I suspect that this blog entry may turn some people away, and if so, so be it. However, I take pride in treating my blog as a personal diary, not just a commercial venue. So I’m about to discuss a political matter and if it’s not something you care to read… be forewarned the contents within contain personal political opinions.

This week Barack Obama came to my state of Indiana and spoke at a highschool. I didn’t go cause I didn’t hear any news about it until AFTER the fact. I really would have liked to hear him speak in person. I’ve been impressed with some of the video speeches on his site and want to listen as an audience member. Also later this week (tomorrow I think is the official day), Hillary Clinton will come to Indiana as well and so far I haven’t found any announcements made regarding when and where she will be speaking. I’d really like to know! It’s not even on her website, yet she has a banner saying “Indiana for Hillary.” - hmmm…

Anyway, I try to stay away from politics in my blog for obvious reasons, however the reason I’m writing is because Bill Clinton, politicians, and several newscasters have stated that if Hillary wins Indiana, SHE will be the next president. If Obama wins Indiana, HE could be the next president.

Who would have thought that this would all boil down to Indiana? And it’s where I live!

I’m still undecided though. All candidates (even McCain) have many positive qualities as well as some negative ones. Frankly, I’m disappointed that none of them have tackled the issues of animal rights or anti-torture in the food business. One reason I wanted to go to hear them live is because many times, they take questions from the audience and will answer it on the spot. I want to know how they feel about the issue of animal rights. Do they have any provisions to regulate or prevent the current animal cruelty going on right now? All I know is that Hillary (in the past) has backed up organizations that utilized animal cruelty. In fact, she’s often been nicknamed “Hen-Heck Hillary” due to her downright ignorance of what happens to animals. And Obama has flat-out supported hunting and gaming and wants to designate government-funded hunting areas, which as you know, involves the shooting and hurting of animals - many of whom don’t die with just one shot. I don’t know McCain’s stance on this - I just know that I disagree with his support of the war. All three of those candidates have a lot they could offer the country… but at this point, I THINK I’m leaning toward Obama. I keep changing my mind, because many times I’ll hear a new speech from someone that will make me lean towards or away from them, depending on the content. Why doesn’t anyone care about animal rights? Why don’t politicians find it important? I’ve written all three camps personal letters asking for their opinions on this matter in hopes that they’ll AT LEAST make a public statement regarding their position, but so far… nothing from their corners but silence.

Animal rights are important. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… it’s NOT that I’m against the killing of animals. I’m against the TORTURE of animals. No one, whether human or animal, should ever be tortured - whether for food, fashion, or furniture. It’s disgusting that politicians haven’t so much as batted an eyelash to this crucial issue.

As far as health care goes, both Obama and Clinton have fabulous options. Personally, I’m ok with either health care plan AS LONG AS people can be automatically covered, especially those with pre-existing conditions. I remember when I weighed my heaviest, topping over 300 lbs, many health insurance companies wouldn’t cover me. And many of my friends have health problems which often go untreated due to their lack of health insurance. It breaks my heart that pre-existing conditions aren’t covered. If EITHER candidate supports a health insurance program or can begin a mandated regulation that requires insurance companies to accept EVERYBODY, then count me in. I know Clinton is for forcing the health care issue, and in my shoes, think it’s a fabulous idea. However, there are millions of financially challenged people who aren’t nearly as fortunate to afford such a thing. So that leave’s Obama. Can he lead America to really change the current situation? Maybe. Maybe not. He keeps talking about change, change, change. I like action, not words. And often times, politicians say all the things they need to say to get likability and win popularity contests, but when push comes to shove, will they be able to do what they promised?

It all boils down to our state in Indiana. If the decision would be left up to ME, I’m about as split in the middle as the rest of the world. I mean sure, who WOULDN’T want a DOMINANT WOMAN as president? If Hillary won, I’d be ecstatic just cause she’s a woman and women rule. But this isn’t a race about gender. And who WOULDN’T want an INTELLIGENT, CHARMING MAN to be president… sure much better than the idiot we have in office right now. And McCain has a positive side too, if you discount the fact he’s older than my grandfather and he has a violent temper tantrum. McCain was one of those cool congressmen who would often vote bipartisanly and was one of the 7 split vote guys. That shows he doesn’t just vote based on party lines. However, that alone isn’t enough to make someone fit to be president. So much more is involved and many of the issues he tackles are just off base. I am WAITING to see if any of the candidates will speak out against animal cruelty. When or if they do, they’ll have my vote. Until then, I’m disappointed in all of them and don’t see the point of voting at all. I’ve voted in every election since my 18th birthday, and this year I’d like to do it again, but I need to know I’ve made the right choice.

Love
Isabella
xoxooxox