Change... for a YOUR dollar

"Change" is definitely the buzzword of this election year. And everyone is trying to outdo everyone else with the amount of "change" that they're promising. Americans want change for a variety of reasons; some of which are patriotic, some are personal, some are selfish, and some are idealistic. But embracing "change" because we have problems in the present is dangerous if we don't understand what that change entails.

Try this analogy on for size: Two travel agents are vying for your business. They both promise you a "vacation!" They both go into great detail about how hard you work, the stress you're under, the fact that you haven't been away in years, you deserve a vacation. Without a vacation, you're going to lose it. Trust them, you need a vacation!

So which one gets your business? They're both offering a "vacation." What's the difference? "Don't worry about that," they tell you, "it's real nice, it'll be better than this." Well what's included?

"Everything! Beautiful landscapes, sun, luxurious swimming pool, trees blowing in the breeze, beautiful sunsets, adventure, exquisite food and beverages, etc."

But when you sign up and it turns out that your "vacation" is actually a trip to your neighbors' back yard.

Both Obama and McCain promise change, but where does it lead? In my cynical opinion, I believe that both parties do not think Americans are smart enough to understand what they are being sold. They believe that we will be satisfied with 30 second sound bites that rely on emotion-laden buzzwords. And maybe the masses will. But I don't believe that any educated voter and especially my circle of friends are this easily swayed. The internet is a wonderful tool to dig into the issues of substance that you will not find on CNN.

Understand what "change" they are promising. And differentiate between the "What" that they promise, and "How" they will accomplish it. It seems to me the "What" promises are tossed around quite liberally, without a lot of "How" to back it up.

Take a minute to look at the sources below instead of the various news outlets. I wonder if your opinion will be different, or if it is all just market-speak anyway.

Obama's website
McCain's website

Empty rhetoic counter at the ready...