Let me be clear - I do not like politicians. However, I respect our President. Even when Bush was in office I disagreed with him - but I respected him as our leader. That's what I was taught growing up, and my commitment to the position of Commander in Chief has never waned. I never hid the fact that I disliked the policies of Bush, and yes, I felt cheated when a panel of judges ultimately decided the 2000 election. When he won again in 2004, I literally cried.
However, I am tired of all the ridiculous things I am hearing about President Obama. Remember when he took away our gun rights? Wait, that didn't happen. Gun sales were at a record high after his election, because people listened to the outlandish views of 'news personalities' (which are entirely different from news journalists). Remember how he bailed out Wall Street to the tune of 700 billion, to correct an economic meltdown that was brought about by sheer greed? He didn't do that either. Remember how he inherited a 230 billion dollar surplus, attacked two nations, and left our nation 9 trillion dollars in debt? That's because he didn't.
Everyone wants to blame President Obama for the fact that he has been unable to turn this country around in a matter of four years. He is being blamed for high gas prices, but last time I checked he is not a member of OPEC, and even they don't control the price. They decide whether to increase or decrease oil production, because they own roughly 46% of the world's oil. The price of that oil is controlled by commodities traders, who don't set the prices, but sway the market according to their speculations. They analyze data, and publicize forecasts of future prices, which causes the market to fluctuate (imagine that - Wall Street is involved). Those two factors are the reason our oil prices are where they're at. If I can find fault in the President's actions regarding gas prices, it's the fact that he has done nothing to stop the sale of domestic oil to the highest bidder. Yes, folks, we actually export oil.
Unemployment hasn't gotten any better, but what do you expect when there are no jobs? On Thursday, July 19th, GOP senators blocked the Bring Jobs Home Act. For those of you not paying attention, this would have given tax breaks to companies bringing jobs back to America, and eliminate tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs to other countries. Most people don't realize that we are essentially paying companies to take our jobs away. This bill was intended to bring about much needed change, and was endorsed by Barack Obama. The outcome of the vote leads me to wonder if Republicans care one iota about this country, or if they are simply trying to get reelected while ousting the president.
I constantly hear people say that we are being ruled by a dictator, we are falling into the pit of socialism, and people are making a 'career' out of living off welfare. The poor are being vilified for turning to government programs, yet the very people who want to cut those programs are essentially forcing citizens to rely on assistance by endorsing the removal of jobs. If Republicans really care about this nation, they wouldn't pander to the lobbyists and businesses that benefit from corporate welfare. Since tax payers are providing the means to leave themselves and their neighbors unemployed, this election should be a no-brainer.
This November, I urge you to vote and take action, but don't let blind hate and misinformation rule your decision. Please listen to the facts. If your news source isn't bashing both sides of the political spectrum, look at it for the propaganda it truly is. The fact that voters do not attempt to distinguish between the two is exactly what the candidates are counting on.