The Official UD Politics Thread: Election Year Edition

[AwallaceUNC]

And you saw how Aaron ignored every single thing I said, and reduced it all to, basically, "don't call me a jerk," which isn't even what I said.

I'm not being an egomaniac about this- but I stumped him. There's nothing he can say to defend his view. It's ignorant and seriously misinformed. But the reason I even bring it up is, he's a Moderator. There really should be some kind of code of conduct for people given Moderator status. The guy just does whatever he wants, but he's too biased. He wants to believe so desperately that his religion is right about us because for him, it's been right about everything else. Why would they be wrong about this?

Your post contained outright insults and was otherwise negative and aimed personally at me. Aside from that, there was very little to respond to. I've given my thoughts on the subject and have responded to others, both in this thread and others. Rants about my posting style or conduct as a moderator are not substantive or relevant to the topic of this thread. I'm not going to attempt to engage in any kind of discussion with someone who would rather dismiss my views as ignorant, claim that they have stumped me with a single post, or accuse me of forum abuse. Those comments are insulting and disrespectful and I frankly don't have the time to indulge you in another heated exchange. You have been repeatedly disciplined on this forum for your frequent use of personal attacks and hostile posting, so it's disingenuous to pretend that when you're warned for <i>still</i> using personal attacks even after multiple suspensions, it's some sort of moderator's witch hunt. I've said all I have to say on the matter and all that I have to say to you. Your accusations about my conduct as a forum moderator are simply without basis but if you have a concern, you are free to address it with Luke privately. Otherwise, I won't continue to hash this out with you on the forum. I hope that you'll proceed with civility and remember that continued personal attacks will result in further forum penalties, if not banning.

<hr>

Moving on, the New Hampshire primary race is today! Polling suggests that it will be Obama and McCain with the wins at the end of the night. Romney gained a lot of last-minute support, however, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him finish as a close second (or possibly even pulling an upset, though I doubt it). The most interesting thing to see will probably be: by what margin will Hillary lose?

-Aaron

[Lazario]

If by that, Aaron, you mean you expect me to forget what you've said and pretend that everything's okay here... you've got another thing coming. This isn't over by a long shot.

[Wonderlicious]

I've not been posting at all for a while (I've been simply lurking and have generally been quite busy), but now I'm back for a few words in a few threads before y'all forget me.

I obviously won't be able to vote in this election, but overall, I don't trust the Republican Party for running the most powerful country in the world for a good few years after all that's happened, and so would like a Democrat to win. Personally, I hope that that person would be Obama, especially since he seems to have such an anti-Iraq stance. I'm sorry, but I could have got a few more hours worth of sleep per month if it weren't for that war. Knowing life, I could imagine that Obama's plan might not go to plan like it does on paper, but at least his heart is in the right place. And also, I feel that America should have universal health care, just as the UK does, and don't understand why such a "developed country" hasn't got it.

[Lazario]

I don't trust the Republican Party for running the most powerful country in the world for a good few years after all that's happened

A lot of people feel that way. Hopefully it will be enough to vote a candidate into office who will at least give this nation a chance. Great room for improvement. But it will take decades to undo the Bush Administration's devastation of this country. So, these people have an untold burden on their shoulders. I'd like to see less smiles on their faces (not much to be smiling about, in my opinion), and more promises made. More promises, that is, which will actually benefit us.

would like a Democrat to win.

In a better world, that wouldn't just be daring to dream. I predict with our voting system the way it's been these last 2 elections, a Democrat doesn't stand a chance in hell of being Called the winner.

Initially, I had more faith in Obama than Hillary. Because I've been saying for years I didn't agree with Hillary's decision to forgive Bill for his cheating. I think that set a bad example for women in unfair or neglectful relationships. That's when I never thought she would run. I assumed this country was still so hateful of women (it's out there, don't pretend it's not people), that she'd never be taken this seriously. To some degree, I still think (in my dark and dirty, ultra-sensitive and bizarre subconscious...somewhere) she's basically just a token candidate for the "finally a Woman president" thing. But she knows what she's doing. I can't argue that. She never sat on the sidelines with her mouth closed during Bill's Presidency.

To be fair, I would elect a candidate who I strongly felt would have actually helped out the Hurricane Katrina victims. Even though gay people still don't have equal rights and women are slowly losing all their reproductive rights - what those people in New Orleans (and Mississippi, if I've got the right state) went through is a slightly more important thing to deal with. Let's get a President who'll actually act before it's too late. No more "Vacation" Presidents who flaunt positions of power just because it gets them off.

I have to admit I trust Ron Paul. But if he doesn't support gay rights or it looks (for even a second) like he'll use his position to push a Pro-Life agenda, I'll vote for the Democrat without thinking twice.

[castleinthesky]

I have to admit I trust Ron Paul. But if he doesn't support gay rights or it looks (for even a second) like he'll use his position to push a Pro-Life agenda, I'll vote for the Democrat without thinking twice.

I can see where you're coming from with those sentiments. Yes, Paul's positions on gay rights is that it should be left up to the states. I understand that he believes that the Constitution only gives states the decision for gay marriage and civil unions. I personally am against the position (as I am pro gay rights). Paul, as being a former libertarian party candidate would probably lean pro gay rights, but his official stance is towards states to decides.

I wouldn't doubt he'd push the pro-life agenda. He is personally against abortion (as well as capital punishment and un-just war for Consistent Pro-life). However, when it comes down to it he again believes that the Constituiton only gives the states, not the national government the right to make a decision on the case.

Your views are very understandable, and I respect you for them.

[DaveWadding]

And also, I feel that America should have universal health care, just as the UK does, and don't understand why such a "developed country" hasn't got it.

Because then how could the rich get richer and make poor people poorer by charging out the butt for basic health care?

[castleinthesky]

And also, I feel that America should have universal health care, just as the UK does, and don't understand why such a "developed country" hasn't got it.

A Universal health care system is against the US Cosntituiton. Having a universal health care system forces one person to pay for another person's health care, through taxes. Why should someone who dosn't need medical care have to pay for someone that does?

The federal government does not know how to manage health care better than the individual. The government does not need to tell me how to run my life, by telling me what health care I can receive.

Instead, if we get big government out of the medical system, thus eliminating HMOs and the incentives for big drug companies, the free market can let the health system prosper through competition and choice.

For example, current government regulations make it extremely hard for small business to allow medical insurance. If we get the government out of the way, many more people would be covered.

[MadonnasManOne]

And also, I feel that America should have universal health care, just as the UK does, and don't understand why such a "developed country" hasn't got it.

Because then how could the rich get richer and make poor people poorer by charging out the butt for basic health care?

That is so true! It's ridiculous how rich these insurance companies are, and, yet, they want to deny people who even have insurance!

[MadonnasManOne]

I also want to chime in, and say that I am EXTREMELY excited that the people of New Hampshire showed that they believe in a candidate who has a record of making changes, and has the experience to lead our nation! Congratulations to Hillary Clinton!

[Simba3]

I also want to chime in, and say that I am EXTREMELY excited that the people of New Hampshire showed that they believe in a candidate who has a record of making changes, and has the experience to lead our nation! Congratulations to Hillary Clinton!

Here, here!!

[DarthPrime]

Because then how could the rich get richer and make poor people poorer by charging out the butt for basic health care?

That is so true! It's ridiculous how rich these insurance companies are, and, yet, they want to deny people who even have insurance!

This, in my opinion, is why we will never have a universal health care system (which I would support 100%). The insurance companies would lose big time.

As far as the candidates go... honestly I have no clue who I would even vote for. Like the 2004 election I'm really confused on this. Maybe in time I'll be able to sort everything out... hopefully.

I honestly didn't see Clinton winning tonight. Its going to be a tight race between Obama and Clinton.

[AwallaceUNC]

I thought Hillary would come in at a very close second but didn't see her staging an upset. Another third place finish and we may very well see Edwards drop out. No surprise to see McCain win big in NH.

[Lazario]

I can see where you're coming from with those sentiments. Yes, Paul's positions on gay rights is that it should be left up to the states. I understand that he believes that the Constitution only gives states the decision for gay marriage and civil unions. I personally am against the position (as I am pro gay rights). Paul, as being a former libertarian party candidate would probably lean pro gay rights, but his official stance is towards states to decides.

I guess everything's in order, then - he won't make a stand for true Freedom For All Americans. I have a problem with that.

I wouldn't doubt he'd push the pro-life agenda. He is personally against abortion (as well as capital punishment and un-just war for Consistent Pro-life).

How sweet. I however support Capitol Punishment (in murder cases, exclusively). So again, I have a problem with this one.

Okay, he just effectively lost my vote. But it was bound to happen sooner or later.

[castleinthesky]

I also want to chime in, and say that I am EXTREMELY excited that the people of New Hampshire showed that they believe in a candidate who has a record of making changes, and has the experience to lead our nation! Congratulations to Hillary Clinton!

Yay to another neo-conservative winning. We had two neo-cons win in New Hampshire. Yes, that's right, both parties had neo-cons win.