Hopefully like most Americans, I have grown weary of politicians who will say anything just to secure a vote. We live in a culture littered with passive, wishy washy, mushy middle of the road politicians who do not know the meaning of honesty or personal conviction. However, two presidential contenders do serve as energizing exceptions to this trend, the only clear leaders for their respective parties and as candidates for our consideration: Republican incumbent, President George W. Bush and Democratic frontrunner, Dr. Howard Dean.
I must confess I am a staunch conservative, yet anti-death penalty, opposed to homosexual rights but for a new era of compassion and understanding towards homosexual people, pro-Iraq War, pro-life member of the Republican National Committee who did once and will again vote for George W. Bush. I am adamantly opposed to most every social position that Dr. Howard Dean holds. And, while I disagree with Dr. Dean on 99% of the issues, I find him a refreshing alternative to the other Democratic candidates for president. I readily admit that if I was a partisan Democrat I would see no other viable candidate for the Democratic nomination for President. And, if I can be so bold to speak a word of advice to partisan Democrats: if you don’t choose Dean over the other nominees you are being hypocritical.
I mean, Howard Dean absolutely represents what the Democratic Party has been reduced to: pro-abortion, pro-homosexual rights, liberal, anti-war, anti-conservative Christian and pro-big government party for the politically and socially correct. Howard Dean is the only Democratic candidate who will admit his firm stance on the issues I mentioned. While I do not hold to his views, I respect his honesty and willingness to be real. He loses his temper because of his passion for what he believes. He lives his beliefs and makes no apologies for them. Why can’t we find more people on both sides willing to be as vulnerable and courageous?
This presidential race, more than any other in history, is indicative of the kind of nation the United States of America is and is going to become. Are we a Christian nation that believes in biblical family values or are we a pagan nation that is no longer going to allow for the interjection of faith into the running of government? Howard Dean has said that politics shouldn’t be about things like abortion, guns and gays—yet a substantial part of his platform involves these social issues. I think that the laws enacted regarding these issues by the people we elect are the pulse of who we are as a society.
In my opinion, President George W. Bush has stood firmly, honestly and unabashedly for what he holds dear: the preservation of family values and the system of government that our forefathers originally intended. President Bush has not wavered on his platform issues and has courageously defended his positions, decisions and values. He, like Howard Dean, is unrestrained in defining his convictions.
So, when November 2004 rolls around I hope that America will choose to be hot or cold on all of the issues mentioned in this article. I hope that George Bush and Howard Dean are the two that we will choose from and that Americans will decide to get off the couch and the fence and vote for what is best for all. It is time for the lines to be drawn clearly.
Comments