Sarah Palin silenced a lot of people last night. Her speech was delivered like a pro, leaving critics of her lack of experience to at least acknowledge she not only holds her own on a national stage but excels at the art of inspiring a crowd and a television audience, perhaps a nation.
I remain concerned not just about her lack of international experience but also her potentially more strident foreign policy slant. What I often hear from the Republican side about foreign policy sounds ethnocentric, going beyond patriotism to a nationalism that cares not how we interact with the world, so long as U.S. interests are served. I have as much problem with this stance, and the Bush doctrine of offensive attacks (as he repeated in his video speech two nights ago) as I do with the Democratic party view on abortion.
The “going overboard” score is at least 1-1 with Obama’s cave comment and Palin’s reference to Obama’s concern for human rights in the war on terror (I think she was referring to a terrorist having rights read to them).
Since I was voting age, I have been independent. I have tried with each election to truly make a choice between the candidates and not have a preconceived or party-picked vote. I don’t think this is the only way to go about your voting, of course. It’s just my way and I suppose hundreds of thousands of others do so. I don’t know the figures, but I suppose most voters are registered with a party. Even so, would you consider really considering the issues this year rather than just voting your party line?
I’m open to listening this week to the RNC speeches, as I was open to hearing DNC speeches. This doesn’t mean I’m not subjective in much of the way I hear. Part of being more objective is realizing at least a few of our major biases. Though Rick Warren’s forum was roundly criticized by some, I’m proud of him as a Christian who was trying to be fair and have both candidates on the same stage, though not at the same time, and ask the same questions of each. What Warren is modeling for us is an allegiance to the kingdom of God first, not country and certainly not to party, neither Democrat, Republican, Libertarian nor any other.
What about Mitt?
I just don’t think they have a real understanding on how the world works.
Though I recognize that I tend to lean one direction more heavily, I try not to over-identify with either group. Those who do over-identify may be more vulnerable to missing the truth and buy into ridiculous perceptions of the ‘other’ side. Greg, your ability to address issues with balance and a true ‘world’ view is appreciated.
I am basically at the point I don’t think it matters who wins and gets in office. All the “change” speak is futile in my view.
I know this sounds a little crazy. But I think I am going flip a coin right now. Who knows.