|
Weather
Mar 27, 2004 11:59:19 GMT -5
Post by Mr._Shooter on Mar 27, 2004 11:59:19 GMT -5
Counselor...er, I mean, LS.... You (or, at least the website you found) made a persuasive case for why Bush must go. Now, make a persuasive case for why Kerry is the man. I'm just not willing to except the rationale that we should elect Kerry simply because Kerry isn't Bush. Incidentally, the only statement about Bush that isn't a indictment is that he forced the United States to withdraw from the World Court. Based on the fundamental differences between American law and international law (especially in the areas of evidence, civil and criminal procedure, and choice of law rules), I think the United States HAD to withdraw. To make a long story short, our national sovereignty (and the integrity of our nation's Constitution and laws) would have been compromised if we had remained a party to the World Court. Although the United States must cooperate with other nations in the international law arena (we don't live in a vacuum, after all), and although the United States must recognize that its laws are not superior to those of other nations, we simply cannot afford to undermine our own system in the name of international teamwork. Thus, I don't think our withdrawal from the World Court is a Bush blunder.
|
|
|
Weather
Mar 30, 2004 22:16:45 GMT -5
Post by LS on Mar 30, 2004 22:16:45 GMT -5
Counselor...er, I mean, LS.... Ah...just imagine that one. ;D In what form?? A pop quiz?? Point for point?? A 500 word essay?? A dissertation?? A thesis?? DuHbya's record is reason enough even 'a log' would be preferable and a vast improvement. However- I need more to go on...what are you looking for Shooter?? Domestic or foreign policy?? Which ones specifically?? To try to debate them all at once- point for point...well I'm afraid that would run well past the 10,000 character limit and take days to fully address. You say Kerry is 'wishy washy'- how so?? Moreso than DuHbya- the undisputed king of 'Flip-Flop'?? Are you looking for what Kerry proposes vs. DuHbya's policies?? (Hmmm...let's take a moment and remember some of DuHbya's 2000 campaign BS...I mean rhetoric..."I'm a uniter not a divider...The U.S. is not in the business of nation building..." ) Without even touching on Bushie manipulation, lies, non-disclosure, 'conflicts of interest,' persecution, disregard for the Constitution, etc. & so forth- let's generally talk personal economic survival and the infamous DuHbya 'fuzzy math'. Under DuHbya: I haven't had a raise since 2001 except for one 3% cost of living raise as of Jan. 1 of this year and I've gotten zero bonuses since 2000. My taxes have climbed 25% in the last year alone. (So much for the 3% 'raise'- it still leaves me 22% in the hole right there). Healthcare costs have seen double digit increases in every year DuHbya has been in office. My employer could no longer afford it- so if we wished to keep it we've had to personally cover the increases. Since 2001 my contribution has steadily increased and presently my coverage (having been forced to drop down a level due to the price increases) is costing me $100 weekly out of my paycheck (and I no longer have any dental coverage). Since 2001 my co-pays have jumped from $10 for prescriptions to $50. Doctors visits from $10 to $40. The ER from $35 to $75 (and as of this year no longer waived should I be admitted). Also as of this year- if I am admitted- I now have a deductible to meet on top of it!! Do the math- almost an $800 monthly premium- plus quadrupled or better co-pays for far less coverage. I've had to go without needed medication because I simply can't afford it- which has effected my 'quality of life.' (And yes- I've also been denied medications because they aren't on the HMO's 'formulary' even though my doctor had tried one which either proved ineffective or I couldn't take due to an adverse reaction). BTW- the CEO of my HMO took home a $4 million dollar paycheck last year... My investments...well thanks to the collapse of the stock market due to corporate fraud- most of that got wiped out. The IRA took a hell of a beating- and the mutual funds...well lost everything they'd built up plus pretty close to half of everything I'd personally contributed (while the thieves are cutting deals AND get to keep the stolen money...and what about the inaction regarding the Bushies' good buddy Lay??). Tried to ride it out- until it became glaringly apparent I was inevitably gonna lose it all- so what little's left is sitting in the bank earning a half percent...Yep. So much for 'retirement.' Right there Mr. Shooter- just between increases in taxes and healthcare...that leaves me with roughly a $600 per month deficit. Factor in MTA rate & toll hikes, gas & home heating fuel price increases, we just got socked with another 7% 'surcharge' on our electric bills...and all the other 'cost of living' increases on such 'luxuries' like food, various insurances (life, car, homeowners)...that paycheck deficit's pushing upwards towards $1000 per month. They released the cost of living figures for the Metro area. On just housing alone- rule of thumb is it should cost no more than 30% of one's yearly income. Here housing costs are pushing the 40% figure. Taking the average cost of housing here- it was determined one needed to make $40,000 a year to 'rent' and $65,000 to 'own' to offset the costs over that 30% ceiling. I 'own' Mr. Shooter, a very modest house (just under 900 sq. ft. in a modest working class neighborhood) and unfortunately today, while my salary falls over the 'rent' figure- it's a bit short of that 'own' figure- whereas 4 years ago it was well within the comfort zone- even factoring in the slightly higher interest rates of a few years ago. Last year was the first time since the other Bush I've had to tap my savings to cover my taxes. Ah- and the 'tax cuts.' I'm not married, have no children and (thanks to the stock market fraud collapse- modest though they were) I collect no dividends...so therefore I got no 'tax cut.' And the DuHbya said due to his tax cuts- the average taxpayer would see a $1600 refund. Oddly though- when I filed mine- I got a refund that was a little over $200 less than in previous years. Shall I go on Mr. Shooter?? Let's see- my full time job has me working 12 to 18 hour days (someone has to pick up the slack of the people who've been laid off). I've taken on a weekend job and have gone back to occasionally gigging- when I can find one- for a little more extra $$. I just can't see where I can possibly fit in yet another job to make the ends meet. So...I work 7 days a week and haven't had a vacation (forget 'vacation' in any real sense- just 7 consecutive days off) since Christmas of 2000. Let's see...DuHbya's 'tax cuts' were supposed to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Hasn't happened. We've bled 3 million jobs (both blue & white collar)- and keep bleeding them with no end in sight. The only other 'plan' I've heard out of his pathetic mouth is 'retraining' for our 'new economy.' What 'new economy,' 'retrain' for what jobs...and exactly who's paying to 'retrain' people?? He doesn't exactly seem too forthcoming with the answers to those questions. Kerry on the other hand proposes to remove tax cuts/incentives for companies who move/hire overseas and give that money as tax cuts/incentives to companies who stay in this country and hire Americans. He also proposes to roll back the tax cuts for the wealthy and give them to the working class. Why not?? I'm obviously paying more than my fair share- while the same can't be said of the wealthy who don't pay their fair share and stash it in tax shelters. He also says healthcare will be one of his priorities...Is any of this a given?? Perhaps not...but it's something- perhaps a starting point at the least- and more than I've seen DuHbya do or even propose... The way I figure it Shooter- I can possibly hang on till the end of the year before I become another one of his bankruptcy/foreclosure/'discouraged worker' statistics...and I'll be damned if I stand by and watch everything I've worked hard all my life for lost due to an inept jackass. Will Kerry be better?? He can't be any worse- most certainly not worse than someone who's track record includes plunging the state he was Governor of into record deficit, then went on to run up a record National deficit as President- which has plunged millions of Americans into their own personal deficits. There's only one way to find out and that's 'change' since the status quo ain't working. The economic circumstances were bleak under Bush 1 and he had to go- the working class had too much at stake. That gamble paid off- and this is another I'm more than ready & willing to take- 'cause for starters DuHbya's 'fuzzy math' (as predicted) just ain't working... Next?? This one I can't even begin to debate with you Shooter until you first clarify exactly what type of law we're presently living under. The Bushies seem to have made up their own...it's most certainly not American/Constitutional law...no definitely not. Not when American citizens are being denied their right to due process (innocent until proven guilty, one cannot be held indefinitely without being charged with a crime, the right to counsel, a fair & impartial trial before a jury of one's peers...and all that other 'American law/Constitutional' jazz ) and the Administation repeatedly ignores the rulings of Federal judges. And it's not international law...no- not when people convicted of terrorist crimes will most likely walk free because the hands of foreign judges are tied because this Administration refuses to turn over evidence that would keep them in jail.
|
|
|
Weather
Mar 30, 2004 22:22:11 GMT -5
Post by LS on Mar 30, 2004 22:22:11 GMT -5
Rim shot! You are a rip girl but I thought you swore off all things Bush because it's very bad for the blood pressure. ;D LOL!! Soooooooo true...but just can't seem to help myself ;D - and as that wise ancient philosopher Plato once said..."One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors" and boy he wasn't kidding!!
|
|
|
Weather
Apr 5, 2004 15:42:41 GMT -5
Post by Mr._Shooter on Apr 5, 2004 15:42:41 GMT -5
You may not have convinced me on every point, LS, but you sure did clean out my ears...and you rang my bell pretty good, too. I like the fact that, in your case, LS, politics is personal. Too many Americans view politics as something that exists "out there," something that doesn't register on a personal level. I think that's the reason Bush is still polling at or above 50%. Now come on, LS, tell me how you REALLY feel. ;D
|
|
|
Post by Countrylyricman on Apr 6, 2004 1:34:40 GMT -5
You may not have convinced me on every point, LS, but you sure did clean out my ears...and you rang my bell pretty good, too. I like the fact that, in your case, LS, politics is personal. Too many Americans view politics as something that exists "out there," something that doesn't register on a personal level. I think that's the reason Bush is still polling at or above 50%. Now come on, LS, tell me how you REALLY feel. ;D I'm with LS. time for DubYA to go. I think he handled the 9/11 thing well but to use it and/or the war as a tactic is crazy (I think Kerry should steer clear of that topic too). Talk about the economy and other issues. The "war" is there and the troops need to be supported but the economy is #1. I also think going after "smut" on radio/TV is rediculous as is the whole "gay" issue.
|
|
|
Weather
Apr 6, 2004 23:41:57 GMT -5
Post by LS on Apr 6, 2004 23:41:57 GMT -5
You may not have convinced me on every point, LS, but you sure did clean out my ears...and you rang my bell pretty good, too. I like the fact that, in your case, LS, politics is personal. Too many Americans view politics as something that exists "out there," something that doesn't register on a personal level. I think that's the reason Bush is still polling at or above 50%. Now come on, LS, tell me how you REALLY feel. ;D LOL!! Sure Shooter- open a line of debate and then take the coward's way out!! (And here I thought Duck Duck Goose was a nursery school game...)
|
|
|
Weather
Apr 7, 2004 12:39:31 GMT -5
Post by Mr._Shooter on Apr 7, 2004 12:39:31 GMT -5
LOL!! Sure Shooter- open a line of debate and then take the coward's way out!! (And here I thought Duck Duck Goose was a nursery school game...) Coward? Fair enough, I guess. After all, I sometimes like to take the Alec Baldwin approach to politics. ;D But I also know that there's no swaying someone who's mind is already made up, especially when I'm not sure what I should be swaying you away from...or toward, for that matter. I think we both agree that Bush needs to go. Your screed against Bush, inasmuch as it was directed toward me, belies the fact that I too have no use for the man (if I were an apologist for Bush, his enemies would be gloating). You pretty much hit all of the high points (or low points, in this case), and although I may disagree with some counts of your indictment, you generally preached to a choir of which I am a stalwart member. And if you wish to challenge that assertion by pointing to the fact that I am a conservative Republican, all I can say is, I may be a dumb Republican, but I certainly ain't stupid. Here's my deal in a nutshell. Even though I religiously watch the news, Kerry remains a mystery to me. What I HAVE heard from the man neither recommends him nor sells him short; he's neither good nor bad. Would he represent a breath of fresh air, after what Bush hath wrought? Sure (heck, even Ralph Nader would freshen up the scene if elected). Would he put more money in all of our pockets and jump start the overall economy? Maybe, if he could cajole Congress into doing what's right instead of what's politically expedient. Would he create jobs? I don't know...is he hiring? Would he handle international crises with more aplomb? Probably, given that he doesn't share Bush's blind revenge mindset and has no use for war. Would he be able to deal with domestic terror threats without rolling back certain legal protections? Maybe, although it would be an uphill challenge for ANYONE to strike the proper balance between increased scrutiny and personal liberty (remember, even Abe Lincoln rolled back constitutional protections to prevent anarchy during the Civil War). So, LS, while I'm not a shill for Bush, I cannot be an advocate for Kerry AT THIS POINT IN TIME (if, in your eyes, this is equivalent to me saying "4 More Years of Bush," then I can't win). However, to paraphrase (and recontextualize) Mark Twain's remark about New England weather, my attitude toward Kerry might change if I were to just wait a minute. Perhaps, in that minute, Kerry could convince me that he's the ONLY solution to the problems Bush hath wrought. The bright side is, Kerry has a lot of minutes left until Election Day.
|
|
|
Weather
Apr 15, 2004 23:24:43 GMT -5
Post by LS on Apr 15, 2004 23:24:43 GMT -5
A rather baffling comeback Shooter... You posed to me the following: "Now, make a persuasive case for why Kerry is the man. I'm just not willing to except the rationale that we should elect Kerry simply because Kerry isn't Bush." I didn't ask you to convince me of anything - you're quite right my mind is 100% made up...it was in '00 and it is today- and nothing will change it. The past 3 1/2 years have only reinforced it. I'm also not sure what it is you disagree with me on...I said nothing to agree or disagree with. I simply provided you with a few examples of what I've personally endured for the past 3 1/2 years under DuHbya's policies (or lack of) and <choke, gasp> 'leadership.' I haven't much use for politicians nor the party system. 'Campaigns' are merely massive photo ops...or as one reporter put it- rich folks talking to other rich folks in front of 'the help.' Campaign promises?? Not worth a wooden nickel as rarely are any kept. As a registered Independent with absolutely no partisan ties- I tend to ignore, simply put- the BS and look at a candidate's background. I'm not interested in the personal aspect of their lives per se- just their capabilities, stability and capacity for common sense- their past track records so to speak. As I said...Kerry has presented himself to me as being capable of the job- no more, no less. You are mistaken if you're under the impression I'm some gung-ho Kerryite because to be honest- none of the candidates exactly wowed me. For that matter- I've yet to be 'wowed' by a single Presidential candidate in all the time I've been of voting age (Clinton perhaps came closest when his 2nd term rolled around). You seem to be confusing 'solution' with 'alternative.' There is no solution to what ails our government at this point- short of tearing it down and starting over...so what we are left with are merely alternatives to work with. Let's be realistic for a moment. This country was in a similar (though not as dire) situation under a previous Bush. The status quo was not working back then either. At that point in time Clinton didn't exactly 'wow' me over either and when election time rolled around- the final choices were...Bush 1, Clinton and a few unviable 3rd party candidates. The majority DID indeed simply vote for Clinton because he wasn't Bush. As our political system happens to work- (despite my initial skepticism) Clinton was the only viable alternative put before us to vote on...so when it comes down to the nitty gritty- what is irrational about voting for the alternative simply because the status quo is so obviously not working and the alternative might?? And Mr. Shooter...trying to compare the present to the state of the country as it was under Lincoln is just a wee bit of a stretch. Presently this country is neither on the verge of collapse or anarchy as it was in Lincoln's time. And in a twist of irony it was Lincoln who also tragically proved that the country wouldn't collapse and would indeed survive the sudden loss of a President (even in times of internal/international turmoil) showing that the 'transfer of power' safeguard did work- and works well. As far as terrorism- that's been around forever and something that will never be eradicated. We've lived with 'home-grown' terrorism (ie: the KKK, the radical groups of the 60s, McVeigh, etc. & etc.) without sacrificing our rights and freedoms and it's simply a matter now that our government must be more vigilant in watching both the front and back doors. But it shouldn't involve compromising the very principles, rights and freedoms this country was built on. Anything to the contrary and terrorism wins. (And yes this is coming from someone who experienced both attacks on the WTC- up close & personal). "Democracy." Well no one told this country it had to be one- and it took 200+ years of Americans working out the kinks to get to the point we are today...America evolved in it's own good time. Utopian ideals are just as dangerous as extremist ideals. Your statement was: "What I HAVE heard from the man neither recommends him nor sells him short; he's neither good nor bad." Perhaps Shooter- that's really not such a bad thing- and perhaps at this point in time the best thing for this country is someone who's not a divisive, polarizing force...but the kind of person who may be able to find a reasonable middle ground. That said Mr. Shooter...No one else has stepped up to the plate offering their services, and such that our system is- Kerry soundly beat his opponents and won the nomination. So barring the pre-mature death of either candidate- our choices will be DuHbya or Kerry and in some places possibly Nader (if he doesn't call it quits beforehand). And if Kerry still hasn't 'wowed' you by Election Day...whatever will you do Shooter??
|
|
|
Weather
May 11, 2004 22:41:48 GMT -5
Post by SanAntonioMike on May 11, 2004 22:41:48 GMT -5
Wow, I thought this thread was about weather. I was going to discuss the fact that I can't get a Snickers bar from the grocery store to the truck without it turning liquid, but the whole Bush/Kerry thing?
I'm in the "anyone but Bush" camp, there, Shooter. I don't care who's running against him. But to be honest, I'm still living in denial. I never dreamed he'd beat Ann Richards, much less go on to be president. For over a decade, I've been the guy saying, "He'll never be governor." "Don't worry, he won't win the Republican primary." "There's no way he'll win the general election."
So far, as you can see, I haven't the best track record...
|
|
|
Weather
May 12, 2004 9:53:38 GMT -5
Post by Mr._Shooter on May 12, 2004 9:53:38 GMT -5
Wow, I thought this thread was about weather. I was going to discuss the fact that I can't get a Snickers bar from the grocery store to the truck without it turning liquid, but the whole Bush/Kerry thing? I'm in the "anyone but Bush" camp, there, Shooter. I don't care who's running against him. But to be honest, I'm still living in denial. I never dreamed he'd beat Ann Richards, much less go on to be president. For over a decade, I've been the guy saying, "He'll never be governor." "Don't worry, he won't win the Republican primary." "There's no way he'll win the general election." So far, as you can see, I haven't the best track record... ;D Well now, I think this thread WAS about the weather, way back at the very beginning. But, as usual, the wheels came off somewhere along the way, and LS and I just sort of morphed into rambunctious political pundits. ;D Given your track record, SAM, I have only one tip for you: don't bet on the horses.
|
|
|
Weather
May 13, 2004 0:54:32 GMT -5
Post by LS on May 13, 2004 0:54:32 GMT -5
Geeze SAM...you know Shooter & I can never behave ;D and besides- we've always gone to LA- via Omaha. ;D ;D (But on the subject of weather...whoever stole Fall & Spring- I demand they be returned NOW!! )
|
|
|
Weather
May 16, 2004 14:43:57 GMT -5
Post by Mr._Shooter on May 16, 2004 14:43:57 GMT -5
|
|
|
Weather
May 17, 2004 22:14:21 GMT -5
Post by SanAntonioMike on May 17, 2004 22:14:21 GMT -5
There sure was no such thing as "spring" 'round these parts. It was 60 degrees one day and 98 two days later. Sis, I think from your neck of the woods passing through Omaha is on the way to L.A. ;D Now, go via Anchorage.... ;D Shooter, I gotta tell ya, I woulda done okay this weekend on the ponies -- I was pullin' for Smarty and/or Rock Hard Ten, and it was win and place, respectively.
|
|
|
Weather
May 18, 2004 23:23:48 GMT -5
Post by LS on May 18, 2004 23:23:48 GMT -5
There sure was no such thing as "spring" 'round these parts. It was 60 degrees one day and 98 two days later. Yep that's what we've been having...one day it was 50 and the next in the high 80s. Problem is it's been going back and forth like that every few days...something's definitely not right around here when the daffodils are blooming with the lilacs!! Hmmm...I was always pretty good at geography - but unless they moved Omaha since last I went ;D - it's about a state or so north of the most direct route from here to LA. Hey- but Anchorage works too... ;D
|
|
|
Weather
Jun 5, 2004 10:56:23 GMT -5
Post by SanAntonioMike on Jun 5, 2004 10:56:23 GMT -5
It was 110 here yesterday. Global warming, indeed. Okay, it's not direct through Omaha, but you CAN go that route without much going out of your way. Take Interstate 80 from New York to Julesberg, Colorado, and then take 76 to Denver; that'll take you right through Omaha -- and it actually looks like it'd be just as fast or faster than 70 through Kansas ( for the completest, you then join up on the 70 out of Denver to the 15 and straight down to Vegas and L.A. ). ;D 80 also looks like it avoids most of the toll roads. (I wonder if this is the difference between the "northern way" and the "southern way" that Joey and Phoebe discussed on "Friends" when Joey drove to Vegas...) Did I ever mention I love maps? ;D
|
|