2012 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIATES

This is certainly becoming an interesting run for the presidency.  It’s difficult…or maybe impossible to keep track of all the Republican Candidates without a program.  Let’s see, we have Minnesota Congressmen Michele Bachmann, businessmen Herman Cain, Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Governor of Utah Jon Huntsman, former Governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson, political consultant Fred Karger, Andy Martin, Jimmy McMillan, Tom Miller, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Tom Pawlenty, and three or four others who have no chance of even getting close to being nominated.  Then of course, we have the Democratic Party’s Barack Obama. 

When I taught US and Illinois Government, I tried to give a brief summary of each of the candidates in hopes I could give the students a better understand of the important issues facing the nation.  It would take me an entire school year I fear to get through the barrage of Republican candidates clamoring for the top seat!  So, I think I will take the lead from our current Commander in Chief as he humorously stated on Jay Leno a couple weeks back and “wait for most of them to be voted off the island.”

I have never claimed to be either a Republican or a Democrat.  I think I have only voted straight ticket once in my life.  I have tried to look at what each candidate stands for and determine whether or not he or she would be an asset or a liability to the nation.  It isn’t easy to figure that out however!  Many people rely on the mainstream media for their information.  That, in my opinion, is just plain dumb!  Congressional records are available that reveal how our elected officials have voted on various issues.  That is a good place to start.  Listening to their speeches and comparing what they say now and how they voted in the past is also another way of determining their credibility.  I also listen carefully on what each candidate has to say about their opponent or opponents.  I never quite trust public officials who sling mud at others.  It also raises a red flag in my mind when a candidate who is gaining points in his standing is suddenly accused of sexual improprieties that allegedly happened a decade before.  It would not surprise me if someone hired others to make false accusations.  Nothing surprises me in a presidential race.

Having said all the above, I will begin my analysis with the one person we all know will be on the ticket…our current president.  Please understand, this is MY opinion.  You may or may not agree with me.  I don’t have a problem with anyone voicing their own opinion; however, don’t become hostile with me because you may disagree with me.  Let’s agree to disagree agreeably.

1. The President on foreign policy:  I really don’t have an opinion one way or another.  He’s met with a lot of heads of state, done a lot of talking, and probably has done some positive things.
2. The War:  He’s promised to bring the troops home.  I agree.  It’s time.  Enough said on that point.
3. The economy: This could make or break this president.  People around this country and around the world have sent our government a very loud message on jobs and housing.  Big government and big business have duped the American people royally!  I am not referring to those who expect something for nothing; I am not interested in people who choose to collect welfare rather than work; I don’t give a rip about students who expect a free ride to college; and I am totally opposed to illegal immigrants who come into this country and expect free health care and free education.  My concern is for those who have lost their jobs and their homes because of corporate greed and the excessive spending and salaries in Washington.

Are you aware that members of Congress can vote and have voted big raises for themselves without our knowledge?  Do you know that members of Congress keep their salaries for life even after they are out of office?  You know those laws that Congress passes for us dealing with health care and such?  Well, they are NOT obligated to abide by those same laws!  Why is it that we, the American people, don’t hold these government officials accountable?  Well, for one, we would have to contact our local Congressmen to voice our opinion.  Think about it!

 4. Health Care:  This is a difficult one on several levels.  I have a friend who had a transplant.  Her medication is very costly and she just lost her job.  She is single and lives on a very fixed income.  National healthcare could be the answer for her.  However, national healthcare where anyone can get medical care for nothing is not the answer.  Why?  Because there is no such thing as a free lunch.  Why do you think our country is in the financial fix it’s in?  Too many freebies!!!  Do you really want the government forcing national healthcare on you?  I don’t.  I feel bad for those who cannot afford health insurance.  No one should have to raise children with healthcare.  No one should have to live without healthcare.  But a national healthcare system is NOT the answer!  So what is the answer?

1. Federal laws regulating the high cost of medical care.  One cannot even get sick without paying hundreds of dollars.  Several years ago I spent four days in the hospital.  When I got my bill, I noticed that I was charged $12 for every Tylenol I was given.  We noticed other ridiculous charges on our bill.  This is just dumb.  The last time I had to spend time in the hospital (the infamous spider bite), I brought my own Tylenol!  I didn’t tell the nurses or they would have taken it.  Whenever the pain got too bad, I took one of my own!
2. Federal laws regulating the high cost of medication.
3. Tort reform!  Stop these ridiculous law suits that cause doctors to pay high costs for malpractice insurance…which they pass on to you and me!

This is an easy fix.

5. Finally,  this president during this past summer threatened to withhold social Security checks and military checks if the two sides of the congressional isle didn’t come to some agreement on the budget.  Why not withhold their OWN paychecks?

So, those of you who read this who are either in the military or who are retired….I certainly hope that you remember point #5 when you go to vote next November.  This president is NOT a president for the people.  This is a man devoted to himself.  “We the People” is not a part of his agenda.    I certainly hope that the over 40% of the voting eligible populace of this country get off their duffs and vote!!!!

I will make commentaries of the Republican candidates when they are whittled down a bit!