Well, as the last weekend before the 2008 election comes to an end, I felt it important to reflect a bit on what my takeaways were of this historical presidential election.
First, let me get this out of the way. Neither campaign -- and I mean neither has talked about what they will do for those poor little homeless pups walking the streets of this fine nation. Nope -- nothing. Instead, we continue to rely on the wonderful people at the ASPCA and those struggling and underfunded shelters that help pups find homes. This said, I'll simply ask that our next president do the right thing and make a statement in support of these organizations AND most importantly demand harsher federal punishment for individuals involved in animal cruelty.
Now, onto the choice that is front of the American voter. It's no mystery as to my political leanings and preference. If the past eight years taught Americans one thing it is "ruling" a free nation with lies and deceit while putting greed in front of the needs of hard working citizens should never be allowed again. This dark period in our history is thankfully coming to an end. I'll refrain from asking those who helped elect and re-elect this embarrassment of an administration how they feel now. Rather, I'll ask them to "think" -- and "think" very hard about the direction this country is headed, and how we right the ship. Forget the ridiculous need for a $600 check that will do nothing but maybe help Wal-Mart sell more cheap overseas-made goods. Forget the thought that "when republicans are in power the stock market is better." HA! And forget the idea that keeping gays from marrying, making stem cell research illegal and eliminating the rights of women somehow trumps the needs of keeping and creating jobs, educating our children, keeping our nation secure and fixing our reputation around the world -- they do not!
America, this election is about our livelihoods -- here at home and abroad. It is about restoring the world's faith in our nation and about each and every person no matter their race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual preference or number of rescue dogs owned having the opportunity to live happy and successful lives.
Maybe it would help if you looked at things from my perspective. You see, I've actually be shielded from the horror that many now feel as a result of eight years of terrible government that forced their lives to change, and not for the better. I live in a home that is on a fixed mortgage. I do not have to wonder if Dads have to choose between feeding me and getting me my monthly heart worm pill. When I was stung by a bee, my Dads took me to the doctor because we could afford it (that's insurance for me!). And get this, my two parents -- are both Dads. We are a family. We do not hurt any "traditional" families. In fact some pups with one Mom and one Dad actually let us play with them -- novel idea, isn't it? All this is to say, I'm fortunate to live the life that all Americans should have the opportunity to live. And to do this my friends, I simply ask you to look at the two tickets running and imagine this nation four years from now. Which one gives us hope and opportunity, and which one continues to play on false fears that do nothing but drive a wedge between two Americas. Do not get it wrong this time. Do not return to the days of promoting the haves at the expense of the have nots. When you walk into the voting both ask yourself "what moves my family closer to the life of Arlie Rufus; that sounds pretty damn good to me!"
YES WE CAN!!
Arlie Rufus
First, let me get this out of the way. Neither campaign -- and I mean neither has talked about what they will do for those poor little homeless pups walking the streets of this fine nation. Nope -- nothing. Instead, we continue to rely on the wonderful people at the ASPCA and those struggling and underfunded shelters that help pups find homes. This said, I'll simply ask that our next president do the right thing and make a statement in support of these organizations AND most importantly demand harsher federal punishment for individuals involved in animal cruelty.
Now, onto the choice that is front of the American voter. It's no mystery as to my political leanings and preference. If the past eight years taught Americans one thing it is "ruling" a free nation with lies and deceit while putting greed in front of the needs of hard working citizens should never be allowed again. This dark period in our history is thankfully coming to an end. I'll refrain from asking those who helped elect and re-elect this embarrassment of an administration how they feel now. Rather, I'll ask them to "think" -- and "think" very hard about the direction this country is headed, and how we right the ship. Forget the ridiculous need for a $600 check that will do nothing but maybe help Wal-Mart sell more cheap overseas-made goods. Forget the thought that "when republicans are in power the stock market is better." HA! And forget the idea that keeping gays from marrying, making stem cell research illegal and eliminating the rights of women somehow trumps the needs of keeping and creating jobs, educating our children, keeping our nation secure and fixing our reputation around the world -- they do not!
America, this election is about our livelihoods -- here at home and abroad. It is about restoring the world's faith in our nation and about each and every person no matter their race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual preference or number of rescue dogs owned having the opportunity to live happy and successful lives.
Maybe it would help if you looked at things from my perspective. You see, I've actually be shielded from the horror that many now feel as a result of eight years of terrible government that forced their lives to change, and not for the better. I live in a home that is on a fixed mortgage. I do not have to wonder if Dads have to choose between feeding me and getting me my monthly heart worm pill. When I was stung by a bee, my Dads took me to the doctor because we could afford it (that's insurance for me!). And get this, my two parents -- are both Dads. We are a family. We do not hurt any "traditional" families. In fact some pups with one Mom and one Dad actually let us play with them -- novel idea, isn't it? All this is to say, I'm fortunate to live the life that all Americans should have the opportunity to live. And to do this my friends, I simply ask you to look at the two tickets running and imagine this nation four years from now. Which one gives us hope and opportunity, and which one continues to play on false fears that do nothing but drive a wedge between two Americas. Do not get it wrong this time. Do not return to the days of promoting the haves at the expense of the have nots. When you walk into the voting both ask yourself "what moves my family closer to the life of Arlie Rufus; that sounds pretty damn good to me!"
YES WE CAN!!
Arlie Rufus
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