2012 U.S. Presidential Election

[MToolen]

Revenge can have a negative connotation, but it can also be an essential component of justice. Consider that our modern legal system enacts "vengeance" on criminals. People who think politicians have committed non-criminal, but still significant, wrongs against society should be entitled to this same form of justice.

I'm not sure I agree with your (or Mr. Obama's) terminology choice. The justice system, in my opinion, isn't supposed to dole out revenge, but rather consequences. I worry heavily about the pervasiveness of vengeance in our culture because it directly conflicts not only with my personal spiritual beliefs but also the virtue of compromise that is so integral to the functionality of our government. Yes, the law protects those who are wronged and punishes those who have wronged them, but I don't believe it gives an opportunity for vengeance.

On a more general note, looking forward to this election's close. I can't wait for the parties to stop campaigning and start working together. Ha, almost got through that with a straight face. Here's hoping, though.

[mr_pikachu]

I'm not sure I agree with your (or Mr. Obama's) terminology choice. The justice system, in my opinion, isn't supposed to dole out revenge, but rather consequences. I worry heavily about the pervasiveness of vengeance in our culture because it directly conflicts not only with my personal spiritual beliefs but also the virtue of compromise that is so integral to the functionality of our government. Yes, the law protects those who are wronged and punishes those who have wronged them, but I don't believe it gives an opportunity for vengeance.

I like the way you put that, MToolen. I can't claim to know Obama's frame on mind, so I can't say whether or not he really feels that his victory will be some sort of "revenge" against his Republican challenger. But if his words are to be taken at face value -- as some undoubtedly will, just as some took Romney's verbal slips to be verbatim indications of his core beliefs -- then they really don't agree with how I feel.

It sort of goes along with the whole division-between-the-political-parties thing. I've heard others say, in a similar vein, things like "I hate Romney" or "I hate Obama," and both quotes make me cringe. (I've heard more of the former, really, based on my profession of choice.)

I would personally argue that Obama failed as a leader, that he was given a bad situation (largely due to the last year or two of W's presidency) and made it much worse through policies that were extremely ill-advised, if well-intentioned. But just because I want him out of office as soon as possible doesn't mean I'm looking to wreak vengeance on Obama. I'm not planning to start riots in the streets, regardless of who wins in two days. For the most part, I'm just hopeful that Romney can bring more effective policies that will keep our economy from disintegrating further.

And, on a side note, the introduction of new-and-improved policies may or may not be possible with the current bipolar state of the political arena. I would expect the president to struggle through the next four years, unless one side manages to take control over both houses of Congress. As a matter of personal opinion, I think Obama has made matters worse in this regard as well (just as his predecessor did -- bipartisanship wasn't one of W's strengths), but the question still remains whether Romney could do a lot better. Based on his history as governor, I'd like to have some faith in his ability to get both sides to work together, but based on the tone of this campaign cycle and the volatile national political scene as a whole, I'm really not so sure.

[Heald]

On a more general note, looking forward to this election's close.

A sentiment that seems to be shared by at least one wise little 4-year old: