Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Vudak on April 07, 2006, 05:26:16 PM
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Am I A Republican?
I’m currently a member of the GOP. The question is, should I be? A few brief remarks on where I stand on the issues:
War in Iraq = I support it. Not because I think we were in any real danger, but because I feel the strong have a responsibility to protect the weak. At the very least we got rid of a madman. I wouldn't be against going to other oppressed regions, either.
Gay Marriage = I support it. I don’t see why two people in love shouldn’t have the same full opportunity to the pursuit of happiness that the rest of us enjoy. I've yet to hear a good reason not to have it.
Unequal Taxes = I’m against it. I think everyone should have the same rate. Any other option seems like punishing those who work hard. Some just inherit their wealth, but what can you do. (I'm also a big believer in the need for more generous *and reliable* charity)
Evolution vs. Religion = Everyone has the right to their beliefs. However, I feel both should be taught in schools, and both should be scrutinized. Kids can opt to absent themselves without penalty, of course.
Abortion = I personally don’t agree with it. However, I feel parents should have the right to choose. Note that I said “parents” in place of “women.” Fathers should have more of a say.
Gun Control = I have no problem with law-abiding citizens possessing firearms for sport or protection. A man needs to have the means to defend his family, and the general public has to have a last resort option against a dramatic change in government.
“God” in Pledge. = I don’t have a problem with it. If you don’t believe in a deity or have other reasons, feel free to omit the phrase.
Immigration = People who enter legally have every right to expect fair treatment and a fair shot. Those who enter illegally have every right to expect a quick escort home.
English = Each American should have the ability to converse with one another in the Lingua Franca – English. Social programs and benefits should have a clause requiring a basic proficiency of English (or current enrollment in an English class) for benefits to be available (like in Maine, well, dunno if they reversed it). English classes should be available free of charge to the poor.
No Child Left Behind = Against. I feel it takes away creative liberty from teachers and standardizes everything, thus making class boring. I don’t see how you have much hope of reaching out to a kid who hates school by making the classes even more mundane.
War on Drugs = Legalize possession of small amounts of some drugs already. Imprison those caught with large amounts. The government should really be producing and taxing some of the less harmful ones to fund some more social programs, like schools.
I’m not trying to start a flame war on any or all topics, and I respect that many of you will disagree with my views. I’m not here to defend them. All I want is your perception as to if I am a Republican, or merely a liberal in Republican clothes. I personally consider myself a moderate.
I'm just curious what you all think... I certainly don't fit in with some GOP members views, but agree with others.
So what am I?
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An independant.:aok
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Originally posted by nirvana
An independant.:aok
Being an independant would give up my right to vote in the primaries, I have to pick one.
Have to be honest though, this is more of a sociological study on what people from various parts of the country think my views make me. In CT, it could well be argued I'm GOP. But what of in other places?
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Pretty close to how I see things, I consider myself a middle of the road independant.
The dems and reps both sucks serious ass.
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I think your like a growing number of the population who are moving away from extreme right or left and are happy somewhere in the middle. I consider myself to be an Independent and have had no trouble voting for both Democrat and Republican presidents. I believe in voting for the right guy, not for who some party thinks is right.
As to what party you should belong to, I think there should be a new Moderate party. I'm fed up with the shenanigans of both the Democrats and Republicans.
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Originally posted by ChickenHawk
I think your like a growing number of the population who are moving away from extreme right or left and are happy somewhere in the middle. I consider myself to be an Independent and have had no trouble voting for both Democrat and Republican presidents. I believe in voting for the right guy, not for who some party thinks is right.
As to what party you should belong to, I think there should be a new Moderate party. I'm fed up with the shenanigans of both the Democrats and Republicans.
To bad we have not had a "right guy" running for the president in like 16 plus years :mad:
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Originally posted by GtoRA2
To bad we have not had a "right guy" running for the president in like 16 plus years :mad:
Your right. Let me rephrase that. Voting for the lesser of two weevil..... I mean the lesser of two evils.
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I'm actually beginning to call myself a "Constitutionalist" when people ask.
It's just that most of the time, a constitutionalist sides with the Republican party. The Democratic party is the absolute anti-constitution side...
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Originally posted by GtoRA2
Pretty close to how I see things, I consider myself a middle of the road independant.
The dems and reps both sucks serious ass.
Same here.
What we need is a true "Moderate Party"
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Originally posted by ChickenHawk
I think your like a growing number of the population who are moving away from extreme right or left and are happy somewhere in the middle. I consider myself to be an Independent and have had no trouble voting for both Democrat and Republican presidents. I believe in voting for the right guy, not for who some party thinks is right.
As to what party you should belong to, I think there should be a new Moderate party. I'm fed up with the shenanigans of both the Democrats and Republicans.
guess I shoulda read down a bit more before I replied. LOL
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well I wouldn't wanna be a Democrat
(http://www.ksdp.org/files/Donkey.jpg)
:lol
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
What we need is a true "Moderate Party"
Electing a statesmen or two instead of sleazy politicians would be a nice change.
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Take the Political Compass Test (http://www.politicalcompass.org/). Its not the most accurate due to slanted questions it asks, but it will give you a ballpark figure.
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Originally posted by Ripsnort
Take the Political Compass Test (http://www.politicalcompass.org/). Its not the most accurate due to slanted questions it asks, but it will give you a ballpark figure.
Took the test, you're right about the slanted questions, but, OTOH, it's the most indepth one I've yet encountered. Anyway, my results were:
Economic Left/Right: 1.25
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -1.18
Placing me, as people suggested and I suspected, pretty much right in the center. Ever so slightly Republican on the economy, and ever so slightly liberal on social issues (though from the few I originally posted, I wouldn't blame someone for thinking I was more liberal on them).
I'd agree with people that there should be a true Moderate Party. Kinda like Aces High, just seems to work out better with three countries. I'd also say that a truly Moderate Party would probably stand a decent chance of sticking around for awhile and grabbing a fair share (heck, possibly a small majority) of Senate seats. It seems to me that most 3rd parties throughout history in America have not been that far away from one of the major two, hence they don't stick around. A third party that really is centered could really take off. Pretty darn suprised it hasn't by now, to be honest.
About the only example I can think of is Teddy Roosevelt's 3rd party bid. Had alot of ranging views and did respectably well. Just couldn't survive without him.
Anyway, I'd just like to thank everyone for not turning this into a flame war, that's pretty remarkable :)
S!
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Are you familiar with the Libertarian party? While it doesn't address your 'vote in the primaries' concern, it might be worhtwhile to familiarize yourself with the platform.
I vote the issue and the person, not just a straight party line, but I've found that the Libertarian candidate is most likely to represent my views on issues regarding small government, the role of the government in personal life (minimal, please), etc etc.
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I'm disgruntled with both parties but as vudak has pointed out you would be out of the primaries. I have another concern regarding voting out side of the two major parties, namely (generally speaking) a vote for the independant candidate is vote for the democrats. Our mayor is a democrat and he will get my vote as long as he runs because he's effective and you can walk over to city hall ask to see him without an appointment and he usually will see you.
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Originally posted by Chairboy
Are you familiar with the Libertarian party? While it doesn't address your 'vote in the primaries' concern, it might be worhtwhile to familiarize yourself with the platform.
I vote the issue and the person, not just a straight party line, but I've found that the Libertarian candidate is most likely to represent my views on issues regarding small government, the role of the government in personal life (minimal, please), etc etc.
I'll definately have to look into it more, but the whole problem with Libertarian is it's basically in the same group as Green Party - never going to get elected. It's just picked up that stigma, fair or not.
It'd need a name change and some major PA/PR at any rate. The current one just doesn't have that recognition factor as per issues like "Republican" or "Democrat[ic]" do - don't see why they didn't just go with Centrist or Moderate.
I just am really not ready to give up that primary. I realise that CT isn't exactly a major contender in them, but I still like the idea that if a more centrist GOP candidate came along, I'd at least have some say, however insignificant.
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Originally posted by storch
I have another concern regarding voting out side of the two major parties, namely (generally speaking) a vote for the independant candidate is vote for the democrats.
I think you got that a bit backward. usually independents appeal more to people who would ordinarily vote democrat. their votes are pulled from the democrat base and give the Republicans the edge.
think of Nader for an example.
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I wouldn't get too wound up about voting in the primary elections. Unless you're going to vote for one of the party members in the general anyway, there's really no need.
I have become serious about my politics. I am fed up with the professional slimeballs we have in office and right or wrong, I'm going to the bullpen. I am an official volunteer member of an independant political campaign now. I decided it was time to put up or shut up. I've contributed time and money to the campaign and I really think we have a more than serious chance of winning the election if we get on the ballot.
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I realize that my endorsement will probably hurt more than help you around here, but....
WTFG Rpm!
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Originally posted by storch
a vote for the independant candidate is vote for the democrats. Our mayor is a democrat and he will get my vote as long as he runs because he's effective and you can walk over to city hall ask to see him without an appointment and he usually will see you.
Out of curiousity, why is that a problem? I mean disregarding the bi-political lines our smacktard politicians have drawn.
I personally would welcome one of those types of politicians, one I could personally speak to in any medium - including all those who voted for them at the local level. If they don't have time for the local base that voted them in, they are too busy pandering.
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Originally posted by Nash
I realize that my endorsement will probably hurt more than help you around here, but....
WTFG Rpm!
Thanks Nash! I take that as high praise.
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Originally posted by storch
... he's effective and you can walk over to city hall ask to see him without an appointment and he usually will see you.
Republicans know how to win elections, but have no idea how to actually govern. Watching them trying to make sense of it is like watching a kindergarten class.
Democrats don't know how to win elections , but sure as hell know how to govern.
It doesn't suprise me that on one hand, Storch spouts empty Republican rhetoric, and on the other is invited up to his "effective" Democratic mayor to be heard.
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Originally posted by rpm
I have become serious about my politics. I am fed up with the professional slimeballs we have in office and right or wrong, I'm going to the bullpen. I am an official volunteer member of an independant political campaign now. I decided it was time to put up or shut up. I've contributed time and money to the campaign and I really think we have a more than serious chance of winning the election if we get on the ballot.
Hmm... Putting in.... Personal... Effort...
I think you might be on to something here :D I second Nash's endorsement!
Who knows, maybe I can stir something up at the college... It would be nice to get students to stop being so darn polar and realize that both groups' newsletters are equally pieces of propaganda BS...
'Course, that would require some looking into who is actually a candidate around here with those sort of ideas.
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Don't necessarily think that if you have a problem with either of the major parties, that the solution lies with any of the third parties. From my own research, any of the third parties has a huge fault to it that I would rather pick a major party over the minor party.
The real solution lies with those who are not from a political background.
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Originally posted by Nash
Republicans know how to win elections, but have no idea how to actually govern.
Lincoln - worst President eva4!!!1111!!!!
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The two parties back then were complete opposites of what they are now. They both flipped, and if you think Lincoln would be a Republican today then you are sniffing far too much glue.
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Well, you didn't SAY today's Repub's. Damn, be more specific next time.
Don't be mad.
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The two parties back then were complete opposites of what they are now. They both flipped, and if you think Lincoln would be a Republican today then you are sniffing far too much glue.
And if you think that Lincoln would choose the current day Democratic Party over the current day Republican party, you need to wake the **** up and lay off the booze.
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Originally posted by lasersailor184
And if you think that Lincoln would choose the current day Democratic Party over the current day Republican party, you need to wake the **** up and lay off the booze.
Please... tell us how the Republican party has the same goals today as they did in the mid 1800s.
I quiver with anticipation.
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Originally posted by Ripsnort
Take the Political Compass Test (http://www.politicalcompass.org/). Its not the most accurate due to slanted questions it asks, but it will give you a ballpark figure.
The Dalai Lama turned out to be closest to my political thinking, diametrically opposite to George W. Bush. No surprise there, though.
(http://www.digitalronin.f2s.com/politicalcompass/images/internationalchart.gif)
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:lol Commie!
Can they not think of any celebrity to pin in the R/Lib quadrant?
I scored One square Right and a little more than a third of the way to the bottom.
Economic Left/Right: 1.25
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -3.90
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Originally posted by Ripsnort
Take the Political Compass Test (http://www.politicalcompass.org/). Its not the most accurate due to slanted questions it asks, but it will give you a ballpark figure.
Economic Left/Right 0.00
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian -6.10
I hate authority as you can see..:D
Interesting test thnx Rip.
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Originally posted by Nash
The two parties back then were complete opposites of what they are now. They both flipped, and if you think Lincoln would be a Republican today then you are sniffing far too much glue.
Nash is right here - Many Republicans today would probably have voted for JFK who in turn would probably disowned his embarassment of a brother - Mr. DWI Leave the Scene Chappa-Hiccup Ted. Minorities years ago voted mainly Republican - prob up until last 40 years or so.
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Originally posted by Nash
Republicans know how to win elections, but have no idea how to actually govern. Watching them trying to make sense of it is like watching a kindergarten class.
Democrats don't know how to win elections , but sure as hell know how to govern.
The Democrats have two plans:
1. Tax the piss out of everyone who makes money, and create/expand massive entitlement programs to buy votes from people who won't make the effort to make money.
2. If something nasty happens, whimper about it and have no spine to do anything.
(Joe Lieberman being an exception to both plans).
In other words, they don't even have a valid PLAN to govern with.
With your diminished level of intellect, I can see how kindergarten could be far above your ability to grasp its concepts.
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Originally posted by Nash
Republicans know how to win elections, but have no idea how to actually govern. Watching them trying to make sense of it is like watching a kindergarten class.
Democrats don't know how to win elections , but sure as hell know how to govern.
Interesting Opinion Nash - Winning elections may change this year -
truth is Republicans don't have the balls to do what is good for their party at the moment and are more worried about the 2006 and 2008 elections as they fear a possible defeat in the house and the senate. Some of their pandering makes me sick lately. I wish McCaine would just go Democrat - please take him.
Neither side knows how to govern or perhaps they do - they've just forgotten they way. The Democrats problem is they have no plan - They can't answer any of the big questions because they don't have any answers - no Solutions. All they know how to do lately is cry and whine on every Republican decision and try to run interference so nothing good comes out of a Republican Administration.
I personally would love to see a third party (Right side slanted) appear and clobber the two incumbant lines. It's frustrating to watch our elected leaders fight like the 4th graders in D.C. and get next to nothing accomplished each year. It's wishful thinking but it would be nice to shake up the complacency.
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Originally posted by Vudak
I'll definately have to look into it more, but the whole problem with Libertarian is it's basically in the same group as Green Party - never going to get elected. It's just picked up that stigma, fair or not.
It'd need a name change and some major PA/PR at any rate. The current one just doesn't have that recognition factor as per issues like "Republican" or "Democrat[ic]" do - don't see why they didn't just go with Centrist or Moderate.
I just am really not ready to give up that primary. I realise that CT isn't
No party in its beginning has a chance. but the longer its around. The better its chances become. Particularly if it picks up some big name support.
I agree Libertarian needs a name change.
I think part of its problem is it reminds too many people of "liberal" which has become an almost insulting lable to even liberals.
"Moderate party" sounds better. Its simple. yet discriptive.
Hey. They could always rename it The I'm as Mad as Hell And Im not Going To Take it Anymore Party"
Next Election so long as Hillary isnt the candidate I'll probably Vote Democrat Unless the Reps put up some sort of moderate suprduper Candidate. Rudolph Guliani is about the only Republican I'd vote for at this point. Though not for the reasons many would think.
Barring that If Hillary Runs, and Guiliani doesnt. I see myself as having two choices. Either abstain out of disgust. Or throw my vote at one of the third party candidates to send a message like I did with Perot.
BTW little known fact. the Day clinton was elected I turned to my wife and predicted his impeachment "Its only a matter of for what"
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Originally posted by capt. apathy
I think you got that a bit backward. usually independents appeal more to people who would ordinarily vote democrat. their votes are pulled from the democrat base and give the Republicans the edge.
think of Nader for an example.
You may be right. I know during the last election a good friend of ours a( and DIE HARD Democrat) would call us almost weekly on the phone knowing I've voted 3rd party before saying "remember, a Vote for Nader is a vote for Bush"
I would laugh at her and say "yea I know"
Finally I said "Hey isnt a Vote for Bush also a vote for Bush?"
she hung up. LOL
One of the most Die hard Dems I've ever known. Speaks and bases her opinion along party lines only. And whatever Rhetoric comes out of the Dem headquarters she takes as gospel.
Both sad and amusing at the same time.
about a week ago I was over her house and we got to argueing politics
When I said "Heres one we can probably agree on"
shes like "whats that"
I said "What do you think about Iran....."
I didnt even gett o finish my sentance And she cut me off saying
"I think its Bush's fault"
Congradulations Deb, Your brainwashing is complete
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Originally posted by Nash
Republicans know how to win elections, but have no idea how to actually govern. Watching them trying to make sense of it is like watching a kindergarten class.
Democrats don't know how to win elections , but sure as hell know how to govern.
It doesn't suprise me that on one hand, Storch spouts empty Republican rhetoric, and on the other is invited up to his "effective" Democratic mayor to be heard.
congradulations Nash.
Your brainwashing also. is complete.
You can pick up the certificate at the clerks office;)
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Originally posted by Vudak
Hmm... Putting in.... Personal... Effort...
I think you might be on to something here :D I second Nash's endorsement!
Who knows, maybe I can stir something up at the college... It would be nice to get students to stop being so darn polar and realize that both groups' newsletters are equally pieces of propaganda BS...
'Course, that would require some looking into who is actually a candidate around here with those sort of ideas.
bet the College finds a way and invents a reason to try and prevent it.;)
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Originally posted by DiabloTX
Lincoln - worst President eva4!!!1111!!!!
I'm not going to bother arguing the "it ain't the same party" angle.
I think the interesting point is how far back you had to go to find a decent one.
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You are probly a libertarian or a constitutionalist... That means that you have to hold your nose and vote republican in any election that there is the possibility that a democrat may get in.
If the republican candidate looks like a landslide then you should vote for the libertarian.
Freedom and the constitution is too important an issue to vote democrat.
Unfortuantely... you are only slightly better off voting republican.... walking towards socialism vs running full tilt towards it.
lazs
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rpm... who would it be? Kinky? what are his views?
lazs
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Originally posted by Vudak
Took the test, you're right about the slanted questions, but, OTOH, it's the most indepth one I've yet encountered. Anyway, my results were:
Economic Left/Right: 1.25
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -1.18
I've changed slightly since last taking this test alittle over 2 years ago,
Then:
Economic Left/Right: 2.75
Libertarian/Authoritarian: 0.87
Now:
Your political compass
Economic Left/Right: 1.25
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -2.05
Most likely due to some of the policies that I disagree with regarding the current administration.
Sandman, you should take it again, I found your score back then fascinating to say the least!
Sandman in Nov. 2003:
Economic Left/Right: -6.50
Libertarian/Authoritarian: -5.33
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
bet the College finds a way and invents a reason to try and prevent it.;)
Actually it's just a state school, and their pretty open to both sides, I don't think this would be a real issue. Bush has visited and there's also been a walkout regarding Iraq.
On has to remember, it's Connecticut. We get kind of a rap for being "ultra liberal" which, perhaps is true on many social issues. However, during the last Presidential election, I thought it was really interesting that during the early evening, WELL before the votes were tallied, they'd already given us to Kerry. When they actually were tallied, he did indeed win. However, only by a small margin (think maybe in the 51% area?)
CT really does have alot of people going both ways. I mean, Dred, you're from NJ, I'm sure you've been here and can back me up on that. Look at Bridgeport vs. Greenwich, for example.
Edit - Looked it up - it was 54.31% to 43.95% Kerry. Even so, that's hardly a landslide that the news made it out to be at first glance.
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Originally posted by lazs2
rpm... who would it be? Kinky? what are his views?
lazs
He’s for openness in government. He’s for casinos in Texas. He’s against “teaching the test,” which is what is happening these days in public education. He’s for limiting the power of the state’s paid lobbyists. He is for appointing nonpolitical, proven leaders to positions of power in state government.
Rather than go into a diatribe about his campaign, I invite you to follow the link in my sig. It will give you all the info you need to form your own opinion of The Kinkster.
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term limits, we do not need nor want professional politicians, there is a reason representatives have to be elected every two years.
get rid of gerrymandered "safe" congressional districts, elect them state wide or something.
it's supposed to be a "government of the people" not a government of the political parties.
i repeat..TERM LIMITS.
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hmm... seems that kinky is just a liberal democrat...
He wants to do away with testing in schools.... give teachers and schools even more money and make sure there is no chance for vouchers...
He also wants to have more socialized medicine....
seems he is just another tax and spend socialist..
I admit to being dissapointed... woulda been fun to be on his side.
lazs
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Originally posted by lazs2
Freedom and the constitution is too important an issue to vote democrat.
Democrats are against freedom, against constitution.....damn unpatriotic pinky liberal commie traitors...:noid
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Originally posted by Vudak
Actually it's just a state school, and their pretty open to both sides, I don't think this would be a real issue. Bush has visited and there's also been a walkout regarding Iraq.
On has to remember, it's Connecticut. We get kind of a rap for being "ultra liberal" which, perhaps is true on many social issues. However, during the last Presidential election, I thought it was really interesting that during the early evening, WELL before the votes were tallied, they'd already given us to Kerry. When they actually were tallied, he did indeed win. However, only by a small margin (think maybe in the 51% area?)
CT really does have alot of people going both ways. I mean, Dred, you're from NJ, I'm sure you've been here and can back me up on that. Look at Bridgeport vs. Greenwich, for example.
Edit - Looked it up - it was 54.31% to 43.95% Kerry. Even so, that's hardly a landslide that the news made it out to be at first glance.
On a seperate note and off topic a bit.
I used to go to Connecticut alot with my parents when I was a kid.
we used to go with a friend of my fathers who had a house right on the sound.
From what I rememeber its a beautiful state and would love to go back sometime.
Are the Fife & Drum musters still real big up there?
I seem to remember they had a couple going on every summer and we would always attend. Was real cool.
They would march down main street and would have what was supposed to be a prisoner would be escorted and executed by Cannon fire or Firing squad at the end.
I remember one time the prisoner tried to "escape" and ran into a pub 4 or 5 colonial dressed soldiers chased after him.
Took them a good 15-20 minutes to get him back out again LOL.
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Are the Fife & Drum musters still real big up there?
I seem to remember they had a couple going on every summer and we would always attend. Was real cool.
They would march down main street and would have what was supposed to be a prisoner would be escorted and executed by Cannon fire or Firing squad at the end.
I remember one time the prisoner tried to "escape" and ran into a pub 4 or 5 colonial dressed soldiers chased after him.
Took them a good 15-20 minutes to get him back out again LOL.
Well, I've never seen a mock execution, but, yeah, every single year during the Unionville (basically a subdivision of Farmington) Carnival there's a parade with Revolutionary soldiers and fife & drummers, etc., and on the 4th of July there's always various parades throughout the state with a military prosembly, representing past and present. I always kind of assumed that this was the norm throughout the country though, or at least (fife & drummer wise) the original 13?
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Originally posted by Vudak
Well, I've never seen a mock execution, but, yeah, every single year during the Unionville (basically a subdivision of Farmington) Carnival there's a parade with Revolutionary soldiers and fife & drummers, etc., and on the 4th of July there's always various parades throughout the state with a military prosembly, representing past and present. I always kind of assumed that this was the norm throughout the country though, or at least (fife & drummer wise) the original 13?
Beleive it or not while others may do it Your state is the only one I've seen it in. At least in any kind of size. But then again this was back in the late 60s
Oh yea the execution used to be my favorite part.
By "mock"
You mean it might not have been real??
Damn, that sucks
;)
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for you guys in finland.... yes... the democrats are against the constitution... or most of it anyway. And yes... they are socialists. Started with the biggest socialist FDR and more nails were added in the coffin by LBJ. two truely evil presidents.
lazs
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Originally posted by SirLoin
Economic Left/Right 0.00
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian -6.10
I hate authority as you can see..:D
Interesting test thnx Rip.
Lol Sirloin.... got you beat I think. Only on the other axis lol.
Economic Left/Right -9.25
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian -0.31
So as you can see.... I hate only corporations lol.
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Originally posted by john9001
term limits, we do not need nor want professional politicians, there is a reason representatives have to be elected every two years.
get rid of gerrymandered "safe" congressional districts, elect them state wide or something.
it's supposed to be a "government of the people" not a government of the political parties.
i repeat..TERM LIMITS.
I agree.... "politician" shouldn't BE a career.