2008 Woodie Awards
Our Word: Obama or Paul for President
That's right, we said it.
The Daily Egyptian encourages everyone to vote for Barack Obama or Ron Paul in the primary election Tuesday.
One might wonder how we came to this dichotomy of a decision. That's the funny thing about voting -- when everyone participates, the results can be surprising. Our choice represents who we think has the best ideas to take care of the issues we find most important: Iraq and the environment.
On Iraq
Obama and Paul share the sentiment this editorial board has held for a long time.
"What I'm opposed to is a dumb war," Obama said in 2002.
He had it right from the start. Though a spattering of goodwill in the troubled country has occurred, the order to bring our troops home is long overdue. Many of our family members and friends have gone to serve in the Middle East because of flawed politics.
Lives should not be risked based on mistakes.
Not to mention the money. In November, the Congressional Research Service reported that the Department of Defense was spending about $9.6 billion a month to fund operations in Iraq. With the national debt breaking the $9 trillion mark, the last thing we need to be doing is funding a war with no definite end in sight.
Obama and Paul both pledge to withdraw the U.S. immediately. We believe them.
On the environment
The world's glaciers continue to shrink. Hurricane Katrina rocked New Orleans; a weather stew in which many scientists insist global warming was the key ingredient. Carbondale had a 73-degree day in January.
Some of us remain skeptical over whether global warming is real, but one thing is certain - alternative energy sources and conservation are two things our next president needs to make a top priority.
Paul does not support current regulations that allow large companies to pay to pollute. We agree. Pollution is pollution. It is bad for everyone, and no one should be able to pay his or her way out of being responsible.
Obama wants to set a carbon fuel standard. This standard would regulate the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by cars, trucks and all other transportation vehicles. According to Environmental Defense, cars make up almost 20 percent of U.S. global warming emissions each year.
We understand this is just the brink of the issues and solutions. If Paul or Obama are in office, we think they will take the issue of global warming seriously.
On voting
In short, it is very important for citizens to go to the polls Tuesday. Which candidate wins the state is important. Choosing the delegates who will represent your candidate of choice is the key. Illinois has 185 delegates, 100 of which are divided into the 19 congressional districts. Party leaders will get 32; the rest are awarded at-large on Election Day.
These are the people that matter. These are the people who will vote for your candidate at their respective conventions. Don't just mark your choice for candidate. Mark your delegates.
The ones with Obama and Paul in parentheses, please.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 20
TheOneLaw
posted 1/31/08 @ 10:49 PM CST
Thank you for your endorsement of Ron Paul.
As an aside,
we observe (and welcome) supporters of Mike Huckabee joining our struggle
to restore Constitutional principles to American government. (Continued…)
TJ
posted 1/31/08 @ 10:56 PM CST
Those are indeed the two candidates whose campaigns are funded by the people to the greatest degree. Obama over all, and Paul from active duty military. (Continued…)
Fazsha
posted 1/31/08 @ 11:16 PM CST
As a alum of SIU and tax director of a major international company, I would encourage fellow Salukis to vote for Ron Paul. The federal taxes, while not as high as a percentage of GDP as most other developed countries, do not even begin to cover our obligations, and we borrow the rest. (Continued…)
Brent
posted 1/31/08 @ 11:23 PM CST
In the town where my grandpa died.
In the school which my uncle and aunt went to, and grandma lives but 20 minutes away.
The Uni paper endorses Paul. (Continued…)
Jeremy
posted 2/01/08 @ 1:15 AM CST
Obama is a good man and 100 times more genuine than Hillary, but don't forget that he voted to re-authorize the so-called Patriot Act and supports other measures that would drastically encroach on civil liberties. (Continued…)
Todd
posted 2/01/08 @ 8:12 AM CST
Why are we so concerned about carbon in the US and we continue buying things from over seas? If we do not put a carbon tariff on the over seas goods, all the regulations here will only drive more companies to go over seas. (Continued…)
Perry Petersen
posted 2/01/08 @ 9:15 AM CST
I support Ron Paul, He is for the Constitution & The bill of rights.
He will make our dollar strong again. AMERICA FIRST - Vote Ron Paul.
Ron Paul Has the Message ! It's time for the People to show they have the power. (Continued…)
J.P.
posted 2/01/08 @ 11:27 AM CST
Ron Paul for President!
McCain is a democrat in disguise...Romney so slimy I just feel like he's lying to me all of the time...Huckabee is an idiot. (Continued…)
Paul Frulong
posted 2/01/08 @ 11:36 AM CST
Thank you very much for supporting Ron Paul. This man is good for everyone. The American ship is sinking. We are no longer the great mix of humanity seeking opportunity. (Continued…)
alison
posted 2/01/08 @ 8:51 PM CST
Do you know that Ron Paul is the only candidate who is NOT supported by big corporations and foreign countries. He has broken the record for the most donations in one day. (Continued…)
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