McCain Vs. Obama: Thoughts on Character and Issues

Okay, lets talk about this election. There's a lot to cover, and we can basically divide the important aspects between character of the candidate and where they stand on issues.

Lets begin with character. This is a favorite of the major news stations. Usually when they seem to be covering the issues involved, they will digress into a discussion of character. We consequently get a lot of this (Probably too much) so i will be short:

John McCain was once one of the great republicans. He stood tall for things that were right and expressed concerns for citizens while his peer expressed concerns for their wallets. The maverick was indeed a straight talker and a champion of the political scene. This is not the John McCain that is running for office. He now seems to be a shadow of what he once was, with low blow politics and compromised issues. We don't know what changed for John McCain, but one thing is sure, if the man of 5 years ago was running, he may well have my vote. But John McCain of today in the office is a scary thing, because if change is sometimes scary, the only thing scarier in this election is continuity.

Barack Obama, however, talks of little other than change. His weakness is probably not speaking directly on the issues during his sweeping speeches. He should, however, because his ideas are good ones and in many cases will remedy this country. The changes are not as radical as one would hope (see Ron Paul's ideas of change for ideas), but more radical than McCain's, and in the right direction to boot. Lobbyists note that he always paid for his meals when he dined with them (something unheard of in Chicago politics) and as the the election he has almost always taken the high road, responding well to low blows and delivering very few of his own. He has my vote in this election because i believe in what he says and what he stands for.

Some dispute the importance of character in an election, i feel that it is very important. No one can dispute the importance of the issues, however, which is something that many Americans remain ignorant of. So lets take a look.

Abortion: Obama defends a woman's right to choose, simple as that. McCain is against abortion, but doesn't necessarily want to outlaw it. He just wants to restrict it. I'm a personal choice kind of guy so i give this one to Obama.

Afghanistan: Easy one. McCain proposes a large troop increase with a war czar appointed to the region and continue to fight till we achieve victory. Obama would send less troops, emphasize UN cooperation, and work towards non-military solutions. McCain's whole strategy revolves around the bullet, Obama's revolves around diplomacy and peaceful solutions. He seems to understand the phrase "speak softly and carry a big stick"

Cuba: Here's the first of many issues where the candidates are basically the same. There are differences in their plans, but its fairly inconsequential. I like Obama's ideas slightly better, but this one is basically a tie.

Economy: McCain admitted to not knowing much about the economy, and his plan reflects it. There is no plan. Read his plan and read the runaround. Obama has a laundry list of actions resulting in providing relief to those who need it most. McCain's plan would help the wealthy, Obama's taxes them heavier and us less. No competition here.

Education: There's alot of difference here and once again Obama takes the cake. There's alot of material that's different but just to give you a taste, McCain is proud of No Child Left Behind, Obama thinks that the goal is good but the program is flawed. Which it is.

Energy: Another area of stark contrast. McCain wants to drill until we find a solution. Obama wants to drill while we find a solution. Both emphasize the importance of alternative sources of energy and both advocate nuclear energy. However, McCain is in favor of drilling in ANWR and the gas tax holiday, Obama isn't. Point to Obama.

Environment: Are you a tree hugger? Vote Obama. Enough said. (I'm a tree hugger) Also, Obama proposes cap-and-trade. Good plan in theory, jury's out on effectiveness.

Free trade: McCain says: Free trade all around. Obama says: Free trade with responsibilities. You decide.

Guns: Another non-issue. Both advocate guns but responsibly sold and handled. Duh.

Health care: This is a great one, Obama says universal health care is the the answer, McCain disagrees. Read Obama's care plan, you agree that its time for universal health care. The greatest nations in the world have one, why cant we? Point goes to Obama because he's right.

Technically, I'm only half way done but you can decide for yourself the rest of the way. Of the 20 issues i observed, i agreed with Obama on 13 of them, McCain on one of them, three to both, two to neither, and one undecided. I'd say my mind's made up.

But this election is not as bad as the last few we've had, where it truly has been choosing between the lesser of two evils. This election is paramount to our country's future and i am very happy with our choices. Sure if McCain gets elected, he will do things that i disagree with, but he will do them well, unlike my buddy George. If Obama is elected, it will mean a turning point in our history. The world is pulling for him and so am I. Whatever you choose this election, choose wisely and think long and hard about your decision. Lets make a difference, lets make a change. Can we restore this country the the greatest nation on earth? Yes we can.

Free Speech

We've all heard the idea that you cannot fully exercise your right to free speech. The example given is inevitably "You cannot yell 'Fire' in a crowded theater". How far do these rights and restrictions go?

The latest conflict we've seen is the cartoon of the profit Muhammad. Muslim tradition dictates that no representation of Muhammad be drawn or sculpted. This is quite a switch from the popular Christian religion which has pictures of their deity posted everywhere. (A quick aside: Jesus was not white and his last name was not Christ. Christians, if you are going to paint your god, you should do it correctly.) Coming back to the main point, many people think that the traditions of Muslims should be respected. It would certainly be the considerate thing to do, but which opinion is correct. We see a conflict between the idea of free speech and respect for culture. What is the answer?

The solution goes back to the rule which i consider to be the golden rule: Your freedoms end where another's begin. In certain instances, this is still hazy; does this mean that someone has the right to shut you up because your opinion is offensive? Certainly not. It is also untrue, however, that one has the right to say whatever they wish without regards to the consequences.

Lets return to our example, which is a pretty good case for this argument. The first thing that must be considered, is the well being of those involved. If an innocent person is going to be hurt (in any way) by what you are producing, you do not have the right to exercise that right. If no one is going to be hurt, then you have full rights so make any statement you like. The question then becomes how far your rights of free speech go. Suppose you drew a picture of the Muslim profit because you decided that everyone would be safe if you did so, i would say you had that right. You do not, however have the right to post it in an area where there are likely to be people offended by it.

The right to free speech does not mean the right to forcibly share your opinion. If someone wants to hear your opinion, let them have it. But otherwise take on a don't tell if not asked policy. Especially if you happen to be Ann Coulter.