My political opinion...

[Jabba]

I have not been on the board much of late... and I have not had the opportunity to spew my politics...

Here goes... copied from a facebook post I made a couple days ago.

Let us all not forget that not too long ago we elected a Republican Senate, a Republican house and a Republican president on the promises of fiscal responsibility. They grew the government. My friends... Republicans are not the answer to liberalism.
Republicans and Democrats alike spend BILLIONS to convince us to hate the other side, to fear the United States with the "other" party at the helm.
We can do better. We need to do better. It's on us folks. Keep voting like you have been and we're going to keep getting what we have been getting. More of the same old crap.

I am truly disappointed in the offerings both parties are giving us, but I shouldn't be surprised I guess. I sort of like Ben Carson... but ha doesn't seem to be gaining a lot of traction.

Jabba

[solo1]

Jabba, as a registered Republican I agree!  Washington DC Repubs did not stop the Obama agenda. Even worse they vote like Dems. I guess that they don't want to rock the boat.  Trump is rocking the boat, I don't go much for his BS but he speaks the truth.  That's why the repubs are ganging up on him.

This might be another snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

[MAD6Gun]

 I agree with you Jabba. But in my opinion the current administration has done more damage then good. Bush was not perfect but I think he had the best interest of country in mind. Not like Obama.

 With that said. I think the GOP is hurting themselves by all the infighting. The dems are just sitting back and laughing. I like Trump at this point. Yes he has a big mouth and ego but he is an outsider. I think that is what we need. NOT another  established politician. If Trump gets the nod the RNC should let him have it. If he doesnt  get it and runs as a independant they might as well as hand the election to the dems.  Hell at this point I would vote for Mickey Mouse if he won the nod to keep Hilary and comrade Sanders out of the whitehouse......

[The emperor has no clothes]

It sure does seem like politicians from both parties are not there to serve their country, but to serve themselves . Whether it be for money or ego or something else. I'm not sure how to fix it but I think you are right. It is us as "We the people" that need to change.

[Patrick]

I think this is something most of us can agree on. As a registered conservative I too agree. The voters showed their dislike for the previous congress and this president, but, with a republican congress not much has changed for the good. So, I guess I should say not much has changed at all. Its just useless politics as usual. [I do have to add that harry refused to allow many bills to come before the senate for a vote. Tactics such as that should not be allowed.]
Like Trump or not, It appears he has the following he does because he appears so as anti-establishment. Other politicians seem oblivious to that.
I happen to think this country could use a good no-nonsense business man at the helm, but, I'm not sure who that should be yet. Trump is only one at the moment and probably will be the only one.

[wiggydotcom]

I actually wish Allen West would have run. He would have gotten my vote. I also liked and approved of Ben Carson but agree he's on the downbound train.

It appears Trump is running away with the nomination and I'm ok with that if that's how it ends up.
Between Hillary and Sanders, I just don't see how the Democratic side even has a choice. It's kind of like do you want to be poisoned with Sarin or Strychnine.

I think the key to this whole election is whether the right can energize their base to get off their butts and show up to the polls. Romney seemed to be a lock 4 yrs ago and we saw how that worked out when the left got the vote out. Now there are far more in this country that will be somehow "qualified" to vote on the Donkey side.  

[Patrick]

I actually wish Allen West would have run. He would have gotten my vote. I also liked and approved of Ben Carson but agree he's on the downbound train.

It appears Trump is running away with the nomination and I'm ok with that if that's how it ends up.
Between Hillary and Sanders, I just don't see how the Democratic side even has a choice. It's kind of like do you want to be poisoned with Sarin or Strychinne.

I think the key to this whole election is whether the right can energize their base to get off their butts and show up to the polls. Romney seemed to be a lock 4 yrs ago and we see how that worked out when the left got the vote out. Now there are far more in this country that will be somehow "qualified" to vote on the Donkey side.  

Sarin or Strychnine  !   ROTFLMAO !   

I just can't see how anyone could possibly vote democratic with the lack of choice they have. But, yep, after the last 2 elections who the heck knows.

Romney should have won by a landslide. He won every debate, every question in every debate. But, was such a gentleman after the question was answered and won he refused to get in the mud and get nasty. He is a good businessman and saved many companies and the companies that did get closed/shut down he kept going longer than they would have on their own and he offered every employee a job at a different company along with most or all moving expenses. The opposition ads were proven to be lies and that should have not been allowed and those responsible should be held accountable. But, our society has said its OK to lie today, heck, even the courts say its OK [ military service]. Kinda tells us which way this country is going.

[MP]

Republicans = Party of spend too much.

Democrats = Party of spend even more

Both spend too much.

However, we have reached the point that over 50% of the people are getting benefits from the government. They have learned that they can, and do, vote themselves more money.  That is essentially non reversible.

If we truly had a candidate, or party, that would  go where a number of us want, they would be never be elected, because there are too many of the "benefits" crowd to allow that.

Can a "balance the budget" candidate get elected?  Yes, but only in a few districts.  

I do not know how we get it back without a melt down. Why would anyone who is getting money from the government, vote for someone who either wants to end their benefits, or reduce them?  They will not.  So, we will keep spending more and more, and running huge defeciets, until the financial system collapses.  Could be a couple years, could be decades.  But, it will at some point in the future.  It will make the recession we just went thru, and never have really come out of, look like childs play.

[CajunRider]

Let us all not forget that not too long ago we elected a Republican Senate, a Republican house and a Republican president on the promises of fiscal responsibility. They grew the government. My friends... Republicans are not the answer to liberalism.

Hence the reason I actually like Trump.  He's an outsider, not a party member.  If he gets in, he MAY just do what he thinks is right instead of doing what the party wants him to do.  

If you vote party, no matter which party, you're voting for a puppet.  
Corruption is too deep for getting an honest president.  

[wiggydotcom]

I actually wish Allen West would have run. He would have gotten my vote. I also liked and approved of Ben Carson but agree he's on the downbound train.

It appears Trump is running away with the nomination and I'm ok with that if that's how it ends up.
Between Hillary and Sanders, I just don't see how the Democratic side even has a choice. It's kind of like do you want to be poisoned with Sarin or Strychinne.

I think the key to this whole election is whether the right can energize their base to get off their butts and show up to the polls. Romney seemed to be a lock 4 yrs ago and we see how that worked out when the left got the vote out. Now there are far more in this country that will be somehow "qualified" to vote on the Donkey side.  

Sarin or Strychnine  !   ROTFLMAO !   

I just can't see how anyone could possibly vote democratic with the lack of choice they have. But, yep, after the last 2 elections who the heck knows.

Romney should have won by a landslide. He won every debate, every question in every debate. But, was such a gentleman after the question was answered and won he refused to get in the mud and get nasty. He is a good businessman and saved many companies and the companies that did get closed/shut down he kept going longer than they would have on their own and he offered every employee a job at a different company along with most or all moving expenses. The opposition ads were proven to be lies and that should have not been allowed and those responsible should be held accountable. But, our society has said its OK to lie today, heck, even the courts say its OK [ military service]. Kinda tells us which way this country is going.

Great post, Patrick!

[Patrick]

Republicans = Party of spend too much.

Democrats = Party of spend even more

Both spend too much.

However, we have reached the point that over 50% of the people are getting benefits from the government. They have learned that they can, and do, vote themselves more money.  That is essentially non reversible.

If we truly had a candidate, or party, that would  go where a number of us want, they would be never be elected, because there are too many of the "benefits" crowd to allow that.

Can a "balance the budget" candidate get elected?  Yes, but only in a few districts.  

I do not know how we get it back without a melt down. Why would anyone who is getting money from the government, vote for someone who either wants to end their benefits, or reduce them?  They will not.  So, we will keep spending more and more, and running huge defeciets, until the financial system collapses.  Could be a couple years, could be decades.  But, it will at some point in the future.  It will make the recession we just went thru, and never have really come out of, look like childs play.

Agreed.
If the dems get in again, we'll just collapse sooner than later. It'll sure happen far sooner if bernie gets in, and, hillary will just be a clone to her ex-boss.

[..]

Throw into the mix all the Federal, State, County and City employees who get paid by the taxpayer. Do you think they are willing to vote for someone who might cut their job, department etc?

There are 4.1 million Federal employees.

How many more govt employees are there?

Now add in the companies that deal with the various levels of government. Do you think the company owners and workers would vote to reduce government spending?

[Patrick]

Throw into the mix all the Federal, State, County and City employees who get paid by the taxpayer. Do you think they are willing to vote for someone who might cut their job, department etc?

There are 4.1 million Federal employees.

How many more govt employees are there?

Now add in the companies that deal with the various levels of government. Do you think the company owners and workers would vote to reduce government spending?

Vicious cycle isn't it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I actually wish Allen West would have run. He would have gotten my vote. I also liked and approved of Ben Carson but agree he's on the downbound train.

It appears Trump is running away with the nomination and I'm ok with that if that's how it ends up.
Between Hillary and Sanders, I just don't see how the Democratic side even has a choice. It's kind of like do you want to be poisoned with Sarin or Strychinne.

I think the key to this whole election is whether the right can energize their base to get off their butts and show up to the polls. Romney seemed to be a lock 4 yrs ago and we see how that worked out when the left got the vote out. Now there are far more in this country that will be somehow "qualified" to vote on the Donkey side.  

Sarin or Strychnine  !   ROTFLMAO !   

I just can't see how anyone could possibly vote democratic with the lack of choice they have. But, yep, after the last 2 elections who the heck knows.

Romney should have won by a landslide. He won every debate, every question in every debate. But, was such a gentleman after the question was answered and won he refused to get in the mud and get nasty. He is a good businessman and saved many companies and the companies that did get closed/shut down he kept going longer than they would have on their own and he offered every employee a job at a different company along with most or all moving expenses. The opposition ads were proven to be lies and that should have not been allowed and those responsible should be held accountable. But, our society has said its OK to lie today, heck, even the courts say its OK [ military service]. Kinda tells us which way this country is going.

Romney won every question in every debate ?  Man the divide is bigger than I thought. 

[Bighead]

It sure does seem like politicians from both parties are not there to serve their country, but to serve themselves . Whether it be for money or ego or something else. I'm not sure how to fix it but I think you are right. It is us as "We the people" that need to change.

Couldn't agree with someone more! I know shocking isn't it.

[Patrick]

I actually wish Allen West would have run. He would have gotten my vote. I also liked and approved of Ben Carson but agree he's on the downbound train.

It appears Trump is running away with the nomination and I'm ok with that if that's how it ends up.
Between Hillary and Sanders, I just don't see how the Democratic side even has a choice. It's kind of like do you want to be poisoned with Sarin or Strychinne.

I think the key to this whole election is whether the right can energize their base to get off their butts and show up to the polls. Romney seemed to be a lock 4 yrs ago and we see how that worked out when the left got the vote out. Now there are far more in this country that will be somehow "qualified" to vote on the Donkey side.  

Sarin or Strychnine  !   ROTFLMAO !   

I just can't see how anyone could possibly vote democratic with the lack of choice they have. But, yep, after the last 2 elections who the heck knows.

Romney should have won by a landslide. He won every debate, every question in every debate. But, was such a gentleman after the question was answered and won he refused to get in the mud and get nasty. He is a good businessman and saved many companies and the companies that did get closed/shut down he kept going longer than they would have on their own and he offered every employee a job at a different company along with most or all moving expenses. The opposition ads were proven to be lies and that should have not been allowed and those responsible should be held accountable. But, our society has said its OK to lie today, heck, even the courts say its OK [ military service]. Kinda tells us which way this country is going.

Romney won every question in every debate ?  Man the divide is bigger than I thought. 

Tell me the questions he lost, and how he lost them to. I don't remember any.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I will pass. No need to dredge up past elections. Just struck me how differently people can view the same event.

[Oss]

how to drive and grow the economy without a war

How to neutralize the Saudi oil production without a great depression

how to handle the next round of banks failing (BofA, Citibank, JPMorganChase, HSBC) without empowering the Fed again

how to protect the citizens from enemies foreign and domestic

I want those 4 questions answered, have not heard enough and I dont buy elect me and I will tell you any more than I bought the crap they sold us passing the health care act

[..]

Right now Trump is touting "Make America Great Again"

Last guy touted "Hope and Change".

Neither seems to have concrete plans on how to do either.

[MacDragon]

I don't like any of them... I wish Bill Whittle would run.

[Patrick]

I will pass. No need to dredge up past elections. Just struck me how differently people can view the same event.

Its the response I expected. But, its OK. The past is the past and wel still won't learn from it.

[John Schmidt]

Yup, it's worrisome, guess I'll go get a haircut.  

[solo1]

If the ones who want 'free stuff' including overpaid Federal bureaucrats, get out the vote, we will lose again.

It sure seems to me that we have a poor choice (Again)

Money and Power wins ( Again)

[MarkT]

And yesterday we just got the announcement that Bloomberg might throw his hat in the ring as an independent.  Frankly I hope he does.  He will do nothing but divide the liberal vote and ensure the dems lose.  Ain't no way any meaningful number of Repubs will vote for him.

[MarkT]

I don't like any of them... I wish Bill Whittle would run.

 

[art]

  Bill Whittle.  At my age I probably don't have many elections left but I'm worried for my kids and grandkids future and it don't look good. I've always been a D. but am voting independent this time. The establishment is out to destroy our country for the money they can get while in office. A sad state of affairs.  Trump is my only choice and hopefully for good. Hildabeast and the commie I can't believe they are the only choice for the Dem.  I was reading today that the 18-35 year olds are  for Sanders. I guess the phony video polls taken at some collages are true that those people really are stupid when it comes to politics . I seen one a few days ago when people were asked what they thought about the report that ex president Kennedy just died in an automobile accident. Almost everyone said they had not heard about that and felt sorry for his family.  . God help the USA.

[Ramie]

As long as we're sharing I'll throw my 2 cents in:
I've looked at this quite hard since George W disappointed me.  Trump scares me, he's another narcissist like the one we have now, we don't need another.  He may be saying the  right things but he's saying them I think because people want to here them, not because he believes them.  I like Ben Carson but I'm not sure what kind of leader he would be.  Rubio just seems like he's being handled.  For me right now, Cruz is the only one that has fought back against business as usual.  He's made enemies on both sides of the isle, he understands that government has grown too big, too controlling, he understands that our Constitution was written to limit the power of a centralized government, something we have lost, something schools refuse to teach anymore. 

I guess for me it come's down to who do you trust to do what they say they will do?

[G-Man]

how to drive and grow the economy without a war

How to neutralize the Saudi oil production without a great depression

how to handle the next round of banks failing (BofA, Citibank, JPMorganChase, HSBC) without empowering the Fed again

how to protect the citizens from enemies foreign and domestic

I want those 4 questions answered, have not heard enough and I dont buy elect me and I will tell you any more than I bought the crap they sold us passing the health care act

Hey, brother!  Lots of snow?  We got a foot and a half.

Anyway, I can eliminate one of your questions.  The economy hasn't grown after war since WWII.  Korea, nothing really happened.  After Viet Nam we had a recession and extreme inflation and then and oil embargo in the 70's.  This Iraq and Afganistan war certainly has done nothing for OUR economy (but we've sent trillions in wealth OUT of the country).

[old2soon]

Too bad we can't just take ALL the entrenched politicians and throw them out on their collective asses and give whoever replaces them 2 years and 2 years ONLY to straighten this mess that is the fed gubmint out. And they all go in with 65% pay cuts. And amongst the first tings on the agenda-defund ANY country that is out to take down the U S of A. Then the next round gets 2 years and only the ones that have shown REAL and tangible progress get and extra 2 years then they are DONE. As for our current "choices"-B T W-a term I use rather loosely in this context-The "Donald" I M H O is making more sense to me than all the rest of them combined. MOST of us here KNOW the hildabeastbitch is NOT the answer for ANYTHING concerning the U S of A. We already KNOW her true agenda.  RIDE SAFE.

[MP]

Too bad we can't just take ALL the entrenched politicians and throw them out on their collective asses and give whoever replaces them 2 years and 2 years ONLY to straighten this mess that is the fed gubmint out. And they all go in with 65% pay cuts. And amongst the first tings on the agenda-defund ANY country that is out to take down the U S of A. Then the next round gets 2 years and only the ones that have shown REAL and tangible progress get and extra 2 years then they are DONE. As for our current "choices"-B T W-a term I use rather loosely in this context-The "Donald" I M H O is making more sense to me than all the rest of them combined. MOST of us here KNOW the hildabeastbitch is NOT the answer for ANYTHING concerning the U S of A. We already KNOW her true agenda.  RIDE SAFE.

You make waaaay too much sense, for anyone to listen!  Be well, friend!

[G-Man]

........only the ones that have shown REAL and tangible progress get and extra 2 years then they are DONE. ......

Ah, but who decides if one shows progress.  DaddieO provided a long list of accomplishments Obama had (signing ones name name on a bill that others create seems to be an accomplishment) , while at present he is enjoying his lowest approval rating. 

We all know it takes certain types of people to want high level gov't positions.  They are aggressive and scheming.  This includes Trump.  His motives are no worse than any of the others.  Hillary is still plugging forward even though she's losing to both Trump and Sanders, with FBI investigations and Senatorial investigations uncovering more and more.  What kind of balls does THAT take??

I believe in term limits. 2 terms, 1 term for the house.  I also believe in full financial disclosure upon entering, exiting, and 5 and 10 years later.  No book deals for 10 years.  No public speaking for 1st term of the successor.  No foundations or organizations attached to the person for 5 years prior and 5 years after (zero tolerance to access of any kind).  Must be working in the private sector for one full term prior to running for office, this includes moving from one office to another.....the candidate must go back to working in the private sector before running for another office.  (4 years as Rep, 4 years working, 4 years as Senator, 4 years working, etc.)

[BradValk48237]

Bread and Circuses.... Odoacer is at the Gates????? LOL

[Moonshot_1]

........only the ones that have shown REAL and tangible progress get and extra 2 years then they are DONE. ......

Ah, but who decides if one shows progress.  DaddieO provided a long list of accomplishments Obama had (signing ones name name on a bill that others create seems to be an accomplishment) , while at present he is enjoying his lowest approval rating. 

We all know it takes certain types of people to want high level gov't positions.  They are aggressive and scheming.  This includes Trump.  His motives are no worse than any of the others.  Hillary is still plugging forward even though she's losing to both Trump and Sanders, with FBI investigations and Senatorial investigations uncovering more and more.  What kind of balls does THAT take??

I believe in term limits. 2 terms, 1 term for the house.  I also believe in full financial disclosure upon entering, exiting, and 5 and 10 years later.  No book deals for 10 years.  No public speaking for 1st term of the successor.  No foundations or organizations attached to the person for 5 years prior and 5 years after (zero tolerance to access of any kind).  Must be working in the private sector for one full term prior to running for office, this includes moving from one office to another.....the candidate must go back to working in the private sector before running for another office.  (4 years as Rep, 4 years working, 4 years as Senator, 4 years working, etc.)

Whole lotta ideas that won't pass Constitutional muster there.
Also don't want to see us go down a road that discourages people from serving in public office. Then all we will have are crooks and thieves.

Constitutional Amendment for Term Limits for National Office.
2 Terms House
2 Terms Senate
2 Terms President

Constitutional Amendment for No pensions for National elected office.

Constitutional Amendment - Any personal work product (Speech, book, etc) that is a result of, or directly related to the office held, either currently or previously, the proceeds from such work will be garnished at a rate of 50%. ( ie $50,000 speaking fee nets 25k. Rest to the US Treasury since it was earned as or while representing themselves as a former employee of the US Government. We taxpayers should get a cut. Then a nominal tax on the $25k earned.) (Excludes campaign fundraising. Different set of rules there.)

There are other ideas and concepts but these will do for now.