I've never subscribed to any political text messaging services (not even that famous Obama one), and I've never given my cell phone # out to any politics-related sites. And yet I got sent this alarming text message a few weeks ago:

  

Nothing like ridiculous rumors and a good smear campaign to make me lose complete respect for John McCain--or at least the people who are "helping" his campaign. And considering several of my family members still don't trust Barack Obama because they believe he is a Muslim... you can see why I get depressed about how much society still has to evolve. Because seriously, even if he WAS a Muslim, that shouldn't matter...as long as he's an AMERICAN Muslim!

Now, I said lose respect, because even though I disagree with many of his policies and distrust the people he surrounds himself with, I personally like John McCain.  Contrary to talking points, he is a great CELEBRITY. I thought he was a brilliant guest on Saturday Night Live, and hilarious on countless talk show appearances. And on the serious side, I give credit to anyone who serves in the military and suffers through the torture he went through. I don't even buy that he's BFF with the Bush administration. In fact, I originally hoped McCain would beat W, eight years ago when they campaigned against each other--and was disgusted by the smear campaign that Bush  used against him! Yes, I would invite McCain over for a barbecue, but I WILL NOT VOTE FOR HIM this year. I understand why people might have voted for the OLD McCain, but he's completely lost it.

I HATE that for the past 8 years, the "Republican Machine" has made it a crime to flaunt intelligence. They always try to tear down people who come across as too much of a know-it-all (see the attacks on Gore).

I want my presidents to be smarter than me! I don't want to have a beer with them!

I'm certainly not "in the tank for Obama." I'm actually one of those "Registered Independents" you hear about in the news. I like to have complete freedom to make my decisions at the last minute. I've voted for the Green Party and various other 3rd party candidates as well as candidates via the Working Families Party ballot option. I'd love to see an end to the corporate-controlled 2-party system. I want to vote for a true anti-war president. But I know that's not going to happen any time soon.

I like Obama as a person (and think his wife is AWESOME), but I don't agree with some of the stances he has to take just to get elected (like revenge for 9/11 and ending the Iraq war to start BETTER wars). But realistically, that seems to be the deal with the two major candidates: they can't really be themselves. They have to do what they have to do to win.

I've always hated the phrase "lesser of two evils." So in this case, I'm trying to look at something more positive. And that's the message and spirit that the candidates evoke. Political pundits criticize Obama for  taking his time and being too complex in his answers. He doesn't give pandering soundbites like "I'm going to destroy evil." And that ultimately is why I'm going to vote for him. Because Obama not only promotes HOPE, but he also promotes RATIONAL THINKING--which I am a fan of. He will inspire young people to know that it's okay to be smart and thoughtful. And that it's healthy to eat arugula!

I don't think McCain will inspire anyone or anything. He wants to be Reagan. He is a voice of the the past, rather than focus on the future. And the future is the way go.  I believe in the future. That's why I'll vote for Obama.