Open Forum Discussions and Debate

Jazz, I see you have sized up the big picture very quickly....while to many, the abortion issue doesn't seem to be a priority right now, the Palin addition seems to underline one of my many fears about a McCain win...the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court, who will in all likelihood overturn "Roe v Wade". Then we may well revert to a nation where females die having botched abortions. Abstinence, another of her beliefs, is a great idea....but more choice and earlier education is needed as well. Teaching young folks how to be cautious WILL NOT encourage s e x ual activity. In fact, not talking and teaching caution has often resulted in acts that are proving more demeaning to many of the young girls. I'll stop there. As I have said before...just more reason for me to vote for Obama !

Have very much enjoyed reading the Palin comments from the US members - my feelings concerning this person are that she is a very cleverly calculated choice of running mate to balance things against 'black' Obama - sorry but colour does come into it whether you care to admit it or not. So the question being asked of America, it seems to me, is "do you want your first black president or would you prefer Ms Palin?" Because Mr McCain is, again whether you like it or not, an old man. Will he make it through one term in office? Maybe. Two? I begin to have doubts. America is being presented with a strong female alternative to Obama, who has one of these I-can-do-it-all-just-watch-me personalities. Her extremely conservative views will draw millions of votes from like-minded Americans who seek comfort in the traditional values she promotes and who see a shining example of these very values in Ms Palin's personal life, although I'm pretty sure she gave her daughter a real tongue lashing for her lack of abstinence!! Ms Palin will be a very powerful ally for McCain if America decides it wants another four years of the same with the added bonus of a return to values which are, again whether you like it or not, completely and utterly outmoded. You may have noticed at no time have I referred to McCain's buddy as a woman - the self-styled "pitbull with lipstick" could not, I believe, have described herself better.
What worries me much more is the international aspect; America, again whether you like it or not, has a foul reputation abroad - the world looks on, often in complete amazement as, to give just one of the more obvious examples, the US goes charging in to yet another war, clocking up resentment and hatred from any number of countries, while all the time standing innocently shaking their heads in bewilderment that no-one can understand their actions. Obama is adored abroad - perhaps it is time to start on a clean sheet of paper and give America the possibility to be appreciated again for all(and there's a lot) that is good in that country. After all, no-one likes being the eternal bad guy. The choice of McCain and Ms Palin as his running mate? Please tell the world this is a joke America.

Oh Fiona....You have expressed what I feel is a very real dilemma for America....Yes, Obama's color is something that bothers people, and they aren't all white folks. Many are just not ready to accept a black man as being worthy/capable of being president...Its a scary world here....still! Racial attitudes have greatly improved.....but we still have a long way to go in this country.
It has also been noted that racial /class/religious problems are increasing in other countries, this fact seems to say to some Americans that its okay to feel as they do about those who may be different. Many don't care to admit that as a fact. They seem to think that Obama's historic position as chosen head of a major party demonstrates that all is well regarding race relations in America....Denial is alive and well, and rears its ugly head far too often!
Many recognize how poorly we are viewed around the world, but are willing to accept the lies, distortions and same policies that have been dragging us further and further toward self destruction rather then vote for Obama.
Joke? NO! Unfortunately its going to be a hard choice for some. Denial is very real. Fear tactics have worked and Change for others is just not comfortable....Others just continue to believe that they are making the better choice!They hold the same values that McCain and Palin do.
We must wait and see what this country is ready and willing to accept. I am doing what I think is best for the country with my choice,and pray more agree with me then disagree!

Well, you have my wholehearted agreement, Mamacita.

IF McCain wins how many times will we hear, "Ar! McCain you've done it again!"

none til he gets re-elected....

Question - when is Biden going to step down and let Hillary be Obama running mate. From what he said yesterday about Hillary being more qualified than he was - it makes me wonder if pressure is bing applied and Obama is having second thoughts after Palen was chosen by McCain.

Question - when is Biden going to step down and let Hillary be Obama running mate? From what he said yesterday about Hillary being more qualified than he was - it makes me wonder if pressure is bing applied and Obama is having second thoughts after Palen was chosen by McCain.

You'll find out for sure in November, Eve!

HI Eve...Biden often says some dumb things....but I don't think he meant it the way it came out...simply that she may have been a better choice in the face of Palin's selection. A gender match perhaps...but none the less, Hillary would have been great if she had not been married to Bill, a former president, who would perhaps always be viewed to be looking over Obama's shoulder, giving/ implying unsolicited advice....
I don't think there are any second thoughts about his selection being the better choice for Obama in the long run. As Angie states, we'll all find out in November.

Evrybody sneezes when America catches a cold!!!
We managed with a lil bit of irritation,(causing more irritation)...still a long way to go...

I'm tempted to post this comment in the joke category. I am flabbergasted at McCain's proposal to delay the presidential debate, suspend the campaigning and return to allow he and Obama to help 'fix the economy.' It is obvious he is afraid of the upcoming debate and it is obvious he is trying to show (without debating where he would be crucified) that he does have concrete ideas for fixing the American economy. Why didn't he express those ideas within the current administration before this? Good luck to those hoping for foresight from him, as this is the most blatant campaigning deflection I have ever seen. And that from an interested Canadian who has no say in your upcoming election.

In the catagory of 'you learn something new everyday' I choose to post this...
"Poe's Law
Similar to Murphy's Law, Poe's Law concerns internet debates, particularly regarding religion or politics.

'Without a winking smiley or other blatant display of humor, it is impossible to create a parody of Fundamentalism that SOMEONE won't mistake for the real thing.'

In other words, No matter how bizzare, outrageous, or just plain idiotic a parody of a Fundamentalist may seem, there will always be someone who cannot tell that it is a parody, having seen similar REAL ideas from real religious/political Fundamentalists. "

I found this very interesting and will invoke 'Poe's Law' where applicable...

Mary...very, very thought provoking and oh so true..

category...
Thanx Bean, if it wasn't so sad....

OK, Mary, you drew me out (dang it!).
Poe's law is the key though I think it extends beyong politics and religion. Why hasn't this phenomenon been recognized here before now?
The "Its good enough for me" singers demonstrate their willingness to settle for merely 'good enough' in never striveing to grow beyond their self ordained limitations. A favorite quote states; "Fight for your limitations long enough and strong enough and pretty soon, sure enough they are yours". A day or two ago, Horace Walpole quoted himself on Easy by saying "This world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel". Therein lurks the signature of intractability in those who are blind to the possibility of satire.

PS

I struggled long and hard with myself in order to push the Submit button. 'twernt easy.

Good to see you jeb.

Hey Jeb, kudos to your finger for heeding your inner voices
If all those with balls took them home to play with, wouldn't the playground be a lesser place?

Not quite sure what those with balls are taking home, exactly, but when they get there, not really sure knowing is all that desirable either. The playground must have been a sight to see! You have an interesting way with words, Mary.

well, thankee kind sir....

the balls were, of course, purely metaphorical..I find they bounce better that way...

The Presidential Debate..just interested to see if any of our US friends A) watched it...and if so, did it B) change your mind or C) confirm your decision or D) give you the pips....

Ah..I know not much abt 'metaphorical'balls..but wanna say something related to the balls!!!!
'If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there is a man on base.'

Appy

Well seeing as interest in Tuesday's election is non-existant...who has got a hot tip for the main event on Tuesday...the horse race? I need a sure thing preferably at least 20 to 1.

Mary,
(a) I watched all of the debates.
(b) nope,
(c) made my choice even stronger
(d) I have no idea what "give you the pips" means

Angie, good to hear. We have started the tv debates for our elections and I was curious to see how others feel about them. They CAN be a complete turn-off which is what d) means. I personally think they can be useful in providing a direct comparison of policies and an indication of how the pollie reacts under pressure, although if they have made it so far in the political system, they must be tough-as-nails-lying-hypocritical-b#stards already

Hey Mary, I wonder if you watched George Negus 'Dateline' this week.
http://news.sbs.com.au/dateline/about
you may find interesting the videos on the right of the page, in particular 'Washington Insiders'
I think it is one of the best coverages on the US Election I have seen televised in Oz, but then I am a George Negus fan

Hey Jaz, brilliant stuff! Will be VERY interesting to see if that pans out!

Mary, I am never turned off by politics... only turned off by those who choose to spout their opinions relentlessly and don't understand the saying: 'agree to disagree'. To set the record straight, I am not a Republican as was previously mentioned. While I have many views that side with Republicans, I also have several issues that I think the Democrats have the right idea (but not many). I am, in fact, more of a Libertarian, who believes in smaller government. Unfortunately, no one from that "party" will ever get in, so I vote with the candidate who BEST fits my opinions. It hasn't always been Republicans, though they are usually the ones who get my vote for things like letting me own my firearms so that I may hunt to feed my family. They are the ones who will keep roads and trails open so that I may ride ATV's and snowmobiles to help my fellow townspeople keep their businesses open. My list is long, so I will end now before I get all riled up. I hope this helps you to understand how I think on this issue. I will be very glad when it's over.

Hey Angie, I think everyone everywhere will be glad when it's over!

What can we say but God bless you all in America and may the best man win. If I had a choice I would say Obama I think America needs a change and it needs to start looking after itself first and for its people to be its first priority and to stop spending money all over the world with wars etc, when it had its own homeless and starving and improper health care but thats enough from me. We will see who the winner is next week. Once again God bless you all.

But what about the Melbourne Cup????????????

I posted Oct 28...still no replies!

Hey Mary - try number 10 'Viewed'.
Just don't look at the date of this post!

Thanx CynB....I'll give it a go

So the horse race and the election are over...were they the same thing? Has either result tipped anyone into delirium?

more or less the same I reckon..like betting on the winning horse, and voting for a potential candidate..the results are likely to be unexpected sometimes...

I know nothing about. This site but I am pretty sure the lady you all know as ruby is ms. Edwards and she was found dead in her home on saturday I hate to be the one. To say it but it isa true she was a great teacger of mine and I just happen to know she had friends onlline and I looked and foubbd u tto.

Recently, I passed by the window of a toy store. On display were two matching dress-up toys, the sort of thing where one can put cut-out sets of clothes on the two-dimensional figure of a boy or girl. These toys were very well-made and very appealing. The girl figure's clothes were contemporary as well as pretty and cute. The boy figure's clothes were all modeled after various professions, such as a fireman or construction worker. One of these figures was designed to encourage preoccupation with looks and the other was designed to encourage imagining oneself engaged in various activities. Does anyone notice this anymore? Does it even matter?