College people who can vote...

<p>Have you actually taken a minute to read McCain's platform? He absolutely is NOT pro-choice.
John</a> McCain 2008 - John McCain for President</p>

<p>Also, I can't imagine what kind of self-loving a--h-le would place the issue of gay rights under the "human dignity" section of his website (a decision that completely disregards the simple HUMANITY of homosexuals, going far beyond simply treating them as second-class citizens)..certainly not one I'd want to be the President of the United States.</p>

<p>leah, that's true that he doesn't support upholding Roe v. Wade, but the fact that he doesn't support a constitutional ban on abortion (as some of his more boorish right-wing colleagues do) makes his pill a bit easier to swallow for some. Not that I'm voting for him anyway (though my opposition to him is mostly centred on his unconditional endorsement of current policy re: Iraq), but I just thought I might point that out</p>

<p>I don't care whether or not it's likely that the SC will overturn Roe v. Wade. I care about the fact that McCain and others don't recognize a woman's right to control her own body. I'm sorry but my uterus is mine. It never fails to disgust me when the government gets involved with such personal matters (abortion, Terry Shciavo, etc.). It just seems so unconstitutional to me. But I will digress because this is the kind of issue that gets me really really angry and I inevitably end up shaking in a corner chewing on my hair or something.</p>

<p>And word to leah377 about gay rights. I'm sorry but how does it affect John McCain and really anyone else for that matter if two loving, consenting adults get married? There are plenty of straight couples who "disgrace" the concept of marriage. But who cares? It's not my business. It just ****es me off to think that by the time I have children and they grow up, this country might still be so backwards as to alienate and belittle who they are as people.</p>

<p>John McCain is definitely getting my vote.</p>

<p>CNN-darling Obama doesn't appeal to me at all, and I cannot understand the media's disgusting obsession with him (except maybe for FOX News).</p>

<p>John McCain = economic ignoramus, war monger, stubborn and dogmatic foreign policy, absolute awful healthcare policy by way of letting insurance companies have more freedom in competing to decide prices(can you say collusion). </p>

<p>In other words, Obama by default.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Ummm...this is for people who can VOTE in the election.

[/quote]

If you read the first post of this thread, you'd see that the thread creator himself won't even be voting in the election. Oops!</p>

<p>
[quote]
CNN-darling Obama doesn't appeal to me at all,

[/quote]

We still unfortunately live in a society that is not color-blind. Obama is the first African-American nominee of any major political party. That is bound to bring up coverage in the mainstream media. He's making history, whether you support him or not, you have to admit that. Additionally, Obama makes great speeches and has a knack at drawing</a> crowds, and that brings in ratings; believe it or not, all the networks care about are ratings! Meanwhile, McCain has trouble</a> filling his events with enough peopleand has even had to cancel some or move them to smaller venues.</p>

<p>McCain has been getting a free ride from the media. He has sketchy</a> friends of his own but of course the media has largely ignored them. Not to mention all of the times he's blatantly lied or flipflopped in the same [segment[/url</a>]!</p>

<p>He has voted 100% of the time [url=<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-pelosi/mccain-flip-flops-again_b_109703.html%5Dagainst%5B/url"&gt;http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-pelosi/mccain-flip-flops-again_b_109703.html]against[/url&lt;/a&gt;] the new GI bill that will give educational benefits to our troops in the new millenium. [url=<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1aJGaRxDCM%5DAnd"&gt;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1aJGaRxDCM]And&lt;/a> now he's taking credit for passing it in Congress.](<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c%5Dsegment%5B/url"&gt;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c) Can you say "hypocrite"? He simply does not support our troops, even after his heroic service in Vietnam.</p>

<p>
[quote]
The hamas endorsed him. Loius farrakhan endorsed him. He's friends with a convicted terrorist.

[/quote]

Obama did not accept those endorsements. Anyone can endorse anyone they want, it doesn't mean the endorsee accepts it. McCain gleefully accepted endorsements from John Hagee, an anti-Catholic and anti-Jewish hatemongerer, then later rejected the endorsements several weeks later when the mainstream media finally decided to stop endlessly airing the Wright speeches and put some attention on McCain. Also, I don't know where you got that tidbit that he's friends with a convicted terrorist, I'd like to see where you got that. The fact is, I can post whatever trash I want about McCain, it won't necessarily be true, that is why I'm riddling my post with links and evidence to back myself up.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Obama has little knowledge on the economy

[/quote]

McCain says:

[quote]
“I don’t believe we’re headed into a recession,” he said, “I believe the fundamentals of this economy are strong and I believe they will remain strong.”

[/quote]

McCain says:

[quote]
I</a> don't have that kind of expertise to know whether they cut interest rates.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>McCain supports offshore drilling. Not sure where you got that he's against it.
McCain</a> on offshore drilling:

[quote]
"In the short term I'd like to give you a little relief for the summer on the gas tax," McCain began, referring to his controversial proposal to temporarily suspend the federal tax on gasoline. But then he made a surprisingly candid admission: "I don't see an immediate relief, but I do see that exploitation of existing reserves that may exist -- and in view of many experts that do exist off our coasts -- is also a way that we need to provide relief. Even though it may take some years, the fact that we are exploiting those reserves would have psychological impact that I think is beneficial."

[/quote]

He himself admits his own policy would not help at all, it would only *psychologically impact *Americans. You have to be kidding me. Let's just forget the drilling then; bring in a few psychics and use their power to lower gas prices!</p>

<p>As for gay rights, I completely agree with Leah. On principle alone, I would never vote for someone who blatantly denies someone their fully-deserved civil rights. Obama may not be pro-marriage but at the very least he supports civil unions and that's a step in the right direction. McCain would take us a step backward in the movement towards equality. I would have to be pretty stupid to vote for someone who thinks I'm not even a human being like anyone else.</p>

<p>P.S. I'd love to see how McCain is so different from Bush. In a debate, all McCain could come up with was the environment and the strategy in Iraq. Even those are weak arguments if you look at his campaign contributions from the oil companies. By the way, I love how you immediately pointed out that Obama has received contributions from them too. Did you totally forget what I said earlier? I said Obama is not perfect. I never said he hasn't received contributions. I just said McCain has. They BOTH have. The thing is, McCain</a> has received over a million and is actually the leading receiver of oil money in Congress, while Obama has received only</a> around $200,000. McCain has lobbyists working left and right in his campaign, Obama does not. If it came to voting on who's less corrupted, I'd pick Obama over McCain any day. So take off your partisan glasses; I'm not voting for Obama just because he's a Democrat, and if you see me point out something bad about McCain, don't automatically assume I'm doing it for Obama's benefit. If I could have it my way, I'd have Ron Paul in the White House.</p>

<p>What's the threads name again?
Oh, that's right. College people who CAN VOTE. Not high schoolers who can't vote.</p>

<p>"Also, I don't know where you got that tidbit that he's friends with a convicted terrorist, I'd like to see where you got that"
Ayers. He is a convicted terrorist, stated he wished he would have killed more people. Contributed to BO's campaign. I guess you didn't watch the debates.
Remember when BO had to be badgered to reject Farrakhan's endorsement? And Farrakhen is close friends with Jeremiah Wright since the 1980s?
Endorsements do matter, because their beliefs are at least some what aliegned with the candidate, and BO recieved more than one from very, very questionable people/groups.
BO does have little knowledge of the economy, yet puts on a facade that he has an ounce of understanding about the US economy. It is not a solid argument/defense to claim McCain has little understanding, as it does not change the fact the BO is economically inept. McCain at least admits it, as I said in my 1st post, so there was NO NEED to include the McCain quotes.
Recession? Pleaseeeeeeee. Have any proof of that? It's not always going to be a boom economy. It's simply a manifestation of the liberal biased media to create an idea that we are in a recession. It's called inflation and irresponsible financial decisions.
Most presidents rely mostly on their cabinet to construct economic policies, and Bush is the only president to ever major in business/economics.
LOOK AT MCCAINS VOTING RECORD. He voted AGAINST offshore drilling in VA. </p>

<p>"As for gay rights, I completely agree with Leah. On principle alone, I would never vote for someone who blatantly denies someone their fully-deserved civil rights"
How are they denying civil rights? They are not passing any discriminatory legislation against homosexuals(NOT GAYS). I really don't care one way or the other if homosexuals can get married, as long as it is a legitimate marriage. Once again, how is the gov DENYING homosexuals their civil rights? There simply is no legislation allowing homosexuals to mary, as opposed to laws banning them marraige.
The sole reason I mentioned BO recieved $ from oil companies is two fold:
1, you made strong claims he was pro green
2, he came out with a campaign commercial whilst saying he NEVER accepted money from oil companies.
AND BO VOTED FOR COAL LIQIFICATION.
McCain's never took a strong stance against acceptong $ from oil companies, and I see no fault in a Republican accepting $ from oil companies.
Once again, you are making a poor argument by using the infamous "he did it too!" stance instead of listing reasons BO should be president.</p>

<p>"So take off your partisan glasses; I'm not voting for Obama just because he's a Democrat"
When did I state you are solely voting for BO based on his party? I am a soon to be member of either the Constitution Party or Libertarian Party, so I belive the constitution and the limited role of a central government. I am a "states righter".
If you support Ron Paul, how can you POSSIBLY vote for BO? Paul is THE MOST CONSERVATIVE candidate, while BO is the MOST LIBERAL.
Paul is pro life, pro gun rights, small gov, against regulatary agencies, strict on immigration, cut taxes, against trade agreements, againbst gay marriages, against the UN and promotes small nat'l gov and promotes states rights.
And you clearly stated you would never vote for a candidate who did not support gay rights, so then you would never vote for ron paul.
Ron Paul is the complete opposite of BO, and is much more similair to McCain.
I am also shocked BO SUPPORTED the Heller v DC ruling, and would hate to have another ultra liberal justice. I want someone who would nominate a moderate justice who believes the constitution.
I would strongly doubt the SC would overturn Roe v Wade. The current trend of abortion laws show tigher restrictions on abortions, and it will take years for another Roe v Wade esque case to reach the SC.
The thing with BO is many supporters are buying into the message, but fail to disect his past actions or his plans to deliver on his promises. For example, there is somehow this general assumption that he is extremely bi partisan, and he is most definetely not, as he very rarely votes across party lines when he manages to vote. His voting record is atrosis, and he is far too inexperianced.</p>

<p>Hello? Obama was also endorsed by the Ben & Jerry's guys. I think that basically trumps any further arguments on the topic.</p>

<p>More seriously, I am voting for Obama. I am not just voting against McCain. I really believe that Obama is the man to lead our country in the right direction. I support his views on these issues:</p>

<p>Civil Rights: Obama wants to put an end to the silent discrimination that still takes place. He wants to stop racial profiling. He wants to ensure that we are judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin. Obama was raised by a white mother but is seen as black and identifies himself as black. He has an inherent ability to bridge the racial divide and bring our country to the point where we don't have to make an issue out of a candidate's or anyone else's race.</p>

<p>Economy: Obama wants to bring tax relief to the middle class. He wants to stop the divide between the rich and the poor. Trickle-down doesn't work. We've seen that. Obama wants to strengthen the workforce by supporting technology and the development of new jobs. He wants to change the bankruptcy system. He supports fair trade, allowing us to not only open up foreign markets, but to support better environmental and employment practices worldwide. </p>

<p>Education: Obama wants to encourage states to develop more early childhood programs. He wants to make the difference in kids before it's too late. Instilling the value of education in our youth is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. He wants to change the No Child Left Behind program so teachers aren't spending the whole year preparing for standardized tests instead of actually having a chance to focus on education. He wants to address the staggering number of high school dropouts. Most importantly, he wants to Pay our teachers!</p>

<p>Environment: Obama wants to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. He wants to invest in the development of new technology and explore our nations many options. Coal is not a dirty word. He wants to reduce emissions and auction off pollution credits rather than give them all to the oil companies. He wants to address the issue of climate change with other nations and get the UN involved.</p>

<p>War: Obama opposed the War in Iraq. He wants to bring troops home quickly and safely. He understands that you cannot force a government upon a country. It is up to the people of Iraq to make change stick. He wants to focus on the refugees who were displaced and devastated by war. He wants to exhaust every possible diplomatic effort before starting a war. He has the strength of character not to let terrorists dictate our actions.</p>

<p>Immigration: Obama wants to remove incentives for illegal immigration and encourage legal immigrants to thrive in America.</p>

<p>Women: Obama supports a woman's right to choose. He wants to prevent unwanted pregnancies by making information and contraception more widely available. He wants to stop domestic abuse and strengthen these laws. He wants to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work.</p>

<p>I support Obama because I believe in change. I believe in the goodness of humanity and the ability for everyone to change. I believe in hope. I believe in every human's right to hope. I believe in this country and I believe in Obama.</p>

<p>Thank you and goodnight.</p>

<p>
[quote]
He wants to ensure that we are judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Oh, so thats why he supports affirmative action :rolleyes:</p>

<p>
[quote]
I support Obama because I believe in change.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I love the mindless repetition of this phrase - yet I have yet to hear anything substantive from Obama about how he plans to bring about said "change".</p>

<p>
[quote]
I believe in every human's right to hope.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Sweet, because I hope that Obama doesn't win this election.</p>

<p>"Civil Rights: Obama wants to put an end to the silent discrimination that still takes place. He wants to stop racial profiling. He wants to ensure that we are judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin. Obama was raised by a white mother but is seen as black and identifies himself as black. He has an inherent ability to bridge the racial divide and bring our country to the point where we don't have to make an issue out of a candidate's or anyone else's race."
No offense, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to end "silent discrimination". There's going to be white people on a bus that move if a black person sits next to them. I'm going to be suspicious if an AA is driving through my neighborhood at 2am.
Obama transcending race-"The point I was making was not that Grandmother harbors any racial animosity. She doesn't. But she is a typical white person."
I disagree w/BO for wanting to expand hate crime legislation, because ALL crimes are rooted in hate. White on white, black on blac, black on white, men on women...race schouldn't matter when sentencing someone. I think you would agree.</p>

<p>"Economy: Obama wants to bring tax relief to the middle class. He wants to stop the divide between the rich and the poor. Trickle-down doesn't work. We've seen that. Obama wants to strengthen the workforce by supporting technology and the development of new jobs. He wants to change the bankruptcy system."
Tax relief to the middle class at the EXPENSE of the upper class. I am muddle class, but cutting the divide between rich and poor through taxes instead of hard work is not fixing the problem. Technology puts people OUT of jobs. Look at EZ Pass, the own check out lines, the machine operated assemply line. The bankruptcy system should be changes to hold people MORE accountable. It punishes business b/c someone was irresponsible. But if that person owes the gov money, the gov is SURE to collect everything it is owed.</p>

<p>"Most importantly, he wants to Pay our teachers"
The teachers at my high school make plenty. Starting salary? $50,000, once they hit tenure, $90,000. They easily make more than my mother, who works many more hours.</p>

<p>"Behind program so teachers aren't spending the whole year preparing for standardized tests instead of actually having a chance to focus on education"
Once again, at my high school, NOT THE CASE. This is a wide held assumption."
HOW is BO going to change the education system? WHAT revisions will he make to NCLB? It sounds like you copied and pasted his stances from his website.</p>

<p>"Environment: Obama wants to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. He wants to invest in the development of new technology and explore our nations many options. Coal is not a dirty word. He wants to reduce emissions and auction off pollution credits rather than give them all to the oil companies. He wants to address the issue of climate change with other nations and get the UN involved."
McCain also wants to end dependence on foriegn oil and invest in new technology($3000 mill reward to company with energy efficient car, all gov vehichles green). Why the hell should we get the UN involved? Why should we tell other countries what to do, when we are such a poor example of energy efficientcy and conservation? If you want a better enviorment, you can make changes in you life. If enough people do so, we don't need gov intervention. Use public transportation, car pool, don't leave lights on etc;</p>

<p>"War: Obama opposed the War in Iraq. He wants to bring troops home quickly and safely. He has the strength of character not to let terrorists dictate our actions."
WE ARE NOT AT WAR. We NEVER declared war against Iraq. BO also was not in office to vote on military intervention in Iraq, if he was, who knows how he would have voted. Terrorists not dicatate action? BO would meet UNCONDITIONALLY with leaders from such terrorist invested countries as Iran. Once again, how is he going to make all these changes in Iraq, especially since he is open to re deploying troops to the region after 18mths?
He may want to bring the troops home, but he does not want to keep them here(and my cousin will soon be in Afghanistan fighting).</p>

<p>"Immigration: Obama wants to remove incentives for illegal immigration and encourage legal immigrants to thrive in America"
HOW. He has not taken a strict anti illegal immigration stance. If they are here illegally, they should be immediately deported, especially since they can come legally, like many of our ancestors have. Why should any laws be passed to help immigrants over citizens? </p>

<p>"Women: Obama supports a woman's right to choose. He wants to prevent unwanted pregnancies by making information and contraception more widely available. He wants to stop domestic abuse and strengthen these laws. He wants to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work."
HOW. McCain would not pass pro life legislation, and the SC is not going to overturn Roe v Wade. In reality, abortion is really a minor issue. I am a women, and I believe in personal responsibilty. And, unlike BO, I will never support partial birth abortions. He can not realistically stop domestic abuse. Equal pay to me isn't a big deal. </p>

<p>"I support Obama because I believe in change. I believe in the goodness of humanity and the ability for everyone to change. I believe in hope. I believe in every human's right to hope. I believe in this country and I believe in Obama."
Wow. how stereotypically naive. I don;t need a politician to re affirm my faith in America. I have never lost hope in my country. I have never felt an inibility to change myself or for change to happen. I never questioned the abilit of America to do great things for its people. For anyone that has lost faith in our country, or has not felt hopeful in their countries future or its ability to change, is not a true patriot, but a "fair weather fan" who can only feel such things because of a politician.</p>

<p>How many people out there are undecided? It seems like most people have a strong stance one way or the other on this election. The only thing that has me leaning towards Obama are the potential SC openings that I would rather have him fill than any conservative fill. Other than that I don't find any compelling reasons to support one or the other.</p>

<p>
[quote]
He has not taken a strict anti illegal immigration stance. If they are here illegally, they should be immediately deported, especially since they can come legally, like many of our ancestors have.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The problem with the simple stance of deportation is that many illegal immigrants have children. Now, if their children are from their native country, all's well and good for deportation, but if the children are born on US soil, then they are citizens as much as you and I are. We can't simply deport every illegal immigrant because that would lead to either of two great evils: leaving millions of children parentless to wind up in our already overburdened foster care/adoption system, or denying the rights of legal, US citizens. </p>

<p>As for coming legally, it's a lot more realistic for dirt poor Mexican families to hop a border than to pay for all of the stuff (transportation, documents I imagine, etc.) to come here legally. </p>

<p>In the end, I support Obama in this upcoming election. I pretty much agree with his platform on most of its planks, I think he's a very brilliant and charismatic man, and I think that no matter what, either candidate would be hard pressed to be worse than Bush.</p>

<p>Becuase I have yet to experiance recieving lower pay than a male for doing equal work.
I just choose my battles. Certain things aren't worth being angry about, especially since the pay discrepency is not that large. Just depends on the field.
How EXACTLY am I being submissive? For you to accuse me of being a sadist is absolutly ridiculous and unfounded. It is also quite immature and close minded. S and M?
Because equal pay does not effect me, I choose to pick a more important issue to be passionate about.
Do you think Equal pay for women is one of the core issues in this election?
I don't, and thus it is not a big deal compared to more important issues such as the middle east, foriegn relations, energy independence, immigration, education, civil liberties, college affordability, and the economy.</p>

<p>And to colormehappy- abortions are not illegal because the court ruled it would be unconstitutional)5th Amendment right to privacy), and there is no imminent threat of Roe v Wade being overturned, so it doesn't make much sense to be so worked up about it. There is no amendment in the Bill of Rights that states a person has sole control over their body. If people had sole control over their body, than illicit drugs would be completely legal.</p>

<p>"The problem with the simple stance of deportation is that many illegal immigrants have children. Now, if their children are from their native country, all's well and good for deportation, but if the children are born on US soil, then they are citizens as much as you and I are. We can't simply deport every illegal immigrant because that would lead to either of two great evils: leaving millions of children parentless to wind up in our already overburdened foster care/adoption system, or denying the rights of legal, US citizens."</p>

<p>"Than they should be more responsible when choosing to ILLEGALLY enter our country. If there were REAL, ENFORCED consequences, maybe our country wouldn't be filled with non english speaking aliens. I would support getting rid of the clause which deems all born in the US citizens, because people are intentionally manipulating the system, which is immoral. Unfortunately, you can't be that empathatic. A law is a law. If my father robs a bank, should he be allowed to escape jail because he is my only parent? Just because someone has a child does not mean they should be allowed to escape punishment for a crime. </p>

<p>"As for coming legally, it's a lot more realistic for dirt poor Mexican families to hop a border than to pay for all of the stuff (transportation, documents I imagine, etc.) to come here legally. "
Does it make it right? My great grandmother endured a trecherous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, having to find a sponser to afford the less than ideal conditions of the voyage, and spent days at Ellis Island to gain citizenship to America. I am proud of what my ancestors endured, and it is disgraceful that a bunch of law breaking foriegners are somehow held above the law. It is easier for me to make money dealing drugs than working two jobs, but I choose to earn my money legally. Just because it is easy doesn't mean it justifiable.Also, it only cost $300 to apply for citizenship.</p>

<p>"In the end, I support Obama in this upcoming election. I pretty much agree with his platform on most of its planks, I think he's a very brilliant and charismatic man, and I think that no matter what, either candidate would be hard pressed to be worse than Bush."</p>

<p>BO will very likely be the liberal version of Bush. McCain will, in my opinion, be a do nothing president. The Senate really dropped the ball on Iraq. It could be as easy as Congress enforcing the Wars Power Act, but they have yet to unite and do so. I am afraid BO is going to spend WAY too much money based on his policies, and increase our deficiet. BO's policies are committing to much money that we don't have. We need some Reaganomics right about now.</p>

<p>
[quote]
No offense, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to end "silent discrimination". There's going to be white people on a bus that move if a black person sits next to them. I'm going to be suspicious if an AA is driving through my neighborhood at 2am.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>generally, ideas introduced with "no offense" are actually pretty offensive. yours is no exception.</p>

<p>
[quote]
because people are intentionally manipulating the system, which is immoral. Unfortunately, you can't be that empathatic. A law is a law.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>i'd always thought empathy was a moral. guess i was wrong.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Than they should be more responsible when choosing to ILLEGALLY enter our country. If there were REAL, ENFORCED consequences, maybe our country wouldn't be filled with non english speaking aliens. I would support getting rid of the clause which deems all born in the US citizens, because people are intentionally manipulating the system, which is immoral. Unfortunately, you can't be that empathatic. A law is a law. If my father robs a bank, should he be allowed to escape jail because he is my only parent? Just because someone has a child does not mean they should be allowed to escape punishment for a crime.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The clause that states that someone born on US soil is a citizen is the same clause that makes you and I citizens. You can't simply get rid of it. And true, we need to be punished for our crimes regardless of whether or not we have children, but deportation obviously is not the appropriate solution. We can't take away people's right to citizenship, so thus overburdening the foster care system must be the answer, in your opinion. Is that worth getting rid of a population of illegal immigrants? Furthermore, what problems are these illegal immigrants causing for the average American? </p>

<p>
[quote]
It could be as easy as Congress enforcing the Wars Power Act, but they have yet to unite and do so.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Invoking the War Powers Act would cause a constitutional uproar. The act's ability to allow the Legislation to override the President's power as Commander in Chief of the military is widely considered to be an example of Legislative veto, which violates the basic system of separation of powers, and is therefore unconstitutional. If it were ever invoked in such a fashion, the case would probably be brought to the Supreme Court, where the act would be declared unconstitutional. </p>

<p>
[quote]
We need some Reaganomics right about now.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Reagan engaged in deficit spending all throughout his Presidency. He very significantly increased the national debt over the course of his administration. Also, why does it make any sense, when the middle and lower classes are struggling, to give money to the richest?</p>

<p>
[quote]
And to colormehappy- abortions are not illegal because the court ruled it would be unconstitutional)5th Amendment right to privacy), and there is no imminent threat of Roe v Wade being overturned, so it doesn't make much sense to be so worked up about it.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It's actually the 14th amendment- Due Process Clause. The court ruled that laws banning abortion violated this constitutional right. Yes, I do feel very passionately about this issue. I see nothing wrong with having strong opinions. My opinions aren't hurting you or anyone else.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Becuase I have yet to experiance recieving lower pay than a male for doing equal work.
I just choose my battles. Certain things aren't worth being angry about, especially since the pay discrepency is not that large. Just depends on the field.

[/quote]

[quote]
Because equal pay does not effect me, I choose to pick a more important issue to be passionate about.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>In 2004, the U.S. Census Bureau found that women earned only 75.5 cents for every dollar men earned. That seems like a pretty large discrepancy to me. Just because an issue doesn't directly affect me doesn't seem like a good reason not to care. We have to care because when issues do affect us, we expect others to care. </p>

<p>Maybe I am naive, but I don't see bitter cynicism as a better alternative. This is not the time for a "do nothing president." At the risk of being flamed again, I will stand by my assertion: this is the time for change.</p>

<p>I voted for Ron Paul in my state’s primary because my political views are closest to his. I didn’t agree with him on every issue, but if 100% agreement is the criteria for selecting a candidate, then the only candidate you will ever select is yourself. Had Hillary Clinton won the Democratic nomination, then I would have voted for Paul this November via write-in. I believe the only wasted vote is a vote for a candidate you don’t actually support (e.g. lesser of two evils.)</p>

<p>But, Clinton didn’t win, so I won’t be doing that. In terms of political views, mine and Barack Obama’s are pretty far apart. He supports a lot of things that I don’t support. So, why am I voting for a guy whose beliefs clash with my own? A stupid reason: it would demonstrate that America has come a long way from its dark racial past. I foresee a response, “So, you don’t care about qualifications? You’ll pick a guy just because he’d make history?” Let’s talk about bona fides. In terms of qualifications, Obama is a graduate of Columbia and Harvard, successfully served as a director of a community organization, lectured at the University of Chicago, and has served in both Illinois State Senate and U.S. Senate. That’s a good enough CV for me.</p>

<p>I was born to two Chinese immigrants and spent some of my formative years in another country. I credit both of these with helping me understand and respect cultures that are not the same as mine. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard my high school classmates say stuff like, “Il Duce? Sounds like Ill ******” or “How come they don’t pronounce their names like it’s spelled?” These students clearly had difficulty understanding the simple concept that Italian names are pronounced in Italian and Chinese names are pronounced in Chinese. They just couldn’t see that there’s another way besides English pronunciation. I strongly believe that Obama possesses a sensitivity of cultural differences that is important in today’s world. I believe McCain does not have this ability to distinguish nuance.</p>

<p>Regarding citizenship, I doubt it would ever be implemented, but I agreed with Ron Paul that we should abolish birthright citizenship. My approach may be different from his, but basically, I believe that everyone should take a test at the age of 18 to earn citizenship. I envision the test as being similar to the naturalization test. You can the test as many times as you like, but until you pass, you’re not a citizen. You can’t vote or run for office.</p>

<p>This wouldn’t curb illegal immigration, but it would destroy the incentive to come to this country and give birth to a child such that the child is a citizen by right-of-soil.</p>