Obama as the conservative choice?

In 2004 I blogged a lot about the presidential election. I thought (and still do think) Mr. Bush not up to the demands of being a president. This time around I haven't had quite the same impetus to be vocal.

This article, which I assume to be Professor Bacevich's personal opinion, suggests that for "true" conservatives electing Obama is clearly a better outcome than McCain. His primary factor is McCain's statements that he would keep us in Iraq indefinitely. Obama, in case you've been in hiding for a year, is intent on getting our troops out. This defines my support for Obama, as well, though I believe McCain to be overall better qualified.

What I find most surprising is his admission of the legion ways the Bush administration has failed the American people. Professor Bacevich is obviously no fan of the so-called "neoconservative" movement. Well, neither am I. On matters he deems truly conservative I find little disagreement except in his desire to have conservative values prevail in American society. I don't want or need anyone to tell me how I should act. Apparently conservatives think they know better. But, if that's their only flaw (and while I don't plan to negotiate away my personal freedoms and choices), I may just be able to live with that.

I have always characterized my views as fiscally conservative but socially liberal. I believe in the social contract we have to ensure our children are well educated. I believe as a society we can afford to care for our poor and our aged. No one should go hungry or be denied decent medical care. As Americans we all work so very hard to make things better; can't we also take care of our own, as well?

I am aware my social views are at odds with a more traditional conservative view, but where the staunch conservative might want to rely on the "kindness of strangers" to fund certain social programs, my view of human nature isn't quite as optimistic. But I can certainly agree that we need to put our own house in order before we can even begin to hope we have a solution for others' problems.

Vote your conscience in November, but before you do go ask the mother or father of an American serviceman (or woman) how they feel about the current Republican agenda. I already know how my wife (whose son is in Iraq right now) feels.

Let's bring them home, OK?