You’ve Got the Power! - Robin Elackattu

Author: Robin Elackattu

Many young children grow up living a world of pretend.  I must admit, I was one of those very creative and imaginative children who, even for a brief moment, would develop super powers.  In fact, if we played basketball, I would become Michael Jordan, even in my own mind and invariably wanted to take the final shot.  If I watched a martial arts movie, I would become Bruce Lee; invariably, I would kick, chop and move in a fierce way to combat two hundred enemies. And somehow, I would always win. After all, Bruce Lee never lost a fight, regardless of the conditions, the opponents or the challenge.  Of course, if Michael Jackson released a new video, I would emulate his moves and become the second best dancer and performer in the world.  Yes, I will readily admit, I am still working on my dance moves and they have not improved much.  But one thing is evident, even though we pretended to be one of these superstars, and if only for a brief moment, pretended to be them, it required us to watch them, actually, carefully study them and use what we knew of them to decide how we could best become them.

So, join me as we take a moment to look at the two candidates for the presidency of the United States, and pretend (yes, we have all done it)… that you have the POWER to make the final decision.  So, here are the issues, pretend for a brief moment that you have the final shot, the best moves and without a doubt, the final move; your vote will determine who resides in the White House come January of 2013.  We know one thing for sure; either Barrack Obama or Mitt Romney will win the election.  But how do you as the powerful, final decision maker decide?  What are the issues? What is the social, political or economic view of each candidate?  After all, you have to carefully analyze the candidates to make this decision.  Here are my top ten issues:

1.               Will lowering taxes create more jobs?  Obama says yes; but for 98% of Americans.  Obama argues that the wealthy are doing just fine and it is patriotic of them to pay their fair share.  Romney on the other hand, says yes, but by lowering taxes for all Americans.  In fact, he argues that he has a plan that will create 12 million new jobs.

2.               Was it a good idea for congress to raise the debt limit? Obama says yes.  In fact, he argues that “raising the debt ceiling does not allow Congress to spend more money. It simply gives our country the ability to pay the bills that Congress has already racked up.”  Romney’s position is different.  He says no and stated that “"As president, my plan would have produced a budget that was cut, capped and balanced – not one that opens the door to higher taxes and puts defense cuts on the table.”

3.               Is the Affordable Care Act (a/k/a Obama Care) good for America?  Obama says yes and argued that “Once this reform is implemented, health insurance exchanges will be created, a competitive marketplace where uninsured people and small businesses will finally be able to purchase affordable, quality insurance."  Romney pledged to repeal “Obamacare” and stated that “"We put together a plan that was right for Massachusetts. The president took the power of the people and the states away from them and put in place a one-size-fits-all plan. It‘s bad law.”

4.               Should the US privatize Social Security? Obama says no; in fact, he stated that “"I have been adamant in saying that Social Security should not be privatized and it will not be privatized as long as I'm President.” Interestingly, Romney also says no, and he argues that “"Our nominee has to be someone who isn't committed to abolishing Social Security, but who is committed to saving Social Security. We have always had, at the heart of our party, a recognition that we want to care for those in need.”

5.               Should same sex couples be allowed to marry in the United States? Obama says yes and he supports his position by stating “I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” Conversely, Romney says no!  And argues that he believes “we should have a federal amendment in the constitution that defines marriage as a relationship between a man and woman, because I believe the ideal place to raise a child is in a home with a mom and a dad.”

6.               Should abortion remain legal in the United States? Obama’s says yes; while Romney’s new position is no. Back in 2007, Romney said he was pro-life.

7.               Should the United States create more gun control regulations?  Obama says yes; and he argues that “Every single day, America is robbed of more futures. It has awful consequences for our society. And as a society, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to put a stop to it.”  Romney’s position is the opposite and he says no.  In fact, he argues that “we need to focus on enforcing our current laws rather than creating new laws that burden lawful gun owners. I believe in safe and responsible gun ownership and that anyone who exercises the right to keep and bear arms must do so lawfully and properly. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all federal approach to gun ownership because people keep and use firearms for different reasons”

8.               What type of Supreme Court Justices would each candidate appoint?  Keeping with the tradition of partisan appointment, Obama has appointed Justices Sotomayor and Kagan who many argue are very liberal in their views.  One could only surmise that if re-elected Obama will continue to appoint liberal justices to the US Supreme Court.  With three of the Justices over 75, it is very possible, that during a second term for Obama or a first term for Romney, the overall makeup of the Supreme Court more than likely will change. Thus, Romney has pledged to appoint more conservative Justices to the Supreme Court.

9.               Should the Unites States use military force against Iran to ensure that they do not develop nuclear weapons capabilities? Obama says yes, but he states “I've seen the consequences of those decisions in the eyes of those I meet who've come back gravely wounded, and the absence of those who don’t make it home.”  He continued, “I have said that when it comes to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, I will take no options off the table, and I mean what I say.” Romney also agrees and says yes, but for a different reason.  He stated that “It's worth working with the insurgents in the country to encourage regime change in the country. And if all else fails, if after all of the work we've done, there's nothing else we can do beside mil-- take military action, then of course you take military action. It is unacceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

10.           Is China a military or Economic Threat to the United States? Obama has not taken a clear position on this important issue.  He has however stated “"I know there are many who question how the United States perceives China's emergence. But as I have said - in an inter-connected world, power does not need to be a zero-sum game, and nations need not fear the success of another. Cultivating spheres of cooperation - not competing spheres of influence - will lead to progress in the Asia Pacific." Romney however says yes; and have publicly stated “[Donald Trump and I] see eye to eye on China. Not only as an economic threat, cultural threat, [but] down the road they're building a very strong military with potentially the intent to dissuade us from sending ships to the South China Sea, military ships."

One could argue that people vote for many reasons.  Tradition, Political affiliation, Individual view on who can best represent one’s personal interest or simply, which of the candidates one would best want to emulate in one of those make believe moments.  Without a doubt, the issues are and will be important on November 6th.

While I highlighted ten, there are many more issues; for example, each candidate’s position on the past and possible future bailout by the government of banks, large corporations such as General Motors and Chrysler? Obama say’s yes; Romney says no; what do you think?  How about should the US continue to provide subsidy to oil companies?  Obama says no; while Romney says yes!  Immigration is another important issue… Should the federal government give states and local governments the power to enforce immigration laws?  Obama says that “when it comes to immigration. This is a federal job.”  Romney however says yes; in fact, he stated that "I enabled our state police to enforce illegal immigration laws...”  More issues; embargo against Cuba; Racial Profiling; Outsourcing American Jobs; Legalizing Marihuana; Energy independence, updating or changing the US Constitution…

It is so much fun to play make-believe; to pretend we have super powers. Actually, we do and in fact, you are working on those powers right now as you decide who will be the President of the United States.  You are the final decision maker. You now have the facts; what will you decide? Why? Regardless, of what you decide, keep in mind that the final outcome of the November 6thelection is in the hands of every voter. You have the vote; your future, your decision, your choice. You’ve got the power!!!

Robin Elackatt is a City Councilman of Missouri City, TX and was first elected to office on May 9, 2009. RobinElackatt@gmail.com