A Personal View on the Political Scene

Posted on March 27, 2008 by Bruce Keener

We all know that talking about politics or religion is a good way to turn people off. Therefore, I know I run the risk of losing readers by talking about politics. But, the way I look at it is: you should know something about the people who write what you read. Hence, this post is intended more than anything to give you some insights into who I am. If that helps you to like me, I am glad. If it turns you off, at least you still know who I am.

First off, I don’t like politics. It has become a dirty word to me. It has come to mean partisanship, compromise, saying anything and doing anything to get elected, catering to lobbyists and not looking out for the electorate, and so on.

But it is the system we have. We have a two-party system, and I think a two-party system can work. (I am old enough to remember when it did.) I do not know that either party really stands for anything anymore. That is, it can be hard to tell the two apart, except for the fact that they seem to hate each other, so one must suspect there are some differences.

Regardless, it typically means we have two people to choose from in each political race, once the primaries are over. My approach is to pick from these based on what I believe they can do and what their principles are, rather than their political affiliation. In other words, I am an independent. I am conservative in my leanings, but still independent.

Regular readers of this blog know that I have had some positive things to say about both Senators McCain and Obama, and that I have been particularly pleased with Obama. And, I still like Obama: his speeches are inspiring and I believe he is sincere in his desire to bring America together again.

However, at this point I prefer John McCain for President. I believe he has far more experience than his opponents, I believe he is a man of impeccable character, and it is clear to me that he sticks up for what he believes in, while simultaneously trying his hardest to work with everyone. That is the kind of person I would be proud to emulate and the kind of person I would like to see as President.

Okay, I am done. I don’t plan to discuss politics anymore. I am not really sure why I bothered doing it today, except that I like for you to know a bit about me.

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  • John

    You’ve almost lost me a time or 2. ;)

    But you won’t, even though you and I clearly have different political views.

  • http://www.keenerliving.com/ Bruce

    Thanks for sticking with me, John. I know there are times when I will disappoint folks in one way or another: I am human, and do plenty of things wrong, perhaps more than most do. But, I try to be helpful and also to be straightforward.

    Anyway, isn’t it nice that we can disagree on some things and still appreciate each other? That’s something I have really come to appreciate as I have gotten older.

    Take care, and thanks again!

  • http://www.sheysmith.com Shey

    I’m Canadian so I obviously have no say in this election. But I will say it does take a lot of courage to declare what you believe in especially when it goes against the grain.

    Today’s political scene is pretty divisive and polarized (especially online) — no side seems willing to be tolerant to the other.

  • http://www.keenerliving.com/ Bruce

    Shey,
    Thanks for stopping by and giving your views on this. I must say I agree that there is too much divisiveness and polarization. I really dislike to see someone try to raise themselves up by putting someone else down. That is what politics seems to have turned into, though.

    I love your website. Great work!