Phrank: Let's Do This...

Let's talk politics. I'm deeply divided on this election. It's a tough decision, between two excellent candidates. My beliefs in this election are split between the candidates and the political parties they represent. I think the country needs a Democratic candidate. I think McCain would be a better president than Obama. This is the paradox I find myself in these days. This talk of "transformational figures" and "change you can believe in" is fluff. It's something to make you feel better without actually giving you anything. I'm interested in policies, not how many houses someone owns or what religious affiliation is implied about a candidate. They're both Christian by the way, before anyone gets offended.

I think both candidates are promising the country much more than they could hope to accomplish in four years in office. On most policies, I think McCain presents a more realistic view of what can be accomplished than Obama does. Obama's policies look wonderful, and if they were achievable, he'd have my vote. But I don't think they are achievable, given the economic crisis, our country can not afford either candidate's plan, but in my opinion, Obama's plans are more out of reach. Also, long Senate history gives McCain the knowledge he'll need to make decisions about policy that will have a chance of getting through Congress. I worry that Obama, even with Biden's help, will run into a huge problem of pushing legislation through the Congress. Nothing I have seen about Obama so far has led me to believe he can match McCain's knowledge of the Senate, which I believe is in important for passing legislation.

I was looking forward to voting Democrat this election, till I saw the candidates in the primaries. The Democrats were dead-wrong about the surge in Iraq, something they still have trouble admitting. Obama ran in the primaries on his inexperience, he was an outsider who was bringing "change you could believe in" because he wasn't tainted by business as usual Washington politics. If you buy that argument, tell me why he picked the quintessential Democrat Washington insider as his running mate? I felt the Biden pick was a smart political move, but also undermined Obama's credibility. I see the Biden pick as a blatant about-face of everything Obama ran on during the primaries.

I like McCain, he's always been more on the moderate side of the Republican party, a side he has not shown during the general election. His pick in Sara Palin is one I defend, even though I disagree with it completely. It was a clever move, but the Republicans squandered it. Palin is inexperienced, and probably not ready for the big time. Palin makes Republicans feel better about voting for McCain, while making moderates and liberals cringe. I think the media(mainly controlled by liberals) has crucified her and McCain and the Republican party. They deserved some of it certainly, and Obama has received more than a fair share of slander from conservatives. However, during the last presidential debate, McCain repudiated all negative ads and claimed he always has, Obama did not repudiate any negative ads his party ran. Obama spent more time attacking negative ads sponsored by Republicans than dissociating himself from his own party's negative ads. That bothered me, a great deal.

They are both excellent candidates and I agree with Colin Powell, either would make a fine president. I think based solely on the candidate's, McCain gets my vote. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. I think the country really could use a Democrat in office. I think the focus needs to be on education and taking care of American people struggling under debt and oppressive social systems. On issues of social justice, Catholics should mainly vote Democrat. The Democratic Party has the problem of being pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage, which are increasingly complex issues that should be major stumbling blocks for Catholics. Unlike what Nancy Pelosi says, the Church is quite clear in its opposition to abortion.

I don't know how I'm voting yet. If I can find reason to believe a McCain administration will be more moderate than conservative, it might be McCain. If not, I may vote Democrat, despite serious misgivings about Obama's ability to do as good a job as McCain. I tried to keep this respectful while clearly laying out my political thoughts, I hope this doesn't dissolve into a shouting match with anybody. Please feel free to respond if you like, I'm always up for discussion. Not arguing, but discussing. Can't wait to see some of you here on the Hill for Family Weekend this weekend!

Brewing Days

I'm stealing a bulletin that I did on MySpace.

I finished up the last of the strawberry blond that I wasn't to fond of but people liked it and sucked it down, not bad. It almost time to open up the Oktoberfest that needs another week and I have an IPA fermenting now. Not sure how pale it will be or the oak taste, but it still should be fine. I still have to make a Belgium Ale to get Jon "drunk like a high school girl", a sweet stout, and start the mead all before the holidays. If you got any other ideas let me know and i'll try and squeeze it in the brewing schedule.


Cheers and bottoms up on your glasses.

That is more than the five required so you should all be happy and sing the praises of me. And Jessie for some smooth posting she did last week. So Jessie you get a tip of the hat everyone else gets a wag of the finger cause they don't have this lifesaver.

Colin Powell on Meet The Press

I have to step back and post about a serious topic this week. Yes, it's about Politics... but feel I need to talk about this.

Colin Powell was on Meet the Press this week.
Yes, he's supporting Obama.

That's not the story. It's WHY he's supporting him and the reasoned rationale behind it that blows me away. It's a moment of clarity which is badly needed in this country at this point.

Liz, I'm entrusting to you to make sure Dad sees this.