A Plea From My Dad to Independents

My dad was a life long Republican before George W. Bush. He's exactly the kind of small business owner that the Republicans pretend to care so much about. He is the original Joe the Plumber. But now he is Dogan the Independent.

And he has had enough of the Republicans and thinks McCain's pick of Sarah Palin is playing dice with our futures. Here is a plea he wrote to fellow independents about this election (this comes from a no-nonsense first generation immigrant who has lived the American dream):

Dear Independent,

Mr. McCain played biggest gamble of his life by picking Gov. Palin. If it was his own life to be endangered by his decision that would be okay. He is playing Russian roulette with the future of the US as well as the whole world. He really put his presidential ambitions in front of country.

The last couple of week's performance of Palin very clearly demonstrated that she is nothing but a pretty Beverly Hills Hillbilly. She has no substance, no culture, and no education. She is a perfect example of an Alaskan Homesteader. Her appearance on the national scene reminds me of a Homesteader's town visit once a month for a shower, laundry and groceries. This is not Vaudeville Theater. The presidency of the USA is a gravely serious business.

Last time (8 years ago) when we acted with our "folksy" desire to see a real down to earth, not very bright President, look at what happened. If you really want to repeat same mistake because your resentment over Hillary episode, abortion, religious fervor or any other reason, go ahead and enjoy the ride. The whole world is watching and wondering are we going to screw it up again.

Most influential Republicans and conservatives are cautioning us about Palin and McCain. I am asking independent minded people of this country please; please don't vote with your emotion. READ, LISTEN, COMPARE before you pull that lever. In this election, we all have a very serious responsibility. Let us do it right.

Dogan Uygur

Follow Cenk Uygur on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheYoungTurks

Comments

[flatus]

In a world starving for a greater population, Dogan, you forgot to give her credit for her breeding ability.

[Anicebarbie]

Fabulous article. I hope folks realize the importance of education, dignity and confidence when electing a president. Advertising works and one liners like "straight talk" and "maverick" and cowboy jargon appeal to that lazy side of voters who prefer slogans they can quote, rather than a real hard look at the facts. In one sense I understand, as many are struggling daily to get the basics accomplished.

I find it ironic that the uber rich and the evangelists come together when electing our politicians. It points to fanaticism about singular issues. The majority of folks do not think this way....lets prove it and elect OBAMA

[JimboSlice]

BTW, The Young Turks is the best show ever!!!!! MMMMM Ana .... the one comment I have for that is she needs to start doing real stories.

[RonCanada]

Thank you Dogan.

[llisa]

Your Dad is a very smart American!

[EHarold]

TYT!! Great letter!! Don't forget to tune in to http://www.theyoungturks.com for all of your election coverage each day at 6 pm est.

[Teeninchee]

Vote America!

[itmaybetoolate]

I feel some hope! Thanks Cenk and Cenk's dad!!!

[PatrickforO]

Dear Dogan, Please accept my wishes that you and your business have an excellent future.

[anelder]

As has been shown time and time again it is the convert who is the most ingormed. In this case the immigrant who sees clearly what too many of us are blind in our complacency.

I, a very senior white woman, see more of my children and grandchildren utterly unaware of what they have in this country. Personally I blame the lack of history, georgraphy, and social sciences in our schools. My education, which goes way back to Boston public, was full of these subjects which today are usually eliminated. There is no pride in country and sense of where we are and where we stand in our world. If only we could feel what those to emigrate to this country go through to get here and when here take so much pride in - if only we could bottle your dad.

[XME]

Thank you. It's been disturbing to me to see so many Republicans care more about ideological issues, which will not likely be much effected even if Obama is elected, than they seem to care about the potential danger we could be putting this country in by VOTING to put Sarah Palin in charge of things like a war with Iraq, dealing with the likes of Iran, and how to deal with Afghanistan and Pakistan, if something were to happen to a 72-year-old man who's faught cancer at least 4 times.

[Teeninchee]

Believe me, Republicans are opening their eyes. My family, friends and neighbors, all generational Republicans are voting Obama--of several races, too.

[RealityBaseCamp]

Thanks to your dad and you!

[collegemadhous]

Way to go Mr Uygur! Very nicely put!

[FormerRushListener]

McCain and Palin remind me of Fred Mertz and Lucy Ricardo.

[SamEllison]

Ralph and Trixie get my vote, right to the moon Alice!

[SamEllison]

Maybe I should rephrase that;
Ralph and Trixie are a closer match.
They don't get my vote.....

[LeBeau59741]

Except that Lucy Ricardo was funny and good hearted.

[greyseal in tampa]

Dogan the Independent pretty much rocks.