I am feeling so confused about the elections this year especially with what is going on in our economy. I feel that this is a really important time for us to make the right choice, as are all presidential elections. As i have been reading and listening to every one's opinions regarding these two men that could be running our country and could basically change the rest of our lives for the next four years, I feel so confused and really feel like neither one is ready or even has the experience to be our president. I wish I could just choose neither, but I know i can't do that especially living in the state of West Virginia where it could be a possible "swing" state (i think that is the right term) I finally feel like my vote is important as is ANY ONE'S VOTE.
I guess what I am really trying to say is that I am so grateful that we have a living prophet today that guides us and gives us direction especially during these times of stress and confusion. It is such a comfort and relief to know that what ever he tells us to do or be prepared for, I know we will be safe and is the right thing for my family. I am super grateful that we are able to have conference before we have to vote for who will be the leader of a free, hard working, dedicated, and hard fought country. I wish our sweet President Monsen could just suggest who we should vote for. ( I know he can't and wouldn't do that, and I am grateful that I have the freedom to choose ) But wouldn't that be GREAT!
Well, I know that I probably don't know as much as I should about the elections, but I just wanted to tell you all really how grateful I am for this gospel, and for our leaders of this great and everlasting church. I am sooooo grateful for my testimony and for my reassurance that I feel from my Heavenly Father when I pray, and stay close to him. I am especially grateful for my husband and for all of his hard work, with doing well in school and taking care of our family. And how can I leave out my BEST little BUDDY Aspen, oh friends, I love this little girl more than ANY of you will ever know. (besides moms with children I'm sure) I am so grateful for her EVERYDAY and think that I am just the luckiest lady in the WORLD!
Ok all of that was random and I am sure that most of you did not read it (don't worry I won't be offended) Just want all of you fellow bloggers to know where I stand and how much I love all of you and love all of your sweet comments!
There is a great talk that feels like it was given for us right now. It's President Hinckley
" Be not afraid" it discusses economic blows and how he made when everyone was struggling, and being prepared mentally. Sorry I don't know how to link it, but read it.
31 comments:
I completely understand. I too have been struggling with the election. I think we just need to do our best in researching both candidates, the issues most important to us, and then decide from there. Tough job when it would be so much easier if they did if for us! :)
It's amazing how as we grow up and have families, politics becomes more important. Since we are on our own, we are now interested because decisions really do affect us.
The church will never come out for or against a political party. The main reason, other than giving us our free choice to make our own decision, is because they are tax exempt. As part of that, they have to remain neutral on politics. If they favor one candidate, or party for that matter, they would lose their tax exemption. There are pastors from other religions going through this right now with the IRS, because they feel it important to discuss it in their sermons.
But seeing how the church views most things, they are conservative, and if they could would most likely suggest voting Republican.
But you get to choose for yourself. I know where I stand, but that doesn't mean it's where you stand. If you are really serious about making a difference, I suggest you research both candidates views from both sides and decide which one makes decisions you would make. There is a lot of fluff out there. While if I could pick a president, it probably would be neither of these candidates, one is better than the other. Good luck! I felt a lot better after I read up about each candidates past decisions and views.
"It's not a hard decision for me, I am racist" Mal- Im really not, I swear, we have a black dog.
"Obama Sucks" Nate
Abra. that was nice. this might help you a little. you have to vote for one or the other, and in my opinion one is for abortion and one is against. being a latter day saint we too believe against abortion, so vote for the one that is most likely compatable with your religious views. read the email i sent you called "simple math" in my opinion it's real clear and real simple who you should vote for!!!
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH NATE! don't vote for "flowery speeches" !!!
Good for you on keeping up with everything. Unfortunately I haven't watched or read much of anything.
Anyway, I would love to make Aspen a hat. Just let me know what colors you want and the diameter of her little head. She is getting so big I can't even believe it!!
You said it Abby! I agree completely :)
Oh Abs! How could I not voice a little of my opinion when politics is concerned?!?
I've been blogging my little heart out about this... I came home crying the other night to Danny that I was so worried that people were going to elect McCain, and I didn't feel comfortable brigning a new child into this world with a candidate who is so much more about protecting the rich than taking care of the poor (not to mention the war, the environment, economy and so forth.)
I know a lot of people (especially in the church) like to make it about abortion (no offense to your commentors before); because that can be a single issue for some people (I'm just not a single issue voter... though no disrespect to those who are)... but the church just came out with a really great article about abortion in the Ensign and not even the republican platform (especially NOT Sarah Palin) can consider themselves inline with the churches view when it comes to abortion and the issue of rape/incest... because it's an issue of agency.
Danny and I are reading Obama's book, and he talks about his conversion to Christianty...I believe him to be a God-fearing man who wants to take care of the poor and those less fortunate (a very Christian principle), only wants to use war as a means of protecting liberties (much like we learn in the book of mormon instead of this horrid situation we're in now) and I believe him to be the best candidate.
There are plenty of good men and women on both sides of the party lines (even some General Authorities, shock me, I know!) ;)
I say study it out in your heart... you have to vote your conscience. For me, I couldn't feel right about voting for a McCain-Palin ticket with the way things are in this world... but I also know there are plenty of members and "non-members" alike that feel strongly the other way.
That's what makes agency great. I think the fact that you're asking the bigger questions says a lot. Some people don't even ask... They just vote straight ticket. That's certianly NOT what the brethern have counseled us to do.
Love you and good luck!
-suite
Hear hear! I totally agree with you about the upcoming elections. What a hard choice! By the way, I love the new look of your blog!
Absolutely LOVED this post, Abby! You made such a good point about Conference coming up right before the election. Amen to that!
Love the new look of your blog, by the way...
Amen to your comments! I too feel so blessed to have a RIGHTEOUS man leading our church and leading it like Christ would.
Abs-
I love you. I remember when my Dad took me to DC when I was 14 years old. I asked him all sorts of questions about politics and he gave me fair and reasonable answers from both sides of the spectrum. I was so confused as to which party I was to associate with.
Since then, I have learned a little more about politics and my stance on certain issues.
Heres the thing Abs, people can tell you to vote McCain because of this or vote Obama because of that, and some of it may make sense and some of it might seem so foreign, but you are the only one who gets to decide who you think will be the best fit for the presidency. You don't have to agree with your friends, or your bishop, or evn your husband- you get to choose! Isn't it great! I don't know if you
knew this but Pres. Hinkley and Monsen- republician, Faust- democrat. Even the first presidency of the church had differing opinions!
I'm voting for the man who I honestly feel in my heart will make America a better place for Miles and Fetus Cain.
Pray about it. You don't have to choose a side- just pray for knowledge and hopefully that will help you make a decision that you feel good about.
I love you.
Don't listen to Dan or Sebrena Mangum, because they are both hippies. Many of you may not know this about them, and it is very shocking to me as well, but they live in a tree house, and smoke weed. A cousin my cousin's friends, dad's son's nephew told me they saw them performing in this and other illegal activities, that I will not mention. I will mention one more "hippy" activity the Mangums do ,it is reading, and not just normal reading, but book reading. It also sounds a little racists, I bet if my black dog wrote a book they wouldn't read it because he might be an Atheist and not Christian. He does not pray, attend church, nor read in the scriptures, does this make him a bad dog. I would say no, well sometimes when he used to poop in my parents house, but not now, he is a good dog.
The take home message is Hippies smell.
Nate Johnson
" I have heart burn, really bad" Mallory Johnson my babies mama.
Yes Nate is totally right. Hippies Reak!!! and unfortunately obama isn't just protecting the poor, he's flat out stealing! so if you work hard and lets say papa johnson wants to leave funds for his legacy, say your kids college funds and dave and nate's inheritance, well obama is going to suck him dry for a. making too much money and b. so he can give papa johnson's hard earned "family" money to the waitress at hooters! ya get that! oh but maybe just maybe our environmental issues might be taking care of however, you'll have to get the whole "house" to all agree to that which will never happen because more than half of the "house" wants mccain not obama.
Make sure you know the facts: Whether Democrat or Republican...The choice seems clear when spelled out in black and white !!!
2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON TALKING POINTS
ISSUE JOHN McCAIN (answers on top)
BARAK OBAMA (answers on bottom)
Favors new drilling offshore US
Yes
No
Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it
Yes
No
Served in the US Armed Forces
Yes
No
Amount of time served in the US Senate
22 YEARS
173 DAYS
Will institute a socialized national health care plan
No
Yes
Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy
No
Yes
Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately
No
Yes
Supports gun ownership rights
Yes
No
Supports homosexual marriage
No
Yes
Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase
No
Yes
Voted against making English the official language
No
Yes
Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals
No
Yes
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN
15% (no change)
OBAMA
39.6% - (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.')
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN
(no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750
Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN
- 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA
Restore the inheritance tax
Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
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Hey Abs! What a great post. This is such a heated topic. I am incredibly proud of you for questioning and making your own decision.
If you want my opinion, I agree 100% with your friend Sabrena. It sounds like she has really done her homework and she is so well spoken. I might seriously consider a move to Canada if McCain wins.
Wow. Was that copy and pasted from McCain's website?
no but this is:
www.johnmccain.com/Informing/issues/
I as well agree with Sabrena, the nubmer one thing that people say to me when they hear I'm a democrat is "so you agree with abortion?" Just because one supports a specific candidate does not mean they agree with every single issue. I bet most individuals can find at least one issue they dont agree with-be a republican or democrat. Anyways, I think its such an indivudual decision-but its always nice to hear opinions to help that decision out. Also a correction on the comment about Obama supporting Homosexual Marriage-if you watched the Vice Presidential Debate, Biden talked about him and Obama not supporting Gay marriage. They support rights to those individuals (like life insurance, visitation rights in the hospital etc) but they dont support marriage between the two. You'll make the right decision Abs!!
obama equals socialism and socialism is the first step to communism. my solution is to repatriate all illegals and cut out all welfare benefits that they are receiving. love jon
I love you dave
RIGHT ON FOUR EGGS!
Wow darlin, I'm a bit shocked that you're even confused about who to vote for. May I just say, that your friends Nate and Mallory and Sha & Amp are so friggin funny and I really would like to hangout with them sometime cause I think we'd be great friends. And I say this with zero sarcasm, seriously!
Anywhoo, it shouldn't be too difficult a decision if you're a level-headed, logical, and educated (I'm talking self-researching educated and not liberally brainwashed college educated) person.
I'll give an update soon once I have anything to update you on!
Love your buns.
And PS, you are really skinny and hot in those pics with Aspen.
Abs,
It's true. Danny and I are hippies. (We laughed so hard when I read nate's comment!)
But I didn't go to a liberal school to get brainwashed...(sorry "bean").
I went to Indiana Wesleyan University (psychotically conservative - makes BYU look like UC Berkeley)... where Ronald Regan's supply side (aka "trickle-down) economics were pretty much taught as part of the trinity. ;)
This thread has been a delight. I'm still smiling.
ssm
Who said Christmas was "the most wonderful time of the year?" I think it's election season!
As a state senator in Illinois, Obama voted against a law that would have illegalized killing babies after they were born if the mother's abortion failed in order to honor the woman's right to choose. So basically he wanted to make it legal to kill a failed aborted baby. Personally I think that you have to be a pretty sick individual to want to go along with that. Just because the abortion failed doesn't give you the right to kill the baby after it was born. Isn't that murder? His judgment on this issue makes me wonder how he would handle other situations that may arise and frankly it scares me. Anyway, those are my two cents worth. Good luck deciding who to vote for. I'll be glad when this election is over. Too much drama for me.
Democrats used to be the party of acid, amnesty, and abortion. Now they are the party of surrender, socialism, and subprime mortgages.
I have studied a lot of the issues, but there are four that stand out for me.
1. Supreme Court Judge appointments
2. Right to Life
3. Taxes (and the economy)
4. Character of the nominee
The following reading is entirely optional. You should study the issues for yourself and take your decision to the Lord.
1. I don't love either candidate, but they will only be around for 4 to 8 years. Any Supreme Court justices they appoint will be there for life. Liberal Supreme Court justices tend to legislate from the bench and do not support right to life. Conservative judges support right to life, and their values more often fall in line with mine. McCain gets my support here.
2. Right to Life. McCain gets my support here
3. Taxes, taxes, taxes! I have never seen a democrat that doesn't love to tax us more and waste our hard earned money. I would much rather donate on my own (& we do)to help the poor and needy. I have neighbors that know how to work the system. They have two grown men in the home playing golf on Wii all day, getting handouts from welfare, from the church, etc. while Lynn works from Jan. 'til May to subsidize them. The rest of the year the paycheck is ours. If Obama gets elected that will change from May to August or September to pay for our year's taxes. You could also loose a lot of your inheritance, which we would rather see go to Aspen & our other grandchildren for college, mission, etc. McCain gets my support here.
4. Character. Obama has a history of being attracted to radicals, has never given service except to advance his career, and lacks any executive experience. He has never run a business (which all run on a budget), but has posistioned himself to give away lots of taxpayer money, which is plentiful, because to run his trillion dollars of new programs he will just raise taxes, which will weaken our fragile economy. McCain does have good character, (agree with him on issues or not) has served his country and has aquired some (just some) wisdom from his years in the Senate.
I think both parties are lacking, but this year the head of the ticket is a clear choice for me. I do not vote for straight ticket, (Republican only) but take into consideration charactor and ability when voting. Some of Utah's best governors have been democrats, eg. Scott Matthison, and Cal Rampton.
Anyway, all this gives me a headache, hope it didn't give you one too. xoxo mom j.
Please read this:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain
It is well worth the time it takes to read (10 pages). Very interesting.
Wow. I love ALL the comments but especially your MIL's and the four eggs. Chris and I love politics but I hate how heated conversations get with opposing parties. I loathe the media and how they portray Palin, let's face it she DOES have more experience than Obama but the media thrashes her daily. The thing that boggles my mind is how Democrats like higher taxes, like socialism and like partial-birth abortion!
NO to Obama.
YES to Romney in 2012!
xoxo
Since I am teaching political science this semester I really feel I initially tried to take aneutral approach; really read through the policies and plans of both candidates while likewise watching all of the debates and as much coverage as possible. For me, I am definitely pulling for Obama, and I honestly fear the state of the country should the McCain/Palin ticket win. I could go on about why I disagree with so many of their policies (more of the same) and why McCain's choice of Palin was both irresponsible and actually offensive to me as a woman - especially with all of the highly qualified women politicians to choose from. Obama's plans are NOT socialized medicine, it is bringing health care access to everyone, although not the same accessas in socialized. And learning to decipher between pro-life and pro-choice is important. Pro-Life is the Christian Coalition definition that believes abortion should not be allowed in any circumstance. Pro-Choice, as we believe, provides the option of abortion in cases of incest, mother's health and so on. Most importanly, with this current economic crisis, I do feel Obama has more concrete plans to bring us out of our current recession. Unlike, McCain who will continue to give tax breaks to the very wealthy (just like Bush), Obama will give tax breaks where needed, without cutting too many taxes, in order to pay for the improvements we so much desire. I wish I could be more specific and detailed, but I don't think a blog comment is really the best place for me to write an epic:) Overall, I agree with everyone, decide what issues are important to you and go directly to the candidates websites and learn where they stand. I for one am for alternative energy and fuel, not harming the environment anymore than we have to (including Alaska), tax breaks for the middle class, health care reform, bringing a conclusion to our presence in Iraq (and the 80 billion dollars pouring into it every month), better foreign diplomacy, improved government spending, improved welfare an education systems, and the list goes on. That's why Nate and I are supporting Obama. Good luck with your decision!
That was refreshing. Thank you Team Gilmore.
I agree with Cicely about Team Gillmore. Great facts. Loved your comment.Reaffirmed why I want Obama. I also think it is so funny how heated and pushy people get about politics. Funny to read all the comments.
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