This post brought to you by the somewhat stunned silence I experienced on Monday when my (not really all that political but vote republican) parents asked who I (non-partisan but usually vote democratic) was voting for.
I said "Obama, but if the Republicans had a good candidate, I would have considered swinging my vote"
and my parents said "We're voting Obama too, because we don't trust the Republican candidate"
So let me ask you this: when we get down to brass tacks, those of you who are voting republican...do you truly think Romney is up for the job and/or can do a better job than Obama?
TBH, I wish we could rip out congress and start all over there as well. I am disheartened about our government across all parties and positions.
I don't vote, but consider my self more of an independent. Living in the state that Romney was governor of, I weep for America if he gets voted in, I really do.
I think what upsets me most is the fact that there ARE other candidates. People feel locked into this 2 party system, and are all "oh, I'm a fisical conservative, but social liberal." So vote libertarian then, or vote for another 3rd party candidate who better represents your ideals. But most people don't and feel like they're wasting a vote if they don't vote for the lesser of 2 evils. The ONLY way to change the current B.S system, and to get the a-holes out of there, is to vote.them.out. 3rd party candidates getting substantial votes forces the media, and other incumbents to pay attention, (who are all to happy to endorse the current 2 party system), and stop acting like jackasses who know their election is guaranteed.
I used to identify with the republican party, but I just can't any more. They're catering to bigotry, hate, and fear, and trying to legislate based on religion. But with the dems, I can't get behind their economics or complete disregard for fisical responsibility. You want social programs? Fantastic. Then you'd better damn well cut back a TON of other stuff, because Americans aren't going to be happy about a 60% tax rate to support all this legislation to avoid a deficit. And I'm well aware that the corruption crosses party lines, and when its all said an done, they're both involved in back room deals and bowing to special interest groups.
I think what upsets me most is the fact that there ARE other candidates. People feel locked into this 2 party system, and are all "oh, I'm a fisical conservative, but social liberal." So vote libertarian then, or vote for another 3rd party candidate who better represents your ideals. But most people don't and feel like they're wasting a vote if they don't vote for the lesser of 2 evils. The ONLY way to change the current B.S system, and to get the a-holes out of there, is to vote.them.out. 3rd party candidates getting substantial votes forces the media, and other incumbents to pay attention, (who are all to happy to endorse the current 2 party system), and stop acting like jackasses who know their election is guaranteed.
I used to identify with the republican party, but I just can't any more. They're catering to bigotry, hate, and fear, and trying to legislate based on religion. But with the dems, I can't get behind their economics or complete disregard for fisical responsibility. You want social programs? Fantastic. Then you'd better damn well cut back a TON of other stuff, because Americans aren't going to be happy about a 60% tax rate to support all this legislation to avoid a deficit. And I'm well aware that the corruption crosses party lines, and when its all said an done, they're both involved in back room deals and bowing to special interest groups.
I did that isidewith quiz and I'm #1 Ron Paul and #2 Gary Johnson. Time to get serious about looking into non R or D candidates. I can't in good conscience vote for either party.
I really used to enjoy talking about politics but I don't anymore. Our culture is bat shit crazy. Everything has become so extreme and out of context. Ugh
I think the extreme viewpoint of any party is weird. Moderation is a good thing, and right now, I don't see much moderate about either of the 2 major parties.
eh, there are checks and balances already in place. I don't foresee any legislation more extreme than the legislation that has been pushed through in the past 16 years. It isn't like they can magically wave a wand and make campaign promises suddenly the law of the land. Compromises have to happen at some level, regardless of who's elected.
Post by eightangryreindeer on Aug 15, 2012 18:30:02 GMT -5
On a theoretical level, I agree with Dot and Buzz about the destruction of the two party system.
On a realistic, this is America level, it is going to take years and years and a lot more interest in politics than America (truly) has to change this system. Until then, I view a third party vote as a threat that some fuckwit like Mitt Romney could actually be voted into the office of The POTUS.
I am deeply ashamed that this he is even a candidate. The Republican primaries were a fucking joke. I'm actually sentimental for Reagan over them, for fucks sake.
I really used to enjoy talking about politics but I don't anymore. Our culture is bat shit crazy. Everything has become so extreme and out of context. Ugh
Ok, so every single one of you have shared similar thoughts to mine...in a way this is comforting...but mostly scares the shit out f me because it underscores how bad things truly are. Ugh.
I think that Mitt Romney is an exceptional businessman and I'd love to have lunch with him and discuss his career, his corporate management skills and how he managed to have such a successful run.
I think that Mitt (and his current partner) forget that the Government is not a business, and can't be run as such.
Moderates win races, and he's going so far right it's scary. I love when his political advisor got caught on that (admittedly stupid) commercial that alluded to "Mitt Romney killed my wife" and said "well, if the guy was living in MA where Gov. Romney managed to successfully implement healthcare for all its citizens" and thought "why can't he be more like that".
Post by Jalapeñomel on Aug 15, 2012 22:02:40 GMT -5
I give pause to people who are now claiming to be libertarian, because think many of those people don't actually know what a libertarian is (not calling you out DotandBuzz, this post just reminded me of that).
I used to think that republican social policies were fucked up but they had the economics right.
The more time I spend playing with corporations, the more clear it's become to me but that it's really the economics that are driving the social policies. Romney/Ryan/any of the other true party leaders? They don't really give a rats ass if gay people marry, or women have abortions, or people smoke weed. They care about making the world safe for corporations. That is all. And they are trading social issues to the working class because feeling "better than" a gay person, or a Muslim, or a single pregnant woman is something people can grab on to without much thought.
Seriously. You don't balance a budget by cutting revenue from the richest source. A blue collar worker should not rationally support a party that wants to abolish unions. That's just common sense.
As one of my friends put it: "Choosing between Obama and Romney is like choosing between a slap in the face or a kick in the groin."
Anyone who believes that is a fool. Obama saved us from a depression that Cheney drive us into by looting our country. He has revived the auto industry, recognized gay marriage, killed Osama Bin Laden (whom Bush was never going to touch because: (a) he needed a boogy man; and (b) money), and passed universal health care. You really think he is no different than Romney and Ryan? What possible basis could you have for saying that.
I think what upsets me most is the fact that there ARE other candidates. People feel locked into this 2 party system, and are all "oh, I'm a fisical conservative, but social liberal." So vote libertarian then, or vote for another 3rd party candidate who better represents your ideals. But most people don't and feel like they're wasting a vote if they don't vote for the lesser of 2 evils. The ONLY way to change the current B.S system, and to get the a-holes out of there, is to vote.them.out. 3rd party candidates getting substantial votes forces the media, and other incumbents to pay attention, (who are all to happy to endorse the current 2 party system), and stop acting like jackasses who know their election is guaranteed.
I used to identify with the republican party, but I just can't any more. They're catering to bigotry, hate, and fear, and trying to legislate based on religion. But with the dems, I can't get behind their economics or complete disregard for fisical responsibility. You want social programs? Fantastic. Then you'd better damn well cut back a TON of other stuff, because Americans aren't going to be happy about a 60% tax rate to support all this legislation to avoid a deficit. And I'm well aware that the corruption crosses party lines, and when its all said an done, they're both involved in back room deals and bowing to special interest groups.
So I'm done with both of them. Libertarian out.
I have never agreed with someone or had the words taken out of my mouth so hard in my life.
I side with both Ron Paul and Obama pretty evenly, on different topics. I will vote for Obama, because I "threw away" my vote on Ralph Nader onceuponatime. We all know how THAT turned out.
I think Romney could be a decent president and I think Romney is about as right as Obama is left when it comes to brass tacks.
But I think congress ain't gonna let no president do fucking shit and Romney or Obama neither is going to be able to do much.
Yeah. I mean, that veto, it means nothing. And being commander in chief of our military? Essentially worthless. Plus, who even cares about the ability to appoint two justices?
Yeah. I mean, that veto, it means nothing. And being commander in chief of our military? Essentially worthless. Plus, who even cares about the ability to appoint two justices?
Well, as you pointed out, we do have universal health care and recognized gay marriage in this country.