College people who can vote...

<p>
[quote]
You do know that when you sign up for the reserves, those who enlist are told that they may be sent to active duty if necassary. It's in the contract. They knew what could happen, and yet the volunteerily signed up. Many people who could have gone t college choose to serve, for various reasons. My cousin had a six figure college fund, but instead signed up for the marines.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Good for your cousin. I very much respect the people who choose to do what they see as their patriotic duty. I may not agree with them on many issues but I respect them for doing what they think is right and putting their lives on the line. But seriously, the National Guard is not meant to be sent overseas. Yes, it was probably in the contracts, but I doubt many who signed up thought they would really be deployed into a war zone multiple times. They signed up during a time of peace and got more than they bargained for. And now they're stuck. They weren't tricked into the situation, but that doesn't make the crappy situation any better. </p>

<p>
[quote]
I thought you were big on equal rights. If a man can fight, whose to say a women couldn't? You are soooooo wrong. There are many brave and couragous women in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Who said women can't fight. I am big on equal rights. All I'm saying is that enforcing the draft for women would be extremely difficult. If a woman was drafted and didn't want to go, she could get pregnant. Then the government couldn't send her overseas. There are many women serving in the military. Why shouldn't they? No one is saying women shouldn't be allowed to serve.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Did the holocaust warrant the US involvement in WW2(obviously not as we turned away countless Jews attempting to escape)? What about Pearl Harbor? I don't think it would have been effective to just talk to Hitler, or the Japanese, and say
"Hey man, can't we just all get along? Hitler, can you maybe stop trying to take over the world and sending millions to concentration camps?"
"No"
"OK then, we don't want to retaliate, because war is wrong. Good luck with that..."

[/quote]
</p>

<p>You can't compare the situation in Iraq to World War II. Especially not the Holocaust. It sickens me to know that the government turned away Jews. A boat full of Jewish refuges was sent away by the U.S. to return to their deaths. All of Europe was screaming for our help. I agree that we should have done something sooner. But the situation in Iraq is not the same. Yes, we were attacked. But not by a government. We were attacked by extreme groups that thrive on anarchy and want to be martyrs. They wanted to cause panic, rash reactions, and war. In World War II all of Europe and the world watched Hitler's rise to power and thought that maybe if they gave him what he wanted he would stop. But he was aggressive and pretty clear that he wanted more than they would ever give. Iraq and Afghanistan were not doing that. We were the ones who really wanted to start World War III. We weren't supported by the rest of the world. They realized that this would be a lasting conflict with unforeseen consequences. We decided we didn't need anyone's approval and issued a giant "F*** You!" to the world. Instead of pooling our resources and coming up with a sane solution. We didn't try to reason. We didn't try to stay rational. We reacted with equal hatred and anger as the terrorists. </p>

<p>
[quote]
What do you think we should have done after jihadist murdered 3,000 innocent Americans?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I think we shouldn't have given them what they wanted. We should have formed a plan to deal with the terrorist groups, not the governments that we don't get along with. We shouldn't have pushed our ideology on others. We should have cooperated with the UN and the other world powers to form a smart and less bloody plan. Instead we made the Middle East a haven for terrorists. We created anarchy and made our selves look stupid. We pushed our beliefs on others. Democracy can't thrive unless it is wanted. Help won't really do anything unless it is wanted. When will we learn to accept that?</p>

<p>The Taliban was governering at the time. They supported terrorists. A terroristic regime was in power, and ran the government. The attack is an indicator of the new way to war is waged. As I recall, afghanistan was ok with everyone, it was iraq that caused some problems. The majority of americans wanted someone held accountable for 9/11, and supported afghanistan. The gov did what the american people wanted, not what france wanted.
Conditions in iraq and afganistan are extremely oppressive(compared to us), with public executions, government oppression, killing of those who dissented the gov, the shia and sunni hatred, with one group attempting to kill everyone from the other(sounds a lot like genocide), with a government who came to power through a violent overthrow promising change(hitler,musso), and instead becane paranoid power hungary.dictators who killed withour remorse to support their own ambitions. Sadamm tried to invade kuwait. Neither country needed to seek "world domination" because they already have valuable resources(oil, opium). There are similiarities between the mid east gov and ww2 germany, but on a smaller scale.
Issue with the UN is we were the only one attacked, and why should they put their people in harms way? Point is, diplomacy can only do so much, ask wilson. He did everything to stay out of ww1, yet we still ended up their. Democracy probably won't work in the mid east, because it may conflict with their islamic beliefs, but there was no other way to get rid of the taliban/sadamm. In any war/battle, the winner decides what to do with the country, and what form of govt.
For reservists, IT IS IN tHE CONTRACT that you can be sent to active duty. If they joined to make some extra money, they should have found work somewhere else. Its in their contracts, and they are told of the possibilities, and they still join. No sympathy from me.</p>

<p>
[quote]
In any war/battle, the winner decides what to do with the country, and what form of govt.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>And look how well that precedent has worked. We set up a perfect situation for Hitler to rise to power after WWI. After WWII we decided to create Israel. And we all know that hasn't been an issue at all. Certainly an occupying presence can have a positive effect on the new government. Look at West Germany. It was functioning pretty well and pretty independently with support. Then there's East Germany. The difference between Germany and Iraq is that Germany had successful governments in the past. It was once a great power. The people were ready for democracy and wanted peace. Democracy hasn't been successful in the Middle East. Pushing any kind of political philosophy on a country that doesn't want it just won't work. Democracy stems from a real want for freedom and equality and justice. But it takes time and it takes initiative. And it doesn't work everywhere. The situation in the Middle East is certainly complex and one person, one nation, cannot possibly foresee all the repercussions of our actions. But we can work with the UN and the rest of the world. We can focus on stopping genocide and helping the people without letting our anger cloud our judgement. There are genocides in Africa but we haven't taken over governments there. Why? Because they didn't attack us on our own ground. That's the worst argument I've ever heard. Two wrongs don't make a right. We may justify war in our history books and in our minds, but it is never right. We have created a global society that uses weapons instead of words. Why are we so shocked when so called "developing" countries want weapons too? We don't listen to words anymore. But I'm just not cynical enough to accept that as the way the world has to be. We can become a more peaceful society, but the way to do it is not with bombs. </p>

<p>This is how I feel. We have strayed from the topic of the election. Perhaps we could stop focusing on what I think and return to the topic. I'd be interested in hearing some reasons why people support McCain. Not why people don't support Obama.</p>

<p>Tiff90's post about on the last page is so disingenuous I'm surprised it hasn't been called out.</p>

<p>"The point I was making was not that Grandmother harbors any racial animosity. She doesn't. But she is a typical white person"
-Context is key, go figure - right? Now, "typical" may have been a poor word choice ("average" may have been a better selection) but it doesn't change that he was trying to point out his grandmother is just an average white person of her time (hell, even a person of this time) - someone that has unrooted fears of African Americans due to stereotypes and negative images. What were you even trying to prove with this quote? That he is half racist against himself?</p>

<p>-Every quote you took from the book is so butchered and out of context it's not really worth a rebuttal. Cite them with page numbers and I will get my book and post the full passage for you - my treat. And using an insane amount of ellipsis's clearly demonstrates you trying to butcher the passages, it's like me taking your post and turning it into: "I...found solace in
nursing...Hussein...".</p>

<p>Ironically, your section about dishonesty is in itself dishonest - but going by the rest of your post I didn't find this hard to believe.</p>

<p>"Originally stated he WOULD accept public funds for general election. Recently decided he WOULD NOT accept public funds."
-Really? Cite me where he said he would 100% accept public funds. He stated he would try and negotiate and agreement with the Republican candidate. Now, did he try hard enough while negotiating? No one knows, but to say he said he "WOULD accept public funds" is disingenuous.</p>

<p>"Put out an add which stated he NEVER accepted money from oil companies/lobbyist, which is a lie(don't know if the add was only aired in PA for the big PA primary). Google obama accepts money from lobbyist. I can't open multiple windows."
-I understand where the commercial could've been misleading, but, nonetheless, he DOESN'T accept lobbied money. Employees of gas and oil companies and their spouses != oil companies and lobbyists. It's like saying he shouldn't be able to accept money from an Exxon mobile truck driver if he "wants to be true to his word."</p>

<p>"Claimed he was a "Selma child", but was born 4 years after the event."
snopes.com:</a> Say What, Barack?
Summary: He might have been pandering a little bit (he was in Selma), but this quote is more about technically nit-picking something he said. The overall feel of what he was getting at was it was the atmosphere of the Civil Rights movement that helped make his birth possible.</p>

<p>"Claimed he went to a Christian school in Indonisia, but it was really a muslim school(in his own book)."
-<a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/50lies.asp"&gt;http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/50lies.asp&lt;/a>
You know, the site you cited? You do realize that these aren't mutually exclusive, right?</p>

<p>"Claimed no one from his campaign talked to Canada about NAFTA, yet Canada released a memo and names."
Clinton's</a> NAFTA-gate? - First Read - msnbc.com</p>

<p>"Said he WOULD NOT RUN for president in 2008, saying he would not have the necassary experiance."
-Once again, remember that site you cited?
snopes.com:</a> Obama's 50 Lies
Even with that aside, that is a typical canned-response that pretty much every single politician gives. Period. This is the epitome of what a non-issue is, anyways.</p>

<p>"Said he would NOT campaign in FL, but still ran ads during primary season."
-Those were nationally launched ads that COULDN'T be pulled from airing in Florida.
snopes.com:</a> Obama's 50 Lies
That site should look awfully familiar by now.</p>

<p>lie

[quote]
1. a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>lie</a> - Definitions from Dictionary.com</p>

<p>Lying involves intent to deceive. Isn't it possible that Obama changed his mind? I know this is what Kerry was flamed for, but I would much rather have a president capable of thought and revision than one who will not admit to mistakes. I also fail to see how any of those "lies" were harmful. Nice work, MDof2008.</p>

<p>MDof2008:
"I understand where the commercial could've been misleading, but, nonetheless, he DOESN'T accept lobbied money. Employees of gas and oil companies and their spouses != oil companies and lobbyists. It's like saying he shouldn't be able to accept money from an Exxon mobile truck driver if he "wants to be true to his word.""
He claimed he NEVER accepted $ from oil lobbyist, and he did. Read the boston globe article. Accepted $200,000 to "fuel" his Ill. campaign. That is an undistputed lie.
"He might have been pandering a little bit (he was in Selma), but this quote is more about technically nit-picking something he said. The overall feel of what he was getting at was it was the atmosphere of the Civil Rights movement that helped make his birth possible."
No *****. I posted general links, not a specific link for ever lie and inconsitency BO made, because I have a life. Search for it. He wanted to romanticize Selma in a way to make him look more appealing.</p>

<p>"You know, the site you cited? You do realize that these aren't mutually exclusive, right?"'Want more sources(assuming you can't use google on your own, and must solely rely on others to research)? :
Daniel</a> Pipes: Barack Obama's Muslim Childhood
Obama</a> was 'quite religious in Islam'
Insight[/url</a>]
[url=<a href="http://faultlineusa.blogspot.com/2008/04/his-teachers-confirmed-obama-was.html%5DFaultline">http://faultlineusa.blogspot.com/2008/04/his-teachers-confirmed-obama-was.html]Faultline</a> USA: His Teachers Confirmed Obama Was a Registered Muslim

israelinsider:</a> politics: Is Barack Obama a Muslim wolf in Christian wool?
Obama</a> Was a "Registered" Muslim...(In Indonesia as a Child)</p>

<p>BO NAFTA:
That</a> Canadian memo about what Obama really thinks about NAFTA. - By Bonnie Goldstein - Slate Magazine</p>

<p>BO FL:
Clinton</a> Camp Says Obama Breaks Florida-Campaign Pledge | The New York Observer
Barack</a> Obama Campaign Events in Florida | 2008 Campaign Tracker | washingtonpost.com<a href="showing%20he%20campaigned%20in%20FL">/url</a>
[url=<a href="http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2007/10/02/news/local/doc4701d430c0901180527069.txt%5DReport">http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2007/10/02/news/local/doc4701d430c0901180527069.txt]Report</a> questions Obama on Florida pledge / QCTimes.com
</p>

<p>BO won't run for prez:
[YouTube</a> - Obama 2004: I can't see running for president<a href="40%20secs%20in">/url</a> </p>

<p>Racist grandma statement is offesive to me because obama attempted to simplify a much more complicated issue in a divisive way. Neither of my grandparents EVER made a racist remark to me, and neither my parents. To not see any fault in the statement, and try and debunk it by saying "poor word choice" is failing to be objective. It is an attempt to jusitify an inexcusable remark.</p>

<p>I guess you FAILED to read the part where I clearly stated I was listing a general source to save time. Feel free to google each and find the truth. It's not my fault you have trouble reading.</p>

<p>"Context is key, go figure - right? Now, "typical" may have been a poor word choice ("average" may have been a better selection) but it doesn't change that he was trying to point out his grandmother is just an average white person of her time (hell, even a person of this time) - someone that has unrooted fears of African Americans due to stereotypes and negative images. What were you even trying to prove with this quote? That he is half racist against himself?"
Is the average white person overtly racist? No. Is that statement unifying? No. Is that statement offer hope to transcend the barriers of racism? No. His statement was a steretype. Would it be PC to say that the average black person fells as if they are a victim? No, because that would be racist, unless BO said it.
BO's campaign told two muslim women wearing veils to move so they wouldn't be shown on TV. That's very unifying. </p>

<p>BO campaign financing:
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/us/politics/20obama.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/us/politics/20obama.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin](&lt;a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gexyfVpFMU%5DYouTube"&gt;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gexyfVpFMU)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I do not have a copy of BO's book. I rented it from the library. My interpretation of his writing is him trying to get others to sypathize with him, and just come up with excuses for his shortcomings/errors, and instead resort to the blame game. </p>

<p>CMH:
"Lying involves intent to deceive. Isn't it possible that Obama changed his mind? I know this is what Kerry was flamed for, but I would much rather have a president capable of thought and revision than one who will not admit to mistakes. I also fail to see how any of those "lies" were harmful. Nice work, MDof2008."
BO had an "intent to decieve" with the campgin vid which erroneously claimed he NEVER accepted $ from oil lobbyists. He intentionally attempted to decieve the public by initially eluding and insinuating that he would accept public financing(said so on the survery), then backed out because of his own interests. He didn't even have the gumption to say the real reason he backed out was that he could rais $200 mill on his own(stupid decision, too much controversy on donations, a lot less controvesial to accept public financing. Plus, it shows he feels he can't win with just $84 mill, and he needs all the cash he can get).
When did I say BO's lies were "harmful"? I used his actions and quotes to show he is dishonest. Actions such as voting for coal liq, then claiming he's a green candidate.
MDof2008 didn't do A SINGLE THING to defute his comments. As a white person, BO calling, in essence, my g ma a typical white person offends me, because neither of my g ma's is racist, at least compared to BO's. I guess saying you don't support NAFTA to the public, saying you will re negotiate the agreement to appease the public, and then havin g the AUDACITY to send an aid to tell Canada it's just hot air isn't a lie(saracasm/obvious intent to decieve). Told public 1 thing to help his campaign, while he went behind everyone's back INTENET TO DECIEVE). I would expect more from a "washington outsider". Two obvious cases where he LIED. L-I-E-D. </p>

<p>"And look how well that precedent has worked. We set up a perfect situation for Hitler to rise to power after WWI."
If by "we" you mean the US, you are completely wrong. Wilson made valient attempts to form a League of Nations, and implement friendlier terms to Germany. It was England, France and other European nations that decided to blame Germany and implement hostile terms.
"After WWII we decided to create Israel."
No. England had a charter that formed Palastine(Balfour Declaration, ).
"In 1922, the League of Nations granted the United Kingdom a mandate over Palestine for the express purpose of "placing the country under such political, administrative and economic conditions as will secure the establishment of the Jewish national home".
then, after WW2, the UN offically made Isreal an independent nation.
Our reliance with Isreal has really p***ed off many Arab nations, as we condemn contries such as Iran for supplying weapons to other nations, yet we supply Isreal with weapons... </p>

<p>" Look at West Germany. It was functioning pretty well and pretty independently with support. Then there's East Germany."
Had more commie ties than West Germany.
"The difference between Germany and Iraq is that Germany had successful governments in the past."
Iraq had a functional government, but you have to look back to the same era of post "world domination" Germany.</p>

<p>"It was once a great power. The people were ready for democracy and wanted peace. Democracy hasn't been successful in the Middle East. Pushing any kind of political philosophy on a country that doesn't want it just won't work."
The US isn't a Democracy. A Democractic political system, whether it be parlimentary or a republic, has succeded in countries with monarchy's. Look at England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain(dictatorship until after WW2), Japan, and various Latin American countries. It has taken time, but it has worked. There are many in Iraq and Afghanistan who WANT a democratic government, but the minority of jihadist skew the situation to make it seem like a democratic government is unwanted. Again, that is the vast minority.</p>

<p>"Democracy stems from a real want for freedom and equality and justice. But it takes time and it takes initiative."
Exactly. Huge progress has been made in both countries. BO even said so. </p>

<p>"But we can work with the UN and the rest of the world. We can focus on stopping genocide and helping the people without letting our anger cloud our judgement. There are genocides in Africa but we haven't taken over governments there. Why? Because they didn't attack us on our own ground. That's the worst argument I've ever heard."
I guess you didn't know that Bush has given more money to countries in Africa than any other president. My view on countries in Africa is that they have demonstrated an inability to govern themselves, thanks to, in many situations, to radical muslims. The argument could be made that, if we win the war on terror, that many countries in Africa will be able to sustain themselves.
If you support the US going into Sudan, then you should support the US going into Iraq(pbvious corrupt gov't, genocide).
Why would we take over a government for no reason? Know why our government, or any other gov, won't go in and help Africa? Because there is nothing to gain. The US interest in the middle east revolves strictly around our need for oil. The second we wean ourselves off our oil addiction, we won't have any interest in the middle east, and that's the sad truth. We have nothing to gain by pouring billions of tax dollars into a risky investment. The UN has already dumped $ into Sudan, to no avail. I think the problems in Africa are far too complex to fix. I mean, they sold fellow Africans into slavery. They don't seem to know what a condom is, or sexual consent, as HIV is so prevelant, despite efforts by the international community. </p>

<p>"Two wrongs don't make a right. We may justify war in our history books and in our minds, but it is never right."
So France didn't have the right to declare war on Germany after it was invaded? Guess they should have just given Hitler Europe. And the US shouldn't have tried to prevent GENOCIDE, right? I mean, trying to stop a madman who has no conscious from taking over Europe is just WRONG on soooooooooo many levels. The American Revolution? Or defending America from the British during the War of 1812? We just should of returned to British rule, right? </p>

<p>"We have created a global society that uses weapons instead of words."
How have "we" created such a society? Who are you reffering to by the use of "we"? Last I recalled, there was no violent uprising after the 2000 election, we allowed the SC to rule with WORDS. </p>

<p>"Why are we so shocked when so called "developing" countries want weapons too?"
I'm not. It's hypocritical of our gov to decide who is worthy of having WMDs, while supplying said weapons to countries of our choice. </p>

<p>"We don't listen to words anymore. But I'm just not cynical enough to accept that as the way the world has to be. We can become a more peaceful society, but the way to do it is not with bombs. "
Do you know that throughout modern, recorded history, there was never a single year in which there was no war? War and weapons is not even close to a new creation, it has existed throughout every time period. We do listen to words, remeber how JFK prevented a nucleur war w/Cuba/USSR? Or how during the entire cold war, we never attacked/bombed the USSR? That is a stark generalization to think every nation resorts to violence first. Believe it or not, no country WANTS war. </p>

<p>"This is how I feel. We have strayed from the topic of the election. Perhaps we could stop focusing on what I think and return to the topic. I'd be interested in hearing some reasons why people support McCain. Not why people don't support Obama."
I don't support McCain, but he is a true American hero and patriot, and I respect him for his unselfish and couragous service to his country(his story while he was a POW is amazing). He has served, and has a son serving, so if he supports staying in the mid east, I will believe him, because his own son could die. He has a better understanding of the military than any other who ran. He is very bipartisan compared to BO. He is only going to serve 1 term, so he is not worried about gaining popularity for a second term. I think he will do what he thinks is right, regardless of others opinion, because he is not running again. I don't really like him b/c he is not a true conservative, I feel like he is saying he's pro life just to appease the conservative/evangelical vote...
RP08</p>

<p>"OBAMA'S LOBBYISTS </p>

<p>As he gives up public funding for his campaign, Sen. Barack Obama is reaching out to new sources, including Washington insiders whose influence he has vowed to end. </p>

<p>Obama is now using lists of contributors to Democratic congressional chairmen, primarily lobbyists of both parties. One recipient of a letter signed by Obama is a Republican lobbyist who has contributed to senior Democratic Reps. John Dingell of Michigan and Charlie Rangel of New York, not out of ideological affinity but to keep their doors open. </p>

<p>"Together, we change the way business is done in Washington," said the Obama letter. "We can end the undue influence of special interests." "</p>

<p>Rasmussen</a> Reports™: The most comprehensive public opinion coverage ever provided for a presidential election.</p>

<p>Obama's</a> claim of independence questioned - USATODAY.com</p>

<p>BO says he wants nothing to do with lobbyist to the public, then writes letters to lobbyist asking for donations in private. Lie. </p>

<p>Do you think this is racist?
""Y'all have Popeyes out in Beaumont? I know some of y'all, you got that cold Popeyes out for breakfast. I know. That's why y'all laughing. ... You can't do that. Children have to have proper nutrition. That affects also how they study, how they learn in school." </p>

<p>Conduct</a> unbecoming the first black president - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review</p>

<p>BO Oil:
FactCheck.org:</a> Obama's Oil Spill</p>

<p>BO Selma:
Obama</a> Overstates Kennedys' Role in Helping His Father - washingtonpost.com</p>

<p>Definition of LIE:
Something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression.
No denying many statements were quite decieving, and in many cases deliberatley so.</p>

<p>
[quote]
If by "we" you mean the US, you are completely wrong. Wilson made valient attempts to form a League of Nations, and implement friendlier terms to Germany. It was England, France and other European nations that decided to blame Germany and implement hostile terms.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I wasn't referring to the US. I was referring to the precedent of letting the victors go in and do what they want with the losing country. Wilson did try valiantly to set up the League of Nations and promote peace but the other countries wouldn't listen. So yes, America foresaw the impacts of the treatment of Germany, but the other great powers didn't. That doesn't really matter. The point is that the precedent has been set to rape and humiliate the losing country. We've (America) done it in the past and we've sat by and watched it be done. But wouldn't you think that countries with such long and complex histories would have learned by now?</p>

<p>
[quote]
The US isn't a Democracy.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I'm aware. But that certainly hasn't stopped Bush and others from going on and on about spreading "democracy" to the Middle East. </p>

<p>
[quote]
There are many in Iraq and Afghanistan who WANT a democratic government, but the minority of jihadist skew the situation to make it seem like a democratic government is unwanted.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>But what have they done to show this? I'm sure the majority of Iraqis were unhappy with Hussein's regime. They would have, and were, killed for dissenting. But we sure as hell didn't care about that until we were attacked on 9-11. Then we had an excuse to invade Iraq. But now the stage is set for Iraqis to form their own government. If they want a democratic government, they can form it. We need to let them do it. Withdrawing troops will put the pressure on them to do what needs to be done. And if they choose to let another dictator take power, I won't be surprised. Look how long it took most Western powers to grow into a government that promotes freedom and equality. It's a sad fact shown through history that it takes struggle, it takes hardship, and it takes a lot of work. But that can't be done by another country. The people need to do this for themselves. We can help, if they ask us too. But we can't make a lasting commitment. This is glorified imperialism.</p>

<p>
[quote]
My view on countries in Africa is that they have demonstrated an inability to govern themselves, thanks to, in many situations, to radical muslims.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The exact same thing could be said for countries in the Middle East. That doesn't mean we can't provide compassion and humanitarian aide. How they govern themselves is not our decision but we have a moral obligation to help people.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I think the problems in Africa are far too complex to fix. I mean, they sold fellow Africans into slavery. They don't seem to know what a condom is, or sexual consent, as HIV is so prevelant, despite efforts by the international community.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Wow. Those problems that are "far too complex to fix" are partially the effects of imperialism. They wouldn't have sold anyone into slavery if we weren't there willing to pay. Look how long it took birth control to catch on in this country. It's not something inherently wrong with the people. Egypt was one of the greatest civilizations in the world. Africans are people, just like us. They have the same capacity for growth and development that we do. </p>

<p>
[quote]
How have "we" created such a society? Who are you reffering to by the use of "we"? Last I recalled, there was no violent uprising after the 2000 election, we allowed the SC to rule with WORDS.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>When I say "we" I mean Western society. In this context, pretty much all of society.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Do you know that throughout modern, recorded history, there was never a single year in which there was no war? War and weapons is not even close to a new creation, it has existed throughout every time period. We do listen to words, remeber how JFK prevented a nucleur war w/Cuba/USSR? Or how during the entire cold war, we never attacked/bombed the USSR?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Isn't that sad? But you're right. We do have the precedent to show that it can be done. That change can take place without bombs and guns. I don't care how old war is or how justified it seems. It's wrong. It's never the ideal solution. Sometimes it seems like the only solution. Situations like American involvement in WWII show that society as a whole can deem it necessary. The violence and military involvement in Iraq could have been deemed necessary too. I don't expect everyone to swap their rifles for daisies overnight. I do expect everyone to try to avoid war. To try to negotiate, to talk, to exhaust every other option before resorting to violence. We didn't think before attacking Afghanistan. We didn't try. We acted on rage. Maybe the majority of Americans wanted retaliation, but I remember watching the bombs fall in Afghanistan in 7th grade and thinking, "That's just not right." </p>

<p>I may be very very liberal and my ideals probably wouldn't translate well to modern policy. But I support candidates who share my moral recoil at the thought of war, who advocate peace and progress, who will make the hard decisions and maybe even go to war. FDR was one of the greatest presidents in my opinion. He was a war time president. He made a difficult and haunting decision, but he made it with thought. Obama spoke out against the war back in 2002. He was one of the few politicians on either side to take this difficult stance. I respect him for allowing thought to rule his decisions and opinions instead of anger.</p>

<p>hey tiff, have you ever heard the word "concise"??</p>

<p>i can't even get through your posts and i can't decide whether it's the unnecessary length or the fact that it's exceedingly difficult to sift through the B.S..</p>

<p>"I wasn't referring to the US. I was referring to the precedent of letting the victors go in and do what they want with the losing country. Wilson did try valiantly to set up the League of Nations and promote peace but the other countries wouldn't listen. So yes, America foresaw the impacts of the treatment of Germany, but the other great powers didn't. That doesn't really matter. The point is that the precedent has been set to rape and humiliate the losing country. We've (America) done it in the past and we've sat by and watched it be done."
That precedent was set way before WW1. Look back to the Crusades and Manifest Destiny, Fall of the Roman Empire. Hell, look at the countries Rome conquered and what they subjected them to. It is really nothing new. Look at WW2 and the Marshall Plan. The US sought to rebuild verse occupy/humiliate Germany. Marshall Plan was definetely not a plan to rape/humiliate the losers.</p>

<p>"But wouldn't you think that countries with such long and complex histories would have learned by now?"
Obviously not. Look at the Sunni Shi'a split, it's been going on for hundreds and hundreds of years. The mess in many countries in Africa has gone on for hundreds of years. They have not been able to find a solution for their complex issues, and why should we think they will figure them out now?</p>

<p>"But what have they done to show this? I'm sure the majority of Iraqis were unhappy with Hussein's regime. They would have, and were, killed for dissenting. But we sure as hell didn't care about that until we were attacked on 9-11. "
Really? Hello Gulf War and sanctions on Iraq. </p>

<p>"Then we had an excuse to invade Iraq. But now the stage is set for Iraqis to form their own government. If they want a democratic government, they can form it. We need to let them do it. Withdrawing troops will put the pressure on them to do what needs to be done. And if they choose to let another dictator take power, I won't be surprised."
Choose to allow a dictator to take power? Are you SERIOUS? These people are threatened with death and torture. It is, again, the vast minority which uses terrorism to rule. They scare the people into submission.
I think we need to stop giving Iraq money, but the issue is if it is not stable, and we leave too soon, we are subjecting these people to a tyrannical government. </p>

<p>"The exact same thing could be said for countries in the Middle East. That doesn't mean we can't provide compassion and humanitarian aide. How they govern themselves is not our decision but we have a moral obligation to help people."
Once again, look at HOW MUCH MONEY Bush has given to humantarian purposes in various countries in Africa. That obviously shows some one cares. That shows moral obligation enough. Try researching Bush's policy for Africa before assuming our government isn"t doing anything. We also must be careful in Sudan, because the gov is getting weapons and money from China, and everyone knows how much China ass we kiss.</p>

<p>"Wow. Those problems that are "far too complex to fix" are partially the effects of imperialism. They wouldn't have sold anyone into slavery if we weren't there willing to pay. Look how long it took birth control to catch on in this country. It's not something inherently wrong with the people. Egypt was one of the greatest civilizations in the world. Africans are people, just like us. They have the same capacity for growth and development that we do."</p>

<p>I have an issue when my tax money ends up in Africa for HIV prevention, and people still choose to not use a condom. We are giving them fors of Sexual protection, and they choose not to use it. I previously said the issues with Africa is traced to European colonization which raped them of rubber and diamonds, so don't try and act like you brought something new up. Yes, they are just like us, except their life expectancy is 40 years lower, they have far more sexual assualts and rapes, they seemingly kill without any remorse, kidnapp children to fight in a war, and somehow when they finally form a somewhat democratic government, it falls apart(Kenya, Zim.) and they end up killing over it. Last I checked, a disputed election in the US ended in the Supreme Court, not burning innocent citizens alive in a church. My issue is when information is available, and people choose to ignore it. The government comes to power promising change, and just end up as corrupted as the previous regime. Nothing has changed, and people obviosly haven't learned. Why should we funnel money to them when nothing ever changes?</p>

<p>" We didn't think before attacking Afghanistan. We didn't try. We acted on rage. "
Did you know our government has a war plan for every single country in the world? Bush had plans of going into the middle east BEFORE 9/11. It was pretty thought out in advance. The military was already prepared for it. If we acted solely on rage, we wouldn't have only targeted military bases in Afghanistan, we would have purposely attempted to kill their citizens.</p>

<p>"FDR was one of the greatest presidents in my opinion."
New book out about his New Deal policies. It's sort of like the other view of the effects of his policy, quite interesting. You do know the atomic bomb was developed under his administration? </p>

<p>"Obama spoke out against the war back in 2002. He was one of the few politicians on either side to take this difficult stance. I respect him for allowing thought to rule his decisions and opinions instead of anger."
Unfortunately, his opinion never translated into a vote. BO is in support of re deploying troops to Iraq after his withdrawl. </p>

<p>Leah:
The post was directed at multiple people, and was lengthy in part due to inserting multiple quotes by other posters. It includes more sources at the request of another poster. I clearlyed post whose comment I was responding to, and to whom the post was directed, didn't want any confusion.
Maybe you just have a short attention span.
If you gave an honest attempt to read it, you would have realized a sizable portion was simply quotes from others. If you can't get through my posts, than just don't reply to me.
How can a fact be BS? Reality is not censored or idealistic. It is violent, it is offensive, and it is real.</p>

<p>tiff: to quote things, use the quote tags.</p>

<p>[ quote]Bla bla bla stuff I disagree with[ /quote]</p>

<p>Just get rid of the spaces inside the brackets and you're golden. Honestly, half the problem with reading your posts is that the quotes are not clearly delineated.</p>

<p>Thanks, didn't know how to use the quote tool.</p>

<p>
[quote]
He claimed he NEVER accepted $ from oil lobbyist, and he did. Read the boston globe article. Accepted $200,000 to "fuel" his Ill. campaign.

[/quote]

No. He didn't.
PolitiFact</a> | Yes, oil company employees have donated to Obama
Once again, employees != lobbied money.</p>

<p>
[quote]
No *****. I posted general links, not a specific link for ever lie and inconsitency BO made, because I have a life. Search for it. He wanted to romanticize Selma in a way to make him look more appealing.

[/quote]

I don't understand this part - I conceded there may have been some pandering at play (he still is a politician). However, like I said, the MAIN point he was getting at was the atmosphere of the Civil Rights Movement.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Want more sources(assuming you can't use google on your own, and must solely rely on others to research)? :
Daniel Pipes: Barack Obama's Muslim Childhood
Obama was 'quite religious in Islam'
Insight
Faultline USA: His Teachers Confirmed Obama Was a Registered Muslim
israelinsider: politics: Is Barack Obama a Muslim wolf in Christian wool?
Obama Was a "Registered" Muslim...(In Indonesia as a Child)

[/quote]

Don't try and get snarky, it'll lessen your credibility. Again, what are you trying to prove here? Did I ever say he didn't attend a Muslim school in Indonesia (I didn't)? Or are you trying to say he's a Muslim (far from the truth, though that shouldn't matter anyways)? You can't just throw up a bunch of links without explaining what you're trying to prove.</p>

<p>
[quote]
BO NAFTA:
That Canadian memo about what Obama really thinks about NAFTA. - By Bonnie Goldstein - Slate Magazine

[/quote]

Free</a> Democracy: UPDATE 1-Canada defends Obama over NAFTA flap
Of note: "Obama, an Illinois senator, acknowledged that a meeting did take place between Goolsbee and the Canadian consulate officials but added, "He said exactly what I've been saying on the campaign trail."'
I don't know what else to say about this, because I don't see the problem in talking to Canada and they explicitly deny that there was any "winkwinknudgenudge" happenings.</p>

<p>
[quote]
BO FL:
Clinton Camp Says Obama Breaks Florida-Campaign Pledge | The New York Observer
Barack Obama Campaign Events in Florida | 2008 Campaign Tracker | washingtonpost.com (showing he campaigned in FL)
Report questions Obama on Florida pledge / QCTimes.com

[/quote]

Okay, so the first link is Clinton releasing a memo trying to bash Obama without any rebuttal (therefore, ridiculously biased). The second link doesn't prove anything? You do know fund raising events were permitted, correct? The third link deals with a quick word exchange he had with a no-name reporter - you can barely find any information on it. I wouldn't call that a breach of the pledge (if it was, there would've been an uproar, as with the ads - but I already talked about how the ad couldn't be pulled, so we won't go back into that).</p>

<p>
[quote]
BO won't run for prez:
YouTube - Obama 2004: I can't see running for president (40 secs in)

[/quote]

Where are you going with this one? Situations change - it's like when the Vice President is being chosen, most people say they aren't interested, but when the opportunity arises, it's a completely different story. Things change. Note: this is a silly non-issue.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Racist grandma statement is offesive to me because obama attempted to simplify a much more complicated issue in a divisive way. Neither of my grandparents EVER made a racist remark to me, and neither my parents. To not see any fault in the statement, and try and debunk it by saying "poor word choice" is failing to be objective. It is an attempt to jusitify an inexcusable remark.</p>

<p>I guess you FAILED to read the part where I clearly stated I was listing a general source to save time. Feel free to google each and find the truth. It's not my fault you have trouble reading.

[/quote]

Again, being immature isn't helping your cause. It's called the burden of proof - you can't make a claim about 'X' and expect me to do all the grunt-work to prove 'X' is false - you have to prove 'X' is true. As a side note, I obviously did Google sources, as I cited a number of them - so your backhanded insult fell short.
Also, anecdotal evidence isn't going to be of much help in this argument, as it sidesteps the point: whether you want to believe it or not, older generations have "a reaction that’s been bred in [their] experiences that don’t go away and that sometimes come out in the wrong way, and that’s just the nature of race in our society." That doesn't seem too divisive of a statement. Nor does, "We have to break through it, and what makes me optimistic is you see each generation feeling a little less like that, and that’s powerful stuff," which is the context of the "typical white person" sound bite. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Is the average white person overtly racist? No. Is that statement unifying? No. Is that statement offer hope to transcend the barriers of racism? No. His statement was a steretype. Would it be PC to say that the average black person fells as if they are a victim? No, because that would be racist, unless BO said it.
BO's campaign told two muslim women wearing veils to move so they wouldn't be shown on TV. That's very unifying.

[/quote]

Most of this is covered in the section above this quote, so reference that. However, I take issue with trying to switch this as a "what if a white person said 'a typical black person.'" Yes, there is a difference between a majority and a historically repressed minority. Are you also going to ask why there isn't a WET channel or a White History Month? This claim is ridiculous and out of line.
Oh, and for the Muslim women thing - his campaign didn't do that, volunteers did. The campaign scolded and spoke out against that action. You can't keep making outright lies like this.</p>

<p>
[quote]
BO campaign financing:
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/us...cs&oref=slogin%5B/url%5D%5B/quote%5D"&gt;http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/us...cs&oref=slogin

[/quote]
</a>
PolitiFact</a> | Obama skips public financing
"[Obama would] "aggressively pursue" an agreement with the Republican candidate for both candidates to use public financing." Again, he never flat-out said he would accept public financing. Now, I'm not going to sit here and tell you he's declining public financing because he's a Saint - he's not. It's going to give him an edge, it seems like a very logical and smart move; he'd be dumb not to do it. I don't see much wrong with it ethically, mainly because he doesn't take money from lobbyists and is getting funded by the people. I see where people are coming from for this being a "flip-flop," though.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I do not have a copy of BO's book. I rented it from the library. My interpretation of his writing is him trying to get others to sypathize with him, and just come up with excuses for his shortcomings/errors, and instead resort to the blame game.

[/quote]

Sorry, this isn't going to fly. Cite me full examples or this will not constitute as an argument. I'm not going to try and argue against something I can't see.</p>

<p>
[quote]
"But wouldn't you think that countries with such long and complex histories would have learned by now?"
Obviously not. Look at the Sunni Shi'a split, it's been going on for hundreds and hundreds of years.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Way to take my quote out of context. I was referring to countries like the US, Britain, France, etc.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Choose to allow a dictator to take power? Are you SERIOUS? These people are threatened with death and torture. It is, again, the vast minority which uses terrorism to rule.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Again, context. If you re-read my statement you will see that I was talking about the possibility of people allowing a dictator to take power in the future. Yes, they are threatened. Dictators generally do use threats to control the people. That doesn't mean the people can't form a solid government and not allow any coups if they are dedicated to it.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I have an issue when my tax money ends up in Africa for HIV prevention, and people still choose to not use a condom. We are giving them fors of Sexual protection, and they choose not to use it. I previously said the issues with Africa is traced to European colonization which raped them of rubber and diamonds, so don't try and act like you brought something new up. Yes, they are just like us, except their life expectancy is 40 years lower, they have far more sexual assualts and rapes, they seemingly kill without any remorse, kidnapp children to fight in a war, and somehow when they finally form a somewhat democratic government, it falls apart(Kenya, Zim.) and they end up killing over it. Last I checked, a disputed election in the US ended in the Supreme Court, not burning innocent citizens alive in a church. My issue is when information is available, and people choose to ignore it. The government comes to power promising change, and just end up as corrupted as the previous regime. Nothing has changed, and people obviosly haven't learned. Why should we funnel money to them when nothing ever changes?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I can see not wanting the government to get involved in Africa but I really don't understand your lack of sympathy. You have reiterated that the terrorists in the Middle East are a small minority but you don't seem to realize that these rapists, kidnappers, and generally bad people are also a minority and we have them here in our own country. Information isn't always available. Sure we can hand out condoms, but it's hard to see immediate change. Like I said, it took a long time for Americans to use contraception. Why should we give them money? I don't know, maybe so innocent children don't starve to death or so people can get some decent medical care. Or maybe so this doesn't weigh on my conscience, or the consciences of future generations. Maybe it's just me, but I'm still pretty humiliated to think that my country held onto slavery for so long and turned away Jewish refugees. </p>

<p>
[quote]
New book out about his New Deal policies. It's sort of like the other view of the effects of his policy, quite interesting. You do know the atomic bomb was developed under his administration?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I did pass the third grade. If you recall, I stated that Roosevelt was a war time president. I still don't think war is the right decision but I respect the way he carried it out and the obvious toll it took on his conscience. You could see that every decision weighed heavily on him. Some would argue that it killed him to make those difficult choices. He certainly wasn't bopping down to his ranch every weekend. You'll also recall that Roosevelt didn't order the dropping of the bombs. That was Truman.</p>

<p>[ quote]No. He didn't.
PolitiFact | Yes, oil company employees have donated to Obama
Once again, employees != lobbied money.

[/quote]

Spouses of prominent oil employees did donate money. They basically funneled their donations through their wives/husbands.
The whole point I am making is, ACCEPTING MONEY FROM OIL LOBBYISTS IS ILLEGAL. No candidate accepts the monies, but BO has accepted money from prominent employees and their spouses, so he has accepted money from oil.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Don't try and get snarky, it'll lessen your credibility. Again, what are you trying to prove here? Did I ever say he didn't attend a Muslim school in Indonesia (I didn't)? Or are you trying to say he's a Muslim (far from the truth, though that shouldn't matter anyways)? You can't just throw up a bunch of links without explaining what you're trying to prove.

[/quote]

I don't know HOW many times I must tell you this, but the OP was directed to another member addressing prominenet lies and contradictions BO made. I am tired of trying to explain that to you. Go back a few pages to where I answered a comment that in essence said "what lies/contradictions/inconsitencies has BO made". It has no bearing of what I think is extremely important/unimportant, just obvious statements he has made that are not true. </p>

<p>
[quote]
"[Obama would] "aggressively pursue" an agreement with the Republican candidate for both candidates to use public financing." Again, he never flat-out said he would accept public financing. Now, I'm not going to sit here and tell you he's declining public financing because he's a Saint - he's not. It's going to give him an edge, it seems like a very logical and smart move; he'd be dumb not to do it. I don't see much wrong with it ethically, mainly because he doesn't take money from lobbyists and is getting funded by the people. I see where people are coming from for this being a "flip-flop," though.

[/quote]

Once again, he did not agressively make an agreement with McCain, because BO knew he could raise around $200 mill. He raided his hand to singnify he AGREED with public financing in a debate, checked yes on a survey. Regardless, he had NO INTENTION of keeping his word when he realized his fund raising potential. He was not being completely honest, and then made some bull **** statement about why he reneged on his earlier promise. It is dishonest, and he will not just come out and say WHY he refusded to agressively reach an agreement.

[quote]
Most of this is covered in the section above this quote, so reference that. However, I take issue with trying to switch this as a "what if a white person said 'a typical black person.'" Yes, there is a difference between a majority and a historically repressed minority. Are you also going to ask why there isn't a WET channel or a White History Month? This claim is ridiculous and out of line.

[/quote]

Why is it "out of line"? I was offended because BO called his RACIST g ma a typical white person, and that is in NO WAY represetative of the MAJORITY of white grandmothers. My grandparents were SUBJECTED to discrimination because of their nationality, but, according to BO, my grandparents are racist...
Are black people held to a different standard just because some of them were oppressed almost 200 years ago? Why SHOULD there be a BHM? Do you honestly think if Hillary called person x a "typical black person" no one would care? No. Be honest for a second. White people are accused of being racist at a completely different standard than black people. This is astandard stance of people who are extremely liberal.
Do you support Affirmitive Action?
If you do, than you support discrimination.
OK, blacks had some hardships 200 years ago, it's time to move on. Eurpoe has moved on from the Holocaust so much quicker than blacks and slavery, so the whole oppressed minorty thing is really getting old. Anyone whose family came to the US during the Gilded Age or WW has experianced being an oppressed minority, but I don't feel as if I am owed a damn thing. I am SICK of the double standard.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Okay, so the first link is Clinton releasing a memo trying to bash Obama without any rebuttal (therefore, ridiculously biased). The second link doesn't prove anything? You do know fund raising events were permitted, correct? The third link deals with a quick word exchange he had with a no-name reporter - you can barely find any information on it. I wouldn't call that a breach of the pledge (if it was, there would've been an uproar, as with the ads - but I already talked about how the ad couldn't be pulled, so we won't go back into that).

[/quote]

he made a pledge to NOT CAMPAIGN in FL. He aired campaign ads in FL after he made a clear pledge to NOT CAMPAIGN. Fundraising and campgining are two different issues, a campaign event can also accept donations. Then maybe you should do YOUR OWN RESEARCH if 3 sources is not enough for you. One again, you are holding a double standard. I provide 3 sources, whch you claim bogus, and you provise 1 source of some 2nd teir online publication and claim it is reputable. Kudos for denying facts!
Oh, and for the Muslim women thing - his campaign didn't do that, volunteers did. The campaign scolded and spoke out against that action. You can't keep making outright lies like this.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>
[quote]
Again, being immature isn't helping your cause.

[/quote]

How am I being immature? By being objective to Bo and his inconsitent message? By not just buying into hope and change because his policies are extremely questionable? </p>

<p>
[quote]
It's called the burden of proof - you can't make a claim about 'X' and expect me to do all the grunt-work to prove 'X' is false - you have to prove 'X' is true. As a side note, I obviously did Google sources, as I cited a number of them - so your backhanded insult fell short.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Sorry, this isn't a court of law. You cited 1 per argument, I have sited about 30. A number of your sources equaled ABOUT 5, and I find many of them as, once again, 2nd teir internet publications that are barely legitmete sources of news. Again, you set up a double standard. I have cited FAR more sources than you. FAR more. If you do not wish to be objective, or hold yourself to the standard you set for others, than you are just denying reality. Reality is saying BO has lied, and instead you will do anything to lie to yourself and justify his actions. Every candidate is flawed, including BO, and he is just another politician. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Also, anecdotal evidence isn't going to be of much help in this argument, as it sidesteps the point: whether you want to believe it or not, older generations have "a reaction that’s been bred in [their] experiences that don’t go away and that sometimes come out in the wrong way, and that’s just the nature of race in our society." That doesn't seem too divisive of a statement. Nor does, "We have to break through it, and what makes me optimistic is you see each generation feeling a little less like that, and that’s powerful stuff," which is the context of the "typical white person" sound bite

[/quote]

Once again, you are making an assumption about a incredibly large demograph. Many "older" generations are first generation Americans, and were not in the US during the slavery era, and were in the norh/west during Jim Crow. The VAST majority of the so called "older generation" was the subject of discrimination as first generation Germans, Italians or Irishman. The statement about older generations is not very accurate if you are objective and understand immigrations patterns int he US. I guess you never took the time to disect the demographs of our grandparents generation.</p>

<p>You provided 4 links, two of which are from the same site, one of which is not even reputable. The NY Times is the only one that is respected as a real news source. Try providing some less biased, non political party affiliated news, and maybe I will re consider your stance. Provide two reputable, trusted news sources per argument, and I will re address your points. If you are unable to provide the same amount of sources as I have, DO NOT RESPOND.</p>

<p>BO orginally DENIED the NAFTA meeting, which was a LIE. He since admitted to it when the memo was released. If you think snopes is not a "real" source, Free Democracy is not either. Use a less biased source. </p>

<p>And, for the 3rd time in this post, just to assure you will understand, the links to lies/inconsitiencies I posted was in response to a memebers question of untruths of BO. It has nothing to do with ANYTHING you have said. So don't do that crap "when did I say I didn't" when it CLEARLY was addressed to the original memeber in response to BO lies. </p>

<p>CMH-
Do not accuse me of taking your statements our of context, because you are using incredibly general terms, such as "we", and are not specific as to which countries/peoples you are referring to. In futher posts, to avoid ambiguaty, please specificly mention who/what country you are talking about, and refrain from "we", "us" or "they".</p>

<p>
[quote]
And if they choose to let another dictator take power, I won't be surprised

[/quote]

You clearly used the termc choose to allow a dictator. </p>

<p>
[quote]
I can see not wanting the government to get involved in Africa but I really don't understand your lack of sympathy.

[/quote]

When did I say I didn't feel bad for those people?</p>

<p>
[quote]
You have reiterated that the terrorists in the Middle East are a small minority but you don't seem to realize that these rapists, kidnappers, and generally bad people are also a minority and we have them here in our own country.

[/quote]

Thank you captain obvious. I never said they were the majority. My point is there response to certain situations is almost barbaric.

[quote[Information isn't always available. Sure we can hand out condoms, but it's hard to see immediate change. Like I said, it took a long time for Americans to use contraception.
[/quote]

Once again, you mis interpeted my point. I've watched doc's on Africa, and people WHO KNOW about condoms and HIV CHOOSE to have unprotected sex. Again and again, and that mind set is very prevelant in parts of Africa. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Why should we give them money? I don't know, maybe so innocent children don't starve to death or so people can get some decent medical care. Or maybe so this doesn't weigh on my conscience, or the consciences of future generations. Maybe it's just me, but I'm still pretty humiliated to think that my country held onto slavery for so long and turned away Jewish refugees

[/quote]

So what EXACTLY is your stance on foriegn intervention? You don't support Iraq despite the humantarian problems, correct? But Africa is ok?
Slavery doesn't weigh on my conscious because my family wasn't in the US until after WW2.
Slavery issue: We held on to it so long to prevent a Civil war and the death of Americans. At least the freed slaves and their families are here and not in Sudan or New Guinia or Kenya or Zimb. It was wrong, but it was a 150 years ago, and it's time to move on. It probably is just you that is "humiliated" that we had slaves. Maybe you should move out of the US.;
You allow it to weigh on your conscious? Why? It's NOT OUR FAULT Africa has had the problems it has had and continues to respond in violence instead of peace. </p>

<p>
[quote]
I did pass the third grade. If you recall, I stated that Roosevelt was a war time president. I still don't think war is the right decision but I respect the way he carried it out and the obvious toll it took on his conscience.
[quote]

So how do you think the US should have responded to the Holocaust, Hitler and Pearl Harbor? Just sit back and allow Hitler to take over Europes, kill all millions of innocent people? That wouldn't weigh on your conscious at all, right?

[quote]
You could see that every decision weighed heavily on him. Some would argue that it killed him to make those difficult choices. He certainly wasn't bopping down to his ranch every weekend. You'll also recall that Roosevelt didn't order the dropping of the bombs. That was Truman.

[/quote]

When did I EVER say FDR dropped the a bomb? He oversaw the constuction of the A bomb, and Truman only found out about it after FDR died. The real reason we recovered economically from the GD was us entering WW2, aka the military industrial complex. Withour us going into ww2, FDR's legacy would have been far different, because the US may not have fully recovered.</p>

<p>I could make a comment about your rude attitude and general lack of tact in debate, but instead I'll just highlight this statement:</p>

<p>
[quote]
It probably is just you that is "humiliated" that we had slaves. Maybe you should move out of the US.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>
[quote]
Spouses of prominent oil employees did donate money. They basically funneled their donations through their wives/husbands.
The whole point I am making is, ACCEPTING MONEY FROM OIL LOBBYISTS IS ILLEGAL. No candidate accepts the monies, but BO has accepted money from prominent employees and their spouses, so he has accepted money from oil.

[/quote]

[quote]
He claimed he NEVER accepted $ from oil lobbyist, and he did.

[/quote]

Thank you for proving my point - you were lying.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I don't know HOW many times I must tell you this, but the OP was directed to another member addressing prominenet lies and contradictions BO made. I am tired of trying to explain that to you. Go back a few pages to where I answered a comment that in essence said "what lies/contradictions/inconsitencies has BO made".

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Nothing Obama said about his religion, or the schooling he got in Indonesia, was a lie or contradiction. Maybe I am completely missing what you're trying to prove, but if you will agree with my previous sentence, then I'll say we're on the same page.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Why is it "out of line"? I was offended because BO called his RACIST g ma a typical white person, and that is in NO WAY represetative of the MAJORITY of white grandmothers. My grandparents were SUBJECTED to discrimination because of their nationality, but, according to BO, my grandparents are racist...
Are black people held to a different standard just because some of them were oppressed almost 200 years ago? Why SHOULD there be a BHM? Do you honestly think if Hillary called person x a "typical black person" no one would care? No. Be honest for a second. White people are accused of being racist at a completely different standard than black people. This is astandard stance of people who are extremely liberal.
Do you support Affirmitive Action?
If you do, than you support discrimination.
OK, blacks had some hardships 200 years ago, it's time to move on. Eurpoe has moved on from the Holocaust so much quicker than blacks and slavery, so the whole oppressed minorty thing is really getting old. Anyone whose family came to the US during the Gilded Age or WW has experianced being an oppressed minority, but I don't feel as if I am owed a damn thing. I am SICK of the double standard.

[/quote]

Anecdotal evidence != the truth. Once again, you're very misguided if you truly think older generations don't have more "issues" (for lack of a better word) with race. And, yes, I do support Affirmative Action, so I guess I support discrimination against myself (a white male). Again, I truly feel you're really misguided if you feel that African Americans (or any other group of people who are not on an equal playing field) somehow are just supposed to "get over it - it was 200 years ago!" as if everything is sunshine and lollipops now. I'm going to leave it at that, because I am not going to preach my views to you - your views are your own. However, I will say it's a silly claim to say that AA = discrimination.</p>

<p>
[quote]
he made a pledge to NOT CAMPAIGN in FL. He aired campaign ads in FL after he made a clear pledge to NOT CAMPAIGN. Fundraising and campgining are two different issues, a campaign event can also accept donations. Then maybe you should do YOUR OWN RESEARCH if 3 sources is not enough for you. One again, you are holding a double standard. I provide 3 sources, whch you claim bogus, and you provise 1 source of some 2nd teir online publication and claim it is reputable. Kudos for denying facts!

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I already gave you other sources in a previous response. The ads could not be pulled. I covered that with the Snopes cite from my other post. I am not denying the facts - I am telling you that saying Obama is a liar because of something he had no control over is disingenuous. You keep arguing this in circles. If you think that, because Obama couldn't pull nationally aired ads from Florida, he is a liar - then there is probably no way I'll convince you otherwise.</p>

<p>
[quote]
How am I being immature? By being objective to Bo and his inconsitent message? By not just buying into hope and change because his policies are extremely questionable?

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[quote]
No *****. I posted general links, not a specific link for ever lie and inconsitency BO made, because I have a life. Search for it.

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[quote]
It's not my fault you have trouble reading.

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<a href="assuming%20you%20can't%20use%20google%20on%20your%20own,%20and%20must%20solely%20rely%20on%20others%20to%20research">quote</a>

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Those are just the things I remembered. I'm all for debating policy and whatnot, but statements like the above aren't needed for productive debate.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Sorry, this isn't a court of law. You cited 1 per argument, I have sited about 30. A number of your sources equaled ABOUT 5, and I find many of them as, once again, 2nd teir internet publications that are barely legitmete sources of news. Again, you set up a double standard. I have cited FAR more sources than you. FAR more. If you do not wish to be objective, or hold yourself to the standard you set for others, than you are just denying reality. Reality is saying BO has lied, and instead you will do anything to lie to yourself and justify his actions. Every candidate is flawed, including BO, and he is just another politician.

[/quote]

It doesn't need to be a court of law for the fallacy to come into play - you are still subjected to it. Also, if you're going to say that, for some reason, having more sources makes your argument more valid, then tell me what areas you want me to source more. However, if you're going to try and call my sources "2nd teir" and use that as an argument, your sources probably shouldn't contain:
<www.freedomsenemies.com _obama="" obamalies.htm="">
<a href="http://wwwwakeupamericans-spree.blogspot.com/2008/03/new-game-for-democrats-who-can-tell.html"&gt;http://wwwwakeupamericans-spree.blogspot.com/2008/03/new-game-for-democrats-who-can-tell.html&lt;/a>
<a href="http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/fashion-shows/"&gt;http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/fashion-shows/&lt;/a>
To name a quick few. Double standards work both ways (also, I used Free Democracy because the original source didn't have the article up anymore, but FD did - just to clear up any confusion).
Also, I have never said Obama isn't flawed - he is.</www.freedomsenemies.com&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>As for NAFTA, I don't recall the campaign ever saying that no one ever talked to Canada - just that no staff did on the behalf of the campaign (however, an economic adviser did). If they did lie about never talking to Canada, then I think that's just a dumb lie they did. However, I feel better knowing that Canada said there wasn't any "winkwink" stuff going on with NAFTA.</p>

<p>MDof08
As I ALREADY stated, I asked for you to post additional reputable links to prove your point.
You have not yet done so, I would greatly appreciate it if you held yourself to the same standard as others. You posted 1 reputable news source, that's it. You complain when I posted roughly 25, so, once again, additional sources are needed on your end.
The burden of proof is on you for now.
BO ORGINALLY DENIED having an aid blow hot air to Canadian officials. He denied having an aid/advisor talking to Canada.If you honestly did not know that, you must not have been paying much attention. Do you honestly think BO had no idea what or where his top econ adviser was? Of course BO claimed to have no knowledge of such an incident, but, again, BO calls the shots, and if he did not want his advisor in Canada, said advisor would not be in Canada. Plain and simple.
Once again, I MENTIONED "2nd tier" because YOU complained I used them, yet provided such websited as "freedemocracy", making you a hyprocrite for using the same such sources. The only difference being I provided trusted news sources as well.
BO denied accepting money from oil lobbyist, which is dishonest. No one is allowed to accept such monies. Once again, prominent oil officials cyphoned money to BO's campaign through their spouses, as well as other ways.
Who says I am subjected to the "burden of proof"? You?
How about you DEFEND BO and provide REAL sources. I already ASKED you to provide 2 reputable sources per point, and you failed to do so, yet I provided additional sources when asked. Again, another example of you failing to meet your own standard of citing sources.</p>

<p>Comments such as "being immature" aren't needed in a debate, either. Hold yourself to the same standard as you wish to impose on others.</p>

<p><strong><em>"Anecdotal evidence != the truth. Once again, you're very misguided if you truly think older generations don't have more "issues" (for lack of a better word) with race. And, yes, I do support Affirmative Action, so I guess I support discrimination against myself (a white male). Again, I truly feel you're really misguided if you feel that African Americans (or any other group of people who are not on an equal playing field) somehow are just supposed to "get over it - it was 200 years ago!" as if everything is sunshine and lollipops now. I'm going to leave it at that, because I am not going to preach my views to you - your views are your own. However, I will say it's a silly claim to say that AA = discrimination.</em></strong>*</p>

<p>People got over the holocaust quicker than slavery. "Sunshine and lollipops", that's cute. You can't move on if you constantly blame the past for your current situation. Using slavery for an excuse for an economic condition is inexcusable. I am not bitter that my great grandparents were subjected to horrible discrimination because they were Germans who came to the US after WW2. Slavery was horrible, but it happened 200 years ago, and it is time to move on. Most people don't even have DIRECT ancestors who were slaves, or even slave owners. It is a very small percentage of the population that can trace back their lineage to slaves. So should blacks wallow in self pity, and be allowed to keep playing the "our people were enslaved" card?
Europeans have moved on from the Red Scare. Japanese have moved on from interment camps. Other races and religions have moved on from worse crimes at a much faster rate.
I never denied racist tensions don't exist, but many people in BO's grandmothers generation are FIRST GENERATION AMERICANS, and the majority moved to THE NORTH, and harbor no racist feelings. The prejiduce they develope is from first hand experiances involving certain races, not pr ordained, slavery era racist feelings of blacks being inferior due to their skin tone. It is ridiculous to believe that the majority of grandmother generation people are racist, and to say that racism is typical of white people of ANY generation is a brass assumption that is in no way rooted in facts.
How is AA NOT discrination? It is giving a person a better chance at a job, SOLELY based on their RACE. Minority's are held to a LOWER standard than whites. My father works for the gov, and the requirements for a black to get higher are much much lower, and therefore denying the BEST QUALIFIED candidate. I am a women, and I believe no one should benefit from their race or sex in terms of getting a job. You should get a job based on qualifications, not quotos. </p>

<p>*** I am telling you that saying Obama is a liar because of something he had no control over is disingenuous.****</p>

<p>How does he not have control of any aspect of his campaign? </p>

<p>As I have said numerous times before, my OP was answering a question: "What lies/how has BO been dishonest". You decided to assume that those were the reasons I do not support him, or that I somehow place great importance in some of those lies. Again, you responded to my lie post as if those were the reasons I am not supporting BO. You also made an incorrect assumption as to how much importance I place in such issues. The post, once again, was simply lies/dishonesty that BO has made, nothing more and nothing less. If you want to get into the "issues", fine. But if you want to continue to make snide remarks and assumptions, or pretend such dishonety did not occur, post real sources.
I have no problem with discusing the array of issues I have with BO.</p>

<p>My issue with BO is beyond his lies. It has to do with his complete lack of national experiance, policy stances(and him pulling a John Kerry), his voting record, his "flip flopping" on multiple issues(which all occured after he got the nom) and his inability to grasp the basic principles of our capitalistic economy, as well as his continous preaching of victimization, gov't handouts, an expanded gov and no permanent plan on Iraq and Afghanistan. BO has no foriegn policy experiance, and he associated himself with sketchy people. BO does not practice what he preaches.
BO and his wife preach to people to take lesser paying jobs that benefit society more, such as social work, and for everyone to basically give a up a little so everyone can have more. Yet BO lives in a 1.6 million dollar, 6 bedroom house. He got a special property deal from Rezko. Oh, and his wife recieved a $100,000 raise after BO was elected to the Senate. BO is a politician above all else, yet is precieved as someone who is above such.
BO's flip flop on FISA was particularly irritating to me, as well as him having the worst attendence among Dems. BO has made a ton of "present" votes instead of yay or nay, and has been named the most liberal senator(a far cry from claims of being bi partisan). BO's response to economic questions in debates was particularly disturbing, especially as he attempted to deny facts of the effects of a raise in the capital gains tax. BO's overall philosphy of the tax system and an expansion of gov is exactly what we don't need.
BO's weak stance on immigration is disturbing. BO voted for coal liqification in Ill., yet claims he is "green". </p>

<p>CMH-
Obviously you lack debate skills for your constant assumptions and mistated facts, and inability to clearly respond to question. It is quite mature to resort to petty insults instead of an intellectual conversation. I especially appreciate how you flatly deny making comments that appear in previous posts, or making ludacrious assumptions.
Many of your comments contain errors in regards to your reference to historical events, or improperly use collective pronouns without specifying who you are reffering to.
And, as I asked before and you failed to answer, what specific reasons exist as to why you support BO? As in policies, voting record, or any tangible reason.</p>

<p>I did not deny making comments in previous posts. I objected to the way they were interpreted out of the context of the rest of my point. I know history quite well, but it's a subjective thing. I can see the causes and effects of one event in a different light than you. And I don't think my pronouns were unclear. It's quite common for people to use "we" and "us" when referring to society as a whole. I did answer and provide specific reasons why I support Obama. You just don't accept them as reasons because you disagree with them. Patriotism is not a one party thing. It's possible for extreme conservatives and extreme liberals to be patriotic. I'm proud of this country for many things. That doesn't mean I have to ignore the past. We must acknowledge it to move forward and grow. Being patriotic doesn't mean thinking your country is perfect. It means thinking your country has its problems but also has potential. I'm sorry to direct this all at you for one statement, but I am really tired of the insinuation that liberals don't love America.</p>

<p>Every post in this thread is Tl;dr but I'm sure it's hyper liberal sheep saying how they are going to vote for Obama (likely for the wrong reason like it would be cool to have a black guy in office) and then criticizing the republican party for being sheep when all they do is vote the party line.</p>