Despite liberal, free-love (sex) home I grew up in, I have and always will be a conservative. In addition, I've always loved politics, especially debates. I have loved my freedom to vote and done so since I was 18. Since I was 18, I have voted Republican with only two exceptions where I knew the candidate and couldn't make myself vote at all for that particular position.
As the elections gets closer, you might see an occasional post about politics. That's my forewarning to anyone who might read this and disagree with the conservative Republican view.
I think my political views made it easier to become a Christian. My conservative views were echoed by those standing next to me in church and it was one less thing I had to change my thinking about. The moral and social platforms of my church and the GOP were in-line with what I already believed. There is really only issue where I disagree with both and I'll admit my heart is softening. (That new blog post is coming soon.)
Now that the primaries and RNC are over, I have my top 10 thoughts going into this election season:
1. There are far too many political ads on television. I counted one night and in a one commercial run there were 6 ads. It's time for them to find a different way to make themselves stand out. They all start to look the same after one hour-long show.
2. Families in advertising do nothing for me. I understand politicians wanting to connect with the people on a personal level. I've seen husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, and children in these ads. I know this is a bit mean, but shows the truth in advertising. If the family member is unattractive, has a facial feature that stands out or is just flat ugly, the message gets lost. I don't know about anyone else, but I can't hear what your momma is saying about you if the giant, hairy mole on her neck is staring at me. I can't hear how loved you are if your husband's crooked nose and elephant ears are dead center in my big screen tv.
3. Dogs in a commercial do get my attention. Don't get me wrong, there are ugly dogs. But, you just have to love an ugly dog. I secretly watch closely to see if the dog and owner look alike. Again though, the message kind of gets lost on me. However, I do remember their name. Even a dog loving Democrat won't get my vote.
4. Todd Akin. Wow, I could do an entire post on this one. He spoke out of ignorance about rape. Something that anyone who had been raped wouldn't have done. I can be gracious about ignorance, as I want people to offer me grace when I am ignorant. It was his apology that pushed my buttons. To have some ignorant ass repeating the word rape in an awkward apology does little to help me forgive and a whole lot to trigger my own issues. Someone should have thought that one through a bit better. I won't be voting for him this fall, even though he's my only Republican choice. However, I will have to vote against his opponent.
5. Candidates appearances change. The guys you see campaigning will look at minimum 15 years older after their 4 year term is over. The GOP VP choice doesn't look much older than me. If he heads to the white house, I'm guessing he'll look old enough to be my grandpa by the time the first term is over.
6. Who in the world writes these speeches? If the candidates aren't going to write their own speeches, then the speech writer should at least know them. It's kind of like a pastor doing a funeral for someone they didn't know. There is such a disconnect between who they are and what is coming out of their mouths.
7. When candidates or candidates families answer questions, they should make sure their answers carry the same moral and social lead as the campaign. Again, this could be a post all of it's own. Ann Romney said this week that her favorite show is Modern Family. This show openly celebrates homosexuality. If you stand strong against gay marriage either ethically or biblically, how do you watch the show? I suppose I could ask my many Christian friends the same thing. Watching is supporting, so it's confusing to know what is really in your heart.
8. Both political parties will participate in their nominating conventions. Both sides will stand in front of the world and talk about the economy. It's difficult to have faith in either side when you see the massive amount of money that is being spent on the convention. Sure, it creates temporary jobs. Sure, there is a boost local economy at the location. But, couldn't that money be used in better ways?
9. Candidates should always consider their future when doing anything. A particular local candidate was incredibly rude and inconsiderate of me and my time at a previous job. He always had a demeaning attitude toward people who had "service" position. Guess what, "service" and blue-collar workers make up a huge portion of the voting population. It amazes me how dismissive candidates can be of those they see as being below them socially, financially, or intellectually. Big mistake!
10. An aging, unscripted Clint Eastwood just spells trouble. Wow, there isn't much you can say about that train wreck performance he gave minutes before Mitt Romney's speech. It was vulgar at times with insinuation, I mean he was talking to an empty chair and certainly not family appropriate. His thoughts were scattered and it was just not good quality. It devalued those who spoke in days before and on the same night. The horrified look of those in the audience really said it all. He made some valid points, but it will be the craziness which will be remembered.
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