My Vote: President Obama Vs Rocky Anderson

Here in the State of Utah, they  have the longest current streak of voting Republican in presidential elections of any state in the country.

This year the powerful, relentless, Mormon (LDS, FLDS) Political Machine will be in over drive. Ward lists will be used to put extreme pressure on members to get out and vote for one of their own, Mitt Romney.  It's very clear to me, that no matter how I vote, Romney will win Utah, and its Electoral College votes.

Inside myself, I'm having a debate. Do I vote for Barack Obama or do I vote for Rocky Anderson. Although the election isn't 'til November, it's a question that troubles me.

I like President Obama well enough. Even with a do nothing, Republican controlled, Congress, he has had an amazing number of successes.  On top of that, he has to deal with the blatantly raciest, Tea Party.

I don't like that in the attempt to be bi-partisan, the president is to quick to "compromise" and caves in so fast.  An example of this is what happen to the public option with his historic, health care reform law. By giving up on this important part of the original bill, the president has hurt, my family, and lots of Americans.

After 3 plus years in office, it's clear to me that Obama was packaged as a progressive, but is in all reality a hard core centralist.  To the point one could refer to him as "republican light".

I want a true progressive, someone to inspire me, and our nation.

Could former, Salt Lake City Mayor, and Justice Party founder, Rocky Anderson II, be that person?

Rocky's politics are much closer to what I personally believe in my heart of hearts. He is a solid, unapologetic, progressive. He has dedicated his life to Social Justice, Human Rights, and Civil Rights.

He is largely responsible for many of the after-school, and summer programs that my children now benefit from, and enjoy.

Rocky, as mayor, was vital to the over whelming success of the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympic game.

 A hands on leader, Rocky Anderson was one of the first people to call for the impeachment of Bush over the War in Iraq. He has called Bush along with high ranking members of his administration, war criminals. He believes, as many do, that they should be prosecuted for ordering that torture be used on terrorists, prisoners of war, and civilians

There have been a few miss steps along the way. The one that stands out to me most is the "highway to no where". Legacy Highway on paper may have seemed like a perfect idea, but once built it was, and continues to be a disaster.

I know who I'm not voting for, that is Mitt Romney, but which of the above men do I vote for? I honestly don't know, but I do have a little bit of time to work it out, and decide.

If I end up voting for Obama, it will be mainly because, I want to run up the popular vote as the president heads to a second term. I also really like his running mate, Vice President Joe Biden. His senate office in 2006 -07 sent me lots of speeches, and other information before his run for the White House. I also spent a great deal of time in Biden's Las Vegas campaign office leading up to the 2008 Iowa Caucuses.

If I end up voting for Rocky Anderson, It will be mostly be symbolic. It would also send a protest message to the power that be in the Democratic Party politics not to wander too far right -center.  That will cause them to lose the true progressive, and their own base.

What should I do?!? I would love to hear some feedback.. Please leave a comment, advice, or both.

My Introduction

Merry Meet and Welcome,

This is a start of a new adventure for me, and I hope you'll join me on it.

I have lived with my children in Utah for almost 3 years now, but I have never felt like a local. I don't really fit in very well, which is a mixed blessing at best.

I have developed over the years a strong moral center within myself. Also, a highly tuned sense of right and wrong, fair or unfair. I'm also a strong believer in social justice, civil rights, and human rights.

I'm a member of the Democratic Party. It's the best fit for me out of the two national political parties. I have to admit at times though I feel at odds with my own party. I feel the Democrats are moving in a more center - right direction, and there is no one to really represent me as a true liberal and progressive. I'm looking for the Robert Kennedy of my generation. I want to vote for someone who inspires me, not just vote for the best option because the other party has nominated someone who is very much out of touch with core American values, the needs of the average citizen, the proper role of the federal government, the US Constitution, and international law.

I also practice a non-mainstream faith. I'm a Pagan, and an Eclectic Witch. I believe in both Goddesses and Gods. There is an alter set up in the living room of my apartment, you can't miss it if you stop by or come for a visit. My Children and I attend a local temple (or church) that welcomes all the traditions and paths that are under the Pagan banner. I love sharing my faith with other, but in no means will I push it on someone else. There is no missionary program, the individual person has to search for themselves if interested. As a Pagan, I believe everyone follows their own path in this life, so what is right and works for me may very well not work for you. In this way I respect all faith and religions while still being able to disagree with some of the stands or views they promote.

As You can see, I'm out spoken, and at times can be to blunt for my own good. For better or worse, I stand up boldly for my views, and what I believe in.

These are all great qualities to have, so you might find yourself asking what's the problem?

I live behind the "Zion Curtain" and in the very heart of Mormon America. The world headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints (Mormon, LDS, FLDS) is just a few miles away. I don't think I could be anymore different from the overwhelming majority of residents of Utah.

I grew up and came of age in the New England section of the country. I spent ten years living in Las Vegas, and now I'm in Salt Lake City. Each place has help me learn about myself and helped define who I am today.

My goal for this blog is to share my family's life, our values, our struggles, the places we visit or attend regularly, politics, my personal views on many different subjects, parenting, current events (local, national, international), faith or religion (our and others), sports, recipes (own, family, or found), reviews, and much more from a very unique perspective, and voice that hasn't been heard from.

I love comments, and as a strong believe in our 1st amendment right to freedom of speech, I encourage polite debate on my blog. I want to know, and I'm interested in your reactions, thoughts, and views...

In this way, I see my children and I as New American Pioneers, blazing our own personal trail through Utah, the West, and America itself.

Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again,
Goddess Bless America,
Blessed Be )O(