There's a common thread among voters, it seems, and that is that they want a candidate/President that compromises less, or doesn't compromise at all. "Less compromise, less compromise!" "Stick to your guns!"
My question is, why the heck do people dislike compromise?
I'm going to use the debt ceiling situation for my example. We essentially had two sides completely unwilling to compromise. One side wanted to essentially tax everything, but no real spending cuts and the other wanted to cut spending, but no taxation. Yes, in the end, they got a deal done. But it should not have been so hard, or the ridiculous charades by both sides going on so long. If both sides had compromised, we could have had SOME taxes, and SOME spending cuts. It's really not that hard. However, you get people thinking more about what they want to do for their political career, and not for the best interests of the country.
When it comes down to it the best option for the country is not always the most popular. You can't build a nation when you are too busy arguing among each other. Compromise is a GOOD thing!
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
President Obama has Confirmed, Osama Bin Laden is dead.
Osama bin Laden is dead.
Thanks to all of the service members who have fought the Wars on Terror and their families.
Thanks to all of the service members who have fought the Wars on Terror and their families.
Obama to announce national security news at 10:50pm ET
President Barack Obama is set to announce something national-security related, likely involving Osama Bin Laden, at 10:50pm ET.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Reflections Upon The State Of The Union
I don''t think that anyone can doubt Obama is a great orator. He is also correct in that although our economy has rebounded, certain sectors of our market have vanished altogether. I know that personally in my town several factories have all but vanished, with a lot of the new job growth coming from the biofuel and biotechnology department due to the demand for ethanol.
Hooray for some of the best post-secondary schools in the nation.
Our nation is founded on ideals and dreams of our children and to get there, we need to focus on primary and secondary educations. We are certainly not out educating the rest of the world when it comes to these sectors, not even close. I know the figures came out today that only 40% of Minnesota kids are proficient in science. I think we've stepped away a lot from the "WOW" moments of science that inspire kids and make them want to learn more, rather than drilling them on how to take tests. We lost the dream and imagination aspect. I think we stopped teaching kids to ask "Why?" and instead said memorize this.
Any future energy policy needs to include nuclear power. It can bridge the gap between the other alternative powers such as wind, water and coal. Sadly though, I don't think we're going to have as many as 1 million electric cars on the road by 2050 unless someone extends their mileage between cars. We're not the leaders in research and technology, that is for sure.
Wow, I hadn't realized that we've fallen to 9th in people getting a secondary degree. I wholly agree that family is the key to getting a good education. I know that I wouldn't have gotten as good of one if my parents hadn't been strict about turning off the TV and encouraging me to learn and grow. Science should be celebrated more than the Super Bowl, that is for sure. Why is it that we celebrate athletes so much but not mathematics or science? I also know that some of the people who have inspired me the most have been some of my teachers. I can think of a few professors as well.
I think something he also needs to emphasize is that to be successful in today's job market is that your college education needs to have an "and" to it. Technology changes so often that it can affect any part of the industry, no matter if you think of it as "tech-proof" or not. Even agriculture has shifted to quite a lot of tech over the last 20 years or so. Also, hooray for high speed wireless internet access for 98% of America!
The Iraq war may be coming to an end, but we must never forget why we were there or who we have lost. Nor may we forget what is currently going on in Afghanistan and the brave men and women we have lost there as well. However, I think that we need to understand we can't stop out terrorism all over the world. It is not feasible, nor is it possible. Hooray for the START treaty as well. Though to be fair, we still have enough weapons to destroy the world many times over.
I feel like, overall, Obama did a really good job with this State of the Union speech. I think he reemphasized working together across party lines in order to better our selves and country, and that America has, and still is, a nation of dreams.
Hooray for some of the best post-secondary schools in the nation.
Our nation is founded on ideals and dreams of our children and to get there, we need to focus on primary and secondary educations. We are certainly not out educating the rest of the world when it comes to these sectors, not even close. I know the figures came out today that only 40% of Minnesota kids are proficient in science. I think we've stepped away a lot from the "WOW" moments of science that inspire kids and make them want to learn more, rather than drilling them on how to take tests. We lost the dream and imagination aspect. I think we stopped teaching kids to ask "Why?" and instead said memorize this.
Any future energy policy needs to include nuclear power. It can bridge the gap between the other alternative powers such as wind, water and coal. Sadly though, I don't think we're going to have as many as 1 million electric cars on the road by 2050 unless someone extends their mileage between cars. We're not the leaders in research and technology, that is for sure.
Wow, I hadn't realized that we've fallen to 9th in people getting a secondary degree. I wholly agree that family is the key to getting a good education. I know that I wouldn't have gotten as good of one if my parents hadn't been strict about turning off the TV and encouraging me to learn and grow. Science should be celebrated more than the Super Bowl, that is for sure. Why is it that we celebrate athletes so much but not mathematics or science? I also know that some of the people who have inspired me the most have been some of my teachers. I can think of a few professors as well.
I think something he also needs to emphasize is that to be successful in today's job market is that your college education needs to have an "and" to it. Technology changes so often that it can affect any part of the industry, no matter if you think of it as "tech-proof" or not. Even agriculture has shifted to quite a lot of tech over the last 20 years or so. Also, hooray for high speed wireless internet access for 98% of America!
The Iraq war may be coming to an end, but we must never forget why we were there or who we have lost. Nor may we forget what is currently going on in Afghanistan and the brave men and women we have lost there as well. However, I think that we need to understand we can't stop out terrorism all over the world. It is not feasible, nor is it possible. Hooray for the START treaty as well. Though to be fair, we still have enough weapons to destroy the world many times over.
I feel like, overall, Obama did a really good job with this State of the Union speech. I think he reemphasized working together across party lines in order to better our selves and country, and that America has, and still is, a nation of dreams.
Barack Obama State of the Union Address
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Why the Healthcare Bill Should Stand: A Personal Appeal
I realize that many are are against the new healthcare reforms, and believe that they should be repealed. I can only hope that this post can put a face on the need for the reforms, and may make you consider the issue from a different light.
My name is Meredith, and I am 20 years old. I have a disease called a Primary Immune Deficiency. My immune system does not produce antibodies correctly and parts are missing, and consequentially I get sick frequently and severely. I also suffer from Sjogren's Syndrome, Celiac Disease, and peripheral neuropathy in my hands, forearms, and feet. My greatest dream for as long as I can remember was to serve my country in order to honor my family's nearly 100 years of past military service, but my health issues disqualify me.
I started my plan of spending 8+ years in college last fall in order to become a Nuclear Engineer and hopefully work for the Navy someday. My insurance coverage from my parents will run out when I am 25. I will not be done with my schooling and the only option left to me if the healthcare reform is repealed will be to try and buy a policy from a private insurer. Due to my preexisting conditions, I would be considered in the "high-risk" category, and a policy would cost upwards of $16,000 a month. I doubt many of you could afford this plan, let alone a college student. To compound this, due to all of the health issues, I am currently unable to get a part-time job in addition to attending college.
Unless this healthcare reform stands, it could become a matter of life and death for me. My main medication, antibody replacement therapy for the Primary Immune Deficiency, costs over $100 a gram to make. I use 80 grams monthly, so that is $8,000 a month for that medication alone. Including all prescriptions, doctors appointments, medical testing, hospitalizations, ect., it costs over $250,000 to keep me alive for a year. Despite the cost, why do I deserve any less of a chance to live my life than anyone else?
I do not write this blog post lightly. I could be throwing away my future chances of working for the Navy, the only dream I have left, and the one thing that keeps me going. This healthcare reform is too important for me not to speak up and speak out. I realize to many people that I am merely a massive expenditure of money, something to be avoided like the plague.
I think if people take one thing away from this post, if one thing only.
I did not ask to be born with all of these health issues, and I do everything in my power to keep them under control.
I will never give up until the day I die. Until then, I will keep exercising 5+ times a week, even when sick, eating healthy, taking all of my medications, and being as proactive as I can about my health. I am also currently pursuing experimental treatment for my Primary Immune Deficiency, as all else has failed.
I refuse to simply lie down and die.
I want to live.
-Mer
For more information on Primary Immune Deficiencies:
http://www.primaryimmune.org/about_pi/about_pi.htm
My name is Meredith, and I am 20 years old. I have a disease called a Primary Immune Deficiency. My immune system does not produce antibodies correctly and parts are missing, and consequentially I get sick frequently and severely. I also suffer from Sjogren's Syndrome, Celiac Disease, and peripheral neuropathy in my hands, forearms, and feet. My greatest dream for as long as I can remember was to serve my country in order to honor my family's nearly 100 years of past military service, but my health issues disqualify me.
I started my plan of spending 8+ years in college last fall in order to become a Nuclear Engineer and hopefully work for the Navy someday. My insurance coverage from my parents will run out when I am 25. I will not be done with my schooling and the only option left to me if the healthcare reform is repealed will be to try and buy a policy from a private insurer. Due to my preexisting conditions, I would be considered in the "high-risk" category, and a policy would cost upwards of $16,000 a month. I doubt many of you could afford this plan, let alone a college student. To compound this, due to all of the health issues, I am currently unable to get a part-time job in addition to attending college.
Unless this healthcare reform stands, it could become a matter of life and death for me. My main medication, antibody replacement therapy for the Primary Immune Deficiency, costs over $100 a gram to make. I use 80 grams monthly, so that is $8,000 a month for that medication alone. Including all prescriptions, doctors appointments, medical testing, hospitalizations, ect., it costs over $250,000 to keep me alive for a year. Despite the cost, why do I deserve any less of a chance to live my life than anyone else?
I do not write this blog post lightly. I could be throwing away my future chances of working for the Navy, the only dream I have left, and the one thing that keeps me going. This healthcare reform is too important for me not to speak up and speak out. I realize to many people that I am merely a massive expenditure of money, something to be avoided like the plague.
I think if people take one thing away from this post, if one thing only.
I did not ask to be born with all of these health issues, and I do everything in my power to keep them under control.
I will never give up until the day I die. Until then, I will keep exercising 5+ times a week, even when sick, eating healthy, taking all of my medications, and being as proactive as I can about my health. I am also currently pursuing experimental treatment for my Primary Immune Deficiency, as all else has failed.
I refuse to simply lie down and die.
I want to live.
-Mer
For more information on Primary Immune Deficiencies:
http://www.primaryimmune.org/about_pi/about_pi.htm
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
ELECTION DAY 2008!!!!
Well, the day has finally arrived. After nearly two years of campaigning, political ads, numerous news articles and blogs, America will now choose it's new president. For those of you in other countries, (and in America), I've added a poll to the blog. Tell me who you'd vote for if you could vote in this election!
I really apologize for the lack of updates. As you may have realized by now, I have some health problems that get in my way once and a while. As of now, they haven't been able to figure out what is going on. I'm going to try to push for a twice monthly update, but I hope you will understand if I am unable to put them up.
I really apologize for the lack of updates. As you may have realized by now, I have some health problems that get in my way once and a while. As of now, they haven't been able to figure out what is going on. I'm going to try to push for a twice monthly update, but I hope you will understand if I am unable to put them up.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Updates
Quick update...
Up early next week will be a look at Barack Obama's groundbreaking speech.
Also, Purple Pineapple Town now has a Myspace. I'm hoping it can be used to connect more with my amazing readers.
Check it out at www.myspace.com/purplepineappletown
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Mer
Up early next week will be a look at Barack Obama's groundbreaking speech.
Also, Purple Pineapple Town now has a Myspace. I'm hoping it can be used to connect more with my amazing readers.
Check it out at www.myspace.com/purplepineappletown
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Mer
Monday, March 10, 2008
Oh, the wacky world of Politics.
What a wacky news day from the political world. Here's a summary of some of the top events today.
There's a possibility that Hillary Clinton's campaign may have charged over $3,000 on a staffer's credit card without her knowing. The victim, Kathy Callahan, left the Hillary Finance Committee after she discovered the charges. If this is true, I am appalled. Not surprised, but simply appalled. Have we come so far into this mud-slinging fight that they have to try and secretly steal money? Is this how a possible future president's Committee should be run? Stealing from their own supporters? I think that there should be a law on how much money these campaigns can receive, and they have to use that money to get elected president. Top them off at 5 million for the whole deal and let's see if the presidential race doesn't become more civilized.
Barack Obama says he will not run on the ticket as a Vice President, so those who want a Hillary/Barack ticket are in for a disappointment. I know you want to be president, but do you have to be a diva and be like this? "If I can't be president, I won't be vice president." It's like a 2 year-old throwing a tantrum. If we want a better world, politicians need to figure out how to work together with people they dislike! Abraham Lincoln, widely considered one of the greatest presidents of all time, filled his cabinet with people that absolutely hated him, and look how successful his terms turned out to be!
The Senate intelligence committee is preparing to release the 4 year in the making critique of the Bush administration's claims in the buildup to war with Iraq. I can't imagine what took them so long. Hey Senate Intelligence Committee, have you been under a rock for four years? We didn't find anything close to weapons of mass destruction, and it wasn't Al-Qadea in Iraq, it's a was a war between Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds on differences in their religions. Which brings me to my second point on that subject. If Saddam Hussein was really that dangerous, why didn't you just send in some Special Forces troops to take him out? Enough people hated him that no one would have been able to trace who actually killed him! What a novel idea... now why didn't we think of that before we went and started a Civil War?
Oh, and the Iraq War will cost us $12 Billion each month in 2008. There goes your tax money. We have bridges falling down and no money to fix them, but we can somehow find $12 Billion each month to pay for a war that we're not sure will ever end? Does anyone besides me think this is absolutely ridiculous? Surely I can't be the only one that's being driven crazy by this. Let me know if you are too.
~Mer
Questions? It's purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
There's a possibility that Hillary Clinton's campaign may have charged over $3,000 on a staffer's credit card without her knowing. The victim, Kathy Callahan, left the Hillary Finance Committee after she discovered the charges. If this is true, I am appalled. Not surprised, but simply appalled. Have we come so far into this mud-slinging fight that they have to try and secretly steal money? Is this how a possible future president's Committee should be run? Stealing from their own supporters? I think that there should be a law on how much money these campaigns can receive, and they have to use that money to get elected president. Top them off at 5 million for the whole deal and let's see if the presidential race doesn't become more civilized.
Barack Obama says he will not run on the ticket as a Vice President, so those who want a Hillary/Barack ticket are in for a disappointment. I know you want to be president, but do you have to be a diva and be like this? "If I can't be president, I won't be vice president." It's like a 2 year-old throwing a tantrum. If we want a better world, politicians need to figure out how to work together with people they dislike! Abraham Lincoln, widely considered one of the greatest presidents of all time, filled his cabinet with people that absolutely hated him, and look how successful his terms turned out to be!
The Senate intelligence committee is preparing to release the 4 year in the making critique of the Bush administration's claims in the buildup to war with Iraq. I can't imagine what took them so long. Hey Senate Intelligence Committee, have you been under a rock for four years? We didn't find anything close to weapons of mass destruction, and it wasn't Al-Qadea in Iraq, it's a was a war between Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds on differences in their religions. Which brings me to my second point on that subject. If Saddam Hussein was really that dangerous, why didn't you just send in some Special Forces troops to take him out? Enough people hated him that no one would have been able to trace who actually killed him! What a novel idea... now why didn't we think of that before we went and started a Civil War?
Oh, and the Iraq War will cost us $12 Billion each month in 2008. There goes your tax money. We have bridges falling down and no money to fix them, but we can somehow find $12 Billion each month to pay for a war that we're not sure will ever end? Does anyone besides me think this is absolutely ridiculous? Surely I can't be the only one that's being driven crazy by this. Let me know if you are too.
~Mer
Questions? It's purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The Remaning Presidental Canidates and the Issues
Alright, this is a little late, I had a mountain of chores to do today that I had forgotten about.
First the Republican candidates on some issues I haven't covered yet.
John McCain
Energy- Proposes a strategy that will rely on America's technology and industry. Believes that barriers to nuclear energy are political, and not technological.
Same-Sex Marriage- Supports definition of marriage as something between a man and a woman, but opposes a constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage. He says the question should be up to the states.
Taxes- Proposes a plan his supporters call the "Fair Tax," which would repeal income and other taxes and abolish the Internal Revenue.
Mike Huckabee
Energy-Says the first thing he will do as president is send Congress a comprehensive plan for energy independence and would achieve energy independence by the end of second term.
Same-Sex Marriage- Strongly opposes same sex marriage.
Taxes- Also supports the "Fair Tax," singed a pledge to never raise taxes.
The Democrats
Barack Obama
Energy- Proposes reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050 by using a market based cap-and-trade, supports next generation biofuels.
Same-Sex Marriage- Opposes same-sex marriage, but also opposes a constitutional ban. Supports civil unions.
Taxes- Opposed extending bush tax cuts through 2010. Supports eliminating marriage penalty, and extending child tax credits. Supports scaling back capital gains and dividends tax cuts and re-examining tax benefits for the top one percent of earners.
Hillary Clinton
Energy-Proposes a cap-and-trade program that auctions 100 percent of permits alongside investments. Would reduce electricity consumption by 20 percent from projected levels by 2020 by changing the way utilities do business.
Same-Sex Marriage- Opposes same-sex marriage, but supports civil unions. Says states should ultimately decide the issue, opposes a constitutional amendment.
Taxes-Opposed 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts. Opposed extending tax cuts through 2010.
So, we'll see what happens. The races are close, so I'm not going to make any predictions.
First the Republican candidates on some issues I haven't covered yet.
John McCain
Energy- Proposes a strategy that will rely on America's technology and industry. Believes that barriers to nuclear energy are political, and not technological.
Same-Sex Marriage- Supports definition of marriage as something between a man and a woman, but opposes a constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage. He says the question should be up to the states.
Taxes- Proposes a plan his supporters call the "Fair Tax," which would repeal income and other taxes and abolish the Internal Revenue.
Mike Huckabee
Energy-Says the first thing he will do as president is send Congress a comprehensive plan for energy independence and would achieve energy independence by the end of second term.
Same-Sex Marriage- Strongly opposes same sex marriage.
Taxes- Also supports the "Fair Tax," singed a pledge to never raise taxes.
The Democrats
Barack Obama
Energy- Proposes reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050 by using a market based cap-and-trade, supports next generation biofuels.
Same-Sex Marriage- Opposes same-sex marriage, but also opposes a constitutional ban. Supports civil unions.
Taxes- Opposed extending bush tax cuts through 2010. Supports eliminating marriage penalty, and extending child tax credits. Supports scaling back capital gains and dividends tax cuts and re-examining tax benefits for the top one percent of earners.
Hillary Clinton
Energy-Proposes a cap-and-trade program that auctions 100 percent of permits alongside investments. Would reduce electricity consumption by 20 percent from projected levels by 2020 by changing the way utilities do business.
Same-Sex Marriage- Opposes same-sex marriage, but supports civil unions. Says states should ultimately decide the issue, opposes a constitutional amendment.
Taxes-Opposed 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts. Opposed extending tax cuts through 2010.
So, we'll see what happens. The races are close, so I'm not going to make any predictions.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Mini-Tuesday!
Well, I'm back, and feeling better than I have in over a year. But, it's time to focus on what's really important- The primaries on March 4th, or "Mini-Tuesday", that could decide the Democratic nomination! (Take that, Super delegates!)
The 4 states up for grabs are Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The current front runners according to Real Clear Politics-
Texas Democrats:
Clinton 46.8%, Obama 46.5%
Texas Republicans:
McCain 53.2%, Huckabee 34.4%, and Paul 6%
Ohio Democrats
Clinton 49.3%, Obama 42.9%
Ohio Republicans:
McCain 55.8%, Huckabee 27.8%, Paul 6.2%
Rhode Island Democrats
Clinton 48%, Obama 38.3%
Rhode Island Republicans
A broken link, so no info.
Vermont Democrats
55% Obama, 36% Clinton
Vermont Republicans
68% McCain, 17% Huckabee, 5% Paul
It's anyone's game in the Democratic Primary. Tomorrow I'll do another issue comparison for the frontrunner's of both parties, as well as my predictions of who will win.
~Mer
The 4 states up for grabs are Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The current front runners according to Real Clear Politics-
Texas Democrats:
Clinton 46.8%, Obama 46.5%
Texas Republicans:
McCain 53.2%, Huckabee 34.4%, and Paul 6%
Ohio Democrats
Clinton 49.3%, Obama 42.9%
Ohio Republicans:
McCain 55.8%, Huckabee 27.8%, Paul 6.2%
Rhode Island Democrats
Clinton 48%, Obama 38.3%
Rhode Island Republicans
A broken link, so no info.
Vermont Democrats
55% Obama, 36% Clinton
Vermont Republicans
68% McCain, 17% Huckabee, 5% Paul
It's anyone's game in the Democratic Primary. Tomorrow I'll do another issue comparison for the frontrunner's of both parties, as well as my predictions of who will win.
~Mer
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
SUPER TUESDAY!
For anyone who lives in a Super Tuesday state, and maybe hasn't made up their mind yet, (like me.) I thought I'd give a rundown on the candidates of both parties, along with their positions on popular issues. For those not in a Super Tuesday state, or is lucky enough to live outside of this political mess, I hope that you get a laugh. (Note: all information used came from http://ontheissues.org/ as well as candidate’s official web sites)
First up, the Republican Party-
John McCain-
Abortion: Wishes to reverse Roe vs. Wade, and leave the decision on abortion up to the states.
Stem Cell Research: Supports Stem Cell Research, but opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes.
National Security: America requires a larger and more capable military to protect or country's vital interests and deter challenges to our security.
Border Control: Borders will be secured, and then illegal immigrants can earn citizenship.
Gun Control: Believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect.
War in Iraq: "Timetable for withdrawal a white flag of surrender" and "Staying for 100 years is ok, as long as US casualties are low.
Health Care: More federal funding for health care coverage, and insurance reforms.
Mitt Romney-
Abortion: Pro-life record, believes Roe vs. Wade should be overturned so that the issue of abortion can be returned to the American people and their elected representatives at the state and federal level.
Stem Cell Research:"It is time to move beyond typical Washington politics, and offer support for stem-cell research techniques that bring science and ethics together to promote life, protect life, and save lives."
National Security: Must strengthen the military and dedicate at least four percent of our gross domestic product to defense.
Border Control: Secure the border, implement an enforceable employer verification system, and punish sanctuary cites and reject amnesty.
Gun Control:
"It is my hope that the Supreme Court will reaffirm the individual right to keep and bear arms as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and protect law abiding gun owners everywhere. To further guard this fundamental liberty, as President, I will take care to appoint judges who will not legislate from the bench but will instead strictly interpret the Constitution."
War In Iraq: Timetable for Troop reduction ok, but not for withdrawal.
Health Care: States should lead the healthcare reform, must expand and de-regulate the private health insurance market.
Mike Huckabee-
Abortion: Pro-Life, we must overturn Roe vs. Wade, supports constitutional amendment to protect the right of life.
Stem Cell Research: Opposed to research on embryonic stem cells.
National Security: Believes we are currently engaged in a world war, top priority of a Commander in Chief is protecting his citizens.
Border Control: Securing borders must be top priority and has reached the level of national emergency. Opposes amnesty.
Gun Control: Second amendment is about freedom, not about hunting, allow conceal and carry.
War in Iraq: Setting a timetable for withdrawal is a mistake. This country has never declared war until "a week from Wednesday," we have always declared war until victory.
Health Care: Believes that the health care system is broken, due to the fact it is not a "health" system. We don't need universal health care mandated by federal edict.
Ron Paul-
Abortion: Prime sponsor of HR 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v Wade by removing the ability of federal courts to interfere with state legislation to protect life. This is a practical, direct approach to ending federal court tyranny which threatens our constitutional republic and has caused the deaths of 45 million of the unborn.
Stem Cell Research: Embryonic stem cell programs are not constitutionally authorized.
National Security: Believes we don't need troops abroad, they don't help our defense.
Border Control: 6 point plan to secure our borders includes: physically securing our borders and coastlines, enforcing visa rules, no amnesty, no welfare for illegal aliens, end birthright citizenship, and pass true immigration reform.
Gun Control: Believes that in a free society each citizen should have the right to keep and bear arms.
War in Iraq: Believes we invaded under false pretenses without a constitutionally-required declaration of war. Wants to devise and execute a plan to immediately withdraw our troops in the safest manner possible.
Health Care: Remove federal regulations and encouraging competition to lower health care costs.
And now, the Democratic candidates.
Barack Obama-
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wants more stem cell research.
National Security: Believes in more protection for our chemical plants, keeping track of spent nuclear fuel, keeping drinking water safe, and protecting our public from radioactive releases.
Border Control: Wants to create secure borders, improve the immigration system, and remove incentives that entice illegal immigrants, bring people out of the shadows, and work with Mexico.
Gun Control: wants to limit gun purchases and enforce stricter possession restrictions
War in Iraq: No permanent bases in Iraq, have our troops home by the end of 2009.
Health Care: Quality, affordable coverage for all and modernization of the healthcare system.
Hillary Clinton:
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wishes to expand embryonic stem cell research.
National Security: Supports more missile defense, believes National Security more important than human rights.
Border Control: Believes in strengthening our borders, working with our neighboring countries, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar.
Gun Control: Wants to get assault weapons and guns off the street, stricter gun control laws.
War in Iraq: Wishes to withdraw our troops as soon as possible, and employ a new intensive Diplomatic Initiative in the region.
Health Care: Plans to make healthcare affordable, available, and portable.
Well there you go- the candidates’ positions on some of the top issues in this Presidential election. As for me, I still don't know who to vote for. I don't really like anyone enough to get excited about them.
Oh well- I'll decide eventually.
~Mer
Questions, Comments, or Requests? Send Mer an e-mail at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
First up, the Republican Party-
John McCain-
Abortion: Wishes to reverse Roe vs. Wade, and leave the decision on abortion up to the states.
Stem Cell Research: Supports Stem Cell Research, but opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes.
National Security: America requires a larger and more capable military to protect or country's vital interests and deter challenges to our security.
Border Control: Borders will be secured, and then illegal immigrants can earn citizenship.
Gun Control: Believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect.
War in Iraq: "Timetable for withdrawal a white flag of surrender" and "Staying for 100 years is ok, as long as US casualties are low.
Health Care: More federal funding for health care coverage, and insurance reforms.
Mitt Romney-
Abortion: Pro-life record, believes Roe vs. Wade should be overturned so that the issue of abortion can be returned to the American people and their elected representatives at the state and federal level.
Stem Cell Research:"It is time to move beyond typical Washington politics, and offer support for stem-cell research techniques that bring science and ethics together to promote life, protect life, and save lives."
National Security: Must strengthen the military and dedicate at least four percent of our gross domestic product to defense.
Border Control: Secure the border, implement an enforceable employer verification system, and punish sanctuary cites and reject amnesty.
Gun Control:
"It is my hope that the Supreme Court will reaffirm the individual right to keep and bear arms as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and protect law abiding gun owners everywhere. To further guard this fundamental liberty, as President, I will take care to appoint judges who will not legislate from the bench but will instead strictly interpret the Constitution."
War In Iraq: Timetable for Troop reduction ok, but not for withdrawal.
Health Care: States should lead the healthcare reform, must expand and de-regulate the private health insurance market.
Mike Huckabee-
Abortion: Pro-Life, we must overturn Roe vs. Wade, supports constitutional amendment to protect the right of life.
Stem Cell Research: Opposed to research on embryonic stem cells.
National Security: Believes we are currently engaged in a world war, top priority of a Commander in Chief is protecting his citizens.
Border Control: Securing borders must be top priority and has reached the level of national emergency. Opposes amnesty.
Gun Control: Second amendment is about freedom, not about hunting, allow conceal and carry.
War in Iraq: Setting a timetable for withdrawal is a mistake. This country has never declared war until "a week from Wednesday," we have always declared war until victory.
Health Care: Believes that the health care system is broken, due to the fact it is not a "health" system. We don't need universal health care mandated by federal edict.
Ron Paul-
Abortion: Prime sponsor of HR 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v Wade by removing the ability of federal courts to interfere with state legislation to protect life. This is a practical, direct approach to ending federal court tyranny which threatens our constitutional republic and has caused the deaths of 45 million of the unborn.
Stem Cell Research: Embryonic stem cell programs are not constitutionally authorized.
National Security: Believes we don't need troops abroad, they don't help our defense.
Border Control: 6 point plan to secure our borders includes: physically securing our borders and coastlines, enforcing visa rules, no amnesty, no welfare for illegal aliens, end birthright citizenship, and pass true immigration reform.
Gun Control: Believes that in a free society each citizen should have the right to keep and bear arms.
War in Iraq: Believes we invaded under false pretenses without a constitutionally-required declaration of war. Wants to devise and execute a plan to immediately withdraw our troops in the safest manner possible.
Health Care: Remove federal regulations and encouraging competition to lower health care costs.
And now, the Democratic candidates.
Barack Obama-
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wants more stem cell research.
National Security: Believes in more protection for our chemical plants, keeping track of spent nuclear fuel, keeping drinking water safe, and protecting our public from radioactive releases.
Border Control: Wants to create secure borders, improve the immigration system, and remove incentives that entice illegal immigrants, bring people out of the shadows, and work with Mexico.
Gun Control: wants to limit gun purchases and enforce stricter possession restrictions
War in Iraq: No permanent bases in Iraq, have our troops home by the end of 2009.
Health Care: Quality, affordable coverage for all and modernization of the healthcare system.
Hillary Clinton:
Abortion: Believes in a women's right to choose.
Stem Cell Research: Wishes to expand embryonic stem cell research.
National Security: Supports more missile defense, believes National Security more important than human rights.
Border Control: Believes in strengthening our borders, working with our neighboring countries, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar.
Gun Control: Wants to get assault weapons and guns off the street, stricter gun control laws.
War in Iraq: Wishes to withdraw our troops as soon as possible, and employ a new intensive Diplomatic Initiative in the region.
Health Care: Plans to make healthcare affordable, available, and portable.
Well there you go- the candidates’ positions on some of the top issues in this Presidential election. As for me, I still don't know who to vote for. I don't really like anyone enough to get excited about them.
Oh well- I'll decide eventually.
~Mer
Questions, Comments, or Requests? Send Mer an e-mail at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Crazy Presidential Race!
Well, with John Edwards out of the Democratic Presidential Race, and Rudy Giuliani out of the Republican, I feel like I can guarantee that the craziness that has been this presidential election so far is about to get crazier.
Between the people asking if Obama is black enough, to can Hillary Clinton handle the Presidency, can Mitt Romney be elected because of his Mormon religion, am I the only one standing on a mountain yelling, "Can we PLEASE just focus on the ISSUES people?"
Honestly, we should just stick the candidates in boxes, not tell anyone what their names are, and have them debate on the issues. When the elections are over, they get to come out of the box. We actually would elect a President on the ISSUES! Such a strategy has never been tried before! It's a groundbreaking new concept! GASP!
~Mer
Questions or Comments? Contact Mer at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Between the people asking if Obama is black enough, to can Hillary Clinton handle the Presidency, can Mitt Romney be elected because of his Mormon religion, am I the only one standing on a mountain yelling, "Can we PLEASE just focus on the ISSUES people?"
Honestly, we should just stick the candidates in boxes, not tell anyone what their names are, and have them debate on the issues. When the elections are over, they get to come out of the box. We actually would elect a President on the ISSUES! Such a strategy has never been tried before! It's a groundbreaking new concept! GASP!
~Mer
Questions or Comments? Contact Mer at purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Thursday, January 10, 2008
What's that sound in the air...
Well, it's January, and you know what that means!
The whining of the Presidential Candidates!
I don't know about you guys, but as much as I love the craziness that is politics, I can't STAND when the candidates start sniveling and complaining about how they're getting attacked. If I'm old enough to know that as asinine as it is, that's basically what goes on during a Presidential election. You put your good (or bad) name out there, and your opponents try to tear you to bits.
Why is this such a surprise to them, I have no idea. This has gone on since before Abraham Lincoln's time, and will likely continue until the Sun explodes. (Or until we adopt another system of government.)
Don't get me wrong, I think that the attack ads are stupid, but we live in a society where there is (supposedly) free speech. I want a candidate that's going to be able to man (or woman) up and deal with this without crying to the media (or their mommy) about the so-called injustice of it all every time someone says something bad.
Memo to the Presidential Candidates- It's not the Elementary school playground anymore. You're big boys and girls. Deal with it.
~ Mer
Questions or Comments? Send them to: purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
The whining of the Presidential Candidates!
I don't know about you guys, but as much as I love the craziness that is politics, I can't STAND when the candidates start sniveling and complaining about how they're getting attacked. If I'm old enough to know that as asinine as it is, that's basically what goes on during a Presidential election. You put your good (or bad) name out there, and your opponents try to tear you to bits.
Why is this such a surprise to them, I have no idea. This has gone on since before Abraham Lincoln's time, and will likely continue until the Sun explodes. (Or until we adopt another system of government.)
Don't get me wrong, I think that the attack ads are stupid, but we live in a society where there is (supposedly) free speech. I want a candidate that's going to be able to man (or woman) up and deal with this without crying to the media (or their mommy) about the so-called injustice of it all every time someone says something bad.
Memo to the Presidential Candidates- It's not the Elementary school playground anymore. You're big boys and girls. Deal with it.
~ Mer
Questions or Comments? Send them to: purplepineappletown@hotmail.com
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Quotes from the Frontrunners
As the primaries loom closer... I present- Quotes from the front runners of both parties (with commentary!).
REPUBLICANS
Rudy Giuliani-
"Freedom is about authority. Freedom is about the willingness of every single human being to cede to lawful authority a great deal of discretion about what you do and how you do it."
Actually Rudy, Freedom is defined as liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another and/or a political right.
"There are many qualities that make a great leader. But having strong beliefs, being able to stick with them through popular and unpopular times, is the most important characteristic of a great leader. "
Hmm... and you've done that Rudy?
Fred Thompson-
"China is one of the world's greatest proliferators of weapons of mass destruction to these rogue nations."
I have no words on this one- just another quote from him-
"Clearly, the Chinese know that we want a good relationship with them."
I would stick with playing an authority figure Fred- not actually being one.
Mitt Romney-
"And a special thank you to the citizens of Massachusetts: You are paying all the taxes, creating all the jobs, raising all the children. This government is yours. Thank you for letting me serve you. I love this job."
Hmm... It seems to me that there are children, taxpayers, and new jobs in the other 49 states- and the government doesn't belong to Massachusetts alone.
"Ronald Reagan was a president of strength. His philosophy was a philosophy of strength - a strong military, a strong economy and strong families."
Do I even have to point out the problems with this one?
Mike Huckabee-
"One thing governors feel, Democrats and Republicans alike, is that we have a health care system that, if you're on Medicaid, you have unlimited access to health care, at unlimited levels, at no cost. No wonder it's running away."
Actually- One of the BIG problems of Medicaid is that it LIMITS the access to quality health care. Not to mention it rations the treatments and services that you can receive.
"The health care system is really designed to reward you for being unhealthy. If you are a healthy person and work hard to be healthy, there are no benefits."
Wake up Huckabee- Under the Family and Medical Leave act, you get up to 12 weeks of UNPAID leave in a twelve month period. Sick wages are often much less than normal too... do you call that a reward?
DEMOCRATS
Hillary Clinton-
"I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president."
Besides the obvious grammatical errors... Hillary- your husband was the president. Not you. He may have asked you for advice on occasion, but he was the president. It's not a tandem job.
"If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle."
Ok... so you're going to knock front page stories- which often do with good deeds, or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan- because you want to change your hairstyle. I'm sure our fighting men and women really appreciate how much time you spend on your hair.
Barack Obama
"No one is pro-abortion."
I think the pro-choice people would argue you on that point.
"We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States. "
This quote is simply wrong in so many ways- especially when you hear this one-
"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America - there is the United States of America. There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America - there's the United States of America."
So if there's not a liberal America and a conservative America- surely there's no Red States or Blue States, since we're simply "The United States of America."
John Edwards-
"I was wrong to vote for this war. Unfortunately, I'll have to live with that forever. And the lesson I learned from it is to put more faith in my own judgment."
How was your judgement when you had your campaign pay for your $400 dollar haircut?
REPUBLICANS
Rudy Giuliani-
"Freedom is about authority. Freedom is about the willingness of every single human being to cede to lawful authority a great deal of discretion about what you do and how you do it."
Actually Rudy, Freedom is defined as liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another and/or a political right.
"There are many qualities that make a great leader. But having strong beliefs, being able to stick with them through popular and unpopular times, is the most important characteristic of a great leader. "
Hmm... and you've done that Rudy?
Fred Thompson-
"China is one of the world's greatest proliferators of weapons of mass destruction to these rogue nations."
I have no words on this one- just another quote from him-
"Clearly, the Chinese know that we want a good relationship with them."
I would stick with playing an authority figure Fred- not actually being one.
Mitt Romney-
"And a special thank you to the citizens of Massachusetts: You are paying all the taxes, creating all the jobs, raising all the children. This government is yours. Thank you for letting me serve you. I love this job."
Hmm... It seems to me that there are children, taxpayers, and new jobs in the other 49 states- and the government doesn't belong to Massachusetts alone.
"Ronald Reagan was a president of strength. His philosophy was a philosophy of strength - a strong military, a strong economy and strong families."
Do I even have to point out the problems with this one?
Mike Huckabee-
"One thing governors feel, Democrats and Republicans alike, is that we have a health care system that, if you're on Medicaid, you have unlimited access to health care, at unlimited levels, at no cost. No wonder it's running away."
Actually- One of the BIG problems of Medicaid is that it LIMITS the access to quality health care. Not to mention it rations the treatments and services that you can receive.
"The health care system is really designed to reward you for being unhealthy. If you are a healthy person and work hard to be healthy, there are no benefits."
Wake up Huckabee- Under the Family and Medical Leave act, you get up to 12 weeks of UNPAID leave in a twelve month period. Sick wages are often much less than normal too... do you call that a reward?
DEMOCRATS
Hillary Clinton-
"I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president."
Besides the obvious grammatical errors... Hillary- your husband was the president. Not you. He may have asked you for advice on occasion, but he was the president. It's not a tandem job.
"If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle."
Ok... so you're going to knock front page stories- which often do with good deeds, or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan- because you want to change your hairstyle. I'm sure our fighting men and women really appreciate how much time you spend on your hair.
Barack Obama
"No one is pro-abortion."
I think the pro-choice people would argue you on that point.
"We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States. "
This quote is simply wrong in so many ways- especially when you hear this one-
"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America - there is the United States of America. There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America - there's the United States of America."
So if there's not a liberal America and a conservative America- surely there's no Red States or Blue States, since we're simply "The United States of America."
John Edwards-
"I was wrong to vote for this war. Unfortunately, I'll have to live with that forever. And the lesson I learned from it is to put more faith in my own judgment."
How was your judgement when you had your campaign pay for your $400 dollar haircut?
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