Confusion: From an Independent Voter

I have been mostly lurking here since nearly the beginning of the primaries and haven't published too many diaries but I have somethings that are on my mind that I really have to get out there.

Before I start this diary I want to tell you that I've been a registered Independent since 1976 - the first year I was legally able to vote. During that time I've voted both Republican and Democratic.  

I grew up in a family with a Democratic Mom and a Republican Dad. I also grew up in a religiously mixed household with a Protestant Mom and a Catholic Dad (and I wonder why I'm confused).

At any rate, some things have seemed to bloom out of control here many times but usually not worthy of my remarking on them one way or another because I figure like most things in most places 'this too will pass' but I'm not so sure...hence this diary...

First off let's talk about FISA. I have read, re-read and read again this FISA issue. I am not 100% convinced that Senator Obama is wrong about this. Now you're free to disagree with me (and I'm sure you will) but frankly, this bill has been in place for some time and while there are 'add ons' they don't really do all of the horrible nasty things I've been reading on this blog for the last several days (i.e. trashing the Constitution).  If I've missed the boat on this consider me ignorant and let it be there.  I have other things that are eating at me and this ones the least of them. If folks want to disagree on Senator Obamas position on FISA that's fine with me.  No need to get into a long rant about it I've read diary after diary and I've read comment after comment and I still am not really clear on what all the excitement is about. Perhaps after another few readings on FISA I'll understand it better...who knows.

On General Clarks comments: I have NO idea how anyone interpreted that Senator Obama was throwing General Clark under the bus...none at all.  While a campaign spokesperson might have 'disavowed' the comments that wasn't Senator Obama.  And while some may have taken exception to a single phrase in a speech that was written months ago that they thought was aimed at General Clark, I'm sorry I have listened to the speech 3 times, I didn't find it in any way as doing that...could be that's me again....

On Expanding Faith Based Charity: First off let's establish right off that there are millions of dollars in grants being given every year to faith based organizations from the Federal Government.  Take the time to go and research them please.  Let's get something else very clear:
Senator

Obama does not support requiring religious tests for recipients of aid nor using federal money to proselytize, according to a campaign fact sheet. He also only supports letting religious institutions hire and fire based on faith in the non-taxypayer funded portions of their activities, said a senior adviser to the campaign, who spoke on condition of anonymity to more freely describe the new policy.

Also understand the US Governments policy on Grants:

Federal grants are defined and governed by the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, as incorporated in Title 31 Section 6304 of the U.S. Code. A Federal grant is a:

   "...legal instrument reflecting the relationship between the United States Government and a State, a local government, or other entity when 1) the principal purpose of the relationship is to transfer a thing of value to the State or local government or other recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States instead of acquiring (by purchase, lease, or barter) property or services for the direct benefit or use of the United States Government; and 2) substantial involvement is not expected between the executive agency and the State, local government, or other recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated in the agreement."

The fact of the matter is that many of our health and human services divisions in our individual communities, our food pantries and more may be beneficiaries of government grants.  Some of them (the Salvation Army comes to mind) are faith based.

Do you know how many charities that you currently support that are in fact 'faith based'? Even if you're not aware of it.  For instance: Habitat For Humanity is described as:

A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization building simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need.

 

Currently they have a relationship with the Federal Government

How does Habitat work with the government?
Habitat for Humanity International welcomes partnerships with governments that include accepting funds and other resources to help provide houses for God’s children in need, provided these partnerships do not limit our ability to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, and further provided that affiliates do not become dependent on or controlled by government funds or other funding sources. Local Habitat for Humanity affiliates or Habitat for Humanity International may adopt more specific guidelines as deemed necessary to avoid such dependence or control.

Bread for the World is another 'faith based charity' described as:

25 years of seeking justice for the world's hungry people, Bread for the World is a Christian voice for ending hunger in the new century.

Covenant House:

largest privately-funded childcare agency in the United States providing shelter and service to homeless and runaway youth. It was incorporated in New York City in 1972 and has since expanded in the United States to Anchorage, Atlantic City, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, New Orleans, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Washington, D. C., and, outside the United States, to Toronto, Vancouver, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.

In fact are you aware that the YMCA is a faith based organization? I could go on and on here but you have the picture.  Here's a list of a number of them if you care to check them out.  

The fact of the matter is that churches provide 'captive' audiences in their congregations of people who step up to the plate to help those in need. That my friends is a fact and fortunately for many of us our communities are stronger because of faith based funding being available from our government.  Please look into this carefully before getting all torn up over such a valuable system of keeping families intact.

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Now I'll move onto the next part of my diary - Why I'm supporting Senator Obama.

I am not a die hard fan, that's just not in my makeup to do that. Instead I tend to look at the candidates, blemishes and all and decide who most clearly represents my overall belief. I think this is the one time that I probably am not going to have to vote for the 'lesser of the evils and frankly, I've grown tired of voting for the 'lesser of the evils' that I've had to do in so many elections to date. As a Massachusetts voter I'm probably the anomaly who hasn't consistently voted Democratic but has many times.  When I see Senator Obama this is what I understand:

I understand that my son who is a Marine may not have to go to Iraq - after his cleaning up of the USS Cole I am not in any hurry to repeat that anxiety.

I understand that if my daughters or one of their daughters makes the painful decision to have an abortion that they won't have to leave the state like some of my friends in high school did when they needed abortions.

I understand that he's not 'perfect' he is after all human, none of us are perfect.  And I also understand he's a politician.

I understand when he's talking that part of what he's saying is 'pure politics' but I still believe he intends to change how we do things but even more importantly to me, how we understand what that change will take.

I have faith in his ability to 'round up the troops' and really affect some change.  Good grief just look at the efforts it took for him to win the primary.  That was more than 'a few good speeches'.

I have faith in his ability to evaluate all of the information that is available to him and make the best decision for the 'greater good' and not because it's popular all the time.

I have faith that no matter how bad you might think it is that his position isn't 100% what you thought it might be that he's 1,000% a better option than Senator McCain.

I have faith that his success in running and winning the office of President of the United State of America will break down barriers that we can't begin as a society to understand and open the path to even more qualified people who once felt 'no I can't'....

And all of this....from one very confused Independent! Thanks for reading.