DNC vs RNC Lessons Learned

I have to say, I felt both conventions were brilliant and informative. The speeches at both covered everything from the economy, Osama, a women's right to birth control and foreign policy.

Of course there was no speech more entertaining than that of Mr.Clint Eastwood!! Even funnier was the twitter feeds #eastwooding and the empty chair. Other notable speeches at the RNC included Condoleezza Rice, Senator Marc Rubio, Paul Ryan and of course former Governor Mitt Romney. Who for the first time I felt came across-Real. But where was the former president George W. Bush? Were they afraid to remind us of what the last republican president did? :-)
As for the democrats, I felt the current Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick presented a very interesting take on Mitt Romney's former politics and policies. John Kerry was brilliant and of course former president Bill Clinton brought it home. But most moving to me was the speech by the FLOTUS Michelle Obama. It brought tears to my eyes and gave me chills to hear her speak of her husband and children. The president as usual brought his swag and to me made a heartfelt sincere plea for 4 more years. Unlike his previous run for the presidency in 2004, he did not make a list of promises and admitted to his mistakes and slow but current turnaround of the economy. Lesson learned? Their slogan "Forward" seems to fit.

But the main question that arose in my head was "do people vote for what affects them and their household the most or do they vote for what they feel will better the country as a whole"? Yes in an ideal world these 2 things would be the same but for many it is not. I tried to summarize the theme I got from both conventions. Republicans: "every man and state for themselves". America is a great country full of opportunities so you just have to go for it and make something of yourself. Based on the "every man for themselves", if you make it and you are successful you should get to keep most if not all of your money, not share AND get tax breaks and loop holes more than the average person. Since every American can just become successful and have money, you can pay for your own health insurance and save for your own retirement and therefore do not need assistance from the government in the forms of  medicaid and medicare.

Democrats "we are all in this together". We need to share the burden of our society. America is a great country but some people need help and not everyone is exposed to its opportunities. When you become successful you don't forget about those that are left behind. You reach back and help pull them up. The poor and middle classes need our help. The rich can afford to give back more and be taxed more to make this country a better place overall. Everyone has a basic right to health care. Some would say this sounds like socialism. I beg to differ according the definitions I have read on it http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialism

 

I must state that I do not think either view is terribly wrong but my heart goes out to the democrats and their mission. Eva Longoria made a great point in her speech. She said that the Eva Longoria that was a waitress needed a tax break but the Eva Longoria that is the celebrity and actress does not. It baffles me that millionaires and billionaires including Mitt Romney pay less in taxes than the middle class. Warren Buffet has even asked to be taxed more! However, I do believe my taxes should go towards helping those that help themselves and I do not believe in entitlement. I also believe that this is America and you should not be punished for your success. Mitt Romney having always been rich and never poor does not in my mind exclude him from being a good president or having the ability to help the poor and middle class. But all this leads me back to my initial question.

 

When voting, do you vote for yourself or for the country at large? Personally, most of the things I vote for have nothing to do with me. In fact most physicians will vote for the republican party and against Obamacare because we will make less money when it goes through. We will also likely be taxed less by republicans than by democrats. There is no doubt that we work hard for the money we make, have a high liability in taking care of people's lives and have enormous school loans to pay back. But I also realize that I am fortunate enough to live a comfortable life. I can afford to give back to those who need it more.

 

I read a description recently that I felt suited me far more than just saying I'm an independent. "Social liberal and fiscal conservative". I like it! In the end, I vote for what I feel will help this great country as a whole. I vote for the issues that tug at my heart more than my pocketbook which include a woman's right to choose, a person's right to love and marry whoever they please, the end to the wars in the middle east, bringing our military families back home, and the right of every American to have health care.

 

Thoughts?