Off To Vote, One More Time
It's back to the polls today. Surely most of us are quite tired of politics for the moment. But, here in Georgia we are having a runoff election for U.S. Senate between incumbent Chambliss and challenger Martin. I'll be voting for Chambliss. And, not with enthusiasm because of the person, but nonetheless with resolve because of political and social convictions.
I feel quite strongly about elections, and did what I could in the general elections to bring about a win for my side. Certainly I voted. And I registered others to vote. Within proper context- never in the pulpit and never in my public position as pastor- I sought to vigorously and persuasively convince others of the rightness of my cause. And in many ways I was on the winning side. In just about every demographic category that I represent, my side won. My district, county, state, and region of the country voted my way. My age group, gender, and religious category all supported the conservative candidate, although none in overwhelming numbers. My family voted McCain, except for one stubborn daughter who just wanted to show her dad her independence. So, I did my best.
But, alas, Obama won the election. It was not really close, although certainly I do not interpret a mandate in garnering 52% of the vote when the other side has performed so poorly in office and waged such a bad campaign. Still, Obama won. And as I have inferred previously in this blog and personally to those who wished to discuss the matter, I want to give the guy a chance. There seems to be much to like. He comes across so very well in an interview- smart, sensible, interesting. So far I like his Cabinet selections- the guy has confidence and courage, and magnaminity, to appoint Hilliary Clinton as Secretary of State! And he is sounding more reasonable about the economy, and more conservative about foreign policy, that I would have imagined. So, who knows? This man may prove to be just the President we need for these complicated times. Besides, the GOP was long overdue for a good and swift kick in the rear.
Today I will be voting for Saxby Chambliss for the Senate. The other side already has 58 in the U.S. Senate, and I am sadly sure they will find a way to win the disputed election in Minnesota, in spite of the fact they lost the election and the recount. So, for the health of the political process, these guys do not need a filibuster-proof super majority. I do not know much about the personal lives or characters of Chambliss or his opponent, Jim Martin. I do know that Chambliss has proven to be a reliable, conservative representative.
The liberals have taken over the country. Well, most of it. I'd like to keep them out of my little corner of the woods.
So, I'm off to vote!
12.02.08 (1:13 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
12.02.08 (11:22 am)
You're a good guy, with a good heart, and yet you are still about as goofy as anyone I ever met.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
12.02.08 (11:56 am)
smart tho....
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.02.08 (2:16 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
Just doing my best to save America.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.02.08 (2:17 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom
Thanks!
posted by:
alaskawildflowers (
reply)
post date:
12.02.08 (5:23 pm)
Who says America needs saving? With all due respect, there is room enough for all of our opinions-- that's why the political system works here. It's pretty hard to get back to the middle from the extreme far right, without a gentle swing through the left-- I like to think it's like a pendulum. I think it's a testament to President-elect Obama's character that he has chosen the people he thinks are best for the job, regardless of their political affiliation. We could do a lot better if each of us made decisions the same way, instead of chosing only the people LIKE us.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.02.08 (8:22 pm)
Reply to: alaskawildflowers
Well, I think you're just a bit idealist concerning Obama. He's partisan, as evidenced that all his appointments so far- except one- are loyal Democrats. But, hey, that's his right- he won the election! My statement about "saving America" was a poor attempt at humor, directed toward a long-time t-Blog nemesis. And probably I should capitalize "poor attempt".
Thanks for your comment. Come along often, and please disagree with me!
I like your governor.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
12.03.08 (10:34 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
and HEY !! point of fact, it worked!! How cool is that. you did get a hand in saving America! WOOT !!!
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
12.03.08 (10:35 am)
oh. and for all you who are bashing those of us who lost the Presidential election, PLEASE remember, the economy was STRONG AND GOOD until 2 years ago when the Democrats took over the Congress and Senate.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
12.03.08 (2:42 pm)
Reply to: alaskawildflowers
I'm sure Dave's breathing easier today knowing his little corner of the world still has a fellow like Mr. Chambliss representing it. He won't be truly happy 'til Republicans are in charge again; ya know, so they can continue the fine job they've done the last eight years.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.03.08 (2:55 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
Oh, I'm able to sleep at night. Chambliss is obviously the superior candidate, and the people of my state resoundly agree. A ton of Obama supporters let the other guy down, bigtime. Such will be a pattern.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
12.03.08 (4:54 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom
Did you pass civics? They "took over congress"?
Um, they haven't had enough votes to override a veto... Maybe you really didn't know that, or maybe you DO know it and are just being obtuse.
Either way, it's an absurd and truly stupid statement, -but, unfortunately, not surprising in the least.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.04.08 (6:18 am)
Reply to: surrogate
"...absurd and truly stupid statement..."
Obviously you do not like, or agree, with what has been said. But it is only absurd and stupid to someone with a narrow and elitist point of view. Yes, the Democrats have "taken over" Congress. That has been the reality for the last two+ years, and is even more so the truth at this time. They have the majority in both houses, and now the Presidency. The Speaker of the House and President of the Senate are both Democrats. The chairpersons of every Committee and majority membership of every committee are Democrats. The ones who decide issues that will be considered and voted are Democrats. It is a true and obvious, and really irrefutable statement that the Democrats are in control. Thankfully because of the good sense of the people of Georgia, and perhaps Minnesota, they do not have a filibuster-proof majority.
So, how you can refer to this observation as absurd and stupid is puzzling.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
12.04.08 (6:31 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
Are you truly that dumb? Having a majority doesn't matter if you can't override a veto. Did you sleep through Schoolhouse Rock AND Government class?
Come on. You know this.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.04.08 (6:53 am)
Reply to: surrogate
Now, I'm trying to stay away from once again interacting with you about how patently childish is this insistance upon labeling all who disagree with you in all matters as being dumb/stupid.
It doesn't matter? The veto is used so rarely, almost never. And with a Democrat President, there is little worry about a veto being used by him. There is a Democrat political agenda that will be carried out by this Congress, and the opposition is rather weak. The tax-and-spend approach to government has now been given the green light. It's going to be quite a ride, and our wallets are in for big trouble. The liberal social agenda will also be run roughshod through this Congress. So, who has the gavel makes a world of difference. Again, this is quite obvious to about everyone but you.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.04.08 (6:57 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
Consider it a badge of pride when a radical liberal chooses to label your political views as "absurd' & "stupid".
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
12.04.08 (7:06 am)
Dave, for God;s sake, I was responding to the fact that fractalmom said that the economy is in bad shape because the Dems have taken over congress. And, just so you understand, the reason the veto pen was used sparingly is because they (the majority) for the most part didn't bother trying to get laws passed they knew Bush would veto. This is simple stuff. When they HAVE tried to pass things he's opposed, you folks accuse them of grandstanding. If you want to talk about the future, fine, I was talking about the way things have been for the last two years.
Once again, I'm pretty sure you knew this, but chose to ignore it since it doesn't help your case. To me, that's called being obtuse.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
12.04.08 (5:52 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
;) what cannot be cured, must be endured...
