On Politics...
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Normally I would drop this in the soapbox, but since politics is on everyone's mind today, I'll post here. Obviouslly many CPians have heartfelt political conviction, but I myself am neither hard-core right-wing, nor do I support higly liberal issues. That puts me in the middle of a moral dilemma: Do I vote Republican (although some democratic views have my support), or do I vote Democrat and forgo my Republican affiliation??? Truth be said, there are times I hear so much negative publicity about individual candidates that I wish Jerry Springer were on the ballot. So I set out to weigh the facts about the hot issues as objectively as possible. Taking the following test: http://issues2002.org/politics/quiz_main.asp?Page=1&Clear=Y[^] I was able to get an objective view of my preferences. However, I turned out 54% conservative and 46% liberal :omg: What do you guys do when you are divided on the issues, and don't really like either candidate? (or am I just a fluke in the democratic system :~ ) Nitron _________________________________________-- message sent on 100% recycled electrons.
My boss said yesterday, "I used to be a staunch Republican. But, now I'm not so sure. I don't think the parties are all that different anymore. I can't really vote for a candidate based on their party affiliation." I tend to vote democratic, but, I never vote for anyone without knowing who I'm voting for. I don't ever vote straight-party ticket. It seems like there is still some differences, but I can't help wondering if some of our perceived difference is actually a reflection of what the parties used to be. Sure, the republicans tend to lean pro-life, but I think most of them are unwilling to make abortion illegal. And the democrats have lots of big money donors, despite the perception that it's "the party of the little guy". The parties tend to have different perceptions of affirmative action, but as far as minorities go, is this the extent of the differences between republicans and democrats? And, would they really act any differently when it comes to affirmative action, or is that just my perception? And, while Clinton had a lot of minorities in his cabinet (which ended up being a mistake only because I don't think the individuals themselves were up to the job), doesn't Bush have them, too? I thought this article was interesting. Apparently, Raytheon is one of the companies giving money for the Democratic National Convention in Boston 2004. Raytheon, if you don't know, is a defense company. Phillip Morris (tobacco) tends to be the only company that seems to have purely republican leanings anymore. (Most companies give money to both parties.) This article says much the same thing about Democratic corporate sponsors (although the source is highly biased, you can at least look at the facts they use). http://www.wsws.org/articles/2000/aug2000/dnc-a17.shtml I think a lot of people are starting to re-evaluate what the differences are again. ------------------------------------------ "Isn't it funny how people say they'll never grow up to be their parents, then one day they look in the mirror and they're moving aircraft carriers into the Gulf region?" - The Onion
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Normally I would drop this in the soapbox, but since politics is on everyone's mind today, I'll post here. Obviouslly many CPians have heartfelt political conviction, but I myself am neither hard-core right-wing, nor do I support higly liberal issues. That puts me in the middle of a moral dilemma: Do I vote Republican (although some democratic views have my support), or do I vote Democrat and forgo my Republican affiliation??? Truth be said, there are times I hear so much negative publicity about individual candidates that I wish Jerry Springer were on the ballot. So I set out to weigh the facts about the hot issues as objectively as possible. Taking the following test: http://issues2002.org/politics/quiz_main.asp?Page=1&Clear=Y[^] I was able to get an objective view of my preferences. However, I turned out 54% conservative and 46% liberal :omg: What do you guys do when you are divided on the issues, and don't really like either candidate? (or am I just a fluke in the democratic system :~ ) Nitron _________________________________________-- message sent on 100% recycled electrons.
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Normally I would drop this in the soapbox, but since politics is on everyone's mind today, I'll post here. Obviouslly many CPians have heartfelt political conviction, but I myself am neither hard-core right-wing, nor do I support higly liberal issues. That puts me in the middle of a moral dilemma: Do I vote Republican (although some democratic views have my support), or do I vote Democrat and forgo my Republican affiliation??? Truth be said, there are times I hear so much negative publicity about individual candidates that I wish Jerry Springer were on the ballot. So I set out to weigh the facts about the hot issues as objectively as possible. Taking the following test: http://issues2002.org/politics/quiz_main.asp?Page=1&Clear=Y[^] I was able to get an objective view of my preferences. However, I turned out 54% conservative and 46% liberal :omg: What do you guys do when you are divided on the issues, and don't really like either candidate? (or am I just a fluke in the democratic system :~ ) Nitron _________________________________________-- message sent on 100% recycled electrons.
I got Personal 54% and Economic 42% which puts me one square down and to the left of dead center. I guess that makes me a wishy-washy centralist! And I used to think I was a bleeding heart liberal! I think the one question was flawed though, I said I mildly supported the idea of teaching morality, but in the final analysis it has me as supporting prayers in school. Not the same thing I say, and as an athesist I certainly don't support the idea of forcing kids to pray, nor do I think it make them more moral. Not that any my opinions matter because as a permanent resident I don't get to vote, although I still get to pay taxes.....:mad:
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And if you live in the UK http://www.politicalcompass.org/[^]
Giles wrote: And if you live in the UK And if you, heaven forbid, live in any other country other than the UK or US... well it does not matter, because you are either an axis of evil or not. With us or against us... The bombed or the bombers... The terroriser or the terrorised... The right or the wrong... I wonder if Aghanis had differing political directions?
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul Watson -
Giles wrote: And if you live in the UK And if you, heaven forbid, live in any other country other than the UK or US... well it does not matter, because you are either an axis of evil or not. With us or against us... The bombed or the bombers... The terroriser or the terrorised... The right or the wrong... I wonder if Aghanis had differing political directions?
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul WatsonPaul Watson wrote: I wonder if Aghanis had differing political directions? Who's he? Shog9 ------
The Army's on Ecstasy, so they say - I read all about it in USA Today. They stepped up urine testing to make it go away, 'cause it's hard to kill the enemy on ol' MDMA...- Oysterhead
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Paul Watson wrote: I wonder if Aghanis had differing political directions? Who's he? Shog9 ------
The Army's on Ecstasy, so they say - I read all about it in USA Today. They stepped up urine testing to make it go away, 'cause it's hard to kill the enemy on ol' MDMA...- Oysterhead
Shog9 wrote: Who's he? The doppelganger son of Jack Schitt. Forgotten and unloved because Afghanis Schitt is not funny, not like Deep Schitt or In Schitt is.
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul Watson -
I got Personal 54% and Economic 42% which puts me one square down and to the left of dead center. I guess that makes me a wishy-washy centralist! And I used to think I was a bleeding heart liberal! I think the one question was flawed though, I said I mildly supported the idea of teaching morality, but in the final analysis it has me as supporting prayers in school. Not the same thing I say, and as an athesist I certainly don't support the idea of forcing kids to pray, nor do I think it make them more moral. Not that any my opinions matter because as a permanent resident I don't get to vote, although I still get to pay taxes.....:mad:
I said I mildly supported the idea of teaching morality, but in the final analysis it has me as supporting prayers in school. I did the same thing! Somehow, morality = prayer. I didn't quite see it that way, either. ------------------------------------------ "Isn't it funny how people say they'll never grow up to be their parents, then one day they look in the mirror and they're moving aircraft carriers into the Gulf region?" - The Onion
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Giles wrote: And if you live in the UK And if you, heaven forbid, live in any other country other than the UK or US... well it does not matter, because you are either an axis of evil or not. With us or against us... The bombed or the bombers... The terroriser or the terrorised... The right or the wrong... I wonder if Aghanis had differing political directions?
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul WatsonPaul Watson wrote: well it does not matter, because you are either an axis of evil or not. With us or against us... The bombed or the bombers... The terroriser or the terrorised... The right or the wrong... I don't think it mentions any of this stuff, just gauges you agaist UK politicians. Maybe I did not read the rest of the earlier post correctly. Is that what it was on about?
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Shog9 wrote: Who's he? The doppelganger son of Jack Schitt. Forgotten and unloved because Afghanis Schitt is not funny, not like Deep Schitt or In Schitt is.
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul Watson -
Giles wrote: And if you live in the UK And if you, heaven forbid, live in any other country other than the UK or US... well it does not matter, because you are either an axis of evil or not. With us or against us... The bombed or the bombers... The terroriser or the terrorised... The right or the wrong... I wonder if Aghanis had differing political directions?
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul WatsonPaul Watson wrote: And if you, heaven forbid, live in any other country other than the UK or US... well it does not matter, because you are either an axis of evil or not. With us or against us... The bombed or the bombers... The terroriser or the terrorised... The right or the wrong... Nope, in this case it's a whole new set of questions: 1. Do you or your government support or harbor international terrorists? 2. Do you or your government plan to invade and occupy neighboring countries? 3. Do you or your government build and use chemical weapons against small ethnic groups in your country? 4. Do you or your government routinely kill your political foes and those who spaek against you? 5. Do you or your government defy UN resolutions that you agreed to a decade ago? 6. Have you or your government deliberately pissed off the most powerful military in the history of the world by killing 3000 innocent civilians in a matter of minutes?
Scoring: If you've answered YES to any of these questions be prepared to be "dealt with". Please be patient, we'll be with you as soon as we can. If you've answered NO to all of these questions, you have nothing to fear.Mike Mullikin :beer: Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. David St. Hubbins - Spinal Tap
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I said I mildly supported the idea of teaching morality, but in the final analysis it has me as supporting prayers in school. I did the same thing! Somehow, morality = prayer. I didn't quite see it that way, either. ------------------------------------------ "Isn't it funny how people say they'll never grow up to be their parents, then one day they look in the mirror and they're moving aircraft carriers into the Gulf region?" - The Onion
That's the problem with creating things like this, you have to be carefull about what implicit assumptions you are making. Clearly the creater of this particular quiz had the assumption that morality and prayer are somehow the same thing, when that isn't the same assumption that everybody is making. The other problem with these things is that they tend to try and get you to see every issue as black and white, some of the questions I really felt like I'd have to say "depends" because I wouldn't want to make some crass(IMO) generalization to cover all cases. This one wasn't too bad in that respect, but I thought the UK one was worse because I couldn't register a "no opinion" vote. All in all, I'd say there worth a laugh, but shouldn't be taken too seriously. They tend to both over simplify and over polarize the issues. On the other hand, I would be a little concerned if I came out to be Stalin or Hitler :omg:
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Normally I would drop this in the soapbox, but since politics is on everyone's mind today, I'll post here. Obviouslly many CPians have heartfelt political conviction, but I myself am neither hard-core right-wing, nor do I support higly liberal issues. That puts me in the middle of a moral dilemma: Do I vote Republican (although some democratic views have my support), or do I vote Democrat and forgo my Republican affiliation??? Truth be said, there are times I hear so much negative publicity about individual candidates that I wish Jerry Springer were on the ballot. So I set out to weigh the facts about the hot issues as objectively as possible. Taking the following test: http://issues2002.org/politics/quiz_main.asp?Page=1&Clear=Y[^] I was able to get an objective view of my preferences. However, I turned out 54% conservative and 46% liberal :omg: What do you guys do when you are divided on the issues, and don't really like either candidate? (or am I just a fluke in the democratic system :~ ) Nitron _________________________________________-- message sent on 100% recycled electrons.
Personal :82% Enomic:51% Iam not euthopic,but i do beleive that at the rate capitalism is going there need to be some kind of wealth control system instituted. Otherwise the next revolution they world would see will not be agianst dictators but coorporations and the wealthy. I beleive they world has enough resources for everyone to live a wealthy life, so if you happen to have quite alot, then mabe you have somebody else's:).
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Paul Watson wrote: well it does not matter, because you are either an axis of evil or not. With us or against us... The bombed or the bombers... The terroriser or the terrorised... The right or the wrong... I don't think it mentions any of this stuff, just gauges you agaist UK politicians. Maybe I did not read the rest of the earlier post correctly. Is that what it was on about?
Giles wrote: I don't think it mentions any of this stuff, just gauges you agaist UK politicians. Maybe I did not read the rest of the earlier post correctly. Is that what it was on about? Oh no, I was not saying that is what the test was about. I was just commenting on that in my world there are only two countries that matter, the US and the UK. That often the rest of us are not represented or listened to. Oh and I was reading a story in Time about Bush and his defining people into two camps.
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul Watson -
Paul Watson wrote: And if you, heaven forbid, live in any other country other than the UK or US... well it does not matter, because you are either an axis of evil or not. With us or against us... The bombed or the bombers... The terroriser or the terrorised... The right or the wrong... Nope, in this case it's a whole new set of questions: 1. Do you or your government support or harbor international terrorists? 2. Do you or your government plan to invade and occupy neighboring countries? 3. Do you or your government build and use chemical weapons against small ethnic groups in your country? 4. Do you or your government routinely kill your political foes and those who spaek against you? 5. Do you or your government defy UN resolutions that you agreed to a decade ago? 6. Have you or your government deliberately pissed off the most powerful military in the history of the world by killing 3000 innocent civilians in a matter of minutes?
Scoring: If you've answered YES to any of these questions be prepared to be "dealt with". Please be patient, we'll be with you as soon as we can. If you've answered NO to all of these questions, you have nothing to fear.Mike Mullikin :beer: Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. David St. Hubbins - Spinal Tap
Mike Mullikin wrote: 2. Do you or your government plan to invade and occupy neighboring countries? What about non-neighbouring countries? The US does not have a lot of options in terms of invading neighbouring countries, but it sure has the world as it's oyster for invading far-removed countries. Maybe it is an irrational dislike but I simply dislike having some other country demand anything of my country just because the other country has a big stick. If it came nicely and asked me respectfully I would not mind. Also the other country should not be able to judge me negatively if I cannot judge it back negatively without having a commando shoved up my ass. Just leave us alone, I have no truck with you, so take your truck somewhere else, please? With a cherry on top?
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul Watson -
Giles wrote: I don't think it mentions any of this stuff, just gauges you agaist UK politicians. Maybe I did not read the rest of the earlier post correctly. Is that what it was on about? Oh no, I was not saying that is what the test was about. I was just commenting on that in my world there are only two countries that matter, the US and the UK. That often the rest of us are not represented or listened to. Oh and I was reading a story in Time about Bush and his defining people into two camps.
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul WatsonPaul Watson wrote: I was just commenting on that in my world there are only two countries that matter, the US and the UK. That often the rest of us are not represented or listened to. Its kind of funny that you think that, because let me count....11 out of 28 people I work with in my part of the department at work, are South African. A further 2 from Zimbabwe, 2 from Australia, 1 from NZ, 1 from Nigeria, 2 German and 1 Italian. Makes for some interesting stories and different points of view. I often hear the SA people talking about home, and how they think the current President is not up the job. I suppose Mandela was a hard act to follow with him having such a good international reputation. I can guess at how you feel - can't really get away from the US media, and am glad that in the UK we have something like the BBC to report news that does not come of Mr Murdocks empire for a change. The French are quite luck in thise sense with things like state sponsorship for French speaking films/movies. I suppose its just the sheer weight of numbers thing. Saying that its clear to see that the European Union (some fool wants to call it the United States of Europe) has much more infulence on our daily lives, I think more so than the US. Just beacase we are closer, despite the language dis-advantage. But saying that I like French films - because they are so clearly not hollywood. I think my mind is drifting on to other topics. Paul Watson wrote: Oh and I was reading a story in Time about Bush and his defining people into two camps. Yep but thats sadly how he thinks, Yes or No. He would make a terrible ambassador.
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Normally I would drop this in the soapbox, but since politics is on everyone's mind today, I'll post here. Obviouslly many CPians have heartfelt political conviction, but I myself am neither hard-core right-wing, nor do I support higly liberal issues. That puts me in the middle of a moral dilemma: Do I vote Republican (although some democratic views have my support), or do I vote Democrat and forgo my Republican affiliation??? Truth be said, there are times I hear so much negative publicity about individual candidates that I wish Jerry Springer were on the ballot. So I set out to weigh the facts about the hot issues as objectively as possible. Taking the following test: http://issues2002.org/politics/quiz_main.asp?Page=1&Clear=Y[^] I was able to get an objective view of my preferences. However, I turned out 54% conservative and 46% liberal :omg: What do you guys do when you are divided on the issues, and don't really like either candidate? (or am I just a fluke in the democratic system :~ ) Nitron _________________________________________-- message sent on 100% recycled electrons.
Nitron wrote: What do you guys do when you are divided on the issues, and don't really like either candidate? (or am I just a fluke in the democratic system I don't think so. Sometimes it is a choice between the lesser of 2 evils. In my case, the gov of Texas. I'm very conservative...but in this case neither were good choices so I voted the party which in this case ( from my viewpoint ) was the lesser of 2 evils. The wrong thing to do is not vote. ed Every time I walk into a singles bar I can hear Mom's wise words: "Don't pick that up, you don't know where it's been!"
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Mike Mullikin wrote: 2. Do you or your government plan to invade and occupy neighboring countries? What about non-neighbouring countries? The US does not have a lot of options in terms of invading neighbouring countries, but it sure has the world as it's oyster for invading far-removed countries. Maybe it is an irrational dislike but I simply dislike having some other country demand anything of my country just because the other country has a big stick. If it came nicely and asked me respectfully I would not mind. Also the other country should not be able to judge me negatively if I cannot judge it back negatively without having a commando shoved up my ass. Just leave us alone, I have no truck with you, so take your truck somewhere else, please? With a cherry on top?
Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South AfricaRay Cassick wrote:
Well I am not female, not gay and I am not Paul WatsonPaul Watson wrote: What about non-neighbouring countries? The US does not have a lot of options in terms of invading neighbouring countries, but it sure has the world as it's oyster for invading far-removed countries. The question said "invade and occupy". We invade & liberate. ;P Even then it usually involves the "host" country engaging in one of the activities outlined in the previous questions. Paul Watson wrote: Also the other country should not be able to judge me negatively if I cannot judge it back negatively without having a commando shoved up my ass. Damn Paul, why so paranoid? What are you people doing down there in SA that you fear the US/UK??
Mike Mullikin :beer: Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. David St. Hubbins - Spinal Tap
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Paul Watson wrote: And if you, heaven forbid, live in any other country other than the UK or US... well it does not matter, because you are either an axis of evil or not. With us or against us... The bombed or the bombers... The terroriser or the terrorised... The right or the wrong... Nope, in this case it's a whole new set of questions: 1. Do you or your government support or harbor international terrorists? 2. Do you or your government plan to invade and occupy neighboring countries? 3. Do you or your government build and use chemical weapons against small ethnic groups in your country? 4. Do you or your government routinely kill your political foes and those who spaek against you? 5. Do you or your government defy UN resolutions that you agreed to a decade ago? 6. Have you or your government deliberately pissed off the most powerful military in the history of the world by killing 3000 innocent civilians in a matter of minutes?
Scoring: If you've answered YES to any of these questions be prepared to be "dealt with". Please be patient, we'll be with you as soon as we can. If you've answered NO to all of these questions, you have nothing to fear.Mike Mullikin :beer: Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. David St. Hubbins - Spinal Tap
Mike Mullikin wrote: 1. Do you or your government support or harbor international terrorists? And do those terrorists intend to strike against the US or allies. If no , don't worry Mike Mullikin wrote: 2. Do you or your government plan to invade and occupy neighboring countries? Does your country or any of those neighbouring countries have interesting natural resources ? If no don't worry Mike Mullikin wrote: 3. Do you or your government build and use chemical weapons against small ethnic groups in your country? Can your country classify them as dangerous terrorists ? If yes don't worry Mike Mullikin wrote: 4. Do you or your government routinely kill your political foes and those who spaek against you? Can those foes be classified as terrorists or supporters of terrorism? If yes don't worry Mike Mullikin wrote: 5. Do you or your government defy UN resolutions that you agreed to a decade ago? Does your government have the backing of the US when ignoring those resolutions ? If yes don't worry. Mike Mullikin wrote: 6. Have you or your government deliberately pissed off the most powerful military in the history of the world by killing 3000 innocent civilians in a matter of minutes? Did your country receive US military aid before/during/after such incidents ? If yes don't worry.
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Paul Watson wrote: What about non-neighbouring countries? The US does not have a lot of options in terms of invading neighbouring countries, but it sure has the world as it's oyster for invading far-removed countries. The question said "invade and occupy". We invade & liberate. ;P Even then it usually involves the "host" country engaging in one of the activities outlined in the previous questions. Paul Watson wrote: Also the other country should not be able to judge me negatively if I cannot judge it back negatively without having a commando shoved up my ass. Damn Paul, why so paranoid? What are you people doing down there in SA that you fear the US/UK??
Mike Mullikin :beer: Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. David St. Hubbins - Spinal Tap
Mike Mullikin wrote: Damn Paul, why so paranoid? What are you people doing down there in SA that you fear the US/UK?? Not really paranoid. Just a matter of realising that there according to the leader of a nation armed to the teeth there are only two options. Follow their lead or die. If you are not with him all the way, you are the Enemy (even if that Enemy is your enemy as well but you happen to have a different opinion about defeating him)
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Normally I would drop this in the soapbox, but since politics is on everyone's mind today, I'll post here. Obviouslly many CPians have heartfelt political conviction, but I myself am neither hard-core right-wing, nor do I support higly liberal issues. That puts me in the middle of a moral dilemma: Do I vote Republican (although some democratic views have my support), or do I vote Democrat and forgo my Republican affiliation??? Truth be said, there are times I hear so much negative publicity about individual candidates that I wish Jerry Springer were on the ballot. So I set out to weigh the facts about the hot issues as objectively as possible. Taking the following test: http://issues2002.org/politics/quiz_main.asp?Page=1&Clear=Y[^] I was able to get an objective view of my preferences. However, I turned out 54% conservative and 46% liberal :omg: What do you guys do when you are divided on the issues, and don't really like either candidate? (or am I just a fluke in the democratic system :~ ) Nitron _________________________________________-- message sent on 100% recycled electrons.
I hear that Arnold Shazzanigger <-- Spelling Is running for Governer in California and I am going to vote for him, can't be worst than what we got :laugh: