If anything, it forced me to open my eyes.  It made me realize just how precious my individual liberty is, and how I need to protect it.  I also must say, that I appreciate those who put up with my political postings without getting snide.  I try to be as tactful and polite as I can, and if you didn't think I was, then I apologize.  I realize just how personal a vote is, but I also realize NOT to take a political view of someone else personally! ;)

Even though there is unfairness in the system, it is still nice to see the people being heard.

LYG,
:)mel

Who won?

LMAO Jimmers!!!

YOU did!  We all did.  We got to vote. :)

You're right Mel... we spoke...

Now the next step WE NEED TO KEEP ON SPEAKING...

The election is over but the job has just begun. Now is the time Americans need to HOLD THOSE WE ELECTED ACCOUNTABLE.

We've all learned during this LONG process that we have parts of our system that are broken - and need to be fixed, but it's up to US to see that they get fixed. I've always held the opinion that our elected officials don't know what we (the people) want UNLESS we tell them. Now is the time to TELL them!

My gosh Mel, you even got me to read the Constitution and I haven't done that since I was in school (and probably didn't half way do it then). I feel more patriotic today than I've felt in I can't remember when because YOU got involved and asked questions and made a lot of us THINK for a change. YOU made a difference.

But all that will be for naught unless YOU (and the millions of others) STAY involved. I think NOW really IS the time for all good men to come to the AID of their country.

Hugs BD

BarbaraD wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 9:42am:

We've all learned during this LONG process that we have parts of our system that are broken - and need to be fixed, but it's up to US to see that they get fixed. I've always held the opinion that our elected officials don't know what we (the people) want UNLESS we tell them. Now is the time to TELL them!

The time to tell them was yesterday and with the amount of incumbants who were sent back to the hill we told them "More of the same, please"

F it.  I'm never getting involved in politics again...

Melissa wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 12:30pm:

F it.  I'm never getting involved in politics again...

Why would you want to do that?  If we all give up, then freedom will die.

I think, I am just burnt out...

Give me 2 years to recooperate.

Melissa wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 12:30pm:

F it.  I'm never getting involved in politics again...

This is exactly the time not to walk away from politics--particularly if you are interested in supporting a third party.

While I'm not one of the people who believes the Republican Party will now proceed to destroy itself, there will no doubt be a fight within the (suddenly) minority party between the right-wing faction and the centrists to assume leadership, and push the party forward.  

Can't say who will win that struggle, but either outcome leaves an void for a third party that represents centrist or right-wing values to exploit.  Will the Libertarians, the Constitution Party or some other entity take advantage of it?  Don't know--but I'd be thinking that way if I were them.

The two-party system isn't written in stone.  It's been the dominant scenario in American politics for a hundred years, but other parties who wielded great influence have come and gone.

Just something to consider.  The only sure way to lose is to give up.

Best,

George

George, it's not that I want to give up, I really don't, but reality is just so scary and the burden so heavy.  I'm just very emotionally spent from all of this.  I've been crying on and off all day long.  Not because of who won or lost the election, but because we are so distant from liberty that it seems sooooo far away. :(

The worst part of this election cycle is all the uninformed collage kids that voted for change thinking that change would mean that there would be a market for their newly purchased educational skills.

We will have to see how they feel about change when in 3 years they are living on the same park bench that they recruited votes 3 years earlier and finally realize that change like that math they learned in collage can be negative as well as positive. Young adults almost always need a bit of boot camp 101 to prepare for the real world.

It is in their nature to be fearless even after they learn the life insurance institute statistics on them making through there first 25 years. Hopefully some of the ones who make it past 25 will be floppers when the liberal schooling wears off a bit and they make the all important choice between paying off the education loan or the rent as they eat that hot dog and stare out the window in their apartment at the view of the dumpster in the alley.

Rolo………..

Observation...

I've noticed many young people voting Democratic, middle aged people voting Republican and then the elderly voting Democratic.

The numbers almost seem to match up too.

Is it just me?  Maybe I'm imagining things...

Melissa wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 2:26pm:

Observation... I've noticed many young people voting Democratic, middle aged people voting Republican and then the elderly voting Democratic. The numbers almost seem to match up too. Is it just me?  Maybe I'm imagining things...

It's all about the false pre-concieved notions that those age groups have about the two parties.  The young people think the democrats are hip and cool, while the republicans are stodgy old white guys who cram God down their collective throats.  The middle aged people believe that the democrats will take all of their money and give it to welfare recipients, and the republicans will protect their income.  The elderly believe that the democrats will do battle with the evil republicans who want to take away their social security and medicare and start euthanizing them.

Interesting...

Melissa wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 3:12pm:

Interesting...

And true. ;)

Agostino Leyre wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 3:04pm:

Melissa wrote on Nov 5th, 2008 at 2:26pm: Observation... I've noticed many young people voting Democratic, middle aged people voting Republican and then the elderly voting Democratic... It's all about the false pre-concieved notions that those age groups have about the two parties.  The young people think the democrats are hip and cool, while the republicans are stodgy old white guys who cram God down their collective throats.  The middle aged people believe that the democrats will take all of their money and give it to welfare recipients, and the republicans will protect their income.  The elderly believe that the democrats will do battle with the evil republicans who want to take away their social security and medicare and start euthanizing them.

Nah!  The explanation is much simpler - The young are naive and the old ones are senile.  Dunno just what the middle-agers excuse is!  :D

Regards,
Jim   <--- Card-carrying Libertarian

Kilowatt3 wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 3:36pm:

Agostino Leyre wrote on Nov 5th, 2008 at 3:04pm: Melissa wrote on Nov 5th, 2008 at 2:26pm: Observation... I've noticed many young people voting Democratic, middle aged people voting Republican and then the elderly voting Democratic... It's all about the false pre-concieved notions that those age groups have about the two parties.  The young people think the democrats are hip and cool, while the republicans are stodgy old white guys who cram God down their collective throats.  The middle aged people believe that the democrats will take all of their money and give it to welfare recipients, and the republicans will protect their income.  The elderly believe that the democrats will do battle with the evil republicans who want to take away their social security and medicare and start euthanizing them. Nah!  The explanation is much simpler - The young are naive and the old ones are senile.  Dunno just what the middle-agers excuse is!  :D Regards, Jim   <--- Card-carrying Libertarian

I voted for your guy this time around.
Thomas - who refuses to carry anyone's card. ;)

You know, I still have not registered with anyone's party.  I did send for some info. on the Libertarian Party though... :-/

Melissa wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 3:53pm:

You know, I still have not registered with anyone's party.  I did send for some info. on the Libertarian Party though... :-/

That's not a bad thing.  I am of the opinion that it's impossible for a party to have all of my best interests covered.  I hate labels and believe in one's own personal freedom of choice (however misguided that choice may be) and love of indepenence.  

It's fairly simple Mel. Young people have little interest in what the GOP.....Sarah Palin....religious right wing of the party insist on foisting on them. It's old geezers....some of them my age that are feeling this. The GOP will have to dump inflexible evangelical leaders or continue to lose ground.

I believe things are looking up for them. They must get back to their old libertarian and small government traditions. Gays, abortion and the tiresome family values social stuff propounded by rigid so-called preachers seems to have run its course. It's not a cheap way to win anymore.  Never has it been so well demonstrated.

Charlie

Kilowatt3 wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 3:36pm:

Dunno just what the middle-agers excuse is!  :D Regards, Jim   <--- Card-carrying Libertarian

too many bong hits.

I am with Mel. I voted my concious with dismal results.

I think both major parties are in on it. As long as they can keep each others base passionatly hating their party there is NO chance a 3rd party can take hold.

They need each other and they need to hate each other and in essence themselves. As long as that game goes on there will never be a reform and they get to split the money and the power, and it never gets back to the people.

It's the old shell game - "step right up folk and keep your eye on the power, its under one of these three shells" and while it does change which shell it is under, it is never put under shell number 3, but they keep it moving so no one notices.

superhawk2300 wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 10:01pm:

I am with Mel. I voted my concious with dismal results. I think both major parties are in on it. As long as they can keep each others base passionatly hating their party there is NO chance a 3rd party can take hold. They need each other and they need to hate each other and in essence themselves. As long as that game goes on there will never be a reform and they get to split the money and the power, and it never gets back to the people. It's the old shell game - "step right up folk and keep your eye on the power, its under one of these three shells" and while it does change which shell it is under, it is never put under shell number 3, but they keep it moving so no one notices.

Dude, That is the best way I have ever heard it put!

I agree!!!!

We aughta storm the white house jonny.

I am sick of playing the shell game. Sick of wasting my time, energy and emotion, all for nothing. As long as the game is rigged it is an exersize in futility. I am less likely to vote as time goes on.

Next year if my sock drawer could use some refreshing on election day, I probably won't make it to the polls.

Not unless they put a "FU" spot on the ballet for my voice to be heard. As it was this year I wrote in "no one" for every stupid choice there was.

My way of thinking - Now is the time for a Third Party to come into prominence.... Maybe another Reform Party. The Rep's are in shambles and are trying to reorganize (with no clear leader) - the dem's are strong now, but a third party, organized and speaking for the "silent" majority would catch on now. But it would take the Ron Paul's, Ralph Nadar's, etc, coming together to form it.  It's a thought.

And you're right about these college kids - they really don't have a clue that they can't conquer the world with those shinny, expensive new diplomas. They aren't taught that "paying your dues" goes with book learning and you really don't learn much till you get out of those institutions of higher learning and get into the real world. Then you start to get your education from the University of FU!

I'm not going to get on my soapbox here - right now I'm working on my letter to Obama ... I've got a big list of improvements for our govt. Plan to send them to him and anyone else I can think of in our Congress. Might not do any good, but it gives me something to do.

Hugs BD

Quote:

right now I'm working on my letter to Obama

I'm not getting involved in the political talk, but this is a great thing!! I love this Barb and think it's way more than just something to keep you occupied. If more people took action instead of talking about it, then things may get done/be changed. This doesn't just apply to politics, but lots of things.

Barb for President!

:)

After reading some well written posts here I began to think a little (I know - Oh boy here we go).

Maybe this is what America deserves. Perhaps a third party just is a bad idea. Each election independants fail miserably.

Maybe the people who react to fear mongering deserve a redneck idiot who will make the world hate us like "W" in office. Maybe that is the way it is supposed to be.

Maybe people who are starstruck need a slick willy in the White House. Who cares if he is a liar. Maybe that is the way it is supposed to be. I guess the universe is a "reap what you sow" place.

Then when it all come crashing down, like it is now, all the fingers can point across the isle, and all the users on CH.com and every other message board in America, and every place people gather a talk politics can all bash each other to tears.

The only difference is the people who started it all, and are hell bent on keeping it this way, all go home to nice homes (plural) and nice cars, and full pantries, and kids that are going to not only college, but decent colleges, all paid for by the people who will be doing all the sacrificing during the hard times.

I sincerly hope, due to the historic precidence, that Obama takes the high road and that real change can come out.

For starters it would be nice if he appointed some independants.

superhawk2300 wrote on Nov 5^th, 2008 at 10:01pm:

I am with Mel. I voted my concious with dismal results. I think both major parties are in on it. As long as they can keep each others base passionatly hating their party there is NO chance a 3rd party can take hold. They need each other and they need to hate each other and in essence themselves. As long as that game goes on there will never be a reform and they get to split the money and the power, and it never gets back to the people. It's the old shell game - "step right up folk and keep your eye on the power, its under one of these three shells" and while it does change which shell it is under, it is never put under shell number 3, but they keep it moving so no one notices.

I've been saying for quite some time that we don't really have a "two" party system, but the American people are slow to grasp they've been hood-winked.

Em wrote on Nov 6^th, 2008 at 6:35am:

Quote: right now I'm working on my letter to Obama I'm not getting involved in the political talk, but this is a great thing!! I love this Barb and think it's way more than just something to keep you occupied. If more people took action instead of talking about it, then things may get done/be changed. This doesn't just apply to politics, but lots of things. Barb for President! :)

Just as long as there is check for about 10 million with that letter, it might get read.

superhawk2300 wrote on Nov 6^th, 2008 at 8:43am:

After reading some well written posts here I began to think a little (I know - Oh boy here we go). Maybe this is what America deserves. Perhaps a third party just is a bad idea. Each election independants fail miserably. Maybe the people who react to fear mongering deserve a redneck idiot who will make the world hate us like "W" in office. Maybe that is the way it is supposed to be. Maybe people who are starstruck need a slick willy in the White House. Who cares if he is a liar. Maybe that is the way it is supposed to be. I guess the universe is a "reap what you sow" place. Then when it all come crashing down, like it is now, all the fingers can point across the isle, and all the users on CH.com and every other message board in America, and every place people gather a talk politics can all bash each other to tears. The only difference is the people who started it all, and are hell bent on keeping it this way, all go home to nice homes (plural) and nice cars, and full pantries, and kids that are going to not only college, but decent colleges, all paid for by the people who will be doing all the sacrificing during the hard times. I sincerly hope, due to the historic precidence, that Obama takes the high road and that real change can come out. For starters it would be nice if he appointed some independants.

He wont, but I am with you on everything else you've stated.

I really think many of you are wrong about our college students (I know, I have one).  Many of these young adults are as informed as a lot of us are.  They are just like any other group, some are informed and some are not.  What I will say on this is.......there are many younglings who voted a particular way because there parents told them too.

superhawk- have you ever read "The Prince"?

(it's next on my reading list...)

Very early days yet, but consider this:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Strikes me that this does not portend an immediate radical agenda.  I'll be watching this closely, as I'm sure many others will be.  No doubt his eventual selections will be heavily scrutinized, but it doesn't look as if Karl Marx and Attila the Hun are being considered at this time.   ;)

Best,

George

deltadarlin wrote on Nov 6^th, 2008 at 9:02am:

I really think many of you are wrong about our college students (I know, I have one).  Many of these young adults are as informed as a lot of us are.  They are just like any other group, some are informed and some are not.  What I will say on this is.......there are many younglings who voted a particular way because there parents told them too.

Agreed.  I continue to be impressed by how thoughtful some of the young people I know really are.  Then again, there are others who've drunk deep of the kool-aid, but that's true of any group.   ;)

In any event, they have as much right to vote as any of the rest of us, no matter how they arrived at their decision.  

See--the thing is--I believe in the system.  It may produce results that I don't like from time to time, but it's not as if I can't work to change things.  It's not just voting...that's the least of it.  Politics can be changed, but so can public policy.  It takes work, and it takes being involved.  Far too many of us cast our votes, and then spend the next four years passively griping about how things turned out.

Doesn't have to be that way.    

Best wishes,

George