HTT - Party Edition

I'm off to Arizona for a fortnight so I don't have much time to stir up controversy. But I will toss out this question for you - Which political party makes you par-tay?

Since I asked, it's only fair that I tell you I'm a ...

Um, a ...

Well ... it's a complicated situation. I've been registered as pretty much everything. I started out as an Independent because that was my uninformed way of saying, "Who freaking cares about political parties? We should be voting for candidates!" I then registered as a Republican because I had an adolescent obsession with Richard Nixon. I saw his humanity in spite of his foibles and thought I could atone for his grievances by being a Republican.

But when the time came to register in Illinois, I had to face the cold, hard facts: I almost always vote for Democrats and my political beliefs are largely reflected in D candidates, although Republicans by and large have better hair and do represent my moral stance on a few key issues. But, again, who says I can't vote against my party on occasion?

So ... I'm a card-carrying Democrat who will totally vote for a Republican if I want to. (Except probably not in this election. My friend and I agree that McCain seems to have latent rage issues.)

Also, do you like to host a party or do you prefer to attend one?

As for myself, I always think I like to host, but then the pre-party stress reminds me that I make a better guest.

HTT - Politics Edition

So I watched a little bit of the State of the Union address last night. But I get nauseous from all the people standing up and down every two seconds. Seriously? I would be the one person who would refuse to stand no matter the statement - "Pizza is delicious!" - as I do for congregational hymns directed by overzealous choristers. Again, it's not some patriotic thing, it's just that I get a little woozy if I stand up for too long. Perhaps I lock my knees? Anyway, it's sure to kill my future in politics, in addition to another problem I have, which is: I HATE politics.

I HATE them. I don't really believe in them, and I find it so weird that some people still do. I honestly can't fathom how some people are 100% behind one presidential candidate and 100% against every other other one. How is that possible? I can't imagine there ever being a candidate who exactly represented my beliefs, my personality or my expectations. Is it just because you so blatantly believe in one political party that you're willing to accept it anything it offers, flaws and all? Is it because you really like Mitt's hair or hate Hillary's?

Because I can find good and bad in all the candidates and both parties. And there is no definite vote-winner for me yet because I wouldn't want to hang out with any of them, frankly, especially if they keep talking smack about each other. It's juvenile!

I do believe that men and women who run for president sincerely believe they can make our country a better place. And I think they sincerely believe their particular approach is the right one to do it. I also think they all have a bit of a power complex. I think they all thrive on the attention. I think they all bend their viewpoints to please the most people. And I think they all can be a bit shady and a bit rude in their attempts to do it.

I also don't believe that any of them can truly change our country. They'll get some of their agendas passed, perhaps; but there's too much red tape, too many other considerations, etc. And to be honest, I think what sounds good in theory isn't always what works best in reality. (And I think a lot of the candidates know that already, but they're still going to offer voters a pipe dream.)

Oh, and I don't like Bush. Period. As I've mentioned, I think he's a child of God. I will give him that. He may even be trying to do the best he can, though considering his general reluctance to admit his faults, I'm afraid pride has prevented him from doing so. Also getting in the way: his intelligence. (No offense, some of us just aren't geniuses, but I imagine he's great with a frisbee.)

That's all.

With all that's going on in our lives, I warn you that HTT is going to be a little heated for a while. Enough sweet moderation and soft topics - this is my blog, and I'm going to tell you how I feel. The great part is you can totally contradict me in the comments below, and I'll listen.

It'll be fun.

So, what do you think about the state of politics in America?

(Oh, and for those of you in frigid climates, click here for my review of Prestone windshield products, which saved me from some serious ice-scraping recently.)

George's Rib Shack

Welcome to the inaugural edition of HOT TOPIC TUESDAY, a place where I offend most of my readers and you love me in spite of it all.

Also, it’s a place to air some of our more passionate views on hot topics like politics, morality and fashion.

It is not a place, however, to demean each other. We’re talking about topics not individuals, so don’t go off on me or someone else. Let your opinion speak for itself. Also, it’s not a place to wax on and on about your point of view. No one wants to read a comment longer than the post itself. Be concise or link to your own blog, where we’ll happily bring along the debate. (And maybe a light snack.)

Now, onto today’s topic: Why I don't like our president and think that's OK

Some of you are laughing right now. “This is our hot topic?” Clearly, you haven’t been to Utah Valley, where I don’t currently reside but have residen. (Also, I’m allowed to make up words. You, however, can not.)

When I lived in Utah, I covered the scandal du jour, which was Michael Moore’s visit to a local college in advance of the 2004 presidential elections. (FYE: Michael Moore doesn’t think much of The President either.) People were up in arms for several reasons, some very legitimate, like the improper method of allocating funds to pay for Moore’s visit. Also because most people in Utah love George W*. Like, they looooove him, even though some of them couldn’t tell you a darn about the guy, his policies or his background. But they hear he’s a Republican, which is good news in that red state. And they hear he’s president, which means undying support no matter what you do, unless you’re a Democrat.

(They’ll argue that at least George is doing a better job than Bill, which isn't necessarily true. George’s personal morality may be a few notches higher, but Bill’s political track record looks better to me.)

I’ll spare you the details of the 40+ stories I wrote, but people were mad, Sean Hannity was calling me on my cell, and it all turned out just fine. Aside from the 1,000 emails (mostly from Mormons sadly) sent to me and the college’s president threatening all sorts of un-Christian-like behavior, everyone remained civilized. People listened to Hannity. People listened to Moore. And George W. got reelected, thanks in part to his loving constituents in Utah Valley.

Though I wasn’t too keen on his opponent, either, I think that was a mistake. And I honestly think George W. would have been relieved to have been relieved of his duties … because I think deep down he knows he’s not doing a good job, but his cronies won’t let him concede that fact.

Now, if I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: I don’t think George W. is a bad person. (Cheney, however, may be the devil.)

I think George W. would be a fabulous restaurateur, especially if it was a rib joint. I also think he would throw a killer chili cook-off. Clearly, something about him says, “sweet and spicy food” to me. I think he’s a decently intelligent, somewhat upstanding, loving man. I think his wife is hilarious, and I think his daughters have worn some killer outfits.

But I think he’s a bad president, a terrible public speaker and a poor choice to head our nation. And I don’t think there is anything wrong with saying that. As Mormons, we believe in being subject to political leaders and “obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.” But we don’t believe that you have to like or agree with your political leaders. And we don’t believe that you have to stay quiet when you disagree with them. (I certainly heard a lot of conservatives getting loud when Clinton did “it.”)

I believe that, like all things in life, we are free to choose.

And I choose to say that George W. is one of the worst presidents in the history of our nation. (Behind W. Harding, A. Johnson, F. Pierce and J. Buchanan, of course.)

I will admit that I’m a little baffled when I hear people say they think he’s doing a great job. I mean, seriously? Did you get invited over for ribs and are referencing his barbecue sauce rather than his war-time strategy?

From what I hear, read and see it seems like no one likes the dude much these days. We’re all eager to get someone new in office … whoever that may be. (I’m still totally unsure, FYE.)

What do you think?

Do you think “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” extends to public figures?

Or do you love him so much that you can’t fathom saying anything negative?

Or do you think the guy is a fool?

Discuss.

(Like, now. Or I’ll sic Michael Moore on you.)


*I do believe in respecting the President so my use of his first name and initial isn’t meant to be degrading. It’s just that I still think of his father when I say President Bush. And that conjures up memories from fourth grade social studies so it’s best we stick with George W.