Annoyed. Inspired. Concerned.

We all watched the final debate tonight and I firmed up some of my opinions regarding the presidential election. I guess my biggest thing is how I imagine either one of them running the country in a couple of fast-approaching months. My greatest fear is the continuation of ineffective and unfulfilled policies and promises. Having a brother that served in Iraq and seeing what my mother went through for over a year has definitely changed my perspective on what I think of this war and what it was truly for. I am a strong supporter that the US should NOT be the world's policeman and in order for that to happen we need to depend on ourselves for products that we need including energy, manufactured goods and produce. With McCain being as far along in age as he is I feel my concern is valid as to what would happen if he were unable to act as president. Unfortunately I do not think that Palin has the knowledge, experience and most of all flexibility and open-mindedness to represent the views of our troubled nation. Issues seem to be so black and white (no racial pun intended) with her and it simply cannot be that way with such a diverse, intricate and complex country and populous. I have never been a fan of McCain and unfortunately the more I know of his plans the more I dislike what he proposes.

I have been a supporter of Obama for some time now and for a number of reasons, but first and foremost because I can see him being a great leader. This past couple of months has opened my eyes to a number of circumstances that I could never imagined had I not in the position that I am. Being unemployed has conjured up some tough times regarding self-worth, the effects of a depressed economy and the effects on its people and business, medical coverage and the rising cost of living. Sam and I have done very well at keeping a hawk-eye on our budget and not spending above our means; striving to make wise financial decisions for our future. We plan, we budget, we spend less and TRYf to save. However when the price of EVERYTHING is going up it is mathematically and logically impossible to stay afloat even when making many of sacrifices.

There are no doubts that what our fellow citizens have drawn us into will indeed take some time to mend - hopefully a long time. The unethical choices and horrendous decisions made by some very greedy people have allowed a portion of people to sink into holes that they will hopefully never forget. I hope this is a lesson for many people to learn. Neither Sam or myself have ever lead very exorbitant lives. We desire quality over quantity and will try to do something ourselves before paying someone else. We like small houses, cars, TVs and most everything else that people typically think bigger is better. I am not saying that we will not be effected by what is going on because of our views and outlook on life, but I hope that there is an overall encouragement for people to look at the cold, hard truths of life and the horrible effects of materialism. We are where we are because people simply do not have the ability to keep certain things in their pants - wallets. I would never.... haha!

As far as the bailout goes... I think that it was unfortunate that we need to take such drastic measures, yet absolutely necessary. I detest the idea of paying for others completely inexcusable, inane and idiotic decisions, but I also realize that if we do not take care of things now we will face much greater consequences in the near future.

And now I'm stepping off my soapbox.