I'm a union rep. I'm also a business owner. But foremost I am an American. Airline W-2s are nice--but remember--it is what you KEEP that counts. Voting with my pocketbook means I tend to vote Republican. Voting with my concern on foreign policy means I generally vote Republican.
I have no trust in any of the democrats ability on foreign policy. Obama has publically said he will raise the SS exemption up to 300k. Thanks man. Any gains I make with my new "labor friendly" administration are eliminated by raising my taxes.
McCain doesn't like me because I'm a pilot? Oh well...I'll live. My wife had lunch at Alan Bense's fundraiser here in Panama City with Mitt a few months back--I don't think he's got my back either. I'll support him if he's nominated--but he is a bit plastic. I like and respect McCain, even though I don't agree 100% on some of his positions.
No solution is perfect. I"ve mentioned my concerns about jobs and some other social concerns. What I have done is the same things I've done with ALPA. I didn't like some of my union's positions or tone last year--so I ran for block rep and got elected. By the same token...my wife was president for 2 years of a local Republican organization, and meets regularly with local politicians. She's done some local TV and radio on political issues. When we can, we use those times and forums to share OUR concerns...and try to use that forum to explain our concerns. Lately the big local issue has been property taxes and insurance issues here in Florida, and it seems we have made some incremental improvements. Bottom line is Rep or Dem, local or national...you won't fix anything b1tching alone. Get involved--whenever you can. You might think it takes money--but so far we've had quite a few meals with our local Congressman and State Senator around town at various functions. Net cost to us? Cost of the meal or event. But we GET INVOLVED. I'm not so naive to think that they go to bed at night worrying about what I think, but they do know my face and name (and certainly my wife's...) around here. And we do get a voice... So turn off your inner cynic and start going to some local events...you might be suprised with what happens.