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~ Joe Su 10:31 AM

omg lol...

Rudy Giuliani is my hero.



And while we're on it, how exactly does one improve the economy by raising taxes and making government bigger? I just don't understand it, so someone, preferably a liberal, please explain it to me.

Full disclosure: The main reason why I am leaning towards McCain this year is because Obama villainizes small business and big pharma. Further, Obama's attempts to become more centrist, to obviously enhance his electability, the past few weeks in my mind discredits him.

Things off the top of my head I like about Obama:

(a) message of entitlement, with particular attention to the disenfranchised
(b) charisma that inspires
(c) helping our fellow Americans who are less fortunate

My primary concerns about Obama:

(a) our current healthcare system is in major need of reform, but we can't afford to stifle innovation from medical and pharmaceutical institutions
(b) yes, Obama is raising taxes only for the top 5%, but those same top 5% largely dictate the flow of the American economy--they will cut jobs, invest less, and increase the prices of their goods and services--how will this NOT affect the rest of us? let me tell you what I think happened to our economy: 9/11, Katrina, China, subprime lending. And if you think about it, we already live on the blood and sweat of the upper middle class. Those below that level do not pay much in taxes at all.
(c) the needs of national security require unpopular executive decisions... can we afford to have a president who can't make tough, politically suicidal decisions? Obama can't vote "present" as president.
(d) the American energy solution must be multicomponent and environmentally responsible: why does Obama turn his back to valid parts of the solution such as offshore drilling and nuclear power? solar and wind are the sexiest solutions, but we can't put all our eggs in one basket.

My primary concerns about McCain:

(a) I adore McCain as a great American, but he has the charisma of a log--he doesn't inspire my generation of voters--where's the message of entitlement?
(b) we need to unite with other like-minded, freedom loving nations--can McCain unite the world?
(c) capitalism vs. socialism: as Americans we should know it takes a balance of the two for optimal progress... how can McCain not see a major need for healthcare reform?

My primary concern for America:

EDUCATION is the answer to many of our problems. I need to hear more about how Washington will empower teachers, parents, and students in a unifying manner. Right now it seems like both parties are politicizing the interests of teachers against the interests of parents and students when in reality everyone should be working together to improve the infrastructure of American education!

Lastly, McCain is NOT Bush, and it pisses me off everytime I hear that 90.5% remark. Tell me, how many times has Obama voted with Bush? As a thinking American, I need to understand that number better. What does 90.5% mean? Maybe Obama voted with Bush 70% of the time? Maybe the percentages are high because of no-brainer resolutions such as congratulating the New York Giants? In fact, McCain is probably the Republican that is most unlike our current president. The American people deserve better than a McSame, anti McCain campaign.

Democrats maybe do deserve an opportunity with the executive branch, but our future is much too important to base our decisions on the outdated formalisms of bipartisan politics. Regardless, this general election is Obama's to lose. Regardless, my vote will likely be for John McCain this November.

~ Joe Su 7:13 PM