Ben: Ron Paul had a rally at Georgetown the other day as part of the presidential candidate lecture series. It was SUPER informative and cool.

I do have to say, though, that I agree with Marisa in that we ought to vote for the candidate who best represents our interest, regardless of what party they belong to. That said, I also agree with Laura in that party lines tend to influence politicians more than we realize — I remember reading somewhere that Obama has voted along party lines 98% of the time, for what that’s worth.

On the other hand, if there were two candidates who I agreed with equally and one was a Republican and one was a Democrat, I would vote for the Republican. Why? Because if you look at the way the legislative branch of the government is run, elected officials usually vote with their party and push for the bills that matter to the party. While there are things I like and dislike in both parties, the Republican Party more closely aligns with my beliefs and so I’m inclined to vote for a candidate who supports that party.

I don’t agree with the democratic view about the role of government. I’m an intelligent adult, thank you very much, and I don’t need the government to take care of me like I’m a child. I can manage my own healthcare, retirement, etc. I think it’s the government’s responsibility to enforce the law, protect me from enemies and provide basic public services such as infrastructure and education (and, as an intelligent adult, I will decide how and if to use those services). It is not the government’s responsibility to make sure I have a job, healthcare, a home, and retirement savings. It certainly isn’t the government’s job to force me into a retirement program I dislike. It’s time for America to grow up and stop expecting the government to solve all our problems. Thus, I won’t be voting for Clinton or Obama, both of whom are appealing to our desire to avoid responsibility.

Agreed. Yet I’m wondering if many people are gravitating toward Obama due to two factors: perceived superior character to the other candidates (perhaps true, but not the only important factor), and his vocal skills of persuasion (which are good only if used in advancing good causes).

I think a better way to choose candidates is by looking at a combination of the issues, policy positions, basic governing principles, and character espoused by them. I’m encouraging everyone reading this to look into these things for themselves, rather than vote for someone because it seems like the cool thiing to do at the time.

Politics…A Rose by Any Other Name, Still Smells the Same. So does a Skunk!
http://donnasjourney.moorhouseacademy.org/?p=811

Thoughts on Our Sacred Duties In Citizenship
http://donnasjourney.moorhouseacademy.org/?p=810

Thoughts on the Presidential Election
http://donnasjourney.moorhouseacademy.org/?p=807

BTW, Romney “suspended,” but kept his votes. Even Ron Paul and Romney are not perfect, but then again, we were not counseled to seek “perfect men.”

No, I will not vote for the democratic platform, period.

If the puppet masters feel that McCain is the only viable republican candidate, then we the people must unite and hold his feet to the fire. He cannot for one minute feel he has a mandate.

I am not excited about a war monger. I am even less impressed with largess that the war distracts us from closely scrutinizing.

I think Ron Paul never expected a large percent of the vote. However, his campaign has educated more people and has leavened the lump. Are we going to ignore this knowledge?

Are we going to go vote for charisma? Good, he can smile while he takes our money.

Lets face it, Liberal social policies of the democrat party are not good for America. The social policies of the party do more to under-mind America’s economy and the fabric of our society, far more than people realize.

Many corporate interests in the Republican party do more to promote war and its excesses, than many realize.

Congress is stuck. With out the votes of those who want largess from the treasury, and without corporate funding they have no power. To un-stick them the repeal of the 16th and 17th Amendments would reign them in. Right now those amendments keep the power unbalanced. Their unlimited ability to tax is a slight of hand. America is being impoverished by this tax and spend mentality. If senators were chosen by our locally elected representatives, their beholding to corporate interests would pull us into fewer wars.

There is much, much more, but we have to start somewhere.

If McCain is elected, he has to know it is by the skin of his teeth and that he is beholding to the people to keep his contract and not to corporations. The people must speak up and hold his feet to the fire. We also have to let him know that we do not need another Vietnam. That we will not sacrifice our sons and daughters for corporate gain, as was done in the ill fated Children’s Crusade.

I could go on… but I need to move on.

Donna, I agree, but bad news: all three leading candidates are what you call “socialists.” Surely you don’t believe McCain’s rhetoric about him being a conservative? Baloney. The last real chance for conservatism died with Romney. So let’s make do with the best socialist we have, since those are our only options. Sorry to say, but supporting Ron Paul, even for the right reasons, is support wasted in vain idealism. Let’s support the socialist who genuinely, although misguidedly, believes he’s doing what’s best for the country.

Maintaining our constitutional government is essential to us as members of the church. As rights are curtailed remember the freedom of religion is usually the last to go. Our freedoms, including those we take for granted or do not think are important, were bought with blood.

I will stick with the scriptural mandate and vote for honest, good, and wise men.

D&C 98:10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.

This has never been rescinded. It does not say, vote for who you think can win. Nor does it say vote for change. Nor lesser of two evils.

Both Obama and Clinton are socialists. They are for concentrating power at the government level. As power concentrates at the Federal level the cost’s of government and waste will increase. As costs increase, each cabinet tries to extend its reach. Rules that have the power of law, yet were not legislated will proliferate and sky rocket. As that happens our rights are further restricted. Oh, and they will take more taxes to cover their grand plans.

I personally could not vote for either Clinton, Hillary or Bill, as I do not feel they meet the mandate, nor does Obama.

One can be honest and good but unwise. Wisdom is the right application of knowledge. Charisma does not balance lack of wisdom. I feel socialism and big government are careless and unwise for America, they may appear to be quick or humane fixes, but that is the surface.

When we elect people that promise us the moon, we are being bought, and good intentions won’t matter much. The quick fixes of socialism are band aides for real problems, not long term solutions, and I do not think it is right to saddle our posterity for our ignorance. Let us not take the carrot. Our nation and every nation that is tied to our economy is in financial crisis. We need fiscal responsibility. I do not feel that Hillary or Barak will be fiscally responsible.

We also need an honest President that when they swear their oath to uphold and defend the constitution of the United States, will have the character to do so and veto every bill that is not constitutionally solid. There are very few men that can have the strength of character to do so. Too many would be into photo ops, trying to buy as many votes as they can for 2012.

“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can exist only until the voters discover they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that democracy always collapses over a loose fiscal policy, always to be followed by a dictatorship.” Adam Tytler/ Alexis De Tocqueville

Yes, it is that time again. Socialism cannot build a better America. It has never succeeded anywhere. We are naive to think it will succeed here. Yes it is spin time again. Let the liberals tickle your ears and make promises. You will pay more for less.

As Jacob warned, “Oh be wise, what can I say more.”