Last night's events and the resulting blog made me realize that perhaps I have not done a good enough explanation as to why I have chosen to support Bob Barr. First of all, like I mentioned last night, although I know Barr will not win, I do not believe my vote is wasted. A truly wasted vote is one that is not cast at all or one cast for something you don't believe in or someone you don't support. My vote is not a wasted vote.
Now on to the issues:
First, the economic crisis we currently find ourselves in. Both Obama and McCain supported the bailout of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Bob Barr did and does not support such bailouts (see my upcoming blog on capitalism...). Many people (at least according to polls I have seen) are not in support of this bail out. As Barr puts it, "There ain't a dimes worth of difference between John McCain and Barack Obama" on this bail out issue. And the way I see it, that is the truth.
Next we have the Patriot Act and the protection of American citizens' right to privacy. Since Barr has left congress he has been "working to take the U.S.A. Patriot act, drive a stake through its heart, shoot it, burn it, cut off its head, burn it again, and scatter its ashes to the four corners of the world." Many people who oppose Barr are quick to point out that he voted for the Patriot Act while in Congress and that his reversal just proves that hindsight is 20/20. People change. Bob Barr used to be a Republican too... He has seen the error of his ways and has changed. Since he realized he was wrong he has worked to correct it. It would be one thing if he voted for the Patriot Act and continues supporting it, but he has not continued in its support. He has been trying to right his wrong.
Another issue that is important to me is eminent domain. Libertarians have a perfect stance on this issue in my opinion. As Barr says, "allowing governments, at any level, to confiscate property without a compelling justification represents a serious attack on fundamental liberty." Barr does not see any reason for government to take a person's land away from them unless it is in an overwhelming public interest - and even then only if a truly fair market value is paid for the land.
These are only a few issues, but he has many good points on other issues too. If you have the will and time, check out www.bobbarr2008.com and look into him and his stances. And once again I am not trying to push my views on anyone, just trying to share information. I respect all people and the opinions they posses.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Election 2008
Tonight I was called an idiot because I do not support Barack Obama. I do recognize that everyone has a right to his or her own opinion, but these opinions can put to better use if they were expressed intelligently (i.e. calling someone an idiot is no way to persuade a person's opinion towards your own). I am fine with people supporting Barack Obama as long as they know why they are and can defend that stance.
In tonight's instance though, I was told that Obama is the best candidate this country has ever seen and that if he was not black and his name was not Barack Hussein Obama that the whole entire country would be behind him. So not only was I called an idiot, I was also basically called a racist. Even though I was never supporting Obama, this particular supporter's remarks sealed the deal.
Furthermore, I was told that voting for a third party is a wasted vote. This is a common excuse for people to vote for one of the major parties (Dems and Reps). However, the way I see it, a vote for something you believe in is never a wasted vote. You shouldn't have to support someone because they are from one of the parties in power when you don't agree with him or her. Votes have been cast for many dictators by people that didn't support the dictator but had no choice. We do have a choice! We have an obligation to be true to ourselves!
I believe in the Constitution of this country. I believe in the Bill of Rights. And in that document is a right to expression. Voting is a form of expression. Don't I have the right to choose who I vote for? I shouldn't have to vote for one of the major party tickets because they are the only ones that will win. Why vote for the lesser of two evils when you can vote for someone and something you believe in?
As Bob Barr says, "Obama and McCain are creatures of the status quo." Shouldn't the status quo be questioned? As George Carlin said, "The status quo sucks" and I tend to agree with him.
Go out and vote for who you believe in! I don't care who it is, as long as you know why you support them! And remember what Plato said: "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."
In tonight's instance though, I was told that Obama is the best candidate this country has ever seen and that if he was not black and his name was not Barack Hussein Obama that the whole entire country would be behind him. So not only was I called an idiot, I was also basically called a racist. Even though I was never supporting Obama, this particular supporter's remarks sealed the deal.
Furthermore, I was told that voting for a third party is a wasted vote. This is a common excuse for people to vote for one of the major parties (Dems and Reps). However, the way I see it, a vote for something you believe in is never a wasted vote. You shouldn't have to support someone because they are from one of the parties in power when you don't agree with him or her. Votes have been cast for many dictators by people that didn't support the dictator but had no choice. We do have a choice! We have an obligation to be true to ourselves!
I believe in the Constitution of this country. I believe in the Bill of Rights. And in that document is a right to expression. Voting is a form of expression. Don't I have the right to choose who I vote for? I shouldn't have to vote for one of the major party tickets because they are the only ones that will win. Why vote for the lesser of two evils when you can vote for someone and something you believe in?
As Bob Barr says, "Obama and McCain are creatures of the status quo." Shouldn't the status quo be questioned? As George Carlin said, "The status quo sucks" and I tend to agree with him.
Go out and vote for who you believe in! I don't care who it is, as long as you know why you support them! And remember what Plato said: "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."
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