Can I Get Up On A Soapbox For A Moment?

[streetsoldier]

We don't really need to "demonize" the Left...they are doing such a good job of it themselves.

[pawlee]

brent summed up my thoughts well in one statement - "I'm not in love with Bush, but I sure as heck will not support Kerry"

i keep abreast on the sides via the media. i follow tv to get the obvious liberal point of view however, listen intently to AM radio shows such as Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and Jim Bohanan to get the conservative side. i guess if anything, just want to advise everyone here to turn your AM radios on and open your minds to a whole other perspective that is readily available. winning three purple hearts does nothing for me in present day where i am taxed to he** and gravely concerned about our current role in the middle east.

[bahamaswx]

I'd have to go with the opposite: "I'm not in love with Kerry, but I sure as heck would not support Bush."

[coriolis]

That snowboard incident tells a lot about Kerry's character.

[wx247]

brent summed up my thoughts well in one statement - "I'm not in love with Bush, but I sure as heck will not support Kerry"

i keep abreast on the sides via the media. i follow tv to get the obvious liberal point of view however, listen intently to AM radio shows such as Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and Jim Bohanan to get the conservative side. i guess if anything, just want to advise everyone here to turn your AM radios on and open your minds to a whole other perspective that is readily available. winning three purple hearts does nothing for me in present day where i am taxed to he** and gravely concerned about our current role in the middle east.

I do listen some to the AM radio and people such as Boortz, O'Reilly, Hannity, and Ingraham. Sometimes they have a refreshing point on the same old stuff.

[stormchazer]

Here is a link that list where politicians stand on issues....

http://www.ontheissues.org/John_Kerry.htm

See if you agree!

Or do you agree with Pres. Bush?

http://www.issues2000.org/George_W__Bush.htm

[streetsoldier]

BTW, Garrett...in the interest of "equal time", I posted the image shown below, so that the Storm2K people can see that the Missouri race is NOT a Democratic "done-deal"...

...and ANYONE is better than The Honorable (?) Bob "SpongeBob" Holden in the State Executive Mansion.

[wx247]

BTW, Garrett...in the interest of "equal time", I posted the image shown below, so that the Storm2K people can see that the Missouri race is NOT a Democratic "done-deal"...

...and ANYONE is better than The Honorable (?) Bob "SpongeBob" Holden in the State Executive Mansion.

I completely agree. If for some strange reason Claire does not win the primary, then I will be supporting Matt Blunt as well. I know several people who are traditionally Republicans who will be voting for McCaskill on Tuesday.

[streetsoldier]

Well, Holden is holding a 5-point lead, and he DOES have the unions, teachers and trial lawyers backing him, plus the Democratic machines in STL and KC; it will be VERY interesting to watch the outcome.

As for "down here". we are HOPING that Holden wins...easy meat for Matt in November. Claire, God bless her, would make it an even contest.

[azskyman]

I am a Republican, but have voted for candidates from both sides of the aisle over the years. For twenty years, I pledged my allegiance to the Republican party back in my home state of Illinois...was elected twice myself as a Republican for city council. I had some wonderful friends and spirited councilmates who were Democrats, and to this day they still respect me, and I them.

None of that means diddly to any of you...and frankly has little bearing on my choice of candidates at this juncture in my life. But I remain a Republican for what I consider to be quite logical reasons.

As a matter of course over my years in politics and in watching political stars rise and fall, and the parties they represent rise and fall, I am struck by a couple of observations.

I'm convinced that the most talented artists in the world could not have fashioned a more representative group as "the heart and soul of the Republican party" than Bush, Cheney, and their oft arrogant chain of command in Rumsfeld and crew. As a Republican, it is not hard to get frustrated by them and their disconnect from the mainstream. I swear sometimes they have agendas of their own!

STILL, in spite of their shortcomings, and as a Vietnam veteran myself (oh yuk, that Vietnam connection again!), I have come to believe that a world where military decisions are part of day-to-day life, where commitments to troops are meaningful not superficial, and where even the most disgusted allies still want to trust that we could aid them if really called upon, the Republican party and its leadership remain the only real option.

They may be stonefaced and bold and cliquish to the masses, but they are nonetheless a formidable force to contend with where military or security challenges are going to be tested; by terrorists, by anyone. And we face those every hour of every day.

Not so with the Democrats. While striking a harmonic chord with the middle class and those who seem never to have a say in anything, the Democrats have regularly and routinely become mired in that calling. In trying to be many things to many people, they lose their way and find themselves more like followers than leaders. Those at the top, while charismatic and articulate to those on the street, rarely strike fear or a sense of ownership when they must make tough decisions

Additionally, and this disappoints me most about them, it seems that Democrats love to forever look ahead to "the next election." They dither away months and years of opportunity to find and nurture and bring along the best among them, and then when election time arrives they instead meander through an array of wonderful Americans, only to field some very mediocre candidates as "their best."

They often end up with a prettier package than the Republicans, but in their desire to find candidates from "among the people," they develop a cadre of great listeners, smooth talkers, but untested leaders.

As a citizen, I am not a warmonger. I hate war. I hate confrontation.

But in a world where we must meet hatred head on, and realize that there are many who would equally prize the head of John Kerry, George Bush, or you and I on a stick, I cannot support a candidate who has yet to reassure any of us he can still make the tough, tough decisions.

This is an election where war is at the forefront, but the economy, jobs, health care, and the potential for eroding world respect is on our doorstep.

President Bush, like most every President, is surely humbled by those challenges. He should be. His imperfections are obvious, but his commitment is known. The alternative is not worth the risk to me.

Garrett, I probably missed the sense of your topic completely here, but I did do one thing you asked. I avoided a Kerry bashing.

As a political player on a much smaller level, I absolutely admire most every person who chooses a life of public service. From the local level right on up.

I'm hard pressed to slam anyone who believes they have something to offer...even when some around them are not so sure about that.

[azsnowman]

all you need to do is watch Fahrenheit 911, and that should give you some idea which way you want to vote.

AMEN & AMEN! ALSO......you need to read Micheal Moores book "Dude, Where's my Country." This book, along with the movie 9/11, WILL tell you WHO to vote for Sorry folks, but a vote for BUSH, is well.......

Dennis

[Skywatch_NC]

all you need to do is watch Fahrenheit 911, and that should give you some idea which way you want to vote.

AMEN & AMEN! ALSO......you need to read Micheal Moores book "Dude, Where's my Country." This book, along with the movie 9/11, WILL tell you WHO to vote for Sorry folks, but a vote for BUSH, is well.......

Dennis

Michael Moore is about as far-LEFT as they come...Sorry folks, but a vote for KERRY, is well......

[wx247]

Popsky...thanks.

I have many people who tell me I will wind up running for political office in the years ahead. I wouldn't doubt it. I know that will make some of you pull your hair out.

[azsnowman]

all you need to do is watch Fahrenheit 911, and that should give you some idea which way you want to vote.

AMEN & AMEN! ALSO......you need to read Micheal Moores book "Dude, Where's my Country." This book, along with the movie 9/11, WILL tell you WHO to vote for Sorry folks, but a vote for BUSH, is well.......

Dennis

Michael Moore is about as far-LEFT as they come...Sorry folks, but a vote for KERRY, is well......

ERIC!!! READ MY POST BROTHER WHERE did I say I was gonna VOTE FOR KERRY??? PLEASE SHOW ME.....personally, I'm voting for NADER, YES....I'm throwing a vote away, but I'm SORRY, I CANNOT, in my right mind vote for BUSHY!

Dennis

[Skywatch_NC]

all you need to do is watch Fahrenheit 911, and that should give you some idea which way you want to vote.

AMEN & AMEN! ALSO......you need to read Micheal Moores book "Dude, Where's my Country." This book, along with the movie 9/11, WILL tell you WHO to vote for Sorry folks, but a vote for BUSH, is well.......

Dennis

Michael Moore is about as far-LEFT as they come...Sorry folks, but a vote for KERRY, is well......

ERIC!!! READ MY POST BROTHER WHERE did I say I was gonna VOTE FOR KERRY??? PLEASE SHOW ME.....personally, I'm voting for NADER, YES....I'm throwing a vote away, but I'm SORRY, I CANNOT, in my right mind vote for BUSHY!

Dennis

I guess it looked you had put Moore and Bush nearly in the same sentence
...short paragraph...sorry, Bro. That's where I was confused.

[azsnowman]

No problem Brother!

Dennis

[pawlee]

all you need to do is watch Fahrenheit 911, and that should give you some idea which way you want to vote.

AMEN & AMEN! ALSO......you need to read Micheal Moores book "Dude, Where's my Country." This book, along with the movie 9/11, WILL tell you WHO to vote for Sorry folks, but a vote for BUSH, is well.......

Dennis

Michael Moore is about as far-LEFT as they come...Sorry folks, but a vote for KERRY, is well......

ERIC!!! READ MY POST BROTHER WHERE did I say I was gonna VOTE FOR KERRY??? PLEASE SHOW ME.....personally, I'm voting for NADER, YES....I'm throwing a vote away, but I'm SORRY, I CANNOT, in my right mind vote for BUSHY!

Dennis

I guess it looked you had put Moore and Bush nearly in the same sentence
...short paragraph...sorry, Bro. That's where I was confused.

holy quotage batman...

[southerngale]

all you need to do is watch Fahrenheit 911, and that should give you some idea which way you want to vote.

AMEN & AMEN! ALSO......you need to read Micheal Moores book "Dude, Where's my Country." This book, along with the movie 9/11, WILL tell you WHO to vote for Sorry folks, but a vote for BUSH, is well.......

Dennis

I think he was joking Dennis. Nobody really takes Fahrenheit 911 by that wacko Michael Moore seriously, do they? lol


skyman...very good and well thought out post (as usual)

[azsnowman]

I know SG...I was being a *tad bit sarcastic* meself "LOL!"

Dennis

[southerngale]

hehe Dennis, gotcha