can't help it

I've been mulling over this post for quite some time now and have been debating if I wanted to dedicate a post on it.

I try not to involve myself in political discussions, since it can get pretty sticky. But since this election is pretty pivotal (I guess I never really comprehended how a single election can tip the balance of the world's respect), I can't help but pay attention to the candidates' promises.

I'm not a citizen, therefore I can't vote. It also means I don't lean on any particular political party just yet (though I've been told that if you're conservative, you generally go Republican). Maybe so, but I always thought it really came down to the particular candidate, but that maybe just my naivete.

Anywho, I've always been intrigued by Obama. His platform hinted at bright futures and lets-go-green initiatives. But when I read his promises from his acceptance speech, I have my concerns. Especially since I'll have to still deal with the impact of his term... one of the biggest questions I have is... how?

* Tax cuts for working families and the middle class. this sounds promising. but what is really considered middle class? 30k? 40k? 100k?
* Lower health insurance premiums for all. Sounds great, but who's going to pay for this? Corporations? It's possible that it could cause a negative ripple effect to the current employees, since they'd lose out on more benefits as companies cut cost...
* Reduce dependence on foreign oil in 10 years. So tap into our own reserves. For how long? Would that backfire? I hope this doesn't become one of those, screw tomorrow, so we can live today. :)
* $150 billion for renewable energy solutions and next-generation biofuels I do like the concept, but you'll need everyone's full support on this. If consumers don't buy in the solution, there goes your investment
* More sick days and paid time off. Again, good concept, but I worry how the corporations would try to squeeze other areas to meet this. Or worse, this becomes gov't subsidized, so there goes more of your tax $$

Hmm. This might be a better bulleted list.

Personally, I'd rather they push a cap on the types of perks that top level executives get. Stop the golden parachutes... Use the savings as funds to subsidize the expenses of keeping local employees around (vs lay-offs or outsourcing)...

Here's McCain's, somewhat generic, so it's a little harder to be nitpicky :), but I would still have to ask the same question. How? Plus more drilling? Eek. I really don't think oil can be maintained as a long term energy source.

Oh well. Enough of that. Despite all the promises, from my understand of US gov't, it's still congress/senate who decides laws. So really, any promises may not even come to fruition if those branches don't even move forward with it. We'll see I guess...

Ok, better stop before I give myself an aneurysm. haha.