If you have been reading my blog for any length of time you know I write primarily about running, bicycling and issues affecting our beautiful County Parks. I feel compelled, however, to deviate from my primary focus at this historic time in our nation's history to state my support for Barack Obama.
My reasons are personal and emotional. I do not follow politics closely ( I am more interested in local politics and news than in national or international affairs) but I do have strong feelings about the upcoming election. My reasons are as follows:
I strongly believe in the "Just War" doctrine. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_War). I do not believe the war in Iraq satisfied the requirements of the "Just War" doctrine. I strongly believe that war is the most destructive and evil thing in human history and it is something that should be avoided if at all possible. In particular, I believe nations should only go to war as a last resort when no other viable option exists. On the other hand, I am not a pacifist and I believe that the war in Afghanistan was justified in light of the 9/11 attacks. The war in Iraq, however, was an enormous mistake. Ultimately, history will be the judge.
Secondly, I strongly believe that torture is morally unconscionable and cannot be accepted under any circumstances whatsoever. While McCain has spoken against torture, the Republican party has to a large extent supported it. (And yes, waterboarding is torture). I strongly believe that if our nation advocates torture of "political detainees" then we have seriously lost our way and have to question our most basic fundamental motives.
The 9/11 attacks were cowardly, evil acts by men who were completely corrupted by religious fanaticism and political extremism. These attacks brought our nation together as we all joined together to fight a common foe. From that point, however, we have become divided by the war in Iraq even while most Americans supported our nation's efforts in Afghanistan.
I have thought how our nation has changed since 9/11; for example, prior to 9/11 most US citizens would have been horrified to hear that our nation was using torture to interrogate political prisoners. After 9/11, a large percentage of US citizens support it.
We are supposed to be better than that. We have to be better than that. Moreover, torturing political prisoners tarnishes our image. People read of it and ask themselves if we are really the shining beacon of hope and freedom in the world.
Third, I believe Obama is better prepared to deal with our ongoing financial crisis. Neither candidate will be able to quickly solve our economic problems. I do believe, however, that Obama will carefully consider all options and make the most intelligent decisions that will help our economy recover and restore faith in the banking system.
Our nation needs a change and that change is Barack Obama. He is not the more experienced candidate, but I believe he is the most qualified and the most able to guide our nation in this terrible time. I hope you will consider voting for him and for the change he will bring at this critical juncture in our history.
And, if you disagree with me, I do respect your opinion and your convictions.
