THE Election 2008 Megathread!

[Mirewen]

Aal <3

 

[Cerato]

....mostly because the fact Obama will probably win this election means the end of life as we know it to me. A community organizer for president, who'd of thunk it -_-;;

You have my sympathies. Seriously. If the idea of an Obama presidency makes you feel anywhere close to how I’ve felt for the last eight years, particularly after the 2004 election, than yeah…it’s a living hell, alright.

...

It’s amusing how many people get hung up on this. I couldn’t care less that he did coke. I also didn’t care when the rumors of W’s raucous partying days were swirling around. Such a non-issue.

I am aware of minorities seeking out other minorities to stick together. Even befriending feminist or foreigners is normal behavior for a non-marxist. Last I checked though most people don't seek out marxist or socialist or republican or democrats for friends unless they are one of them. You don't try to befriend make sure that you befriend people who hold certain political beliefs unless you are one youself.

I’m no expert on Marxism. But I don’t understand that second sentence. Befriending feminists or foreigners is unusual behavior for a Marxist? Why?
Aaleel deftly addressed the out-of-context quote. Still, this is where I invite you to broaden your perceptions and check outside of the little box you seemingly live in. The list of people I’ve befriended over the years who held different ideological/political views than my own is lengthy. I can't count the number of stimulating conversations I've had with one illegal-immigrant-hating, NRA-card-carrying-game-hunter, Michael Savage-listening friend. :wink: Yep, we're still friends because we can respect each other despite different opinions.

Truth: some folks enjoy hearing other people’s views and are not threatened by it.

 

[Halifirien]

You have my sympathies. Seriously. If the idea of an Obama presidency makes you feel anywhere close to how I’ve felt for the last eight years, particularly after the 2004 election, than yeah…it’s a living hell, alright.

Agreed. Obama's not perfect. He's said and done things on the campaign trail that have disappointed me. No politician gets that far without making compromises that'll cheese you off. I have no doubt he'll do the same if he gets into office, but I believe he beats the alternative. As much as I like Obama, eight years of Bush is enough to get me to vote for a Christmas ham if it was on the Democrat ticket. I want to close the book on that part of our nation's history and move on. I don't see McCain doing that.

I laugh when conservatives rail against Obama's supposed rock star image or say the Democrats treat him like the messiah -- I seriously doubt there are lepers walking around thinking if they could but touch the hem of his garment, they could be healed -- because it strikes me as simple jealousy that their candidate can't inspire that kind of enthusiasm.

Reading over James Dobson's recent page-turner about what the nation will look like under an Obama presidency, all I could think was "Sounds like utopia. Sign me up!"

 

[Excim]

Reading over James Dobson's recent page-turner about what the nation will look like under an Obama presidency, all I could think was "Sounds like utopia. Sign me up!"

Taxing people who have worked hard to earn thier keep to pay for the people who haven't worked as hard sounds like a stupid way to model a country for economics sake.

As I understand it, there is a reason that many non-American people have such a high opinion of Obama. Because he is going to break whats left of our economy, and a good amount of our companies (who haven't already) will soon be "outsourcing" or moving altogether to countries with lower tax rates. Which is great for them. But very bad for us.

Some will say we had it coming, and they might even be right. I'm just hoping that the worst case scenarios don't get a chance to play out, otherwise... you think we're in a recession now? L O L. Just wait until the mom & pop stores close down because it's just not worth the effort to keep it open, or hire any help.

It probably won't be that bad, but this presidency sure as hell isn't going to be roses and daisies like Obamas supporters think it will be.

 

[Brightblade]

vote for a Christmas ham if it was on the Democrat ticket.

My biggest problem with ALL hard liners. You say that like if Bush was the greatest president ever you'd vote republican. I've met many people that say things like this. I don't like Obama but because he's on the Dem ticket.
You could say the same about me, but I'da probably voted for Hillary had she got the nomination. To me you come off just as close minded as the religious right that you hate so much.

 

[Halifirien]

I wouldn't read too much into the Bush-bashing joke. I'm voting for Obama because I like him, I like his policy proposals, I think he'll be good for the country, and I think McCain would be lousy and Palin would be worse. If the Dems put an actual Christmas ham on the ticket, I'd vote third party.

 

[Mirewen]

I don't mind McCain really, I just like Obama's policies more. Toss in Palin and it became an obvious choice.

 

[Xalioniaf]

My high school Government teacher once said that the US is the only country who expects their politicians to be absolutely perfect their entire lives.

 

[Sabia]

As I understand it, there is a reason that many non-American people have such a high opinion of Obama. Because he is going to break whats left of our economy, and a good amount of our companies (who haven't already) will soon be "outsourcing" or moving altogether to countries with lower tax rates. Which is great for them. But very bad for us.

Wow, where to start. I'm a Canadian Obama-fan and the last thing Canada (and most of the world) want is the American economy to crash..Why? If you've been reading any news about the rest of the world you'd notice that as your economy crashes so do ours. Being a Canadian and becoming comfortable my par dollar for the last year, only to watch it slide to 71 cents as your stock markets dropped over 800 points put a real cramp in my day to day life. Most of the world's economy is directly linked to the American dollar - America's stock market crashes so do the Asian and European ones.

I'm all for Obama because of what he stands for, change. Being attached to the United States is like sleeping in the same bed with an Elephant. You roll, we feel it. Hell when Canada backed out of the Iraq war (only good thing Jean Chretien did in his 12 years as prime minister) selling and buying from our neighbors to the south ground to a practical halt as we got bombarded with bullshit speeches about 'freedom fries' and how we support terrorists. My Father's business from the internet all but shut down for a few months. I remember visiting my buddy in NH and some stupid Comedian asked if there were any Canadians in the room to which my friend pointed at me. All he yelled at me was "Thanks for backing us in the war" to which I wanted to yell back 'Thanks for finishing in Afghanistan" I didn't as I really didn't want to get started with a bunch of patriotic Americans in some skeezy bar in some small town in NH.

Non-American's are supporting Obama because the US is such a world heavyweight and we're tired of it making irrational decisions that affect the rest of us. Obama is all about improving the world's opinion of his Country which is insanely low at this point - I think my jaw will literally drop right off if McCain gets elected over Obama. Me and my co-workers were saying "There's just no way they can elect McCain" to which one answered "You never know, they elected Bush a second term..."

Don't even get me started on Palin...

 

[Brightblade]

I'm all for Obama because of what he stands for, change.

Maybe in Canada you guys understand what he means by change, but down here he hasn't told us what that means. I'll say we need change all day long then never explain it. The only change I can see is more government involved in my day to day life.
At least with Bush we knew what we were getting, with Barry...I'm scared.

Edit: Also. Who care what John Cleese thinks about anything that happens here. Like Dave Chappelle said regarding MTV went to Ja Rule after 9/11 happened. "ONG I'm so scared. I wonder what Ja has to say about this." I'm sick of liberal ass Hollywood thinking a majority of people give 3 shits about what they say. Plus what John was saying about carefully written out speeches...I think that could go for Obama just as much as Palin, but Palins not running for president.

 

[Lucki]

TBH, if Warren Buffet is confident in Obama's economic plan, that's good enough for me.

 

[Sabia]

Maybe in Canada you guys understand what he means by change, but down here he hasn't told us what that means. I'll say we need change all day long then never explain it. The only change I can see is more government involved in my day to day life.
At least with Bush we knew what we were getting, with Barry...I'm scared.

A move away from war mongering for one and a drive to help those that are less fortunate with basic necessities like health care and a better education - I like my American friends and think it sucks to watch such a large portion of them get shit on by the government because they don't make enough money, are too old or too sick. I've watched all 4 debates and don't understand how some people are still undecided. I've been a Canadian my whole life and really feel My life was better as a Canadian during the Clinton administration, watching American's vote for someone that agreed with 90% of Bush's policies frankly scares the crap out of me.

Edited to ad that no Palin isn't running for president but as Cleese said she's the running-mate of a 72 year old Cancer survivor....

 

[prydaddy]

Don't even get me started on Palin...

Thanks for the John Cleese clip!
If it were possible to rate you up, It would be so!

 

[Mirewen]

As I understand it, there is a reason that many non-American people have such a high opinion of Obama. Because he is going to break whats left of our economy, and a good amount of our companies (who haven't already) will soon be "outsourcing" or moving altogether to countries with lower tax rates. Which is great for them. But very bad for us.

I lol’d. Yes, that’s what the world wants. We want America to fail. That wont effect us in the slightest! I worked in the tourism industry for nearly 4 years in Victoria, BC. A city where about 75% of employment relies on tourism. When our dollar went up with respect to the American dollar, our tourism suffered because Americans could not afford to travel here anymore, that meant massive lay offs in the industry to try to cope with it.

Stop with the paranoia, the world needs America to succeed because it effects us all.

 

[Mirewen]

Thanks for the John Cleese clip!
If it were possible to rate you up, It would be so!

I would too <3 John Cleese looks/sounds like my dad.

 

[Brightblade]

A move away from war mongering for one and a drive to help those that are less fortunate with basic necessities like health care and a better education - I like my American friends and think it sucks to watch such a large portion of them get shit on by the government because they don't make enough money, are too old or too sick. I've watched all 4 debates and don't understand how some people are still undecided. I've been a Canadian my whole life and really feel My life was better as a Canadian during the Clinton administration, watching American's vote for someone that agreed with 90% of Bush's policies frankly scares the crap out of me.

Edited to ad that no Palin isn't running for president but as Cleese said she's the running-mate of a 72 year old Cancer survivor....

That sounds all well and good, but how hes going to make us all healthier and smarter is still vauge. Thats what I'm saying. Also people who don't make enough money aren't trying hard enough. This is called the land of opportunity for a reason. Its the reason so many people come to this country. Tell me its because they didnt get a good education and I'll call bullshit. Its about how much effort you put into things. Some people sit on their ass with their hand out, waiting for someone to put something in it, then cry that its unfair that someone with a good business plan, a good work ethic or a talent that they can harness is getting a better deal and said ass sitter should get a piece. Look how many people came from our "shitty education system" or the ghetto slums of say, Illinois, somewhere to make something of their lives and touch other people.

I'm not rich, I'm not the smartest person, but I also would never even expect anyone to just give me anything, because someone else was in the right place at the right time with the right plan. I'd even fall under Obamas handouts.

 

[Mirewen]

Well my dad was a single teacher who got his ass taxed off. You're telling me he didn't try hard enough? I find that incredibly insulting. He has a Masters Degree and did everything he possibly could. I know I live in Canada but it is the same for teachers down there.

 

[Sabia]

My sister's first child was born at 2lbs 12 oz and was in NICU for over a month complete with multiple blood transfusions, an 80% heart failure, a move to another hospital amongst a various myriad of other health problems. If her health care hadn't of been covered by the Canadian government my children's children would be paying off her health bills - but obviously we weren't 'trying hard enough' because it's totally my family's fault that we wouldn't of been able to afford the 50k+ a day that it was costing to keep her alive and it's definitely my sister's fault for having a premie baby.

Sometimes life deals you a shitty hand and I don't mind paying a bit of money every month to make sure these people have the basic right to life and quality of that life. I find it very mind boggling that some people value their money over the lives of their neighbors....

Oh and as far as education...

The United States is falling when it comes to international education rankings, as recent studies show that other nations in the developed world have more effective education systems.

In a 2003 study conducted by UNICEF that took the averages from five different international education studies, the researchers ranked the United States No. 18 out of 24 nations in terms of the relative effectiveness of its educational system.

taken from : http://kapio.kcc.hawaii.edu/upload/fullnews.php?id=52

Oh and my 82 year old grandma fell earlier this week and had shoulder replacement surgery yesterday that she would of never been able to afford.... Go go healthcare!

 

[Brightblade]

Well my dad was a single teacher who got his ass taxed off. You're telling me he didn't try hard enough? I find that incredibly insulting. He has a Masters Degree and did everything he possibly could. I know I live in Canada but it is the same for teachers down there.

Look, what I'm trying to say was he could have done anything he wanted to. He chose to be a teacher. He could have chosen a different proffesion if having a lot of money was very important to him, but teachers in general arent in the upper class of wage earners. I'm not saying the struggle isn't hard, but do you think he should just be handed money because times were tough?

I have a buddy on welfare and now hes never gonna get a job (his words, not mine) because the gov't is handing him free money. Hes voting for Obama because he'll be ok with him in office. He has 2 kids and only ever had a job for about 5 months of his entire life. Does he think its fair for his friends to basically be paying for his food and shelter? No. Does he have it as tough as me anymore now that hes on welfare? Nope, he has cable he has more food in his fridge then I do. Is that fair?

 

[Mirewen]

Look, what I'm trying to say was he could have done anything he wanted to. He chose to be a teacher. He could have chosen a different proffesion if having a lot of money was very important to him, but teachers in general arent in the upper class of wage earners. I'm not saying the struggle isn't hard, but do you think he should just be handed money because times were tough?

Wow. Just wow. Do you know how completely ignorant you seem? Ok, how about every teacher just give that up because you don't earn enough. Then we will see how awesome your educational system is. Having money wasn't important, teaching underpriviledged children was. The government CHOSE to tax him almost 50% of his wage, he did NOT take hand outs. That is not what this is about. This is about people being able to earn a wage and not have to give most of it back in taxes while people who are rich are just getting tax breaks making them richer.