What better day to launch my new blog than on Election Day?!  So for my very first post, I would like to discuss this day in history, and what it means for our country’s future.

Today I cast my vote, along with an estimated 130 million Americans exercising their democratic freedom.  It’s humbling to be a part of such a pivotal moment in history.  The polls are still open at this moment, and the election is still in the air, even though many people, including Karl Rove, President Bush’s chief of staff (aka “Bush’s Brain”) predicts a landslide win for Obama.

No matter who wins the election, we will make history.  If Obama wins, he’ll be the first African-American in the White House.  It McCain wins, he’ll be the oldest elected president, and we’ll have our first ever female vice-president, Palin.

With such a polarized nation, civil unrest is a possibility, and according to upi.com, police stations across the United States are beefing up plans to prepare.  I heard on the radio that Kansas City police are preparing for whatever might happen.  Some of the people here in Kansas that oppose Obama strictly because of his color scare me – I know one person in particular that calls him a terrorist and a socialist, and claims that he will be the downfall of our country.  Not for one second can I begin to understand where those accusations come from.  There is no truth to them!  It’s people like this that will tear our nation apart.

I, along with 62% of voters in the exit polls, see the economy as the top issue facing our nation today.  I have personally experienced the raised credit card interest rates, job losses, and higher cost of living.  I feel fortunate to have what I do, but as a college student working only part time, I have felt the strain.  However, I’m more optimistic than most in thinking that our economy will turn around much more quickly (especially if Obama is elected).

So, I’d really like my first post to be interactive and show the perspectives of my readers as well.  Would you please answer the following questions in a comment (you can be anonymous if you choose).

Questions:

1. What do you consider to be the top issue facing out nation today?
2. How do you think we can turn the economy around?
3. Who would you like to see be elected president, and why?
4. Do you believe there will be civil unrest?
5. Other remarks?

7 Comments »

1. 

   I would like to see Obama become president. He represents what our country needs!

   Comment by jasmine — November 4, 2008 @ 4:56 pm

2. 

   Love it Anna – an aptly-named blog! I’m with you and 62% of the country on fears for our economy. But I remain cautiously optimistic – so I have not completely bought into the full recession. I also believe that a new (and fully engaged) President can lead the country in recovery. I think Obama will be the change we need – I admire McCain’s strength and experience, but he represents the past eight years. I love the youth and exhuberance of Obama. My economy recovery plan – everyone buy more shoes!

   Comment by Katbron — November 4, 2008 @ 5:12 pm

3. 

   In answer to your questions,

   1.)Top issue: Definitely the economy. We have for too long been neglecting our foreign policy. It is time for a change.
   2.)We can turn the economy around by buying American made products.
   3.)I would like to see Obama elected president because I want a president who can be an intelligent diplomat (foreign policy will most certainly benefit from this), has a firm grasp of rhetoric, and is honestly concerned with the plight of the lower and middle classes.
   4.)Do I think there will be civil unrest? Certainly. This nation is most definitely polarized. Quite honestly, if McCain/Palin win, I see the potential of widespread rioting looting the likes of which we haven’t seen since the Rodney King verdict. To be fair, if Obama/Biden win, I wouldn’t be surprised if extreme conservatives stage an assassination.

   Good luck on your new blog Anna.

   Comment by Matt — November 4, 2008 @ 6:42 pm

4. 

   I agree!

   Comment by Anna — November 4, 2008 @ 7:07 pm

5. 

   Thank you! I also love Obama’s enthusiasm, and I believe he really does have the drive we need our president to have now. Love your idea for an economy recovery plan! Every woman – buy more designer shoes and stimulate the economy!

   Comment by Anna — November 4, 2008 @ 7:09 pm

6. 

   1. Afghanistan!!! It has been pushed to the back burner for too long. Afghanistan and/or international relations and/or UN stuff in general.

   2. Buying more shoes? (Just kidding, sort of). Save money and take responsibility for yourself.

   3. Honestly? Either man. They have both come this far. Obama brings a fresh perspective, a way with words and inspiring, new ideas. McCain comes with a long career, a military background and a history of working “across the aisle.” I know they have more in common than not.

   4. I think there will be a ton of bitching and moaning, but Americans are probably too lazy to actually DO anything. How many people said they were going to do something drastic like move during the 2004 election if
   Bush won? How many of them actually did ANYTHING except bitch and moan?

   I will try to be more positive now!

   Comment by Emma — November 4, 2008 @ 7:09 pm

7. 

   1. I think Americans have given up one right that no one can steal…the right to think for themselves. I think there are serious barriers to doing that, but I think if we weren’t so ready to follow people blindly, we would not have had the housing bubble crash or the housing bubble in the first place.

   I am off my soap box.

   2. I agree with Emma…buy shoes. Basically, the worst thing we can do is become financial turtles and spend no money at all. However, we should spend cash, not run up credit card bills.

   3. Obama. I’m not normally a change for change’s sake kind of guy, but it’s obvious the old ways won’t work and while McCain said he was different, his policies were not.

   4. Maybe a handful of arrests, nothing too big. I have more faith in people than that I guess.

   5. Congrats on the new blog! Looking forward to more.

   Comment by Chris Perrin — November 4, 2008 @ 7:38 pm

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