Money, Taxes, and Rebates

Personally, I believe politics can be discussed on a level where you can talk about the candidates, in a specific way as we have been, without actually naming names. It's a practice that was taught to me back in high school to encourage discussion of the topics behind the name, instead of the name itself, as many people attribute a great deal of weight to words when the know who it's attributed to.

In this case however, I feel strongly for the first time in 8 years, of who I know I will support and the foundations of why. His "lack of connections" aside, Barack Obama addresses some of these fundamental needs of the nation, for the myriad of reasons listed above.

Above all else, however, I encourage everyone to educate themselves on the platforms and even if you make a decision I wouldn't support, make it as an informed voter of the American citizenry.

Volk

I could gladly add to this but I'll just say naming your horse and opening the floor to discussion eventually at some point always gets people worked up. Politics, like religion, is better when not talked about so much. While this hasn't happened with the current thread, previous forays in Xanga land have so just take the nugget of advice for what its worth.

In the end we're all freaks who hit each other with plumbing supplies.

And Judge is a vampire.

And here us Republicans say that McCain whored himself out to the left...

In all seriousness, even as a staunch 'small government' Republican/Libertarian, I am willing to concede the point that some economic regulations need to be put/remain in place.  However, the idea of a government that I don't even technically vote for (yay representative democracy) telling me that they know what to do with my money better than I do, well that turns my stomach.

Seriously, if there wasn't such a strong tradition of apathy in late 20th to early 21st century america, I would advocate a revolution.  Hell, I do advocate a revolution, but Americans in general are unwilling to look at the world around them and realize that something needs to change.  I know it's been used so often that it's a cliche, but:

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
-Thomas Jefferson

Sadly, and I truly mean sadly, it is no longer possible to have a revolution in this country, Gavin.  No one said living in a constitutional republic is easy, but its still the best form of government available.  This coming election pay particular election to your state house and senate, as those folks will decide redistricting.  Control of the state houses (something a freshman congressman named Gingrich advocated as essential in the late 70s - I heard the speech in person) explains why PA votes for a Democratic president, yet has a hefty majority of Republicans in its national delegation. 

i used to have a tough time picking my candidates, being in favor of a balanced budget and smaller governemtn while being a social libertarian.  Barry Goldwaterish.  The current administration made it known, in no uncertain terms, that I was not welcome in the Elephant house, being that I support certain positions that run contrary to their planks.  Oh, well, my money and vote will go elsewhere, as will my wife's and son's. 

Obama at least says how he will pay for his health care initiative.  He will repeal the 2000 and 2003 tax cuts for those who make more than $250,000/year.  Guess he read what Gates and Buffet said.

Politics is always a good one to start out here in the sand box. It guaranteed to get heated discussion and loud voices. I sit back and I listen, and I listen.  And what I get from everyone, is they don't like one for a myriad of reasons so they will vote another simply because thats the choice they have.

reasons not to vote Obama:
"quote" He's black "unquote" While I dislike racism, except as Bjorn, I disagree on this completely. He is a highly educated and intelligent person. And skin has never played a factor in my decisions. Unless there dark elves, or some ignorant person portraying the stereotypical perception of there race because they think its cool.
"he has no experience" He comes across rather young to me, while Ill admit I am ignorant as to his age, which I will likely look up after I post this. He may not be young in age, but he does seem to come across young in experience, and a little naive at times.
"He isn't a leader" that is Polly my bigest reason. He comes across as the type of kid growing up. He was told to do everything. He did what he was told to do was right. While this isn't a bad trait as it shows he listens to advice. it does show that he doesn't seem to make his own disunion's. A leader as defined by the military - " Leadership is influencing people - by providing purpose, direction, and motivation - while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization." He just doesn't seem to come across as the influencing type. He seems more the, "well that should like a good idea, lets do it that way it seems best." Am I saying he will be a bad choice, i don't know, He hasn't sold me persay on what his goals are yet.

reasons not to vote Clinton:
"She is a girl" While I thought most of the people I work with, since they have to make life or death decisions with people lives, had grown out of the ewwww girls have coodies stage they haven't. While I agree to some aspects on this, there whole opinion is a women isn't a good choice for a mans job. That isn't what I believe.  I simply do not see her as a good leader because she is stubborn and seems like she has something to prove. I can see other world leaders viewing her as weak and unfit because of her sex...and I see her being stubborn and attempting to prove them wrong. How she will do it? I cannot say, while it have positive results, who knows....but I see her more focused on the "Look what I can do" train, that she will put our nations needs on the back burner, to show the world she can do it.
"We all knew she was the power behind the presidency last time" if this is true or not, I don't care, but if it is true, it shows she is manipulative and possibly power hungry. It also shoe's she is a great actor, I don't care what people say, she stood by him after his issues with an aid....I know for a fact she didn't show him that understanding and accepting attitude behind closed doors. If she had divorced him, how would that have looked on both of them? She is as good a actor as allot of us LARPers are.....we don't need an actor for president...we need a leader. Now while that is the bad, there is a good possible outcome from this...she IS an actual leader.  But we will have to see

Now before people start tearing into these, these are not my views entirely but the views of allot of the men and women over here in the sand box.

Now I do believe Canada is out of the question, I'm coming to Jamaica  my friend....hahaha.....lemme know if you need anything.

Robert - I'd be delighted to host you and yours for a while in Jamaica.  Try not to come from May through September, as that is the rainy/storm season and let me know a month in advance so I can be certain to be there as well.  You can do some of the cooking.  If you bring some of your troops, I will buy more shovels and we will end up with a hot tub as well , as we have 8+ acres.