Politics is an important yet at times difficult subject to discuss because of the diverse beliefs, attitudes, and rules we live our life by. Despite the heated debate that sometimes happens, it is great to have forums for the issues and policies that effect the United States domestically as well as on an international scale. I created this topic to read other peoples take on politics and issues of today in addition to whatever discussion that derives from it.


Discuss! lol

I'm currently registered as "no party" because I think both parties are flawed. However, I really need to change that because I can't vote in the primaries.. so that makes me less democratic. or something...

I hate most all politicians. They are all the same when it comes down to it.
I tend to be more on the liberal side but I'm not consistent there either. At my heart I am mostly idealistic.... So you can imagine how frustrated I am 99% of the time with all the garbage that goes on in this system.


ETA: I needed to add that I'm also a big time tree hugger.. Ain't nothin wrong with that. :wub:

I'm registered as a democrat and have always followed a more liberal line of thought. However, since moving to this hell hole of a city a few years ago, I've become MUCH more of a conservative. When it comes down to it, I'm going to vote for people who I think can handle political office - whether they are democratic/republican; I won't vote based merely on affiliation. And although I'm conservative on certain issues, I do take a more liberal stance on issues concerning animals and the environment.

I agree with you about being an idealistic person no matter what political party you are associated with. We all want to create a society that promotes a great quality of life and strong standard of living whether conservative or liberal. The difference is how Democrats and Republicans are trying to strive for a better society in the United States and world at large.

Sometimes I wonder if these labels of "Liberal" or "Conservative" are more negative and a dividing factor because of pre-conceived notions and stereotypes that accompany them. One thing that worries me though is voting.

I've seen recently that many indications show young people (the College/University crowd) are not voting for the key elections that can truly make a difference in the way Domestic and Social Policies are handled. For example, electing officials who will push for new legislation that aids in helping College students pay their tuition. However, things like this are controlled by who is going to the polls to vote and make the difference of who gets into office. Therefore, it is so important that all of us College students research the candidates and vote for those who will help alleviate the tremendously increasing costs of attending university/college.

Supposedly 63 million people or so voted in the last American Idol finale. Now granted this includes many people who are not at the age to vote, but that is still astonishing that their is more fanfare between the two 2 of American Idol than the vote for who will be the next President of the United States. It is so important to encourage everyone 18 and over to go and vote. I heard many of my friends complain about who has won elections and yet they did not go to vote. I wish more people would research the issues and people behind the Democrat and Republican labels to pick the best possible leader of ALL qualities that a leader should have acquired.

Also, I edited my above post to exclude my Political beliefs because I was hoping to read others and then post. Anyway, I consider myself a Liberal Democrat. Especially when it comes to the social issues that impact the lives of the people in the United States. Before we can attempt to solve problems of an International scale, we should really address what is going on at home. What better a way than to employ domestic policies both social and economic in nature that create a tolerant, free, and open minded society where everyone of all walks of life can achieve their goals.

63 million people voted or there were 63 million votes? Remember, people voted for hours on end. Not exactly a good example of a democracy. :blink:

Yes, you are right. My argument would have been alright without that statistic. What I meant was the idea about fanfare from the stand-point of the younger crowd. People were more motivated to vote for their Idol than for the next President in some cases. Sorry about that, I hope this clarifies my idea better.

thanks for adding this forum, mods!

I usually vote Democrat. But I voted for John McCain in the 2000 primary as a registered Republican.

I look at the issues, and then base my judgement on each candiate on where they stand. Not just the party.

I like Bloomberg and Giulanni.

But I also like Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco.

so I am pretty much a fiscal conservative, with socially progressive values.

Registered Republican and Conservative mostly, because I believe in smaller government, lower taxes, personal responsibility, strong military, the constitution, (like the right to keep and bear arms) don't want the govt to control private businesses, land etc. It also makes me crazy when people vote for a canidate based on if they are man or woman, cute or not, or if their hair is real...lol;) If your gonna vote, know what you believe in, study the candidates best you can, and pick the one you think will best represent what you believe in and what is best for the USA. JMO, and I am sticking to it..lollllll;)

Well I used to think of myself as middle of the road, agreeing with some argurments from both sides.

But I will be honest here, although I usually shy away from political debates. I am so upset with the president and his choice of going to Iraq that I now tend to lean heavily to the left. It's my way of balancing out the injustice. As if this were actually a scale. I plan on voting and pulling the democrat lever this time around, as I have since the Iraq decision.

I take it personally when I have 2 boys that could be drafted. I'm against another Vietnam, like the one I lived through in my early teens.

I agree with everything you said. I'm a College student working towards my degree and the idea of a draft has crossed my mind a few times. I've been so strongly opposed to the War in Iraq since well....before it started. I can't even imagine if I was drafted and forced to go fight in a war I don't agree with in the first place. Plus, I'm tired of the billions of dollars and more that we are pouring into this war. What about the importance of that money going towards education and school? What about the ridiculous prices of healthcare that drive some people to poverty? I mean, these are real issues that arguably are suffering from the enormous amount of money being spent on this War in Iraq. IMHO, it is time for a change of leadership and ideology.

I think we should have stayed focused in Afghanistan, and then helped the situation in Darfur. I believe this war in Iraq is causing us lost in Afghanistan, and allowing the genocide in Sudan to continue.

Bush Senior didn't want to oust Hussein at all. He wrote Hussein, for all the evil he is, kept Iraq under a tight control.

I am mad at Bush for ignoring the genocide in Sudan.

Not only the United States, but the United Nations need to be United in order to stop what is happening in Darfur.

there is a huge protest in San Francisco to impeach Bush.

I believe that no doubt Hussein should have been ousted. He was committing his own genocide in his country. However, my religious beliefs have lead me to believe that the rich should help their brothers. I believe that it's up to us to stop the mass killings of innocent people all over the world.
I DO NOT believe that going to war was the only way to get rid of him. Before we invaded Iraq there was a coalition of all these religious leaders all over the world Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and a few others. They wrote up a plan and sent it to G-dub and Tony Blair. It was obviously ignored and we waged this never ending war with Iraq.
If you want to read more about this check out the book "God's Politics. How the right gets it wrong and left doesn't get it" ITS AWESOME! I wish I could finish reading it but I'm in school and so it will have to wait til after May. But I reccommend it to everyone.

We should use our money and power FOR GOOD. I'm all for peace. This war is no good.

ETA: Pilatesmom: are you upset that John McCain has kind of changed his political course and is being all supportive of everything Bush? I couldn't believe that he had changed so much. I thought he was so cool.. I felt that a good moderate is what this country needs. Now he has definitely turned more Conservative. :noway:

I tend to vote democrat at the state level and republican at the national level. I consider myself an independent and vote for the person most in tune with my personal concerns and issues. Here's a head's up to any aspiring politicians for this next election cycle---my biggest issue right now is illegal immigration and it's social and economic impact on me and mine.

DJ:yes, I am disappointed with McCain. I thought he was a maverick.
But at least, he pushed for forces in Sudan where they belong.


LMAO I love you wrote "How the right got it wrong and Left doesn't get it."

I find that I get a long better with some Republicans, than my affliations who are pompous self proclaimed "liberals". They tend have "I am smarter than you" attitudes. And then they wonder why the Democrats have failed. :blink:

Well, I am definitely a liberal, but I am not one of those people who has the "I am smarter than you attitude". There are both Republicans and Democrats who seek to impose as opposed to discussing/debating ideals. When talking about politics, I try to stay nice, respectful, and conversational. I'm sad you think that most liberals are like that because myself and the majority of people I know who are liberal do not treat people in that manner.

Interesting article about the political parties & the middle class

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/10/Dobbs.Oct11/index.html

That article is very true. The Middle Class has been shrinking due to many political and economic factors. However, the current administration has sped up that process by employing supply side economics that allow the rich to only become more wealthy through the reduction in taxes. This form of Economic policy usually takes 4-5 years to know whether or not it is effective for the public in general, but the truth is, it does support disparity in wealth with more people either becoming the wealthy rich or the poverty stricken poor. This process has only been increased, and it is time for a switch back to demand side economics. With our national debt constantly growing everyday with the huge expenditure of the Iraq War, we are losing the war on poverty and the middle class continues to slowly disappear. Perhaps had some events like Iraq, Katrina, and 9-11 not happened, we may have seen this economic policy fair slightly better.

As I said before, it is important that you research the issues, economic and social alike, and then make an informed decision. This is the very problem though because the majority of people are too busy or simply don't want to know who they are voting for. It is a matter of finding the intrinsic motivation to seek out the knowledge of who the right candidate is for you whether Democrat, Independent, or whatever. Then, you have to vote for them. I guess motivation is partly a factor.

Yellin', I too am for all of the things that you mentioned, "smaller government, lower taxes, personal responsibility, strong military, the constitution, (like the right to keep and bear arms) don't want the govt to control private businesses, land etc" as well as, the environment, human rights, privacy, equality, separation of church and state, research on all fronts for elimination of deadly diseases, and I am fearful of the deficit that we are saddling our children with. :(

And while I do feel that we can accomplish a lot and still pay lower taxes - I do see it as my responsibility to help support any who are less fortunate than I.

I am a Democrat and a "liberal" for the environment with conservative leanings in regards to fiscal responsibility.

Now, I do appreciate that many of us are what our parents were when it come to party affiliation but, my question is this: how do you feel that the Republican Party is meeting the criteria that you've mentioned?

I was referring to the people that are in "my real world." I didn't refer to all liberals. But then, I don't like labeling anyone.

I am actually speaking my honesty when I said that. I have a client who frowns on anyone who shops at WalMart. It's like I doomed my soul to Satan for shopping there. :blink: Or the fact, I let my son watch American Idol, and I am nuts about Idol. She frowns on that as well, (cause it airs on FOX). Can I get another :blink: ,thank you.

That's very true about how polarization of either political extreme is bad whether it be Liberalism or Conservatism. I guess the thing that bothers me is how Liberals are stereotyped to be the loud people who think they are better than everyone else. That is not me at all. I genuinely care about society in general and wish prosperity for people of all different walks of life.

Occasionally you do find people like the person you described PilatesMom. It's really sad to me because I know of so many people who are passionate, intelligent, and well-informed liberals who would never say things like that to another person. Although, ironically, American Idol is the ONLY show I watch on Fox. I'm kidding, I watched Celebrity Duets too. lol :)

I will always be open minded to the other side of the argument and discuss the issues logically and respectfully. It might sometimes turn into a debate, but that is one of the great things about our nation--the freedom of speech and expression.

My apology to all liberal E trainers! :glomp:

I view myself as a voter and citizen first, and am considered independant as a result. My opinion is that our current 2 party system is leading too often to polarization in this country, I have many views on many things, and hate to be labeled as "liberal " or conservative I am open to all views, and feel strongly about social issues, the environment and world politics I hate the way issues are used to separate and divide us, and I have refused to vote for a candidate that is too strident in this regard. if I hear mud slinging and negativity, I often stay away from suc a person in my life, so why would I elect such a person?

I agree with your stand on the illegal immigration situation. Did you see the guy who was on Trumps show that is running for office. He was on Fox's John Gibson's show. He had film of him at the border riding across the Rio Grande on an Elephant and a mariachi band playing. There was NO ONE who came for an hour and a half. That's our protected border from terrorists. It's a good thing that they FINALLY passed the fence bill.

I live in CA. Born and raised and NO ONE wanted to listen to the problems until it hit their states. We have rapes, murders, insurance fraud, and good jobs taken by illegals here in CA. I mean construction jobs etc., that our kids won't get because of the employers (who should be put in jail) hire them. Our schools, medical expenses here are exorbitant. Our emergency rooms at the hospitals are used as doctors offices for free care. I can't get free care and neither can you. Needless to say I'm very conservative on this issue alone.

I'm politically incorrect and proud of it.


gogo

Gogo, I work in Napa, and I say Amen to what you have just said.

I really blame the wineries who hire illegal immigrants but don't give them any benefits, instead they have them get health care from the state.

I have to pay for my own from Kaiser's. Many of my clients are winery owners,
believe me, they can afford to shell out to pay for insurance for their workers, but they are too greedy. (And they portray themselves as so called "self righteous" bleeding hearts who don't care about the middle class people like you and I, and rather label us as white trash rednecks if we complain about illegal immigration)

Immigration overall needs to be completely changed. The current policies we have in place are not working for anyone whether you are for or against it.

I am all for amnesty for genocide victims from Sudan.

In Pittsburgh, they just granted one fine young man from Darfur.

They have so much to share with us. I met many Sudanese who have great ambitions, there are the ones who should be given opportunity to stay in this country.

I have a moderate stance on Immigration. I believe everyone deserves the right to immigrate here if they have the determination to travel and establish a life in the United States. In fact, my Great Grandparents were Immigrants themselves in the 1920's, so I'm thankful they traveled to the US and created a good life for themselves. They initially did not speak English either (they spoke Italian), but they learned through time English as well. If we had stopped Immigration or became severely restrictive, things would be immensely different in the US now. I guess I would like to see people have the same opportunities if they have the will and determination to achieve their dreams. This is why I'm Pro-Immigration. The US is becoming increasingly diverse and it promotes the idea of learning and being open minded to new people so that we can live harmoniously. I know their are a lot of things that divide this country, but we can be united the immigration should always be an option for people anywhere in the world who wish to come to the US and become a citizen.

I wanted to pose a question to everyone: Do you think we should start threads about the tough issues? IE, Abortion, Death Penalty, Gay Marriage, and so on? I'm somewhat hesitant because I'm not sure whether people would be comfortable discussing the issues. I think everyone here is intelligent, respectful, and would have no problem. I just would like to know peoples opinion.

I guess it would depend on your motivation for doing so. It seems that this is a pretty liberal board, so anything even along the lines of conservative will be pooped on. :unsure: If it's just to find people who agree and to talk about how ridiculous those who don't agree are, then go for it, but that should be made clear in the title.

I'd like to make it a forum of free expression for both sides, but I expect there will be some difficult debate. It's ok thought because that's the point of having an open forum where you can express your opinion and debate issues.

OK, I'll jump in. (She dives, elegantly). Discussing politics in this country at this time has so much potential for polarizing. So it stirs up agitation in me to go there. I spend alot of time reading, researching issues to get to some kind of understanding. I would love nothing more than to discuss the issues with others - both passionately and compassionately. But at this time in our history, it so easily devolves to either "yeah, I agree with you" or "no, you're wrong/being an idealist, not a realist/ill-informed", you know how it goes. I strive for an open-hearted dialogue with illumination for all.

Being a 'liberal', in this country, recently has been a dirty word. It's been very discouraging to me that the idea of caring for all beings is considered to be radical, unrealistic, unwelcome. I feel that it's our obligation to be good stewards of this beautiful earth and that everyone deserves to have a full and rich life - reaching their full potential - and this goes for all, no matter their color, sex, orientation, economic status. This includes all life - both human, animal, the earth, itself. Because ultimately if any of us are diminished, we all are. Look at the air we breath, the water we drink. (One example: In the Seattle area, they are now recommending that the public has no more than one serving of certain kinds of fish per week because of the accumulated toxins found that do not have immediate quick fixes.) We take this earth for granted, as though it is a limitless resource. This will, and is, catching up to us. It has to. All actions have consequences. The paradox in this country is so glaring - we have a rise of religious fervor and simultaneously a decrease in our committments to each other for the freedom, liberty and justice we say we're all about.

I don't have alot of regard for labels, Democrat, Republican...they serve self-definition, easily devolving to self-limitation, more than they do growth and understanding. I think this country would have a much richer, healthier political climate if we had numerous parties and welcomed all to the table. I ask first, what serves life to the highest degree possible? I think this whole system is ready for a complete revamping. Obviously the position of President has too much power and can too easily do an endrun around the checks and balances established to keep power in check. For me, it starts with a free media, which this country does not have any longer. Alot of us still cloak ourselves in the belief that we live in a free, democratic country. If you delve into the reality, though, you find something very different.

So, first off I think we need media reform so that all voices can be heard and we can have a free and open dialogue about the issues. If you've ever worked with political campaigns without alot of money, therefore influence, you know that they are shut out of the discussion - as if they don't even exist. So if we continue to allow money to be the prime directive in this country, it will continue to deteriorate as it is - the environment, health care, war, education, and the growing class divisions we're seeing. If we can't get the full truth from the media, we can't make an informed decision when it comes to voting, so we only get the 'best candidates money can buy". That's not the kind of democracy I want to feed.

Then we need election reform with public financing, voting machine legislation to ensure accurate, accountable voting and Instant Run-Off Voting. IRV has been in place for specific elections in Ireland, Australia, London, San Francisco and many other places. Here is a great resource for more info if you've never heard of IRV. http://www.fairvote.org/?page=19 What a concept! No spoiler candidates. The end of voting for the lesser of two evils. Vote for the best candidate and the person with the most support wins! To have a field of candidates to choose from who are dedicated public servants and not just wealthy people bought and beholden to those that fund them. Lobbying reform, too, is an essential part of this equation.

Alot of the solutions are out there now - more being discovered all the time. For example, my Prius - LOVE IT! And it's just the start of how our transportation modes need to be transformed to accomodate the reality of oil and it's real costs. The world is chockful of graceful solutions to the challenge of humans living sustainably in this world today. This is where I put alot of my attention now. And one thing is becoming increasingly clear to me. America is more and more way behind the curve of innovations. Our schools could be leading the way, we certainly have the infrastructure already in place. But again, corporate funding, limited public funding, and little political will and support gets in the way. Meanwhile, other countries our blasting full steam ahead.

If we really want to do more than give lip service to living in a democracy, we need to discover what choices we really have and what decisions we can make that serve the just and compassionate world that we'd like to see. I love that saying "Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport". Sometimes it just comes down to a few words to speak volumes. I close with that.

:goodpost: Movin2thabeet, that was a very eloquent and thoughtful post.

Environmental issues are very important as well because we have to continue to maintain the earths resources. With our current rates of degradation of varying natural capital, we see a great problem for our future overall. It seems like the majority of politicians are afraid to seek environmental solutions due to what many people would deem as annoyances to our day to day life. However, we continue to have poor emission standards for certain vehicles that contribute to Global Warming with gases like Ozone and Carbon Dioxide being among the most prevalent. There are a multitude of solutions that are offered by environmentalists and the scientific community to problems such as Air, Water, and Soil Pollution.

Still, politicians wish to stay away from these issues with the fear that those who would normally vote for them would reject them due to a stance on more stringent environmental policy. Of course there are going to be trade-offs to certain policies that would seek to protect and preserve our planet. Yet, what about the future generations who will have to deal with our current trends toward destruction of natural resources? It is when you think in terms of the future that it becomes clear that we need to make an impact now. Perhaps some things may seem invasive initially, but think about how thankful many generations from this one will be if we take a stance that protects the planet we call home.

We always try to find a way to understand people on different levels whether just meeting someone for the first time or someone we have known our whole life. It is our culture that places labels upon us and corresponds to certain expectations we are intended to fulfill with that given label. For example, think of the term man and woman versus male and female. What is the main difference? Well, male and female refers to our biological sex while man and woman is a socialized construct of who you should be. Therefore, our culture loves to find words with which we have a culturally operational definition that we can all comprehend. This seems to translate into politics as well with the polarization of those to the left and right. I agree with your notion of having more diverse parties that would compete for our vote and not be so concrete to only two sides of Conservative and Liberal.

One of the majory issues is apathy over politics within my generation. By no means am I saying that my entire generation are not active citizens, but enough are to be problematic. I can't tell you how many people I knew from where I go to College that stated that they flatly did not care to research the issues, the people on the ballot, or anything associated with this recent election. However, I am encouraged by many of those I know who did genuinely care about what happened this past Tuesday. We need to find quality leaders who will work towards helping everyone achieve the best life they can possibly lead. This leads me to another aspect that seems troublesome.

The staple issues seem to be a curtain that distracts us from things like education, healthcare, and economic reform. The Liberal Democrats and Conservative Republicans seem to constantly clash publicly over the staple issues like Abortion, Gay Marriage, and the Death Penalty. Although these are important issues that deserve our attention and research, I wish they would not be used to further a political agenda. These politicians know based on a given demographic of a county whether to make it known of their stance on these particular issues. Therefore, the discussion of policy towards these issues is relevant/should continue, however, we should remember to also examine the other issues beyond whether they agree with your beliefs on those specific issues.

My hope is that we will see a change happen in our country due to the Democrats taking control of the Senate and Congress. We have been under the dominance of a Republican majority for a long time. It almost seemed like we were a one party country. This is what was frightening to me because we should at least have a balance between the parties. When a segment of societies voice is met with a deaf ear, there is bound to be discontent and the inspiration to change the status quo. Many people said this election was a response to Iraq and Bush himself. That might be partially true, but I believe our country spoke on Tuesday that it was time for a change on many ideologies and issues.

Only when we can have a true bipartisan effort will we begin to affect positive change across the country. It is alright to differ on our stances on the staple issues, but what about healthcare, education, and economic reforms? These are issues that impact everyone no matter what who you are and at what point you are in life. It is only when we can unite as a country who works toward changing policy that effects everday life that we can truly call ourselves the United States of America. This will require the combination of different leaderships that not only reflect our hopes, but will also implement bills and policies that show that we matter. Half the battle is when politicians realize that instead of campaigning for votes, they should be campaigning for the betterment of the US. Promises made to voters during the campaign should be kept once elected to office.

The notion of globalization is causing us to become more connected on an international scale. Just look at the diversity of Elliott fans right here at this site. It is becoming increasingly pertinent to move beyond just labels. Now, I admit, I do characterize myself as a Democrat due to varying factors. As I have said previously, it is due to everything in my life from reading about the issues through research to active discussion of political nature with people of many perspectives. The main idea is that we have to work together if we are to set and achieve attainable goals that we still only dream of today. It is only when people who are different than eachother realize they want the same thing: the best future possible for themselves and their family. We are imperfect. We will make plenty of mistakes within our lives. However, it does not mean that we should let that define us and not strive to realize our hopes, dreams, and goals. Politics help to shape our future, and it is time more than ever now to make progress through being united.

Wow, I just realized I wrote a novel :blink: lol.

I just read all of the posts again.

I heard on the News that Congress has a lower approval rating than the President. Is it just me, or does it seem like we have lost faith in the majority of our own institutions? It amazes me how both Democrats and Republicans alike have such abysmal approval ratings because through History it seems like one or the other seemed to be doing better at specific times.

I've began to realize as time moves forward that most Politicians only care about getting elected and remaining in power. How many times have candidates made promises only to turn around and do the opposite once in office? This makes them appear like they not only lack integrity, but also made a bold faced lie purely to garner potential constituents votes. It is really disheartening.

I would like to believe in my country, but people have to be held accountable through proving themselves. Not only as a viable candidate to be elected, but also a great person in office. One who makes a positive difference for those living in their county all the way to the President who leads the entire nation.

Barack Obama has my vote for the Democratic Primary and Presidential race if he ends up being the nominee for it. His politics align fairly well with my own. However, that is not my main reason for voting for him. It is due to his devotion to end our reliance on foreign oil, improve the broken Education system, and provide Universal Healthcare. These are all very important issues to the US and for the first time in a long time, a candidate has me energetic about the Presidential race and what could possibly happen for us in the event he is elected.

I was reading reviews about Al Gore's book titled "The Assault on Reason". For the most part, it sounds like a captivating and well-researched argument that eludes to what I wrote about in my post above. I'm reading another book right now, but by the sound of the reviews, it sounds like a must-read.

I'm curious, has anyone read this book here? I've heard that while it is very harsh towards the current administration, it remains very honest, objective, and to the point. I just wanted to see if anyone here read it and would agree.

I think these threads are really interesting...everyone should feel free to join in and participate. That is the foundation of this great country. Freedom to express your thoughts and beliefs without fear of reprisals. I enjoy reading everyones opinion... some which I agree with and others that make me want to scream. I don't post too much here because there are others more eloquent and wise than I am to get certain points across.

I used to be very political and conservative in my views, but over the years I have come to see things very differently. I would definitely say I am a left leaning, tree hugging, anti-gun, anti war, pro immigration, bleeding heart liberal. I don't have much faith in our current leaders and am skeptical of politicians in general.

I am, like many here, am child of immigrants. We are a nation of immigrants...who have all come here for various reasons...social, economic, political. It's what makes us great...that diversity. While I agree that we need immigration reform, the idea of putting up a wall between the US and our neighbors in Mexico, is a violent affront to what we stand for as a nation. How can the nation that was instrumental in helping bring down the Berlin Wall...embrace the notion of building a wall on the border?? The idea that it will help keep out the terrorists is seriously flawed. Not one of the September 11 terrorists came to this country through Mexico. A wall will not keep out anyone who is intent on carrying out acts of terrorism.

I guess I got off track here...that's why I don't post here...I can't focus long enough to make coherent arguments!! But yes...keep on posting.

If you are any indication of what our colleges are turning out these days...then we are on the right track!

Thank you for the compliment. I share many of the same beliefs you stated in your post.

The Environment means a great deal to me and the issue of Global Warming itself. I recycle, use energy efficient lighting, and have a fuel efficient car. These are just 3 simple things that help reduce the negative impact we have on the environment. If all of us could do these little things on an individual level, we could hopefully see a positive difference collectively.

Education, HealthCare, Energy Independence, Global Warming, Human Rights, and Multilateral Foreign Policy are my main concerns for the next Presidential election. I hope we can make progress with all of these issues so that we can not only increase the standard of living, but also form closer bonds with the International community.

Great to see you post here, Rick. I've always been fascinated with Politics and Sociological trends ever since I can remember. However, I didn't form strong opinions until I took a Civics class back in High School. It really opened my eyes to the importance of being an active participant in Civics and making sure to vote with knowledge of which candidate would be the best choice IMO.

:) These are interesting threads. I'm not ready to jump in yet, so I deleted my post.