few more issues in the thread Andy started, but can't resist a few
cynical comments inline :)
Dana
On Wed, 15 Sep 2004 20:47:37 -0400, Robert Munn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> begin rant
>
> 1. What is the plan for Iraq? We're there now, what next? I just want to hear what these two jokers (Kerry and Bush) have to say on the subject. Kerry is all over the map on what he would do and Bush has only spoken in very general terms about "getting the job done".
There is no good answer this far down the road. Allawi does not seem
to have a lot of popular support. The question is, who does? Besides
Sadr :)
>
> 2. How do we address the issue that so much of the world dislikes us at the moment? If the answer is, "If they are against us f*** 'em", I at least want to hear that. I don't think the Bush team has planned a strategy for winning back hearts and minds, and they need to. Kerry's plan, as far as I can tell, basically says, "Elect me and the rest of the world will be so relieved not to be dealing with Bush that they will be our big buddies again." That's a plan? More like a prayer. Don't we still have career diplomats in this country to explain things to these clowns (Bush and Kerry)?
Trouble is Kerry is, too polite to say that he would have to go to our
former allies and say ok, we lost our minds for a bit but we are
better now :)
> 3. What is the truth about Social Security and Medicare over the next 30 years? Alan Greenspan has already warned that the U.S. absolutely will not be able to pay for these programs once the Boomers retire. This is the single biggest long term financial problem on the entire planet and no one in Washington will discuss it.
Poster child for the power of denial in the American political system.
> 4. How does the U.S. help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Don't know the answer to this. You ever see the movie Death in Gaza?
> 5. What about rascism and hate of "the other" in general inside the U.S.? It is alive and well in many forms and we need to address it head-on. This is a never-ending struggle against ignorance and tyranny.
I agree and I would add sexism and reverse discrimination to this.
>
> 6. How do we deal with the immigration issue with Mexico? For those of you not living near the border, this is a huge issue in the Southwest U.S., but I personally think we've got it all backwards. Bush had it right at the beginning of his presidency.
Major issue in New Mexico. And yes, the system has to be rationalized.
When I was in Mexico this spring I talked to a number of people who
planned to risk their lives crossing the border, because they saw no
alternative.
> 7. What about outsourcing? Kerry's plan is cheap-shot protectionism and it will not work any better than it did in the 70's. Long term, outsourcing is good at the macro level. It makes the world economy bigger and creates markets overseas. But in the short term the painful dislocation for many people in the workforce needs to be dealt with. I speak as someone whose job is just as likely to be outsourced as anyone's, because IT in mid-sized companies is at risk.
>
Agreed. All very well to say we will all get better jobs. Where are they?
> 8. Can we just please stop fighting this "war on drugs",
Ya. In a world of scarce resources it offends me that we are doing
this and cutting back on health care for kids.
> 9. Can we move on past the gay marriage debate, this is such a dumb issue. Overall polls find 75% of the country against gay marriage, but among younger people the opinion is 50-50 and moving steadily toward acceptance among younger generations. Would Bush or Kerry like to talk about the future or just parrot what the polls tell them about the present?
I assume that's a rhetorical question. If not -- of course it's the
polls, stupid :)
>
> 10. Why is it that we have, as our nominees for President, two men who:
The cost of campaigning. How about the idea of banning all political
advertising? The electorate might have to engage their brains and read
a news article or two :)
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