Here's some homework for the weekend:
Don't just think about WHO is running for president, but focus on the issues. If you are clueless about an issue, then educate yourself - thoroughly. Take the match quizzes below, but don't just check-check-check. Thoughtfully understand and consider the people behind each and every issue.
Politics can be an easy excuse to stay exactly the same and follow blindly. It can also be a beautiful avenue to force yourself to learn and grow intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Imagine - using politics for good - what a concept!
VaJoe
American Public Media
Glass Booth
I want this so bad for all of you, that I'm not going to post again the rest of the weekend. No distractions (ya' know - because the only thing going on on in your life is my blog, right?).
14 comments:
So???? Whodja get?
Not telling. :)
Hmmm...she spills her guts on everything else but on this one particular thing it's tick-a-lock? I don't always understand the voting secrecy. Don't you think it's interesting to hear peoples different views? I like asking my brother all of his opinions because he's clearly in an opposite camp about a lot of things. I have taken one of these tests before but I like the first one on your list because you can look each issue up as you go. I guess it agrees with me on Huckabee- 83%. My biggest issue is Socialized medicine. It scares me like no other idea right now. Does that stir any fires over here? Bwah ha ha.
Oh my. I didn't even recognize the guy I got. Gonna go back to burying my head in the sand.
WEll my beloved Kucinich has stepped out of the running, so I'm without a canidate now. Gravel came in next, but I foresee him stepping down too soon.
Obama comes in 3rd, though there are still some issues that I have with him.
Shannon,
I don't want to throw out any names, because people are so very easily swayed by that sort of thing. I wish more people would think for themselves, but sadly - many don't.
So, today I'm choosing to just kick some people in the ba-tooty to do their own groundwork and really learn some new things ... about them ... and about the world.
I was just like Laura this time around. Months ago as I started taking various "match quizzes," I kept having one name float to the top that made me say, "What the heck?" I realized that even as diverse as I am, I wasn't taking the time to have the entire big picture.
I want people to get an entire world view.
And I'll bite ... socialized medicine is certainly another topic for another day. However, in short, if I am truly chasing after the teachings of this Jesus guy that claims to be the Son of God - that really is my purpose and ambition in life - then socialized medicine does not scare me.
I knew you were trying not to go the Oprah route and have people vote like you just because you said so. You are a smarty and a powerful force to your readers so it's good you are encouraging personal investigation. :) I just selfishly wanted to know as a curious cat would.
I would love an insightful entry on socialized medicine. I don't see a lot of models of countries where it is successful so I don't understand the draw of it. I would like to take care of the needy too but I don't know if the Gov. can/should be responsible for this monumental task. As someone who requires lots of extra medical expenses, I'm kinda glad I can take them on myself (did I just say that) and not have to go on some endless waiting list for a new medicine that seems "unnecessary" to the government. I certainly don't have the answer but I surely don't want us all to suffer another government program that makes it nearly impossible to get treated. Jenkies I sound so political today! I think you are rubbing off on me a little with your proactive ways! ;)
Info on universal healthcare...
http://www.pnhp.org/facts/singlepayer_faq.php
As a future physician, I have done a bit of research on what healthcare should look like for Americans. I actually recommend the movie Sicko--not as research, but as a bit of an explanation of the problem. I know, I know...Michael Moore can be a bit much. But, the dude's got a point here.
Finally, just a bit of personal experience...
When my brother was 4 years old, he had to have open heart surgery to correct a congenital defect. My parents' insurance company paid $10,000 of the over $50,000 procedure. They spent the next several years feeding their kids mac and cheese while slowly paying off that bill. All the while, they were still paying for health insurance each month. If that doesn't strike you as a problem, you need to take off the helmet of naivete so you can feel this issue smack you in the head.
(Terroni packs up her soapbox and heads back to her own blog.)
Thanks for putting these links here. I am a bit suprised with my results. Interesting though is the fact that I scored differently on the three different sites... which tells me I need to do some more investigating, because I must be more uncertain on some issues than I thought. And, like you... my heart screams to me that we all need to have access to quality healthcare at affordable rates. I worked too long in a cancer clinic meeting people who put off treatment because of cost... It will give you a new perspective for sure.
Please keep posting things like this to encourage everyone to vote issues, not just party lines. :-)
What a great post! Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks for posting those links. I hadn't seen those quizzes. I'd like to remind everyone that not only should you be more active in investigating candidates as Christine says, but don't limit yourself to on party either. I'm voting Ron Paul, although I seriously considered Kucinich and Gravel as well. Very similar guys in terms of the essentials.
That's just my bit. Thanks again Christine for another great post.
Sorry, forgot to put my name in the above comment. Oops.
Hope you don't mind, Christine...I stole your idea. I've set up a link to the American Public Media survey on my blog.
Are ya' kidding me? I hijack people's stuff all the time. It's the highest form of blog flattery! :)
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