Why Change?

Why Change?
I keep hearing the candidates scream about how we need change, change, change. As far as I can tell, the only reason either candidate is running is to create change. Now I can’t see what change the government can make that is good for ME? How about you? Let’s face it, income tax isn’t going away. What other change can the government make that would benefit you?
Now I think the war in Iraq was poorly planned, and I think the total lack of control on petroleum is a mistake. BUT, I’m not in Iraq, and the US Military, who is there is overwhelmingly Republican. And, the Republicans seem to take a less precipitous tack on Iraq. Where’s the logic there? As for the petroleum problems or energy in general, it seems strange that I haven’t hear a single concrete proposal from either camp. Everybody is for Mom and apple pie and the New York Yankees, but what does that have to do with this change thing?
I keep hearing how they are going to increasing spending and cut taxes. Hmmmm, I want to know how I can apply that logic to my own budget. Cut my income and increase spending. Sounds good! Now that I think about it, that’s how this mortgage crisis came about, isn’t it? I’m not picking on the Dems, here because it appears that the Republicans are preaching the same thing. They just have a different package they want to spend on and different tax cuts. The net result seems to be the same impossible scenario. I read recently that poor people have voted overwhelmingly Democrat for 50 years and they’re still poor. The only point there is that voting for just change isn’t helping anyone.
So far as I can tell, most of this “Change” seems to be aimed at producing some way for the current younger generation to avoid having to work for their retirement like I did. I planned for retirement including planning for health care. It didn’t hurt me all that much, and I don’t see how it would hurt anyone else. So think about change. Is there really a change that would benefit you that can actually happen? As far as socialized medicine goes, let me explain this way. One way or the other you have to pay for medical care. Now you can pay as you go, you can pay ahead (called insurance) or you can pay for it through taxes. The government has NEVER shown an ability to run anything at lower cost, so it seems obvious to me that paying through taxes would be the most expensive way to go. Don’t forget that we already have socialized medicine. It’s called Medicare. Before you try to extend it further I invite you to do your own research as to how well that works. Once you turn 65 you MUST pay something like $96.40 per month for the “cost share” portion of Medicare. Now I’ll know more about Medicare next year so I won’t evaluate it now.
So what am I recommending? I’ll tell you. I don’t think it matters among the current candidates who is in the white house. I think it does matter who controls Congress. SO, I don’t know who I will vote for at the top of the ballot, but since I don’t like what Nancy Pelosi is doing I will be voting for Republican candidates for all other positions. If I thought that McKain could get elected I would reconsider that opinion. Think about what is really important and vote your considered opinions.