Just a few days ago, I’ve answered to a phone poll to go over the state of the economy, political inclination, war on Iraq and so on…
I realized that I’m a scary hybrid:
1) I like a free economy (open – if there is such thing)because that’s one of the reason I hated about comunism (I’ve lived in the Eastern block for 15 years under communism)…….I woudn’t want that back, yet I certainly miss some great things from that era (every system’s got its perks)
2) However, I do see the need for some social protection and government fiscal responsability (stop ignoring DEBT, and bring a tax & spend attitude).
3) I realized that HealthCare is a mess in our country (the US)….I’m just 32, so I shouldn’t think that hard about this matter……but I see/hear storries that make one reject the idea of the US in 2007 with people being turned down for medical treatment/best interest of patients is run by insurance and private hospitals.
4) The state of the Economy is my # 1 concern. I share the same concerns with the majority on the board about: (1) a decent place to live in a house I hope to afford soon….not to flip/speculate,(2) a decent way to invest more in my education in my future’s familiy in this country (I don’t have kids…but I do think ahead along with my wife). I am not asking for much, but I do feel that our middle class is being squeezed to extremes (feel the effect of unreported inflation, stagnate wages, opportunities)..I’ve done & felt economically better/safer in my 20’s… (or was less informed)
5) The political state….disastrous:(1) politicians are too corupt by private interest (Corporations) to work in our best interest, (2) Democrats or Republicans…..more or less the same w/ actions – DIFFERENT speaches pre-election, (3)Voting for the best of the 2 evils does not make me feel any better about a way to change/impact America- my new home……..I have republican ideas (conservative/fiscally responsable / small goverment) with a mix of social responsability (healthcare)….and liberal views (gay marriage isn’t my priority)….. I think China and less likely Russia might show us what the new HYBRID of both worlds could do (social system w/ Economic interest “semi-Capitalism”)…
6) Education: I’ve had great opportunities in the US, and I want to maintain this educational path. However, schools abroad are much harsher, require LESS or LITTLE $$$ to qualify young people to be educated…..Criteria in US top schools are more & more (who’s your dady & what does he do/contribute)…less on the qualifications of these kids. One thing I know about schools outside….. exams are TOUGH/HARD..stressfull…and oustanding candidates have the edge vs. $$$
7) Immigration policy: it sucks….in plain English. We’re caught in the political interest of Agro-industrial producers (who view cheap illegal labor easier to handle than innovation in new techonolgies to fix our thirst for these poor people). What’s even more disturbing are the lax rules at our borders. I’m a legal immigrant and I have been living here for 12 years, but I would be the 1st to tell you that #1 If you don’t speak English is not acceptable, #2 ignoring the immigration problem is just going to enhance this illness, and #3 we are experiencing a big problem with our ability to bring/keep/attract/ highly skilled folks here (with our quota system…..birocracy at our homeland security/immigration offices)…
Enough….I don’t want to write essays….but It’s hard to know whom to vote because the lesser of the 2 evils does not appeal anymore to me. However, I realize that a passive approach w/out political implication makes it worse. I’m a 1st generation legal immigrant here, so I don’t want to give up….without thinking/understanding/choosing what’s best for my adopted country….
