Lying and Telling the Truth
Thursday, October 30th, 2008So, I sat here tonight, forgetful of Republican and Democrat initiatives…and I watched 42 minutes of Obama speaking just after Bill Clinton introduction. And, here’s what I came away with.
Many people call Obama a liar. Many people link Obama to others who make radical statements, and it terrifies them. They use words like Socialism, Communism and terrorist, with fear and hatred.
I understand. Every ideological position has outlandish aspects that defy everything that seems natural to us and association with these radical ideals are horrifying. Why? Because virtually nothing idealistic works in practical application. Capitalism, something that I despise in its purist form, brings out the worst in people. You cannot look at the current economic situation and defend on every level the free market. Similarly, I heard a poet last night claim he was a Communist and support his theories, not through the practical application of Communism, but by citing the short-comings of Capitalism, which are vast. And, most average people in communist societies will agree that they are not setup to succeed and communism is a failed system when applied in what can be its only true form - far from the ideoligocal communist manifesto.
And so, I sit listening to an Obama speech, after having heard many speeches by McCain, Palin, Obama, and a million other pundits. Frankly, they use many of the same words. But what I hear differently, and what brings me to the edge of my emotional seat, is not the words used or the party affiliation. I block out the pleads from people to believe that everything these “enemies” or “pals of terrorists” would have me believe, and I listen to the words, and I believe that, at his core, Obama believes what I believe. Whether he lies or not, he says what I believe. McCain may be honest, but he is honestly disheartening.
Rich people do not let their money “trickle down”. They are smart, invest it, earn more, and keep it for their children. This sounds great, if you are a rich person’s kid, but 99% of people are not, and 99% of people are hurting right now. Rich people understand taxes, or they hire people that do, and they pay less. These people do not need tax cuts, and they do not spend the money they save from taxes, they save it. I have never received money from rich people who saved on their taxesm through any channel.
Most of all, I read blogs and articles and hear reports everyday of the divisiveness of this country, and I loathe it. Tonight I listened to a speech that did not call on me to fear the economic policies of a party or candidate. I heard someone tell me why they believed that I deserve representation in government, not one who helps business succeed at the expense of regular people, but one who makes rich people and rich companies pay their fair share so that ordinary people can make that extra push and get somewhere in life.
I am tired of being afraid of terrorists. I am tired of being afraid of policies. I am tired of thinking poorly of my fellow citizens in red states, swing states and other geo-politically labeled states. I love America. But I don’t love America above all else. I love America LIKE all else. I love America like I love Israel, and Japan, the only other countries I have seen and appreciated the beauty of in person. I love America like Mexico, the land of my grandfather. I love America because of Jazz and our amazing film industry, and heavy metal and the Sacramento Kings. I am TIRED of fear politics and divisiveness. I am ready for change, and I watched a candidate tonight that proposed this change while sticking to the issues and showing respect to the other party.
I am not saying that the Obama campaign has not been tough on McCain. What I do know is, as much as he can, while still being smart about trying to win the election, Obama has tried to stick to a straight forward campaign of better policies and plans that are committed to helping people like me and my friends. If McCain was interested in helping people like me, or creating a unified environment of trust and cooperation, I WOULD be open to voting for him, but I have not seen that. I am not a Democrat, but I am voting for Barack Obama. It has nothing to do with “spreading the wealth”. It has to do with wanting a unified country and a leader who understands the central needs of people and community. I want a leader who inspires, not divides for the sake of the vote, and induces threats at their rallies. I want someone who organizes communities, not committees. One who builds relationships, not pipelines. One who engages with international threats and understands everyone’s needs, not alienates and cuts off the ties of negotiation. I want someone who believes that hard work moves this economy, because it does. Bring back American companies. Bring back American values, of freedom and choice, not restriction and corruption. Bring back peace, love, and the REAL American dream - success after hard work.
Good luck to us all on November 4th.
–Joey Flores
The Capitalist Hippie Complex
www.CapitalistHippie.com
http://www.myspace.com/thechc