Friday, June 3, 2011

GOVERNMENT HELP PLEASE :)?

8. Who sets the salary of members of Congress? How is it done? What is the current salary? List five fringe benefits of members of Congress?

9. List two privileges of members of Congress? (Article 1, Section 6)

10. Describe the politics of incumbency and list five advantages of the incumbent.



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House of Representatives

1. How many seats are there in the House

2. How is this determined?

3. How many representatives does the Constitution guarantee each State?

4. How long is a term in the House?

5. Why did the framers provided for such a short term?

6. When and how does reapportionment take place? When will the next one occur?

7. Describe two ways state legislature have abused the redistricting power?

8. Today, how many persons are represented on average by a member of the House?

9. List three formal and one traditional qualification for House members.



Senate

1. How many Senators are there?

2. How is that determined?

3. How were Senators chosen prior to 1913? How did the 17th amendment change this?

4. What is the term of a Senator?

5. How many terms expire every year?

6. Why are not all Senators up for re-election at the same time?

7. How else, aside from election, can one become a Senator? Is this different than from the House?

8. List three formal qualifications for Senators.



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CURRENT FACTS %26amp; TIDBITS



1. What is the median age of members of the House? Of the Senate?

2. How many women serve in the House? In the Senate?

3. How many African-Americans in the House? In the Senate?

4. How many Hispanics in the House? In the Senate?

5. How many Asian and Pacific Islanders in the House? In the Senate?

6. Identify by name, state, and party the first African-American woman to serve in the Senate?

7. Identify by name, state, and party the first Native-American to serve in the Senate?





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ORGANIZATION OF CONGRESS

1. What are the purposes of committees?

2. Name four kinds of committee in Congress and provide authority of each.

3. Identify the key committees in the House. The Senate.

4. List changes that occurred in the 1970s that made Congress more democratic.

5. Identify the function that party affiliation plays in the organization of Congress.

6. How are lawmakers assigned to committees?

7. What is the seniority system and how has this system declined in importance?

8. Explain the effect committee reform has had on the organization of Congress.

9. Provide three reasons for the growth in the number of congressional staff.

10. What are the four important support agencies for Congress? Describe the services of each.





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CONGRESSIONAL PROCESS

1. Define

Bills: public, private Resolutions: simple, joint, concurrent

2. Who may introduce a bill in the House? In the Senate?

3. How are they introduced in the House? In the Senate?

4. Who refers bills to committees in the House? The Senate?

5. Provide an example of a hearing, mark-up and rider.

6. Contrast the regulation of floor debate in the House and Senate. What is a filibuster and when is it used? What is cloture? How do you get it?

7. When is a conference committees formed? What is its job? Why does either house seldom reject this committee檚 report?

8. What options does the President have upon receiving a measure passed by Congress?

9. Analyze the path a bill takes through both houses of Congress and note how and where it may be stopped. (see page 304 for a useful chart.)

10. Identify those factors that help explain why a member of Congress votes as he or she does.

11. Other than that of legislator, identify six roles of members of Congress.

12. Study the powers of Congress as found in Article I, Section 8 and elsewhere in the Constitution. Differentiate between legislative and non-legislative powers. What powers has Congress taken on that are not provided for in the Constitution?GOVERNMENT HELP PLEASE :)?Answer to D; All of the above;



Do your own homework, Lazy Kid!

I'm in Ohio -- how do I register as a democrat?

I've checked three or four different websites that end in .gov, and managed to find out what party I'm affiliated with (none), but I couldn't figure out how to change to a Democratic affiliation so I can vote in the primary. I've never registered with one party or the other -- how do I go about this?I'm in Ohio -- how do I register as a democrat?Do I declare my political party affiliation when I register?

No. Under Ohio law, your political party affiliation is determined by the ballot you cast in a partisan primary election.



http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/PublicAff





Cindy

Ohio Reference Librarian



PS. If I remember correctly, the last time I voted in a primary, they asked me which party's ballot I wanted. If that is permanent or was just because the law changed IDK. Call your county board of elections.I'm in Ohio -- how do I register as a democrat?The post office should have a voter registration form.I'm in Ohio -- how do I register as a democrat?go to your dmv or to your town hall and see what they have you listed as. if you are not a democrat, tell them you want to change the listing...you may be listed but as an independent, which is usually what they list you as if you have not declared a particular party, which they do in my state anyway.I'm in Ohio -- how do I register as a democrat?Register here: http://www.cpusa.orgI'm in Ohio -- how do I register as a democrat?try the DMV or city hall.I'm in Ohio -- how do I register as a democrat?Go to this address and register, its the Democrat National Committee website, http://www.dnc.orgI'm in Ohio -- how do I register as a democrat?Why dip your toes in the water, when you can just dive right in!



http://www.cpusa.org/

I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?

One thing and only one thing makes me vote for Obama -- miserable economy.



Fact is that US economy right now is in a HORRIFIC state. Whatever led to the economic collapse, must be CHANGED. It means cleaning the house and voting out all incumbents regardless of party affiliation.



Bottom line is the collapse of economy happened under Bush watch. No one can spin that out, no matter how much they try. This proves that Bush economic policy of %26quot;trickle down economy%26quot; and various other agendas have failed.



Unfortunately Mccain votes 90% of the time with Bush. He wants to follow the very same trickle down economy of Bush and wants to continue the Bush style of government. That is totally unacceptable.



He refuses to make drastic changes from Bush economic policies and keeps making the case that Obama's new direction and change is disastrous. The problem is that you cannot declare anything as failure until it has been tested. Obama plan has never been tested or tried, so it is not fair to say its failure or disastrous. That can only be said, if Obama gets the chance to prove himself.



And Mccain's plan is clear- to continue on path of Bush?



I'd rather give Obama the chance then to continue Bush path under Mccain.



Failed strategy cannot go on for the next 4 years. GOP must be punished for failing the economy.





I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?GREAT DECISION. You can always tell how a person will run the country, by how they run their campaign.



ADD: Don't listen to these nut-jobs running around talking about socialism. Many don't even know what it means.



AKA: Do you really want to go into substance? REALLY do you really want to go there?I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?very good choice. obama has great ideas and a clear mind. I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?This would make Michelle proud to be an American



and you would not want her not to be proud to be an American?



I know I amI was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?Nah, it just following the crowd to socialism.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?in my honest opinion yes it is a good decision. the republican economic philosophy of %26quot;trickle down%26quot; just doesn't work. just because the rich get richer doesn't mean the middle class and poor will become more wealthy as well. the economy and sarah palin are the two main reasons why i am not voting republican.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?No

All of your points are incorrect.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?yes!! that is exactly why i am voting for him! who wants 4 more years os bushism?I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?It is your vote and I respect your choice. Obama will fix the economy even though he has never operated a budget or ran a business in his life, probably not. I have little faith in either candidate, but full faith in America.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?What a loaded question.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?I don't even support McCain, but your logic is flawed and your ignorance is shining at full beam.



I really don't know where to begin with your mess of an argument.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?Simple facts - Bushed messed up the economy, Palin and McCain vote with Bush.



What else do we need to know?I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?I'd agree that it is a good decision. The greed of capitalism and deregulated markets has allowed the current global financial crisis. Obama should bring innovation and new ideas to the table.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?Based on what you said, yes you made the right choice. You see failure in the past and want to correct it. Doing the same thing over and over will not fix the problem.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?%26quot;It means cleaning the house and voting out all incumbents regardless of party affiliation.%26quot;



Weren't Barack Obama and Joe Biden also part of the problem? Where were they while all of this was going on? I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?You do realize that we have a majority of democrats in senate that got voted in under the premise of CHANGE. Dont' believe all the hype. We have always had greedy people in wall street and Bush did not make them be greedy and Obama is not going to make people stop being greedy. The market will bounce back when people stop being scared.



Don't you remember the democrats getting voted in saying %26quot;change%26quot;??..gas was like 2.30 then.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?For the last time Bush did not start the crisis, it was Clinton. Bush just didn't do anything about it. John McCain is NOT Bush. You either vote yes, no, or don't vote. It's not like their is a lot of room for McCain to disagree. McCain voted with the Republican Party just like Obama always voted with the Democratic Party. And of course John McCain is sort of unpopular with his party because he does disagree with them on some key issues. Obama on the other hand never challenges his own party. So who should you vote for? They both suck if you ask me and both of them are running campaigns to distract you the voter from realizing that they don't really have solid solutions. John McCain with Obama's inexperience and then after the Palin choice with the Bill Ayers nonsense, and Obama with the McCain is Bush's clone bullcrap.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?I'd reason it is. why? because after 8 years of bush I became leery of the republican agenda. If I knew anything about the 3rd party candidate (which I'm doubting there is one at this point) I would've voted in that boat, but since that's not the case I'd go Obama too.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?No that is not a good decision.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yga7TlsA-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaABV1CWXI was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?If you don't mind being a socialist. If you don't mind your kids going on a field trip to see their queer teacher marry anouther queer. If you don't mind your kids being taught that everything their country stands for is evil, then vote foor him.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?Yes, you are right.



GRIP - Get Rid of Incumbent Politicians! I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?regardless of who I am voting for.. these reasons seem poorly backed and general.... i think you need to do more research.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?good choice.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?So you are going to vote for two of them that are responsible for our economy crises??????? Sure that makes sense to those who lack understanding and research skills.



McCain is NOT responsible for this mess, he and other Republicans tried over and over again to bring a bill to correct the mess the Democrats caused. The Dem's filibuster, when the Rep's were in the majority, and when the Dem's came into control they were the once who chose what comes to the floors of both houses.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?i really admire your way of thinking. I STRONGLY SAY THAT OBAMA IS THE THE BEST CHOICE FOR AMERICA AFTER BUSH'S CRUELTY. I THINK MC CAIN WANTS TO CONTINUE THE PATH OF BUSH TO SPOIL AMERICA. ALL THE MC CAIN VOTERS PLEASE DO NOT CONSIDER THIS MESSAGE.

i am sure obama will do his best to make america a better country.

I DO NOT AGREE THAT OBAMA DOES NOT HAVE EXPERIENCE.

IT IS GOVERNOR PALIN WHO DOES NOT HAVE EXPERIENCE.I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?%26quot;Whatever led to the economic collapse, must be CHANGED. It means cleaning the house and voting out all incumbents regardless of party affiliation.%26quot;



BRAVO.............



Off goes Obama, Biden, McCain, Palosi, Dodd, Frank and so on............



Voting for Independent

I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?I guess what you need to ask yourself is this;



can I actually replay all the tapes and still think that Obama isnt lying to me?



If so, vote for him and see what happens.



Personally, I recommend you LOOK at all of his interviews, speaches and voting record and see if he has told the truth. I wont say if he has or hasnt, but if you really wanna know - just go back and look. MOST people can tell when they are being lied to. It takes a little more savvy to know if you are being lied to based on what he can deliver on- but in HIS case, you should be able to see if he is honest or just full of hot air.



Of course, this is ONLY if you arent sure. Most Obama supporters had their mind made up 4 years ago- they were voting for a Democrat no matter what. Then came this marketable Obama, who, along with Hillary- would have never made it through the primaries if he wasnt black and if she wasnt a woman, she wouldnt have been a top runner either.



If Obama and Clinton were both white men- based on their politics and their experience, they would have been beaten in the primaries by just about everyone they ran against. If Obama, and Hillary were both white men- John Edwards would probably be the one running against McCain right now. Hillary and Obama would have came in last place with Richardson right there with them, then Gravel and Kucinich better yet- with Edwards being the primary choice of the Democrats.



But if grasshoppers had .45's - birds wouldnt mess with them!I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?The only good vote is a well informed vote. If you have put in the time to do your homework, then you have made a good vote.



By homework I mean,

Worked as a volunteer at both (all) Campaign HQs in your area.

Go, volunteer to work for Obama, Knock on doors, talk to people, see what their concerns are, learn the truth about what Dems want for USA.



Then do the same for McCain campaign HQ in your area.

Then any others that may have campaign HQs in your area.



Tell them all you are fact finding and want to learn all you can about where they stand by getting involved in elections.



If you vote based only on what you have seen or heard, (without getting involved) you have not done your homework.

If you only vote for one side because you are afraid of what would happen with the other side, you have become an enemy to our Nation and should be deported.



Being an informed voter is a responsibility you should take very seriously. If you vote for someone without knowing all of the facts, you are in essence committing an act of Terrorism against this country.



The real issue this country needs to address is the apathy and ignorance of the voting public, not the economy, not racial issues, not any of the mud either side slings at each other.

It is the fact that, %26quot;The fundamentals of our Apathy are strong%26quot;,is what is hurting our Nation. Remember, our Nation is in trouble, and only an informed vote is acceptable.

Everything you said above is not GOP or Dem fault, it is the fault of those who elected them .

I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?It really depends on how you view change;



Voting with Bush 90% or the time means nothing...

Obama's experience means nothing...



Do you believe that giving away money to lower income families will boost the economy at the expense of higher business taxes (higher costs of goods and possible job cuts) - %26quot;trickle up%26quot; - Obama



or do you believe reducing corporate taxes will create jobs and improve the economy (though the poor will not get as much money) - %26quot;trickle down%26quot; - McCain



Do you believe in significantly raising taxes on the wealthy to provide to those who do not pay taxes a credit, while giving the middle class a tax reduction is fair - Obama



Do you believe we can afford to spend an addition $860B for new programs and over $1trillion in healthcare over 10 years based on the current deficit? - Obama



Do you believe in a strong military and safe borders also at high cost in the current deficit - McCain



Are you pro-life - McCain or Pro-Choice - Obama



The both want alternative energy, education reform, etc.



Personally, I see Obama's plans as socialist and too much government for the country. I do not want the government controlling every aspect of my life... and I would like to be wealthy someday. But it is really up to you.





I was unsure whom to vote for but now i decided to vote Obama. is it good decision?Stop being a dog and follow common sense.



Basic facts. THE PRESIDENT DOES NOT CONTROL THE ECONOMY! They have even very little to do with the monetary policy.



LIberals (Democrats) have created a welfare state. Their need to equalize everything has led to our current situation. Fanny and Freddie were forced into giving loans to people who did not qualify for them simply based on their lesser economic status and in most cases their skin color. This is a easy way to control votes. Even looking at it now, the Democrats are very pleased with their bailout plan that will create a situation where people who should be back in apartments and out of homes they can't afford and allowing them to make a ton of money in the future when they sell their subsidized home. Since the poor don't pay taxes the Democrats will take more from the rich.



If you think Obama is going to be different than Bush when it comes to spending... think twice. Our spending now is based on a war economy. When Obama pulls out the troops that money will simply be spent on social programs. Obama has already admitted his spending will not be lessened. The more money we print to bail us out the more debt we will be in and the lower the value of the dollar which makes places like the Arab states even richer in comparison.



Please explain to me.... what is Bush's economic policy? Did he create pressure for Fanny and Freddie to give out loans that could never be paid? Did he ask for higher taxes to slow our growth? Did Bush stop job creation in sectors like energy because of fears of global warming? Does Bush support unions that boost wages for jobs that can be done for far less and there for force companies to leave the US and go where it's cheaper? Did he increase capital gains taxes so those who do get money from taking risks might reconsider their returns and not venture into new companies?



NO he did not. Obama will and you will see a depression quickly appear if not a serious recession like Clinton left us with on his way out.



Your statement of %26quot;you cannot declare anything as failure until it has been tested%26quot; is simply an uneducated one. With this as your argument then I guess Bush simply did not try doing enough things and hope that the odds of failure would be lessened by the mere amount of things he tried.



The president can do very little without the approval of Congress. In the first 6 out of 8 years of Bush we had unprecedented growth. Some of the lowest unemployment numbers ever (and even with it now only hitting around 5 or 6% we are still far better than any other country out there). Only the last 2 years and the pounding beat of doom and gloom from Pelosi and the Democrats who now control the congress and thus our budgets and our over spending has left us with our current situation. You are about to put the very people who created, supported and drove this process in power of fixing it and they will totally f*ck it up.



Too many Americans are sheep. You don't need the government to watch you. You need to take care of yourselves and be motivated to be better and not wait around for the next handout, even if it is a house you can't pay for and I can only imagine you will need free landscaping vouchers eventually too!

How do we go about restarting the parties?

I%26quot;m talking about democrats and republicans getting along, rather than playing the hate race with who can grab more ammo out of the news than the other one can.



People need to wake up and realize we are diverse in almost everything, even culture and we don't all think alike.



But look at it this way, if you can only make 2 political parties in congress, you can get a group of people to agree on something, in-spite the minor indifferences.



So how can we go about stoping people on YA answers spreading hate? I don't think we probably can go that far, but we can probably discredit posters to not encourage such actions. For example, when someone makes a sterotype question, obviously hitting millions of people just for their party affiliation and not so much their own actions or thoughts, I say %26quot;Sterotype Question, free 2 points%26quot;.



But that's alittle stupid, i'm talking about real agreements, where we can change YA answers that's enjoyable to debate, rather than hear everyone telling each other how much they suck because your on team blue or team red.How do we go about restarting the parties?I was just thinking about this today, how can we restore some kind of civility to this section. My only solution is that we become responsible for our own Q%26amp;A's. We can't force people to be civil, but I can ignore their questions.How do we go about restarting the parties?Force them (congress/pres) to not identify with any political party. Ppl are farily ignorant about who represents them so it will force them to actually find out what they believe in and go with that insead of what side they are on.

Why are Republicans in denial over economics?

I posted this list of how administrations rank for economic growh, from best to worst, and Republicans came up with any number of rationalizations to, er, make it go away. For example, they claimed that the economy depended on Congress -- which is partially true, obviously, but doesn%26#039;t explain why the results here are correlated to the party of the president -- for example compare Clinton with the last two years of Bush. Or they mentioned that correlation isn%26#039;t causation, which of course is true, except that the probability of this ranking being acausal with respect to political affiliation is miniscule. Why do they always come up with excuses to overlook the obvious? It seems to me that it would make more sense to say %26quot;OK, Dems are better for economic growth, we should figure out why and do the same thing.%26quot;



PERCENT CHANGE IN GDP (IN INFLATION ADJUSTED DOLLARS)

1. D FDR (40%26#039;-44%26#039;) 74.69

2. D FDR (32%26#039;-36%26#039;) 34.63

3. D LBJ (64%26#039;-68%26#039;) 21.81

4. D TRUMAN (48%26#039;-52%26#039;) 21.00

5. D JFK (60%26#039;-64%26#039;) 19.86

6. D FDR (36%26#039;-40%26#039;) 19.33

7. D CLINTON (96%26#039;-00%26#039;) 17.87

8. R REAGAN (84%26#039;-88%26#039;) 15.98

9. D CARTER (76%26#039;-80%26#039;) 13.67

10. D CLINTON (92%26#039;-96%26#039;) 13.53

11. R IKE(52%26#039;-56%26#039;) 13.45

12. R REAGAN (80%26#039;-84%26#039;) 12.63

13. R NIXON (68%26#039;-72%26#039;) 12.38

14. R IKE (56%26#039;-60%26#039;) 10.91

15. R FORD (72%26#039;-76%26#039;) 10.62

16. R BUSH SR (88%26#039;-92%26#039;) 8.81

17. R BUSH JR (00%26#039;-04%26#039;) 8.75

18. R BUSH JR (04%26#039;-07%26#039;) 8.35

19. D TRUMAN (44%26#039;-48%26#039;) -9.04

20. R HOOVER (29%26#039;-32%26#039;) -25.60



Original data is at http://www.bea.gov/national/xls/gdplev.x

15 hours ago - 3 days left to answer.



(Reposted because someone censored it)Why are Republicans in denial over economics?republicans are in denial over economics because if they face the truth and reality they have to admit that their boy bush and his cronies have screwed things up horribly!Why are Republicans in denial over economics?These statistics don%26#039;t give the big picture. Like how Clinton had 4 surpluses at the beginning, ended with none and put programs into place that would take years to feel the effects. That has happened many times and is something most Republicans understand. That repub presidents have had to take over just as the economy is in a downward spiral due to the administration before them.



I%26#039;m not a Republican but I don%26#039;t usually vote Democrat either. Because I have looked at history and what each president has done.Why are Republicans in denial over economics?I am not... that is why I know that our Government doesn%26#039;t really have that much to do with the economy.... sure politics (both domestic and global) play a role in things... but they are not the means to the end by any measure... :/





I would wager that it is likely that if the dotcom bubble had happened during one of the Bush terms that they would have had just as big of a GDP.... there are a TON of factors in the economy outside of politics.. :/ Why are Republicans in denial over economics?They are not in denial, they are just devious. Note how they support bail outs for financiers; but, not for manufacturers.Why are Republicans in denial over economics?Why would a % change need to adjusted for inflation, unless of course the raw numbers don%26#039;t seem so compelling...Why are Republicans in denial over economics?Republicans are only good at three things; Economics isn%26#039;t one of them!!Why are Republicans in denial over economics?Republicans keep saying that the Democrats are the spenders, but the facts say the opposite. Bush has spent more than any president in history. That is the thing that I hate most about that party is that most of them live in a fantasy land and they really do need to wake up and see the truth.Why are Republicans in denial over economics?Uh...truth hurts I guess



I don%26#039;t really know that much about GDP and things like that so I%26#039;m just looking at the statisticsWhy are Republicans in denial over economics?could be the reason it was censored is because it is pure b.s ...your facts are mistaken and they are making you look foolish .. congress is the one who makes the laws regarding the money spent, the president just approves or vetoes it ..maybe if you took the time to study the government instead of trying to bash a current president you would be better enlightened ..democrats spend more money on making bigger goverment and then as luck has it ( the US gets tired of free spending ) we elect a conservative president and congress and then the chit hits the fan .that is why you hardly ever have a democrat voted in a second time (other than daddy clinton) do you homework and listen to all people instead of just left wing bullchit artist ...oh and have a great day



oh and your source has also been deleted so go figureWhy are Republicans in denial over economics?You would do just as well to assign party affiliations to the last twenty winners of the Kentucky Derby to try to prove something about party and speed.



What you don%26#039;t get is the basic Truth that %26quot;Connection is not Causation.%26quot;



Ever see the old tv show %26quot;The Beverly Hillbillies%26quot;? Remember how Jed would always remark when he%26#039;d hear the doorbell that %26quot;Every time that music plays, someone comes to the door.%26quot; He figured out the Connection, but hadn%26#039;t yet mastered the Causation.



The fact is that governments don%26#039;t have any positive influence on Economy. The only thing they can do is to create an environment, one that recognizes Private Property, and let individuals do what they do best.



If governments don%26#039;t have any positive effects, then neither can %26quot;factions%26quot;.



So, getting back to Causation. Let%26#039;s look at number 20 on your list, the worst contraction of GDP of all. What caused the Depression?



Economists don%26#039;t actually agree on the answer to that question, and yet you want to pin it on %26quot;faction%26quot;.



Even to attribute the answer to %26quot;faction%26quot;, you%26#039;ve totally ignored the fact that you%26#039;re only measuring a single branch of our federal government. You don%26#039;t have anything about the strength of either faction in Congress, as no president can actually do anything without a willing Congress.



Your numbers are completely meaningless without establishing Causation, which you not only failed to accomplish, you don%26#039;t even seem to be aware of Causation. Why are Republicans in denial over economics?This might be another Republican dismissal, but here goes. How are you going to base the economy on the GDP, and then try to blame that on the party in the White House? First, the economy goes in cycles. Second, where are the affects of war in your list? You have to just throw that 74.69 out the window because of WWII. That was an extrodinary circumstance that we won%26#039;t see again, and it had nothing to do with the party in charge. FDR%26#039;s Presidency was focused on GDP. That is what he promised to do. If the GOP were to shut out the rest of the world and say they were going to get the GDP up, they could do the same thing.



Clinton chose to ignore the problems in Africa and the Middle East, and look what kind of a mess he handed Bush.



The best indicator of economic times is how do the citizens feel. Looking back, we had the roaring %26#039;20s, the %26#039;50s and the %26#039;80s. So about every 30 years we feel good about our economy. Oh look, Coolidge(R), Ike(R) and Reagan(R). So in 5 years or so, we will feel good about things, and Obama will get all the credit, but we will have a Republican in the White House.



Edit: Presidential policy from either party has little to do with the economy. Throwing the GDP up there and trying relate it with presidential policy is just rediculous, again regardless of who is in power. And the president pardons turkeys every year. Dems and Republicans alike.



Thanks for the good laughs here.Why are Republicans in denial over economics?They are too busy. Bush was just on TV petting %26amp; pardoning a turkey. That shows their priorities.Why are Republicans in denial over economics?Theory interprets data and so republicans will always find fault with anti-them data. I still think these statistics are wrong because 1) why is GDP a good measure of economic growth? if hurricanes destroy a good part of the u.s. it increases gdp but i wouldn%26#039;t consider that economic growth! 2) correlation doesn%26#039;t imply causation is a pretty good response and i don%26#039;t think that a probability can likely ever be zip or pure zero. 3) even if the correlation is non-random the gdp measure only tells me that democrats spend more than republicans -no surprise there! 4) inflation adjusted numbers obscure the deleterious effect of inflation and probably hide the extent to which republicans spend!
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  • Young political activists have yet to grow up?

    anyone ever notice these little college hippies sitting on these forums talking about how theyre going to change the world and end poverty and promote world peace and all this cheesy crap? sounds like they either need to grow up and learn the harsh realities of reality, or they need to quit smoking so much weed and get back to reality.

    its just funny how theyre so naive and optimistic when theyre 20, then when they become 40 the cliche's dont mean anything anymore because they realize that its incredibly difficult to help someone who wont help themselves.

    age really seems to make a difference in party affiliation.Young political activists have yet to grow up?Hmmm I am 15.. where do you stand on me? I am a 15 year old conservative (yes i actually know what that means, i'm not an idiot) , so I guess that doesnt apply to me.



    Oh Usama.... what good are we doing for those people giving them handouts??? Creating a vicious cycle that wont be stopped anytime soon. Telling people they dont have to find work. So, no, making people dependant on the govt. is not Christ-like.



    Oh and love your neighbor doesnt have anything to do with %26quot;pay for your neighbor%26quot;Young political activists have yet to grow up?Ahh alot of people were in that state of mind at one point or another. I think its just a stage of life we learn from but why kill the spirit of well meaning enthusiasm.. even if it is misguided.Young political activists have yet to grow up?a good mugging by some welfare recipients helps too.Young political activists have yet to grow up?That's one reason why i think they should bring back the draft, for all these stupids idiots.Young political activists have yet to grow up?What about the 99% corrupt politicians already grown up? ;)Young political activists have yet to grow up?Sadly, since Thatcher in Britain and Reagan in the US and the whole %26quot;greed is good%26quot; philosophy, the saying,

    %26quot;If you haven't rebelled by the time you're 20, you've got no heart. If you're not establishment by the time you're 40, you've got no brain%26quot; is truer now than it ever was.Young political activists have yet to grow up?I love that %26quot;college hippies%26quot; are talking and showing that they actually care about this country we live in, nothing wrong with getting involved no matter the age. I suppose they could just hide in their rooms playing Nintendo and smoking pot letting their parents make all their future decisions for them.

    I have a huge optimistic attitude and as a health care worker in my 30s, I probably know better then most that it is difficult to help someone who won't help themselves, but I practice patience and learn techniques on how to speak and motivate others. It would be easier and more effective to just put a gun to their head but with force comes resistance and that never works.Young political activists have yet to grow up?They have so much to learn, they are very ignorant of the world around them.

    What are the issues that Concern you the most and why? Also what specific things regarding those concerns....?

    what specific things will your candidate do to address the concerns you have? I'm looking for specific issues, like economy, Oil Prices, Iraq, Healthcare, Taxes. Not Issues like race, Party affiliation, He loves america, he hates america. Also Change is not an issue because both candidates offer change, I want to know specifics. Maybe its time we start to change america by not looking for others to change it for us blindly, but maybe if we can engage and look for real solutions and elect politicians based on issues and looking for candidate that have real world solutions we can finnaly move past the BS bureacracy and better ourselves and our Country. So what are you biggest concerns and how will your candidate address your concerns? afterall isnt this how candidate should be choosen?What are the issues that Concern you the most and why? Also what specific things regarding those concerns....?Economy and the invasion on lies and Health care.What are the issues that Concern you the most and why? Also what specific things regarding those concerns....?My issue is How much will the price of gas be in 2 years if McCain wins?

    Price of Gas was around $1.10 when Bill Clinton was in office 8 years ago.

    It rose to $1.50 after the ENRON conspiracy.

    It was around $2.00 before Bush invaded Iraq.

    It was around $3.00 last year.

    It is around $4.00 today.

    Would it be less than $7.00 in two years if McCain wins?What are the issues that Concern you the most and why? Also what specific things regarding those concerns....?Oil. The US economy will buckle and implode if oil prices increase at the same rate they did under Bush.What are the issues that Concern you the most and why? Also what specific things regarding those concerns....?Verycomplicated. few people will answer this question.



    A tip: do it again in a simple way.



    Good luck.!What are the issues that Concern you the most and why? Also what specific things regarding those concerns....?I'm concerned about several things. Of course the Iraq war is my biggest concern. Why? Because if Obama is elected, every single soldier that bravely went into combat, and died, DIED FOR NOTHING. How can you claim to be a patriot when you don't let the soldiers fight, for what they believe in, and die for nothing. How is liberating a country that its citizens have never had any kind of freedom be wrong? And to label it American imperialism? How about you liberal toads bash Europe for destroying Africa. Pulling out of Iraq now would spin the entire country in chaos, the terrorists would return to Iraq, cause massive mayhem, and ruin everything every soldier in Iraq fought hard for. Support the troops on their mission. Obama doesn't know a damn thing about being a patriot, he hates American, attends a church that's sole purpose is to bash America. Obama doesn't even salute the flag.What are the issues that Concern you the most and why? Also what specific things regarding those concerns....?After 9/11 we should have closed our boarders %26amp; taken a good hard look at who is in our country. Deported anyone illegal %26amp; got all muslims out! The illegal immigration %26amp; mexicans making %26quot;anchor%26quot; babies is really bugging me! Stop handing mine %26amp; every other hard working Americans money to every tom dick %26amp; harry! Take care of our own people %26amp; take all these drug users %26amp; put them in Iraq. They'll clean up their act or get shot %26amp; die. That will save us alot. Wasteful gov. spending is out of hand! Obama will just add to it %26amp; also open up the white house to terrorist. You cannot negotiate with terrorism... it is not in their blood. Kill the cockaroaches. Any illegal wants in then they need to serve in our military for 10 yrs. Earn it!!!What are the issues that Concern you the most and why? Also what specific things regarding those concerns....?utopia is not to be had my friend the average voters vote for a candidate, by personal appeal, for those that say the economy, they should have to explain how the president, has any lasting effect on it, my major con cern, is national security, I believe john McCain, is best suited to keep%26quot;the hound from the door%26quot;, military people like McCain will be the least person to go to war, especially unnecessarily, but having him in charge may be a deterrent to rogues like Hugo Chavez and the twerp in Iran, although I believe the new president will be tested by radical islamists, soon after taking office, his response, will show the measure of his mettle and his acceptance by world leaders excluding the foreign pressWhat are the issues that Concern you the most and why? Also what specific things regarding those concerns....?I haven't decided on who will be %26quot;my candidate%26quot;. But, I have concerns that I am waiting for each candidate to specifically address with a plan before I decide. I am concerned about energy overall, gas prices, electricity shortages, natural gas supplies and water shortages. We need an energy policy that is inclusive of all of the natural resources we use that will guide us toward self-sufficiency. I'm concerned about the economy. I think outsourcing jobs to other countries has hurt Americans who are already struggling. I think we need a better educational system because no child left behind isn't working. Our children still aren't being prepared to compete in the global marketplace for high paying jobs, the dropout rates aren't even being tabulated and fewer kids can go on to college because the tuition is out of reach as aid is drying up. I'm saddened to see jobs that were middle class, tax paying, and skilled like in the trades (construction) and meat packing go to people who don't pay taxes and send billions back to their own countries of origin. We need a comprehensive immigration policy that doesn't reward people who disobey our laws and doesn't give scare resources like health care, education and social services to those who don't pay taxes. At the same time, we will have thousands of veterans who will require long term medical and mental health care. We must provide for them and make certain that they receive quality care as a reward for their service to our nation. My candidate would have a plan to do that and ensure them a means by which they can continue to contribute to society despite their war wounds. Health care is another major concern and the system needs an over haul. At the very least, those of us paying outrageous premiums, copays, deductibles, etc. should have the same tax deduction that business receives providing their portion of healthcare. Insurance companies should not have control over health care procedures, doctors and patients need to have that decision restored to them. My candidate would have a well thought out system which provides access, quality health care and reduces delivery costs by taking insurance and big pharma's financial interests and making them secondary to practicing good health care. And, my candidate would take a good look corporate compensation, special interests, banking regulations and how money buys influence in government. Opening a dialogue on these dark issues is the first step toward bringing forth a solution. We need a candidate who understands that it has been the American people who have been paying the taxes keeping our government running who have been short changed and it is time to focus on our own people, our own economy and the state of our own democracy.

    Why do "adults" feel that only they are "experienced" and "knowledgeable" enough to elect a president?

    No matter the party affiliation, why do %26quot;adults%26quot; think younger voters aren't worth anything?



    We are probably the most un-jaded population and the best resource of the future. We have the most flexible and %26quot;ready to absorb%26quot; minds.



    I am 28 and have a better head on my shoulders than most of the %26quot;adults%26quot; I work with. I purchased a home at 24, am in the most loving and supporting relationship, have two degrees (one of which is a graduate degree).



    How can I be classified as %26quot;unexerienced%26quot; and %26quot;nieve%26quot;?? I haven't lost my home to foreclosure (I actually ready my mortgage documents when I signed them!!). Have been working since I was 14 (yes you can caddy when you are 14).



    Any good answers out there? Or is it that people of any political affiliation are truly afraid of change?Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?When I consider a candidate I don't just think about what I or the country desires. I think of future generations and what they may need. For those older people (like me) who have the desire to grow and learn. Our perspectives change. As you probably will too. And yes with age comes a way of thinking the younger are naive. Forgive us. Age allows that. You will do the same. This being said I am very open to your thoughts. I hope you will continue to helps us lead this country to greatness. Bring back innovation, research and development. Something this country was once a leader in.

    As far as the mortgage situation. I to looked at one of those sub-prime loans. Asked the person if they were actually serious. When the reply was yes. I knew then the housing market was in trouble.Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?shouldn't you be in school right now?



    Let me know how electing a class president goes (aka popularity contest) and we'll talk.Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?It is easy for them to play the %26quot;experienced%26quot; card.

    Truth is, many of them vote for the same party, year after year, because that's who their parent's voted for. They continue on with this legacy, regardless of their party's changing views or opinions.Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?afraid of change ?



    your gonna have to be more specific



    change ?



    sorry to generic for me



    better be careful what you ask forWhy do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?Last I checked, we considered people as adults at 18.



    You're 28.



    Do YOU think you're a child?Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?A young man who is not liberal has no heart.



    An old man who is not a conservative has no brain.Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?You don't pay taxes, and many of you believe your taxpayer funded professors who are for....guess what? Higher taxes?



    Every time a Politician claims that it will not cost that much just remember that promise. It's ALWAYS more, and it never solves the intended problem. Government agencies tend to turn into huge corporations with patronage and the politically connected running the show. The Liberals would rather have that than the private sector because their unions benefit directly. When they talk about special interests, they ignore their own little political machine because it has some nice sounding name like %26quot;Agency for the underfed and homeless%26quot;, but what they don't mention is that 80% of their budget goes the the union pension.



    They thumbs down the truth. I do know why professors are liberal. They are part of that union. But what disturbs me is the one sided approach. Brainwashing.Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?Sounds like my story, although I am 30. Started working in my dad's auto shop at 13. Married at 19, two kids. Bought my home at 22 - received my degree in Computer Science at 28 (took a bit longer, since I was working full time and raising kids). I think this qualifies me to make a decision.Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?you'll understand when you're older...Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?it's not an opinion.



    It's simply a law.



    Many adults have little intelligence yet are entitled legally to vote.Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?Let's turn your question around for a moment. Why does todays youth think they know better than those of us who have been there, done that and bought the T-Shirt? Are there some younger voters out there who have enough common sense to make a good decision when it comes to voting? Sure there are but these voters would be the exception rather than the rule.



    As for %26quot;change%26quot; while change is inevitable it's NEVER a good thing to have change simply for the sake of change.Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?Insecurity is the answer. I'm in your age group, have been to grad school as well, and have a house. Yet, people always give me the, %26quot;well, honey blah blah blah...%26quot; Like I'm somehow less intelligent because they can condescend to me about whatever topic is being discussed. People who are more experienced in life won't do things like that. I bet the Dalai Lama doesn't do that but, then people who act like that don't care what people outside of their interaction sphere do with their lives anyway for the most part. No human is so pitiful that you can condescend to them and it isn't rude.Why do %26quot;adults%26quot; feel that only they are %26quot;experienced%26quot; and %26quot;knowledgeable%26quot; enough to elect a president?I think you have a point. Many older voters become stuck in a rut. Their way of thinking solidifies at some point and they often stay right there in that spot without questioning or trying to look ahead.



    That said, it is a generalization, and some older voters are very flexible and very progressive in their thinking. Life has taught them valuable lessons, including not to fear change.

    Fact : Government spends money..where would you prefer to see the money spent on?

    This question is not about whether or not or how much or how little the government should spend American tax payer dollars...every administration spends money and there is no changing that fact in the forseeable future.



    So where would you like to see the money spent?



    Two choices...and please identify your party affiliation.



    1. Spend the American tax payers money in America for the benefit of Americans...



    or



    2. Spend American taxpayers money in foreign contries for the benefit of foreigners and American Corporate interests.



    In other words...would you rather see Obama spend a trillion American dollars in America or would you rather see him spend a trillion American dollars on pre-emptive war and regime change in Iran?



    It is an easy question, so easy that a 1st grader could answer in less than 15 seconds...just choose #1 or #2 and state party affiliation. Thanks!!!Fact : Government spends money..where would you prefer to see the money spent on?1Fact : Government spends money..where would you prefer to see the money spent on?like me.i pay my debt,and i pay for retirement.Fact : Government spends money..where would you prefer to see the money spent on?I would like to see it all go to Louisiana, Nebraska, and Vermont. If there is any left over, give it to General Motors.Fact : Government spends money..where would you prefer to see the money spent on?growing the GNP does not pay mortgages , paychecks pay mortgages . free trade is not free . ( Ind. )Fact : Government spends money..where would you prefer to see the money spent on?1Fact : Government spends money..where would you prefer to see the money spent on?2 because our country relies so much on foreign countries and foreign things.

    ***my answer is my own opinion and not my party affiliation but i am a republicanFact : Government spends money..where would you prefer to see the money spent on?The money should be spent to pay down the national debt. Nothing else.

    How many of you are Libertarians?

    I have seen a lot on here. Currently, I am a registered republican but have considered changing my political affiliation. I feel that Libertarians are more aligned with my ideals of govt. I also think the current political parties in power right now disgust me. (Both Dem and Repub)



    What drew you to this party and Why?How many of you are Libertarians?It was the final realization that both the democrats and republicans are the party of big government. One wants to control you socially, the other economically.



    It is as if you are dealing with a two headed monster in which one head is telling you that 2+2=4 while the other head argues that 2X2=4.



    It was upon that realization that the democrats lost a party member.How many of you are Libertarians?Nothing drew me to the party because it doesn't represent authentic libertarianism as I define it.How many of you are Libertarians?I was a conservative but didn't like McCain, Palin or Bush.



    That's when I discovered the Libertarian party. I'm probably a bit more moderate than some Libertarians when it comes to economics, and I do not like the Republicans' views on social issues.How many of you are Libertarians?I became a Libertarian because I feel we should dismantle the entire US government and start over from scratch using only the Constitution as law.



    Business should be allowed to do whatever it wants.



    The Military should hunker down on our borders and keep people out.



    States should be able to make up their own rules.



    Drugs should be legal.



    And we should go back to wearing wigs and breeches ... because they are fabulous.How many of you are Libertarians?Like Robin Hood (the first poster), I became disillusioned with the two majority parties. The only difference between them is the fact that they have different names even though they represent the same thing--status quo.



    Besides, the overall Libertarian platform make more sense when you examine their positions.
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  • I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?

    I reside in Pennsylvania. I'm not registered to vote, but plan to register with no party affiliation, aka independent, as I'm not a fan of either major party (one are religious war mongers, the others are all talk no action). However, Pennsylvania has closed primaries. The only way I could vote for Ron Paul is to be a Republican (I think). I'm at the PA website now, filling out the voter registration application.



    How easy can I change to independent after voting? Is it a common practice? Is it legal, or is it prohibited under some attempt to stop %26quot;raiding%26quot;? Will Ron Paul run 3rd party despite him saying he won't?I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?Just register as a republican so you can vote for Ron Paul in the primaries. After that you can switch your party affiliation. That's what I'm doing. Go Ron Paul!!!



    ronpaul2008.comI want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?Very simply vote for whoever you want and after you vote you sign a form that disaffiliates you from the party of the person you voted for.I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?You can change as many times as you want. Look at Lieberman! Some states allow voters of either to vote for primary candidates of either party, but not Penn. What this country needs is a viable third party. ( Actually, a viable first or second party wouldn't be bad, either)

    Register as a Rep until after the primary.I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?Who, on Earth, is Ron Paul?I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?You dont have to be a republican to vote for him! who say's you have to???? i mean you dont just vote because of the party they're in. you vote for whom u agree with, and its ok to switch from one party to another, if your talking on where your opinions stand.I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?Just vote for who you want,it does'nt matter.I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?If your going to vote for Ron Paul,

    then just don't worry about your party affiliation

    because any votes given to him...is just a wasted

    vote...he's NOT going to have any chance of even

    being in the primaries!



    Oh Dubya moans CondiI want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?It's simple.. and yes it is a common practice.. I am registering in the primaries as a republican as well just to vote for himI want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?There must be a concerted anti-Ron Paul organization that pays people to post negative comments about Ron Paul. (I can say that if the anti-Paul people say his supporters are being paid. With what, I don't know; his campaign fund has barely spent any money yet)

    Ron has said he won't run as a third party candidate, and if he says he won't do something, I doubt he will flip-flop and then do it.

    So his opponents will breath easier if he doesn't get the nomination, knowing that one candidate who supports individual liberty won't be able to challenge their socialist/fascist policies.I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?If you really want to vote for him, register Republican. It's as simple as that. I don't like the Republican Party that much either, but I like to be able to vote in viable primaries, and have no interest in pro-abortion socialists.I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?Why would you vote for Ron Paul?????????????I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?If you want to register as a Republican to vote for Ron Paul, why you would want to is beyond me, anyway, you can change your voter registration to independant between the Pennsylvania primary and the general election. Personally I would just register as an independant to begin with as Ron Paul has the chance of an ice cube in the Sahara of even getting nominated by the Republican Party let alone getting elected. He might get nominated as a Libertarian but he would lose again there too.I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?I believe you can change your voter registration info at anytime. Good luck.I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?Ron Paul is a god that has been sent down from heaven to enlighten the masses with his prophetic words. May all that hear his words fall down in obedience to his righteous ways. Once the United States in under his holy leadership we will experience one hundred years of unprecedented prosperity and peace until the rapture and the second coming of Christ.I want to vote for Ron Paul in in the primary, but I'm not a Republican?Ron Who is not as well so no problem a non voter Voting for a non candidate.

    How do we end or at least diminish partisanship?

    I think that partisanship is one of America's biggest threats. A divided house cannot stand. I know I personally have been guilty of taking the wrong course of action in improving this situation. I'd like to improve my own actions and I believe others do too.



    I'm really interested in a solution that can smash harmful negative labeling and intellectual diminishment in discussion of important issues. I'd love to see the bar of civility being raised, not dropped.



    Here's my ideas:



    1. You can't always control the actions of others, but you can always control yourself. Change your mindset. Try to eliminate labels from your brain. Forget party affiliation and just look at raw ideas.



    2. Look at the intent. Most people are just doing what they believe is right. When we cast negative labels on a group, we tend to forget that.



    3. End ad hominem and unproductive generalisations. They accomplish nothing. Discourage them gently in others.



    Thoughts? Answers? Ideas?How do we end or at least diminish partisanship?Well put music man. I think we have a long way to go seeing as the second response was the exact sort of unproductive generalization you are talking about getting rid of.



    I'd like to see a centrist party formed that excludes to far left and right ideologies. These groups poison the republican and democratic party and turn rational people against each other over insignificant issues. Instead of dividing the country into red and blue states, we form a party of reasonable, thoughtful voters who may disagree with each other on small issues, but come together to look out for the good of the people and the country. We could then let the smaller fringe groups who promote hatred and division fight it out amongst themselves.



    Just a crazy dream I have.How do we end or at least diminish partisanship?respectHow do we end or at least diminish partisanship?Liberals are the biggest threat and mostly Democraps. I'd abolish the two party system and disallow Liberals from holding office.How do we end or at least diminish partisanship?The train has left the station so long ago on this issue. It will not be backed up, because human behaviour tends toward the ease of taking the low road. Good luck in stuffing the toothpaste back into the tube.

    The way I see it is that civility in actions and discourse will happen ONLY when our nation as a whole once more faces some tragedy that will unite us. To prove my point, one merely needs to review 9/11 and the aftermath. That improvement in civility lasted for about a year or so before it began to come untied. Then the finger-pointing started with the Executive bracnch of our government having to stop the buck...to the extreme degree of delusional hatred by some.How do we end or at least diminish partisanship?Well we elected Bush TWICE based on his being %26quot;conservative%26quot; well when he got into office he and many other conservatives decided to cave in to the media pressure instead of doing what we elected them to do. So in essence he changed his spots after he won the election. IF a demon crat wants to be successful as a president he or she will have to do the same thing. Run and win as a commie lib and then when they get into office become a conservative. Clinton did this after the 94 election somewhat, but he just didn't go far enough. The media would NEVER flame a Lib for becoming a conservative after being elected as bad as they do a Conservative for becoming a lib. So for a demoncrat it would be ok.



    When you have conservatives praising the policies of a commie lib, you WILL be able to compromise. Tip O'Niell had to bend a lot for Reagan, and it worked out well. However the demon crats are a new breed today. Bush gave them everything when he didn't have to and they didn't appreciate it, they just flamed him even more..show's how much you can trust them.



    Bush should have SHUT down the borders in Sept 12 2001 and NO ONE would have argued, but he didn't and now we have the mess of Mexicans and Canadians dragging our country down. The demon crats don't really care as long as every smidgen of bad news can be blamed on Bush. Just look at the ridiculous accusations libs get away with. They say Bush is an idiot and yet he got them to vote to go to war in Iraq. They call him stupid, yet they say he causes hurricanes to attack blacks in New Orleans. Any weather person knows someone who can control weather CAN'T be an idiot, but facts never got in the way of a good lib lie.



    You want bi-partisanship? Go to Cuba..they all love Castro as much as the hollywood movie stars..personally I like the divide between commie libs and the rest of the USAHow do we end or at least diminish partisanship?i couldnt agree with you more. i'm sick of partisanship crap. i've always said you should just do and say what you believe is right and everything will work itself out. don't agree with something based on your so-called political affiliation. don't agree with something based on what CNN says. don't agree with something until you have done your OWN research. and it's ok to disagree. not everyone is going to have the same thoughts. that's what makes this country great. but, i think there is alot of disagreeing that could be rectified very easily if people would just do what's right. not let outside forces control your thoughts. not let lobbyists, political correctness, money/power, and party lines affect your judgement.. i feel we are more divided than ever, this has got to stop.How do we end or at least diminish partisanship?I agree with you wholly. Sadly, some people are stuck in the same old mindset and refuse to see things in any light other than the status quo. I listen to a lot of conservative talk radio (not because I am a conservative-but to keep up with what is being said), and the rhetoric I hear daily speaks of absolute hatred toward the left. There is no room for compromise according to these fanatics. It is very sad and may just lead to the downfall of our country. Most people were moved by 9/11, but it was soon back to business as usual. I'm afraid it will take something far worse to bring the people together.How do we end or at least diminish partisanship?I see noting wrong with partisanship, per se. To me the problem is what the democratic party stands for. Socialism is a lethal disease for America and it has found a new home in the modern democratic party. Before this happened, America was headed in the right direction and the debate between the two parties was about how best to get there. Not anymore. The left now wants to take us in the exact wrong direction. And they will destroy anyone who opposes them.



    For you young people out there, it wasn't always like this. It began with my generation, the baby-boomers. We arrived on the scene in one massive wave. Many of us were self centered and believed ourselves to be smarter then everyone else. There were so many of us that we soon found that we could impose our will. Unlike our parents who were raised in the depression and WWII we were spoiled and wanted everything now. Our lack of strong basic morals made us sitting ducks for the lies of socialists. Look back at rallies and events that occurred back then. See how many Che, and Mao tee shirts we were wearing. You will even see people waiving the comunist flag of North Vietnam. America is still reeling from the damage we caused.



    Now many of those people are your college professors, lawyers and democratic politicians. They still long for the old days. They have embraced socialism to one degree or another. They are dangerous no matter what party they are in but they are predominately democrats. Here is a good way to identify them. When they get into a debate they will make their point then talk over everyone else and keep repeating the same thing over and over. Then they will start calling everyone who disagrees with them some combination of: racist, sexists or homophobic. They will site phony statistics that no one will bother to check. When they want a number to seem large they will quote the number itself out of context. If they want to make it appear lower they won't use the number but rather the percentage.



    Example:

    3000 soldiers died! (1% of 300,000)

    Only 1% of the soldiers died. Sounds like a lot less doesn't it?





    Anyway, if the democratic party was like it was before the baby-boomers took it over, partisanship would only lead to progress.How do we end or at least diminish partisanship?Do you think that the people who used this question as a platform for divisive, ad hominem, name calling, and partisan attacks really want to see a truly United States? Look at some of these answers and you'll see what's really wrong with this country. People who didn't respect the previously elected president, the current elected Congress, and a vast number of patriotic American citizens expect respect for an appointed President who has lied us into a destructive war. Ignorant names like democraps, dummycrats, and lieberals and the moronic overuse and misuse of labels like Socialists will keep us divided.How do we end or at least diminish partisanship?America was united and had common values until groups like the ACLU decided to try to divide the people. In the 40's and 50's the democrats were concerned about National Security and upheld moral values, not so anymore. JFK was the last Democrat President who believed in national defense.

    Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?

    Check out this article in the Miami Herald where Palin blames the bush administration for the republican defeat.



    When asked why she though the republican ticket lost, Palin replied:

    %26quot;I think the Republican ticket represented too much of the status quo, too much of what had gone on in these last eight years, that Americans were kind of shaking their heads like going, wait a minute, how did we run up a 10 trillion dollar debt in a Republican administration? How have there been blunders with war strategy under a Republican administration? If we're talking change, we want to get far away from what it was that the present administration represented and that is to a great degree what the Republican Party at the time had been representing. So people desiring change I think went as far from the administration that is presently seated as they could. It's amazing that we did as well as we did.%26quot;



    Palin also said she loved her time in the national spotlight and won't rule out a run for president or vice president in 2012.



    http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics



    This may seem like a stretch, but a third party candidate hasn't been elected since 1850 (Depending on how you classify Whigs- some would argue that We've never had a 3rd party candidate). If palin jumps on the %26quot;change%26quot; bandwagon, she presents the opportunity not only to elect the first woman president, but the first 3rd party candidate in over 150 years She could make the argument that she is the new change agent in washington, both in appearance and in affiliation.



    Usually 3rd party candidates lose because it's enormously difficult to get their names on the ballot and they cannot produce the funding that a major political affiliation provides. But Palin is a media obsession, and following the Obama method would giver her access to millions of donors- both independents who are hungry for a new party and republicans from the current cycle who were smitten with her.



    What do you think? Is it too much of a stretch, or does it fall into her character? Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?Teddy Roosevelt won on the Bull Moose ticket in 1904 after losing the Republican nomination to Taft. But I think Palin is moving to the center of the party believing that that is where the future is. Except for her religious views she is more of a progressive anyway.If she is intelligent enough to get herself educated in the things she does not know and not the old party line she might be a leader in the party. I doubt it will be by 2012.Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?She seriously needs to sit down and stop worrying about 2012....



    Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?Palin has put herself in a position where her reelection as governor of Alaska is in jeopardy, what comes to a third party candidate? don't believe everything the media tells you. Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?Cow Moose Party. Cowwwww MOOOOOOOIs Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?yeah, i've heard some of this stuff before but I don't think that any party would touch her with a ten foot pole.Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?Maybe, but I think it would be a waste of her time. I think the only ones who were pumped up about her were the press, the SNL writers and some far right wing fundamentalist christians.Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?I don't have enough information to base my opinion. Please write some more then I will be apt to respond. Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?i like ice cream



    sarah palin doesn't like ice cream. she eats snow. LOL.Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?That would be hilarious.Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?Sarah is very popular in the Republican Party. The left and the left leaning media is very threatened by her, therefore, they are trying to destroy her. Most people with the bad opinions of her are not independent thinkers, they are just parroting what the mains stream media has told them. That is also why they belive Obama is the messiah. Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?either that or she has eyes on ted stevens senate seat.personally I think she should worry about getting her daughter some birthcontrol.Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?Bawahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha?br>


    I think I just peed myself!



    Someone said the Cow Moose party earlier. I think it will be more like the Cow and Chicken party...HAHAHAHAHAH!!!!



    I hope no one seriously thinks that ditz is going to get over on anyone by running. Jeez. If Republicans are that stupid they deserve to lose in 2012.



    Seriously, she's a religious nutjob and shouldn't be within a hundred miles of ANY office. Yeah that's what we need is another GWB religious fruitcake in office!Is Sarah Palin positioning her self to run as a 3rd party candidate in 2012? ?She'll be lucky to be invited to 3 parties in 2012; and, then, it probably will be only as the token white-trash nitwit.

    Why should I vote for McCain?

    Please honest answers only. Republicans you have this chance to bring a Dem to your team.



    I am a democrat and I%26#039;ve heard all the negative comments about Barack and liberal democrats from Republicans. So, i%26#039;d like to know what information you can give me about McCain and what he plans to do that would make me change my vote before Nov. 4.



    I am honestly thinking of becoming an independent but want to consider republican party. I am a person who has some liberal beliefs and some conservative beliefs.



    Since you all are always saying liberals are blinded by Barack - I want to know why I should even consider changing my vote or my party affiliation. How will McCain help me as a middle-class american and change this country for the better.



    Negative rants or comments about Barack will not sway my vote in anyway. Why should I vote for McCain?I am amazed at how ugly people get when discussing the opposing candidate. Those who have said do your homework are right, this is what you need. I support McCain but I%26#039;m not going to bash Obama. Unfortunately all politicians say one thing for a vote and do what they want when they get into office. Although I%26#039;m registered Republican, I%26#039;m more independent. I have voted Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. My main thing is what they stand for.



    Now, for why I%26#039;ll vote for McCain: I don%26#039;t like big government. McCain%26#039;s plan is to cut taxes and cut government spending. I agree with this. Although Obama also plans to %26quot;cut%26quot; taxes, it includes giving money to those who pay no taxes already. I think this unfair. I also know that %26quot;typically%26quot; Republicans are pro-military. And I know all the hard feelings on Iraq (my husband has been there), but I also know that we haven%26#039;t had an attack on our soil since 2001. As far as this economic mess is concerned, it started under Clinton%26#039;s watch. McCain tried to regulate (unlike what another answer said about the deregulation lie) Freddie Mac, and Fannie May a couple of years ago. I am dissappointed in him though that he didn%26#039;t have the leadership to get the bill passed. He is not another Bush although he is linked with him so often. Although I don%26#039;t agree with everything he stands for, I agree with him more than Obama. I would be proud to stand with an American who has survived torture to stand up for us, has a fair economic plan, wants to make America energy independent, and has sponsored legislation (some proven leadership). I don%26#039;t believe this can be said of Obama.



    So do your homework. Go to independent websites, go to cspan, go to both of the parties websites and see what you agree with most. Good luck!Why should I vote for McCain?There is absolutely no reason you should vote for McCain. Vote for Obama.Why should I vote for McCain?I can%26#039;t think of a single reason to vote for McCainWhy should I vote for McCain?first off you shouldnt vote for mccain. there is a lot of neg. stuff about obama but i can bet you anything if he was white none of this would be said. you have to stand up for your party and research your own answer. mccain is running out of TIME and THINGS TO SAY so he bashes obama and last night at the debate...obama just brushed it off and made mccain look more like an old bas. that he is. research and make your own choice....thats the good thing about america!! :)Why should I vote for McCain?Obama wants to start all these new programs. Where is that money going to come from? Taxes, plain and simple. The people that are going to benefit from his tax plan are the ones who do not pay taxes already. Obama is going to socialize Health care and tell us who we can see. Fine us for not having insurance. He voted for the botched abortion and that it was Okay to kill the baby if born alive. That is why you should not vote for him. That is why you should vote for McCainWhy should I vote for McCain?you shouldnt



    all he does is disrespect obama



    and talk talk talk



    Obama/Biden 08Why should I vote for McCain?Obama is the one who could handle to fix the our future economy to solve, end the war which it%26#039;s pointless and we spend billions billions dolars, it%26#039;s such waste a time for America%26#039;s economy.

    and we invaded in Iraq because of Oil from Bush%26#039;s personal and Lie.

    US Soldiers, and many innocent died from Bush%26#039;s lie, was it fair for them? NO

    Does they knew Bush lied them to go a war with Iraq?

    they doesn%26#039;t know, and we already knew that

    We must to support for them, and healthcare for all , and has a plan to offers for students as an affordable college.



    Obama won%26#039;t go a war with Iran, Russia and others cause he will go a diplomacy with them into peace.

    Obama will kill Bin Laden and crush all Al Qaeda, There is a huge victory for the world.

    There is only one way as a step to go on, then united states will embrace a huge peace for the whole world from Obama.



    and McCain could die anytime and Palin would be president but it will huge catastrophy and terrible economy which Palin has no intellectual on foreign policy, world leaders and economy.

    So how can Sarah can handle herself for this America while she has no intellectual on economy, and more as foreign policy?

    it will go huge terrible for America%26#039;s future if she were elected with McCain.Why should I vote for McCain?Because you maybe a sperm cell that has yet to hit the egg and you are in the Belly of a Brainwashed follower., be born into knowing a old man calling himself a Maverick has messed up your yet to be social security..Why should I vote for McCain?You should vote for McCain because you want four more years of the same policies as President Bush.



    Republicans stand for deregulation, and deregulation seems to be at the heart of the financial crisis. If you don%26#039;t want the government to interfere in the Financial Sector, vote McCain



    Republicans stand for less taxes, but how are we supposed to pay for our debt if we do not raise at least some taxes on the very wealthy. If you don%26#039;t want any taxes, vote for McCain.



    Republicans believe that there are too many entitlements. People should pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. What about those without bootstraps? If you don%26#039;t believe that the government should help those in need, with entitlements, vote for McCain.



    Republicans believe in a large military. Currently the military is the largest portion of our budget/debt. If you believe that we have to spend more money on the military, vote for McCain.



    I could go on, but will end it here.Why should I vote for McCain? There is no reason. If you watched the debate...McCain was a mess. He looked cranky and just restless. I really liked when Obama said healthcare is a RIGHT while McCain said it was a responsibility. No, healthcare is a right...just like we have the right to own a gun and the right to peacefully assemble...Americans should have the right to healthcare. Obama said, there is no reason why anyone should have to file for bankruptcy because of medical bills. Why should I vote for McCain?You should vote for McCain to take what%26#039;s been happening for the last eight years and extend it for another four.



    But if you don%26#039;t like what%26#039;s been happening the last eight years, then Obama is your man.Why should I vote for McCain?I will not leave negative rants or comments about Obama, but I stand by my strongest beliefs. I vote for the unborn. See the pictures in this link. Does this not break your heart?Why should I vote for McCain?you shouldn%26#039;tWhy should I vote for McCain?Because you want to keep supporting the rich

    Because you want someone else to tell you what to do with your body

    Because you want to continue to see the government be controlled by corporate interests

    Because you don%26#039;t care about the environment

    Because you don%26#039;t care about education

    Because you want to see the US stay in Iraq for 100 years

    Because you want to take a chance on having a hick from Alaska running the countryWhy should I vote for McCain?Because Obama has has a chance to prove himself to this country while being a senator, and decided not to do much. What makes us think the Presidency will be different. He has always been as Hillary Clinton put it %26quot;all talk no action%26quot;. If we could put a good speech in our gas tank and drive he would be a great choice.Why should I vote for McCain?McCain has stated his tax plan fully, 5000 tax credit per family for health insurance, doubling the child exemption to 7000 per child, cutting tax on buisness from 35% to 25%.

    He%26#039;s a patriot who works across the isle with Dem%26#039;s and he has the experience with world leaders.



    I wrote a piece for my local paper that will print today on Obama%26#039;s Global Poverty Act, senate bill 2433. He will give the UN our money to give to third world countries to the tune of 845,000,000,000 dollars.



    I would be happy to answer any further questions and you may e_mail if you like.Why should I vote for McCain?neither one of the candidates will do anything worthy of positve %26quot;change%26quot; once they%26#039;re elected. they%26#039;ll just maintain the status quo and help their washington buddies out. the campaign promises are mostly BS. mccain has 30+ yrs of politcal experience. obama has 20+ yrs of experience in the realm of %26quot;community organizing%26quot;. so technically, when it%26#039;s all on paper, mccain has more experience. that may or may not be a reason to vote for him. either way, from last night%26#039;s debate we%26#039;ve learned that they%26#039;re BOTH liars in a variety of aspects. so to each his own.Why should I vote for McCain?We have 3 and only 3 choices, vote for Qbama and turn this once wonderful country into a socialist Sodom and Gomorrah, vote for McCain and cut taxes ( mainly for us self employed slobs that pay federal income and self employment takes on our business that, if I am lucky, may just gross a tad over $250 K this year, or just don%26#039;t vote at all and get what we deserve.Why should I vote for McCain?As a Christian Republican, Im voting for Barack. McCain doesnt understand that the world has changed. Barack does. McCain panders to special interests, and his campaign is run by lobbyists. I dont trust McCain- hes not a safe pair of hands in these difficult times. As a Patriot, Im voting Democrat this time.



    Why should I vote for McCain?I guess you are already an independent as you seem to think enough to ask for evidence and reason. An honest question deserves an honest answer. Here are my supporting points for McCain vs. what Obama has presented to us:



    (1) Corporate tax. US companies pay a 35% corporate tax. McCain proposes to lower this to 25% on ALL companies, not just big oil as Obama keeps saying. Fair treatment across the board, unlike Obama. Plus, doing this will help keep companies in the US instead of relocating overseas where taxes are less.



    (2) Tax issues. McCain will make the Bush tax cuts (for ALL Americans) permanent. Obama wants to let them expire and replace them with a credit that is less than what the tax cuts in place would be.



    (3) McCain proposes a one year freeze on government spending (excepting what is necessary for keeping the country running) to weed out unnecessary programs that are costing the taxpayers. Obama wants to increase spending and create a larger government.



    (4) Foreign issues. McCain wants to complete our mission in Iraq for the better, while increasing the contingent in Afghanistan to bring that to a close as well. Obama wants to leave Iraq, regardless of victory and throw all effort into Afghanistan only.



    (5) McCain takes a hard stance with Iran (a 30 year enemy), while looking at diplpomacy with Pakistan (a quasi-ally). Obama promotes diplomacy with Iran and is willing to violate the borders of Pakistan if they do not do what we want them to (per his statement in the first debate).



    (6) Excess spending. McCain does not and has not requested earmarks. Obama requested nearly a million a day so far as documented, until it became an issue, then he stopped.



    (7) Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac problems. Both Bush and McCain were SUPPORTERS of increased regulation (Bush in 2003 and McCain as co-sponsor of bill in 2006) in this area. Obama is still blaming them both for a problem that they at least made an effort to avoid.



    It may just be me, but I see more of an equality in McCain than in Obama. Mr. Obama seems to think that only the poor are worthy of notice and that if you are wealthy you are a criminal or morally depraved and should be punished with higher taxes.



    The Warlock

    Why should I vote for McCain?I can only give you my opinion and what little facts I know about him.He is the only one with the experience to do the job.I like his answers in the debate last night on what he plans to do about the economy ans Iraq the American workforce health care.I also think America would make the biggest mistake in history if they elect Obama.He has ties with some people I find do not have Americas best interest in mind..ex.Ayers, Write, Farkham .Also his ties with Acorn is a questionable friendship.I believe Acorn is 99% of our economy%26#039;s problem.McCain servied Many years in the Navy and 26 years in the senate.Obama said McCain voted against something 23 times.OMG !!! 23 times in 26 years???Obama has only been in the senate less than 7 years.How many votes has he cast that were not what we wanted or was best for us?Obama will not talk about his pre collage or collage days.What is he hideing?He said Ayers done the bombings when he (Obama was 8 years old.What the hell does that have to do with the fact he sat in Ayers house and planed his bid for something in 1995 when he was35 years old.His friend Ayers said on Sept 01 2001 that his regret on the bombings that he and his group had done is that he didn%26#039;t do more.Why does Obama ever addmit he made some mistakes?He isNOT repete NOT NOT the boy we should vote in to leed our Nation.AS for me in my opinion for what its worth I want a MAN as Persident of the United States of America.that has experience to leed .Not a boy that has never in his life done the things you and I have done like put in a hard days work,got our hands dirty servied in the Military.Had to wonder how we were going to feed our family or how to get to work or had to ever look for a job to go to,Has never had a job to lose stood in the unempolment or welfare line.McCain is an older man that has seen the up and down that we middel class American%26#039;s have had to live through.McCain has the balls to reach across the isle and get things done in a timely manner.He will fight for whats best for you and me.

    McCain/Palin in 08. it%26#039;s the right ticket for getting America back and keeping her safe and out of the hands of terror

    God bless America and God bless you.

    Ps: Excuse my spelling I%26#039;m sorry for rambling on .I love America so much It hurts to even dream she would end up in the wrong hands. McCain is a year older than I%26#039;am and I have seen the best and worse of times America has been through. A vote for McCain/Palin will help return us to better times

    Spell check isn%26#039;t working.Why should I vote for McCain?I think first and foremost you have to vote after YOU do the research.

    What people on here tell you can be taken with a grain of salt. The Obamabots wear blinders and don%26#039;t listen to facts at all and to be truthful most of the independants and Republicans here are the same.

    We have made up our minds and there is no changing them.

    If you truly want to know the facts. Check many sites, look into archives of political fact. Find places to allow you to see voting records and watch the news. Remember though that most media is slanted for Obama.

    I am an independant voting for McCain / Palin. The reasons for this are varied, but here are a few. He has much experience with congress and the senate, he has voted to protect the citizens from many bills that were laden with earmarks (the libs just say he voted against the bill but they dont%26#039; say why, usually it was because they had earmarked it so heavily it was to damaging) He does try to work with all parties and tries to get things done together instead of keeping the house divided. Even though he is wealthy (what politician isn%26#039;t) he has many things that keep him grounded in everyday life with everyday people, such as a wife that works with children that suffer facial deformities) he adopted a child from a 3rd world country with that same problem. He has a military history and understands suffering in many ways . He also understands that you can%26#039;t change the mind of a terrorist.

    He knows foreign policy and will be respected by our enemies and the US has many.

    Anyway, those are a few of the reasons I am voting for him.

    No, I don%26#039;t love everything about him but I do respect him and his family and values. I also feel he has been more than open about his life and history even if it doesnt%26#039; help him.

    I value honesty and he fits that bill for me.
    java vb