The vote
by Jake on Nov.06, 2008, under Uncategorized
For the first time in my life, I voted Democrat for the presidential ballot and it mattered. That is, this is the first time that I voted Democrat AND this is the first time that it mattered. The latter statement is a result of being in a state which unlike Utah is not a sure thing every four years. In fact, here in NC, the win came down to 13,000 votes for Obama.
I know there are a lot of you out there who are shocked and disappointed…I know this because I’ve seen your emails and your blogs warning me that Obama is the next best thing to nothing at all. I disagree. I voted for him because he inspires people and in my life time, he is the first president to do so. I really like McCain, but right now what we need is change–change requires effort and effort requires inspiration. That was my logic and I’m sticking with my vote. In four years, if we’re all eating cardboard and living in the streets, I still won’t admit that I was wrong, because in reality, presidents are not that powerful when it comes to the economy.
Note: I did NOT vote a straight ticket for the Dems; I’m extremely against straight-ticket voting because it takes the individual out of the vote and gives lazy voters a quick out. I spent a number of hours on the internet, researching the candidates and I voted for Republican for many of the local races. In most cases, my guy lost 
.
November 6th, 2008 on 8:03 pm
I actually didn’t vote (don’t shoot me) because I didn’t want to bring Hannah, and Scott was literally gone ALL day working at the polls for school. Also, you are right, it is inevitable that Utah votes Republican, so I felt that my vote wouldn’t even matter know matter which way I voted. I was more concerned about prop 8, anyway, than who would get elected. Anyway, I agree with you, though. I think Obama will do a fine job and I’m actually really glad that he got elected. When I was watching the news last night of all the African Americans crying/rejoicing, I almost got a little teary eyed myself. I’m glad that this is a big milestone for them. I consider myself conservative, but I certainly agree with some of the liberal points of view. Bill Clinton did a pretty good job as president (although he’s a scum bag), so I’m sure Obama will do great, too. Oh, and I also agree that the economy is not bad mainly because of the president. History shows that recessions happen over and over, and I don’t believe it has a whole lot to do with who’s elected at the time. There are many factors that play a part.
Anyway, let’s just hope that there aren’t any terrorist attacks on us like Biden claims there might be. I just hope that Obama is experienced enough to be able to deal with something like that.
November 6th, 2008 on 8:08 pm
Agree, agree, agree! I voted for Obama for the same reasons: inspiration, change, and hope. I can’t really complain about the way my life is right now, but it’s exciting to feel like change can happen, and better things can prevail.
I am not very political by nature, but I watched with great pride in my country when Obama gave his victory speech. But, of course, we’ll see what happens… but I think we made the right choice as a nation.
November 6th, 2008 on 11:47 pm
Whoops, just re-read my comment. I put “know matter,” and it should be “no matter.”
November 7th, 2008 on 6:27 pm
I would have voted for him also were it not for the fact that he and Biden did the flip-flop on the definition of marriage which in California was a fairly big thing.
I’m thinking that he may be cut from the same fabric as JFK, but it seems that when we get a Lincoln, a JFK, a Robert Kennedy, a Dr. King or a Ronald Reagan) someone takes them from us or attempts to. Love ya.
November 7th, 2008 on 8:44 pm
Jake, I can respect that. I applaud you more, however, for being one of the very few people who seem to understand that “in reality, presidents are not that powerful when it comes to the economy.” This whole business about the president “running the country” and “being the most powerful man in the world” is hyperbole too easily swallowed by too many Americans. Our nation’s government was conceived against the notion that government should be in the hands of one person–they were declaring independence from a king. Are we reverting to a past from which we once revolted? The sign that disturbs me the most is this: have you seen the large, oversized, pop-art stylized posters of Obama’s headshot against a red, white, and blue background with the words “HOPE” across the bottom? These have been plastered all over the place here in Gainesville–on walls, on people’s doors, etc… What other kinds of countries put up large pop-art-style posters of their leaders all over their walls? What other nations believe their country is run by one man? This shouldn’t happen in America. This same belief that the President runs America is the reason that people say all the country’s problems are George Bush’s fault. I find the Democrat’s and Obama’s siren song of “Eight years of failed Bush policies” to be insulting. But by hammering this message home over and over again, he has inadvertently set up the standard by which his own presidency must be judged: if the country does not change, it’s Obama’s fault. If the country improves, it’s Obama’s credit. In reality, I believe neither. I think the country will improve merely because of regression to the mean. That’s why bubbles burst and recessions end. It’s not the president causing it–though the president will eagerly take credit for it (or unwittingly receive blame for it–depending on the direction of regression). That said, Obama is a transformational figure who has inspired millions, and for that he deserves credit. But that’s about where the credit ends from me–for Obama, or any president.
(Side note: I am most proud that Marriage Amendments passed in CA, AZ, & FL! In FL it had to pass by 60% and I’m proud that our votes counted!)
November 7th, 2008 on 9:34 pm
Gutsy my brother. Admitting that. I did not vote for him, because as you say, it does not matter in Utah. I didn’t vote for McCain either.
I do wish we would have had a marriage amendment proposal like Proposition 8 in Utah. I would have been in the minority and voted against it. I think these marriage amendments are going to start political escalation that religion has not seen since the days of Brigham Young.
November 9th, 2008 on 1:28 am
I didn’t vote for him because I am afraid that Joe Biden may end up being president if something happens to him (which I hope and pray will not). I am happy to see the USA voting in an African American as President. I only wish he were a Republican!
I too, like Maran, was very very involved in Prop 8. They are still protesting at our Temples (and vandalizing them with graffiti as well as a ward house in orangevale, etc.). Dave and I actually attended a Yes on 8 rally on the Los Angeles City Hall lawn. It was wonderful and peaceful. It was for multi ethnic voters (we were one of a handful of caucasians there) out of about 2000 people. I have never been so involved in a political issue (except that it is a moral issue) in my life. I am so glad the people of California voted in the majority to yes on 8. But I know its not over yet..If it weren’t for the Mormons, Prop 8 would have failed. This is a fact. I am very proud to have been part of this and will stand up tall and fight to preserve the sanctity of marriage. Along with the hatred and condemnation from the opposition, there are letters of gratitude from other Christians for our hard work. I’d be happy to forward them to you if you want.
November 10th, 2008 on 1:09 pm
Hey Jake,
I was waiting to see your voting post-thank you for the bit about the economy! I get sick of hearing how good or bad a president is for our economy. A basic Econ class should be required in High Schools these days so voters would be educated about the workings of economy. I don’t find Obama personally inspiring, but I see how he is for many in our nation. I am anxious to see what changes he and his campaign will bring in the coming years.
November 10th, 2008 on 2:47 pm
I like Eean’s comment. Now, let’s hope for “good change”.
November 11th, 2008 on 9:36 pm
I commend you for sticking with your choice. I like McCain, he really appealed to my normal family guy side. But since 2004 I have watched Obama rise to his inspirations. I am hoping that he doesn’t get perswaded to often and can be a young and new voice for change. He will be in trouble if he starts making choices that shouldn’t be in Government hands though. I likewise voted non strait ticket and then sat back to see my votes for all but the presidential cabinet get approved. Idaho like Utah doesn’t make a difference if you chose Democratic, comparatively its like urinating in a river and hopeing the water changes color.
November 12th, 2008 on 5:04 pm
Sorry about my spelling. It was a long day.
November 17th, 2008 on 9:28 pm
I did not vote for him because he is pro choice and does not believe in pro life. His voting record on that issue alone is a good reason not to vote for him. The majority of his voting record, “present” wasn’t very impressive either. In addition, he says he believes in marriage between a man and a woman, but what he does is something quite different (showing support for gay rights in California). No, I don’t believe he will be good for our country. I think it takes something more than charisma to be a great leader. I think it takes integrity and the willingness to stand in the face adversity.