LOL I'm glad you started this post. Now anyone who wants to talk politics can do it here. I would like to see who casts votes here say if they are a business owner or not. I'm curious to see if more business owners go McCain and non business owners go Obama.
I've been frustrated with both campaigns and I'm glad that part is almost over. I am going with Obama though even though I don't agree with everything. I'm picking on the two candidates I have to choose from. I'm not a business owner by the way.
"An ignorant man thinks he knows everything, a wise man knows he doesn't."
I vote for whomever the terrorists are affraid of and whom the rest of the world does not want to be our President. The answer to that would be McCain all the way. Oh yeah, I also will always vote for the candidate that our Military favors, I figure if they serve under her/him and they like them, than that is good enough for me!
I am stock piling either way. No matter who wins, there is going to be issues. Obama wins, here comes the crazies. McCain wins, then there are a whole bunch of pissed off people.
I am the disenchanted middle class who bought a house in Florida on the upper price swing. Thought I was safe at 160K when house was valued at 210K. Now value at 120K. One thing they have not talked about, there are a whole bunch of us in this situation. Many or most will walk away as a bad investment and you will see the second wave and probably crushing blow to banking industry. I want my part of the bailout as it is the jackasses there who caused my house to drop so much. I can see an adjustment but come on.
I am a conservative and will vote for the most conservative candidate unless there’s some other strong overriding reason. I looked quite deep into both candidate’s political philosophy, integrity, patriotism, honesty, experience, honesty and respect for the sanctity of the US Constitution as our forefathers intended it to be. What I discovered was more than simply informative. It is extremely frightening. I stongly believe you are the friends you keep.
I am a conservative and will vote for the most conservative candidate unless there’s some other strong overriding reason. I looked quite deep into both candidate’s political philosophy, integrity, patriotism, honesty, experience, honesty and respect for the sanctity of the US Constitution as our forefathers intended it to be. What I discovered was more than simply informative. It is extremely frightening. I stongly believe you are the friends you keep.
The choice of Sarah made my decision even easier.
Exactly Jim! I'm very conservative too. And I have looked past the talk radio lies and see the real facts. And like you, the choice of Sarah made my choice easier. I'm voting for my fellow middleclass Americans, I'm voting for Barack Obama.
it will be a cold day in hell before obama gets my vote.obama is the most liberal crazy i have ever seen.mccain is the only choice i can see.i agree with 68firebird400
Since it is proven that you cannot believe what you hear, especially in an election campaign, you have to rely on the past. Obama pretty much has no past, because he has no significant experience. McCain has a history, and therefore has some actions that some won't approve of. But I would rather deal with a weak hand than a wild card.
I have no respect for the campaign and election processes. I have little faith that either candidate will be able to make significant improvements in the lives of Americans. It's up to us to make our informed choices, and then focus on saving ourselves.
I have owned my small business for over 20 years, in one of the most cutthroat and low profit industries in existence, with heavy competition from several local big-box retailers. Some years are frighteningly lean. Others are fat and happy years. I plan for the lean years and we live well enough. I don't get government subsidies for agriculture, for energy, for business development. I don't get tax breaks for relocation or expansion. I don't get wage rebates from the unemployment agency or other social groups. I don't have any government or school contracts, because the "bribe to play" system makes me sick. We provide an honest product at an excellent price and 80% of our customers are repeat customers, and they send their friends and family. Businesses like mine boomed in the 80s, and a lot failed in the 90s. We are still here. We pay competitive wages, fully pay health insurance for our employees, and pay our bills and taxes on time. All that on less than 5% gross profit. Our tech has been with us over 10 years, and I am not looking to dump him for a cheaper worker. There is value that cannot be measured by money, and it has to do with trust. Where do you put your trust? Would you hand over everything you own and trust the government to manage it for you? I don't. Social programs do not work as long term solutions.
Why do poorly run businesses get bailouts? Why do fiscally irresponsible buyers get out of their debts? Where is personal and corporate accountability? Is either candidate going to fix this issue, which undermines the entire premise of the American economy?
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
As a fellow small business owner, I could not have said it better Vikki.
Obama is a huge wild card. I cannot give my vote that will ultimately give the House, Senate and Oval Office to one party. Especially a party that has proven time and time again they would like to take more and more for redistribution through government.
I think Bjorn's comment in the other thread also hits the nail on the head. People in this country really do not know what will happen to a country with an extremist liberal like Obama in office. I really weep for our country if he wins and gets his way.
And for the record, it has zero to do with the color of his skin. It is 100% his political beliefs. I am getting tired of some in the media saying that I am a racist for not voting Obama.
68' Firebird 400 convertible, numbers matching, solar red w/ deluxe parchment interior. 66' Pontiac Ventura Hardtop 66' Pontiac Catalina Convertible
Actually, Barack Obama is a conservative Democrat... That's if you look at his record and not just listen to biased people 'talk' about his record. And he has plenty of experience and he has a great education. He went to one of the best schools our country has to offer and graduated top of his class. McCain is a lot like Bush with his marginal education. I'm not cutting McCain down, but we should pick from our smartest, best educated people for our top statesman that represents our country to the world. Use a war hero for Secretary of Defense. That's much more appropriate in my opinion. Use the right tool for the right job I always say.
I prefer a conservative Democrat and that's why I support Barack Obama. I'm educated and understand the issues. I've taken the time to study the issues. And that's also why the vast majority of highly educated Americans are saying they will vote for Barack Obama. Why would Americans that have saved to send their children off to the best schools not listen to them after they have been educated? Listen to the your kids. You have spent your hard earned savings to make them the smartest, best educated people in the world.
obamas record: endorsed a complete ban on hand gun ownership voted to ban the use of firearms for home self defense proposed a bill to increase federal taxes on guns and ammo by 500% he opposes right to carry laws voted to ban ammunition used for hunting and sport shooting if you own a gun,sell now.if you ever need one to defend yourself;you will be [censored] out of luck.you better hope the police are not busy
The day I start listening to my kids or anyone else's kids who are in college or recently graduated is the day I shoot myself in the head. Listen to college kids? Are you friggen kidding? That just might be the most rediculous suggestion I've heard yet. Listen to kids that have been sitting in a glass bowl listening to the most radical/liberal people on earth for four year. Nope, forget it! I'll listen to someone who has served this country, fought for it & [censored] near died for it before I'll listen to scum bag from Chicago. That's it, I need a pill!
These "highly educated" people that are siding with Obama are the ones commonly referred to as the elites of our society. These are the people that think they know how to run your life and spend your money better than you do because your just not quite smart enough. I have found that most of these highly educated people have very little common sense, I'm around them quite a bit and constantly wonder how in the hell they got to be in charge of anything. They can screw stuff up more than any 5 year old. McCain wasn't my first choice but he is the only choice now.
obamas record: endorsed a complete ban on hand gun ownership voted to ban the use of firearms for home self defense proposed a bill to increase federal taxes on guns and ammo by 500% he opposes right to carry laws voted to ban ammunition used for hunting and sport shooting if you own a gun,sell now.if you ever need one to defend yourself;you will be [censored] out of luck.you better hope the police are not busy
Are you sure Obama is not Canadian...sounds like what they did here in part...at least I can still by my hunting ammo....
I applaud MCcain for his service in Vietnam, but just because he was shot down and captured and was a p.o.w. for 5 years. That doesn't mean he deserves my vote. That was 40 years ago !! Plus he's already said he will continue the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy, Yea like they need it. He's been in congress for what 20+ yrs. We need a President who hasn't been "Sucked in" to the typical congressional way things are done. We need someone young with new ideas and thats why Obama gets my vote. Plus he's for the middle class when is the last time you've heard a president say anything about the middle class ?
Since it is proven that you cannot believe what you hear, especially in an election campaign, you have to rely on the past. Obama pretty much has no past, because he has no significant experience. McCain has a history, and therefore has some actions that some won't approve of. But I would rather deal with a weak hand than a wild card.
I have no respect for the campaign and election processes. I have little faith that either candidate will be able to make significant improvements in the lives of Americans. It's up to us to make our informed choices, and then focus on saving ourselves.
I have owned my small business for over 20 years, in one of the most cutthroat and low profit industries in existence, with heavy competition from several local big-box retailers. Some years are frighteningly lean. Others are fat and happy years. I plan for the lean years and we live well enough. I don't get government subsidies for agriculture, for energy, for business development. I don't get tax breaks for relocation or expansion. I don't get wage rebates from the unemployment agency or other social groups. I don't have any government or school contracts, because the "bribe to play" system makes me sick. We provide an honest product at an excellent price and 80% of our customers are repeat customers, and they send their friends and family. Businesses like mine boomed in the 80s, and a lot failed in the 90s. We are still here. We pay competitive wages, fully pay health insurance for our employees, and pay our bills and taxes on time. All that on less than 5% gross profit. Our tech has been with us over 10 years, and I am not looking to dump him for a cheaper worker. There is value that cannot be measured by money, and it has to do with trust. Where do you put your trust? Would you hand over everything you own and trust the government to manage it for you? I don't. Social programs do not work as long term solutions.
Why do poorly run businesses get bailouts? Why do fiscally irresponsible buyers get out of their debts? Where is personal and corporate accountability? Is either candidate going to fix this issue, which undermines the entire premise of the American economy?
I agree on most everything you said. I give big kudos to you for being a responsible and accountable business owner who also gives your employees full health coverage and doesn't replace a higher paid employee with a new low pay one. I wish more business owners were like you.
Living in North Dakota, I have seen different sides of things. The state is predominately agriculture so that means alot of business owners and I believe that's why ND is considered a Republican state. At least the farmers I have met are Republican. I'm not totally against subsidies for farmers. We depend on them for providing us with food. I would hate to see a farm that has been in the family for generations be lost either. I do think they need to make responsible choices and not all farmers do that. It does upset me when a farmer can pay cash for a $40,000 truck and then tell me they are having it rough and complaining about subsidies.
I agree and disagree on social programs with you. I think alot of them are mismanaged but I don't think some should be taken away. Every family should have at least one able person working to provide for themselves. Some families can only get jobs that pay close to minimum wage with no health coverage and how can a person expect a family to live off that yet one or two people? That's where food stamps and medical assistance come in. Some families are working and trying the best they can. Another example is those who are disabled and Social Security doesn't pay enough. That's where housing, medical, and food assistance comes in. I know in the 90s welfare was reformed. A person can only be on it a maximum of 5 years in a lifetime. They have mandatory job programs you have to go to or you lose your assistance. Somehow I suppose there are some people who find a way to beat the system.
This whole government system needs an overhaul from a decent minimum wage to responsible spending to regulating corrupt business practices, etc. I don't think we can blame just Bush on this. It was both parties over the last several years who have let things slide.
I respect your right to choose McCain. Even though I can't blame Bush for everything, I do think he has had his part in this. It troubles me that McCain has voted 90% with Bush. That is a quote coming from his mouth. I don't think Obama is a wild card. I think his views are very different from what we are used to in a candidate. I do think no one person will solve this mess we are in. The Senate and House are very much involved in this process and I don't think every thing Obama wants will be passed. Same thing with McCain.
it was a republican congress, that at the end of end of clinton's term, repealed the law that made it elegal to by and sell drivitives (betting on stock futures, if they would go up or down). and later past a law so that no states could set laws to stop the practice. which in the 1920's, when it was legal, help cause the great one. that's why the law was written in the 1930's. they knew what they were doing.(greed to make money at any price) now look were we are at. i've lost 13k in my 401k.and others have tens of thousands in property vaules lost. but lets not make changes,your f#$@^%g kidding. change doesn't come from washington, it comes to washionton.
Living in North Dakota, I have seen different sides of things. The state is predominately agriculture so that means alot of business owners and I believe that's why ND is considered a Republican state. At least the farmers I have met are Republican. I'm not totally against subsidies for farmers. We depend on them for providing us with food. I would hate to see a farm that has been in the family for generations be lost either. I do think they need to make responsible choices and not all farmers do that. It does upset me when a farmer can pay cash for a $40,000 truck and then tell me they are having it rough and complaining about subsidies.
I agree and disagree on social programs with you. I think alot of them are mismanaged but I don't think some should be taken away. Every family should have at least one able person working to provide for themselves. Some families can only get jobs that pay close to minimum wage with no health coverage and how can a person expect a family to live off that yet one or two people? That's where food stamps and medical assistance come in. Some families are working and trying the best they can. Another example is those who are disabled and Social Security doesn't pay enough. That's where housing, medical, and food assistance comes in. I know in the 90s welfare was reformed. A person can only be on it a maximum of 5 years in a lifetime. They have mandatory job programs you have to go to or you lose your assistance. Somehow I suppose there are some people who find a way to beat the system.
This whole government system needs an overhaul from a decent minimum wage to responsible spending to regulating corrupt business practices, etc. I don't think we can blame just Bush on this. It was both parties over the last several years who have let things slide.
My husband and I started a "slow foods" farm 11 years ago. It's now a significant contributor to our income. We don't get subsidies, we don't get tax breaks. We get legitimate writeoffs for legitimate documented expenses, like any other business should have. And we pay taxes on the earnings.
I disagree that living wage and social programs are healthy for society. If you can't get a better job because you lack education, go to school. If you can't make it on one income, get another job in the household. I don't know very many people who are comfortable on one income anymore. The '50s are gone. The long term solution, the real solution, is to fan the sparks of the economy and get a solid, diverse economy going.
This country's biggest booms have been tied to single industries. Cotton. Wartime industry. Auto industry. Aerospace industry. That's fine for a region, great in the short term, but the localized inflation those booms cause (inflated housing prices and cost of living) are subject to drop just as quickly.
I am not against the idea of a carefully managed disability program. But I'd limit benefits if poor personal choices were a contributing factor...such as drug use, smoking, alcohol abuse, gross obesity, etc. Everyone is entitled to make their personal lifestyle choices (I do love this country) but I do not feel it is my responsibilty to pay for someone else's bad choices.
My son's $60,000 a year education will make him a good verbal sparring partner. The day he knows more than me is the day I am no longer capable of thought or recollection. I was in the university world too. It took a couple of years in the real world to unlearn all the "utopia" type ideas.
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
OMG! I can't believe any DA would vote for "The Obama-nation!" If you vote for that idiot you are going to get the road paved to a socialist society via your tax money. Cause if you DA's vote for him you can kiss everything you hold to your heart near and dear GOODBYE! "Obama is a huge wild card." is a freaking understatement!! He is a threat!!! GO AHEAD and vote him in and I promise you will understand what it feels like to get the rug snatched out from underneath you, while standing on a hardwood floor.
I'd rather see a rust bucket on the road, than a garage queen anytime!!
Bottom line, tax the so called rich and they will clam up, lay off, shut down etc. and then find ways to keep every penny they make.
When is the last time you heard of a "poor" person hiring someone? Yeah exactly. Tax the rich, the ones with the money to create new businesses & hire people. Makes sense to me. LOL
And for anyone to say this is not a race issue, you are more blind than I am. My two Nephews are Police officers in Richmond, VA. They worked an event today where the rapper Jay Z was the "speaker". First hand account of what was being preached/said to the people in attendence, you wouldn't beleive me if I told you. Absoultely unreal what was being said to this crowd about this election, candidates etc. absolutely disgusting is the only term that comes to mind!
DOUG you are NUTS! I can't believe you would make a statement like Sucked in" to the typical congressional way things are done." If you really think that dang brother you haven't learned anything. What congress would go along with someone who wants to do away with the 2ND Addm. and has a 10 point plan to do so....
NO him being a POW for 5 years doesn't make him qualified to be CIC, but him gets my dang vote for being a man who can survive and adapt and overcome! My god man stand on your hind legs and act like you have a pair and not barrowing from the nightstand!
I'd rather see a rust bucket on the road, than a garage queen anytime!!
The fastest way to economic revitalization is NOT handouts, bailouts, and social programs. It's not giving money away for free.
For those who disparage the trickle down economics, no it is not a perfect model, but what is the alternative? Collectivism? Everyone put all your money in the pot and the government will give you what you need, after removing enough to pay the national debt and all those government employees too...
We have already made some steps in that direction, with agriculture somewhat controlled by the USDA. Please read this, if you haven't. Most people don't have any idea how our agricultural resources are "managed" and manipulated.
Vikki, I agree and disagree with you on somethings. I do believe 100% that people need to take responsibilty for their choices and provide for themselves the best they can.
First of all, I hope I didn't offend you on the farming issue. I have alot of respect for farmers. They do work hard and not all receive subsidies. I'm not an expert of farm subsidies but I'm sure there is alot of work that could be done reforming it.
As far as the living wage and social programs, I disagree somewhat. I don't think everything is black and white here but there is alot of grey. Even with a college degree, it doesn't mean you are guaranteed a higher paying job. If parents don't pay for college, it makes it difficult to pay for college and support one self on minimum wage even with college grants and loans. Throw a divorced single mom with 3 kids and little child support in the mix, that makes it extremely difficult to attend school, work to provide for the family, pay for child care costs, and be there for her kids yet.
I think your right about not too many families making it on one income. Two income has become more of the norm I think. I do know people who are working two jobs to make ends meet yet have medical expenses that keep putting them in the hole even with insurance.
I'm not against the "trickle down method" if I thought some corporatations wouldn't be greedy. When I see big corporations giving CEO's huge severance checks or just huge wages period, I don't see them opening new businesses especially when people don't have as much money to buy. It seems to go to the big shots of the big corporations. Exxon made billions of dollars while we pay high gas prices. It doesn't seem right. I think it works better when the middle class has money to spend, then businesses will open because they need to provide more product to make more profit. Of course, everyone can argue this point. It's like which came first, the chicken or the egg?
I wish people were more responsbile and accountable. I have seen medical CEOs charge a $800 meal for 8 people to the clinic for the rest of us patients to pay. Or the guy who works in government that charges a trip for govt purpose but it's really a fishing trip, the $20 ice cube tray the govt pays for, etc.
As far as social programs like Social Security, food and housing, there are policies where people cannot receive assistance if they have had a felony at least for so many years. Get busted for drugs, you lose Social Security Disability. I know people who work in these systems. They aren't perfect at all but they are trying to make people accountable and give them consequences for their poor choices. I do understand what you are saying about why pay for someone elses poor choice when it comes to disabilty and healthcare. That is a good point. If one chooses to drink themselves until their liver shuts down, it's not fair for the rest of us to pay that.
"An ignorant man thinks he knows everything, a wise man knows he doesn't."
Haven't the last eight years been enough of the GOP. Look where it's taken this country. Into a manufactured war, and banks and oil companies having free reign. Jeeezzz! That's why I'm voting for Joe Walsh.
First off, kill all the lobbyists. They definitely contribute to corruption and poor judgment at all levels of government. Then remove the protection that corporations have, where executives and officers are not responsible for the debts and liabilities of the corporations. If a company fails, they fail. If they quit and leave, the obligation follows them.
I know perfectly well how much it takes to live, and to raise children. I also know that an education is not a guarantee of riches, but taking that first step toward personal enrichment does help. I'm continually enrolled in courses, because if I do not continue to study, I will be passed by kids learning the most current topics.
That example of a divorced single mom with 3 kids and little child support...a lot of that comes down to responsibility. A lot of people won't agree with me. There are no winners in a divorce with kids. But making the woman a "victim" is not going to help. Short term transitional aid, maybe. Not a free ride until the kids are grown.
My son is 18, in his first semester. In high school, he took the most rigorous courses he could and went to college with 24 credits from AP exams. By working hard in high school, he saved $90,000 in tuition (or is that much closer to his masters' degree). He works an on-campus job that is capped at $2,000 per year, and his student loans total $15,000 per year. He'll graduate with a debt higher than the cost of our first house. But his potential for income will start at numbers that we've only briefly brushed, and as long as he keeps his wits about him, he'll be able to pay back that long term debt and it won't hurt a bit. Some of his friends graduated high school with no plans, no ambition, and no idea how to manage life on their own. All they needed was a kick in the [censored] from their parents, not an 18 year womb.
How are you going to get a middle class income boost? Take money from the overpaid CEOs? Okay...so they boost their income to make up for what was taken out of their pocket. What does that achieve? All that money has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is your pocket and mine, when we buy the goods or services that company provides. Try to cap or regulate maximum compensations and you'll discover a whole new world of accounting manipulation, more complex tax laws, and a whole lot more government to manage it. Capitalism is simple, supply and demand. As long as business is not regulated as to who can provide what, when, and where, the market will move to meet consumer demands.
This election is a distraction to the bigger issues facing this country. Let's get down to business.
Vikki 1969 Goldenrod Yellow / black 400 convertible numbers matching
obamas record: endorsed a complete ban on hand gun ownership voted to ban the use of firearms for home self defense proposed a bill to increase federal taxes on guns and ammo by 500% he opposes right to carry laws voted to ban ammunition used for hunting and sport shooting if you own a gun,sell now.if you ever need one to defend yourself;you will be [censored] out of luck.you better hope the police are not busy
DOUG you are NUTS! I can't believe you would make a statement like Sucked in" to the typical congressional way things are done." If you really think that dang brother you haven't learned anything. What congress would go along with someone who wants to do away with the 2ND Addm. and has a 10 point plan to do so....
NO him being a POW for 5 years doesn't make him qualified to be CIC, but him gets my dang vote for being a man who can survive and adapt and overcome! My god man stand on your hind legs and act like you have a pair and not barrowing from the nightstand!
You call Doug nuts? You were the one that said Barack Obama was an Arab! Now that's just plain ignorant.... Educate yourself.....
Mike you hit it on the head! To much of BS and not engough on serious politics, Yea taxes will have to be raised but at a steady EVEN level. Hey Fbody look at his name, if ain't a muslum why doesn't he change his name to "Steve." Maybe I did make a mistake, when was the last time you made one, when you voted for Hussain?? Where in that did you get A R A B?? DA!!!!!!
I'd rather see a rust bucket on the road, than a garage queen anytime!!
A word of advice; If most of the people in the country think different than you maybe you should 'check yourself' and see why. Rather than listening to pundants that are constantly lying to form your opinion. The republicans that have been raking in wealth the last 8 years are telling lies and scaring people to do what they want, just like Bush did before the Iraq war. Don't be sheep pushed around by fear. The simple thing about this election, and most others, is that it's all about money. All Americans that make less than $250K a year will be better off financially with Obama as president. The ones making more than $250K a year will only pay 3% more in taxes in the portion of their income that is above $250K. That's what it's all about. Don't be fooled by the lies that are being passed around by the people that will keep raking in wealth if McCain is elected. That's right, there are 'liers for money' in politics. Just like you see liers for money in the parts and car market.
The threshold for the supposed Obama tax cuts/increases was first $250,000. Obama himself has since been quoted as saying $200,000. Last week Joe Biden was quoted as saying $150,000. This week, while campaigning for Obama, Gov. Bill Richardson was saying it's $120,000. See the trend. Face it, when the Bush tax cuts expire, all taxpayers taxes will increase.
Obamas biggest problem is his close friends, mentors and associates; Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn, Tony Rezko, Raila Odinga, Rashid Khalidi. PM me if you would like some details of any of those people and their relationship to Obama. The Weather Underground writings of Ayers and his wife Dohrn are freightening.
