I'm glad Kelly chimed in because I was about to say the same things.
I am a citizen of Canada and New Zealand, and I have lived in the US before. The things people are scared of (like the list Tiffany was brave enough to post) are reality for many successful western countries. Your fears are our realities. And things are good.
The unknown is scary, definitely. I respect that. But I don't know anyone in either of my countries that is wishing they could move to the US (unless they're in the medical field and know how much more wages are there, because of how much more people have to pay for healthcare.)
Again, I'm not saying our countries are better and the US sucks. But give things a chance. Fear is damaging.
Kerri
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SmartyMama
my main issue with people who do not support Obama is that many of them continue to use words like "scared" and "horrified" and "terrified". what's with the dramatic language? SCARED? Really? Why? Does he remind you of someone who assaulted you? Does he trigger a violent memory from your past? Because words with such dramatic flair must be used with caution. If you disagree with his policies, SAY THAT. If you think he has shady connection you can say "well, I think he has surrounded himself with people who have their own agenda and do not have the country's best interest at heart" but what I am hearing is "I am TERRIFIED of him and his connections!!!"
In 8 years of Bush's presidency I only recall using dramatic words in regards to the Patriot Act. I never just blankly said "Bush is skeery!" because that does not tell anyone anything-except that I am prone to drama and a fraidy cat. Again, disagree with Obama's policies all you want. Say how they are unfair to your family or how you are concerned about your family's welfare under those policies. But SCARED! and like words don't tell us enough. And, if you can't elaborate on why you are so d@mn terrified then you either have no reason and are just a wing nut or you just like using incendiary speech.
I'd marry you but it's illegal here and we'd be committing bigamy which is also illegal lol
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"So let them be little
'Cause they're only that way for a while
Give 'em hope, give them praise
Give them love every day
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle
Let 'em sleep in the middle
Oh but let them be little" - Billy Dean
I had another thought and since nobody is reading anyway (lol) I'll go ahead and share it. Are the people who are fearful of Obama who think McCain is so much better looking back at the last 8 years and sighing with pleasure and happiness at how great their lives are? I'm really curious. I don't know anyone whose lives haven't been affected negatively over the last 8 years by recession, fear, war, dizzying political double speak, etc... . Are there people who have it good right now BECAUSE Bush has been in office for 8 years? Who caused the recession, collapse of the housing market, etc... if not the president in power now? And if you think McCain is as bad as Obama, then who would be better? Is there anyone? I haven't seen any names thrown around so I'm wondering if this is just a conspiracy-theorists dream to dig up the dirt on anyone who comes along.
My life hasn't been impacted in a negative way at all by Bush's presidency. Currently we're tight financially, but it's because we chose to buy a home that was more expensive and that we knew would cause us to be a little tight. We sold our house in GA quickly, Eric was able to find a better job than what he had within 2 weeks of posting his resume and we were able to relocate home to the NW. Apparently things for Civil Engineers in GA have gone to hell in a handbasket since we left, but we left at the right time, and what's happening there now has no impact on us. Heck, Eric just was approached about another job and accepted it - higher pay, more vacation time, an opportunity to learn and grow beyond what he's currently doing. Basically, his high-profile client wants him to manage the project not just do the design work. Complete job security for at least the next 5-7 years. Our life is pretty damn good. As for 'sighing with pleasure and happiness' - I'm not melodramatic, and that's just a ridiculous statement.. as is stating that our life is good BECAUSE of a specific president. We did well in spite of Clinton, if you want to look at it that way. Really though, we've made good choices, we've invested and saved and we haven't abused credit (although our cards do have a balance on them higher than we'd like due to moving related costs, but we're paying those down). Our success is our own.
As for laying blame for the current state of the economy on Bush.. these things don't happen overnight, and it's not like credit and housing was difficult to get under Clinton. That did contribute to where we are today, you know. I don't believe that Bush is guilt-free in it, nor do I believe the entire blame lays on his shoulders.
With the war - I'm not personally impacted one way or the other. I refuse to debate whether the war was necessary or not - but the fact is, we're there. I think we'll need to keep up a presence in the area - just like our base in Korea. Those wiser than me in military matters and strategy will have to be the ones to figure out how and when we withdraw. I refuse to try to second guess things when I don't have enough knowledge to make the decision in their place. I'm hopeful that Obama will surround himself with competent people and make a knowledgeable, informed decision rather than simply sticking with the typical democratic pattern of weakening the military - which scares the crap out of me after 911.
I don't trust that Obama is what he's shown up this far. I think he's very eloquent and well spoken, but I don't trust that we haven't just seen the superficial side. It's easy to make promises - it's totally another thing to keep them, and politicians have issues with that anyway. I'm worried about increased social programs and totally against a universal health care (unless we have the choice to remain private if we decide to do so - I want to retain the freedom of choice). I'm worried that all the 'global president' crap will cause him a false sense of security, he'll weaken the military and we'll be in big trouble. I don't agree with many of his platforms, and his inexperience worries me to.
That being said, I wasn't for McCain either - I think they both were hedging the middle and that there wasn't a huge difference between either of them, especially once you consider what they can and can't accomplish - not necessarily what they say they'll accomplish - but realistically, adding in congress, financial issues and other stuff - wanting to do something doesn't actually mean they'll be able to do it. Oh, and I do think Palin hurt McCain overall.
I would be thrilled with a libertarian president - but we're far, far, far from that one. I'm not delusional.. but I'm not buying into the Obama hype either.
I'm getting REALLY fed up with the dismissive "there's nothing to worry about" crap from Obama supporters. Of course there isn't, if you agree with what he says. If you don't, you're JUST as entitled to your opinion.. and making people feel like their feelings aren't valid, even if they're having trouble articulating them at the moment, really isn't going to do crap to win people over to your side and make them feel any hope for this presidency.
I'd marry you but it's illegal here and we'd be committing bigamy which is also illegal lol
I really don't understand why people are so worried about the next 4yrs with a Democrat... as if the last 8yrs with Bush were so pleasant? I hear talk about the Roe vs Wade stuff but... do you really think McCain would change that? No one else has. Do you guys really think that things aren't already messed up? And that wasn't at a Democrats hand...
I just don't get it at all.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by byumommy
I am not sure if you are referring to me, BUT my opinions are not based on what others say. They are black & white.
Obama will not appoint SCJs that will overturn Roe V. Wade or give the decision to the states.
Obama will support stricter gun control.
Obama will raise taxes (doesn't matter on who, it will stifle economy regardless).
Obama will implement some sort of gov't run healthcare.
Obama will keep social security from being even partially privatized.
These are all FACTS, not fear tactics. It is the democratic platform.
you do realize that running our gov't is a team effort right? right? i mean, widdle old obama doesn't get to make all the big important decisions all by his lonesome. it's called checks and balances and there are two other branches of gov't as well as numerous staff members he'll have to go through to pass anything. sigh...
Second. He has had other jobs, too. He worked for 2 years as a financial consultant in NYC, before beginning as a community organizer in chicago. Here's part of what he did there:
And you don't know that he also worked as a civil rights lawyer and taught at the University of Chicago Law School? From 1991 on? And, of course, the Illinois State Senate. To reduce his whole professional career to "what exactly does a community planner do anyway?" is short-sighted, and blatantly wrong. He spent 3 years doing community organizing, and he does say it made a big impact on him. And frankly, it made the kind of impact on him I would hope for in a president. He learned how to listen to what the people wanted, what they needed, and then help them to achieve that.
I really don't understand why people are so worried about the next 4yrs with a Democrat... as if the last 8yrs with Bush were so pleasant? I hear talk about the Roe vs Wade stuff but... do you really think McCain would change that? No one else has. Do you guys really think that things aren't already messed up? And that wasn't at a Democrats hand...
I just don't get it at all.
This is what I am wondering also! Obama is not for drilling holes in babies heads, that is absurd, but there are people who TOTALLY fell for that campaign hype and there is one Dem., at dh's work, that said that is the only reason he didn't vote for him.
I just don't understand the "fear" of everything being taken away by a "socialist" and the government taking total control of our lives. I just can't see the smart American people standing for that.... even my homeschool friends believe that he will make us all send our children to school. My children asked me if Obama will make them go to school, simply because they heard folks saying that.
As far as the gun-rights.... umm, who cares if you must register a gun... most of the American public does not NEED any type of gun. If you are a hunter or have other legitimate needs, why does it bother "you" so to have to register? Just another question that I am asking with sincerity, not stirring pots.
you do realize that running our gov't is a team effort right? right? i mean, widdle old obama doesn't get to make all the big important decisions all by his lonesome. it's called checks and balances and there are two other branches of gov't as well as numerous staff members he'll have to go through to pass anything. sigh...
I guess this next year will be a window into the future as we will have a democratic congress.
again, I'm not either.. but why on earth is it so hard for people to understand that if you're a very conservative republican, a liberal democrat is going to scare you and vice versa?
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I don't think it is, Jodi. In fact, a few people have voiced their understanding here, based on our shock, awe, and fear of Bush getting another four years.
I agree Sandi, I have voted on both sides in my lifetime!!! I am a conservative Christian first and foremost but I went with the Dems this time for many reasons.
I can understand being fearful but some of the fear I hear just seems so over the top. I think everyone is entitled to those feelings of course but I don't understand some of the reasonings. The Roe vs Wade one being a biggie. I cannot understand someone deciding not to vote for Obama because of that... when no Republican has overturned it so far either.
I agree Sandi, I have voted on both sides in my voting life. I am a conservative Christian first and foremost. I just simply thought Obama was the best choice for our country.
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