Is Income Redistribution Defendable?

In the past couple weeks with Obama himself exalting the idea of income redistribution it is certain this will be a priority of his once in office. I’m appalled by the idea of giving what Obama claims is a tax cut to people who pay no taxes period, but in reality it is another welfare system in addition to the one already in place. The result of this will be the undoing of everything Clinton did to get people off of welfare.

I’m a youth minister and my wife is a teacher and we could certainly use another an extra couple thousand dollars (like we would get under the Obama plan), but I don’t want any handouts at the expense of people who for the most part have worked their butts off to get where they are today.

The redistribution of income has many economical concerns, but the IMO the biggest downfall to it is how it kills compassion, empathy, and thankfulness in the hearts of people. I get a lot of joy out of giving money and helping out others when I can and it becomes a personal experience that develops compassion and care for others. The same is true for the receiving when you are in need…every time someone has helped me out personally I have felt a sense of being cared for and gratefulness for the blessing they have provided. These actions and feelings are good for the souls of man regardless of your religious or non-religious beliefs.

This is my biggest problem with income redistribution. It kills the soul. When the government takes my money via taxes, I feel nothing other than a lighter wallet even if those tax monies will help others in need. And when I receive money from the government, I still feel nothing.

This concept is terrible because it will produce a stagnant, numb society.

“Fake Christians”

On CNN with Wolf Blitzer this week, Charles Barkley generalized Republicans as “fake Christians”.  Here’s the clip.

I like Charles Barkley and am always intrigued by what he has to say because it never comes off as verbatim and makes you rethink your own opinion.  I think there is some truth to his comments, but as with all generalizations it discredits the legitimacy of the statement.  Once you get passed his wording, there is much to what he said.

I too am bothered when Christianity becomes a platform for political statements.  As Christians, we need to look past what church a candidate is registered in the membership.  Voting based on religion (or race, gender, or physical attractiveness for that matter) is shallow and detrimental to our country.  We need to vote for the best candidate for president, not the person whom with we would most like to hang out.

Keep speaking your mind Chuck and fueling discussion.

Mit Romney Out

I remember a certain blogger (me) predicted no so long ago that Romney would eventually be the Republican nominee for the presidency.  Today Mr. Romney announced he was suspending his campaign after a disappointing experience earlier this week widely know as “Super Tuesday”.

With Romney out of the race, McCain will surely be the Republican nominee for President.  Of the GOP candidates, McCain looks to be the best hope for the party to retain the presidency.  However, I don’t think it will matter.  Although Obama came out behind Hilary after “Super Tuesday”, I still think he will be the choice for the Democrats because of his unifying characteristics.

Regardless, I still think the next president will not be of the GOP.

Obama the Next President?

The presidential election will be over in 10 months and ballrooms supporting the winning candidate will be covered in confetti and balloons as patrons dance and cheer in celebration.  A lot can and surely will happen in the forthcoming months as the campaigns wind down and party representatives are announced.  And for Americans like myself who are registered independents, we will spend inordinate amounts of time scrutinizing the possible choices for our next commander-in-chief.

Republicans should be worried as no front-runner has emerged that will appeal to voters at the center of the political spectrum.  Each of the candidates have a committed core group of supporters, but all of them lack any widespread support.  Huckabee appeals to Evangelicals, McCain has the immigration/terrorism crowd, Romney has businessmen and Mormans, and Giuliani is finished without a win in Florida.  Beyond the Republican voters lacking a widespread favorite, all the candidates are scrapping for cash with another 10 months to go.  The current leader, Romney, is the only candidate that isn’t broke and he’s bankrolling his campaign currently out of his own pocket.

Regardless of who wins out on the Republican side, outside of Huckabee (who doesn’t stand a chance) none of the candidates possess the eloquence and likability to win a modern presidential election.  As a whole, the Republican candidates appear much like Al Gore and John Kerry of past elections in the personality department (severely lacking).  And when it comes to national elections there is no more beneficial trait to possess than likability.  Let’s face it, all politics aside, no one wants to vote for a jerk that appears impersonal.  My guess is that Romney pulls out the win in the Republican primary solely because he has the most money at his disposal.  Save the PC, all that comes to mind when I think of Romney is rich, white, Mormon lacking personality…in essence, he’s the Republican version of John Kerry that isn’t Catholic.

Speaking of likability, the Democratic party is in much better shape to throw an inauguration party come November.  Hillary brings more experience, a better political machine, and is accompanied by perhaps the most notable “first spouse” in history.  This sounds like a pretty good start, but there are quite a few obstacles she will have to overcome if she hopes to win out.  To begin with, she is a polarizing figure as is her husband making them an incredibly polarizing couple…most everyone has an opinion and it’s not open for change.  Beyond her husband I just don’t think Hillary is likable enough to win a presidential election.  She just has too many people that hate her.

Which leads us to Obama.  His entrance into the race was lauded by some as a civil rights milestone and caused others to question his religion after hearing his name (after all, we can’t have a terrorist running for president).  After gaining an endorsement from Oprah, he has catapulted into the lead at this point in the primaries.  His youthfulness and good looks will be important factors in his campaign as he continues.  Partly because he has less track record to be used against him.  As vanity infused Americans, good looks always matter no matter what we claim.  I think he will win the Democratic nomination and match up against Romney, and some wacko from the Green party for the presidency.

I fear that I will have similar feelings this election of voting for the candidate whom I dislike less.  America is awesome and there is no where in the world I would rather live, but I’m getting tired of sterile candidates that need millions of dollars in support to even contend.  I know that some of you are probably upset that I haven’t included much of anything pertaining to the beliefs and stances of each candidate.   You can devalue my analysis, but let’s get real…Americans vote for the pretty and best performing.  I can’t be too far off considering the next American Idol will have more votes than our next president.  So here’s to you Barak Obama, the next and first black president (not including Bill Clinton, of course).

New Hampshire

It’s quite possible this is the only time in the next 4 years that New Hampshire will be uttered from my mouth.  With the presidential elections less than a year away, the primaries and caucuses are in full force.  I’ve always been in tune with the news, but have shied away from from politics (mostly because of a low tolerance for BS).  This election year is going to be different.  The last election occurred during my senior year of college when I was more concerned with friends and bar specials than who our next president would be.  I was so out of touch I didn’t even vote (an embarrassing admission).  But now that I’m a full-time tax payer, bring on the presidential political machine.  In fact, following the candidates has become a nightly hobby of Meredith and I…being an adult is so different.