I was trying to wait until both conventions were over to post about them, but last night was my tipping point. I just have too much to say not to comment.
First, the Democrats are my party; so let there be no secret about it -- I love Barack Obama; I will be voting for Barack Obama; I think he is the best thing to happen to this nation in a very long time.
I could go on and on about how fabulous Ted Kennedy is and how gracious Hillary was in her speech, but instead, I'll just point out the parts of his speech that struck me as true, as right, and as good for our country. Here's what Obama said:
We are a better country than this...
Let there be no doubt that the Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform his country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our gratitude and our respect. And next week we'll also hear about those occasions when he has broken with his party as evidence that he can deliver the change that we need. But the record is clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush 90% of the time...
It's not because John McCain doesn't care, it's because John McCain doesn't get it. For over two decades he subscribed to that old discredited Republican philosophy: give more and more to those with the most, and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. In Washington they call this the ownership society. But what it really means is that you're on your own. Out of work? Tough luck, you're on your own. No health care? The market will fix it, you're on your own. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, even if you don't have boots, you're on your own...
Ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems. But what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves: protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education, keep our water clean and our toys safe, invest in new schools and new roads and science and technology. Our government should work for us not against us, it should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who is willing to work...
I will stop giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies who create jobs right here in America. I'll eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. I will cut taxes for 95% of all working families...
In 10 years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East...As president, I will tap our natural gas reserves invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America...And I'll invest $150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy -- wind power, and solar power and the next generation of biofuels -- an investment that will lead to new industries and 5 million new jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced...
If you have health care, my plan will lower your premiums. If you don't, you'll be able to get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves. And as someone who watched my mother argue with insurance companies while she lay in bed dying of cancer, I will make certain those companies stop discriminating against those who are sick and need care the most. Now is the time to help families with paid sick days and better family leave...
I will also go through the federal budget line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less, because we cannot meet 21st-century challenges with a 20th-century bureaucracy...
We must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents, that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework, that fathers must take more responsibility to provide love and guidance to their children...
You don't defeat a terrorist network that operates in 80 countries by occupying Iraq. You don't protect Israel and deter Iran just by talking tough in Washington. You can't truly stand up for Georgia when you've strained our oldest alliances...As commander-in-chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation...
I will not suggest that the senator takes his positions for political purposes, because one of the things that we have to change in our politics is the idea that pople cannot disagree without challenging each other's character and each other's patriotism... So let us agree that patriotism has no party. I love this country, and so do you, and so does John McCain...
We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country...
The reality of gun-ownership may be different for hunters in Ohio than they are for those plagued by gang violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals...
I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in a hospital and the live lives free of discrimination...
I just want to point out that he is a man with specific ideas, who talks straight and who respects all people. What's not to love?
Second, Sarah Palin is AMAZING! I am so glad she is not the presidential nominee, because I'd be re-examining my commitment to Obama. What an incredible speech. She's a small town girl with a knack for politics and seems to be true to her ideals. What a team she and Obama would make! Too bad we don't live in a time like Lincoln's where members of opposing parties worked together in Washington.
I just have a small bone to pick with Ms. Palin: she mocked Obama's experience as a community organizer. But community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies. They give voice to the voiceless. Don't mock that.
John McCain has a tough act to follow.
