Good Bad and Ugly

What do you think McCain's strengths and weaknesses were during last night's debate?

What do you think Obama's strengths and weaknesses were during last night's debate?

I do think that at times Obama was on the defensive; however, he held his ground firm and strong. There were no facial expressions of complete utter surprise, because well...he's managed a pretty darn good campaign and his advisors are complete and thorough.

Obama's best point as McCain wanted to launch personal attacks is that the McCain campaign's preoccupation with loose connections says more about his concern for the American public than it does about Obama. While people are losing their houses, 401(k) savings, jobs, ect...you want to talk about a loose connection? I'd rather McCain convince me that I don't need to fear the task of selecting a health insurance provider on my own in the event that my employer drops health care. I have two options, and quite frankly....I don't get most of it. I select a decent plan that's middle of the road, and I appreciate that all the options are laid out for me by my employer. I don't want that to be an additional headache. So yes, McCain...please focus on things that affect ME. (I'm acitng republican-ish...b/c it's all about me).

Also, I would really like to understand what a federal government spending freeze means for me and my fellow citizens. Will this impact my daily life, will it impact my extended family that isn't as well off as me, or my extended family that is doing much better than me? McCain, explain this to me. Would you suggest local governments to do the same? You know the governments that support the education system, police, firefighters, etc. We're already laying off and reducing local governments. Call me crazy for thinking that federal assistance would be a necessary option in the event that a local municipality is unable to keep their constituents safe and educated given these trying economic times.

Obviously, I'm a democrat by nature...I find myself to have strong civil responsibility to my fellow citizens. It's not all about me, because I know that I can't make it in this country alone. Like a firefighter, sometimes I believe that you have to sacrifice yourself for the benefit of others, especially when you're better prepared and equipped to battle the fire than those caught in the flame. So a lot of what Obama said resonated with me.

In terms of the Ayers connection. I turn around and think...okay, let's talk about associations and character, Mr. McCain. You left your crippled first wife for a younger rich model. You were married two months after your divorce was finalized, so essentially you cheated on your wife. Then you were caught on recorded calling your second rich WIFE, the person with whom you share a last name, a trollup and a cunt. Those actions disturbe me a million times more than Obama sitting on a board with a bad guy. In one instance Obama chose to serve on a non-profit board for something positive. In the other instance McCain chose to disrespect the women closest to him. Perhaps that hits home to me a bit harder because I am a woman.

In regards to the conversation on abortion. I REALLY, REALLY need pro-lifers to understand that pro-choice does not equate to pro-abortion in the same way that pro-life does not equate to anti-choice. What pro-choice means to me, is that I respect my right and other womens' rights to consult their spiritual advisors, doctors and families to ensure that they are making the safest, healthiest and best decision for them given their circumstances and situations.

McCain wanted to point out that he has an adopted daughter. She is from Indonesia. Not to take anything away from that; however, this is an American election. McCain: adopt inside the United States and promote sex-education if you seriously think that abortion should be outlawed.

McCain also put woman's health in air quotation marks. Look, birth control is already not covered by insurance, despite the fact that viagraa is. Rape victims were paying for rape kits in Wissilla (the only municipality in Alaska that was engaging in that practice). Adoption is extremely difficult in the USA. And you think women's 'health' is extreme and taken out of context at times?

Then we're talking about Sarah Palin being qualified. He pointed out her 'experience' as governer in Alaska and her stance on special needs families. So basically she is positive for some of the smallest populations in all of the USA. I do not take away the need to support special needs families; however, I'd also like to focus on families that can't provide healthcare to their children, whether their children have special needs or not. I'm sorry...your $5,000 rebate/credit will NOT support the family who needs to purchase $12,000 insurance, which was previously provided by their employer.

Joe the Plumber: I don't trust this at all. His last name is shared with one of those indicted in the Keating 5 scandal. Ohio is NOT THAT BIG. There is evidence that he owns 3-4 small businesses already. So this "I'm a plumber wanting to open my business woah is me for paying more taxes," is a crock of shit in my book. Furthermore, what plumbers in small towns do you know that make more than $250,000? Perhaps more than $250,000 in revenue, but I'm a CPA and understand that there are deductable expenses that most likely bring your AGI below $250,000. And again, back to the firefighter correlation. If I, a person making less than $250,000, can't afford my gas or groceries, I damn sure won't be calling on some Plumber that doesn't think that I should receive a tax break.

Which leads me into a thought on crime. Crime increases during economic disparities. Why? It's the Robin Hood effect. If there is not some type of equality or sharing the wealth...people will steal the wealth.

Which leads me to the thought of fairness in taxes. Warren Buffet pays approximately 17% in taxes. His secretary pays approximately 30%. Please, somebody explain what is fair about that?