Inconsistent Ramblings of a Political Innocent (Independent)

Since McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate, I have spent a lot of time on the internet, reading what I could pro-Palin, anti-Palin, pro-Obama, anti-Obama.  It is pointed out in a lot of blogs that the energy is more Palin vs. Obama, and McCain almost appears to be an "also ran." 

 It is fascinating (and a headache waiting to happen!) to go back and forth on something, such as Palin's earmarks (fishing management, harbor seals?), and read both sides of the story.  I will be honest.  I did a lot of Obama research early on during the campaign, and not as much recently, since Palin is the new player in the whole political drama unfolding within our country.

 Yes, drama.  Puh-leez.  I will have to admit that I only even pretended to follow the afternoon soap operas when I stayed with my Grammy in the summers growing up, but the current accusations, blow-ups, and hand-wringing hurt feelings would serve to compete with anything running in an after lunch spot on network television.  If I could afford it, I'd paint lipstick on weanling pigs and send one to EACH camp.

One wonderful, mostly balanced article I read that assured me this was all part of politics as normal appeared on Yahoo today (here).  It was refreshing to read commentary suggesting that both camps were equally silly (and wrong), as opposed to an article bashing only one side, then having to sort through a half dozen other news reports and blogs to read an opinion from the other side.

I am registered as an Independent voter.  Years ago, I was assured I should pick a party to have an earlier hand in the candidate process.  I can no longer remember if I registered Democrat or Republican, but a later scandal in whichever party so disgusted and embarrassed me I didn't want to be lumped in with such stupidity, and the next time I registered, it was again as an Independent.  I really doubt my opinion counted for much with the party, anyhow.

I have to admit I am a mostly conservative and Christian person.  Having experienced the aftermath of abortion firsthand, I struggle, because I would prefer to make it more difficult to obtain, and encourage other alternatives to abortion.  However, I believe it is probably hypocrisy for me to condemn anyone for a sin I myself have committed.  I am a stay-at-home mom and grandma, and believe that there is purpose in God's plan, even if it isn't one that always makes me feel like the center of the universe.  If I am called to service, then I should find joy in accomplishing my purpose. 

I like a lot of what I see in Palin, but want to know more substance before I would ever whole-heartedly support her, and am very aware that, just like choosing a religion (I am independent as a Christian thinker, too), there will always be things that I disagree with.  On the Obama side, I am concerned with his financial policies, and even he has admitted that if the economy behaves differently, much of the tax incentives and changes he promises might have to be delayed or enacted in a manner different than his vision.

In the end, I believe that nothing promised by any group will actually come to fruition as it is painted during their campaigns.  As I sift through political blogs, news items and other information I can find, I realize that I will end up feeling like I have in every election where I have cast a vote:  I hope that in choosing what appears to be the lesser of two evils, I have made the best choice possible.

I only hope I can feel adequately informed to make that choice.