gearing up....

arthursimone · Post by **arthursimone** » July 5th, 2007, 9:08 am

Like many of you, to keep myself from going bonkers I have taken a few steps back from overthinking politics in recent months, but I'm about ready to start thinking it up again.

Because, let's face it, we live in a two party system, and there each party has only a few more months before deciding who represents them.

And this time next year, everyone and their mother will be moaning "I'd vote, but I hate both candidates," or "Arg, must I vote for the lesser of two evils?" I for one will not tolerate that mentality.

This is the stage where the more subtle but arguably more important decisions are made. An open primary on both sides is exciting, and there will be ways to get involved. There's no reason not to. No reason.

York99 · Post by **York99** » July 5th, 2007, 9:48 am

arthursimone wrote:there will be ways to get involved. There's no reason not to. No reason.

It's not a good reason, but it's a reason:
We live in a red state that will vote for a Republican no matter whom you vote for or any work you do. The electoral college quiets our voice and ensures that the corn farmers of Iowa will always be catered to.

Sad but true and the truth hurts.

Get involved.

mpbrockman · Post by **mpbrockman** » July 5th, 2007, 12:41 pm

York99 wrote: ...the corn farmers of Iowa will always be catered to.

Well, that makes perfect sense given Iowa's relative size. Driving from Keokuk to Sioux City takes days.

Or does it just seem that way? Look - more corn!...

I will in all likelihood support a third party candidate. However, experience has taught me that my support, whether it be for a political candidate, movie, TV show, or the f***ing Arch Deluxe is the kiss of death. I'm pretty much the anti-focus group - "Oh sh*t - Brockman likes it - cancel production now!"

To be honest, though - I haven't done a whole lot of serious research on the candidates yet. I'd love to hear some discussion here of who supports who and why.

York99 · Post by **York99** » July 5th, 2007, 1:31 pm

Mitt Romney, John Edwards and Hillary are the biggest phony baloney career politicians in the race.

Rudy and McCain have a platform based in fear (isn't THAT terrorism, guys?).

Obama has little experience with foreign policy issues. This has been biting us in the ass with Bush and some of it was probably delayed ass-biting from Clinton

Fred Thompson has a reputation for being lazy.

Bloomberg is now in a 3rd party. I believe in voting for third parties, but it always comes at the expense of the Dems, giving the Repubs a huge leg up.

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » July 5th, 2007, 2:00 pm

York99 wrote:
Bloomberg is now in a 3rd party. I believe in voting for third parties, but it always comes at the expense of the Dems, giving the Repubs a huge leg up.

At this juncture, I'm likely to vote for a Republican next year: namely, Ron Paul. He used to be a Libertarian, but changed parties for a better shot at der Presidency. I also like Dennis Kucinich's style as well as his platforms, but I'd rather vote for somebody who hasn't lost already.

York99 · Post by **York99** » July 5th, 2007, 2:32 pm

Ron Paul is great, but it seems he has zero shot of making it even close. He's a great concept candidate in that hopefully other candidates like the popular response to his ideas and keep that in mind when forming their own platform.

arthursimone · Post by **arthursimone** » July 5th, 2007, 2:55 pm

All aboard the Ron Paul train!!

next stop, overturn Roe v Wade!
next stop, shitty environmental record and downright contempt for alternative fuels!
next stop, permanent Bush tax cuts!

Maverick Republican maybe, but still dangerously endearing himself to party faithful.

If you want candidates who have endorsed instant runoff voting, the only real way to change the way elections are run in this two-party country, take a look at Barack Obama or John McCain.

ducksrfr · Post by **ducksrfr** » July 5th, 2007, 3:18 pm

arthursimone wrote:All aboard the Ron Paul train!!

next stop, overturn Roe v Wade!
next stop, shitty environmental record and downright contempt for alternative fuels!
next stop, permanent Bush tax cuts!

ron paul leans very libertarian, so with that in mind, it's understandable why he doesn't support abortion rights or the environment and supports bush's tax cuts.

1) ron paul (like many republicans) are big fans of devolving federal power to states, so because roe v. wade allows for federal law legalizing abortion, he doesn't support it. i don't know his exact position, but he probably favors each state voting to allow abortion.

2) most federal environmental law is based on congress' ability to regulate interstate commerce. many republicans don't view environmental regulations to be a legitimate usage of this power. also, he doesn't support alternative fuels because most are subsidized by the government (eg. ethanol), and he doesn't like government subsidies.

3) he holds the view that all tax cuts = good tax cuts.

York99 · Post by **York99** » July 5th, 2007, 3:38 pm

ain't nooooooooooooooobody close to perfect in this election.
both the dem and republ. ideal DOES work. For the things Arthur mentioned, if he got everything passed the way he wanted, the other things would take care of themselves. that just doesn't happen. another reason he's a good concept candidate.

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » July 5th, 2007, 6:40 pm

I'm enjoying this discussion. For the record, I'm monumentally undecided so early into this process. Threads like this are one are, for me, a fun way of learning about these people. Also they're a fun way to learn about what some of my friends think about them.

York99 · Post by **York99** » July 6th, 2007, 12:17 pm

If a politician doesn't grow hemp and own a slave or two, I want nothing to do with them.
Someone please revive JQ Adams.

Jules · Post by **Jules** » July 6th, 2007, 1:03 pm

Alzheimer's equals the need for stem cell research and that equals stem cells and baby killing democrats.
Or just stem cells.
Also adequate insurance programs for elderly people and people with Alzheimer's. And better pay for nursing staff and patient centered treatments at hospitals.
And more options for cancer survivors.
I'm really into Alzheimer's and cancer these days. Its sooooo not cool.

I think we are all fucked, politically speaking, at this point. So I've been eyeing both Edwards and Obama and have been leaning Obamaways.

I'm going to follow what I can in between shots of alcohol and Xanax.

Seriously, I want something which we don't have: a populist who can fund the public schools and healthcare departments, manage globilization issues and balance that with our economic needs all while dealing with the general insanity of terrists and global warming.

And who thinks we have the right to our bodies, our sexualities, and how we begin and end life.

Vote for me.

arthursimone · Post by **arthursimone** » July 6th, 2007, 1:18 pm

Libertarians I wholeheartedly disagree with, but at least their beliefs are consistent. Republicans I can't even talk to, there's a definite streak of derangement in them.

I'm just thoroughly annoyed at the Ron Paul movement, which is, to me, a fad. Most (I say "most") of his punkrock! supporters are dangerously ill-informed and aren't giving thought to the consequences of such a hard-line anti-federal platform.

Me, I like nuance. It's a complex & blurry world, I appreciate it when elected officials view government in the same way.

Asaf · Post by **Asaf** » July 6th, 2007, 2:08 pm

At this point, I only know who I definitely will NOT vote for. That is Hilary. I hate the fact that she is being touted as the frontrunner.

TexasImprovMassacre · Post by **TexasImprovMassacre** » July 6th, 2007, 2:58 pm

killary

Austin Improv

gearing up....

gearing up....

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