Comments on: Politics

By: June

June — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 12:38:03 +0000

I applaud your stepping into this :clapping: I’m a registered Democrat who happens to think that most of the country is purple.

I do very much want to change the direction of this country (re several matters) and so, want very much for the Dems to win in November. I can’t figure out how to discuss why in this little nutshell. Trust me though… I don’t think all Republicans are “evil” by any means. And I don’t think the Dems have all the answers either. In fact, I actually disagree with the party’s take on some things.

This nation has always been partisan… at some points in time, much worse than we are today. Decisions and directions have always been based on the reality and truth as seen by each side. It’s understandable I guess. And it’s understandable that we have strong feelings. After all, what gets done in Washington affects us all personally. It’s not some abstract philosophical discussion.

But we can’t stop trying to see the others’ perspective. We can’t just say it’s black because the other side says it’s white. We’re in this boat together and we need to wake up to our similarities instead of focusing on our differences.

This is part of the reason I’ve become an Obama supporter. He recognizes that while people can and do disagree, there’s a big common ground too. Thankfully, I think McCain’s tendency is that too. Let’s all have a :grouphug: !!

PS: I know as soon as I hit the “submit” button, I’ll think of a better way to have expressed all this, but after making several edits already, I’m just going to have to let this go.

June’s last blog post..Sticker Shock

By: Jo

Jo — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:40:30 +0000

You're a brave women asking this question!! I can't answer it. All I know is that I don't want to pay more taxes for stuff I don't use - and I want my government to be more accountable to us that pay the bill. Its a good question and I believe that the republicans don't believe in entitlement (sp). Jo's last blog post..Friday’s Feast #183

By: Usedtobeme

Usedtobeme — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:49:59 +0000

Wow. You might as well have just asked if god is a man or woman. You're brave. I just wanted to tell you that. I don't understand why politicians act the way they do. Regardless of party. Anymore it isn't about voting for who will do the best job, it's almost like voting for who will suck the least. Usedtobeme's last blog post..Bring it

By: raehan

raehan — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:36:04 +0000

I meant that for the first time for MY generation, we feel invested in politics. I think when I was growing up, my generation felt pretty detached from it all. The issues didn't seem as urgent and important. raehan's last blog post..Shaken

By: raehan

raehan — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:33:34 +0000

Hey, I’m a Demmie, can I join in?

Are the Democratic primaries driving me crazy? Yes. Do I think one of the nominees should have graciously bowed out? No. It’s too close for either to do that. If Huckabee were getting as many delegates as Hillary, he’d still be in the race, too, believe me.

I think it’s an exciting time for Democrats right now because for the first time politics really means something to us. At the same time, it could go all wrong if Hillary doesn’t know when to say when. She’s trying to get Obama play politics as usual. She wants him to attack back, to ruin his credibility. That’s sad. We need someone to stay above it all.

For most Democrats I know, it’s not about defeating the Republicans, it’s about changing the face of politics. I’m for Obama because I think he can unite us, and I think the Republicans (a la Karl Rove) have been as guilty as the Democrats these past two decades, in dividing this country.

When we start listening to the spin of Karl Roves, radio pundits and Clintons of this world and start listening to each other, things will change.

But don’t think Democrats simply want to beat the Republicans. We have values, too, believe it or not. We feel them deeply. Just like you. ; ) This election means something to me because I love this country and I have a vision for this country. And I think most Democrats and Republicans feel that way. At least I hope they do.

We need to respect that about each other.

raehan’s last blog post..Shaken

By: Crusty

Crusty — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:42:29 +0000

Leanne, based on your comment to me it sounds like you would be for a flat straight-across-the-board tax. So the guy making 2 million would pay the same as the guy making 25k. (I exaggerate to make a point, however, this would be an actuality.) (As a side point, there aren’t enough decent paying jobs for everyone to make a living wage.)

For your consideration: Perhaps what would work better would be a nation wide sales tax on everything except food and medicine. Generally speaking, taxes are used to maintain our infrastructure and pay for government to function. Those with limited incomes do not consume or use things (roads, national parks, etc.) as much as those with a more healthy income. They don’t have the money to do so. Oh but wait… a sales tax would mean those who have the means to acquire or do things would be paying more taxes than the 25k guy.

Looks like there’s not a win-win way out of this situation. That leaves only lose-win. Let the 25K guy be the loser. He can afford it. He could pay the same tax as the guy making 50k. It gets awfully tangled.

By: Leanne

Leanne — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:48:51 +0000

SwordMama – you’re right, we *were* united, in mourning and sadness. Then we started to defend ourselves against that ever happening again, and the line grew deeper.

By: Leanne

Leanne — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:45:02 +0000

(sent via e-mail re: Crusty’s comment)

I’m curious though, we started out about 10 years ago making about 25k combined annual salary (two of us, minimum wage, one child, house, 2 cars) – now, we’ve worked our butts off to a really nice annual salary for our family – so my question would be – why should I pay more in taxes now that we’re making more money? Mine is just as hard earned as the next “rich” guy, why should I foot the bill for the family making 25k? Nobody helped us get to where we are, know what I mean?

By: Crusty

Crusty — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:34:45 +0000

What a brave woman… asking for political opinions.
I think alternating between Democrates and Republicans help keep things in balance. I do know that I’m kind of tired of the filthy rich getting all the tax breaks. The last time Bush gave a tax break to the wealthy it was to help promote new jobs. It didn’t work. I heard on some talk show once that Warren Buffet paid only 17% in taxes. His personal secretary paid something like 33%. However, maybe its all Buffet’s charity donations. I don’t know. What I do know is that the middle class is shrinking and that’s where the government gets most of its money.

And on another note, too bad congress has their own retirement program and they don’t pay into Social Security. If they did, maybe it would get fixed.

Bottom line, money makes the world go round and Republicans seem to have more of it. Must be the lower taxes, huh.

(This subject should probably generate a few comments for ya!)