what not who

[DOGS THAT BARK]

are your qualification on who you want to represent you as pres.

here's mine

Abortion--non issue to me

Civil rights--everone has equal opportunity--equal opp is not represented by quotas--that is discrimination--

Crime--for victims rights not criminals

Defence--must recognize radical muslim threat and understand they are not interested nor taught that negotiation is an opton--anyone who is terroist rights advocate is auto no vote

Energy--the less gov regs( other than environmental issues) the better

Environment--do all within reason to protect environment

Healthcare- don't promise me the impossible--to think the biggest culprits of inefficiency (gov) is answer is ridiculous

Homeland Security--What ever it takes

Military--Recognize and give troops 100% support--give the enemy or their cause O support.

Welfare- Use it as intended as means to help the misfortunte--not as a way of life that many have for generations.Believe John said it best--Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country

Have not had time to hash over candidates yet but would venture a guess the closest to my critera may be an independent who is not in running--this time

 

[Chadman]

Good way to phrase the idea, Wayne. I will just use your list, which makes some sense. I do want to add a couple things which are paramount to me in considering someone to represent me in public office, too.

Abortion--Not an issue I base a vote on. Can see both sides of it.

Civil rights--everyone has equal opportunity--equal opp is not well represented by the thinking that each person has the same opportunity from cradle on up -- I think it interesting to think that our country is only as strong as it's weakest link...which is a sports metaphor, but also worth trying to improve if possible. Our citizens are not guaranteed equality, but as a society, we should try to provide that as best we can.

Crime--Not sure I know how to add this to my voting agenda as a factor. I favor the death penalty, think some profiling is appropriate, but realize that certain areas transcend common perception in this topic.

Defence--Appropriate spending and attention is important. Honestly think illegal immigration falls into this area, and still can't get past the fact that they are circumventing our laws and should not benefit from that. I think no-bid contracts should not be permitted in any case, and companies convicted of - and admitting to - fraud should be denied any future contracts and benefits. Homeland Security department should be closely examined objectively and not just rubber stamped as being necessary.

Energy--MUCH closer scrutiny to big business energy interests having a role in structuring public policy and laws. Probably the biggest misuse of public trust I've seen over the past few years, and needs to be addressed by candidates. Blanket concepts of percentages of renewables mandated as part of energy supply is not really acceptable to me, I worked in PR for an electric cooperative and realize the answers are not that simple.

Environment--do all within reason to protect environment. Prevent business interests from shaping public policy when possible. Will give extra look at candidates who want to closely examine the activities of current administration and budgeting and legislative activities to reduce environmental issue importance. Will give extra nod to candidates willing to entertain global warming and man's role in that, and not completely dismiss it. More independent study should be funded for the common good and future generations.

Healthcare- Don't dismiss any option to facing serious financial issues Americans face. Regulation should be discussed. Government departments should be able to negotiate pricing deals for participants - ridiculous that this doesn't happen, IMO. Should be a top priority for any candidate and avoiding it will be a no-go for me. Could be my #1 issue this time around...a huge issue for Joe Public.

Homeland Security--What ever it takes, including closer scrutiny of contracts, opening up the bidding process, and canceling and not re-upping contracts with fradulent companies. Concerned about foreign interests in security issues - just asking for trouble, IMO.

Military--Recognize and give troops 100% support--which includes removing them from harms way when no good reason for them being there. Supporting veterans financially, and not forcing personnel to stay on tours that they did not contract for. Bad planning of management should not force others to suffer because of it. Completely fund soldiers in the field in appropriate battle and security situations.

Welfare- Use it as intended as means to help the misfortunte--not as a way of life that many have for generations. Much like existing legislation that limits time spent on welfare...make sure that happens. Fund youth education and early childcare programs that allow parents to work and try to better themselves as a way to ensure all have same opportunities in life. (see above...lol)

Have not studied candidates closely yet. But one of the most important factors for me - getting political here - is voting for candidates that can speak well publicly and communicate an air of intelligence and firm grasp of issues and how to address them.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Impressive Chad--:clap:
Thank you --

 

[WhatsHisNuts]

I'm going to cop out on this one for the time-being,but I'll swing back in and answer as intended later.

While these issues are important to me and I would like to see someone in the White House that reflects my views on controversial issues, I'm going to vote for the person that I believe is most capable of leading the country out of the mess we're in. Stances on abortion, gay rights, and civil rights just aren't as important as the mess in Iraq and our own Homeland Security.

I'll circle back later to answer the rest anyway.

 

[AR182]

let me give this a shot.

prior to 9/11, the number one issue for me was the abortion issue..i voted for whoever was pro-choice....but now....

Abortion--prior to 9/11, this was the number one issue for me. now still pro-choice but am against late term abortions....but this is down the list of priorities for me.

Civil rights--of course i'm for everybody to have equal rights....but am against trying to over-compensate for past mistakes.

Crime--the candidate i'm for must be strong on crime...i'm for capital punishment & victim's rights...& feel the bad guys have no rights.i also want my candidate to get rid of soft judges.

Defense--i like chad's writeup...."Appropriate spending and attention is important. Honestly think illegal immigration falls into this area, and still can't get past the fact that they are circumventing our laws and should not benefit from that. I think no-bid contracts should not be permitted in any case, and companies convicted of - and admitting to - fraud should be denied any future contracts and benefits. Homeland Security department should be closely examined objectively and not just rubber stamped as being necessary."

Energy--not an important issue for me but do feel that big business or anybody else shouldn't dictate policy.

Environment--see my energy writeup.

Healthcare- i believe that all americans (& not illegals) should be entitled to some form of health care.....but am against universal health care
because i like the fact that i can pick & choose my doctor of choice...

Homeland Security-- again i like chad's writeup..."What ever it takes, including closer scrutiny of contracts, opening up the bidding process, and canceling and not re-upping contracts with fradulent companies. Concerned about foreign interests in security issues - just asking for trouble, IMO."

Military- i'm for giving the military whatever it takes & whatever the costs (even if it means special taxes for the military) to be the best military in the world.i'm also for paying the military an income that makes it more attractive to be in the armed forces.

Welfare- i'm not for people getting money for doing nothing. people should never be given money for doing nothing..there are plenty of ways welfare people can contribute to society to "earn" their welfare checks.

of the 10 issues listed above....defense, military. crime, & homeland secuity are the most important & the candidate that i support should have similiar thoughts on those topics as me.

 

[Chadman]

AR, I really liked two points you made, and think that they should be a part of my thinking moving forward (might surprise some around here...ha). I like the idea of no welfare for no effort...could definitely be worked into some kind of mandatory service for part of the time you are receiving benefits. And the additional pay for military service is an interesting thought, too. Make it more of a desireable option for all. I could probably agree that some of my tax money go in that direction. Good thoughts, there.

 

[Pujo21]

I agree with AR:

On the issue of WELFARE--giving money away..
so let's start with Israel and North Korea.

:shrug: GOTTA START SOMEWHERE ?

:00hour

 

[smurphy]

All I usually ask of my leaders is to not waste everything we are blessed enough to have, whether it be natural resources, human resources, military resources, global respect, money, technology, education, etc.

When we are attacked, we fight back with everything we have AGAINST THOSE WHO ATTACKED US. We NEVER start a pre-emptive war because it has NEVER worked in our history.

There is more, but that's a start. Safe to say, the current administration has failed on almost every criteria of mine.

 

[The Sponge]

So just get rid of welfare? Tell that to the guy who has the IQ of 50 or the downs syndrome patient. I think it would be fair to give these people welfare. Now for the girl who wants to have five babies something has to be done about that to her or a guy who just enjoys having unprotective sex and spreading his love all over my paycheck. Just got to get tough with them.

 

[AR182]

AR, I really liked two points you made, and think that they should be a part of my thinking moving forward (might surprise some around here...ha). I like the idea of no welfare for no effort...could definitely be worked into some kind of mandatory service for part of the time you are receiving benefits. And the additional pay for military service is an interesting thought, too. Make it more of a desireable option for all. I could probably agree that some of my tax money go in that direction. Good thoughts, there.

chad....

i'm impressed that you are not locked into an idealogy & are willing to change your opinions on different topics....imo, not enough people do this.

when i first graduated from college i worked as a medicaid clerk for a few nyc hospitals. i saw first hand how harmful it was for healthy people to get free money & as a bleeding heart liberal at the time, i found it repulsive...& my thinking towards this started changing.now of course, this excludes people too ill to work.

 

[AR182]

When we are attacked, we fight back with everything we have AGAINST THOSE WHO ATTACKED US. We NEVER start a pre-emptive war because it has NEVER worked in our history.

murphy...

what other pre-emptive wars have the u.s. started ?

and i disagree with you & those who say that the u.s. shouldn't start any pre-emptive wars (only if it's done properly).....i think other countries should know that this is on the table.

 

[djv]

I agree all options and cards need to be on the table. But you better make sure your info is right. That would mean keeping open mind to here from other countries that may have info to give. We can't have a out of control guy like Cheney next to Pres feeding B S. That put us in this mess.
For some items above. One item for sure I like. Because it can help take care of some of the others listed. Is Steve Forbes flat tax idea.

 

[BOHICA]

So just get rid of welfare? Tell that to the guy who has the IQ of 50 or the downs syndrome patient.

Which one do you qualify under?

 

[smurphy]

murphy...

what other pre-emptive wars have the u.s. started ?
.

Viet....you know the rest

Most of our presidents know this rule. The few who deny it get burned to hell. Bush is a moron.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Interesting--used thread title to keep names and politics out of it--

Appreciate those that took time post their views--
Apparently we are all pretty close on objectives if we leave the political atmosphere out of it.

 

[Chadman]

Pretty much agree, Wayne. I think if everyone took the time to actually work through what they think, sans political labels, it might surprise them. I am disturbingly conservative about some things...ha.

Ya know, if we just instituted a flat tax and enacted public financing of elections, we might not have much to talk about other than Spring Training, which is really important.

 

[hammer1]

How about a Pre emptive

How about a Pre emptive

punch to the jaw or a swift kick to the nuts if i perceive rightly or wrongly that u are a threat to me..and after that i can say to ur bleeding mass of flesh.hey ""got some bad info dude sorry."

Are all options on the table???

 

[hammer1]

Yup gotta agree w Chad and Doggies

Yup gotta agree w Chad and Doggies

Its amazing how close we all are on so many issues
no matter where we claim to be on the spectrum.
WE have to stop ripping each other up and for starters settle the issues we are close on.
One topic i bring up when i get into discussions about paying for Universal health care is the idea of Legalizing and taxing all currently illegal drugs. Eliminate the criminality and we have all that tax revenue and savings of all the money we waste trying to stop what will never be stopped.
Just discussed this over the weekend and except for one mother every one seemed to agree that this was an idea worth considering. And we had lawyers business people tree huggers and bible thumpers and of course urs truly.

 

[StevieD]

Of course we are close on most subjects. We are all Americans and we all want the same things. The problems don't come about until we discuss how to meet our objectives. More tax? Less tax? Tax the rich? Don't tax the rich? And on and on it goes.

 

[AR182]

Of course we are close on most subjects. We are all Americans and we all want the same things. The problems don't come about until we discuss how to meet our objectives. More tax? Less tax? Tax the rich? Don't tax the rich? And on and on it goes.

stevie...

how do we know if we're close on most subjects if only dtb.chad, & me gave their opinions on the different issues.....

it's a great topic....surprised that all of the opinionated posters here don't share their views with the everybody else....wonder what people are afraid of ?