So we're entering into the political season...primaries are next month, and the main election is in November. What issues are you concerned about? What are you for or against? Let's get political, and start some good discussions!
Politics
07/21/2008
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Quote:
Heh, I'm kind of afraid, because I often tend to be the only Republican on these types of forums. I'm actually more Libertarian, because I'm very socially liberal (gay marriage, etc.). But I vote with my check book. Just don't want to get lynched or anything!
Originally posted by
Essin' Em
So we're entering into the political season...primaries are next month, and the main election is in November. What issues are you concerned about? What are you for or against? Let's get political, and start some good discussions!
07/21/2008
Grizli
I personally am very concerned with GHGs (green house gases). I see the EU and UK are making steady progress toward curbing CO2 emissions by 2025 and further into2050. This makes me wonder, how we here cannot even pass through the Congress the notion that the GHGs should be regulated.
Some great information on GHG – Stern Report - link
Some great information on GHG – Stern Report - link
07/21/2008
Well, honestly I am really hoping for some alternative fuels. I have to admit that I just really don't get it though...I mean with the ethenol gas, you get charged more for corn products at the grocery store so I really don't know if this is helping us or not. Us with a pony that eats grain we have noticed the price of grain skyrocket because of this too. Not only that but, anything that eats grain costs more to raise even chickens! So, there again, eggs and meats have gone up in price too. I just really don't know where this one is headed. It's scarey! I know there are other options too but, ethenol seems to be the one they are focused on. I just really hope something good happens!
07/21/2008
I have to admit, I'm so desperately hoping to not have another Republican president elected- not to mention all the other positions up for election- that I don't care as much about any of the huge number of specific issues being debated right now. Sure, the environment's a mess, taxes are horrible, the economy is a mess, education is failing, our army is all over the world unnecessarily, no one has health care, gay people want to get married all over the place, trans people have no rights, cars are quickly becoming obsolete with no solid public transportation to replace them... but none of those things are going to change with elections.
Only the people in that small political bubble making decisions that start changing things will be different, so I'm most concerned with who those people are.
Only the people in that small political bubble making decisions that start changing things will be different, so I'm most concerned with who those people are.
07/22/2008
I'm working on an issue campaign (working against an amendment that would define a fertilized egg as a person in the CO state constitution, therefore affecting abortion, birth control, emergency contraception, in-vitro fertilization, doctors' interactions, stem cell research, etc), so clearly, that's where my mind is. But I am hoping for change...I feel that whoever wins (and I'm personally hoping for a liberal in every area, but respect you DD as well) has a huge mess to clean up...and I wish them luck!
07/22/2008
Quote:
Thanks. I just personally want the government to stay out of my bedroom, out of my gun closet (I do live in TX after all!), out of my wallet, and out of my life as much as possible. I'd hoped for a fairly liberal Republican nominee like Gulianni, but what can you do?
Originally posted by
Essin' Em
I'm working on an issue campaign (working against an amendment that would define a fertilized egg as a person in the CO state constitution, therefore affecting abortion, birth control, emergency contraception, in-vitro fertilization, doctors'
...
more
I'm working on an issue campaign (working against an amendment that would define a fertilized egg as a person in the CO state constitution, therefore affecting abortion, birth control, emergency contraception, in-vitro fertilization, doctors' interactions, stem cell research, etc), so clearly, that's where my mind is. But I am hoping for change...I feel that whoever wins (and I'm personally hoping for a liberal in every area, but respect you DD as well) has a huge mess to clean up...and I wish them luck!
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07/22/2008
Grizli
Somehow, I think the left-right politics sound a bit outdated when you consider climate issues. A few excerpts from the Stern Report:
Climate change threatens the basic elements of life for people around the world – access to water, food, health, and use of land:
a. Melting glaciers will increase flood risk during the wet season and strongly reduce dry season water supplies to one-sixth of the world’s population;
b. Declining crop yields are likely to leave hundreds of millions without the ability to produce or purchase sufficient food;
c. Ocean acidification will have major effects on marine ecosystems with adverse consequences on fish stock;
d. Rising sea levels will result in tens to hundreds of millions more people flooded each year. Large cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Calcutta, New York, Miami, London are at major risks.
e. By the middle of the century, 200 million more people will become permanently displaced due to rising sea levels;
The GHGs to cause all of the above has already been accumulated in the atmosphere and might cost about 5% of the Global World Product to mitigate.
Sorry for the bad news.
Climate change threatens the basic elements of life for people around the world – access to water, food, health, and use of land:
a. Melting glaciers will increase flood risk during the wet season and strongly reduce dry season water supplies to one-sixth of the world’s population;
b. Declining crop yields are likely to leave hundreds of millions without the ability to produce or purchase sufficient food;
c. Ocean acidification will have major effects on marine ecosystems with adverse consequences on fish stock;
d. Rising sea levels will result in tens to hundreds of millions more people flooded each year. Large cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Calcutta, New York, Miami, London are at major risks.
e. By the middle of the century, 200 million more people will become permanently displaced due to rising sea levels;
The GHGs to cause all of the above has already been accumulated in the atmosphere and might cost about 5% of the Global World Product to mitigate.
Sorry for the bad news.
07/22/2008
I think that most of the hot issues in my mind have been covered - war and military, global warming and working towards a greener world especially when it comes to cars and transportation, education, health care, gay rights, and the rising cost of everything. i think that all of this depends on money that our gov't no longer has (or did we ever?) and there's a big catch 22 here. The growing national debt is catching up with us; the gov't is going to have to stop lying about the fact that there is no money.
I guess I'm on the left side of this. I admit Obama certainly is charismatic when he talks change and I really hope he follows through whether or not he wins.
but, honestly, I think the talk of left-right politics is ridiculous if you just consider life. Republican or democrat, most average joes want the same things: the ability to work for the means to support ourselves and families and maintain a sense of security about it while being able to provide a better life for our children than we have.
I guess I'm on the left side of this. I admit Obama certainly is charismatic when he talks change and I really hope he follows through whether or not he wins.
but, honestly, I think the talk of left-right politics is ridiculous if you just consider life. Republican or democrat, most average joes want the same things: the ability to work for the means to support ourselves and families and maintain a sense of security about it while being able to provide a better life for our children than we have.
07/23/2008
It's true, I agree that bipartisan politics is outdated- we're stuck with it right now, unfortunately. Parties are set up to divide opinions on things like war, military funding, religion (which shouldn't even enter the political discussion but does), marriage, etc. Maintaining a sense of security means entirely different things to different people, and add the whole 'terrorist' threat onto that concern, you get political leverage...
I would love to see an entirely different political system, and generally will support those who think some serious change is necessary as opposed to those who'd like to return to some kind of status quo.
I would love to see an entirely different political system, and generally will support those who think some serious change is necessary as opposed to those who'd like to return to some kind of status quo.
07/25/2008
I know that a lot of people seem to just love Obama, but I've found that I'm not really that impressed with either candidate. I was not in favor of Clinton just because I felt she changed her opinion based on what she thought everyone else would like. Too wishy washy for me to feel like she would make a stern enough dictator (not that our presidents are ever dictoral ) I really wish there was a better option, someone who, like Cock Wrangler stated, realizes that this country needs some serious changes and fast. I guess at least Obama seems like he's getting into this and doesn't have as much of a "ho hum" attitude like McCaine. Was anyone honestly surprised by the Obama/Clinton joining? Gotta say, that I was not surprised at all, actually kinda expected it during their whole campaigns (after all, they do fight like a married couple :-p)
07/25/2008
Alternative energy and bringing our soldiers home.
My son had a tour in Iraq.
My son had a tour in Iraq.
08/06/2008
This is my second attempt at posting in here. last time I took so long typing it up that I "timed out" and everything I had written was lost when I clicked on the "Post" button. Guess I'll make use of the handy-dandy clip board this time.
This thread is pretty dead. I find that a little odd considering the conventions are almost over with. Has anybody been watching them? Is anybody impressed or put off by the speeches thus far? I still feel like I know next to nothing about the vp candidates. I missed Biden's speech and didn't really think much was revealed about Palin during her speech.
I am really looking forward to the debates though. I can't wait to see how the candidates handle themselves during the debates, both presidential candidates and the vice-presidential candidates. I have always enjoyed the debates in the past. Anyone remember the Bush/Gore debate? I wasn't old enough to vote at time, but I know I was horrified at how pissed Gore became and his bullying of the mediator. I am thinking (and hoping) that kind of conduct won't happen between Obama/McCain or Biden/Palin.
Anyone looking forward to the debates? And if so, why?
This thread is pretty dead. I find that a little odd considering the conventions are almost over with. Has anybody been watching them? Is anybody impressed or put off by the speeches thus far? I still feel like I know next to nothing about the vp candidates. I missed Biden's speech and didn't really think much was revealed about Palin during her speech.
I am really looking forward to the debates though. I can't wait to see how the candidates handle themselves during the debates, both presidential candidates and the vice-presidential candidates. I have always enjoyed the debates in the past. Anyone remember the Bush/Gore debate? I wasn't old enough to vote at time, but I know I was horrified at how pissed Gore became and his bullying of the mediator. I am thinking (and hoping) that kind of conduct won't happen between Obama/McCain or Biden/Palin.
Anyone looking forward to the debates? And if so, why?
09/04/2008
Quote:
Gulianni was my first pick but what do you do? I am however very interested in Senator Palin. I think the media has been quite awful to her. I am rooting for her, I think shes great! I am very into politics and listen to Beck and Hannity. I converted from a democrat to a republican when I was in college. I still believe in gay marriage and abortion, I don't however believe in global warming. I am all for saving the environment and I recycle. I love my bamboos sheets and buy earth friendly products. The Earth will always be here. It will adapt, humans won't. I'd like to see new energy. With all the technology out there, I mean come on. The internal combustion engine is not the only way to go.
Originally posted by
Dame Demi
Thanks. I just personally want the government to stay out of my bedroom, out of my gun closet (I do live in TX after all!), out of my wallet, and out of my life as much as possible. I'd hoped for a fairly liberal Republican nominee like
...
more
Thanks. I just personally want the government to stay out of my bedroom, out of my gun closet (I do live in TX after all!), out of my wallet, and out of my life as much as possible. I'd hoped for a fairly liberal Republican nominee like Gulianni, but what can you do?
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09/04/2008
Quote:
I've been reading about that on your blog - SCARY STUFF. It'd make the IUD (which my wife is getting) and the morning after pill technically count as 'abortion.'
Originally posted by
Essin' Em
I'm working on an issue campaign (working against an amendment that would define a fertilized egg as a person in the CO state constitution, therefore affecting abortion, birth control, emergency contraception, in-vitro fertilization, doctors'
...
more
I'm working on an issue campaign (working against an amendment that would define a fertilized egg as a person in the CO state constitution, therefore affecting abortion, birth control, emergency contraception, in-vitro fertilization, doctors' interactions, stem cell research, etc), so clearly, that's where my mind is. But I am hoping for change...I feel that whoever wins (and I'm personally hoping for a liberal in every area, but respect you DD as well) has a huge mess to clean up...and I wish them luck!
less
So I salute your work!
09/04/2008
Quote:
I'm socially liberal too, but I think I'm more Republican when it comes to the economy etc. Although the last few Republican presidents have been ALL TALK and NO TROUSERS.
Originally posted by
Dame Demi
Heh, I'm kind of afraid, because I often tend to be the only Republican on these types of forums. I'm actually more Libertarian, because I'm very socially liberal (gay marriage, etc.). But I vote with my check book. Just don't want
...
more
Heh, I'm kind of afraid, because I often tend to be the only Republican on these types of forums. I'm actually more Libertarian, because I'm very socially liberal (gay marriage, etc.). But I vote with my check book. Just don't want to get lynched or anything!
less
They claim they'll make tax cuts - but only for the rich. Even in Reagan's day, the average worker's payroll tax increased.
Anyway. Just to let you know you have an ally!
09/04/2008
Quote:
Until, like, a day ago, I was on board with you on the green issues - but there's some scary stuff going around. The likes of Al Gore HAVE fed us misinformation.
Originally posted by
Grizli
Somehow, I think the left-right politics sound a bit outdated when you consider climate issues. A few excerpts from the Stern Report:Climate change threatens the basic elements of life for people around the world – access to water, food, health, and
...
more
Somehow, I think the left-right politics sound a bit outdated when you consider climate issues. A few excerpts from the Stern Report:Climate change threatens the basic elements of life for people around the world – access to water, food, health, and use of land:a. Melting glaciers will increase flood risk during the wet season and strongly reduce dry season water supplies to one-sixth of the world’s population;b. Declining crop yields are likely to leave hundreds of millions without the ability to produce or purchase sufficient food;c. Ocean acidification will have major effects on marine ecosystems with adverse consequences on fish stock;d. Rising sea levels will result in tens to hundreds of millions more people flooded each year. Large cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Calcutta, New York, Miami, London are at major risks.e. By the middle of the century, 200 million more people will become permanently displaced due to rising sea levels;The GHGs to cause all of the above has already been accumulated in the atmosphere and might cost about 5% of the Global World Product to mitigate.Sorry for the bad news.
less
This article - from the Telegraph, no less, not some rag - is illuminating. The stuff about the computer chart that measured the increase in CO2 (it looked like a hockey stick - level for millenia and then rising sharply in the last fifty years) is interesting. They used the same equation and entered numbers from a phone book and discovered that the system was programmed to make ALL information resemble a 'hockey stick.'
If their facts are straight, why do they have to lie to us to convince us?
link
09/04/2008
Quote:
I too am quite interested in Senator Palin. The media has been pretty unfair but, that's the media for you.... I've heard that her oldest son is a soldier serving over seas, her 17 year old daughter is 4 months pregnant (not that it's really the publics business), and that her youngest son has downs syndrome. This makes her seem more "real" to me. I can relate to her. She seems "normal" to me with problems "normal" people have. I'm really interested in learning more about her now. If I'm wrong on any of the above, feel free to correct me because I honestly haven't been following all of this too closely. As far as McCain and Obama go, I'm completely torn..... I get the feeling Obama is just trying to be a celebrity but, I'm not sure. Then I get the feeling McCain is indifferent but, there again, I'm not sure..... *shrugs shoulders*
Originally posted by
BeeLeaveMe
Gulianni was my first pick but what do you do? I am however very interested in Senator Palin. I think the media has been quite awful to her. I am rooting for her, I think shes great! I am very into politics and listen to Beck and Hannity. I
...
more
Gulianni was my first pick but what do you do? I am however very interested in Senator Palin. I think the media has been quite awful to her. I am rooting for her, I think shes great! I am very into politics and listen to Beck and Hannity. I converted from a democrat to a republican when I was in college. I still believe in gay marriage and abortion, I don't however believe in global warming. I am all for saving the environment and I recycle. I love my bamboos sheets and buy earth friendly products. The Earth will always be here. It will adapt, humans won't. I'd like to see new energy. With all the technology out there, I mean come on. The internal combustion engine is not the only way to go.
less
09/04/2008
Quote:
20/20 did a show called "Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity" and global warming was one of the things that they covered. I hadn't been super, super, concerned about it before then, but after watching that show it made me take a step back and wonder why the heck it is being pushed as such a catastrophic event when that isn't known to be fact even. I found a link to that show.
Originally posted by
Champagne and Benzedrine (Roland Hulme)
Until, like, a day ago, I was on board with you on the green issues - but there's some scary stuff going around. The likes of Al Gore HAVE fed us misinformation.This article - from the Telegraph, no less, not some rag - is illuminating. The stuff
...
more
Until, like, a day ago, I was on board with you on the green issues - but there's some scary stuff going around. The likes of Al Gore HAVE fed us misinformation.This article - from the Telegraph, no less, not some rag - is illuminating. The stuff about the computer chart that measured the increase in CO2 (it looked like a hockey stick - level for millenia and then rising sharply in the last fifty years) is interesting. They used the same equation and entered numbers from a phone book and discovered that the system was programmed to make ALL information resemble a 'hockey stick.'If their facts are straight, why do they have to lie to us to convince us?link
less
link
I haven't watched Al Gore's documentary, never had the desire to as I've never been a fan of his, to put it as nicely as I can.
09/04/2008
Unfortunately, no politician is going to fix every problem, and things like greenhouse gasses and an outrageous healthcare system are likely to be problems well into the future. Personally, I think McCain is a little old, but I am totally thrilled to see a woman on the Republican ticket! Of course she's going to get bashed in the media--that's what happens to politicians, unfortunately. One of my major concerns about Obama is actually his lack of experience--I just don't think the guy's ready to be President yet.
09/04/2008
A lot of really good points have been made! My top priorities for this election are the economy (I need money to live), health care (I need to have my job and have it maintain some sort of stability to make said money), and foreign policy in general. I'm pro-choice and for marriage for everyone as well. I think I've pretty much made up my mind on who I'm voting for, though I do want to learn a little more about each of the VPs. I look forward to the debates!
09/04/2008
Coming from Britain, the pay-as-you-go healthcare is completely new to me. MY wife just had a baby, so we're now dealing with HUGE bills - but saying that, the level of care we got was amazing. The national health care service in England may be free - but it's worth exactly what you pay for it (i.e. nothing.)
Obama's not going to 'nationalise' healthcare as the right wing pundits claim - he's just going to try and make it available to everybody. I don't hate McCain's ideas, though - he's going to introduce more competition to bring healthcare costs down.
Living in New Jersey, there pretty much IS free healthcare if you're poor (well, where I live, anyway.) It's when you're borderline (and have to pay, but can't quite afford it) it gets really tricky.
Obama's not going to 'nationalise' healthcare as the right wing pundits claim - he's just going to try and make it available to everybody. I don't hate McCain's ideas, though - he's going to introduce more competition to bring healthcare costs down.
Living in New Jersey, there pretty much IS free healthcare if you're poor (well, where I live, anyway.) It's when you're borderline (and have to pay, but can't quite afford it) it gets really tricky.
09/05/2008
Quote:
"...like she would make a stern enough dictator"
Originally posted by
Bulma
This is my second attempt at posting in here. last time I took so long typing it up that I "timed out" and everything I had written was lost when I clicked on the "Post" button. Guess I'll make use of the handy-dandy clip
...
more
This is my second attempt at posting in here. last time I took so long typing it up that I "timed out" and everything I had written was lost when I clicked on the "Post" button. Guess I'll make use of the handy-dandy clip board this time.This thread is pretty dead. I find that a little odd considering the conventions are almost over with. Has anybody been watching them? Is anybody impressed or put off by the speeches thus far? I still feel like I know next to nothing about the vp candidates. I missed Biden's speech and didn't really think much was revealed about Palin during her speech.I am really looking forward to the debates though. I can't wait to see how the candidates handle themselves during the debates, both presidential candidates and the vice-presidential candidates. I have always enjoyed the debates in the past. Anyone remember the Bush/Gore debate? I wasn't old enough to vote at time, but I know I was horrified at how pissed Gore became and his bullying of the mediator. I am thinking (and hoping) that kind of conduct won't happen between Obama/McCain or Biden/Palin.Anyone looking forward to the debates? And if so, why?
less
You want a dictatorial president? That's an interesting approach.
I caught some of the DNC on TV when visiting a friend, but I don't have cable (not even bunny ears) and am pretty happy that way. I was reminded, when seeing those speeches, of just how conservative and moderate ALL the politicians are here, and how weak the entire political system has become... I was just kind of disgusted by the whole thing.
Don't get me wrong, I vote, and will continue to do so, since it's the only current allowed political voice, but I would jump at the chance to help a new political system into existence (and might actually be more active around politics then).
09/05/2008
Total posts: 23
Unique posters: 11