{09.05.2008} Friday Morning Melange

**This image is from www.dividedwefail.org, which believes that financial security and healthcare are the 2 most important domestic issues we face as a nation today. I do not support this organization, I have no reason not to support it...just don't. I just thought their logo was cool.**


Politics by definition is the way groups of people make decisions; Plato, Aristotle, Lincoln, Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton, Bush...these historical figures have all impacted history in one way or another by their involvement in politics.

There are some out there that know I have a slight passion for politics. I will not, I promise you, make this blog a political blog. My political feelings will never get in the way of friendships or family (believe me on this one). However, my political beliefs are a part of who I am, part of my story as Jason Abraham, and I believe it will be a part of my legacy. I want the opportunity to tell you why I believe in some of the things I do today. Many, many years ago I was introduced to Ronald Reagan via a close family friend. My friend was a passionate conservative and that truly rubbed off on me. I started to learn more and more about Reagan and his story - his legacy.

I had a greater interest in history and political science because of this basic understanding of Reagan and took part in student government. I ran for Student Council VP and other roles, truly getting into the whole political effort. I remember "commissioning" an artist to draw my campaign posters...my motto was "Vote for the Best...Vote for Jess!" This interest in politics was due in large part because of my admiration of Reagan.

But let's be honest, Reagan to me was simply THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES...there was a certain amount of respect I gave him...regardless whether he was Democrat or Republican. Just as a child of the sixties adored JFK, I had that amount of respect for Reagan. Just as a child of the nineties adored Michael Jordan, I had that amount of respect for Reagan (MJ wasn't the President in the nineties?).

Even though I was only in junior high then, I felt a connection to the idea of smaller government, lower taxes, strong economic principles that helped working people keep more of their money and strong moral values. Over the years, I have become more passionate and more vocal about these beliefs. The election of 2ooo piqued my interest. Who doesn't remember the hanging chads? I was glued to the TV as I and the entire country were a part of that process. Politics became a daily part of my life during those days as we all learned a little bit more about the political process.

I have become more a part of my party, yet, the opportunities for compromise and good intentions far outweigh any party affiliation. What's best for this country and its citizens is what's most important. Over the past year or so, we have seen how passionate beliefs can start to tear people apart. Just last night at the Republican Convention, protestors were inside and outside the convention hall disturbing the peace. Protestors were getting violent and throwing bleach in the eyes of delegates, rocking busses with cub scouts inside, doing anything to get their voice and agenda heard. Why? Because they have a belief, extreme as it may be. The next 61 days will be an amazing part of our American history.

Now it is officially Friday morning, I am going to sleep.

You now know a little bit of my story.