So Frack started asking me about the issues in this election. What I found so interesting was that he seems to be forming opinions about political parties and political posturing. He asked me specifically about taxes and what Obama has done and what Romney claims he will do. I didn't quite have the answers for him, and I'm realizing that we both need to be more informed.
The one thing I could tell him for sure was that partisan politics has never been more divided than it has at this moment in recent history and that the crux of this problem lies in the House and the President's politics. When the two can't agree to look over party lines, real damage can be done and not for the good of the people.
What can I tell him and how can I help to mold his political opinions when I myself, do not affiliate with any political party?
So I told him I vote for the man. I told him I listen to the issues and I try to focus on the ones that matter to me and my family. I'm a small business owner, so I listen when they talk about that. I am a tax payer, so I am concerned about where my tax dollars are going and whether or not they will increase or decrease. I have a family and I'm concerned about their health and well being. I want to know that the government cares about them too. And I told him that change comes in small doses and that it's important to give back to the community.
I'm in awe of his 16-yr-old political curiosity.
I hope I am doing him a service by spewing forth my very own brand of politics so that he may someday become politically responsible too. It's certainly something I thought about but not to the extent that I need to now. I owe it to my son and to the future of this country.
9 comments:
I find that it is less about voting for the man, and more about knowing what you think the end goal should be. For some, the end goal is a Utopian society where money has no meaning because everyone is fed and cared for, for others the end goal is world domination. Still others feel the end goal is a sort of dog-eat-dog world where you have to be strong, or cunning to get to the top. There are not only three views, but these are popular.
During each election year, the politicians begin saying their party's rhetoric and throwing out buzz issues like abortion, and taxes; healthcare, and war. These issues have slippery slopes attached to them, either they are not things the government can, or should be involved in, or they are twisted by each party to look like black/white instead of grey, or multi-hued.
To feel confident that you are voting for the "right" person, you really should stay abreast of politics each year, not just every four. And be sure to have your own values securely defined so you are not swept up by the charm of one candidate over the other.
P.S. my heart swells to hear of a 16-year old boy finding interest in politics. He is a perfect age to begin being aware... he has four years to see how the world works and how well or poorly campaign promises are kept. By the time he is old enough to cast his own vote, he will have had you to turn to for discussion, and advice, and maybe even debate... all of which will strengthen his core values and put him in a position to confidently mark his choice.
Thanks to Obama, we ALL "owe" it to our future".....
ABO. Anybody but Obama. Enough failures of a Socialist Muslim trying to bring down this great country. If you guys are gonna fuck it up. Give it back to my people (Native Americans)and go live in the middle east.
Hey Lady! (Yes, I've been away for awhile). Some suggestions for Frack...tell him to read, read, read both conservative AND liberal newspapers. Avoid watching anything on TV - it's just spin, spin, spin for a 10-second soundbite. I consider myself independent, but leaning to the left more. But yes, I watch Fox news from time to time, because I want to know what the far right is thinking too. Also, have him follow Factcheck.org to find out the real proof of whether either side is being truly honest.
You make a lot of sense, and I'm sure your son appreciates your willingness to listen/discuss. :-)
Pearl
Unfortunately it is hard to vote when there are no worthy candidates. I remember 5 or 6 candidates, now there's always only two.
I think you are doing the right thing by giving him the information and letting him come to his own conclusions. I especially liked when you told him what was important to you and why.
This is a good bingo!
I think more people are actually Libertarians than even know what a Libertarian is.
But I have crossed party lines for a candidate I like. Oh, and I always vote "No" on judicial retention. Even if it takes an extra 10 minutes. They don't get jobs for life.
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