Open letter to Obama supporters
Dear fellow TPM readers,
I am a regular reader of the site and appreciate the great diversity of thought and opinion here as I am normally a traditional "liberal" who sees the world more through the eyes of JFK Democrats and have pretty big differences with the policy platform of Senator Obama.
I am simply posting today to commend my fellow readers in their energy, their relentless towards advancing their ideas, their vocalness in standing up for their principles and for the voices they provide to enrich our democracy. Obama may or may not win but the enthusiasm your candidate, and many of you, have provided in this election has been a sight to behold.
I do not want Senator Obama to win but if he does he certainly deserves it with the effort, energy and enthusiasm he has exhibited.
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Obama is running on the platform of the Democratic Party. Why don't you tell us what your differences are.
October 25, 2008 11:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
II' also like to know the definition of a JFK Democrat.
October 25, 2008 3:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would be very interested in learning those policy differences also - not to argue with but because I'm curious/puzzled. (Consider myself a "JFK Democrat" since I actually campaigned for him in my youth!) In any event, your comments are welcome.
Having been around in the early 60's (JFK, civil rights progress), I too have watched with tremendous pleasure (and wistful memory) the energy, enthusiasm and effort of both Sen. Obama and the majority of his supporters. For me it brings back wonderful and tremendously proud memories; for younger people, like Michelle Obama, I easily understand that it's truly something they've never seen.
October 25, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
My policy differences are that I am unapologetic about America. We have far less to apologize for to the world than we do to be proud of (the billions we've given in foreign aid towards hunger, AID's, etc.) and so the kissing up to those in Europe and elsewhere who loathe this country makes me sick. I am also not in favor of an immediate withdrawal from Iraq without conditions considered though I do think we are well on our way towards coming home and not with heads slumped in defeat which would have been the way if Obama and the rest of the party had gotten their way. I'll stop there though.
Regarding taxes, his policy of raising capital gains and taxes on the rich to promote "fairness" as a higher priority than bringing in more tax revenue is illogical on so many fronts. As a pragmatist and old school liberal I thought our priority cared about what worked (maximum tax revenue) as opposed to what "felt right." No?
JFK was also the one who asked what WE could do for our country instead of what the country can do for us. Each time I listen to Obama I hear the exact opposite. It's incredibly condescending to hear and I could go on and on and on but since the Senator from my state has taken both sides on almost all issues I find it hard to know where he honestly stands on many things and am more inclined to see his big government ideas as Leftism (expansion of the role of the federal government) as opposed to the expansion of liberalism (expanding freedom and opportunity for all).
Hope this helps.
October 25, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink