Williston, ND Active Issues

Jyl Mieling Albertson · Veteran Member

RE: What's Wrong With Being Part Of A Political Party?

SKM · Senior Member

Too FUNNY!!! I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!!! Great find! But my saying is.... "Save a cow, Eat a liberal" smile

( just a joke ya all)

ranramsey · Veteran Member

"......Nobody......but nobody........but nobody......IS GONNA RAIN ON MY PARADE........"

That s*#t is funny Steve.

Steve Powell · Guru

Got this from my brother...GREAT FIND BRO!!!

Expositor · Veteran Member

Jim, if Al Gore had become president, Jack Handy's quote may have been a national slogan.

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

I agree. Two choices is difficult. But then again, it usually makes the decision easier. Speaking of presidents, here is one of my favorite Jack Handy quotes for you deep thought people:

"I wish a robot would get elected president. That way, when he came to town, we could all take a shot at him and not feel too bad."

Steve Powell · Guru

No Shayla, there are grey areas in this issue. Rape, incest, pregancy deamed life threatening to the mother...those are a few I can think of.

We can debate this on another thread if you want to start one. But for now I'll keep this thread theme going.

I vote a high majority of the time down one party line. But I would consider more who I gave my vote to if I knew who was going to be on that Presidents cabinet before the vote. I think those people should be named before the big Presidential vote. If I knew the next President was going to hire Rev. Jeremiah Right as part of his cabinet, it would make me think twice (actually I wouldn't have to think twice) about voting for that person. Smart Presidents surround themselves with great people. So vote for the person we know has the best chosen to work for them.

K, I'm done rambling.

Expositor · Veteran Member

There is much to ponder in recent postings. I don't believe there is anything wrong in expecting a political party to have a well-defined platform. Abortion appears to be one of the major current issues, along with the 2nd Amendment, and illegal immigration. Pro and con are clearly delineated along party lines. As far as the war goes, that boils down to the poll taken in Congress whenever legislation affecting the War on Terror comes up for financial continuation. At first it was almost unanimous, about five years ago, but every pendulum has to swing eventually. I must admit, I don't like having only two choices, for anything. If everything was either pure good or pure evil, everything would be easy to decide. But here we are, in a world of hundreds of shades of gray. This country has had 3rd parties before, and none have ever taken hold. Is a successful "Third Party" just a pipe dream?

Nancy · Member

That's definitely an interesting thought about using organs from those who die from death penalty convictions-at least they would be helping someone after whatever crime they committed. My mom had a liver transplant last Easter so I know how important organ donation is. I really wouldn't have cared who my mom got her liver from. We were just glad she got one.

Nancy (Jorgensen) Dyk

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

But what right does the baby have in this thing? That's usually my argument. And usually the answer I hear, it's not a baby, it's just tissue. I really wonder if people really believe that or if it's just a way to remove their guilt. I bet every time a woman aborts a child, they carry a heavy load of guilt in their heart... at least anyone with any soul does (in my opinion)... regardless if you believe in a creator or not.

People who murder other people have the right to not murder. They pay for their actions. I support the death penalty 100%. I do admit that our system isn't perfect and at times we punish people who are innocent... and that's extremely unfortunate. When I hear about these child abductors who end up murdering their victim, I want to be the one doing the execution... (but that's just me I guess

). And with all the organ donation our country needs right now, I would like to see their organs donated. Wouldn't someone on their death bed rather have a liver from a murderer than die? Interesting thing to think about.

SKM · Senior Member

ok Steve...so in your thinking (correct me if I'm wrong) women have the responsibility to see it through. Even when the father denies everything? And it comes down to DNA tests and court ordered child support...etc. So it isn't a black or white issue. There's a whole gray area there that men seldom look at.
Women don't use abortion as a type of monthly birth control. Please don't let Religion cloud your mind. Religion is man made. I believe that any woman who finds herself in a situation like this, is between her and God. End of story! It isn't my business, or your business, nor the governments! Her body, her right! smile

-- Edited by SKM at 01:32, 2008-03-22

SKM · Senior Member

Expo... I'm assuming your refering to abortion. And I think it should be up to the woman. This should not be a government issue. It is (in my opinion) a very personal issue. Once again the government is butting in where they have no business being when it comes to this type of issue. I'm not looking to stir up a huge smack down debate here, I'm just voicing my opinion. smile

Steve Powell · Guru

Expositor, I don't look at the abortion issue as taking the womans right away, I look at it taking the Doctors right to do the abortion. This way it doesn't interfere with how I feel about the government trying to protect me from me. Helmets are there to protect me from me. That statement includes other people and how their driving affects me also. Same with seatbelts. I have a hard time with seatbelt laws.

That truly is a very difficult issue when you compound it with the death penalty. There are so many conservatives that agree with the death penalty but disagree with abortion.

When I argue with myself on this issue, one side of me says they are both murder and murder is against my religious beliefs since it's one of the ten commandments. But I also believe in another phrase that comes from the Bible that says something to the effect of "an eye for an eye".

So I sit in the corner of my dark room rocking back and forth in my chair....ok...so that part isn't really true....but it sure sounded appropriate after that last paragraph....

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

Hey Jeremy.. we do agree on something. Ron Paul does work hard.. totally agree with that. You can tell he's very comitted.

Expositor · Veteran Member

Your question on the helmet law presents another question. If you have the right to determine what happens to your own cranium, can you rationally deny a woman the right to determine what happens to her own personal self? This, to me, is something of a conundrum. confused

SKM · Senior Member

Expositor, I think you hit the nail on the head! I didn't even know who Ron Paul was or that he was running until I seen a sign on someones lawn here in town. I then seen him on some local NEWS casts but nothing on the Big Guys. (FOX NEWS, MSNBC) So I guess its still "Money Talks". It really makes me grumpy when I hear Obama and Clinton are getting there funds from less than upstanding people and then they spin it to make like they didn't know! If that is the case they should give the "donation" back, speak out against those who are robbing (for lack of a better word) us and then move on. I'm voting McCain. What other choice do I have? I'm tired of the Libs telling me "what's best for me!" All these stupid (in my opinion) laws that they pass for my benefit, I can do with out! IE. Helmet laws. If I choose to get on a bike or motorcycle (without a helmet) and have and accident that ends up killing me...well, thats a choice I made! It wouldn't be the best move I made but it was still MY choice!! The less the Government is in my business the happier I am!!!

-- Edited by SKM at 00:16, 2008-03-21

Expositor · Veteran Member

What really went wrong with the Ron Paul campaign, simple lack of money or a simple lack of support from the main Republican base? Or maybe nothing simple at all? confused

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

Hey Jeremy.. we do agree on something. Ron Paul does work hard.. totally agree with that. You can tell he's very comitted.

Willistonrecguy · Veteran Member

I do not know of a better system. But alot of things (admittedly not of life threatening degree) take a lot longer then they should. Our system is not efficent time wise or cash wise. But I do not see alot of politicians doing there best (Ron Paul one of the exceptions) to make it more efficient

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

Willistonrecguy wrote:

If something desperately needs to change, congress will usually be sure to make it happen.

This is a Joke, it is called JOB SECURITY

So, what are you saying? Are you saying you disagree with that statement. Elaborate please... give me some examples. Through my experience watching bills pass through the house and senate, many fall through due to the balance between dems and reps... and even during congressional majority issues we've had presidents veto.. this is all too common. However, serious issues do get their attention usually. Do you disagree with that?

Willistonrecguy · Veteran Member

If something desperately needs to change, congress will usually be sure to make it happen.

This is a Joke, it is called JOB SECURITY

Steve Powell · Guru

The alternatives to McCain are too controversial to be electable.

Hillary, being not only a woman but also the wife of a former president who stirred constant controversy during his terms and who has disenchanted himself from many senators, will have too much history and skeletons to have a fair shot.

Obama, obviosly just being black has caused the most of his controversy, will always have to be fighting that fight and won't have a fair shot either.

McCain runs on a Republican ticket but is far from being a true Republican. He might say that he is now to keep the right wing voters interested, but if he gets elected will go back to being the moderate that he is. Crikey, if he was as Republican as he says he is now, why did he consider jumping over and becoming a Democrat? At least I think he did, didn't he?

Anyways, with McCain you get less controversy, you get a moderate that will hopefully choose a fiscally conservative running mate, and you get experience.

My two and 3/4 cents. smile

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

rwaitman wrote:

I don't see any options but to vote for McCain....the alternatives are way too scary...

Realistically, one man or one woman will neither single-handedly rescue the country nor save the world. We have too many checks and balances in the system, and in the event of major splits in philosophies or a sense of what direction we need the country to go in, the politicians simply slow the process down and grasp at every little straw and quibble over little stuff so that in the end, it is just business as usual (delay and obfuscation) until the next group takes over, then we start the process all over again.

;o)

Which is a good thing in most cases. I'd rather the government do nothing than do something in most cases

. This is what makes the two-party system great. The checks and balances are very reasonable. If something desperately needs to change, congress will usually be sure to make it happen.

And "God Damn America" ..
oooops.. I mean God BLESS America! I accidentally slipped there from hearing that from a pastor I heard once

. Can you imagine hearing that comment in church and then continue to attend and be a member of that church?

rwaitman · Senior Member

I don't see any options but to vote for McCain....the alternatives are way too scary...

Realistically, one man or one woman will neither single-handedly rescue the country nor save the world. We have too many checks and balances in the system, and in the event of major splits in philosophies or a sense of what direction we need the country to go in, the politicians simply slow the process down and grasp at every little straw and quibble over little stuff so that in the end, it is just business as usual (delay and obfuscation) until the next group takes over, then we start the process all over again.

;o)

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

gundo wrote:

please not another clinton era.

-- Edited by gundo at 15:09, 2008-03-19

OK, I understand. I don't like Billiary Clinton either as our next president. But can you elaborate. Would you rather have Obama? And if so, why? Looking at the past, I would choose Bill Clinton over any demolitioncrats

right now.

Or is Mccain our best choice?

SKM · Senior Member

I'm with Bruce on this one! smile

Mica · Veteran Member

Funny, Bruce, I said that when Bush got elected! haha

gundo · Senior Member

please not another clinton era.

-- Edited by gundo at 15:09, 2008-03-19

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

Hey.. I like Jeremy's format. Just get it right out there!

Republican
1) Pro-life (only extreme cases used for abortion)

2) Smaller Government - Less government programs/more privatization

3) Personal responsibility (less lawyers)

4) Capitalism - Private enterprises, Pro-business, Less taxes

5) Pro-education (some of you will disagree with this one, that's for another thread). Just because the NEA belongs to the democrats doesn't mean democrats have the solution for the best education policies.

6) Second Amendment Support

7) Flat tax = fair tax

Democrat

1) Increase tax on the wealthy (meaning 500,000 and higher). I don't believe in "trickle down" economics at this level. There are too many tax advantages for people at this income level. And most of these advantages do not help or benefit the poor or middle class.

Who's got my vote? Mccain

Which democrat candidate do I like the best? Clinton (she already has 8 years of experience )

Do I think the electoral college system works? Yes (I'm sure Al Gore would disagree)

Do I like our two-party system? Yes

Steve Powell · Guru

I'm McCain for the most part. Ron Paul actually wasn't too far behind though. I'm guessing if Huckabee had been in the picture still, he'd be at the top of my list. Especially if they would have included a question about getting rid of the IRS.

ranramsey · Veteran Member

Mica wrote:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/select_a_candidate/poll.php?race_id=13

Mica...what a great link! I took it and it suggests that I vote for Obama. I sent this link to everyone....
Nice post.

Willistonrecguy · Veteran Member

I took the quiz and I am supposed to vote for hillary. Not gonna happen.

I believe that I am in the middle, but lean toward democrates. But I have always been a McClain Fan. Smart man, been through a lot.

Dem
Abortion- Pro Choice All the Way- It is a Women's Body and she has the right to decide what to do with it.

War- We need to wrap up this War/non war/police action/joint action with united nations/what ever you want to call it. I am not calling for pulling everything out today, but we need to have a plan to get out.

Green- We need to take care of our planet. Now!!!

Rep
Guns- Strongly believe in the right to bear arms. Just do not believe we need to bear automatic weapons.

Wealth- Work hard, save some money, live a relativly comfortable life. I do not need to be rich, but when i am 60-65-70 I do not want to have to work. Rep seem to be a little better as far as accumulation of wealth.

Illegal Immigrants- Take care of Americans first.

I do not think there is anything wrong with being a member of a party, it is just not for me. I have been all over the board when it comes to voting.

ALL THAT BEING SAID, I DO NOT CARE WHO YOU VOTE FOR, JUST VOTE!!!

Mica · Veteran Member

I had this quiz sent to me and was interested by the results. I am not totally up on all of the issues surrounding the Presidential election but this quiz asks pretty straight forward questions and then matches you to a candidate. Pretty interesting....

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/select_a_candidate/poll.php?race_id=13

I totally get what you're saying Jim and I'm one of those who, when asked, usually replies with "I'm a democrat who is more 'in the middle' than a raging liberal". It doesnt seem to me that our generation follows the 'either you're a democrat or republican - PERIOD' thing and I think that is okay. In my opinion, I dont agree with voting on party lines just because you say you are a democrat or republican. Vote on what you believe in and what is important to you. But get out there and vote - and try to be educated on the issues before you do!

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

OK, I'm sitting here during a conference call, I'm bored and thought I would strike up a new conversation. This one is about political parties since this year is a big year politically.

Personally, I get tired of that old easy "out" while talking about politics. You know, when you're talking with people about politics and that one person says "I don't belong to a political party or my ideology doesn't follow any specific platform", "I just vote for who I like the most". And so you continue with the discussion and it's like pulling teeth to get them to admit to any platform whatsoever. How frustrating is that? So then you find out while asking simple questions, perhaps about abortion, or taxes, or homosexuality (not that there's anything wrong with that). And you find out they basically follow either a conservative platform or a liberal platform. I have a hard time really understanding this "I'm in the middle" concept. If you really have feelings towards any of these issues, I just don't see how one can fall right in the middle.

Now I can understand avoiding the conversation in the workplace since most corporations would rather you be a zombie about anything that makes us human.

I do understand there are many folks that just don't care. At least they don't think they care. Even if things are happening in this world that are directly impacting lives, some just don't care or they just don't see the relationship between politics and their everyday lives. It's tough to hold political discussions with people that don't care.... other than trying to convince them to start caring

.

What's your opinion? Are there any of you out there that claim to be right "in the middle" politically? I've been known to vote for a "Republican" state senator one year and a "Democrat" state senator or representative another year. But how many of you see yourselves likely to vote for a "Democrat" president one year and another year vote for a "Republican". Just for the record, I've always voted for Republican presidents, and I'm proud of that

.