Since it is proven that you cannot believe what you hear, especially in an election campaign, you have to rely on the past. Obama pretty much has no past, because he has no significant experience. McCain has a history, and therefore has some actions that some won't approve of. But I would rather deal with a weak hand than a wild card.
I have no respect for the campaign and election processes. I have little faith that either candidate will be able to make significant improvements in the lives of Americans. It's up to us to make our informed choices, and then focus on saving ourselves.
I have owned my small business for over 20 years, in one of the most cutthroat and low profit industries in existence, with heavy competition from several local big-box retailers. Some years are frighteningly lean. Others are fat and happy years. I plan for the lean years and we live well enough. I don't get government subsidies for agriculture, for energy, for business development. I don't get tax breaks for relocation or expansion. I don't get wage rebates from the unemployment agency or other social groups. I don't have any government or school contracts, because the "bribe to play" system makes me sick. We provide an honest product at an excellent price and 80% of our customers are repeat customers, and they send their friends and family. Businesses like mine boomed in the 80s, and a lot failed in the 90s. We are still here. We pay competitive wages, fully pay health insurance for our employees, and pay our bills and taxes on time. All that on less than 5% gross profit. Our tech has been with us over 10 years, and I am not looking to dump him for a cheaper worker. There is value that cannot be measured by money, and it has to do with trust. Where do you put your trust? Would you hand over everything you own and trust the government to manage it for you? I don't. Social programs do not work as long term solutions.
Why do poorly run businesses get bailouts? Why do fiscally irresponsible buyers get out of their debts? Where is personal and corporate accountability? Is either candidate going to fix this issue, which undermines the entire premise of the American economy?
I agree on most everything you said. I give big kudos to you for being a responsible and accountable business owner who also gives your employees full health coverage and doesn't replace a higher paid employee with a new low pay one. I wish more business owners were like you.
Living in North Dakota, I have seen different sides of things. The state is predominately agriculture so that means alot of business owners and I believe that's why ND is considered a Republican state. At least the farmers I have met are Republican. I'm not totally against subsidies for farmers. We depend on them for providing us with food. I would hate to see a farm that has been in the family for generations be lost either. I do think they need to make responsible choices and not all farmers do that. It does upset me when a farmer can pay cash for a $40,000 truck and then tell me they are having it rough and complaining about subsidies.
I agree and disagree on social programs with you. I think alot of them are mismanaged but I don't think some should be taken away. Every family should have at least one able person working to provide for themselves. Some families can only get jobs that pay close to minimum wage with no health coverage and how can a person expect a family to live off that yet one or two people? That's where food stamps and medical assistance come in. Some families are working and trying the best they can. Another example is those who are disabled and Social Security doesn't pay enough. That's where housing, medical, and food assistance comes in. I know in the 90s welfare was reformed. A person can only be on it a maximum of 5 years in a lifetime. They have mandatory job programs you have to go to or you lose your assistance. Somehow I suppose there are some people who find a way to beat the system.
This whole government system needs an overhaul from a decent minimum wage to responsible spending to regulating corrupt business practices, etc. I don't think we can blame just Bush on this. It was both parties over the last several years who have let things slide.
I respect your right to choose McCain. Even though I can't blame Bush for everything, I do think he has had his part in this. It troubles me that McCain has voted 90% with Bush. That is a quote coming from his mouth. I don't think Obama is a wild card. I think his views are very different from what we are used to in a candidate. I do think no one person will solve this mess we are in. The Senate and House are very much involved in this process and I don't think every thing Obama wants will be passed. Same thing with McCain.
