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Post by watchman on Oct 20, 2008 20:54:19 GMT -5
This is to be for everyone to simply state where they are concerning the election and why.
A matter of fact statement, not to persuade, not to argue.
Not smart-alecky.
Just a place to share your heart so-to-speak.
One rule
No one can argue with criticize or put down anyone elses statements.
This is not a place for debate but a place to honestly share your thoughts without fear of being made fun of or put down.
Just share who you are going to vote for and whether it is easy and a clear choice or a difficult one. Then give 2 or 3 or many main reasons why. Whether they are gut feelings or hard facts that have moved you.
Remember no comebacks or put downs. I just want to hear honest opinions and thoughts from others.
mike
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Post by Charlie on Oct 20, 2008 23:04:04 GMT -5
Obama
Reason 1. Foreign Policy. I believe in communication as a means of conflict resolution.
Reason 2. Regulating business. Human greed makes this a necessity.
Reason 3. America has the choice between two highly respected and qualified men. As a nation we live in an interconnected world. The east is as terrified by us as we are of it. Our economic, foreign, and environmental policy has an enormous effect on the rest of the world. We must regain the confidence of all nations. We as a people have an opportunity to send a clear message to the world that we are able to make a bold progressive choice in our future. We as Americans can overcome our greatest weakness. We can send a strong message to the world that we have grown up. We are ready to truly lead the planet into the 21st century. At this time in history Barack Obama is the right man for the job. America needs to take this step forward. This election is the dawn of a exciting new world.
Or we can stick with what we got.
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Post by JenCollister on Oct 21, 2008 8:11:18 GMT -5
Obama
Agree with Charlie.
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Post by Aussie Rob on Oct 21, 2008 9:23:59 GMT -5
Obama, because he represents me best.
I'm not rich, don't own a lucrative business, go to college, have kids that will be starting early childhood education soon, believe in social liberalism, understand the need for regulation, and hate religion shaping aspects of my everyday life. Plus, i think Obama is more thoughtful and intelligent than McCain, and will better represent us on the international stage, as well as in talks with other nations in conflict resolution.
It's an easy choice for me.
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Post by robreddy on Oct 21, 2008 9:52:18 GMT -5
was actually going to click - I don't care - because truthfully i'm very disenchanted with the whole thing - neither candidate interests me - or maybe the more apt answer is that I think both candidates substanitively will not make any sort of changes -
but opting out of voting is cowerdly IMO - so i gotta make a decision - no idea how i'm gonna do that however
r
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Post by mrzymek on Oct 21, 2008 10:10:54 GMT -5
Plenty of other choices!
Donald K. Allen Independent, Write-In, Unaffiliated
Jonathan Allen Independent, Write-In, HeartQuake '08
Charles O. Baldwin Independent, Write-In, Alaskan Independence, Constitution, Constitution Party of Florida, Constitution Party of Illinois, Independent Green, Nebraska, Reform Party of Kansas, U.S. Taxpayers, U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan Pending
Robert L. Barr Independent, Libertarian
Richard A. Duncan Independent
James Germalic Independent, Write-In
Alan L. Keyes Independent, Write-In, America's Independent Party, American Independent
John S. McCain Republican, Conservative Party of New York , Independence Party of New York
Cynthia Ann McKinney Independent, Green Party, Write-In, Mountain Party, Pacific Green, Unaffiliated, Wisconsin Green Brian P. Moore Independent, Write-In, Liberty Union, Socialist, Socialist Party USA
Ralph Nader No Party Affiliation, Independent, Write-In, Natural Law Party, Ecology Party of Florida, Independent Party of Delaware, Peace, Peace and Freedom, Petitioning Candidate Barack H. Obama Democratic, Democratic/Farmer/Labor, Democratic-NPL, Working Families Party of New York
Platt Robertson Independent, Write-In
Joseph C. Schriner Independent, Write-In
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Post by Nathan on Oct 21, 2008 10:35:14 GMT -5
Thank you Mickey for the added list and reminder that although McCain or Obama will win - we don't have to vote for either of them. Feel free to place me in the category of the jaded.
I won't vote for Obama for this reason - I live in Florida and my vote did not count in the primary - courtesy of Howard Dean and the Democratic party. States should have the fundamental right to hold their respective primary whenever they so choose. Obama did not campaign in FLorida and basically said that the state (along with the state of Michigan) was irrelevant. A last ditch carrot by Dean to count 1/2 of my vote was merely a prelude to the pandering for votes in the general election.
Now that Obama needs Florida, he has been quoted in the Miami Herald as stating that "Unlike the 2000 election, I will ensure that every Florida vote in the 2008 election is counted." Classic pandering IMO. The primary was in 2008, but my vote did not count. He is no better than McCain for this one reason - he is a politician.
It has also been stated that both candidates will spend $30 million a week on advertising in Florida in the final weeks of their respective campaigns. This money is better spent elsewhere.
Bottom line for me - if my vote was not good enough for the primary, I won't be voting for Obama in the general election.
Bush - I mean McCain - won't be getting my vote either.
FYI - for anyone who would like to witness the pandering, Obama will be right outside my office here in downtown Miami (at Bicentennial Park) from 6 to 8 pm this evening. Traffic is expected to be blocked from 3 to 10 pm (for those that want to get out of town early - you better leave now).
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Post by mrzymek on Oct 21, 2008 12:35:13 GMT -5
I say we write in Rob Reddy as the "Oberin Party"Candidate.
He can run on a "Ban the Wetsuit" Platform by offering goverment funded free swim clinics to all US citizens.
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Post by mrzymek on Oct 21, 2008 12:36:09 GMT -5
I ment to say "Oberlin Party" Candidate.
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Post by Aussie Rob on Oct 21, 2008 12:49:20 GMT -5
wait - forgot the rules.
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Post by Jack Carney on Oct 21, 2008 17:30:54 GMT -5
McCain
1. Foreign policy. Because talking to insane psychos committed to wiping civilizations off the map and killing you is wasting time and gives them credibility. There is only one candidate in the race tough enough to deal with those who wish to do us harm.
2. Economic policy. Because socialism doesn't work and spreading the wealth is not what this country was built on. You cannot raise taxes in an economy like this without disastrous results and giving a tax credit to those who don't pay taxes is a welfare check. The government was as much to blame with their rush to make home ownership "fair" as the greed of corporations in the latest fiasco. There is nothing fair about life and those who work hard and save should benefit. We need to cut government spending drastically and McCain is the only one that will do it.
3. Charlie do I hear harps playing in the background? Sorry couldn't resist. The only ones happy about our bold progressive choice will be the terrorists and rogue nations who will be waiting to test this inexperienced and indecisive rookie. McCain is respected by the rest of the world and like Ronald Reagan who commanded immediate respect after the pansy Jimmy Carter left office there will be no doubt in the minds of those against us how John McCain will react to aggression. And it won't be talking.
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Post by MarkD on Oct 21, 2008 18:03:00 GMT -5
Rob - Remember, in the wisdom of the Canadian Rock Band "Rush": "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice" I thank ya !
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Post by Charlie on Oct 21, 2008 18:18:06 GMT -5
Charlie do I hear harps playing in the background? Sorry couldn't resist. Kinda'. It's a harmonica bellowing out the melody to "The Times They are A Changin'. What's that I hear behind your rant? .........Chrissie Hinde? She must hate Rush using her song. Well at least she keeps funding PETA with the royalties. What a swell guy to help her fund PETA.
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Post by Jack Carney on Oct 21, 2008 23:14:33 GMT -5
Charlie do I hear harps playing in the background? Sorry couldn't resist. Kinda'. It's a harmonica bellowing out the melody to "The Times They are A Changin'. What's that I hear behind your rant? .........Chrissie Hinde? She must hate Rush using her song. Well at least she keeps funding PETA with the royalties. What a swell guy to help her fund PETA. yea it must gall her that Rush made her song popular. But what is the deal with the liberals and terrorist groups? I thought you guys were peace lovers?
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Post by Charlie on Oct 21, 2008 23:22:57 GMT -5
We all have our nuts
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Post by timritt on Oct 22, 2008 15:03:08 GMT -5
I'm not to big on the politcal discussions but I tend to take a look at reality rather than straight party allegence. Anyone that thought that our current president should have been elected the first time didn't follow his track record of running the texas rangers as the mockery of baseball. I have tended to vote more republican in the past but I could't even fathom having that idiot run our country. My biggest issue with this election is the fact that the democratic nominee is not head and shoulders considered the favorite going into the election. This should have been a no brainer for the democratic ticket to just say enough of this moron and we will do something different yet Obama has not been able to do that.
Maybe people are having a hard time with the race issue which I'm sure is coming into play, or maybe he's just another weak candidate that won't do anything that he says. Still I can't believe that there is even an issue at this point because i figured the dems would have this locked up by now. I am still undecided yet leaning one way. I actually have had no problems with Sara Palin. In my limited exposure to her i think shes handled herself quite well.
No matter who gets elected odds are that more than 50% of the nation will not have supported them. Gonna make a tough job even tougher. And anyone that doesn't feel their vote will mean anything thats bs because Ohio will probably play an important role in who get s the nod.
Personally i would have prefered that clinton won the dem nomination. i probably would have voted for Billy to be in the white house again.
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Post by MattCollister on Oct 22, 2008 18:10:38 GMT -5
A couple of months ago I heard an interview on NPR's Fresh Air with a historian named Andrew Bacevich. Bacevich is a conservative, retired army colonel (Vietnam era) who today is a professor at Boston U, focusing on American and military history. I made a mental note at the time to pick up his new book, The Limits of Power.
I bought it while traveling this week and read about half of it on the plane ride back to Cleveland today. He's looking at history since World War II, how the government and military strategy has changed and how our economy has changed, leading up to the mess we're in today. It's pretty sobering. Whether or not you're still undecided about this election, and regardless of your political outlook, I'd suggest reading it. There are also some interviews with him floating around on YouTube focusing on the book (the radio interview is probably archived on npr.com too), in which he explains his thesis.
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Post by Brian Luther on Oct 22, 2008 19:49:43 GMT -5
Obama and Biden!
As we float into recession to what could be leading into the next depression, we have a choice for a new path in Washington D.C..
This crisis will not be solved overnight, and I hope Americans can come together and help our fellow man,women, and child. To begin a new "vision" and develop a stronger America, that will become and even better nation.
Obama, can rally and lead America, and I am most positive he can do the same in D.C. with Congress too. It will be done as a team effort. In the end, Democrat nor Republican, will not make this happen on their own. It will take a unified political force in Washington D.C. that will claim victory for tomorrows success.
Brian
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Post by Brandon on Oct 23, 2008 12:42:37 GMT -5
I'm voting for B.O. America loves B.O, don't we? Ok, I prefer progresive policies, typically. Also, Barack is more serious about getting America off of oil, coal, and other fossil fuels which is important for our economic growth, environment, and national security. Unfortunately, I don't think nuclear should be part of the solution as he does..but he's getting my vote anyways.
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Post by MarkD on Oct 23, 2008 18:26:34 GMT -5
As an Independent, this is a tough one. Neither one hits the core issue that I demand as a voter: Controlled government spending. I thought McCain was on the right track by eliminating earmarks, but he lost my vote (he had it back in August) when he nominated Palin. I can't, in good conscience (sp?), cast a vote for someone that ignorant. So, I'll vote Democrat or 3rd party this year.
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Post by Jack Carney on Oct 23, 2008 18:29:11 GMT -5
I'm voting for B.O. America loves B.O, don't we? Ok, I prefer progresive policies, typically. Also, Barack is more serious about getting America off of oil, coal, and other fossil fuels which is important for our economic growth, environment, and national security. Unfortunately, I don't think nuclear should be part of the solution as he does..but he's getting my vote anyways. What has he proposed to get us off of those other fuels? The only proposal I have seen is his proposal to make sure our tires are filled with air as he said that would do as much as offshore drilling. He is not for nuclear power although it should be in the mix as it is clean and safe.
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Post by Jack Carney on Oct 23, 2008 18:38:29 GMT -5
As an Independent, this is a tough one. Neither one hits the core issue that I demand as a voter: Controlled government spending. I thought McCain was on the right track by eliminating earmarks, but he lost my vote (he had it back in August) when he nominated Palin. I can't, in good conscience (sp?), cast a vote for someone that ignorant. So, I'll vote Democrat or 3rd party this year. Mark I am at a loss as to why you think she is so ignorant. She is running a state and that is more than the top of the D ticket has done. Biden makes so many goofy statements it is ridiculous and it gets no coverage whatsover but every single stutter by Palin in national prime time news. Barack Obama doesn't even know how many states there are in our country but that is no problem either. Biden is a proven liar and I would take Palin anytime. The hatchet job done on her by the media and democratic party is disgusting. I do believe you are correct when you say the only one that will work on controlling govt spending is McCain as Obama will send it through the stratosphere.
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Post by Brandon on Oct 23, 2008 19:10:26 GMT -5
Obama does support nuclear power and would allow offshore drilling if it is bundled in a bill that supports renewables. Look at the candidates campaign contributions from the energy sector and it will tell you what kind of energy policy we will get with each of them. I think we all can guess what those contributions look like.
Offshore drilling will not help our energy security problem if we continue to export that oil, as we have done in the past. Yes, we can use that oil domestically. But, we have about 2% of the worlds oil reserves and use 25% of the worlds oil. Where is the other 23% going to come from (I'll give you one guess)? We can "drill baby drill" but will still have to import baby, import.
Barack Obama (who supports poor/lazy people) has raised more money than any candidate in the history of our country and the average contribution to his campaign is $80. His campaign budget is probably larger than the budget of the state of Alaska.
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Post by Jack Carney on Oct 23, 2008 20:51:05 GMT -5
Obama does support nuclear power and would allow offshore drilling if it is bundled in a bill that supports renewables. Look at the candidates campaign contributions from the energy sector and it will tell you what kind of energy policy we will get with each of them. I think we all can guess what those contributions look like. Offshore drilling will not help our energy security problem if we continue to export that oil, as we have done in the past. Yes, we can use that oil domestically. But, we have about 2% of the worlds oil reserves and use 25% of the worlds oil. Where is the other 23% going to come from (I'll give you one guess)? We can "drill baby drill" but will still have to import baby, import. Barack Obama (who supports poor/lazy people) has raised more money than any candidate in the history of our country and the average contribution to his campaign is $80. His campaign budget is probably larger than the budget of the state of Alaska. I did see he raised that much after going back on his word on taking public financing . McCain would have raised far more but was honest and stuck to his promise. The lie Obama tells about the average donation is disproved on factcheck.org or the center for responsive politics. Obama is a typical politician not an agent of change.
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Post by Aussie Rob on Oct 23, 2008 22:01:54 GMT -5
edited again - keep forgetting the rules of the thread. you are too Jack!
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Post by Jack Carney on Oct 23, 2008 22:53:21 GMT -5
It is hard to keep track sometimes isnt it? But getting off track is so much fun. ;D
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Post by Brandon on Oct 25, 2008 8:10:37 GMT -5
Obama does support nuclear power and would allow offshore drilling if it is bundled in a bill that supports renewables. Look at the candidates campaign contributions from the energy sector and it will tell you what kind of energy policy we will get with each of them. I think we all can guess what those contributions look like. Offshore drilling will not help our energy security problem if we continue to export that oil, as we have done in the past. Yes, we can use that oil domestically. But, we have about 2% of the worlds oil reserves and use 25% of the worlds oil. Where is the other 23% going to come from (I'll give you one guess)? We can "drill baby drill" but will still have to import baby, import. Barack Obama (who supports poor/lazy people) has raised more money than any candidate in the history of our country and the average contribution to his campaign is $80. His campaign budget is probably larger than the budget of the state of Alaska. I did see he raised that much after going back on his word on taking public financing . McCain would have raised far more but was honest and stuck to his promise. The lie Obama tells about the average donation is disproved on factcheck.org or the center for responsive politics. Obama is a typical politician not an agent of change. Jack, you make it so d**n hard to let this thread die/change course! (or maybe it's my big mouth that does that). Obama didn't take public financing. Donations from the public are not public financing!! He refused the fed govt's money (i.e. tax revenues) for his campaign. That is public financing....not donations from the public. And, the avg. donation is impossible for anyone outside the campaign to calculate. Factcheck.org (which everyone seems to like) says this exact thing. Their site says they cannot calculate "exactly," but provides the following fact. Percent of campaign contributions below $200: McCain: 23% Obama 47% This is my point, exactly.
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Post by Charlie on Oct 25, 2008 13:20:07 GMT -5
"Barack Obama has a backbone of steel." Joe Biden
Based on this quote, I think it is reasonable to believe that Obama may be a robot.
Get the word out Jack. Obama is a robot!
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Post by Aussie Rob on Oct 25, 2008 14:15:47 GMT -5
Everyone knows robots are ultimately evil. Ever go to the movies, AI is ALWAYS bad for us. Very, very bad.
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Post by Jack Carney on Oct 25, 2008 17:47:30 GMT -5
I did see he raised that much after going back on his word on taking public financing . McCain would have raised far more but was honest and stuck to his promise. The lie Obama tells about the average donation is disproved on factcheck.org or the center for responsive politics. Obama is a typical politician not an agent of change. Jack, you make it so d**n hard to let this thread die/change course! (or maybe it's my big mouth that does that). Obama didn't take public financing. Donations from the public are not public financing!! He refused the fed govt's money (i.e. tax revenues) for his campaign. That is public financing....not donations from the public. And, the avg. donation is impossible for anyone outside the campaign to calculate. Factcheck.org (which everyone seems to like) says this exact thing. Their site says they cannot calculate "exactly," but provides the following fact. Percent of campaign contributions below $200: McCain: 23% Obama 47% This is my point, exactly. Brandon I am glad I keep you thinking and on your toes. Maybe you will come around to the right side someday if you keep following my posts. ;D The campaign funds were supposed to be taken by Obama per his earlier promise but he went back on his word when he figured he could get huge money elsewhere. There is some concern as to where it is really coming from. It is no big deal to me just a fact that he said he would and didn't. Kind of like he will do with taxes.
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