So, who are you going to vote for?

Well, I haven't had pictures to post for the past few days, so I've been waiting until I had some. But, I still don't. So you are getting a rambling post today. I really should use this blog for what it's made for anyway.

Something that I have been thinking alot about lately are politics. In just 4 months, we will be voting for a new president. I have voted since I was 18. It's just something that I feel is very important. But something that I am keenly more aware of this time is that not only are we voting for "the man," but also his wife and his family and his associates! Whether they like it or not, the candidates' families are in the spotlight. They cannot help but be there. The way the media is now, every little speck of information, every opportune photo is available to the public. And trust me, the public DOES pay attention. Even if you do not plan on voting, you pay attention.

Many of you know how I feel about life and its morals. And I am looking for a First Family to stand up to those morals. PROBLEM: both men running for president do not stand for those morals. Or should I say, their families. Here's my problem.

Obama: Do any of you remember the email that went around, discussing Obama's lack of patriotism when he did not place his hand over his heart during the national anthem? It was a confirmed email, an undoctored photograph. Here's my problem - do I want the leader of our country setting an example, saying that it's okay not to pledge allegiance to a nation with such great freedoms and privileges? Do these people understand what it means to pledge allegiance, do they understand what has been sacrificed so I would have the ability to write this and not be arrested?

Not only will he not pledge allegiance, he also voted for a piece of legislature that went AGAINST the Constitution. Yes, that's right, he voted for the D.C. handgun ban. The 2nd Amendment of the Constitution allows the citizens of the United States the right to bear arms, so that we may protect ourselves. The reason the 2nd Amendment was written was to keep the protection of the citizens against England, but also to protect themselves against the government of the United States should anything go wrong. Yeah, I have a problem with imposing gun control laws.

Now, his wife. First of all, I do think it is FANTASTIC that she obtained a college degree and is setting that example for young girls. But, do I want the first lady setting an example for my daughter that it is alright to wear immodest clothing? Do I want my daughter asking me why her daughters are allowed to wear immodest clothing when she cannot? Yes, I understand that this is just one woman and her daughters. I understand that they have a choice what to wear, just as I do. BUT, I have a choice to vote for her husband and to have them in the spotlight. You can call me prudish, unrealistic, maybe even silly for considering this when voting for someone. Hey, my vote, my standards.

McCain: Oh yeah, I have problems with McCain too. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that when in a presidential debate, a candidate cannot give a straight-forward answer to save his life! If you're running for president, shouldn't you know what you stand for BEFORE you announce your candidacy? Um, shouldn't your employees stand for what you supposedly believe in? Shouldn't you be working for the people and not your own interests? I am talking about a little comment made by his economic advisor that the recession has been created by the people's "whining." Thanks for that. Why don't the leaders of our country take ownership for bickering back and forth, saying "I won't vote for your measure because you didn't vote for mine." Yeah, that's right, WE VOTED FOR THEM TOO! Here's another idea - why are the legislator's worried so much about spending and debt in America when the government in Washington can't even control THEIR spending and live within a budget, trying to get our NATION out of debt.

My views on Iraq? Don't get me wrong, I support the troops 100%. I thank them for fighting to maintain our freedoms when here at home. Here's what Senator McCain says about Iraq: "John McCain believes it is strategically and morally essential for the United States to support the Government of Iraq to become capable of governing itself and safeguarding its people. The best way to secure long-term peace and security is to establish a stable, prosperous, and democratic state in Iraq. When Iraqi forces can safeguard their own country, American troops can return home." Um, Senator McCain, when will that be? Why are our troops not here at home, safeguarding THEIR own country? Why are my tax dollars going to pay for the support of a foreign country? My belief is that if they want support, or need support, that they should provide the financial backing FOR that support. If we go by the standard that Mr. McCain proposes, we'll NEVER be out of Iraq. Why not take the money that we are throwing into Iraq and give it back to the American people, to help fix our economy. PROBLEM!

Okay, now his wife. First, I applaud her desire and ability to adopt, and for her work with children with disabilities. I believe it takes a special person with an extraordinary amount of patience and love to do these things. I also applaud her openness about her drug addiction and recovery. But, if I'm going to talk about Mrs. Obama's lack of modesty, I might as well talk about Mrs. McCain's job - chair of Hensley and Co., one of the largest distributors of beer in the nation. PROBLEM! Again, how do I explain this to my daughter.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I support something called the Word of Wisdom. It teaches prudence in our eating a drinking habits. It teaches abstinence to those things that have been proven to harm our bodies. And alcohol is one of them. And there is no doubt in my mind that the things I believe in are true. Every ounce. Again, my vote, my standards.

It may seem as if I am basing alot of my decisions on the best interests of my daughter. Well, isn't that what we vote for? To ensure the safety of the future of our children? Yes, this president will be in office during her childhood, but THIS president will be paving the way for future presidents, just as the ones during my childhood have done. It's time for responsible leadership. It's time for these men and their families to realize the responsibility that is being placed on their shoulders and the example that they DO set, not only for our nation but for others as well! Do I know who I am voting for yet? No idea. It's going to be a long, short 4 months. But I still believe that EVERYONE that is of voting age should vote. Know your rights, study the candidates, get out and vote!