Why I Support John Edwards

For months now, I have as all politcal geeks been watching the early race for president. We are still months away from any vote of any sort being cast, and yet I have made up my mind. I feel that John Edwards not only stands for many things I consider important aspects of me and my faith, but he has what it takes to win.

First, John Edwards plan to end Poverty in the United States in 30 years is the bold decisive action we need. The tools are there, the money is there, we just need the leadership to get it all into place. Kennedy brought about the impossible by declaring the Apollo program in his inaugural address. Today instead we are treated to double-talk and ads for "Baby Einstein" in major political speeches. The poverty crisis in this nation is out of control, with the numbers growing each year. To arguee about numbers or what truly is the poverty line is moot, these are real lives, real families, real kids who have to sleep in cars, shelters, or under overpasses. They are neighbors, friends and relatives who must seek out the food bank, or eat whatever they can buy for the minmial money they have left over. For me, the Biblical concept of social justice, carring for the poor, and destroying the domination system are at the heart of Jesus, and the prophets message. Now I know that it sounds like easy words, but there is a plan behind it, one that is sound and workable, and can be measured. It includes creating 1 million "stepping stone jobs," raise the minimum wage to at least $7.50, investing in rural America, strengthening labor laws, working to create more affordable housing by fighting predatory lending, increasing tax credits, and reworking HUD, fighting teen pregnancy, second chances for dropouts, increase college oppertunity and strengthen public schools. This multi-pronged attack on poverty addresses many of the problems leading to poverty, but not all. I am encouraged to see such innovative thinking,

Affordable healthcare for all, and one that partners public and privte sectors. The goal here is not only to cover, and help save people from the burden of health care costs, but to drive down costs by increasing individuals bargaing power. This may not be popular among the HMO set, but to me, its not only a no-brainer, it is a right.

John Edwards stance on Iraq (voted for it, now regrets it) is what you see from most candidates. What makes him different is an actual withdrawl plan, 40 - 50k now, the rest over the course of a year to a year and a half. We coudl pull every troop out now, but that will never fly with the public, nor the president.

Edwards commitment to a carbon neutral campaign (and yes it works despite what the large haired John Gibson tells you.) This is part of his seeking to fight global warming, and dependence on forigen oil. We desperately need to work on these right now, with trouble on both fronts. Soon gas will be $4 a gallon, climbing up. This will hurt the poorest among us first, then the middle class on up. The economy will suffer, and soon the entire nation will. With global warming, it is real and is man made (again, no, faux news doesnt know anything, despite Hannity claiming it, global warming is not a liberal plot and a lie.) Food supplies will suffer, cities like Miami and New Orleans will be in danger, as well as everyone else. With a change this dramatic, there is no knowing for sure what will happen to our ecosystem.

Finally, I believe John Edwards is sincere when he discusses his faith. We do not agree on certian issues when it comes to faith (gay marriage), but he is working on it he says. When asked what Jesus woudl be most ashamed about in America today, he replied "our selfishness." He could have gone with a much easier softball of an answer, one that didn't get him slammed on Faux News. This faith I believe, comes through in his policies, and actions. To help others, with ones faith in Christ, he sounds like another great President from the south, Jimmy Carter.

To all that claim he is not electable, I say, not so. His limited time in the Senate is perfect in this day and age. People no longer care about what your cridentals are. People think that high chool dropout Limbaugh is worth listening to, same thing with Sean "I went to a Semminary (even though it was a 2 year college, never graduated)" Hannity. Kerry got beat up on his votes over years and years in the Senate.....Edwards has the passion, the charisma, and the short record to win. He isn't as polorizing as Hillary, he is more polished than Obama, and well, he talks less than Joe Biden. Look at his VP debates last time, smooth, calm, collected, even next to Darth Cheny.

So there it is, a not so small reason why I have decided to support John Edwards. I urge you to check out his site at John Edwards 2008.