Sushi Money

In these last days before the election I find myself amazed at the emotions and tactics of the political candidates and their followers, on both sides of the aisle and at both the national and local level.  This surely is one of the most fascinating, if not important elections we have faced in decades. Today I’m stepping out of the financial discussion to share a few thoughts on the election.  This may frustrate or disappoint some of you, and it may please others.  Whether you agree or disagree, that’s fine.  I respect your views and the choice that’s right for you.  I’ll even try to put up a guest post with opposing views if someone sends it in.  But for today, here’s mine:

Who am I voting for?  McCain.  Why?  Primarily because I believe he has a better vision for the future of the nation, as well as a philosophy that strengthens rather than weakens the foundations of society over time. 

I’m voting for McCain not only in terms of my views on national security or economics, but more importantly in considering the basic elements of what one believes about freedom and democracy.   At the heart of these beliefs, for me, is an understanding that the individual in society is the strength of that same society. Whatever we do to help grow, foster, improve and assist that individual in realizing their potential and expanding their ability to contribute to society is essential both for them and the nation as a whole.  

One of the growing socio-economic buzzwords is the term human capital.  Human capital refers basically to the inherent skills and knowledge that an individual may possess in order to contribute to society and produce economic value both personally and for that society.   One of the hallmarks of America has been to establish a foundation of freedom that allows this tremendous drive by individuals to grow and succeed, personally and professionally, and to seek ”…life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”    I prefer to think of it the same way as Benjamin Franklin:

“All the constitution guarantees is the pursuit of happiness. You have to catch up with it by yourself.”              

The expansion of human capital through the economic fabric of our free American democracy has arguably fostered the greatest revolution of invention and creative genius in history.  Yet it isn’t perfect.  What society is?  Even with the current economic challenges we face, the grand experiment of American democracy has been an incredible success story that continues to foster industrial, technological and environmental change throughout the world.  More importantly it places people first, acknowledging both the value of human rights and the value of human life.  Something that far too often is forgotten about most of the world in which we live.

We owe that strength and genius not to the nation of America itself, but rather to its people.  And the only way we are going to continue fostering the strength of the American nation over time is to continue empowering people as individuals, and not as recipients of government programs and largesse that increasingly demands adherence and holds their future hostage. 

I read a message on one of the news sites today that was interesting.  I think it’s a creative story and not a real event, but it makes an interesting point:

“Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read “Vote Obama, I need the money.” I laughed. Once in the restaurant my server had on a “Obama 08″ tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference- just imagine the coincidence. When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need–the homeless guy outside….”

Maybe the waiter would actually smile, and say “Good idea!” if this were to happen.  Probably not however, because few of us like having our money taken from us and being told we must give it to others.  Choosing to do so is one thing.  Not having that choice is another.

I believe Obama’s vision of change and “economic justice” to be lacking in understanding for the basics of freedom and democracy, and that it devalues rather than empowers the individual in society over time.

And quite frankly I would rather politicians work to legislate for structural  economic foundations, with evolving regulatory approaches, that support free enterprise rather than redirecting the hard work and success of some to those that may do little to earn it.  I believe the dreams, creative vision and efforts of hard-working Americans actually lift up the nation over time, and that if we make taxes too burdensome, and focus on re-distributing the products of their success to those who do not earn it can only serve to undermine the fabric of the nation.

I do believe we must give and share with those who may not ever be able to achieve or survive on their own, or without help in so many areas.  But giving of your own volition is one thing.  Having your money taken and being told that you must do so is another.  Rather than government deciding who are the deserving among society to receive the wealth of others, we must foster a nation that lifts up the poorest and those who are struggling. 

We can teach, train, volunteer, and give of ourselves in so many ways, and government can help establish programs and structures to facilitate those goals.  But economic justice is far more than being “neighborly” by taxing the rich, and handing out money to the poor.  It’s a balance to be sure, but Obama’s views- and those of Pelosi, Reid, Frank, Dodd, etc., are balanced much too far to the left.

Essentially I think America needs McCain more right now than we need Obama. 

Yet from the polls, media blitz and just about every other indicator, it looks like Obama has some incredible force that may sweep him into the Presidency this election.  If so then perhaps I’m voting with the minority.  Maybe the nation needs a pyschological shift of energy or some zen-like aura of charismatic change that Obama seems to bring for so many people.   But I just don’t see it.  I would rather focus on McCain’s experience and practical approach to moving the nation forward, rather than some lofty, unscripted vision of change. 

In the car this morning I actually heard two religious hymns being sung with Obama’s name in them, holding him up even as “holy.”  I have to admit that was a little shocking to me, and I’m not even an ardent religious observer.  I have to wonder if in times of national challenge or crisis that people might be flocking to someone new, someone they want to believe in and that can “save” America?  Have many of our fellow Americans replaced their religious views with a secular perspective that is looking somewhere for hope, and are they now looking toward Obama to provide that level of dramatic change?  Maybe so.  Whoever wins the Presidency, I do think the country will be fine.  But it’s going to be a very interesting ride depending upon the direction we take.

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