Please... think and then VOTE

[Alaskamike]

Political topics... get me in trouble sometimes, but the direction our leaders are going makes involvement a necessity.    We are at a crossroads the likes of which I have not seen in my almost 60 years.  The questions are so fundamental, that the details become less important than the overriding principles.  Here is what we are really deciding in the next few years
- Are we as a nation going to continue (yes continue, Obama did not start this by any means) on the rapid road to a socialist nation or will we make the effort to return to a capitalist , democratic governance
- Is it the responsibility of a nation to see that all of their citizens reach middle class and share in all that has to offer even if that means taking the resources and money from everyone else to do it, or... do we require hard work and effort for everyone to achieve
- Are we satisfied that those in power, such as our senators and representatives know best, and the longer we keep them in Washington the better able they are to decide for us what we need, or do we believe in the representative principles that our elected officials work for us and are accountable to us for their choices and direction, and longevity can actually be a detriment to representing us, rather than their own agendas and interests.
-   Is it time that our country weaken its presence and repose to world events, take a back seat and level the playing field with all other nations, or… are we still justified in believing that the principles of democracy and freedom must be defended no matter where in the world they are attacked.
- Are we satisfied that government regulation and control of free enterprise actually makes things better and safer for all of us.. or do we still believe the free trade and enterprise system will level itself out and work in balance with supply and demand.
I cannot give anyone the answers to these questions;  that you have to do for yourself.  But I do believe that it is vitally important that each of us arrive at answers for ourselves and our families and then go vote based on that information.  Not on a candidate’s family, his or her looks, political ranting, posturing, or even their experience, but on their PRINCIPLES.
We haven’t much time to decide, or it will be decided for us. 

[grizs50]

 

[Walküre]

Political topics... get me in trouble sometimes, but the direction our leaders are going makes involvement a necessity.    We are at a crossroads the likes of which I have not seen in my almost 60 years.  The questions are so fundamental, that the details become less important than the overriding principles.  Here is what we are really deciding in the next few years

- Are we as a nation going to continue (yes continue, Obama did not start this by any means) on the rapid road to a socialist nation or will we make the effort to return to a capitalist , democratic governance

Or, are we going to going to continue on the road, where ALL Americans are of value, not just the newly-appointed "persons" that the SCOTUS has decided, that corporations are. Where the corporations can use their obscene profits, to influence elections, and deregulation, whatever damage it does to the country, or the world in general....

- Is it the responsibility of a nation to see that all of their citizens reach middle class and share in all that has to offer even if that means taking the resources and money from everyone else to do it, or... do we require hard work and effort for everyone to achieve

Or, is it the responsibility to assure that the wealthy of the country, whether earned or inherited, CONTINUE to increase their profits, on the backs of what once was the middle class, but is now the lower class. Everyone wants to "take our country back" - let's take it back to before W gave it all away, with obscene "tax breaks" that have bankrupted the country. All in the name of "democracy" - two wars? Fiscal devastation? Deregulation, that allowed the BP oil spill? The beginning of deficits that will devastate not only our children, but our children's children, and THEIR children...

- Are we satisfied that those in power, such as our senators and representatives know best, and the longer we keep them in Washington the better able they are to decide for us what we need, or do we believe in the representative principles that our elected officials work for us and are accountable to us for their choices and direction, and longevity can actually be a detriment to representing us, rather than their own agendas and interests.

Yeah, people like Angle, and O'Donnell, and Failin' Palin (gave up on Alaska, didn't she??!??), Paladino, and the list goes on and on and on...

-   Is it time that our country weaken its presence and repose to world events, take a back seat and level the playing field with all other nations, or… are we still justified in believing that the principles of democracy and freedom must be defended no matter where in the world they are attacked.

Or enforced upon others, aided by lies and fraud, whether they want it or not, and take years and years of occupation, at an enormous cost to Americans, to be no further ahead than when the selfish war was started. But it DID take the light off the original justification for war with Afghanistan - the culprits of 9-11. We were NOT defending democracy and freedom when the war in Iraq was started - we were attacking a leader of a sovereign nation, regardless of WHAT was said at the time. And we lost too many American soldiers, for a totally selfish reason.

- Are we satisfied that government regulation and control of free enterprise actually makes things better and safer for all of us.. or do we still believe the free trade and enterprise system will level itself out and work in balance with supply and demand.

Or, do we go back to the early 1900's, without any regulation, where workers are cast out, when they are hurt and injured, due to unsafe conditions. Or children worked in dangerous factories, often 12 hours a day, 6 and even 7 days a week, to make enough to survive. Do we live content with companies that make BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars in profits, just to take those profits to offshore banks, to avoid paying taxes? Just to move their labor off-shore, when it cuts into their BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars of profit?

Further, I WANT to see people die, because they can't afford health care, and those that can, laugh at them. I WANT to see the corporations pay to have THEIR candidates in office, so that they can go back to the days of deregulation, that drove us here to the brink of destruction. Yeah, THAT'S the kind of world and country I want to leave to my children. IF they survive, that is...

I cannot give anyone the answers to these questions;  that you have to do for yourself.  But I do believe that it is vitally important that each of us arrive at answers for ourselves and our families and then go vote based on that information.  Not on a candidate’s family, his or her looks, political ranting, posturing, or even their experience, but on their PRINCIPLES.
We haven’t much time to decide, or it will be decided for us. 

"but on their PRINCIPLES", as in, which corporation owns them, or which corporation they owe their allegiance to...

Yeah, that's the world you're proposing....

R

[x]

Political topics... get me in trouble sometimes, but the direction our leaders are going makes involvement a necessity.    We are at a crossroads the likes of which I have not seen in my almost 60 years.  The questions are so fundamental, that the details become less important than the overriding principles.  Here is what we are really deciding in the next few years

- Are we as a nation going to continue (yes continue, Obama did not start this by any means) on the rapid road to a socialist nation or will we make the effort to return to a capitalist , democratic governance

Or, are we going to going to continue on the road, where ALL Americans are of value, not just the newly-appointed "persons" that the SCOTUS has decided, that corporations are. Where the corporations can use their obscene profits, to influence elections, and deregulation, whatever damage it does to the country, or the world in general....

- Is it the responsibility of a nation to see that all of their citizens reach middle class and share in all that has to offer even if that means taking the resources and money from everyone else to do it, or... do we require hard work and effort for everyone to achieve

Or, is it the responsibility to assure that the wealthy of the country, whether earned or inherited, CONTINUE to increase their profits, on the backs of what once was the middle class, but is now the lower class. Everyone wants to "take our country back" - let's take it back to before W gave it all away, with obscene "tax breaks" that have bankrupted the country. All in the name of "democracy" - two wars? Fiscal devastation? Deregulation, that allowed the BP oil spill? The beginning of deficits that will devastate not only our children, but our children's children, and THEIR children...

- Are we satisfied that those in power, such as our senators and representatives know best, and the longer we keep them in Washington the better able they are to decide for us what we need, or do we believe in the representative principles that our elected officials work for us and are accountable to us for their choices and direction, and longevity can actually be a detriment to representing us, rather than their own agendas and interests.

Yeah, people like Angle, and O'Donnell, and Failin' Palin (gave up on Alaska, didn't she??!??), Paladino, and the list goes on and on and on...

-   Is it time that our country weaken its presence and repose to world events, take a back seat and level the playing field with all other nations, or… are we still justified in believing that the principles of democracy and freedom must be defended no matter where in the world they are attacked.

Or enforced upon others, aided by lies and fraud, whether they want it or not, and take years and years of occupation, at an enormous cost to Americans, to be no further ahead than when the selfish war was started. But it DID take the light off the original justification for war with Afghanistan - the culprits of 9-11. We were NOT defending democracy and freedom when the war in Iraq was started - we were attacking a leader of a sovereign nation, regardless of WHAT was said at the time. And we lost too many American soldiers, for a totally selfish reason.

- Are we satisfied that government regulation and control of free enterprise actually makes things better and safer for all of us.. or do we still believe the free trade and enterprise system will level itself out and work in balance with supply and demand.

Or, do we go back to the early 1900's, without any regulation, where workers are cast out, when they are hurt and injured, due to unsafe conditions. Or children worked in dangerous factories, often 12 hours a day, 6 and even 7 days a week, to make enough to survive. Do we live content with companies that make BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars in profits, just to take those profits to offshore banks, to avoid paying taxes? Just to move their labor off-shore, when it cuts into their BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars of profit?

Further, I WANT to see people die, because they can't afford health care, and those that can, laugh at them. I WANT to see the corporations pay to have THEIR candidates in office, so that they can go back to the days of deregulation, that drove us here to the brink of destruction. Yeah, THAT'S the kind of world and country I want to leave to my children. IF they survive, that is...

I cannot give anyone the answers to these questions;  that you have to do for yourself.  But I do believe that it is vitally important that each of us arrive at answers for ourselves and our families and then go vote based on that information.  Not on a candidate’s family, his or her looks, political ranting, posturing, or even their experience, but on their PRINCIPLES.
We haven’t much time to decide, or it will be decided for us. 

"but on their PRINCIPLES", as in, which corporation owns them, or which corporation they owe their allegiance to...

Yeah, that's the world you're proposing....

R

+1

[Alaskamike]

No… the world I am proposing is not 1900.  We cannot “go back” as you say.  You make many valid points about the evils of a capitalist system where those who are good at it – i.e. successful in building businesses and creating wealth - have exploited those who work for them in creating that wealth.  It is by no means a perfect system.  There will always be evil people and those who will exploit others for power or gain no matter what system we choose to live in – or with.
It is fair to point out the evils of any form of governance as they all share in the one attribute we cannot escape and that is the propensity of man to control and exploit others.   This is true of Communism, Socialism, Marxism and all the other “isms” you can think of – as well as free democracies.
The question is  - how are we to proceed… not where do we “go back” to.    You seem to believe that more government control, taxes, rules, regulation,  is the answer.  I simply do not.   
The waste, fraud and abuse that occur in government makes all the abuse of free enterprise pale in comparison.   Of course I do not believe we should allow exploitation of children and workers,  but nor do I believe unions should hold companies hostage for unfunded liabilities that will eventually bankrupt the very company and nation that puts food on their tables.
War is a horrible thing, no matter the initial justification and we as a nation have been guilty of spreading our military power out over a world that often neither wants it nor will benefit from it.    I agree this has been a grave mistake and caused untold grief and suffering along with Trillions in wasted resources.    I myself grew up in the Vietnam era, and while I was not called to serve,  lost many friends.  It was a horrendous waste.
The question still remains.    Is the example of England, Germany, France, Greece, and the many other socialist nations our future?    Those who are comfortable with this will promote more control, those who are not will opt for a free capitalist society with all its foibles and flaws.
Time will tell.

[grizs50]

I have noticed that no matter what somebody is going to disagree just for the sake of arguing, that's ok, but really if you step away from your keyboard there is a whole big world out there where people actualy take pride in there work and expect to get a fair profit for their labors.

And they should be able to decide if and when they want to give any, none, or all of it away, without governing interference.

Yet some well meaning people stick their hand into my pocket and take what they want and give it to cracks heads, without even asking. I am personally sick of this and will take steps to prevent this theft of my time and resources.

So if this starts another war on this board so be it, we should be able to talk about motorcycles like reasonable men, but that seems to be a problem these days, the "reasonable" gene seems to have been left out of so many people, That is all I have to say about that! 

ps, Yes Forest is my hero!!! Smartest guy I've seen on tv in many years!

[NCGhostrider]

I started to state a very strong opinion about this post...actually the posts after the original...well, just a couple of them! 

I decided against it... it is a waste of time, effort and calories.  I am comfortable knowing that others agree with me.  I am proud of my country, I still fly my flag and I like the way our country has survived.  If you don't like it, you are welcome to try and change it, but don't be surprised if you do not succeed. 

Many of us are complacent, we are sleeping dogs, perhaps even the docile giant.  Once awoken, we will fight to the end, politically, monetarily, or whatever we need to do to save our country.   When our country is secure again, we will hand it back to you to do as you please, and we will go back to sleep.   

I echo Alaskamike... vote.  Vote for what you believe.   I believe the call is out to wake the sleeping giant.   

That is as little opinion as I can write.   

[hotglue #43]

I will fight to my last breath for you to vote your heart....... doesn't mean I agree with ya....but  VOTE.....America must have her voice heard!



BTW.... if God had intended for Man ta vote......He'd have given us candidates!!!!!!!

[G-Man]

In reply to the third post:

Why do you HAVE to go to the most far out extremes with your rebuttle?

  Yes, you are right, all conservatives hate the poor and middle class.  They laugh at and spit on those that are sick and can't afford treatment.  They want to exploit children and go back to 80 hour work weeks with no minimum wage, windows, and exhaust fans in the factories.  They want to invade all nations that don't agree with us.  There you go.....happy now. 

[Gear Jammer]

The only party I see taking us back to the 1900's is the Socialist/Progressive/Marxist/Dems,,, like post-1917 Russia.   

[RoadKill]

    One 82-year-old lady loves Obama and she may have a very good point.  She
    says that Obama is amazing, and is rebuilding the American dream!  She
    gives us an entirely new slant on the "amazing" job Obama is doing, and she
    says that she will thank God for the President.  Keep reading for her
    additional comments and an  explanation.
     
    When discussing Obama, she says:
     
    1.  Obama destroyed  the Clinton Political Machine, driving a stake through
    the heart of  Hillary's presidential aspirations - something no Republican
    was ever able to do.
     
    2.  Obama killed off the Kennedy Dynasty - no more Kennedys trolling
    Washington looking for booze and women wanting rides home.
     
    3.  Obama is destroying the  Democratic Party before our eyes!  Dennis
    Moore had never lost a  race.  Evan Bayh had never lost a race.  Byron Dorgan
    had never lost a race.  Harry Reid - soon to be GONE!  These are just a 
    handful of the Democrats whose political careers Obama has destroyed.  By the
    end of 2010, dozens more will be gone.  Just think, in December of 2008 the
    Democrats were on the rise.  In the last two election  cycles, they had
    picked up 14 Senate seats and 52 House seats.  The  press was touting the death
    of the Conservative Movement and the Republican Party.  However, in just
    one year, Obama put a stop to all of this and will probably give the House -
    if not the Senate - back to the  Republicans.
     
    4.  Obama has completely  exposed liberals and progressives for what they
    are.  Sadly, every  generation seems to need to re-learn the lesson on why
    they should never actually put liberals in charge.  Obama is bringing home
    the lesson very well:
     
    Liberals tax, borrow and  spend.
    Liberals won't bring themselves  to protect America. 
    Liberals want to take over the economy.
    Liberals think they know what is best for everyone.
    Liberals are not happy until they are running YOUR life.
     
    5.  Obama has brought more Americans back to conservatism than anyone
    since Reagan.  In one year, he has rejuvenated the Conservative Movement and
    brought out to the streets millions of freedom loving Americans.  Name one
    other time when you saw your friends and neighbors this interested in taking
    back America!
     
    6.  Obama, with his "amazing leadership," has sparked the greatest period
    of sales of firearms and ammunition this country has seen.  Law abiding
    citizens have rallied and have provided a "stimulus" to the sporting goods
    field while other industries have failed, faded, or moved off-shore.
     
    7.  In all honesty, one year ago I was more afraid than I have been in my
    life.  Not afraid of the economy, but afraid of the direction our country
    was going.  I thought, Americans have forgotten what this country is all
    about.  My neighbors and friends, even strangers, have proved to me that my
    lack  of confidence in the greatness and wisdom of the American people has 
    been flat wrong.
     
    8.  When the American people wake up, no smooth talking teleprompter
    reader can fool them!  Barack Obama has served to wake up these great Americans!
     
    Again, I want to say:  "Thank you, Barack Obama!"  After all, this is
    exactly the kind of hope and change we desperately needed!!

[Hoser]

I think AlaskaMike just wants us all to vote.  No extra comment from me, and I will vote. Thanks for the reminder, Mike.    Hoser

[JimL]

I started to state a very strong opinion about this post...actually the posts after the original...well, just a couple of them! 

I decided against it... it is a waste of time, effort and calories.  I am comfortable knowing that others agree with me.  I am proud of my country, I still fly my flag and I like the way our country has survived.  If you don't like it, you are welcome to try and change it, but don't be surprised if you do not succeed. 

Many of us are complacent, we are sleeping dogs, perhaps even the docile giant.  Once awoken, we will fight to the end, politically, monetarily, or whatever we need to do to save our country.   When our country is secure again, we will hand it back to you to do as you please, and we will go back to sleep.   

I echo Alaskamike... vote.  Vote for what you believe.   I believe the call is out to wake the sleeping giant.   

That is as little opinion as I can write.   

+1

[Hef]

Good job Alaskamike! Too bad some people are so blind as to what is really happening in our society right now. There is an old saying "You Snooze, You Lose." Wake up America.

[Six Guns]

Early voting started this past Monday (18th Oct.) and I rode my valk to my closes voting location this past Tues.. I walked right into the voting booth without having to deal with any long lines and voted. Have you voted yet? Remember, if you don't vote you can't complain. Don't make excuses for not voting. Theres too much on the line for you to stay at home and not vote.   

[Serk]

While I agree STRONGLY with the "You don't vote, you lose the right to complain" premise, let me also add - If you won't educate yourself on the candidates, the issues, their stances, etc, please... do NOT vote. If you're just going to vote for whoever has the best hair, or the nicest tailor... Please... stay home...

Now, I'll add the caveat... PLEASE educate yourself on the candidates, the issues, their stances, etc, and THEN vote!

And yeah... Texas no excuse early voting is SO nice! I rode my Valk the 2 whole miles to the nearest early voting location to me on Monday, parked a little further away to avoid any electioneering complaints (My Valk has a few stickers on it's windshield that some might consider slightly political), walked in, had to wait almost a full 30 seconds, and voted...

Oh by the way, I just heard on the news for actual election day, due to the expected large turnout, they've split it into two days. November 2nd will be for those opposed to the Obama platform, and November 3rd will be the day to vote for those who support Obama and his policies, pass this important information along!

(I think we're closing in on a sarcasm font, now we need a tongue in cheek font for the preceeding paragraph...  )

[Disco]

+1 to Roadkill & Serk!

[Valkahuna]

I started to state a very strong opinion about this post...actually the posts after the original...well, just a couple of them! 

I decided against it... it is a waste of time, effort and calories.  I am comfortable knowing that others agree with me.  I am proud of my country, I still fly my flag and I like the way our country has survived.  If you don't like it, you are welcome to try and change it, but don't be surprised if you do not succeed. 

Many of us are complacent, we are sleeping dogs, perhaps even the docile giant.  Once awoken, we will fight to the end, politically, monetarily, or whatever we need to do to save our country.   When our country is secure again, we will hand it back to you to do as you please, and we will go back to sleep.   

I echo Alaskamike... vote.  Vote for what you believe.   I believe the call is out to wake the sleeping giant.   

That is as little opinion as I can write.   

+1

I actually did type the whole damn thing out, and then deleted it. What's the point? I also will vote, not parties, but principles. Thanks for the reminder to vote, AlaskaMike.

[V-NAV]

On the lighter side ... Vote Wisely ... interesting view point!
 

While walking down the street one day a Corrupt Senator was tragically hit by a car and died.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the Senator.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.

They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven.."

So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell..

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.

"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil smiles at him and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning, Today, you voted..."

Vote wisely on November 2, 2010
 
 
REMEMBER TO TAKE OUT THE TRASH IN NOVEMBER!!!
 
 

[x]

And, please vote for someone that THINKS.

[czuch]

I'm gonna vote alright. I cant wait.

[DarkMeister]

At least, guys, read the news, see what some issues are.

Yeah yeah; I know. But - there's always the comics:

http://news.yahoo.com/comics/doonesbury