What's your poison?

I've had so many various conversations, both via social media and in person, with so many different people about politics. There is a common thread. Government is too big and it spends too much money.

The problem is, no one in DC really wants to relinquish power. Everyone is convinced his or her role is essential. It doesn't matter what side of the isle is represented. The Left believes that the people need to be protected from the evil consequences of free enterprise, environmental gremlins and such. The Right believes the people should be protected from evil doers and moral infractions, such as same sex marriages and abortion.

Both isles require the invasion of government in our lives. Perhaps the invasion of Left Wing policies aren't immediately noticed. For example, if the left imposes energy policies on oil companies, I might not make the direct connection of this imposition to the price of gas. But if the government wants to make it illegal to have an abortion, or imposes the Patriot Act to keep me safe, I as an individual will feel that encroachment directly. These are encroachments imposed by the government, both of which designed to exercise power.

So, which poison do you choose? Do you believe that a reduction in Government is really possible? Do you think that those calling for a smaller government would actually eliminate those programs supported by their party?

I don't believe that it's possible to reduce the size of the government. I don't believe that the people in D.C. will ever experience the urgency to do it because they are all so far removed from the laws they impose.

Whatever our founding fathers had in mind for our country, I am of the opinion it has been twisted and reshaped. Even if we all read the constitution, as Cain suggests (though I'm not so sure he's read it himself), understanding the true spirit of the constitution, bill of rights and declaration of independence has to be taught. Children should be taught critical thinking so that they be able to draw their own conclusions about everything from religion to environmental issues.

I'm saddened by the course we're on but selfishly relieved that I won't have to live it years from now.

Obama Kool-Aid

I saw the 60 Minutes Interview and I am so impressed by our President. He is cool. He is calm and he has nerves of steel. I don't think there is any public figure right now that would have had the courage to approve a mission that had only a 55% chance of success. I'm telling you, nerves of steel.

So, all I hear from "anti-Obama" people is that I'm drinking the Obama Kool-aid. You know what? I want to know who's serving who Kool-aid.

First, for two years, the Right tried to serve the "Birth-er" flavored kool-aid. They wanted to serve me the flavor that represents that Obama is NOT a U.S. citizen. They wanted to do everything they could to ilegitimize the Presidency.

Then, they started to serve the "Obama is a muslim sympathizer" flavored kool-aid. I can't tell you how many people tried to convince me that Obama was going to allow Sharia law into our constitution. Many have tried to tell me he's a "closet" Muslim.

The "Obama is a communist" flavor didn't last for very long.

Maybe I'm just declining THEIR Kool-aid.

Are they in shock?

I'm looking through the posts of all of my Facebook friends. With the exception of one person, no one is posting any anti-Obama quips or articles. The silence is deafening.

I think the news of Osama's death meant so many different things to me. First and foremost, I was so relieved to know that we took care of this. Osama Bin Ladin did not get away with 9/11. We were able to send that message around the world and let everyone know, you can run but you can't hide. We will find you.

Then, the second thing is that I got this really strong feeling that our country is in good hands. That the man in the White House really does know what he's doing and he has it all under control. I feel a sense of calm coming over me. And the method in which he is handling this shows me that this is just another day in the life of being President.

And finally, it also just sort of emphasized that Obama does do what he says he's going to do. I'm more optimistic now about our health care plan. I'm more optimistic about everything, I guess.

I was sharing this with a friend whose politics I did not know. I still don't know if he's Republican or Democrat but he shared my feeling about this combined feeling of optimism and serenity. I hope this lasts a little longer; though I know the naysayers are plotting to put a dark cloud over me at any moment.

Osama Bin Ladin - To release or not to release

So, today, Obama announced that he is not releasing the gory photos of Osama Bin Laden. Personally, I don't really care; however, intuitively, I think not releasing them is the right decision.

I've looked over the posts of most of my Facebook friends. No one has posted ANYTHING regarding an opinion on the release of these photos. My conclusion isn't that no one has an opinion but that no one feels strongly enough about our President's decision to say anything. There is more excitement and satisfaction in knowing the wicked witch is dead.

But if you listen to the news, they seem to be the ones with an opinion and they are reporting those opinions as though they are our opinions.

Sometimes I wonder if these guys ever listen to themselves speak.

Congratulations, Mr. President

Dear Mr. President,

It is with great pride and excitement that I extend to you my deepest gratitude for having successfully ended the life of the man responsible for 9/11. I am giddy with excitement.

Job well done, indeed.

Yours truly,

A girl from Texas.