On: Politics
Sep 15, 2008 News and Blues
I am really reluctant to write anything about politics. I thought I had an “avoid political discussion” policy in place. But the other day I realized that this self-imposed policy is lame cop-out to avoid debating things I probably should care about more than I really do.
I’m discovering I’m quick to jump on the bandwagon with those that have kinda similar belief-systems as I do. But the minute I feel like someone is about to join the conversation who has a strong persuasion in a different direction than I do, I start setting the conversation on auto-pilot steering it to avoid a conflict of personalities. Conflict isn’t my game. Maybe it should be.
I wouldn’t always say that I’ve voted the popular vote. I’ve proudly voted for independents and third parties in elections past. I have long believed that a third major party would be good for this country. It seems that “moderates” make up a large population of the electoral, and I would definitely classify myself as one. Things aren’t as black and white as a bipartisan system would have you believe, and the way the system is now there is too much infighting happening within both parties prior to the general election. Then they expect us to “unify” behind a candidate which may be very difficult if it wasn’t your candidate of choice for the party. This happened to me the previous two elections. Luckily it wasn’t the same this time.
However, when it comes to politics there is one issue that I do feel strongly about: technology. This election Obama clearly has the stronger technology platform IMO, although I must admit that McCain’s tech policy has evolved somewhat in the recent months going from almost nothing to being a fairly strong offering. Obama has had tech issues as a strong priority from the start, and I feel that he is more passionate in protecting these crucial elements of American society. I learn my living online, and have for over the past 10 years. Technology impacts my lifestyle directly. Oil, foreign policy, environment, fiscal policy: all these items are important to me, but I’m a realist and know that most issues can only be changed mildly in 4 years time. Even in 8 years time isn’t enough for most of the issues. However, when it comes to technology 4 to 8 years is a lifetime. The wrong decisions can impact us immediately and drastically. Sales can get more taxes, access can be limited by monopolistic ISPs, forms of advertising can regulated, and someone can claim they own rights to something you have (like a domain name and/or website). One crazy act of congress, and the rules change overnight. So this is something I watch intently and closely so I can continue providing for my family doing something I’m good at.
And damnit, I want to play online poker and not feel like a criminal (thanks GOP!).
Tags: mccain, obama, politics, technology
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