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"If voting could change anything,...

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by rimbaud, Jul 25, 2000.

  1. rimbaud

    rimbaud Contributing Member
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    ...it would be illegal," is the old slogan that can be found on bumperstickers or public walls.

    With the new arena vote coming up, I have been thinking about voting and realized that there actually might be other things on the polls this November.

    Something about presidents and other nonsense.

    So, anyway, here is a topic that is about politics:

    1. For whom are you voting? (not voting can be an option)
    2. Why?
    3. If your ideal candidate is not represented, who would yours be?
    4. What is your favorite color?

    I reserve my answers for later, don't have time now...

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    "One evening I seated Beauty on my knees. And I found her bitter."

    "I am a sick man...I am a wicked man. An unattractive man. I think my liver hurts."
     
  2. MadMax

    MadMax Contributing Member

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    I'll be voting for George W. Bush.

    Largely because my political philosophy is based on conservatism. I'm greatly concerned that Al Gore may very well have the opportunity to appoint 3 Supreme Court justices if elected. I'm for limited government, especially on the federal level. I do not subscribe to the notion that somehow Bill Clinton and Al Gore are the reasons for a booming economy. The Democrats had complete control of Congress for some 40 years and could never, ever balance the budget. The Republicans took control and the budget was balanced quickly..of course Clinton/Gore take credit for it! I am opposed to an expansion of federal bureacracies and the new trend of governing through the courts (suits put together with federal govt money and support against tobacco and gun companies as attempts at regulation). I believe a government is not a company...when they take in more money than they need, they should return it. Anything else is some vague attempt at retained earnings! Ultimately, I believe George W. is an honest man and truly commited to the ideals he's running on. I am happy with his role as governor here and I believe he possesses the leadership qualities necessary to be a great president. At the very least, I don't think he'll embarass us...I'm not sure if I could say that about Gore and I'm certain I can't say it about Clinton. I mean there are a ton of reasons why I'm voting for W. but this is just a small sampling!

    My fave color is blue. Thanks for your time!

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  3. mrpaige

    mrpaige Contributing Member

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    I imagine I'll be voting for George W. as well, even though I would prefer a different candidate.

    If I got to choose the Republican ticket, I would have Jack Kemp because he is a true believer in the Reagan "Big Tent" Principles of the party and I know he's a true believer on the economic issues. And personally, I'd like to see Oklahoma's J.C. Watts as the Veep, but putting two former football guys on the same ticket might be too much testosterone for the electorate.

    There's just nothing too exciting about a Bush/Cheney ticket, I'm afraid. But, given the alternatives and my basic belief system, I'll certainly cast my vote for the Republican ticket.

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  4. AntiSonic

    AntiSonic Member

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    1) I'm voting for Bush.

    2) See MadMax's post. Also, Gore just sickened me with his campaign against Bill Bradley...

    3) N/A

    4) Purple.

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    WE WILL WATCH THEM FALL... Next year :(
     
  5. DREAMer

    DREAMer Member

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    1. Bush

    2. He's not my ideal candidate, but I'm more of a conservative and share more idealistic similarities with Republicans than I do Democrats.

    3. Me.... Seriously, there will never be a candidate out there that has all the same beliefs as I do: Anti-Abortion, Pro-Legalization of Drugs, Anti-Death Penalty, Pro-Strong Defense, Pro-Social Programs (But I have yet to see one I agree with), Pro-Total Restructuring of Justice System, Anti-Big Government, etc.

    4. Blue

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    I have a dream.........his name's Hakeem.
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  6. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    1. Ralph Nader - Green Party

    2. Conservatives talk a good game and say they are for less government but attempt to legislate morality at every turn with regard to abortion, equal rights, sexual orientation and other issues. If you think legislating economics takes big government, try legislating morality! While I GENERALLY agree with them on economic issues, their desire to stay out of our economic lives is in sharp contrast to their desire to stay in our personal lives and that worries me far more than money. The possibility that Bush could appoint 3 justices to the Supreme Court is as troublesome to me as Gore having that ability is to MadMax.

    As for Gore, well, I am unimpressed with his lack of backbone on many issues. He seems to be more concerned with taking care of business than he is in changing things.

    I like Nader and I agree almost point for point with the Green Party philosophy. We are in desperate need of a strong 3rd party in America if for no other reason than to balance out the bland 2 parties we have that are more interested in making money and holding the party line than they are in improving the country.

    3. Personally, I would love to see a female or minority candidate. Collen Powel, despite his conservative leanings, would make a good candidate in my opinion. We need a change in the top office getting away from the white male corporate establishment (despite being a white male!) and Powell would definitely represent that.

    4. Electric Blue

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  7. SmeggySmeg

    SmeggySmeg Contributing Member

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    If i was american i would vote Democrat or maybe something like the greens like Jeff, but i keep forgetting this is Texas and you love your brainless republicans. [​IMG]

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    Stuff BBS, the Rockets and you guys

    It's all Clippers these days, come join the bandwagon and visit

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  8. fadeaway

    fadeaway Contributing Member

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    I too would vote democrat if I was American.

    Cold-blooded Republicans scare me.

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    My dream job is to be a Houston Rockets towel-boy.
     
  9. mrpaige

    mrpaige Contributing Member

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    Well, I am glad we're not resorting to stereotypes or anything. [​IMG]

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  10. dylan

    dylan Contributing Member

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    First, let me say greetings everyone. I've been lurking for the last three years, and I finally have the urge to reply.

    Jeff, why the Green party? You say you like the things conservatives say about economic policy but don't like their meddling in social institutions. You also mentioned you think we need a strong third party. It seems to me that you just perfectly described why you should be a Libertarian in your own words.

    A very conservative economic policy with minimal govt intervention in our lives are the cornerstones upon which Libertarian philosophy is founded.

    The Libertarian party is also, in many ways, the strongest third party. This election the Libertarian presidential candidate (Harry Browne) will be on the ballot in all 50 states. While the Reform party (and maybe the Greens, I'm not sure) can also claim this, it will be the third time in a row for the Libertarians. No third-party has ever been on the ballot in all 50 states three elections in a row.

    I was just wondering about your reasoning since, as I mentioed earlier, I've been lurking for a LONG time and have always enjoyed reading your posts. While I often have disagreed with what you've said, your respect for others and intelligent support for your views has impressed me. Now that I've kissed your kiester enough, join the LP. [​IMG]


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  11. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    I said I "generally" agreed with their economics. The problem with the Libertarians, at least for me, is that they are maybe the LEAST compassionate of the bunch.

    Being a strong believer in environmental protection, gun control and a national healthcare system, the libertarians just don't appeal to me. They want government out of EVERYTHING, but, unfortunately, without some government regulation of big business, we would all suffer consequences.

    According to studies, 67% of pollutants in the Houston sky are from refineries. What is worse is that only a handful of refineries are actually at fault. The vast majority are newer with chemical recycling that actually saves money. The handful that do the polluting fall under grandfathered EPA regulations. Left to their own devices, I simply don't trust big businesses to do the right thing.

    It is a tough balance between economic freedom and economic responsibility and I don't have the answers. The Greens just happen to appeal to my heart which is far more important to me than my wallet.

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  12. dylan

    dylan Contributing Member

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  13. Puedlfor

    Puedlfor Contributing Member

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    In reponse to the original Questions :

    1) If I could, I'd vote for None of the Above.

    2) Cause I think I'd be better than anyone running. I'm the only person who really understands where I'm coming from and what my particular concerns are. But since I am not eligible, I don't believe I will vote for the President.

    3) Myself, for the reasons above and the fact that I, unlike Bush and Gore, don't make myself want to vomit and then rend my eyes and stab sharp objects in my ear so I never have to see or hear them again.

    4) Burnt Orange.

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    Who would've thought Don Nelson would pass up Olumide Oyedeji not once, not twice, but thrice?

    [This message has been edited by Puedlfor (edited July 25, 2000).]
     
  14. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    That is a fundamental difference to be sure. Of course I remember the experiments you mention. But, sweat shops, child labor, dangerous work environments, pollution, corporate downsizing, the expansion of the work week without the expansion of wages, lack of job security (how many of our parents and grandparents worked for the same company for 40 years? how many of us plan to do the same?), discrimination towards minoritys and women, sexual and racial harassment in the workplace and the disparity of wages between workers and mangement are all the result of big business without regulation.

    I don't trust the government either, but business without some control would be worse than I think you or I could imagine.

    As for the pollution, I hope you are joking.

    The refineries mentioned that "changed" are actually new refineries. If it wouldn't have been cost-effective to change, you can bet they would have kept on polluting until someone shut them down. The refineries that I mentioned that continue to pollute refuse to make the changes because of the high cost. They ignore the danger to their workers and the community for the sake of bigger profits which end up in the hands of only about 2% of the company employees. That inequity is at the heart of what is wrong with business and why I simply don't trust them.

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  15. rimbaud

    rimbaud Contributing Member
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    Jeff, sometimes you scare me...

    1. Nader/Greens

    2. While I do not like to define myself to any one party, feeling that there is too much involved for this, the Greens are the most in line with my political/world view. While I have questions about the feasability of a few of their platforms, they are close in very key areas. They are also unorganized and not as confident in some areas as others. Anyway, my ideal system of government will never come to form, so I go with the one that comes closest, without sacrificing too much.

    3. My second ideal is "none of the above." This would be an actual option on the ballot. If this received the majority of the vote, both parties would have to find new candidates for a re-vote.

    4. I believe that all colors have equal value (even "ugly" colors are beautiful) and that determining one favorite color would be impossible.

    Dylan, there is no way anyone considering Green could consider Libertarian, unless it was in the original modern context of the word - libertarian socialism. They are simply too different.

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    "One evening I seated Beauty on my knees. And I found her bitter."

    "I am a sick man...I am a wicked man. An unattractive man. I think my liver hurts."
     
  16. RocketMan Tex

    RocketMan Tex Contributing Member

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    1. I seriously do not know who I'm going to vote for.

    2. In an attempt to explain #1, I wouldn't vote for George Dubya if he was the last man on earth. He is distinctly un-qualified to be President, and the man has mush for brains. And how about that killer VP choice he made? Ain't nothing like making your Daddy happy, is there? Dubya has no mind of his own whatsoever. Reminds me of Dukakis/Bentsen in 1988, where the VP candidate should have been running for President and vice versa. Trouble is, Gore ain't much better. He is a clown who listens to whoever tosses the most $$$ his way. And his wife should be shot for creating the PMRC. I may do this year what I did in 1984...vote for myself!

    3. Jim Hightower. Now THAT man would shake things up!

    4. Burnt Orange.

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    Bring It!!
     
  17. JuanValdez

    JuanValdez Contributing Member

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    Before I begin, I have a question on morality: would it be wrong to trade my presidential vote to my wife in exchange for her yes ballot in the arena referendum?

    Now assuming I don't change it:

    1) I'd vote none of the above -- as opposed to my usual practice of not even showing up; this time I'll show up to vote for the arena.

    2)
    a) It is the essence of being a politician to be untrustworthy. If you want to serve in national public office, there is something evil about you.
    b) Looking at the major candidates, I can verify the axiom above. They are both shady characters who would sell their own mothers to be president (ignore for the moment that selling your mother is a sure-fire way of losing a presidential election). There is no way either has the integrity of character to make a good president.
    c) Why is it so hard to find a candidate who hasn't used drugs? It isn't a huge issue for me whether a candidate has or has not; but, not a single one can honestly say 'I have never used an illegal narcotic'? I can honestly say that I have not, nor have I abused alcohol, smoked, or womanized. If I can keep my nose clean, why can't anyone else? Unfortunately, I can't be president because I was born on foreign soil (and because I am grossly unqualified). Maybe I'll vote for Bryce Drew.
    d) Bush does have this going for him: if he's president of the United States, he can't be governor of Texas, where I will soon be residing. Then we can have some new scoundrel in Austin.

    3) Maybe you can already guess my position on this. Essentially, I think we'd have a better president if we chose by throwing a dart in a crowd. I know a few people that I think would make good presidents; but, true to form, they'd never accept the position, much less petition for it.

    4) I look good in pretty much any color, so it's hard to have strong feelings on this one. I'll have to go with Rockets' Red and Gold.

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  18. rimbaud

    rimbaud Contributing Member
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    RocketMan Tex:

    You are definitely right about Hightower..I liked "dubya".

    Juan,

    Really good post. I agree with most of what you said (I'd be wrong if I pretended I could be the same as 2c - once I was young and stupid).
    Really liked 2d, made me laugh.

    As I said at the start, this is only the result of me wanting to vote on the arena deal.

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    "One evening I seated Beauty on my knees. And I found her bitter."

    "I am a sick man...I am a wicked man. An unattractive man. I think my liver hurts."
     
  19. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    Juan: with regard to trading your vote, I say do it. - that is my VOTE YES ON THE ARENA side talking.

    My other side says, "Do what's in your heart." I don't want to see anyone compormise his/her integrity for the sake of an arena, but, on the other hand...

    [​IMG]

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  20. Achebe

    Achebe Contributing Member

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    1.) Al Gore

    2.) George Bush is an idiot and I am too pragmatic to vote for Ralph Nader (someone that I actually respect). *Whew*, I thought for a moment that George was going to keep the public interested in his candidacy by choosing Dole.

    I am excited to learn that cocaine sniffing frat-boys now constitute the conservative elite. Nothing like Danielle Steele romances and strong families to appease the sensationlist idiotic American masses (sniff, sniff, Di is dead!). Plato's Republic was apparently required reading in the Bush household.

    3.) I would vote for Bill Clinton but he is not a candidate for the next term. [​IMG]

    4.) Habiscus, like my new A4 Avant (piece of s@#t lemon).

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    The ClutchCity 500.

    [This message has been edited by Achebe (edited July 26, 2000).]
     

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