My Thoughts on Current Political Issues

It’s the election year and this time i have the right to vote as a naturalized citizen of the United States.  I never thought this day would come, however it is amazing how much Americans take this for granted, including myself sometimes.  So i am beginning to understand .    However, despite my excitement of being a voter in such a trivial election, i realize that my choice for the president, local mayor, and even the local/state propositions has the possibility of making a difference.  Not only in my life but others as well.   Although, considering that the majority of voters are in sync with how i will be voting of course.  So after many discussions with friends and family members regarding the people and the issues on the ballot, my decision is pretty much set in stone for now, especially since the election is right around the corner – Nov. 4th. 

For the President, i am confident that Barack Obama will bring that “change”  we are asking for.  However, i have been struggling with this a little bit since i have double interests: My life in the United States, and those of my relatives in Iraq.  So change in Iraq, one of the reasons why i was hesitant to voting for Obama, because i know that change will come very quickly.  So quickly that could potentially have high impact on my home country of Iraq.  I just don’t believe Iraqi officials can handle what’s going on on their own.   A withdrawal within in the next year or two doesn’t seem plausible whether we believe the intentions of starting the war are correct or not. 

On the other hand, i am extremely hesitant voting for the McCain/Palin presidency.  You realize i said Palin too.  This is because there’s a relatively high risk/possibility of something happening to McCain due to his old age and i would very scared of having a “president Palin.”  I am sorry people, but she is inexperienced as we all soon found out after her name was added to the ticket.  I just won’t vote for her and therefore McCain.

Another major issue being presented in California is Proposition 8, eliminating gay marriage.  Being an immigrant from a country where homosexuality was so prohibited that i didn’t know it existed until i came to the US, i realize my decision isn’t as easy as just voting YES.  A conflict exists between my religious values which do not allow for any same sex interrelations and living in a country where the rights by law give freedom of expression and religion to certain things, maybe gay marriage.  So i understand that based on how the law is written that homosexuals should be granted their marriage licenses, however my religious values are looking beyond the laws that are protecting it.  I have the duty to make the right decision according to the laws made by God while at the same time be able to thank the Lord for allowing me to live in a country where conflict of interest exist between religion and freedom of religion.   It’s a difficult decision but one we all have to make ( at least Californians). 

So i have many other issues i wanted to talk about but i’m afraid i will show too much of libertarian point of views.  You know what i mean .

Sultana