politics from Myron

This presidential race has gotten very interesting lately for me (as an Alaskan) because of Sarah Palin's sudden entrance into the race.

Generally Alaska just votes Republican... always. Mainly because Democrats in the lower-48 always seem to meddle up here and don't really care about local politics in Alaska.

This year it was very interesting because McCain got around 15% of the vote in Alaska.

He is not a popular guy over all.

However Sarah is pretty popular, from what I've seen from working at the State she has really worked at at stamping out corruption and general bad things. And she has not in the past followed the party criticizing different republicans to come clean and be honest.

I've seen a huge popularity boost for Obama (in Alaska) because people are upset at how the country has been run. For example huge amounts of unaccounted money going to companies which elected officials own stuff in, it seems like a lot of corruption at the top.

From what I've seen with Sarah, she isn't that way (in the corporate pocket).

I'm excited because I see someone who is a good person potentially make it to VP of the United States. I don't know how much power Sarah can change things if the republican party makes it but I am very afraid that the Republican party is going to use her good reputation to get in and then toss her aside.

Now... maybe I don't like all of the policies that Sarah Palin has but I do believe she is not in any corporation pocket and is honest. I am also utterly afraid Washington is going to tear her apart and spit her out... but we'll see.

So for now I am going to support her even if it means someone (McCain) whose fiscal policies and attitude in the past for Alaska has not been the greatest could be president.

I've never really supported any candidate very hard but I generally like our governor and I want to see her in a spot at the top of the country... for better or for worse. (hopefully not worse).

But just BECAUSE I've decided to throw my support this way does not mean I look down or feel I need to change anybody else's vote. Everyone has there reasons and it is GOOD to be involved and have them. It means you care. Please don't hate me if I decide to vote one way or the other, personal relationships are MUCH more important.

And really... that is what it is about, people caring and voting to try in their own way to make a difference for the future.

Maybe my reasons and what will end up with be wrong, maybe not, maybe yours will be bad as well. But if you don't make a decision and don't care that is just sad :(.

(also I don't take it personally in ANYWAY whatever decision you make!!). I have been known to change my mind on issues as well!

There are a lot of "issues" that people bring up and politicans have a lot of views on different topics. Some people are one issue voters, and for some people certain issues mean a LOT to a person and other voters no as much.

Here are some issues that I am aware of:
Foreign Policy
Homeland Security
War
Free Trade
Immigration
Energy and Oil
Crime
Drugs
Civil Rights
Jobs
Environment
Budget and Economy
Government Reform
Tax Reform
Social Security
Welfare and Poverty
Technology
Education
Healthcare
Abortion
Family rights of children versus society rights on children
Corporations
Principles and Values

So before people say, "Republicans suck" or "Democrats suck" or whatever... know this they agree MOST of the time. We are one big happy(somewhat) family and even among a party different views happen even among politicans.

It is very hard to find a politician that matches all of your views. So when you choose a politician that politician will I can (almost) GUARANTEE will not follow all of your views. But you make a decision usually only seeing part of the picture. For example guns or some other issue which may mean a huge amount to you, but not as big of a personal value to other people. I have found it utterly crazy for example the views on guns in NY. Blows my mind. But people have different experiences and in different places it might make sense for those people to see things differently based on their life experiences and personal values.

So in closing: This is a pretty exciting time because Alaska has some personal "skin" in the game as it turns out, because most everyone knows one of the canidates! And I know everyone is going to be watching this race VERY carefully! :). This should be a fun and exciting time for EVERYONE to have fun seeing how the direction of our country is going to go... for better or for worse!

P.S. I also feel just a bit "nationalistic" about Alaska.