Tammy or Tommy, What's in It for Me, and the FLOTUS

With the election being days away, life has been busy and I have been pretty pre-occupied with political conversations, duties, events and thoughts. There have been quite a few things on my mind lately so I thought I would give you a peak into some of my random civically-based brain activity.

What’s in it for Me?

A few mornings ago, I was listening to talk radio and a guy called in and said that people typically vote with one question in mind – “What’s in it for me?” Do you think this is true? I do not.

People often comment on my articles about my being a leach, a moocher or something of that nature. I can assure that is certainly not true. I have never collected any kind of entitlement unless you count a student loan, and I have paid it back. No Medicaid, food stamps or welfare. And I am very grateful I have not yet been in a position where I needed to utilize these programs. ‘There by the grace of God…’

And that is not because I have ever been financially comfortable. Growing up, my parents struggled. There was no college savings and I started working at 14 (and started babysitting much before that). When I was young and single, I often worked two jobs and ate Ramen noodles most nights. It was still nearly impossible to pay my bills on time. And now, we are a family of 4 on one modest income. I have never been rich and can't even imagine being so. It has really always been a matter of getting by; sometimes with the privilege of occasional perks.

I have also been called a union hack and a thug. While I support and speak up for union rights, I am not nor ever have been a member of any union. I didn’t have a dog in the Act 10 fight. I wasn’t worried about “what was in it for me”. When I stand up for or against something, when I vote…it isn’t just with myself in mind. I think about what is best and fair for my fellow human beings.

I have to wonder how much different our country would be if more people stood back and looked beyond themselves when they decide what is best for our country and its citizens.

Tammy vs. Tommy

So far, Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson have had two debates in their attempt to be elected Wisconsin’s next U.S. Senator. In both debates, it was made clear to me that Tommy is simply a bully. And it doesn’t surprise me one bit that his son, Jason, was recorded as saying, “We have the opportunity to send President Obama back to Chicago, or Kenya.”

When I listen to Thompson interact with Baldwin, I cannot help but imagine this caricature of him as as drunk old man sitting in his underwear screaming racial obscenities at the screen while he waits for some woman to bring him another turkey sandwich and refill his gin and tonic.

He doesn’t give her any respect or look her in the eye. He interrupts and raises his voice. He stretches the truth (or downright lies) and becomes belligerent when called out.

In their first debate, Thompson declared that he "built Wisconsin." The ego on this man is astounding. I was so taken back by that comment, I had to create the Tom the Builder image just for fun. I mean, really, Tommy. Get a grip.

Regardless of his shameful behavior in these debates and elsewhere, a vote for Tammy is undoubtedly the right choice for me. Tammy fights against special interests – Tommy couldn’t be any closer to them. Tammy is a representative for middle class, working families – Tommy’s exclusive loyalty is with millionaires and corporations. Tammy has worked to introduce the Buffett Rule – Tommy refuses to even release his own tax returns.

Voting for Tommy wouldn’t be in the best interest of our communities or the average voter in Wisconsin. If you DO ask yourself, “What’s in it for me?” When it comes to Tommy, the answer is, “Nothing.”

The FLOTUS with the Mostus

When I see the President and First Lady together or hear them speaking about one another – it makes me all the more convinced that they are exactly who should be in the White House. I watch them and really listen to what they have to say and it is obvious to me that they speak from the heart. And their respect and admiration for each other speaks volumes. They are real people who can truly relate to the average citizen – something most First Families could not have proclaimed.

Friday’s rally with Michelle Obama was really a treat for the people of Racine. Her speech was motivating, inspirational and genuine. She quite often addresses young people and their importance in the world. There couldn’t be a more positive, sincere role model for America’s youth. And in an age with so many unfortunate and inappropriate “role models,” it is entirely refreshing.

My favorite quote by the First Lady yesterday was, “Don’t let ANYone talk down your dreams! Don’t let anyone deny your aspirations!” This is a lesson many of us – at any age – can and should take to heart.

We are very lucky to have Michelle Obama as the First Lady and Barack Obama as President and I will, indeed, do what I can to help ensure four more years.