First and foremost, I’m a Conservative Republican who will probably end up voting for Obama, why?  Two reasons; First, he’s a ‘good looking, articulate, glib, young man’ who has turned into an inspirational figure seemingly overnight.  Hordes of Americans who otherwise shape their lives around their own self interests are motivated to improve their lot because of this man – in my way of thinking, this is a good thing.  Second, with Obama, I know exactly what I’m not getting, experience.  Experience in Washington and the know-how on how to get things done.  Relationships built on the golf course and allegiances made in back rooms.  With Obama, he will brief well but his first 4 years will be rout with ineffectiveness and probably a good deal of blame while learning how to play the game. 

My goal (and that of most conservatives I believe) will be to prevent the utter collapse of Republican seating in Congress resulting in higher taxation (because someone’s got to pay for all these solutions – Universal Health Care anyone???).  A stalemate in both houses neutralizes effectively the power of the presidency – e.g. No Universal Health Care.  I’ll give the democrats this though, they’ve been effective in acknowledging there’s an issue with our Health Care System just their method for resolution is the government.  Those in private business can testify, bureaucracy doesn’t solve problems, it only adds to them.  Stifles innovation and ultimately increases costs, costs my friends which come in the form of tax dollars.  One need only look at the continually bankrupt Canadian government and its Universal Health Care system to see what would happen in this country.  Entitlements grow roots, once we go down that road, we can never go back.

Something interesting though, Pres. Bush said the other day while on his trip to Africa that got me reflecting on the campaign of Ron Paul of all people.  The President said, “America is serving as an investor, not as a donor.”  Tangible results and lasting change goes over better with the taxpaying public, and he’s right.  In a strange sort of way, that is what Paul has been saying.  Ron Paul let it be known borders on the fringe of isolationism in his message to the point of failing to deal with Islamic Terrorism.  This is the only reason I can’t align myself with the man, however I do think his ideas both domestically and abroad are worth taking a closer look.  In this era of the 21st Century I’m beginning to rethink how we should position ourselves in the world.  If America wanted to, it could become self supporting. Whether or not that’s the right answer are not remains to be seen, but so far, we’ve managed to stick our nose in just about everyone’s business and they don’t like it.  The belief that this keeps us safe has been somewhat proved false what with the WTC bombing of ‘93 and with the attacks on 9/11.  Sure we are safer now than we were then, but only so far as our intelligence in the world is effective.  Get a democrat in office and they’ll butcher our defense spending and intelligence spending (remember Clinton, can you say military downsizing anyone?) and still try to maintain a hand in all the worlds problems. 

Yes, it’s time to make some tough choices.  It’s time for us to find some real leaders.  Unfortunately the one who fits that bill is Obama, but not because of his policies (he really has none) but because of his ability to motivate and inspire.  I hope when the time comes he’ll make the right decisions, but one is left to hope; hope and work for a lasting stalemate in Congress.  Looks as if our forefathers were pretty smart after all; an ineffective president if far less dangerous than one with controlling majority in both houses of Congress.