Second, I don’t think Reaganomics works. Trickle-down doesn’t work. Since the Reagan-era, America’s rich have gotten richers, controlling an ever greater portion of the nation’s wealth, the poor have gotten poorer, and the middle-class has shrunk. These are not good things for a democracy. A democracy, IMHO, requires a strong and vibrant middle-class. I’m not sure we have that now.

Third, John McCain of 2008 is not the John McCain of 1999. He has moved far to the right on many issues (and I’m not the only one who thinks so, including many former supporters, including Republicans I know). If he was willing to do that to secure the election, what else might he do? I don’t want to find out.

Fourth, just from listening to her comments and researching her history, I do not feel Palin is qualified to be president and, since she might, it is another reason not to vote for McCain.

Now to address some of your points:
“Some of the greatest leaders the United States has ever known were terrible, completely uninspiring speakers. Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln are just two that would fall into that category. What about experience? What about leadership ability? What about fundamental, American principle?”

Abraham Lincoln’s sum total national political experience was a single term in the House. What about his experience?

Leadership? Barak Obama has demonstrated considerable leadership, even if you don’t like where he leads people.

“Barack Obama and fellow liberals are successfully converting human emotion into political gain.”

All politicians do this. It’s part of the job. The Republicans did this by converting the fear of 9-11 into political gains at the poles and in the Chambers of Congress, just to name one example.

I’m sorry, but your arguments simply don’t hold water. And I’m not even a Democrat but an Independent who’s voted Republican in the past and just can’t do so again.

Jason

It’s really hard to take your comments seriously. First, you are obviously a very intelligent individual. Why do you dishonor your rational thinking abilities by writing with such authority and conviction about subjects that appear to be beyond your scope of human experiences and understanding? I can’t believe it is just terminal arrogance. I figure you have an agenda that has nothing to do with publishing the truth or even a balance perspective of complex social issues. It is filled with the same old tired manipulation and propaganda techniques I have seen a thousand times before. State what a person is thinking as if you are a mind reader, defined his philosophy and give a harsh, one-sided critique of what he stands for, and condemn him for it.

But if you really believe what you wrote here, here is some food for thought.

I am a Democrat, and I met Senator Obama at a workshop he was hosting for my church as a member and perhaps part of his community activist responsibilities. At that time, he was just a State Senator. I found him extremely sincere, spiritual, thoughtful, highly intelligent and motivated in a inspirational way to improve the lives of ordinary people: all the things you would like to see in a public servant. If you really want a good synopsis of why I am voting for Senator Obama, read or listen to Retired General Colin Powell’s comments on the reason he crossed party lines and endorsed Senator Obama on U-tube.

During the long primary and general election, millions of people, including Colin Powell got to know Senator Obama well while he operated under intense scrutiny and in the highly charged atmosphere of national politics. I found myself in general agreement with his ideology he expressed in debates and while campaigning, and concurred with his approach to addressing our national problems. And yes I did start to admire his gifts and abilities that have been on display throughout this election. I also found myself in frequent disagreement with Senator McCain position on critical issues. If you provide me with your email or phone number, I would love the opportunity to discuss some of Senator Obama’s ideology and position on the issues and debate you on them.

When I read your comments I think about the era of McCarthism where intolerant individuals went after people who disagreed with them. Why do you have to demonize Senator Obama’s supporters? Take a step back and read your article again. You are the one who appears to have your emotions raging out of control. It’s us ”Democrats” against the “Republicans”, and we are hypocrites, and immoral, etc, etc,. Your comments don’t do you justice. This article represents a practice that is un-American to say the least and my advice to you and others is don’t give in to your emotions and start bashing your opponent because you disagree with his or her’s philosophy or more appropriately don’t seem to really understand your position on the issues. Stop labeling people as Democrats or Republicans and making unproven and ridiculous characterizations. That is called PREJUDICE. A balance, intelligent person knows there is evil in both parties. Don’t let you passion for one candidate over another cause you to compromise your basic sense of fairness and decency in how you treat other human beings. Seek to understand before judging. Since you quoted the Bible, I’ll tell you something to think about. Let’s hope the harshness in which you judge Senator Obama and his followers is not the way YOU will be judge by the God who loves all of us.