We are a week away from the mid term elections and I have a few points about the election that I wanted to discuss. I have seen and heard the news reports about the conservative base being so disgruntled with the Republicans in Congress and in the Administration that they are staying home on November 7.
Conservative Talk Show host Rush Limbaugh has labeled them "Cut and Run Conservatives". His point is that when things don't go their way they cut and run from their party. I see them as that little kid on the playground that gets mad when he is picked last, even though he brought the ball. His solution to being picked last is to take his ball and go home. While he has shown the other kids how important he is by taking the ball and going home. He is also sitting at home by himself with his ball, but has no one to play with. Has anyone really benefitted? Everyone lost out on the chance to play the game.
The "Little Brat Conservatives" are falling into the same trap as our liitle friend. If they stay home on Election Day, they have sent a message to their party, but they have also hurt themselves at the same time. They have elected the party that is even further away from their values, ideals, and principles.
They are upset with the Republicans over many issues. They are distressed over the seemingly uncontrolled spending habits of the Administration and the Congress. First of all, Bush is not running in this election, despite what most of the Democrat campaign ads say. Secondly, does anyone think that the Democrats would control spending if they were in charge? Democrat Charlie Rangel would head the House Ways and Means committee. Rangel is on record telling the Bloomberg News that he can't think of one tax cut that has been passed in the past six years that he would renew. The Democrats like to "control" spending by increasing taxes. With Mr. Rangel in charge of the Ways and Means committee, you can be sure that we will not see conservative tax policy coming from Congress.
They are upset with Congress and the Administration over the Judiciary appointments. We have to look at this separately. They were troubled by Bush's nomination of Harriet Myers to the Supreme Court. As we all know, Myers asked the President to withdraw her nomination after a conservative base uproar. If we put the Myers nomination aside, Chief Justice Roberts and Associate Justice Alito were outstanding nominations. Bush has also nominated several other highly qualified and superb candidates for lower courts, but they have been held up in the Senate. Let's take a look at who would be in charge of the Judiciary committee if the Democrats take control of the Senate. Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy would chair the Judiciary committee. While I am no fan of Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, I can't see Leahy being more receptive to any of Bush's nominees. I know many are upset that the Republicans didn't force the Democrats to take a stand on the filibuster issue. The "Gang of Fourteen" did enable us to get a few judges through, but what about the others that were left hung out to dry? Again, do we really think that Mr. Leahy would have done any better for us?
The base is saddened by the way the war in Iraq is going. That is not to say that they want to see us cut and run. They hate to see our men and women in uniform killed, but they see that this is a fight that needs to be fought and won. The planning for the war has not been perfect, and, at times, neither has the execution. What war has ever had a perfect battle plan that was carried out to perfection? If D-Day happened today, with today's media and politcians, the forces would be on their way home the next day. The Democrats have been saying for years that we need a new plan in Iraq. Nancy Pelosi, the would be Speaker of the House, said on 60 Minutes that she doesn't believe that the war in Iraq is the war on terror. Who does she think we are fighting over there? Democrat candidate for Senate in Maryland, Ben Cardin, said on Meet The Press on Sunday that he would support cutting off some or all funding to the troops in Iraq. He said he would consider all options in getting the President to get a new plan on Iraq. The biggest problem with the Democrats "plan" is that they have no plan. The only definitive statement they have made regarding their plan for Iraq is to redeploy. I am no military genius, but withdrawing all of our troops from Iraq and moving as far away as Okinawa, sounds like a retreat and surrender. How do you win a war by retreating and surrendering?
If the Democrats take control, here a few of the bills that have been blocked by the GOP that will probably see the light of day.
Gas Stamps — H.R. 3712: Jim McDermott (D-WA) and eight Democratic cosponsors want a "Gas Stamps" program similar to the Food Stamps program to subsidize the gasoline purchases of qualified individuals.
Less Jail Time for Selling Crack Cocaine - H.R. 2456: Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and 23 Democratic cosponsors want to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for possessing, importing, and distributing crack cocaine. John Conyers, the would-be Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over the bill, is a cosponsor.
Voting Rights for Criminals - H.R. 1300: John Conyers (D-MI) and 32 Democratic cosponsors, and H.R. 663: Charlie Rangel (D-NY) and 28 Democratic cosponsors would let convicted felons vote. Rep. John Conyers is the would-be Democratic Chairman of the Judiciary Committee which would consider this legislation.
Expand Medicare to Include Diapers — H.R. 1052: Barney Frank (D-MA) supports Medicare coverage of adult diapers. Barney Frank is the would-be Chairman of the Financial Services Committee.
Nationalized Health Care - H.R. 4683: John Dingell (D-MI) and 18 Democratic cosponsors want to expand Medicare to cover all Americans. John Dingell is the would-be Democratic Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee who along with cosponsors Charlie Rangel, would-be Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, and Henry Waxman, would-be Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, would have jurisdiction over the proposal.
Federal Regulation of Restaurant Menus — H.R. 5563: Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and 25 Democratic cosponsors authorize federal regulation of the contents of restaurant menus.
Taxpayer Funded Abortions & Elimination of all Restrictions on Abortion, Including Parental Notice - H.R. 5151: Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and 66 Democratic cosponsors want to overturn even minimal restrictions on abortion such as parental notice requirements. The bill would also require taxpayer funding of abortions through the various federal health care programs. John Conyers, the would-be Chairman of Judiciary Committee which has jurisdiction over the bill, is an original cosponsor.
Bill of Welfare Rights — H.J. Res. 29-35: Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) proposes a Soviet-style "Bill of Welfare Rights," enshrining the rights of full employment, public education, national healthcare, public housing, abortion, progressive taxation, and union membership. On some these measures, Rep. Jackson is joined by up to 35 Democratic cosponsors, including would-be Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers.
Justice for the Unprotected against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed Act (JUSTICE) Act (Lee, D-CA)—H.R. 6083. Requires community organizations to be allowed to distribute sexual barrier protection devices (e.g. condoms) in federal prisons. Also prohibits a federal prison from taking adverse action against a prisoner who possesses or uses a sexual barrier protection device.
End the War in Iraq Act (McGovern, D-MA)—H.R. 4232. Defunds the War in Iraq, forcing immediate troop withdrawal.
Universal National Service Act (Rangel, D-NY)—H.R. 4752. Makes it an obligation of every U.S. citizen, and every other person residing in the U.S., between the ages of 18 and 42, to perform a two-year period of national service, either as a member of an active or reserve component of the armed forces or in a civilian capacity that promotes national defense.
Tupac Shakur Records Release Act of 2006 (McKinney, D-GA)—H.R. 4968. Enshrines copies of government records concerning rapper Tupac Shakur in a specially created collection at the National Archives.
Antibullying Campaign Act (Nadler, D-NY)—H.R. 3787. Creates a new federal grant program aimed at reducing bullying in public schools "based on any distinguishing characteristic of an individual."
Are these the values, ideals, and principles of a conservative? How do we advance a conservative agenda by giving the liberals control? If you don't agree with your Senator or Representative, the primary is the place to effect change. Vote for truly conservative candidates if you want conservative represntation. It is time that the "Little Brat Conservatives" grow up and realize that they hurt themselves more by staying home on November 7.
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Comments: 89
BUT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1999 CERTAINLY SOURED ALOT OF PEOPLES BELIEFS IN THEIR VOTE REALLY COUNTING..ESPECIALLY WAY THE RESULTS WERE STACKED TO PROMOTE BUSH--I WILL NEVER EVER UNDERSTAND HOW ANY ONE CAN THINK WE NEED TO KEEP KILLING OFF OUR PROPLE IN IRAQ. IT IS CLEARLY A COUNTRY THAT DOESN'T WANT US THERE, YET WE STAY SO BUSH LOOKS LIEK HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING (JOKE). KEEP LOSING MORE AND MORE INNOCNET LIVES IN THE NAME OF WHAT DEMOCRACY--BUSH'S WAR IS WHAT THIS SHOULD BE CALLED NOT THE IRAQ WAR..
We were attacked on 9/11 by Saudi's, not Iraqi's.
The leader of the most powerful military on earth still hasn't gotten Osama after 5 years. Bush said "I don't think about him much anymore". He disbanded the unit designated to find Osama. Osama is not in Iraq.
Many bills referred to above are filled with earmarks and pork. Matt Taibi states there is 16 times more pork now than in past administrations.
That is one reason many representitives won't vote for certain bills, they want the pork taken out for the special interests.
There is always 2 sides to a story.
There are no checks and balances in place. Not one subpoena issued to question even one presidential decision. Is it possible nothing needed looking into ?
The Republican Congress issued 16 subpoenas when Clinton was president.
Perhaps Clinton did have 16 things that needed to be questioned.
Is it possible that Bush has none ?
I'll be second in line November 7th to cancel out the "first in line" vote.
As for the current situation, I think that if people who are honestly involved in politics through exercising their right to vote are truly dissatisfied with the people that they have elected, then there is no problem with them punishing those people by not voting for them again. I would rather that these people punish them by voting for an independent or by writing in someone, but if they chose to stay away from the voting booth altogether, I won't be mad at them.
They probably realize that there is only two years until the next set of elections, so they can show their dissatisfaction now, making their party take notice, while at the same time giving the opposition a chance to show how ill-equiped to lead they are. That way, in 2008, their party will return to the way that it should be, because they know that if they don't they will have to answer to those same voters. That is republican (with a small r, as opposed to Republican party) democracy at it's best form.
I think that if this is done, then the conservative party will become much stronger and more attuned to the people. That can only be good for the nation, I think we can all agree, no matter what side of the aisle you're on.
Myself, i've already sent in my absentee ballot. I don't plan on staying away because in NY, the corrupt Democrats already have their seats locked down, none of the races are even close. Governor, attorney general, senate, congress, council, judges, it's all locked up. But for people in states with actual races, I see no problem with them showing the politicians that they need the people, not the other way around.
"As an American you have an obligation, duty and responsibility to vote!".
Nobody has an obligation or a duty to vote. It is up to the individual to be informed, and only then should they vote.
And I don't mind saying that those who truly don't pay attention to politics tend to vote liberal :)
A couple of other comments. It doesn't matter if Democrats would/would not spend as much if they were in power. What matters is that Republicans and conservatives believe in fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and responsible government and they are spending like drunken sailors. The fact that someone else might do it too does not excuse them from abandoning one of the main tenents of their political philosophy.
The Democratic bills you listed are exactly that. Bills. The vast majority of them will go the way of all other such bills and will die in committee. Simply because someone proposes a bill does not reflect either that bills chances of passage or a philosophical mindset of the entire party.
The truth is that conservatives do not live up to their own ideals any more than do liberals and Republicans no more than Democrats. The bottom line is that these are politicians and their sole purpose in life is raising money and getting re-elected. They have no real interest in the average citizen and are so far out of touch that they have no idea what those interests are anyway.
You picked the worst of a bunch of crackpot bills. Hell, Republicans want a flag burning amendment, want abortion outlawed, want to regulate what goes on between consenting adults in the privacy of their own bedrooms or doctors offices, and a raft of other intrusive, buttinsky sorts of laws. Most of these bills will never see the light of a vote on the floor, couldn't pass the opposing house, and would not be signed by the President or pass judicial examination. They are purely and simply political pandering to the Democratic base exactly as the Republicans pander to theirs with special interest bills.
The bottom line is that the system itself is so totally broken that only voting the incumbents out enmass until they begin working for the goodl of those who elected them once again is ever going to send a clear enough message to get change.
I'm a Democrat, but I'm not going to vote for someone just because they are also a Democrat. That is just stupid, it's like hiring someone just because they bothered to fill out an application.
Don't vote for a candidate unless you really support him/her.
Once again you lay on the tired insults.
The reason I vote Repulican is because of their vision. They don't always act on their vision, but the conservative movement has the better ideas.
For instance, let's take Iraq. You don't understand the vision because you never actually listened entirely to Bush and what the vision is. YOUR vision - the vision of the progressive crowd is defeat. That's how you see Iraq. Not only that, but you HOPE for defeat because your hatred of Bush is so strong you would hope America is defeated.
We see Iraq as a difficult but necessary fight. We have a vision of the future when the Middle East does like the rest of the world does and tends toward democracy. We see the danger that Islamic Fundamentalists are to the world - we understand that the tools of recruiting Jihadists will allow them to grow if we do not stop them now. We know that the best way to stop the movement is to promote democracy in the Middle East. It's called vision... and I know you won't get it, so no reply necessary.
Has anyone else seen the AARP's ads promoting a website called dontvote.com? I'm going to check it out, and write a post tonight, if I can.
See ya later!
For example, suppose you are a conservative in Tennessee. Harold Ford spouts a lot of conservative sounding policies (I am ignoring the problems I think he has just for illustrative purposes). He is a man of faith, a family man, he supports additional tax cuts. Sounds like the kind of guy you could accept as a conservative. But, wait a minute. If Ford wins and the dems take over the Senate, all of a sudden, the fact that he wants to see tax cuts is irrelevant because he will undoubtedly vote, for the most part, with the dems. So maybe you don't like Corker. But would you rather have Corker, whom you don't like, and the republicans whom you do, or Ford, whom you do like and the dems whom you don't? You may win the battle but you lose the war. THAT is why people vote for the party and not the candidate.
Someone very intelligent once pointed out that democracies FAIL when the people realize that they can vote to spend other people's money. I am not rich and even I realize that the rich shouldn't have to support me. People make good and bad choices that influence the outcome of thier lives... education, career, standard of living, etc. Our citizens need to realize that THEY ALONE are responsible for their own future and financial security. Stop expecting the government to plan your future because all you will be doing is stealing from someone that makes more money than you do... mainly because THAT person made some good or lucky decisions.
As far as the war is concerned... You may have an opinion because that is your God given right. You may express your opinion... once, again... your right. If you are one of those "conspiracy nuts" that want to promote the theory that Bush asked or allowed for terrorists to attack us on 9/11, just so we could go off to foreign countries and kill people.... take your zoloft, seroquel, prozac and lithium and attempt to embrace reality.... because you are truly delusional. There was an enormous amount of "intelligence" from multiple nations and sources that convinced even those phonies in the UN (which should be disbanded-useless, feeble organization) that the Iraqi regime was up to no good. Diplomacy works when all parties engaged actually want to solve an issue... not when one party just wants to get away with something.... Nobody made the North Koreans develop nuclear weapons.
So, back to the war..... we are there. Do we send a message that we are weak-willed or do we stay the course? I have served as an Infantryman in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of you will obviously NOT like my comments on this issue... too bad... Go and experience it for yourself and THEN develop your own opinion without preconceptions. What you see nightly on your televisions is the spectacular, gory, and sad to say.... only the negative aspects of what we are doing in Iraq. You do not get exposed to the success stories that happen. Or, when you do, the story is book-ended by more gory details. I blame the media for attempting to shape the news and world events rather than just report.
I am just a soldier that has spent 20 years defending rights and freedoms that I do not get to pursue... not yet, at least. But, I have made that sacrifice freely... for all of YOU. I ask only that YOU be an individual... not a follower. Research where the candidates in your district stand on issues that YOU feel strongly about... and vote after you make a well thought out decision. Voting the "party line" is absolutely stupid. Jumping on the "hate" band-wagon or the "send a message" band-wagon could seriously jeopardize YOUR future and security. Look between the lines at issues on the ballot....the title of a referrendum does not tell all... read the fine print. You may be surprised to find an admendment to your state constitution that sounds like a great idea from the title, but when you delve further, makes you wonder what "idiot" proposed that and what "idiot" would vote for that???. Some poloticians "count" on ignorance and laziness to pass "stupid" measures.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION, NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM!!!
The Democrats were the small-government, conservative party when Republicans were anti-corporate (even "trust-busting"), free-love (look it up!) and literally tree-hugging (National Park System and even EPA) liberals. The party of the ACLU was the Men-In-Sheets party...and still is to a large degree. And the party of Ronald Reagan has passed LBJ in socialist spending.
Where were conservative Republicans when Barry Goldwater-style conservatism was washed away by Nixon-style Big Government? Answer: where they always were.
The only reason there's been recent talk of restrained government is because the Libertarian Party had been drawing away Republicans (before McCain/Feingold made it all but illegal to run a campaign outside the Democratic or Republican Parties), and the GOP had to respond.
But look at what Republicans have done despite their rhetoric! Look at their deeds, not their words, and show me a single thing you like from the party that's enjoyed more power than any other political entity in history:
1. We've lost more religious freedom under Republicans.
2. We've lost more rights under Republicans (including property rights, of course).
3. And the SPENDING!?!?! Oh my...the spending! ...On SOCIAL PROGRAMS!! ("Homeland Security", the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and all of national defense spending amounts to only about 20% of the federal budget, y'know).
4. Forget about your tax cuts. You knew they were a sham. Local tax rates have already risen and will rise more; and you'll see federal taxes soar to cover GOP profligacy no matter who wins the next election. The Laffer Curver only goes so far, and Republicans will apparently put up with anything anyway.
I ran for office in 2004 as a Republican for U.S.Congress. I know the party well. I must assure you that unless you scourge the party, you will find no difference between the major parties anytime soon. Both are corrupt from top to bottom because you don't show up to meeting to see just how bad things are; and because you keep voting the same way hoping that things will turn out better somehow.
Well, things won't get better unless you vote better.
Do your homework or don't vote. Do your homework and vote better!
As Ben Franklin said, "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch."
www.thefreedomfarm.com
It is possible to skip a field on the voting card. You can leave an office blank if you don't believe that either candidate is qualified and shares your values. Or you could write-in a vote, or vote for a third party candidate that better meets your requirements.
Voting by party just fuels partisan politics. Vote for the candidate that you trust and don't give anyone a free pass.
To whoever it is who types in all caps: You will get read and responded to a lot more if you stop doing that. It's rude, hard to read, and is the equivalent of a grade-school primer. Personally I won't even try reading stuff in all caps any more than I will stuff without capitalization, punctuation, or paragraphs.
I have thought about not voting this year for the same reason, but I get to vote for Richard Lugar and Mike Pence. I've got no qualms with either, so they'll get my vote next tuesday.
I really don't appreciate Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity lecturing the republican base either. They are only driving them away. I love my country and appreciate the pro-life platform of the republican party, but it's time they get shook up a bit.
Stephen ! isn't the hypocritical republican party really pro-death? Pro death penalty, pro war for profit, anti-universal health insurance, education, etc etc. they are only pro life on fetuses, once born that's the end of that!
Gasp, you're not shouting! Good points though.
I do agree that people should be informed of who they are voting for as much as possible instead of just blindly picking because of a policital label they fly on a banner. It shouldn't be a popularity contest based on how much "church" a politician can mix with the "state", but it is. I'd like to see someone that isn't republican or democratic win for a change.
Maybe the politicians should work for free or a modest salary like it use to be. Then we'll see who is really in it for the goodwill of the nation.
The point I was trying to make, is that sometimes voting for a particular party could be an important factor, if it puts checks and balances back into the government.
While I admit, it is highly unlikely, why should we have a system, where even theoretically, every person in America could vote for one person, and the electoral college could elect a different person. Why even have that as a possibility ?
Carolyn G.: These are not 'Crackpot" amendments/laws. This is the AGENDA of the Liberal Left, George Soros funded morally bankrupt Democrats.
Second... I disagree that we have the responsibility to simply vote. That is always a popular mantel to cry, but its not the begging or ending of our responsibility. We have the responsibility to be part of the process of our democracy. When we refuse to be educated on the issues, the voting patterns of our officials, and what they stand for... then we actually have the responsibility to not vote, leaving that for someone that does stay educated on the issues. If we choose to vote, then we have the responsibility to be educated on what it is we are voting for, and we have the responsibility to hold our politicians accountable for what they vote for.
As long as democrats continue to promote such foolish agendas, the republicans will have no problem winning elections. This isn't so much a national election, as a whole bunch of local elections.
When people are polled about congress, and they say "I don't like the job congress is doing, and I think they need a change of direction," they also say "no, I'm going to vote for my guy again because I think he's doing a good job."
It's a natural human tendency to point the finger, look at the OTHER guy, not your guy. Congress might suck, but our boy, yeah, HE's alright. I don't care what the "prevailing wisdom" is, I'll bet on the incumbent winning almost every time.
To make an analogy to a casino, the incumbent is the house, and the challenger is the mark. The odds are hands down with the casino.
Nelso, your comments are straight up retarded. Do you think we don't get the same crap you do in Central Florida? And besides, the Internet is the best medium for information, so you're really out of touch with reality. You need to travel.
One final remark...Don't vote a party...Vote for who you believe in....Vote as an AMERICAN AND NOT A REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT....ONE DAY OUR POLITICIANS MAY REALIZE THEY ARE AMERICANS NOT A POLITICAL PARTY AND THEIR JOB IS TO SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.....NOT REWRITE IT TO BENEFIT THEIR PARTY!!!!!!
Bush looks up as he signs the Military
Commissions Act of 2006 in the East Room of the White House in Washington. The
bill effectively nullifies nine of the first ten amendments to the U.S.
constitution and ends the "great experiment" known as The United States of
America.
One of the loudest advocates for the 911 truth movement is former Chief Economist under George Bush, and professor at Texas A&M, Morgan Reynolds. (All Sources Cited)
http://www.911lies.org/former_gov_officials_speak_openly_911.html
Other prominent Americans to speak openly:
Aircraft crash investigation authority, USAF Col. (Ret) George Nelson
Former Director of Advanced Space Programs Development for the U.S. Air Force,
under President Reagan, and combat fighter pilot Col. Robert Bowman (Caltech Phd
in aeronautics and nuclear engineering).
Former CIA Intelligence Advisor to Reagan and George HW Bush and founder
of the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, Ray McGovern
Kevin Ryan, former department head at UL (Underwriter Laboratories) the
company which certified the steel which went into the WTCs upon their
construction, and inspected it after the WTC collapses in 2001.
Former assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury Senior Research Fellow at
the Hoover Institution, Research Fellow at Stanford's Independent Institute, and
former associate editor of the Wall Street Journal, Paul Craig Roberts.
Canadian National Defense Minister, the Honourable Paul Hellyer
Minister for the Environment, and Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)
Michael Meacher
National Minister of Defense (Germany). Also, served as Minister of
Technology Andreas Von Bulow
Former Chief of Staff of the Russian armed forces, and chief of the
department for General affairs in the Soviet Union 's ministry of Defense,
General Leonid Ivashov.
Former MI6 British Counter Intelligence Officer, David Shayle
Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of Religion & Theology, (more on Web)
----------
If 911 was not perpetrated by people within our own government, why are they in 911Lies.org?
The software screenshots you will see, are from LivePerson.com, and they have
documented the following visitors:
RAYTHEON
BOEING
LOCKHEED-MARTIN
US FEDERAL RESERVE
HALLIBURTON
NASA
http://www.911lies.org/index.html#visits
~
YOUR beloved ACLU dropped the suit they had citing acceptance of the Patriot Act (filed and lingering in a Detroit Court since 02) QUIETLY, I might add stating they saw nothing illegal since debated on the Hill.
The only thing that has happened is the PC crowd got American Constitional Rights offered. Even after they are convicted in a military tribunal they get an appeal to the US District CT. in DC-
OH, never mind - you're one of those, I only saw your initial bitch, I did not see your other rantings citing a bunch of foreigners that can't even begin to manage their own nations wanting to set an agenda here. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Read Popular Mechanics articles on 9-11 (or look at the pretty pictures and diagrams because I have to doubt your ability to read and comprehend anything on your own if not from some dude from the planet Zenon - or whatever spatial neighborhood they call home).
I've to scurry off now, I have some phones to tap (yours) and some bombs to plant to blow up the NO levees again, they are making way too much progress and all those blackies might start thiknking they can come back - shhhhhhhhh- it's our litttle conspiracy.
Remember JoeE - "Dirty deeds done dirt cheap" - call me you little conspiracy freak, you.
And anyone faintly familiar with Congress knows full well that there's an equally ridiculous, cherrypicked list of dumb, conservative proposals out there somewhere as well.
I do believe, however, that the possibility of two years of required government service, whether it be in the military or in some other capacity, should be given further study.
As far as Iraq is concerned, conservative support for staying the course is getting lonelier by the day. More and more military personnel and military experts are calling for a deadline to get our troops out of harms way.
You say conservatives hate to see our service personnel killed but you want to keep them in harms way and you have great trouble explaining why, in any coherent fashion. Furthermore, many conservatives believe we should expand our military operations to include Iran which would be premature at this point and could well lead to more deaths.
Bush isn't running in this election, but you can bet the farm that his foibles and follies are....
How many times did the UN give Iraq an ultimatum until the US said enough? Should we wait until they came back to Kuwait, or Saudi Arabia? Our( the US) media has this hate thing with Bush because he isn't as articulate as Sen Kennedy. Remember him, killing that girl in chapaquidic bay and swimming to Florida to get help? Mary Jo Kopeckni, I think her name was. And the Mass people keep electing hiim. Why? Because he can swim? Because he sure as hell can't come up with anything close to a bill that gives the people anything except a bill for his raises. The Republican party is almost as bad and as my father used to say, " there isn't a nickle's difference." But a nickle is a nickle. The stock market is at all time highs, the economy is the best since the baby boom, only 140,000 soldiers are at risk. Hell this is the best of times. I was around when we ducked under our desks when the sirens blared for fear of a nuclear attack by the USSR. Does anyone remember those bastards? They didn't die, they moved to New York and Mass. where they elect communist senators and reps to undermine the Constitution of the United States. Who needs nukes when we have California, New York, and Kennedy, er ,Massachusettes and the other brain washed states that think they need Hollywood or New York or Boston to tell them what to do? What happened to free thinkers? And what is this thing about a person who does not have a law degree as being unqualified to fill a post that is only a temp job? (except Kennedy).
Bush will be gone in two(2) years. Is the liberal rags so hung up on lynching Bush that they have lost their objective? I think so.
As far as bogged down in Iraq, the military has some 2.4 million people. less than one half of one per cent is there. Do the math. As a former Marine, I know what a traitor is. It is Murtha, Kennedy, Biden, Pelosi, etc. The Jane Fonda's of this generation. If the youth of America wants to make a difference, JOIN THE MARINES
constitution
*ROFL* these morons actually BELIEVE this stuff *ROFL*
The thing I feel we should do away with is the electoral vote and let the people decide who they want! How can they speak for all of us if the votes dont match up.
Also I feel it is our country that is deviding us by calling us Mexican American, I feel this reduses me to a second class citizen. I AM AN AMERICAN of Hispanic decent not a mexican american. I do agree that the illegals, have no rights, for illegal means against the law and it means that in all languages.
Speaking more than one language is a plus not a handicap, But English is our language ...so learn it. If I were to move to France , I would not expect them to have to speak spanish, I would have to learn French, after all I chose to live there! Thay did not ask me to come on over.
I do research all candidates and have never voted a straight party ticket. This I believe helps keep balance. Everone should vote.let your voice be heard !
I support our troops and what they are doing but I dont believe war was the answer. We, (The Country) were lied to about the reason that war was the answer.
For your information some of us can stand behind our troops and still think BUSH is wrong. You need to stop hiding behind your so call conservative cover. As far as I am concerned the Republicans have taken the true meaning of a conservative (protection of the constitution) and twisted it to mean conservative in what they will allow to happen in the household or in the bedrooms. Get off your high horse. I'll move to Europe before I stay around and watch them modify our constitution with an amendment that has no right to be even a debate. By the way....I did join the Marines, and I stuck around for over 20 years, also was deployed for OEF.
The major theme I found through reading this is voting for a particular party or voting for who you agree with.
Come on, people, we're not voting for a president. These people are people who not only respresent our country, but also represent our state. I am not a member of a particular party. I vote for the person who I believe will do the best by my state and my country based on my beliefs.
For instance, I tend to vote more democrat than republican (although I voted for a republic govenor). One of the people running for state rep is against stem-cell research, against Plan B, against Missouri's Amendment 3, and so on. He's basically against every thing I am for, so I'm not voting for him. At least the Republican running against him is for stem-cell research.
Part of our problem is that the lines are too distinct. We draw this imaginary line and state, "You're either red or blue, but you CAN'T be both." We're never going to agree. We can't acheive greater, better things for our country and our people unless we try to blur the line between the two colors. Nothing's black and white. There's always a gray area. It should be the same for our two parties. There shouldn't be just a red and blue. There must be a purple area.
I remain, george
Very interesting discussion. Every person should exercise his duty and vote. Each candidate on the ballot should be individually considered as to whether they represent your interests or not. It is not about political party. It is not about popularity or even whether the person you vote for wins.
When do you start considering the ballot? Not when you go into the voting booth. Get a look at your ballot in your district and consider your vote, now. Discuss it with your family, your friends, your church, and find out who really does represent you.
That's how democracy works. If you and everyone else votes, regardless of who wins, we all win.
That's democracy. Progressive, intelligent democracy.
In addition, the recent Supreme Court ruling will mandate sexually explicit materials be taught to our children because of their homosexual mandate...regardless of whether they call it marriage or civil unions....check out www.nonjgaymarriage.org it will give you much insight to what is happening already and what will be coming to a school near you!!!!!!
Comment for George:
My mother's husband said if he voted, he'd vote for Bush during the last election. Why? Because he's for guns, and the other guy's not. That's it. That's the only reason. He believed Bush messed up in many, many other ways and called him an idiot, but as long as he's for guns, he doesn't care. I'm glad he doesn't vote.
People don't want to take the time to actually research, and I heard last night that someone wants to fine people for not voting. I say forcing people to vote is not as smart as it sounds. Any idiot can walk in a booth and pull a lever or punch a card.
I vote and my wife pretty much knows how I vote, on the other hand I know my wife votes according to her own reasons and I don't try to sway her in any direction, I couldn't if I wanted . Also not every Republican gets my vote just because they are Republican, one gets my vore because they are the closest I can vote for someone who will represent positions I can accept, maybe not agree 100% , but ar ein the ballpark
In that vein I would ask everyone in California to note that the only time we hear from Boxer is when there is an election. She has done some good things but it is time for her to retire and let fresh blood go with Feinstein to Washington. They are really retired in their chairs and need to be motivated again to look out for our state. Please vote responsibly we all will pay the price of the outcome without serious thought to who and why we are voting for someone. Good luck at the polls.
If you don't vote -- DON'T BITCH
As to this article, it is very, very disappointing to see a regurgitated Rush Limbaugh show written out and published as if it were the writer's own thoughts. Especially disappointing since it's obvious that Troy is a good writer. Hey Troy, maybe you should try a week of Public Radio just for balance?
Why is it necessary to evade responsibility for one's actions? Why the juvenile (i.e. Rush Limbaugh like) "blame the other guy" to deflect attention from one's own failings or misdeeds? This is rhetorical, but why is the last defense, these days, to accuse anyone proferring a different opinion...of hating? It's pathetic. It's desperate. It's just a meaningless distraction - and it demeans the accuser.
If you disagree about the war, you just hate the troops - and you're a traitor. If you criticize the disgraceful, embarrassing and/or corrupt behavior of elected officials like Foley, Delay, Cunningham, Ney, Hastert, and so on, you just hate Republicans. If you think Bush has done a lousy job, that he's bogged us down in a hopeless quagmire of a war (If we'd been truly interested in combatting terrorism - as I firmly believe we still must - then we should have stayed the course in Afghanistan!); if you're disturbed over the fact that Bush has overseen the disappearance of a once tidy surplus - which is now become a Treasury way, way, way beyond bare with a significant portion of the $8 + trillion debt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki U.S._public_debt) in Chinese hands; if you think Bush's response to hurricane Katrina is a national disgrace, or his blatent cronyism is unacceptable or his inability to admit mistakes, puerile - or any of the aforementioned, you just hate Bush.
This technique feels good, I know - but it's just facile and has no - repeat - no bearing on reality. Accusing others of hate is a serious charge. It's a good idea to have some compelling evidence if you're going to make that accusation. I've said in an article I wrote and will repeat here "I don't hate. Hate clouds your vision and addles your thinking. I believe hate decreases your I.Q in direct proportion to the level of the hate. The more you hate, the stupider you become."
If there's evidence of hate, it's on the accuser's side. Honestly ask yourself if you hate liberals? Bill Clinton? Hillary Clinton? Nancy Pelosi? Al Franken? Keith Olbermann? Etc? If so, you've lowered your I.Q. in exact proportion to how much you hate these people. Given that, you might want to be more reasonable and less emotional. I may disagree with the likes of Rush Limbaugh - but I don't hate him. Why should I get studiper because he likes to rant and make a fool of himself?
The big message is: Don't let others think for you. If something looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, waddles like a duck - it's a duck. If people do disgraceful, imcompetent, hypocritical and/or corrupt acts, they don't get to say "...but look at what THEY did!" That argument went out with the younger sibling you tried to blame for hitting the baseball through the window. (No, mom, I didn't do it - JOHNNY did! But dad, look at what CHARLIE did!) You're parents rightly told you - or should have - that two wrongs don't make a right. Each person is responsible for his or her own behavior. If you get caught doing something you shouldn't be doing, you've made that choice - not the guy next to you.
Miscreants don't get a pass just because they're in power. And please stop with the ridiculous scare tactics! The country will not only be just fine if the Democrats win at the polls, but be better off. Needed checks and balances will be returned to a system currently bereft of them. This is not my opinion alone - Andrew Sullivan has pleaded with fellow conservatives to vote Democrat for this very reason. It seems shocking until you're willing to take off the rose-colored glasses and realize that the Republican Party has betrayed everything sacred to it. So join me and Andrew Sullivan in voting Democrat on Nov. 7th.
The Republican party has been lieing to the American people for along time now and the people have finally woken up and taken notice. I agree that Saddam needed to be taken care of. But I do not agree for the reasons given to me for going to Iraq. First we went there while leaving Bin-Laden on the loose. We went to Iraq instead of finding the real culprits behind 9/11. Bush told us that Saddam had and was building weapons of mass destruction. That these weapons were going to be used agaunst the United States, and that Bin-Laden and Saddam had a connection. Well it turned out that all of those claims were false. Not only were they false but they were outright lies. Bush intentinally lied to the American people and to Congress to get this war that he wanted.
Of course after 9/11 and Iraq started Bush had to fight for it. He had to make sure that Democrats didn't win any election because they would actually try to stop the corruption and the lies. In fact they might actually make the lies public, and we can't have that. So Bush decided to use the Un-American label and it worked. And all those republicans out there are still using it. If you disagree with Policy and with the way this country is being ran then you are un-American. You don't support the troops if you even talk one word against the President and his failed Policy. Well you know what that talk doesn't seem to be working now is it. That argument isn't even measuring high on the polling. In fact the American voters have all woken up and now they now who the reall corrupted politicians are.
I am registered a Democrat and vote that way most of the time, but I will vote for decent republicans and in fact voted for McCain in 2000 and voted for A lady named Deborah Wilder in 2000 for state Assembly in California.
Having been exposed to commercial tv for a few days last month, I can understand why the noise of mudslinging makes many alienated from both sides in electoral contests.
I think that some brakes need to be applied to the mess Bush is making out of the country and the world, as the Reublican congressional majority has signally failed, so I'll be voting even without any particular interest in any of the statewide races. We have impeaching Bush on the ballot, which is enough to entice me out of my lair.
Some Americans have the same view of the President as if he's God Himself. Be always loyal and faithful...trust his judgements and don't question it....we can't see the greater images, goals, plans that he can. "You're unAmerican if you are not with the president." The President needs to be questioned because he isn't God or any other diety...he's a human with mortal desires. He may not be clear minded and holding the best interests of this nation's citizens in mind. We have seen in other countries throughout history what a leader can do when the people don't think or question him...they sometimes diefy themselves...their word is law sent from heaven and the people are too afraid to question for fear of if it is truly heaven sent or of the ruler's force of arms if opposed.