Text 20835, 121 rader
Skriven 2008-09-15 09:15:18 av shannon talley (1:124/311)
     Kommentar till en text av Ross Cassell
Ärende: Re: Things Change
=========================
Ross,

(reverse quote) > We have better options in the country, none of them won 
the nominations.

I couldn't agree more Ross....!  There are probably about 100 excellent 
candidates in this country, each with exceeding more impressive credentials 
than either candidate.

> I am just curious, during the portion of your service that encompassed 
> January
> 1993 to January 2001, were you a defacto left wing mouth piece?

Yes, I did finish a 21 yr career.  During the time from 93-01, the majority 
of the military did not like BC and many formal directives were issued from 
the high ranks in the pentagon directing military members to withstain from 
making any political comments (good or bad) about the "commander in chief" 
or the existing administration (many resigned).  Regardless of what "Lee" 
thinks, the military as a whole is a very conservative organization.  Why? 
Well, it's easy... Traditionally (since Regan), the Republicans have awarded 
the military more funds in compensation & operations.  BC did provide an 
adequate amount of compensation, but much of the operations funding was cut 
back.

> Were you okay with the dont ask dont tell policy, among other things that 
> came
> out of those years?

My opinion; I think it was a step in the right direction, but it was most 
certainly an //awkward// step.  I think it's worked out quite well in that 
it accomplished its mission.  Before the policy, there were constant "witch 
hunts" against those with alternative life styles; that is no longer the 
case because it became illegal to "ask" and "pursue".  In appearances, it is 
similar to what the American corporate world is like.  One isn't allowed 
(necessarily) to disclose their lifestyle to their co-workers while working 
for most companies.  However, as I first stated, it was an "awkward" step. 
Before you accept the word from those in the military who state it's 
failure, look at their political and conservative values.  From my 
experience, the ones who cry "failure" are those with extremely conservative 
values who simply disagree with that kind of lifestyle.  "I" am of the 
opinion, 'live and let live' and a 'be professional' while working and 
accepting a paycheck from someone else other than yourself.

I don't know if there is a better solution, but I would be interested in 
hearing from those who think they have all the answers.

> You dont know that anymore than you know that Obama intends to or has the
> ability to deliver on his promises.
> All I keep hearing is the McBush or McSame crap, which is crackpot 
> theories..
> Yet, liberals get all offended when it is suggested that they are 
> communist,
> socialist and want a welfare state.

Just because I am not a member of the GOP doesn't mean that I swallow the 
entire democratic or liberal doctrine hook line or sinker.  Stereotyping me 
isn't going to work, I disagree with about as many things with the dems as I 
do with the repubs.  But welfare has it's place as does food stamps & TANF. 
I have personally experienced these; without going into much detail, without 
some of these social programs, myself as well as friends and family would 
have been made homeless (at some point in our lives).  Certainly abuse of 
these programs bothers me greatly, and nobody (hard working American) wants 
to create a 'social welfare' state, but they are important.  Social programs 
like Libraries & Museums are extremely important for American culture and 
education; Social Security is another one that millions of Americans rely 
on, as well as Medicaid.  Food stamps help needy families eat, unemployment 
helps people who have been laid off make ends meet until they find work, 
TANF helps provide emergency needs to families who need them  -- etc.  I'm 
certain you aren't suggesting that we do away with these programs.

> st> are a few /small\ issues that I'm interested in that Obama has
> st> promised to 'right'.  I HOPE he does, but I won't hold my breath.
> If you are this realistic, why are you all starry eyed, oops answered my
> question already, the McBush propoganda.. :-)

Propaganda?  I watched both conventions and have studied the issues.  I drew 
my own conclusion....

> I might be in favor of forgiving minor infractions committed in ones 
> foolish
> youth, but I am not for rewarding those whom think the law doesnt apply to 
> them
> either.

You might (and I'm impressed you don't swallow their entire doctrine), but 
the GOP doesn't think that way... "ZERO TOLERANCE".

> Sadly, Bush didnt wield the veto pen enough, but I also wish that Congress
> would introduce a constitutional ammendment to endow the US President with 
> the
> line item veto. You might recall that The GOP led Congress gave Clinton 
> that
> power but the USSC struck it down (rightfully so) because Congress 
> exceeded its
> authority in trying to endow the POTUS with more power than the 
> Constitution
> allowed.

Bush could have done more, but I don't believe the GOP is the least bit 
interested in a balanced budget.  Their Spending certianly doesn't show any 
kind of balanced budget anytime soon or within my lifetime.

> Look at the horrible gamble the USA took in 1976 be electing Carter.
> James Earl Carter pretty much promised some of the same shit Obama is and
> Carters only real claim to fame was the Egypt/Isreali peace accords.

Yep, Carter was the worst president (imho) to have held office during my 
lifetime.  Who's to say that McCain won't be as bad either?

> Because he can talk the talk, can he walk the walk?

Let's give him a chance... At least it won't be the "same old same old".

> We have better options in the country, none of them won the nominations.

Agreed.

Shannon 

--- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v3.0pr5a
 * Origin: FidoTel & QWK on the Web! www.fidotel.com (1:124/311)