The most striking question for me in the October 7 debate was an internet question:
Sen. McCain, for you, we have our first question from the Internet tonight. A child of the Depression, 78-year-old Fiorra from Chicago.
Since World War II, we have never been asked to sacrifice anything to help our country, except the blood of our heroic men and women. As president, what sacrifices -- sacrifices will you ask every American to make to help restore the American dream and to get out of the economic morass that we're now in? (http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/07/presidential.debate.transcript/)
I enjoyed Senator McCain’s take that as Americans we will have to come together to say “ENOUGH with spending what we do not have“ and make the sacrifices to go without or with reduction of many programs and services that we have enjoyed up to this time. His return resolve was for government to openly address which programs are vital, which need more funding, which are being wasteful and which we can do without. He had the courage to say that there will be painful cuts, but that through setting better priorities we will be able to meet the absolute needs of Americans and resolve the most pressing problems while balancing the budget.
Senator Obama addressed that “the American people are hungry for the kind of leadership that is going to tackle these problems.” It appears to me that Senator Obama sees his role as president to be involved with the people and leading their lives more so then what I have historically seen as a role of leading congress and international alliances. His answer did not seems as direct, but his message was clear that he envisions himself trying to direct the affairs of individual Americans.
To compare: Each candidate is willing to recognize that they need to get Americans on board with their plans to improve this nation. They see the issues at hand and know that we can solve all the problems, so long as we are not making up new problems as we go.
To contrast: Senator Obama intends to lead the people directly, to motivate them to action and I suspect he hopes this turns into change in congress as their constituents begin demanding certain actions. Sounds like a true revolutionary. Senator McCain, on the other hands, tends to lean towards serving the people through policy change in congress, targeting specific legislation to clean out the corruption and to ensure that the American people have a voice through congress.
It appears that these differences are inherent with their distinctive backgrounds. Senator McCain’s extensive background in congress has prepared him to work with congress and identify the problems and obstacles there. Senator Obama, on the other hand, is experienced with working directly with people, motivating them to a cause.
Personally, I would sooner trust Senator McCain to achieve his, and hopefully our, purposes because of the need to work with congress and others throughout government to make it happen. Senator Obama, would likely better benefit the American people on a personal level assisting in communities.
Following through with the concept of "what do American's need to sacrifice?" I have devised the following. Follow the prophets. It may be difficult to encourage the entire nation to follow the guidance of the prophets on a spiritual level. However, convincing the American people to follow the prophets on a temporal level just might work out. Specifically, if Americans are serious about sacrificing to serve their nation they will avoid debt, seek an education, live within their means, build an emergency cash fund, start food storage and other emergency preparations, and prepare for future financial independence (i.e. retirement).
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5 comments:
I was thinking about the economy the other day and thought back to a talk from Pres. Hinckley. He specifically counseled us to get our financial houses in order because the days of feasting would soon be over and that the days of famine were to come (he used the comparison from the Bible of the seven fat cows and the seven lean cows). I thought that it was interesting that he probably foresaw the financial situation as it is now. Think of this: The prophet not only foresees events for our spiritual welfare, but for our financial welfare as well. I brought this up to my wife. She said: Next time we hear a prophet talk like that, let's sell all of our stock. :)
Seriously, though, we need to cut the fat in government and personal spending. Neither the government nor Americans are living within their means. In 2005, it was the first year since the depression that Americans had negative savings (i.e., they spent more than they earned). And I read today that the government has a $10.2 trillion deficit. Who knows where that will stand after all of these bailout packages. $700 billion here, $80 billion there, etc. My hope is that whoever becomes president will be fiscally responsible in government spending which will set a better example for Americans. But even if that doesn't happen, following the propeht will definitely ensure that we will make it through difficult times. Invest first in food storage.
It makes my heart glad when I see two of my young nephews dicuss matters of importance in such an itellegent and insightful way. When I see that, I know that the future leadership of our church and families are in good hands and it gives me hope and a positive outlook at the troubling times ahead. I love you guys!!
Aunt Devon, wrong Matt, but do you have cousin Matt's blog? I would appreciate it.
Matt, thanks for adding. I had not given thought to the fact that government's example does affect individuals' choices. I believe you are right that if the American people saw government actually trying to pay off the national debt (or local debts) that many would receive the motivation they need to start doing so themselves.
I think Senator McCain is our best best for getting the budget back under control. Experience exposing and stopping congresses shady side (according to him), the need to prove the Republican party to Americans and the political party opposition in congress will play a huge role. With a democratic president I think we will see much of what we have seen with Bush, no urgency except for party specific platform items.
But believe me, I am trying not to endorse one over the other. Okay, so maybe I AM trying to justify my vote. But I am still trying to be open.
I agree about McCain being the best candidate to get spending in check. Obama seems to be taking the route of over-promising for BIG spending initiatives. I mean, universal health care for EVERYONE? From what I understand, his plan is as expensive as the Iraq war, or MORE! I think government needs to give up more of its programs to private industry. Isn't that what capitalism all about?
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