Please Inform Yourself!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! The above Rex Babin cartoon appeared earlier this week in the Sacramento Bee. I was a little surprised that Babin would do such a cartoon, as his work is usually over the top left. Maybe this will cause at least a few people to think about the consequences of their voting actions, as it seems to put this into terms that are easier to understand.

I get frustrated with people that don't take the time to at least inform themselves a little, but still go out and vote for whatever or whomever. One example was a conversation I was having with a mother and daughter on Thanksgiving. Somehow we got on the topic of politics and I mentioned California's Proposition 2 that was just passed by voters, which mandates that certain farm animals (mostly chickens) have more room where they are confined.

They said they both voted for this because they received a "Republican Voter Guide" in the mail saying the party was supporting this measure. I told them I was certain that the Republican party did not support the measure. First of all, you have to ignore these mailers, because you really have no idea who is actually sending them. Secondly, are you automatically taking the same sides of your political party of every single thing that may come down the pike? Please inform yourself and think for yourself! While I do almost always vote for a republican candidate, I certainly don't always follow the party line on every single ballot measure.

One other related note, last night I talked with a guy who said he voted for Obama because we have to stop the excessive government spending! I admit, Bush did overspend, but you really think we will have less with Obama? Most of the economic crisis we are in stems from the mortgage collapse. And who pushed for legislation making it easier for anyone to own a home? The democrats.

Where Are We Headed?

I know, I haven't written anything for quite a while. For one thing I really haven't had much time - working two full time jobs. For another thing, I really haven't had much motivation to write lately. As hard as it is to admit, I have been in a personal depression.

Just to get you updated, my financial situation has been bad. It all started with the business I had in 2006 and 2007 - a year and a half of a big financial loss. Then I went to work for an ad agency - as a commission sales person - and I continued to lose. I could not gain any momentum, as the only accounts that I brought in just were not spending enough.

I finally took a second part time job at the Folsom Lake Bowl Card room as a Floor Manager. It quickly turned into a full time job, and not only was I making good money here, but I really enjoy going to work to this new job every day as well. I decided that I would focus my energies at the card room and I gave my notice at the ad agency. This will give me the opportunity to possibly pick something up additionally I can do closer to home.

Anyway, this all brings me to a point. It appears that Barack Obama is our new President. While I applaud our nation in electing the first black president, did our nation really think when it went to the polls? Obama didn't try to hide the fact that he favors socialism. Do you remember learning socialism when you went to school? I am a prime example of someone who needs lots of help financially - but do I want everything handed to me? NO! Even though my business lost a lot of money, we need to be motivated to try start businesses. (even under a perfect system, not every business will succeed). If Barack Obama gets his way, there will no longer be any incentive to even to try to start a business. Give me one example where socialism has succeeded. This is not the answer to our problems.