Politics and Beliefs!

Not to be a pain about this brim, but where in your original statement did you refer to a select group? You were referring to programs, and that is what I was responding to. I am glad to hear, however, that you have reconsidered your original position.

 

Honest to god, you have to be blind. Look, where did I say it was a crime to be poor? It's a crime to abuse the welfare system and if you do, guess what, you're a criminal! Defrauding the government out of tens of thousands of dollars is a bit more serious than jaywalking or getting a ticket...even you can't be that blind to compare the two, but you did compare me to Hitler so I guess anything is possible.

And if you live here, then he's your president too. I, however, did not vote in 2000 so I can't be saddled with anything he's done.

 

I said cut, not eliminate. If you were reading closely, then you would have noticed that the descriptions of each program were that of the abusers of said program rather than all recipients of benefits. I haven't reconsidered anything.

 

Dear Sydney: Thank you for this. It was incredibly sad to read what you shared, but those stories show that a little humanity can make a big difference. If we cannot find it in our hearts to take care of a suffering child--whatever the cost--we devalue all life.

 

brim:

Do you practice revisionist history? This is what you said earlier in this thread:

"How about ending/cutting back government support..."

Look closely you said END and CUT! DOH! So, would you stop giving a needy poor child life-saving medicine just because she can't afford to pay the bill?

Also, if you want to save some tax money, why aren't you talking about ending corporate welfare! Why aren't you posting about being tired of the Republicans letting major corporations move their headquarters down to the Carribean to avoid paying their fair share of taxes!?! Wait, though...maybe that is because the Greedy Old Party (GOP) would never want to tax its members! DOH!

 

Look closely! I said 'cutting back'. I suppose if i would have said something like 'I have a good friend in the Catskills, the jewish cabin owner.' you would have said "LOOK! YOU SAID 'KILLS THE JEW'!" Please don't take smaller words out of a larger one and expect them to equate. On the other hand, you're correct, I said 'end' as well. If you were familiar with reading for context, you would have seen that what followed were several facts about abusers and perhaps your mind would have made the connection 'end welfare for abusers'.

EDIT: How about this post from earlier:

 

brim:

Dude, you said "end" in addition to "cut." To heck with context--look at your words.

Also, you passed on responding to:

1. Would you stop giving a needy poor child life-saving medicine just because she can't afford to pay the bill?

2. Why aren't you talking about ending corporate welfare! Why aren't you posting about being tired of the Republicans letting major corporations move their headquarters down to the Carribean to avoid paying their fair share of taxes!?! Wait, though...maybe that is because the Greedy Old Party (GOP) would never want to tax its members! DOH!

 

Admins - this post is extremely flamatory and in ill-taste. It also borders on outright accusation. It has already caused heated retorts. I have a post deleted for mentioning the word "gay" but this post which darn near accuses someone else of being a Nazi and wanting to adopt the "final solution" is allowed to remain???

This is NOT a retalitory post regardless of what may think.

 

T8erman: I never accused anyone of wanting another Endloesung. I just asked if that is what he was calling for. He responded and said "no," and I accepted that response at face value. His tone begged the question, though, so I am glad that I asked him to clarify.

Maybe we could make the Admin's life a little easier if we just formed a political debating club. Who is up for it?

 

If you didn't bother to vote, then stop complaining that you dn't like the outcome of the election. You had your opportunity to have your say by voting and you chose not to.

 

The kids can get free meals at school. Why should the parents be given food stamps to spend on steaks and Fritos?

 

Geez...after following all the messages in this forum, there is no doubt that this forum typifies our right to free speech and freedom in America! But don't ya'll think it's time to take a step back and take a deep breath before some of these threads really get completely out of hand?!

I really enjoyed reading all about the various views on the Xmas decorations and like to say that whatever type of decorating schemes some of our neighbors have, I'm going to miss them!!

But regarding the hot political discussions I'd like to suggest that rather than throw derogatory comments back and forth, get out there and do something about it!!!!! Make a difference!

I've been out of this area for years with most of it spent abroad in the 3rd world and let me tell you, it makes me appreciate what we do have here in America for our rights; our freedoms; and yes, the various programs that we do have available. Sure, there will be abusers and that's where one must intervene to get it stopped so those we are deserving are not unjustly penalized.

Consider this example and appreciate where we are... I have seen repeatedly where children have been kidnapped and then are purposely maimed and sent out on the streets to beg. I have also seen where children at a young age (circa 1 year) are literally placed into a crate way to small for them so that their bodies are deliberately misformed and they are crippled and then they too are sent out onto the streets to beg. And sadly, the government's of these countries are aware of what is going on but you do not see any tangible action to stop these autrocities. However at least here in America, we can and do make a difference.

Okay....I'll get off my soapbox now and take my own deep breath and start smiling again....

 

When did I complain about the outcome of the election? That was chris.

 

Correct, I did say end in addition to cutting back programs...but all of my examples were in teh cutting back category.

1. We're not talking about medicine here, we're talking about social programs that put cold, hard cash directly into the hand of people. Programs that provide services such as housing, medical, and education are all fine by me, they do great work and aren't easily abused.

2. I say F the corporations. What i've been through with my workplace in the last year has turned me against big buisness all together. They should pay the same tax as everyone else. In fact, there should be a 15% flat tax across the board.

 

brim: I'm glad to see that your are not in favor of cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal/state medical programs. On that, we can agree! However, you do know that all of your right-wing fundamentalist buddies are cutting those programs left and right? And when it comes to the corporations, I don't say $!@*% them all (I guess I am more conservative than you are in that regard), I just say that those who steal from the taxpayers, small investors, and consumers should be put in jail like the crooks the are, starting with Halliburton's #1 lobbyist, Cheney.

 

Chris,
I just gotta say. For someone who has compassion and understanding for all people you really to love to flame and incite others. When someone expresses an opinion different than yours you immediately label them a "Republican Right Wing Fundamentalist". Remember the conspicuously missing Stephanie? Her views were polar opposite of yours and would be considered extreme right wing by most but not many agreed with her either. We all need to respect the opinions of others even if we don't agree with them. Name calling and labeling does not make for intelligent discussion. This thread has degraded into a back alley slugfest. There hasn't really been anything new added lately, just the same points being recycled.
I suggest we move on.

 

I agree. Also, for someone so compassionate to humanity I find it strange that he's so opposed to a hospital being built here...an instutition who's very charter is to be compassionate and help folks.

And re: a political debate thread, if your idea of a debate is one person puts out some beliefs/facts and the other person/people twist words around and make accusations of genocide rather than presenting alternatives and solutions, then I guess I'm out.

Can we talk about something else in here? How about...Ford Mustangs? Is it just me or all Mustang owners idiots? They think they have the most powerful/advanced car going but it's just a loud POS.

 

Brim, you sound like a GM man - lol
Personally, IMHO, BMW drivers are the worst. They always seem in a hurry. I know there are BMW owners in this group and I am not trying to offend. It just seems that they bought a car meant for the open road but can't find any open roads around here so they are driving frustrated. Tailgating, lane hopping and the like.

 

Ha, I guess I'm speaking more of the Manassas type crowd with the Mustangs...don't see too many in our community, but I had to battle with a bunch of them on 28/7 on Saturday, what with the reving at stoplights then peeling out only to go 40mph. But, yah...BMW owners seem to be the equivalent in the higher-end car spectrum. BTW - I drive a German car (VW).

 

Ah, this is a much better topic! Excellent suggestion, brim.

Personally, I have not seen too much coming out of Detroit recently that I like in the car department (though Cadillac is definitely coming back and the 2004 Ford-Volvo S40/V50 is cool), but U.S. sport utes and trucks are truly impressive. We have had two excellent Ford SUVs back to back and could not be happier.

For the family car, though, we have a Mercedes, albeit the smallest non-convertible sold in the U.S. (unfortunately, the A-class is not available here, only in Europe for now). It was the most fuel efficient vehicle in its class (30+ MPG for my commute) that also came with dual front, dual front side, dual rear side, and head curtain airbags). Safety is our biggest concern, but the thing still moves...

My biggest driving gripe is not about BMW, VW, or Ford drivers (or whatever other kind of vehicle), it is instead about anyone who hogs the left lane on 28 while going 5-10 miles UNDER the speed limit. That happens at least once or twice going to and coming home from work.