Democrat? Republican? Maybe this video will sway you...

I never really thought of the reasoning behind the "Democratic" and "Republican" parties, why they are called by those names, and the significance behind them. After watching this video, I am even more confused. I am led to believe that it was prepared by a registered Republican or team of them, yet I am left believing any true believer in the "Republic" system as it is presented here would not claim an affiliation.

My belief is that both parties are broken and even corrupt and that our nation should not be led by parties at all. Also, I remain steadfast in my claim to be a non-partisan moderate when it comes to my political position. But I am swayed by this presentation to be in support of a "republic" form of government, and I believe that it is not just coincidence that, when it does come down to parties, I tend to vote for more Republicans than any other party. Could it be that their name does imply that their beliefs are in line with the "Republic" thinking as presented here? Take a look and let me know what YOU think.

Dave Barry's Review of 2008

The acronym "LOL" to the texting and instant messaging experts of the world means, of course, "laughing out loud." While it suggests to the reader that the sender is indeed participating in such an activity, rarely is that truly the case.

THAT SAID, I read this article today and couldn't help literally laughing out loud in my office a few times! Barry has a fun sense of humor. Myself claiming to be a "Nonpartisan Moderate," I like when it comes to politics how Barry unabashedly pokes fun at both sides equally.

Treat yourself. Take ten minutes and read this article poking a little fun at the roller coaster ride of last year! As he says, "Why not? We paid for it."

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5143,705273834,00.html?printView=true

"Vote Your Conscience!"

Okay, I'm breaking my calm silence about the election, thanks to this awesome video. I'm still not coming out and saying "vote Republican" or "vote Democrat." At this point, the ballot I cast will have more than one of each party on there, and possibly an independent and a Constitution Party candidate.

But I think anyone with a pulse that has paid even a little bit of attention to the issues knows WHO is on WHICH side of the issues that matter. I don't love either presidential candidate... but I think one leaves little guess work on being truthful while the other comes off as a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Open to your thoughts. Comment if you want to, but please VOTE on November 4th for sure! And do what these folks suggest... really consider the issues you are voting for or against when you cast your ballot!

In Defense of Our Nation's Divine Origin

Now, I'm not one to impose my religious beliefs on others. Given my dedicated beliefs, I'm even perhaps too soft-spoken and cautious about discussing such things publicly unless solicited.

That said, I am very much afraid for our nation after seeing that MSNBC is collecting votes from the public about whether the nation should remove "In God We Trust" from our currency! Are they freakin' kidding??????? In my opinion, that's like wearing a meatsuit into a junkyard full of snarling pitbulls, or standing on top of the tallest building during a lighting storm... someone is seriously "asking for it."

You can add your vote on MSNBC's website here. When I voted, those in favor of removal numbered approximately ONE THIRD! WHOA!!! Way too high for a nation founded on religious freedom, methinks...

I'm not going to beg you to vote, because I really don't think MSNBC's poll will make a difference in swaying any decision makers. However, I do believe that those fellow citizens who see this poll will inadvertently allow this into this psyche, for better or worse, and I personally would love to see those numbers shift radically to the right!

Green Moderate

Note: Okay, I started this post nearly a week ago, and it's time to finish it. (See next post: Finishing the unfinished).

Never in my life have I felt any desire to really link myself to either political party in my beloved homeland. The current battle for the U.S. Presidency only fortifies that stance. I've only ever actually registered as a Republican, and I even voted a straight ticket once as a young voter because I didn't know any better. But I'm embarrassed to admit that now and I'm disappointed by both parties, frankly.

So back on the 1st when I started this, during a short, enlightening workplace discussion with Steve, I found a simple expression that somewhat describes myself politically - a Green Moderate.

The Green Party does not suit my fancy any more completely than the Democrats or the Republicans. Rather, by using the term "green" I am proclaiming that I am environmentally conscious/aware, a supporter and advocate of conserving energy and open spaces, and love the idea of living "off grid" and paying no utility companies and leaving little to know carbon footprint of my own. By saying that, I'm not a nut job that would lay down in front of a bulldozer in protest of development, because I believe also in progress and man's ability to use his talents to create things and make life more livable.

By calling myself a moderate, I simply mean I wouldn't jump on the liberal bus NOR the conservative bus if stranded needing a ride. Perhaps this is for the same reason I had no interest whatsoever in uniting myself with a fraternity in college (well, the fact that my schools had no fraternities may have also had a hand in that decision). Point being, I enjoy making friends wherever I find myself. Those who know me well will agree that I remain a "people pleaser" by nature. Nevertheless, I don't avoid people because they fit into one category or another. Back to politics, the root of my "moderate" claim is that I am becoming more and more a realist as time goes by. Our dominant parties tend to both have their head in the clouds when it comes to change. I believe that some change is certainly good; however, I also believe that the addage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" also applies in government's hand in our lives. If our congressional leaders would simply consider the issues for the issues' sakes, make decisions, and act appropriately on them instead of their motive simply to be to piss the other party off, we'd be in a whole different world.

I could say a lot more on the subject, but this'll likely be a boring post for anyone to read... it was a personal satisfaction kind of post. Just meant to clear the air and put my thoughts into type.

In closing, I thought this was a cool graphic... and no, I'm not equating myself to God, rather I like to believe he and I think alike politically: