Serving Bread

In Part I, I mused about the relationship between conviction and politics. In Part II, I will look at some of the issues and convictions that are particularly relevant in this election cycle. I think of this as the platform of this convention. In order of priority, the next president of the United States would ideally hold these convictions:

1. Iraq. It does not matter whether someone was for or against the war in Iraq. What matters is whether he will address the mess we’re in. I don’t care whether Obama had better judgment for opposing the war or McCain had better judgment for supporting the surge. I want to know who will address the situation at hand (and that may not necessarily be to withdraw troops even though I’ve been against this war).
2. Foreign Relations. The President of the United States is the head of state. The president will represent the United States to the world and will make decisions on behalf of our country. It is critical that the next president spend most of his energy developing relationships and mending relationships. Foreign relations matters more now than ever in our history. We live interconnected lives with the rest of the global community. The most important role that the President has is operating as the Head of State of the United States. And the most impact that presidents can have is in the area of foreign relations. Domestic policy is far more difficult to impact and change.
3. The war on terror. What is this war on terror? Who is the enemy? How will we defeat it? Is it worth to have our resources toward this war? Someone, explain it and give us vision!
4. Energy and the Environment. Americans are finally realizing that we cannot sustain our current energy policy. And there has been more of a shift in our culture to care for the environment. Christians, especially, are realizing how important it is to care for our environment. In this area, I am particularly disturbed that the Republicans are almost single-minded on “Drill, Baby, Drill.” I hear little or no mention of alternative energy and conservation. Personally, I am neutral on off-shore drilling, but it seems to be far from the silver bullet that will prepare us for another generation of energy consumption.
5. A new economic model. Whether or not we think that our economy is fine and just going through a correction, there are some lessons to be learned. Consumers did not handle the years of relative “prosperity” and low interest rates with much maturity. The next president will have to address some of the problem spots of our economy. How do we make credit available to those with good credit? How do we reward sound investments? How do we allow people to take appropriate risks? What do we do about the inevitable insolvency of Social Security?

My Minor-Major issues. These are the issues that I care about, but are not necessarily forming my thoughts about this election:

• Abortion. I hate the idea of abortion. I don’t buy that it’s a ‘privacy’ issue. Reducing abortions should be a goal of anyone in the White House (whether he is pro-life or pro-choice).
• Gay-marriage. Christians should be on the fore-front of supporting human rights for all (including those who have lifestyles with which we disagree and even find sinful). Gay people should be given privileges (like hospital visitations). It’s funny to me that gay men and women want marriage like heterosexuals. We heterosexuals don’t do marriage very well (we get a big “F”). Why would you want one of our failed institutions? Regardless, I don’t think that gay marriage is a human right issue. Marriage is an institution that only makes sense within a heterosexual relationship. In my opinion, gay marriage is a sort of oxymoron.
• Healthcare. I don’t trust my government running healthcare. I think there are ways we can encourage and assure that more people get healthcare. I appreciate that the Democrats bring it up for conversation and wish the Republicans were less silent on the issue.

Issues I wish the candidates were talking about:

• Modern-day slavery. There are 27 million people who are enslaved today (more than the trans-atlantic slave trade that spanned 400 years). We need a surge to address this.
• Poverty. Even the democrats have become somewhat silent (this was a major issue in the primaries) on waging war on poverty. We need a surge to address inequality and the plight of the poor.
• Water-rights. Forget talking about oil, the next major conflicts in the world will revolve around water. We need new technology to help people get water.
• Traffic on the 405. I will vote and campaign to the first candidate that will GUARANTEE that I (Eddy) will no longer deal with traffic.

Issues I wish the candidates were talking less about:

• Earmarks. Are you kidding me? We are debating who requested more earmarks rather than how to end poverty?
• Governor or senator? Our system (whether we like it or not) doesn’t reward the presidency to the most experienced person. You have all taken great strides and have done much to earn your party’s nomination. Congratulations. Now move on from debating your experience to debating your future!
• Who is more of an outsider? Outsiders do not necessarily make great presidents. Just ask those who voted for Jimmy Carter!

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