WulfCry Weblog

This is a continuation of the post below:

What are the differences between candidates?

The economy:

McCain seems to be devoted to deregulation and trickle-down economics. It seems that this has been tried for the last eight years. Bush has tried to turn the income tax into a salary tax, and has opposed any regulations. I am familiar with the arguments that the “COmmunity Reinvestment Act” caused the housing crisis, which in turn caused the economic crisis. Yes, it did contribute, but only 1 in 4 ubprime loans were made by institutions subject to the act. Most of them were made with the hopes of borderline-usury profits. And they were traded on the open market due to deregulation. I’d like to see another economic theory given a chance, since the recent policies (VERY similar to the one McCain advocates) has crashed and died.

Foreign Policy:

McCain still sees Iraq as the main front in the war on terror, despite the weight of evidence supporting that it is in Afghanistan. McCain wants to stay there, despite the crumbling justifications for the war, despite the fact that the legitimate, democratic Iraqi government wants us to leave. Obama is for a judicious withdrawal–not leaving, now, no matter what–a coordinated withdrawal based on current conditions and the will of the Iraqi people.

There’s also something to be said for diplomacy. McCain continues to hammer Obama for wanting to negotiate with countries we disagree with. Despite the fact that recent negotiations have made more progress in Korea and Iran than Bush’s eight years of the silent treatment failed. I think Obama’s commitment to multi-lateralism, without sacrificing American interests (ee Obama’s views on Pakistan) erves this country much better than McCains. Perhaps we’ll even achieve an international influence that is due to rhetorical skill and sound policy rather than economic bullying.

Health Care, Tax Policy and energy

This one is too big to address here. I urge everyone who reads this to check out factcheck.org’s analysis of the debate, particularly on health care, energy policy, and tax issues. There is a definite pattern to the two candidate’s representations of the other’s positions, and it is very enlightening. On these, I also urge you to look at the two candidates plans and views. I have my preferences on the path we hould take, and I’m sure you do too. But just watching the debates will not give you a good view of each candidate’s approach. I think the choice is clear.

Please comment. I realize this is a cursory examination. I have more details that I thought would just confuse those who were only mildly interested. If you want more , please email me.

Regards,

Wulf