Historic Times

Easy Money wrote: I think this country would be in much better shape if we would have had McCain instead of Bush. Overall this is the best election I have seen in my lifetime, compare our current two candidates to Bush vs Kerry (cold shudder).

well he certainly would've been a better leader, I suspect we still would've ended up in Iraq (I believe he supported it from the start) but perhaps with less idiocy and callousness 

Easy Money wrote: Atavachron wrote: I avoid politics like the plague but what's happening in U.S. politics right now is easily one of the most important moments in this country's - and the world's - history.  Win or lose, Barack Obama being nominated by a major political party for President is not just a breakthrough for civil rights or race in this nation, but for all people.  What an exciting, almost unbelievable time. This is particularly exciting for us older folks from the south, I remember the late 50s and early 60s well, very sad times, but always with a glimmer of hope. It is hard to believe Barack rose up through all the nonsense in this country as soon as he did. I've been following politics since I was a kid, Barack seems to be one of the more real and down-to-earth politicos to come along in a long time, he especially seems to be in touch with young folks. I can remember politicos like Nixon and Humphrey etc, all grumpy old out of shape men ... (ugly!). Don't expect Barack to be an all-out liberal president, I think he has a very frugal and conservative core to his peronality and outlook.

that's a keen observation and could very well be true..  one thing is for sure, he's smart, which will almost be a shock after the last eight years   ..also his judgment, though untried, appears to be quite sound.

The Whistler wrote: (Acrgyongs, delete some of your Messenges! Your box issa full!)

got it, thanks man

Holy crap, I remember the 700 Club! Well..sorta...I just sort of remember it existing. Not having actually ever watched it. It was old people talking a bunch, right?

BroSpence wrote: So my voting choices this time around are still at the level nothing. If I vote I'm throwing my vote away as my vote should be used for the best candidate, the one I want to win right? But I don't want any of these people to win. However, our political system does not allow for a no contest/no faith vote. So if I don't vote I'm unpatriotic and whatever else, to the eyes of many. However, if I do vote it will be for someone I do not want which to me is a waste and far more unpatriotic than not voting because there isn't a good candidate.

The only truly wasted vote is one not cast.  You can always vote for an alternate party candidate, they'd love your support and then the losing party will blame you for their loss.  And around here the black box voting systems many of us have just makes it all the more the fun.  The best time to vote isn't really the big presidential elections anyway.  Vote in those primary and run-off elections where hardly anyone shows up.  You will have amazing voter power. 



Edited by Slartibartfast - August 28 2008 at 01:46

tszirmay wrote: I gotta say, Americans are so  incredibly touchy when it comes to politics.

Not me, I am such a political junkie, I need help

I blame it all on that political talk show on PBS I saw growing up, the McLaughlin Group, which I was sucked into thanks to its having McLaughlin in the name.

There was no bloody Mahavishu anywhere in there, and yet I felt compelled to watch.  Now I get my fix mostly from C-SPAN call ins.


Edited by Slartibartfast - August 28 2008 at 02:14

In my opinion it won't make MUCH of a difference who wins as they're running for President, not the entire government. Granted they can make some changes based on their administration picks, but really you need two things. Either your entire party to back your ass up or you need to appeal to everyone. The latter part being pretty impossible, and the first a bit easier.   If you go look at Bush his original plans were that of a neo-isolationist. Which didn't work out. Then second time around he was the moral and security front runner. Which also hasn't worked out. The entire campaign of a presidential candidate is not much different from a pitiful high school SGA election.

I don't know how much I can trust anyone that deems themselves the best choice to LEAD an ENTIRE country. That being said...I have voted in every election I've been able to vote for (local, state, and national). Yet I've only had the chance to see one candidate that seemed genuine and has gotten things done. However, it was for a local election and has no national or world effect.

I don't really understand how Obama is the most liberal Senator considering there are several other members of his party ahead of him that voted WITH the party. If the dems are the liberal party how is Obama not on the top of that list? Also he has voted significantly less than the other Senators ahead of him. And he is certainly NOT a marxist.

So my voting choices this time around are still at the level nothing. If I vote I'm throwing my vote away as my vote should be used for the best candidate, the one I want to win right? But I don't want any of these people to win. However, our political system does not allow for a no contest/no faith vote. So if I don't vote I'm unpatriotic and whatever else, to the eyes of many. However, if I do vote it will be for someone I do not want which to me is a waste and far more unpatriotic than not voting because there isn't a good candidate.

Can't we just have a redo? And also remove the awful awful media out of the election process except to tell us what the planned policies/views of the candidates are?


Thats my several cents on the topic.

I gotta say, Americans are so  incredibly touchy when it comes to politics , they perhaps should witness a good Celtic/Rangers derby and see what "Before I get nasty" really means  Or Mickey, how about a nice Milan /Inter contest at the San Siro?

Edited by tszirmay - August 27 2008 at 23:20

well... to summarize the thread...

one who has no concept of Marxism...

one who has a real problem with Conservatives....

and David's original point.... this was a historic event...  like him or not.  And speaks to what was... and can be great about this country.  It IS the land of opportunity... liberal.. marxist... even for hypocrical draft-dodgers who have no qualms sending others to die.