RK77

I am glad to see that for whatever reason you have been inspired to seek more information about the candidates.

I think that, for me, the overall philosophical base of the candidate---how they see government---what they see to be governments role---how they see the office of the president --- what direction they would like to move in---these are the things that govern my decision.

I was an Edwards person until he left the race.

I wanted (want) someone to hold this administration accountable for all the crap it has done.

But --- it seems that more of America wants to move forward even if it means letting Bush as his den of murderous theives get away.

So I (like many here) was left with the choice between Hillary and Obama.

I chose a philosophical base of fundamental change in the direction that would begin to return the power to the people (where I believe it belongs).

I love the promise of America but I feel that we fall far short of that promise in many respects. I believe we do this because so many have grown cynical about what can be done.

Those who are sooo profoundly entrenched and extraordinarily invested in the government as it functions now will not try to change it. They will just keep trying to smear lipstick on the pig.

Hillary says she wants to "clean house". What she describes to me is straightening up. I want total spring cleaning! I want all the nooks and crannies of the system cleaned out. I want the refrigerator and the stove pulled out and the floor underneath scoured.

The reason that Hillary and McCain keep focusing on experience is because they firmly believe that the ONLY way to lead the country is by being the most willy criminal in the bunch. They seem to pride themselves on having perfected the manipulations of the dysfunctional government.

That is nice. But I want my government to seek to cease to be dysfunctional. Thus, I have NO interest is someone who is "good" at participating in the "dysfunction"

I don't want to just see new laws and label that change.

I want to apply the substantial powers of the people to shift the entire direction. I want us to start changing the mindsets that got us into this mess---no just to scramble to cover over it.

Someone here pointed out that taking the time out to try to punish Bush and crew now could place the government in a holding pattern and slow our progress.

That is why I am for Obama. He came out of the gate defying all conventional wisdom.

Till this election--everyone in America would have agreed that corporate america and lobbiests and pacs were essential and central to funding a presidential campaign. Obama seems to have said---"we'll see about that" ---- and he has proven that not only will the people finance a candidate who inspires and energizes them but that the people can out fund all other sources.

THIS is the type of CHANGE I want to see! Not only is it a change in direction---it has proven itself to shift the power.

When the dem big time donors sent a letter trying to threaten Pelosi---she was (because of the PEOPLE) able to essentially tell the donors to kiss her butt. For me, that illustrates that the balance of power can be shifted to the people---slowly but surely we can take our nation back.

I am certain that many others can dish the dirt with you about all the candidates. I suppose I could too--(being modest here)-- but only a dolt think all the things that the press focuses on and the things we argue about here day in and out are the crux of what we are deciding (or need to decide). Only a political neophyte actually thinks that ANY policy or plan or proposal offered now means anything whatsoever! PRETENDING to answer the publics "what would you do" questions is a game that has been structured to make to fake out the people.

Retarded concerns about how "detailed" the plan is or how the programs would be financed are for those who like to "play" government every 4 years or so. Fantascizing that you know something about a candidate because you know what church he attends with which pastor is a diversion.

To me, you need to know what a person sees to be the purpose of government, the role of our government in our lives and in the world AND how that person believes the powers are weilded.

McCain seems to think that Military Power is the most essential to well---everything.

Hillary seems to think that the government should parent the state for the people. She will be the peoples voice. She will "fight" for you! She will make your life better ---all you have to do is vote for her and she'll take it from there.

Obama has illustrated that he believes that the people should be asked to participate and with that participation can shape the priorities focus and direction of government. He will open the doors and believes that with access (on a more level playing field) the people will take it from there.

We have a clear choice to make. Will we continue with business as usual in DC or will we do something that may seem a little scarier to some---will we stand up and take our government back.?