As far as the East is from the West

When I was in school, both high school and college, I loved to write - as long as I had something to write about. But I struggled with topics. If I had a topic I was passionate about the words just flowed. One of my favorite writing styles back then was comparison and contrast. It was always fun to find things that were polar opposites to write about, or even to reveal differences between things that looked alike, by using the comparison and contrast style of writing.

Thankfully, now that I have a place to put down my thoughts, I have been blessed with a great topic on which to opine. Even better, the topic is quite well suited to my favorite writing style. Unfortunately, I cannot use some of the usual analogies when writing on this particular subject. If I said "different as night and day" or the difference is "black and white", I would probably be labeled as a racist. So I will stick to saying that the positions our two candidates for president in this election support are as far apart as the East is from the West.

Yes, since the polls show the candidates in a virtual dead heat you may be surprised to know how far these two candidates differ on the issues, particularly when opinion polls reveal that the vast majority of Americans are still very conservative. Could it be that the people being polled are not aware of the position of the candidates? If you fall into that category perhaps I can help. Let's take a look at where each candidate stands. I will not be able to compare their stances on all issues, so please allow me the liberty to pick a few that are important to me. When I am finished, you can assess their positions and decide with which candidate you identify. Then, don't forget to vote based upon that knowledge. I only hope that you have an understanding of the issues because I will endeavor to state positions only and not insert any opinion on whether the current state of affairs is satisfactory or whether I agree with either candidate.

Senator Obama opposes public school vouchers preferring to allocate funds to our high quality, extremely successful, existing public school systems. (Our children are rated 18th out of 24 nations in quality of education). Senator McCain supports school vouchers so that parents can move their children from poorly performing public schools to private schools or charter schools, providing an equalizer for families that are not wealthy.

Senator McCain proposes a $2 billion dollar investment in clean coal technology, supports off shore drilling (not limited by the extreme restrictions imposed by the recent bill passed by the Democrat led Congress), favors a tax credit to Americans who buy zero carbon emission cars and selected a running mate who supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He opposes a windfall tax on oil companies that provide products and jobs to the American people. He believes in a full spectrum plan that bridges the gap from where we are now to the time when we can provide a significant amount of our energy from renewable energy sources. Senator McCain also supports clean nuclear power. Senator Obama wants to concentrate on the future by investing $150 billion over the next ten years on alternative energy research and development. He also supports taxing of oil companies' windfall profits and proper inflation pressure in automobile tires. (Sorry, I could not resist.)

Senator McCain served our country as an officer in the United States Navy for twenty-two years. He supported the war in Iraq, but disagreed with the way President Bush executed the campaign. Senator McCain was the major proponent of the surge which has proven the turning point in the war. He has also served in the Senate for twenty-six years. Senator McCain has established relationships with foreign leaders around the world and is respected for his leadership. Senator McCain wants to bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan in Victory. Senator Obama never served in the military. He has, however, served over two hundred days in the United States Senate. Senator Obama has threatened unilateral attacks on a nuclear Pakistan if that country fails to take action to stop terrorists. Senator Obama will meet with our enemies, notably the leaders of Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela, without precondition. Senator Obama did not support the surge, and refuses to state outright that the surge was the turning point in Iraq. Senator Obama wants to withdraw our troops on an arbitrary timetable not based upon the situation on the ground.

Senator Obama believes that more strict "common sense" gun laws will reduce gun violence. Senator McCain believes that our Second Amendment Right to bear arms must be protected. Both candidates support closing the "gun-show loophole" by requiring background checks at gun shows.

Senator McCain opposes abortion rights and would seek to overturn Roe v. Wade. He also believes life begins at conception. Senator Obama favors abortion rights and does not have an opinion on when life begins because it is above his pay grade.

Senator Obama believes that Supreme Court Justices should make court decisions based upon their value system. Senator McCain believes that Supreme Court Justices must make judicial decisions based upon the facts of the case and written law, meaning they do not legislate from the bench.

Senator McCain believes that the worst thing to do in a time of recession is raise taxes. He believes that lowering taxes, as proven by Reaganomics, increases investment, research and development, and jobs, and ultimately stimulates the economy and promotes growth. Senator Obama believes the economy can grow from the bottom up and wants to give tax breaks and tax credits to those who earn less than $250,000/year...or $200,000/year...or $150,000/year. Actually, today I heard it is $120,000/year. Senator Obama believes that if we give the less fortunate extra money they will spend our way to prosperity. Senator Obama will fund this plan by increasing taxes on wealthy Americans, large corporations and small businesses. He will suspend the capital gains tax for new start up businesses which should really help since the average start up does not earn any capital gains for the first five years anyway.

That wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be. In fact, it was quite dry and boring to write. There are many other issues and even these issues were given only cursory consideration. If you cannot make up your mind yet, or would like more information there are lots of places to look that are not filtered by the media. I suggest www.ontheissues.org or www.votesmart.org. Each of these will give you the facts on how the candidates have voted...or not voted.

For me, this exercise has been mundane. I already know who will receive my vote - a vote guaranteed by the Armed Forces which sacrifice daily to protect our rights and our way of life. I take my vote very seriously. It is critical that we all go to the polls armed with the conviction of our morals and values intact. Do not vote based upon anything but your values. Find the candidate that represents your values on the issues most important to you and support that candidate.

Perhaps tomorrow I will compare how the candidates stack up with the majority of the American people as determined by national polls. The results of that comparison may shock you.

For me the decision is easy. I will vote based upon the issue or issues to which I give highest priority. The government is charged with protecting Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. My decision can be made from that statement alone. I vote with the candidate who protects life!

Vote McCain/Palin on November 4th!