Let me preface this article with a few facts simply because politics is such a perspective-ridden topic. 

FACTS: I was raised Republican. I am currently registered as such. My last employer was a Democratic Congressman running for U.S. Senate- Tom Udall (D-NM). 

         Let’s cover some basics, after all, don’t both sides believe the other misses the basics on a lot of things? The United States will elect a new president. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL) are running for this position. The election is on november 4th. That is soon, and to be a good citizen and not fall in the fires of bad-citizenery, (I checked, and this is where some of the Harding tunnels lead to) you, as an American, should vote. “Mr. English, how do I know which one to choose?” you might ask. Well, friend, by the time you’re done reading, you’ll be “election ready”. 

         I’ve chosen two topics (for now) that are prevalent to many people, whether it be emotionally, intellectually or dogmatically. Some have previously been discussed here on the Cartel, so don’t be alarmed if your issue isn’t covered, simply read on, friend. 

The Economy

         Obama’s Plan- to impose a windfall tax on large industry that would be used to finance an economic stimulus check to working, middle-class families. Those same families would also experience a tax cut. Obama also would like to strengthen America’s involvement with international trade, by adjusting tariffs to benefit the American people. Raising the federal minimum wage to a “livable” wage for working class Americans with a family. (Current federal minimum wage is $6.55) All of these ideas sound initially excellent, and would not have any adverse effects that I can see. However, Obama also supports making homeownership a key goal for every American. In theory I completely agree with this concept, but the means for this do not justify the ends. NINJA loans are a large problem we are in such an economic crisis now. Obama voted for the bailout package, time will tell if it was a beneficial maneuver. 

         McCain’s Plan- John McCain would like to see a reduction in social programs (Social Security, [I would have thought he appreciated an agency that caters to his age-group], Medicare and Medicaid etc.) to balance the federal budget, as well as reform Washington. What does that mean? I don’t think anyone knows, because I’m fairly certain I’ve heard that from every politician who isn’t a presidential incumbent say that. Bureaucracy is about as hard to get rid of as the annoying kid from the playground who wants to sit at your lunch table. Another critique of McCain’s economic policy almost parallel’s Obama. He would like to make states guarantee student loans, which would promote higher education, help enrollment rates and generally be good, right? If someone can’t afford to borrow money, how are they expected to return borrowed money they don’t have? Its a tricky problem. 

Education

         Obama- Improve teacher quality through firing the bad ones and rewarding the good ones. Other methods would be promoting teacher conferences to improve a teachers knowledge on how to teach. Obama would also like to increase college accessibility to American high-schoolers, this means simplifying the FAFSA (Its about 15 pages of redundant information- but then again, it gets you money) and encouraging high schools to increase college awareness. Making math and science a priority so we can compete as a nation with the other industrialized nations is also on the tentative agenda. 

        McCain- I couldn’t find much on a McCain education policy, but what I could find looked like this. Equal access to education, not necessarily equal education. This is fair, some students/people are simply more intelligent and can handle/should handle a better education. Like Obama, McCain would like to improve teachers in virtually the same manner. 

More issues will come, hopefully you can make a decision. Conservatives should feel comfortable voting for Barack Obama, just as much as Liberals should feel comfortable(ish) voting for John McCain… albeit they probably won’t. Looks like Obama’s gonna win this one.