Early voting - go do it!

Because, frankly, I think this year is going to be nuts. I'm going in tomorrow (well, later today) to toss my vote in for Obama.

Now, I'm not a Democrat. Or a Republican. I deliberately stay unregistered, for the simple facts that (a) I don't want the parties to make any assumptions about me and (b) it cuts down on junk mail. (And some of the ads coming in have been absolutely vile.)

I grew up in the 80s. Loved Reagan, thought he was incredible. First vote was for Bush Sr, then - I think Perot, actually. Then Nader, as I had no faith in Bush Jr. or Dole and wanted to encourage more third party participation. Kerry after that, seeing how Bush was acting (and how slanderous his attacks would get.)

But I'll tell ya, watching Obama versus McCain is night and freaking day. I really, REALLY was pulling for McCain four years ago, hoping he'd get the nod from the Republicans - but they pulled together behind Bush, unfortuntely. And somewhere between then and now, McCain lost ... a lot. Integrety, I suppose is a word for it. He's certainly not the same person *now* I'd have happily voted for four years ago.

He hasn't offered anything I've seen other than attacks, and Sarah Palin - oh, my, god. Yeah, she's "folksy," or something, great. She's NOT VP - or more importantly, Presidential - material. I can't see her as anything but a cynical grab for the women who were supporting Hillary Clinton as well as the radical right. (Didn't we - aren't we, still fighting against a theocracy? Why do we want to introduce one at home?)

Obama's been respectful. He's shushed supporters - even denounced them - when they started attacking McCain. He's offered answers to the horrid attacks from the Republicans ("He's a muslem terrorist, he supports terrorism, and his christian preacher is nuts!" What?) He's said flat out he *respects* those who serve their country, and mentioned McCain specifically, seeming very firm in that he would NOT tolerate anyone questioning his opponent's service or patirotism... meanwhile, that same opponent's camp has twisted and turned everything they can.

One side's slinging mud, the other's giving answers and hope. Who the hell do you *think* I'm voting for? I've said it before, I'll say it again - it's like the Republicans WANT to lose this race.

I'm looking forward to four years - preferrably eight, I think he'll do thta good of a job, even with the rough road he's going to have to start on - of Obama.