From the Inside Out

As if choosing the next president of the Unites States wasn’t enough incentive to vote, here’s another. Krispy Kreme will be offering a free donut on election day to anyone wearing an “I voted” sticker. Each “voting” customer will get a special treat on election day only — a star-shaped doughnut with red, white and blue sprinkles.

“We can’t guarantee that your candidate of preference will win on November 4, but we can guarantee that your right to voice your choice will be rewarded with a patriotic doughnut that will remind you just how tasty freedom really is,” said Krispy Kreme’s Chef Ron Rupocinski. “Krispy Kreme encourages everyone to take part in this historical election and vote.”

So, after you vote, remember to grab a sticker on the way out. I voted on Saturday and didn’t see any stickers at my polling place. I didn’t think it was a big deal a the time, but now I’m bummed. I missing out on a free Krispy Kreme! Don’t make the same mistake. Get that sticker!

Two of the most notable female politicians joined forces last night to speak out against an important issue.  In a brave move, they stood together delivering a “non-partisan” message against sexism. 

Well…almost.  

Seth Myers and Amy Poehler do a bit on SNL’s Weekend Update called, “Really? with Seth and Amy“. When I heard that John McCain selected Sarah Palin as his running mate, all I could think was “really?“.

Really, McCain? Do you really think women voters are so dumb that they will vote for any ole’ female who is trotted on stage? Really?

Did you really think it was a good idea to pick a running mate that has been a governor for less than 2 years and has no foreign-policy experience? Really?

I mean you’re 72 years old. What if (God forbid) you have a heart attack, and she has to assume the duties of the President? With only 20 months as governor of Alaska and two terms as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska (a town of 6,500 where the biggest issue is controlling growth), is she ready to lead the country? Really?

Do you really think the promise of change and new politics outweighs knowledge and experience. Really, McCain…really?

Do you want to win this election? Really?

Some praise McCain for his decision, but as you can tell, I’m really skeptical. The election process is an interview for the most important job in our country. When I’m interviewing people, I don’t make decisions based on empty promises of change, witty words, and a “maverick” reputation. I decide based on qualifications, skills, and experience.

It baffles me how the masses can be so easily swayed by affluent words. For a decision so important, how can they not delve into the issues, weigh the experience, and investigate the voting history of candidates? Seriously, if you’re going to vote, know the issues and do your research.

Okay, I’m digressing into what could be another entirely separate blog topic. Back on point…it surprises me that McCain would make this type of a decision. It makes me question his judgment. Unfortunately, I can’t support Obama’s political beliefs so I’m stuck with McCain and Palin. It’s scary, and all I have left to say is:

Really?

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama battled tonight in a tense debate televised on ABC.  It is six days before their showdown in Philadelphia.  As each day passes, the pressure is mounting for both candidates.  They have been fighting it out for over a year.  Each one is fiercely campaigning in city after city with no clear winner emerging.  It continues to be a long, hard fought battle — one that will probably continue raging right up until the Democratic convention in August.

Frankly, I was beginning to get tired of it all — the political bantering, jabs, attacks, and talk show discussions — until I received a disturbing call from one of my employees.  This call reminded me how lucky I am to live in a country where we have the freedom to express our beliefs and vote according to those beliefs without the threat of violence or bloodshed. 

During the call, I learned that this individual grew up in Kenya.  His parents still live there.  That is, they did until a few short months ago.  After the elections last year, extreme violence erupted.  Hundreds of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have fled the country to escape the violence. 

His parents escaped, but they left everything behind — their home, their business, and their lives.  They are living temporarily in India with friends.  Thinking the violence would die down quickly, they had originally planned to be away for only a couple of weeks.  It’s been months since they left, and they are still frightened to go home.  Nothing has improved.  In fact, four more people died yesterday. 

These people are the same age as my parents.  They are stranded with only a few belongings, not knowing where to go or what to do.  They can’t return home, and they can’t stay in India.

I can’t begin to imagine how horrific that must be.  Instantly, I felt ashamed for taking my freedom for granted.  We live in one of the greatest countries in the world.  Sure, it’s not perfect, but we can express our beliefs.  We can participate in a democratic election process and have confidence that our country will not falter or be subjected to extreme violence resulting from elections. 

No matter what you think of the election process or the candidates, you should remember how lucky we are to have the freedoms and security we enjoy today.  Don’t take it lightly.  Don’t complain.  And don’t take it for granted.  There are hundreds of thousands of refugees who would gladly give everything to switch places with us.

In an election year, you hear the words “vote for change” often.  The words sound great when spoken by candidates.  Let’s face it…no one likes being stuck in a rut.  We want variety and excitement.  Add that to the fact that when you look at how the country is run by politicians, it’s easy to find things you’d like to change.

However, we must exercise caution when listening to the banter between candidates.  Don’t jump on the bandwagon for change without thoroughly investigating what changes your candidate wants to make and how those changes will impact the country. 

I don’t know the author for the following write-up, but it struck a chord with me, so I’m posting it anyway. 

What a difference a new Congress made…..
A little over one year ago:

1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2½-year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%.

Since voting in a Democratic Congress in 2006, we’ve seen:

1) Consumer confidence plummet;
2) The cost of regular gasoline soar to over $3 a gallon;
3) Unemployment is up to 5% (a 10% increase);
4) American households have seen $2.3 trillion in equity value
evaporate (stock and mutual fund losses);
5) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $1.2 trillion
dollars;
6) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.

America voted for change in 2006, and we got it!

Want some more of that “change”…just keep on voting Democratic.