Looking for a Better Option
By Dr Shahid Athar
Indianapolis, US
Physicians look for a better option for their patients. Voters are no different. They like to have a president who is the leader and a father (or a mother) to all citizens. He protects them from all harms and safeguards their rights irrespective of their faith, color, race or sex. He is strong in resolve but gentle in his approach. He is so likable that foreign leaders want to be with him not for just a photo op but out of love and respect.
US election 2008 is only three month away. Most likely we will be asked to choose between Senator McCain and Senator Obama. While Senator Obama is very charismatic, inspiring, visionary, and a great orator, he is not likely to get elected because of his name and minority race. On the other hand, while Senator McCain is a war hero, wise and belongs to the majority race, unless he dissociates himself from the policies of his party and President Bush, his chances are not that great either.
The political parties
There is not much difference in the two parties except their position on how to spend our tax dollars. . Democrats like to spend our money on welfare programs and jobs while the Republicans are inclined to expend on defense and business. The Democratic Party has more members from amongst Afro-Americans, immigrants and minority while the Republicans have more upper class white Americans, Christian evangelists and business-minded Americans on their membership. The American support for Israel will not decrease, no matter which party is in power.
The home front
There is a basic division on ethical issues. While the Republicans are against abortion, the Democrats are pro-choice; while Republicans are against funding for Stem Cell research, the Democrats are in favor. I do not read lips thus the pledges of not raising taxes are not taken seriously. With so much deficit, there is no way the taxes will not go up. The same is also true for their proposed health care reforms. We will have to just wait and see what they actually do when they take office. While Senator McCain, like President Bush, intends to promote the Patriot Act, Senator Obama wants to “end racial and religious profiling.” Both candidates are only concerned with the alleged nuclear weapons of Iran; neither one is concerned about nuclear weapons possessed by Israel or the super powers. Neither the candidates nor their parties should be considered pro-Pakistan, though both would like to continue to use Pakistan to advance their respective policies and agenda.
Foreign policy
I am not sure what Senator Obama would do if elected but I know what President Bush did. In the pursuit of war on terrorism he has got us in a big mess in Iraq, Afghanistan and the world. The US economy too is in a quandry. I doubt if Sen. Obama or Senator McCain will be able to get us out of Iraq or Afghanistan in the near future. For a year or so, the new president will have to continue the policies of his predecessor. Over four thousand American soldiers and many thousand Iraqis have died in an “unjust war” (Iraq had never attacked us). The war has cost us nearly $ one trillion now and the end of the misery doesn’t seem to be in sight. Those who were not terrorists before 2001 were suddenly transformed into the despicable lot by our attack and occupation of their country. I hope, the newly elected president would do a better job in this regard.
The Choice
The voters have a responsibility to act on behalf of our children who will face the consequences of our choice: the economy, environment, collaboration with world community, etc is the agenda on our watch .The voters must decide for themselves as to which candidate would be better for our economy, for all Americans, and for winning the heart of those who hate us abroad.
American Muslims with nearly two million votes have a significant role to play, as in the past. They will find support from like-minded, peace-loving fellow Americans especially from the religious community. The choice for undecided voters is simple. If they like the policies of President Bush they should vote for Senator McCain.
However, if they want a change, and are prepared to take a chance, they may want to vote for Senator. Obama. What we do now would affect us and the world we live in. -
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