bottom-line; government didn’t manage the fund very well. I just don’t believe in bigger government..
Beth Larrabee says
January 27, 2012 at 11:38 pmI officially love you Karen!!! Those are fantastic reasons not to vote for someone! More people need to vote like you…on the issues and not based on the color of their skin, or what religion or sex the politician is.
Jeanne M says
January 28, 2012 at 12:32 amThe crazy things politicians say (and do) constantly leave me stunned. Doesn’t matter which side of the fence they’re on. Insensitivity and stupidity abound in both parties.
Jo says
January 28, 2012 at 12:56 amOh wow, I’m out of touch with US politics: is it election time again? Good on you for citing these excellent reasons for NOT voting for these candidates. I’ll watch this space Karen. BTW the most horrific policy would be commercializing National Parks.Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. (h and most of the other things they mention doing – a space station on the moon, for heaven’s sake, if you excuse my pun!. Greetings from Jo, East Africa
Randi says
January 28, 2012 at 1:37 amI’m with ya! I am so sick of hearing the nonsense these people spout. I haven’t decided either who I’m going to vote for. It feels hopeless no matter who you vote for and I have studied the positions of most of them. I don’t even know if I’m Democrat or Republican anymore. Nothing changes no matter which side is in, it seems.
One thing I do want to point out though as I have studied the candidates. Not that I’m going to vote for him, but the reason Ron Paul wants to get rid of some of those federal agencies is not because he thinks they are not needed, it’s because he thinks those powers belong to the individual states– because only each state should know what’s best for its constituents. For example ( I heard him talking about these agencies) the National Parks would become State Parks instead and the upkeep (and income!) would be under the jurisdiction of that state. Same with education. It would be up to each state to determine what’s best for its children. Don’t know how I feel about that, but that’s what Iheard according to an interview I saw.
Pam says
January 28, 2012 at 5:30 amI don’t hate you, I agree with you completely. I know exactly who I’m voting for though. President Obama! I’m sure the Obama-haters will disagree but I think he has been a fantastic president. I think people forget just how awful things were when he took office. The stock market was around 6000, we were in two wars, Osama Bin Laden was still alive, we were losing jobs by the hundreds of thousands every month… I could go on and on. As for “Obamacare,” I have great insurance but I’m glad my fellow citizens will benefit from some of the things I take for granted, like not being turned down for insurance because of pre-existing conditions.
I hope Romney gets the Republican nomination. I think he’s completely out of touch but he’s not a total nut-job like the others and I think he will at least treat President Obama with respect. I’m really not up for the ugliness we would see from Newt and the tea party crowd. They disgust me. It’s time for the true “silent majority” to stand up to these bullies and tell them to take their lies, hatred and ignorance elsewhere.
Virginia from That Bald Chick says
January 28, 2012 at 1:31 pmExcellent points. I, too, am undecided as to who I will vote FOR, but have a pretty good idea who will NOT be getting my vote.
Judy Dougass says
January 28, 2012 at 1:47 pmI agree with not voting for the present president and the 3 republicans mentioned for many reasons. It just seems like everyone who runs for the presidency and congress is out for what they can get for themselves and the American people and the country is just here to make sure the politicians get rich(er).
Judy
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
January 28, 2012 at 5:39 pmPreachin’ to the choir here sister — just dropped by to offer my support~ (and just be grateful you don’t live in Florida by the way…. I can’t even turn on the TV w/o getting almost physically ill listening to those clowns.) and even worse thinking of how much awfuller it’s going to be during the real election campaign, no matter which Republican wins the primary. It is the superpacs that are causing all this grief, thanks to the Supreme Court. (Well…. I don’t do politics on my blog and you sure gave me the opportunity to vent; I feel a little better now, thank you very much ;>)
Chris says
January 28, 2012 at 7:19 pmYep. Preaching to the choir here, too. I’ve always been a liberal Democrat, but would appreciate an intelligent candidate as the Republican nominee. However, none of the remaining characters have what it takes to even seriously consider running for President. Seriously, more than 12 “debates” with more to come in which they seem to outdo each other and themselves with idiocy? Give me a break.
Susan says
January 30, 2012 at 11:31 amI don’t keep up much with what politicians say or do……they are all liars and cheats. I’ll just vote for whoever the Republicans select, as I was raised that way…………in the South.
Natalie says
February 1, 2012 at 9:32 amI try to stay away from politics but you make excellent points and thanks for sharing! 😉