Another reason I don't like politics

[ghost2]

Someone came to the door tonight and wanted to poll me about the election. I usually feel sorry for people who get stuck going door to door. This attitude stems back to when I was nine and had to sell candy bars for a school fundraiser. I knocked on door after door for hours without making a single sale. Finally, my grandmother took pity on me and bought all of my candy. So now, when someone comes to my door with a simple request, if I can I try to help out.

The woman asked who I planned to vote for. I told her I didn't know, was still considering McCain (which I barely am, because I've ruled out Obama), might not vote at all. She asked which issues were most important to me. That was all she wanted to know. It took less than two minutes. She then said she worked for an independent organization with no party affiliation and no agenda, handed me a brochure, and left. I went back inside, and then I looked at the brochure. It was pro-Obama propaganda! Seriously, it was all about how Obama is great and McCain sucks.

The organization is listed on the brochure as Advancing Wisconsin. It's nonprofit and claims to not be authorized by any candidate. I should hope not, considering the bald-faced lies that woman told me. "No agenda"? What the hell is this brochure about, then? "The Choice for President is Clear." Photo of Obama smiling; unflattering photo of McCain. Glowing statements about Obama; relentless McCain bashing. Christ on a crutch, this paper has "agenda" stamped in neon letters on both sides. Fuck you, Advancing Wisconsin and your lying pollster. At least be honest when you come to my door asking questions.

Next time someone knocks, I might not bother to answer the door.

Comments

[purple_bug.livejournal.com]

Can I just ask, rather tentatively and with no real knowledge of American politicking other than what I pick up on LJ... Why is Obama not so good? And why is McCain preferable? From the little that I know, his side getting in scares the crap out of me.

[ghost2.livejournal.com]

From what I've seen, people on LJ tend to be liberal (in general, I am too) so you're mostly getting just one side's viewpoint. Plenty of McCain/Republican/conservatives are also out there--not so much in some areas of LJ, maybe, but IRL most of the people I know are Republicans, for instance. And on the majority of issues, I really don't feel that there's a clear right or wrong. There are just different opinions and outlooks. I won't say someone's "wrong" for disagreeing with me about abortion or the environment or whatever else.

My opinions: I don't feel like Obama has sufficient experience or judgment to make a good president. I also dislike Biden. OTOH, while I greatly admire McCain as a person and like some of his stands, I don't agree with a lot of his other views. Plus, Palin is more narrow in her views than he is. No matter who gets in, I see plenty of problems. But ultimately, either way, everyday life is almost certainly going to be about the same as always.

[biichan.livejournal.com]

I'd like to apologize for my team.

[ghost2.livejournal.com]

No need. :) I'm sure there are similar stupid groups doing much the same thing for the Republicans, also without authorization. It just annoys me if anyone comes to my door and lies to my face. It was a stupid lie, too, because the minute I looked at that brochure I saw a very clear agenda. If that woman had openly stated her purpose, I wouldn't have had a problem with it.

[biichan.livejournal.com]

Well yeah. And it was totally stupid of her to lie--if nothing else, it makes our side look like jerks.

(Personally speaking, though, Obama may lack experience compared to McCain, but McCain has a really short fuse and I don't feel very comfortable with the idea of him having access to the nuclear codes. If nothing else, Obama's a lot more even tempered.)