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    marye
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    Here and there in the forums people are expressing their enthusiasm for particular candidates in the upcoming U.S. elections, while others are saying Enough Already, We Don't Want To Hear About It. So, this is the right place to discuss your favorites (or non-favorites) and other matters relevant to the campaign. If you're not into it, skip this topic! And as for all you non-U.S. residents, if you want a similar topic for what's going on in your part of the world, speak up and I'll start it. Thanks!

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  • Bamski
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    Not into Politics
    I am not really interested in politics and don't think this site should be a forum for political conversation. But that is niether her or there. I view John McCain as the best of the options likely to be on the ticket for President. I am interested in increased levels of defense spending, lower taxes for both corporations and individuals, smaller government, and the privatization of social security (which will likely never happen). Nonetheless, my vote really means nothing in liberal New York, where I just get my vote on the record and is not enough to put a Republican candidate over the top. Mr. Pid, you are correct when you say that the President gets too much credit and too much blame regarding the strength and weakness in the economy. Actually, the Federal Reserve probably plays a greater role in the health of the economy than the President does. This is something that is lost on most people. Just my quick 2 cent political rant.
  • Mr. Pid
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    Recapping Roles
    I wouldn't purport to speak for Mr. Obama, but I would like to make a response to the thrust of Ms. Glick's piece. Given the target audience and venue of publication of her article, I can well understand her preoccupation with the import to Israel of the US Presidential election. While US foreign policy is certainly a relevant and germane issue, it is NOT the most ordinate one. The election of a US President is about what's best for the US, not what's best for Israel. Further, US policy towards the Arab and Muslim worlds hasn't exactly been a shining beacon of success and infusing some fresh perspectives there might produce a more constructive future for all, including Israel. As far as a President's ability to "lead" our economy, I think it's important to remember how the basic structure works. All money (i.e. spending) bills originate in the House of Representatives, and must pass muster in the Senate before being forwarded to the Executive branch for final authorization and implementation. The Executive branch has no power to introduce any spending plans of it's own. It is more than welcome, and usually does draft suggestions of what spending they would like to make, but it is the Legislature that actually creates the acts and laws that cause all government spending to occur. That's why I chuckle every time I read some rose colored glass filtered story about the economic prosperity of the Clinton administration. As though Mr. Clinton had anything to do with it. Does everyone remember who was running the Legislature in the 90's? Nevertheless, it is the common misconception that the President deserves the credit - or blame - for the relative success of what is basically a free market economy. In addition to electing a new President this November, every single seat in the House is also on the ballot, along with one third of the seats in the Senate. Just something to keep in mind. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
  • deadheadkid
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    OBAMARAMA
    I like Obama for his support of small buisness, but Id be cool with having just about anyone besides Bush in office. Nader would be cool too. yay cool moose party.
  • grog man
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    unity
    I'm ready to see some real unity in this country and to get back to a place where people around the world take us seriously again. The problem I see with all of these candidates is that non of them seem to have a strong stance on foreign relations.
  • sakparadise
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    Regarding Obama
    Does he have the ability to lead this country out of it's current mess? Or will he behave like most Democrats and be afraid to govern? All his talk about change will go out the window when he fails in universal health care, aiding Kosovo, tuirniong the econonmy around. Remember, this country will expect quick results and when the country does not get the results can he handle the pressure?
  • cosmicbadger
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    the gloves are off in the land of the free
    that nasty Mr Obama, consorting with foreigners, getting dressed up foreigner outfits, knowing people who have radical views, taking an interest in different perspectives as to how things are and might be, not buying into the orthodoxy of the paranoid 'us (=US) and them' world view. Hell pretty soon we are going to hear that he was once mean to a puppy and went to a Dixie Chicks show.
  • Peachy
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    Can not believe the politics of Heads!
    I support Obama as any good Head with their eyes open can see Obama isa great man! All the negativity is amazing! If you are a SEER as are Bob, Phil snd Mickey we ALL saw the X factor in Obama- you can HEAR Truth in his voice just as you COULD HEAR IT in the DEAD. I was ASTOUNDED TO FIND MY BROTHERS all agreed enough to reunite- SOMETHING is Happening here and all the pro Israel pro war posters have lost touch. Feel the FORCE- OBAMA has it! WE ALL INDEPENDENTLY CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION! ASTOUNDING! LIKE- HEY THIS GUY IS DIFFERENT! Great work boys......and play like its your last GIG always! Black Peter is upon us all...... AUM Peachy!!! GO OBAMA! "if the Thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!"- The Wheel "Gonna find out something only dead men know" - Silvio Class of Red Rocks '79... Life without the Dead is not life...and so we carry on...
  • Easywind54
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    As a person that support Obama, I would like him to answer this.
    I find this disturbing, and have not seen any response to it. THE AUDACITY OF TRUTH Caroline Glick Jerusalem Post, January 21, 2008 …Barack Obama has a good chance of securing his party's nomination for president and winning the general election…. Although the rumors that Obama—whose father and step-father were Muslims and who was educated in Muslim schools in Indonesia—is a Muslim are demonstrably false, his Christian affiliations are a cause for alarm in and of themselves. Obama belongs to the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Its minister and Obama's spiritual adviser is Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. In an investigative report on Obama published last week by the American Thinker Web site, Ed Lasky documented multiple examples of Wright's anti-Jewish and anti-white animus. Wright has called for divestment from Israel and refers to Israel as a "racist" state. Theologically, he believes that the true "Chosen People" are the blacks. Indeed, he is a black supremacist. He believes that black values are superior to middle class American values and that blacks should isolate themselves from the wider American society. Wright is a long-time friend of the virulently anti-Semitic head of the Nation of Islam—fellow Chicagoan Louis Farrakhan. The two traveled together to Libya some years ago to pay homage to Muammar Gaddafi. Last year Wright presented Farrakhan with a "Lifetime Achievement" award…. Obama's affiliation with Wright aligns with his choice of financial backers and foreign policy advisors. To varying degrees, all of them exhibit hostility towards Israel and support for appeasing jihadists. As Lasky notes, Obama has received generous support from billionaire George Soros. In recent years, Soros has devoted himself to replacing politicians who support fighting the forces of global terror and supporting Israel with politicians who support appeasing jihadists and dumping Israel. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Obama opposed defining Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group. He calls for the US to withdraw from Iraq - only to return if genocide is being carried out and then, only as part of an international force. He also supports opening negotiations with Iran even if the Iranians continue to enrich uranium. In forming these views, he is assisted by his foreign policy team which includes Zbigniew Brzezinski, Mark Brzezinski, Anthony Lake, Susan Rice and Robert Malley. All of these people are known either for their anti-Israel views or their pro-Arab views—or both. Malley, a Palestinian apologist invented and propagated the false claim that the 2000 Camp David summit between the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and then prime minister Ehud Barak failed because Israel wasn't serious about giving the Palestinians a state. This view is disputed by Barak and Clinton. For her part, as chief foreign policy advisor to Senator John Kerry during the 2004 presidential elections, Susan Rice reportedly convinced Kerry to announce that if elected he would appoint Jimmy Carter and James Baker to serve as his envoys for Middle East peace. Mark Brzezinski has openly called for unconditional negotiations with Iran. For more than 30 years, Zbigniew Brzezinski has distinguished himself as one of Israel's greatest foes in Washington. Unfortunately, in the anti-war frenzy now gripping much of the Democratic Party, one could say that there is nothing notable about the fact that Obama has hired anti-Israel foreign policy advisors, attends an anti-Israel church, and receives financial backing from anti-Israel billionaires. But even in this atmosphere Obama stands out—for not only does he theoretically support appeasement, he is actively advancing the interests of Islamists seeking to take control over a state allied with the US. [In] Kenya…elections pitted incumbent President Mwai Kibaki against Raila Odinga who leads the Orange Democratic Movement. While the polls showed the public favoring Odinga, Kibaki was declared the winner. Odinga rejected the results and his supporters have gone on rampages throughout the country that have killed some 700 people so far…. Kibaki is close ally of the US in the war against Islamic terror. In stark contrast, Odinga is an ally of Islamic extremists. On August 29 Odinga wrote a letter to Kenya's pro-jihadist National Muslim Leaders Forum. There he pledged that if elected he would establish Sharia courts throughout the country; enact Islamic dress codes for women; ban alcohol and pork; indoctrinate schoolchildren in the tenets of Islam; ban Christian missionary activities, and dismiss the police commissioner, "Who has allowed himself to be used by heathens and Zionists." Although Odinga is an Anglican, he referred to Islam as the "one true religion" and scorned Christians as "worshipers of the cross." Obama strongly supports Odinga who claims to be his cousin. As Daniel Johnson reported recently in the New York Sun, during his 2006 visit to Kenya, Obama was so outspoken in his support for Odinga that the Kenyan government complained to the State Department that Obama was interfering with the internal politics of the country. …. It can only be hoped that in the coming weeks and months ahead of the presidential election, the political center of American politics will reassert itself and that the final race will be between leaders who abjure bigotry and understand that foreign policy is neither about minding your business nor being polite. It is about opposing enemies, supporting allies and knowing the difference between them.
  • lauowolf
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    Obama has great pr, but I
    Obama has great pr, but I fear it is all an optical illusion.But before you hand him the keys to the store, try goggling Obama/Exelon. This guy is heavy in bed with nuclear, and that scares the shit out of me. And anyone else remember recent elections where you've been bombarded this heavily with how charismatic and charming the candidate is? Hell, they said Reagan was an orator. And Bush was the guy you wanted to have a beer with. I haven't seen much content from Obama, but I have seen a lot of spin, much of it painfully dishonest. I wish the band had stayed on the sidelines a little longer on this one.
  • bagus
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    Deadheads for Obama
    Hey.. I created a Deadheads for Obama widget (sprout) using my new company's technology at http://sproutbuilder.com http://greenhouse.sproutbuilder.com/sprout/seed/FACwDX14AGFPBBwp You can also see updated versions at: http://sproutbuilder.com/deadheads Hope you all enjoy it and spread the word. peace, carnet
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Here and there in the forums people are expressing their enthusiasm for particular candidates in the upcoming U.S. elections, while others are saying Enough Already, We Don't Want To Hear About It. So, this is the right place to discuss your favorites (or non-favorites) and other matters relevant to the campaign. If you're not into it, skip this topic! And as for all you non-U.S. residents, if you want a similar topic for what's going on in your part of the world, speak up and I'll start it. Thanks!
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thanks, badger. a couple more weeks in the cold rain and snow before we shove off. back on topic: Hillary took New, Live Free or Die, Hampshire, it seems. What will happen next?? peace.
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...looks like you need to learn to cry on demand to get more votes Joe!
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Anyone else here concerned that America might be too backwards to elect either a woman or a black man as president?I'm anxious to get the republicans out of the white house for a while, but I fear that if the Democrats end up with Hillary or Obama - we will have to face the specter of more republicans.... I don't trust my country to do the right thing in an election... every time that I've gotten excited about a candidate in the past, I've ended up disappointed. And even though I live in liberal California, I know plenty of CA rednecks who are sexist and racist enough to avoid Hillary and Obama like the plague... I hope my gut feeling is wrong.
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Home of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan? If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
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they were from SOUTHERN California, and about the only liberals in SoCal are connected to the colleges, the entertainment biz, etc. This is a slight exaggeration but speaking as one born and raised there, more of my family are Republicans than not. The Bay Area is different and I'm much more at home here; indeed about the time Bush launched the Iraq invasion there was semi-facetious talk about the nine Bay Area counties just seceding. But we all know how that turned out the last time around.
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yes, indeed, neddles; I have considered what you say. quite true in some ways, look at Mondale and Ferraro-- even though that was quite a while back. badger, I CAN cry on demand. didn't you know ONE of the hidden meanings of the CC moniker is 'Capriciously Crying"?? a skill I developed long ago, though it never got me out of any speeding tickets, just garnered me odd looks from the highway patrol. sigh. peace.
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Mr. PID & Sunshine-daydream! And badger, you're no fool either! What are you guys doing, the next 4 years (or so)? "If the forms of this world die, which is more real, the me that dies or the me that's infinite? Can I trust my habitual mind, or do I need to learn to look beneath those things?"
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But just couldn't help responding to the California liberal remark. We have a divide in Washington, we call the Cascade Curtain. West is liberal and east generally conservative, though there are some Democrats in our statehouse from Spokane and we just elected a liberal woman mayor here. But most of the eastside here is pretty conservative to put it mildly. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
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Hal, you and marye need to keep your calendars open, as well. We may not accomplish much, but can you imagine the music diversity in the elevators? Our ticket slogan, "Messing with minds, one at a time!" "If the forms of this world die, which is more real, the me that dies or the me that's infinite? Can I trust my habitual mind, or do I need to learn to look beneath those things?"
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All right, I would get involved in the CCJoe, GRTUD ticket as long as I could be in charge of the inauguration parties. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
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Hey now, thank you very kindly, GRTUD. And exactly how long will it be before Golden Road slams me for attempting to defy the whims of the Great Magnet? Unless I greatly misunderstand things, I suspect that Messrs Daydream and Badger may suffer from a residency issue. I don't have that particular problem, but (and I'm sure that this will come as a shock to some of you) I probably have one or two items in the unejectable baggage of my past that would probably be showstoppers. But it is fun to consider an environment where a person's current issues and ideals mattered more than any past, indiscretions, shall we say. As for the elevator music, screw that! Full sound reinforcement stacks on the roof of the White House, baby, patched directly into the Vault. Flood the mall!!!! And how about this for a slogan: Acid rain? We're on it! Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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I've passed your recent remarks on to "him", Mr. Pid. (GRTUD shudders) Now you've done it... I hope you're not allergic to feathers (or electricity). There are some things that even a game of golf cannot undo. I do like the slogan, though. "If the forms of this world die, which is more real, the me that dies or the me that's infinite? Can I trust my habitual mind, or do I need to learn to look beneath those things?"
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I'm okay with electricity, in small doses (wink, wink) and as for feathers, as long as tar isn't involved I'm probably good there as well. After all, golf balls were once made out of feathers. But thanks for the "heads up." Glad you liked the slogan, I do like to keep 'em guessing. Also glad you liked my ideas. To paraphrase Chico in The Cocoanuts, I got lots of 'em. Perhaps I'll regurgitate another long-winded diatribe here before too long, so, fair warning to all in deadnetland. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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..no problem the new prez can issue us with green cards..or, even better, green blotters :-)
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I nominate iknowurider for head of the newly formed department of Common Sense for her question regarding the Electoral College (it might be awhile before we can find staffing though). In that regard, what happens when a candidate from an outside party gets elected to the office of President (even though it has happened, yet)?I also asked iknowurider if she'd sing the National Anthem at our White House party that Hal is planning. Golden Road is planning to do a "light show" for us. Things are coming together folks! "If the forms of this world die, which is more real, the me that dies or the me that's infinite? Can I trust my habitual mind, or do I need to learn to look beneath those things?"
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if can help with "things coming together" in any way! How 'bout translator for functions of state, press releases, etc?********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
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I'm sure its only bc I have insider information. hehe (Now I'm humming the theme to Pinky & The Brain") I'd be honored to Grace everyone with my performance. How about I dress up really cool and lip sync to Jimi's SSB? I could even whip out Kramer's Guitar Hero, [Guitar]. We could have Golden Roads' Light show and then a little pyro thrown in for Pizzazz Tiger Lilly could coordinate the event. We'll knock the socks off of some good ol' American Folks! PEACE
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One of my high-school teaching colleagues said G.W. came to mind when looking at the least favorable end of a recently perused rubric. Consistently does all or almost all of the following: Offers biased interpretations of evidence, statements, graphics, questions, information, or the points of view of others. Fails to identify or hastily dismisses strong, relevant counter-arguments. Ignores or superficially evaluates obvious alternative points of view. Argues using fallacious or irrelevant reasons, and unwarranted claims. Does not justify results or procedures, nor explain reasons. Regardless of the evidence or reasons, maintains or defends views based on self-interest or preconceptions. Exhibits close-mindedness or hostility to reason. "From day to day, just lettin' it ride, You get so far away from how it feels inside, You can't let go, 'cause you're afraid to fall, But the day may come when you can't feel at all."
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Well, well, well, I can tell that I'm looking forward to what will undoubtedly be your very stirring rendition, iknowurider. Of course, you'll have to do an encore of US Blues. But you do need to keep up here. Hal is in charge of organizing the festivities. I'm hoping that he is an avid student of Mr. Graham (Bill, not Benjamin) in this regard. Maybe we should consider the creation of cabinet level post, Secretary of Events? Might you be up for that, Hal? I mean, why limit yourself to just the inauguration? Which, of course leaves us with the role for Tiger Lilly. I'm going to try to tread lightly here, as I had an eight year relationship with a Lil who was a Tiger, at least as the Chinese reckon such things (a long and sad tale that does have a Dead angle but is waaaaaayyyy off topic) so I'm thinking she should be in charge of handling arrangements for the contingent of foreign dignitaries. I would imagine this role might involve her holding a clipboard of green blotters... Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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Er ... who are "the poor"? Does the measly $1500 given to me by the Pell Grant program so that I could attend Stanford and subsequently earn a living count as "giving to the poor?"
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wild arrangements, unruly lawns, organic veggies, wildlife corners and herbal supplements will be supplied. Yeah and why should it be the WHITE HOUSE anyway..lets get some colour (oops color) on those walls
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Brilliant observation, badger. Let's repaint it as the Tie Dye House. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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As long as that money is distributed fairly. Enabling the poor is when one works or lives near PROJECT HOUSING or even lives in THE PROJECTS, and witnesses these people leaving there doors open and furnaces running in the dead of winter or air conditioners running with the doors open in the summer. VERY FRUSTRATING!!!!!! We have to pay our fuel bills and theres. Just venting! Peace!!
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You will coordinate all travel arrangements for our foreign guests, including baggage claims (in addition to interpreter, of course).Pid, you beat me to that line about the Big House (opps, that could be misconstrued) er, I mean, Fun House! "If the forms of this world die, which is more real, the me that dies or the me that's infinite? Can I trust my habitual mind, or do I need to learn to look beneath those things?"
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where does Dr Evil fit into all this? I think we should be told before it is too late..
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His "term" ended, thank God (or so it would seem). "If the forms of this world die, which is more real, the me that dies or the me that's infinite? Can I trust my habitual mind, or do I need to learn to look beneath those things?"
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Somehow, I'm not so sure about Dr. Evil's "end". Stay tuned boys and girls. "All energy flows according to the whims of the Great Magnet. What a fool I was to defy him."
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i have a story since this thread is allowing freedom of speech.one day me and my sis were drivin down the road listining to music smoking ciggarettes,and protesters on the corner 'stop the war,impeech bush.i turned to her and said if we were in another country our faces would be covered we wouldnt be smoking ciggarettes,[you cannott smoke within 20 ft of abuilding and you cant smoke w/your kids in the car]?????and if we werent over their thess mf's would be on our soil and we would be walking around w/wepons.just to drive down the street.their was no draft to my knowledge.people choose to serve our country.{maybe they thaught they wouldnt end up really doing what they took and oath for?i have a question what does the colars of our flag mean?and maybe they should be changed.as far as this country being led by a wmn,i dont think we are ready for that,whats this shit on a 'BLACK' presidant doesnt he bleed red.? i say in one way or the other may god see it fit to whomever needs to step up to the plate,and we always need changes,it would be nice to have no worrys on issues that fuck our society up at large.but however thats not the case.i stay right w/the creator and live a life of helping others and being kind{maybe mouthy at times],but for the most part a citizen of the united states,who is aloud to live freely as best as one can to be a productable person in this lifes journey to the best of my ability.i will vote,and that is a privite issue on who i choose may the best man win.GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!land of the not so free anymore....
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i have a story since this thread is allowing freedom of speech.one day me and my sis were drivin down the road listining to music smoking ciggarettes,and protesters on the corner 'stop the war,impeech bush.i turned to her and said if we were in another country our faces would be covered we wouldnt be smoking ciggarettes,[you cannott smoke within 20 ft of abuilding and you cant smoke w/your kids in the car]?????and if we werent over their thess mf's would be on our soil and we would be walking around w/wepons.just to drive down the street.their was no draft to my knowledge.people choose to serve our country.{maybe they thaught they wouldnt end up really doing what they took and oath for?i have a question what does the colars of our flag mean?and maybe they should be changed.as far as this country being led by a wmn,i dont think we are ready for that,whats this shit on a 'BLACK' presidant doesnt he bleed red.? i say in one way or the other may god see it fit to whomever needs to step up to the plate,and we always need changes,it would be nice to have no worrys on issues that fuck our society up at large.but however thats not the case.i stay right w/the creator and live a life of helping others and being kind{maybe mouthy at times],but for the most part a citizen of the united states,who is aloud to live freely as best as one can to be a productable person in this lifes journey to the best of my ability.i will vote,and that is a privite issue on who i choose may the best man win.GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!land of the not so free anymore....
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I think another way of assessing Steve-O's frustration goes like this: Social systems that help people up to self-sufficiency are good and worthwhile investments that benefit everyone. Social systems that keep people down by enabling dependence are bad investments that ultimately benefit no one. There needs to be an element of personal incentive left in these programs, so that they can provide a path to help people get on track, but not provide enough to keep them on track in and of themselves. Oh, and Barbara? You got $1500 AND you got to go to Stanford? Congratulations, you're a very lucky person. That's a much better deal than I ever got, and I'm glad to see that the $1500 investment in you that we all contributed to is paying off. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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Any system will be exploited by some people; cheating on welfare, fiddling tax returns, stealing pension funds, breaking into concerts without tickets! That does not necessarily mean that the system should be scrapped or is necessarily wrong. The problem we have is that making any system perfect costs too much in terms of cash and loss of individual freedom. But it’s always the poor who get the blame! If you are worried about your tax dollars being misused then why not look at what you are paying to sustain the industrial-military complex that runs our societies! I would suggest that for every dollar misappropriated by the poor, a thousand are stolen from you by the rich. But since everyone wants to be rich and successful, the sins of the wealthy are forgiven quicker than those of the poor! Back to the jokes I think.
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(GR stands and applauds) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eisenhower#Post-presidency On January 17, 1961, Eisenhower gave his final televised Address to the Nation from the Oval Office.[22] In his farewell speech to the nation, Eisenhower raised the issue of the Cold War and role of the U.S. armed forces. He described the Cold War saying: "We face a hostile ideology global in scope, atheistic in character, ruthless in purpose and insidious in method..." and warned about what he saw as unjustified government spending proposals and continued with a warning that "we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex... Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together." This from a 5 star General that became President of the United States. Wow... "All energy flows according to the whims of the Great Magnet. What a fool I was to defy him."

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John Kerry endorsed Obama over his 2004 running mate Edwards..... Didn't Bill & Hillary Clinton endorse Kerry in 2004? I think Bill secretly despises Hillary and the Democrats will politely start to distance themselves from Hillary and side with Barack. Poor Bill is between a rock and a hard place. Also nice to see my union, the SEIU is stepping up to the plate as well as the Culinary Workers Union to endorse Obama.
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does Bill secretly hate Hillary? whatever. but I think he LOVES the idea of a longer Clinton legacy in the White House more than anything, that and the fact that she would make history by being the first woman. If Hillary is the rock, Monica was in a hard place. ( -; ok, I will not start with the cigar jokes. but back on OUR topic, I would like to ask gypsysoul to be my 'Co-President' in the formerly known as the White House; future Tie Dye House. no VICES here. ( -: peace.
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I love the "soft support" line... "All energy flows according to the whims of the Great Magnet. What a fool I was to defy him."
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16 years 10 months
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Provide them with the tools to improve their own lives, and a meaningful reason to use them. Enable their ability to participate and remove incentives to fail. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not interested in blaming the economically challenged for their condition, and I'm certainly not here as an apologist for the likes of Cheney and his Hallliburton pals. As far as I'm concerned, they really ought to be strung up by their thumbs. And Ken Lay got off easy dying before he spent a day in prison. I was hoping he'd live to be 100 in someplace more live Leavenworth than Allenwood. He would have made the perfect poster boy for why you don't screw people over. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that for me it's about personal freedom through individual empowerment and personal responsibility. Corporations, in and of themselves can actually do nothing. They require managers to make them act, and those managers, unlike the corporations, are actual living, breathing people who do need to be personally taken to task when they behave badly. Just like welfare cheats. I am certainly not a fan of the amount of spending undertaken by the US government, and the portion of that spending on all things military is without question excessively disproportionate to the need. Transforming assets into things you intend to destroy makes little economic sense to begin with. I'm familiar with Ike's speech, and concur wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, given the current state of thinking among some of the occupants of the world, a certain amount of military spending is going to be unavoidable. On rare occasions, there are even socially worthwhile side effects to that spending. This medium that we're using to communicate with was once called the arpanet, named for the agency that funded its creation, along with far more nefarious things like laser guided bombs and ICBMs. There's good and bad in everything. I never meant to imply that social service and support systems should be dismantled, but I do think that it's reasonable to see if we can't find ways to make them work more effectively so that we all get more of a bang for our collective buck, and that those of us who are currently disenfranchised are less likely to remain so. Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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17 years 4 months
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I like the mix of the serious analysis and the zany on this topic here. I have a lot (too much probably) to say on both levels but not tonight. I just took an amazing tour of the only distillery in the State of Washington and along with others asked a ton of questions after we sampled the gin and vodka. Very tasty. Just opened this fall. Called Dry Fly Distilling. Time to smile and listen to some Grateful Dead. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
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17 years 4 months
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Ron Paul. and, here's an interesting take on the ol' quote- "It is not the person who votes that counts, it is the person who counts the vote." (supposedlyattributed to Jos. Stalin)... HOW TO HACK AN LHS VOTE MACHINE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiiaBqwqkXs =================== moc.swencigolyzzuf.www ===================
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17 years 4 months
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Very interesting set of viewpoints... I am not sure who I am voting for (Michigan primary 1-15-08), but I am sure not voting for Hillary Clinton. I have been told that I am not listening to her viewpoint OR she is a woman, Are you afraid of her becoming President? The answer to both are no, I am listening and that is why she will not get my vote. She has made many promises and kept zero. She has changed her mind at the last minute on multiple topics, never to apologize, only to abondon the folks she strung along. I am not hear to bash her, there are enough web pages to do that... I just wanted to add my 2 cents - btw... I love that about the Dead community - I can say what I want and will always be considered part of the 'family'. In response to jobs moving overseas… I think that this is actually a good thing, BUT we need to educate ourselves for the new wave of high tech jobs coming our way. A good book on the matter is The World Is Flat (Friedman). In response to enabling the poor… Give a man a fish and after he eats half, he will throw the other half away. Teach a man to fish and after he eats half a fish, he will remember the effort involved with ‘earning’ the fish and figure out a way to preserve it for later… Me Everyone needs help sometimes... I remember a friend once told me that they had been on tour for some time and had run out of money - They went to the Spaghetti truck guy (GD Parking lot - show unknown) after not eating for a few days and asked him if he could spare a plate for them to share - The guy hooked them up with all that they could eat. I know that this does not go along with my adage above, but I thought it was a good story. I may vote for CCj, but maybe for Mike Lookinland. He is Bobby Brady from the Brady Buch TV Show. I met him at a show (Buffalo 199x, I think)... Although, I did not beleive him when he told me who he was. Then I was watching a show (Where are they now) about kid actors from the day, when there he was on TV and said that he had followed the Dead for some time following his acting career. So Mike may get my vote - If nothing more than an apology for not beleiving you. I beleive you now!
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17 years 4 months
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When i saw the name Romney in relationship to the election, my immediate reaction was that Wavy was standing. Which brought to mind the Nobody for pres campaign in 1980 see page 197 of Grateful Dead Family Album Bob - - - - - - - - - - - - - - http://spanishsunshinedaydream.blogspot.com/ Spanish Jam
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17 years 3 months
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I am not really into politics, but my personal beliefs are more along the Republican/Conservative party lines.
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17 years 4 months
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By the looks of all the headlines, he is really going to need alot of help.
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17 years 3 months
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turn 18 this week, the only thing new for them at 18 is to be able to vote!! This year is scary, no good choices. Yep your right Steve-O John does need alot of help, maybe it will come, cause the thought of Hillary or Obama for president freaks me out!!Maybe I'll let them get the tatoo they want instead of voting!!
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17 years 4 months
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Hillary and Obama are definitely scary!!! As for Edwards, in my oppinion he's got what it takes to pull this country together.
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16 years 9 months
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I'd vote for Han Solo if it were possible. I can't vote for a republican. I feel that Edwards would be a good union president. Hillary is cool but very scary. Obama would probably be the best candidate. The fact is, whoever becomes the next president has a huge fucking mess to clean up and it's going to take years to do. Politics are a touchy subject for me and I'd hate to offend anybody. Interesed in further conversation? Send a private message.
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17 years 4 months
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I was going to Vote for NOBODY again, but in think I will vote for his evil brother NOMONEY in 2008. A Vote For NOMONEY is a vote Medical Prostitution. "Knowledge comes from the past Wisdom from the future"
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17 years 5 months
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apparently per this morning's paper Edwards is dropping out, which on the one hand relieves me of the quandary of who to vote for next week, and on the other hand bums me out.
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16 years 10 months
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Giuliani's apparently bye-bye's as well. Perhaps his "strategy" has been to run as VP with McCain all along? He bailed out of the Senate race in NY when Hillary showed up, claiming a family issue or some such nonsense. Could it be that he doubts his own electability?Or is is just that his ego bruises easily? My suspicion is that both Clinton and Romney are about to find out just how over they are. If Obama get the Dem nod, and Clinton accepts running as Second Fiddle, what would we call that ticket? Baracillary? Conversation is always more interesting than recitation, so speak your mind and not someone else's.
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17 years 4 months
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With the Dem choices, I'm afraid a republican is going to end up in office again. That would really suck!!!