Wants -- Don't Wants in 2012 Election

The News and Politics category at BlogHer is engaging their readers on the topic of the upcoming 2012 Election.    Their writer's observation has been  that individuals often write what they do want, but some may prefer to express their thoughts by saying what they don't want to occur in this election and/or to our nation. I'm reminded of what's occurring politically in California.

The time is ripening for California political campaigning to intensify, since our Primary Election is upcoming Tuesday, June 5th.    This will be our State's first election since redistricting changes.  Also, Primary Election voters can now vote across Party lines.   Another major Primary change is that the winners will be the top two vote-getters regardless of political party.  I supported these changes, but such a system is not without risk.  Many candidates for an office could result in a vote split allowing final candidate selections in November to be individuals least preferred by a majority of voters.  All those who cast their ballot for those candidates who were eliminated might have had a total vote count greater than either or both winners received

Below is a comment I wrote rather quickly at BlogHer, so is far from inclusive about what I do want candidates to discuss in this 2012 election.  I thought with all the election issues this year maybe I should have more across-generations discussions.   Exchanging views seems to me would be important since many of the blogs I usually encounter reflect similar points of view to mine. 

What do you think?  Are you able to have civil discourse with those who have different views than yours?   

(Your comments are welcome here and/or there, but you'll need to register with BlogHer which I did several years ago.  I don't know what specific aspects of the political discourse they'll introduce, or how frequently in the future.  They seem to be a primarily younger women's site, do have a "Senior" sub-section under their Life category -- where I recently commented, also.  Men are welcome at BlogHer, too, the last I knew.  Ronni Bennett at "Time Goes By" wrote some guest blog articles there a few years ago engaging some younger readers in some interesting dialogue. 

I do want to hear a REAL debate on issues between Presidential candidates.

I do want them to discuss the critical issues facing this nation.

I do want them to avoid injecting social issues into the conversation as a way to divisively distract voters.

I do want to know the contributors names to all Super Pacs.

I do want Social Security preserved (not changed to private investing) for the sake of my children and their children, generations to come, as can be done despite rhetoric to the contrary.

I do want health care coverage plans for all to be increasingly made available and not cut as promoted by some. 

I do want a Congress committed to working together to solve the nation's problems instead of focusing on being obstinate.

I do want Congress to institute a combination of budget cuts and revenue increases that address our deficit in gradual stages and not in one gigantic traumatic action.

I do want to see the middle class re-established in this country (remember the 99%.)

I do want to see tax rate increases for the 1% as Warren Buffett and others affected believe to be warranted in this time of our nation's need.

I do want to see wasteful subsidies such as with the oil industry reduced or eliminated since those companies are making millions in profit.

I do want to see budget reductions in military spending which even they say are warranted.

There are a lot of other matters I want and others I don't want, but this is a start.