MIDWEST VOICES

It’s not about Obama’s race, it’s about policies

Where’s the change?

For all the talk of change coming from the Democratic side, what few specifics I hear sound strikingly the same as what we have come to expect from Democrats.

Let’s see: raise taxes, more and bigger government programs, no drilling in ANWR, etc. … What’s new about that? That’s same, not change.

Barack Obama thinks these are the things the American people want. If that’s true, then why isn’t Obama running away with this election?

Some would tell you it’s because too many of us are stupid and bitter people who cling to our guns and God. Others, including Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, suggest that race has something to do with it.

So the race card has been played again this election; nothing new about that either. Democrats do it every election cycle. But I thought Obama was supposed to transcend race.

Now again, if you aren’t liberal, you must be some kind of racist, right? After all, there’s no other reason why anyone would not vote for Obama, correct?

So let me get this straight. With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy:

If you don’t want higher taxes, you might be a racist.

If you think we should drill for more domestic oil, you could be a racist.

If you believe we should secure the borders, you might be a racist.

If you believe in the right to keep and bear arms, the sanctity of life or winning the war on terror, you just might be a racist.

Heck, if you don’t vote for Obama, you must be a racist.

I, for one, am tired of this old routine.

Let me be very clear: The problems with Obama have nothing to do with the color of his skin. Rather, it has to do with positions, beliefs and associations and the lack of any substantial experience that would qualify him to be president.

Do we really want higher taxes even if he claims it will only be on the rich? How will raising taxes on the rich put more money in your pocket? Hint: It won’t.

In my adult life there have been two major tax cuts — Reagan in the early ’80s, and George W. Bush earlier in this decade. Both tax cuts resulted in more money coming in to the Treasury, not less.

We must secure our borders. We must drill for oil in this country wherever it is located so that we can lessen our dependence on foreign oil until new technology can be developed.

We must stay vigilant and strong against terrorism. We must cut government spending. We need constructionist judges who won’t destroy our constitution by distorting it to fit political views.

These would be real changes. Obama stands against all of these things. And he stood up for sex education in kindergarten and against protecting babies born alive as a result of botched abortions.

Is this the kind of “change we need”? I think not.

Ross Balano of Kansas City is a former business owner and current national accounts manager in the security and fire alarm field. To reach Midwest Voices columnists, write to the author c/o the Editorial Page, The Kansas City Star, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansa