As we all know by now, the Democrats have won a healty majority in the house and it looks very likely that they will win a majority in the senate as well.

Personally, I am very happy with this election. I think it is fair to say that the results of this election show that the American public is tired of Bush's follies and ready for new direction.

The question is, will the Democrats deliver?

On one hand, there's a lot of damage; there are many problems that we face today. How much can be done in the next two years?

On the other hand, I think the Democrats are going to be willing to embrace bipartisanship...and I think most Republicans will follow suit. After all, it's clear that any Republican who blindly supports Bush won't get very far; I think they will be very willing to work with the Democrats.

If the Democrats are wise, they won't pull a "Newt Gingrich" (ala early 90's sudden GOP control of the congress) and grow arrogant. I really do hope the changing of the guard will usher in new cooperation rather than more partisan battles. But we'll just have to wait and see.

If the Democrats can keep focus and begin to turn things around, the stage will be set for another Democrat in the White House. But then, I think '08 is pretty wide open...it could be either party that gets there. Personally, I would be fine with a Republican again if he/she was truly moderate and a real leader...someone who understands that one can be strong yet temperate; someone understands the idea of compromise; someone who is thoughtful, intelligent, and bases his/her decisions on observable facts rather than ideology alone. One way or another, I wouldn't want to see another president so far to the right...or the left; I think a president should represent all US citizens.

Well anyway, I will get off the stump. I just have to say, these have been dark years for the US...finally a breath of fresh air!

I'm happy that the dems took over, so now it seems bush may not be able to walk all over the lower houses. When the repubs were in power, it seemed like bush had a stranglehold on them and pretty much made all the decisions of the country.

However, i'm hesitant to state that the following years will be better than the past. The US is in a LOT of crap right now. It definately won't be easy to fix.

And i'm sure all the republicans are going to moan, complain, and point fingers when the dems don't solve everything in a few weeks...

As Forest Gump's Momma said... "stupid is as stupid does..."

Voters are like...

"life is like a box of choc...."

Buckle up, it's gonna be a wild ride from here on.

Kiss your safety and freedoms behind in the USA.

Democraps in charge?

I'm not sure how to feel yet, I'm not crazy about ANY President with Congress controled by his party. I think that makes things too easy for them. I'm not sure I like this Nancy Pelosi(?) either. From what I've seen and heard it makes no difference to her if the idea is a good one or not, if comes from the Republicans, she hates it. These people are not there do what they want, they were elected to do what we want. To speak for us, not what they think should be done because we are just little people who don't know how Washington works.
It's been a very long time since I've been comfortable with who is in office.

I am from Australia and I find your electoral system fraught with danger. Having both houses in the control of an opposition party seems incongruous. Surely if the Republicans have lost, then their leader loses his role and the leader of the winning party becomes president. That way at least the winning party keeps control of at least, the lower house, with the senate then becoming the house of review. If the party wins both houses then it becomes the house of support, read rubber stamping, but hey thats how the people voted.
America cannot function for the next two years with any kind of direction and will become even more introverted.
All very strange

KOANYOREL: VERY WELL SAID!! With your proximity to DC, I was getting worried about you; I do not know how you have sustained your sanity, you sure have got your perspective straight!! DEMOCRATS JUST DO NOT GET IT. THE PUBLIC DID NOT VOTE FOR A CHANGE TO THEIR BRAND OF FASCISM!! THE MAJORITY OF AMERICAN DESPISE WHAT DEMOCRATS REPRESENT!!! NO ONE SUPPORTED THEM OR GAVE CREDENCE TO THEIR VALUES!!! THIS MAY BE A MELTDOWN, YET, IT IS NOT A REFERENDUM ON CONSERVATIVES, IT IS A REFERENDUM ON BUSH'S DERELICT PERFORMANCE. GET IT TO YOUR BLOATED BRAIN CELLS, THIS IS NOT - I REPEAT -NOT A VOTE IN SUPPORT OF DEMOCRATS' VALUES!!! IT IS A VOTE FOR CHANGE OF DIRECTION! FOR THE TENABLE TRUTH, PLEASE EXAMINE THE LOCAL PROPOSITIONS, IT WILL REVEAL THAT AMERICANS IN REALITY ARE SOCIAL CONSERVATIVES!! THEY DO NOT APPROVE OF BUSH'S SPENDING LIKE A DRUNKEN SAILOR MENTALITY , AND THE MISMANAGEMENT OF IRAQ WAR WITH INNUMERABLE LOST OF LIVES WITH NO END NEAR-NO VICTORY-FESTERING ONWARD INTO CIVIL WAR- OUR SOLDIERS SUFFERING IN THE HAND OF THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT WITH MILITARY'S HANDS BEING CONSTRAINT BY WDC'S MBA MINDSET. THEY FOUGHT FOR THIS COUNTRY, BUT THEY ARE TREATED LIKE TRASH AND PROSECUTED LIKE CRIMINALES BY THIS GOVERNMENT(RUMSFELD AUTO SIGNED SOLDIERS' DEATH CERTIFICATES, NOT ACCEPTABLE!!). ADDITIONALLY, A FACT THAT THE DEMOCRATS HAVE NOT ADMITTED IS BUSH IS ONE OF THEIR OWN, HE IS A LIBERAL( LISTEN CAREFULLY TO THE SPEECH HE GAVE THE FOLLOWING DAY -IN A RESPONSE TO AN IMMIGRATION QUESTION), THE SPEECH WILL CLARIFY AND IDENTIFY WHO OR WHAT HE REALLY IS ALL ABOUT. FROM THAT STATEMENT HE MADE( with glee), HE HAS IDENTIFIED HIMSELF AS A LIBERAL! IF HE APPROVES THE IMMIGRATION BILL WITH THAT SPECIFIC CLAUS OF AMNESTY FOR THE ILLEGAL ALIENS , THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY! AMERICAN WILL NOT STAND FOR IT. SO WAKE UP DEMOCRATS, DON'T COUNT ALL YOUR CHICKENS YET!! THE MEDIAS, DON'T BE SO SURE YOUR TREASONOUS CIRCUS ACTS HAS PAID OFF(DEMOCRATS MAY JUST DECIDE TO INVESTIGATE YOUR TREASONOUS ACTS OF PUBLISHING CLASSIFIED INFORMATIONS INTURN AIDING THE ENEMY IN TIME OF WAR AND PLACING OUR SOLDIERS' LIFE IN JEOPARDY)!! WELL, FOR YOU ALL WHO IDENTIFYS WITH THE DEMOCRATS, THERE WILL BE A RUDE AWAKENING AS TO WHAT YOU HAVE MYOPICALLY INVITED INTO YOUR HOUSE!! I IMPLORE YOU TO EXAMINE THE RECORD OF PELOSHI, THE ULTRA LIBERAL SAN FRANCISCO FASCIST WHO MARCHED TO THE TUNE OF SOCIALISM WITH ALL THE SOCIAL ILKES AND FRINGE ELEMENTS OF SAN FRANCISCO. IT IS NOT RICE O RONI ANYMORE, IT IS PELOSHI, THE ALA SAN FRANCISCO TREATS( THE SAN FRANCISCO VALUES OF ANTI- FLAG, AND ANTI- AMERICA)!! ALSO, CHECKOUT THE LINEUP OF CHARACTERS FOR ALL THE KEY POSITIONS IN CONGRESS, IT WILL BE A THREE RING CIRCUS( BUSH, SENATE, HOUSE)!! WATCH OUT, YOUR RIGHTS WILL BE QUICKLY ERODED AS SOON AS YOU THINK YOU HAVE ARRIVED IN POWER. IN DEMOCRATS' HAND, THERE WILL BE NO GOOD OF THINGS TO COME!! IT WILL BE AS STUPID, AS STUPID IS GOING TO GET! WHY DO YOU THINK USA IS THE BUTT OF JOKES IN THE WORLD'S EYE AND PERCEIVED AS WEAK AND NO WILL !! THIS ALSO HAS EMBOLDENED TERRORIST, IN WHICH I HAVE HEARD AN ATTACK WILL ARRIVE SOONER UNDER MS. PELOSI THAN AS IS UNDER CONSERVATIVE'S WING OF SECURITY. DEMOCRATS, DON'T LAUGH TOO SOON OR YOU WILL SEE WHO WILL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH SOON! I CAUTION PELOSHI (FOR THE DEMOCRATS AS WELL) TO WATCH WHERE SHE STEPS OR HER FACELIFTS MAY FALL DISGRACEFULLY!! PELOSHI IS A PERSONIFICATION OF HYPOCRISY, WHOM LIKE TO ESPOUSE LIES, AND HIDES OR CLAIMS TO FIGHT FOR THE SAKE OF CIVIL LIBERTY FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE(BUT WE SEE THROUGH HER FACELIFTS AS DISINGENUOUS AND DUPLICITIES) !! DEMOCRATS HAS BEEN COMMITTING HARI KARI(AS KERRY DID),THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT ENGAGE IN SCURRILOUS ATTACKS WHILE ON THE GOVERNMENT DOUGH, WASTING TAXPAYERS' TIME AND ENERGY AND MONEY(IGNORING THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES, AND AMNESIA AS TO WHY THEY ARE AT DC, AND WHO THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO REPRESENT). WE QUESTION THEIR LEGITIMACY(ALL OF THEM MERITS WALKING PAPER). THEY HAVE BEEN BRINGING THIS GOVERNMENT DOWN. AMERICAN,THERE IS A CHECK AND BALANCE CRISIS, AND IT IS NOT GOING TO BE PRETTY WITH A BUNCH OF BUFFOONS RUNNING THE COUNTRY. WILL, YOU DUMB AMERICAN VOTERS VOTED IN A BUNCH OF DUMB CARPETBAGGERS, THERE WILL BE A DUMB FUTURE STARING AT YOUR FACE WHEN YOU WAKEUP EVERY MORNING FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS. YOU GOT CHANGE(AND WILL BE CRYING FOR CHANGE SOON), GOOD LUCK AMERICA!! BOY, NOW THEY BETTER PERFORM OR WILL BE BROUGHT DOWN WITH THEIR MUGS EXPOSED ON "THE America Most Wanted". HOLD ON TO YOUR PURSES, TAX HIKE IS COMING. LOOKOUT, WHERE IS THE THUNDERBUCKET?? GOD HELP AMERICA, AND HAVE MERCY ON ITS INNOCENT CITIZENS. WHERE IS THE EXIT DOOR ?? BUCKLEUP FOR SAFETY!!!-HERE THEY GO AGAIN........ TAKE CARE AND AND GO OUT AND SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF LOVE(TO YOUR DEMOCRAT NEIGHBORS TOO). ................................... WARMLY. YOYO.

What is the difference between Tweedledum and Tweedledummer? Unfortunately the legislative process in the US has become so party-partisan in nature that any sort of patriotic statemanship that attempts to be responsible to the electorate is practically impossible.
Cheers,
John

John: In the given context, would you mind explain what is the difference between Tweedledum and Tweedledummer ?? Thank you. YOYO.

I believe Koan and I are on the same page here...



Fasten your seatbelts folks!

The way i look at it, usa is being driven by the same thing, a drunk driver that can be likened to bush. Repubs, however, took the drunk driver's word and didn't wear seatbelts.....

Maybe now soldiers will stop dying in record numbers and privacy and logic will return to the US......

HERETICMONKEY: I JUST LIKE TO ASK YOU: DID THE DEMOCRATS/LEFT PLAYED ANY ROLE IN GETTING OUR SOLDIERS KILLED??? DID THE LEFTIST EMBOLDEN THE TERRORIST??? DID THE LEFT TAKE ANY ACTION SECURING THIS COUNTRY'S BORDER??? WAS THEIR ANY ABSENT OF LOGIC OR REASONING ON THE LEFT??? WHERE WAS THE LEFTIST IN SUPPORTING OUR SOLDIERS IN THE WAR FRONT??? I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING FROM THE LEFT REGARDING IRAN OR NORTH KOREA'S NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION ??? DID THEY TAKE ANY ACTION AGAINEST CHINA WHO HAS BEEN STEALING ARM SECRETS FROM US??? HOW COME THE LEFT HAS BEEN SILENT ON ISRAEL BEEN THREATENED BY IRAN??? I SUGGEST YOU GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU COME TO ANY CONCLUSION. THIS NOT ONLY REFLECTS YOU HAVE BEEN REMISS IN NOT FACILITATING THE WHOLE TRUTH, AS WILL AS YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY INFORMED. I SEEM TO RECALL CLEARLY: A PROMINENT LEFTIST NEW YORK NEWSPAPER (FULL OF ARROGANCE), BLATANTLY PUBLISHED CLASSIFIED INFOS??? DO YOU RECALL??? WAS THEIR ACTIONS UNCONSCIONABLE, TREASONOUS, COMPROMISING OUR SOLDIERS' LIFE??? THERE ARE INNUMERABLE EXAMPLES TO SUBSTANTIATE LEFTIST ACTIVITIES THAT HAS EMASCULATED THIS COUNTRY'S SECURITY , AND ENDANGERED OUR SOLDIERS' LIFE!!! PLEASE GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT. PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT. READ UP AND BE INFORMED FROM THE RIGHT SOURCES. HAVING FREE SPEECH MEANS BEING RESPONSIBLE. Take care. YOYO.

Yeah, what you said

Here's a better question. Why is it that you feel the need to type in all caps?

As per the majority of your questions (the ones i bothered to read, my eyes hurt looking at the caps), it indisputable that republicans are responsible for the majority of the deaths of us soldiers in iraq, considering they were the ones that fudged the "information" causing us to go after wmd's that didn't exist. I'd love to find a handful of people that still believe the war in iraq is worth fighting, and worth losing thousands of more soldiers over. How many lives must be lost before bush realizes that the "mission accomplished" he claimed over 3 years ago was complete bull.

How do you claim that you're "supporting the troops" when you support sending them to their graves over a war founded on false information, and battles still fought over yards of land and "democracy"?

I seriously, SERIOUSLY doubt the dems can screw over this country any more than has already been done.

Heretic Monkey: Have you read the guideline for SPEAKEASY?? We are talking, and I will be glad to talk to you, but how can we have a productive dialogue, when you are with hostility, contempt, & hurling insult at me? Why do you need to resort to lack of civility 1). Of your questions: Only you hold the answer to the first question you had asked. Just ask yourself why do you do things certain way. 2). What you have written in your post spoke volumes and substantiated what I have delineated on this topic!! 3).Before we can go any further, please look up in the dictionary what "indisputable", and "civility" mean, afterward we should be able to have a productive dialogue. Will speak to you later. Thanks. Regards. YOYO.

Sorry if I take this in a slightly different direction.. but this just further paves the way for Russ Feingold to run for President in '08. Feingold was one of the few senators to actually read the Patriot Act before voting on it, hence the reason he voted against it.

I do hope this new congress is, at the very least, more productive and more ethical than our last one.

Oh and MGBY,

indisputable = not disputable
civility = training in the humanities, or a civilized conduct; a polite act or expression

I don't see what what insults you claim Heretic Monkey hurled at you. Seems to me he was just speaking his mind.

WhatTheWho: From what you wrote, I say God help this country!! Speaking of productivity and having ethical value:If one chooses to lie down with thiefs, you will soon be succumbed as well, and Feingold is an example......... This congress needs to take some remedial courses in moral and ethical values, why they are in DC and who they are representing, patriotism, US constitution, government, and US history, accountability, and responsibility. .......before they would be able to comprehend what productivity and ethical values are all about!!! you take care. Y.

I dont see how they think a democrat is going to be better. Its not just the war in iraq those people want to change!

Gay marriage and abortion are a couple of things a lot(or all?) of them want in america.

If we dont get our government under control we are going to ruin this country.

Just a couple of questions for all. How ruined do you think your country is as of right now? At what point do you consider your country ruined? Also, If it could be turned around,how long do you think it would take to repair all the damage, that's already been done.

DSTM.

Most dems do not support the war, which in turn does not support the Troops.

Generally speaking...to whom it may concern....

Our U.S.Soldiers are fighting with all thier might against this global war on terror! So… when anyone speaks out against President Bush and the war they are also speaking out against our brave soldiers, in a round about way. If anyone had one iota of concern for our American Men and Women in Uniform, then they would take care in what they say and do. They need and deserve all of the support and respect that we here at home can express. Thier morale and state of mind are of the utmost importance! They need to feel love and support coming from home. They do NOT need all of the anti-American/anti-war bleep! They need to remain focused. Any and all propaganda, that some spit from their anti-American lips put them in harms way. It only provides fuel to the fire of those against freedom and democracy. Those on the OTHER side!

This is a volunteer Military. These honorable Men and Women sign up willingly. They realize what may or may not occur when they do so. They become soldiers to fight for our Country and it's freedoms.

Besides what about the Soldiers in Vietnam? The anti-war rhetoric that was pouring out from this country at the time has scarred some for life. One should think before they speak. They DID NOT deserve to be treated as some were upon thier return home.

That is WHY we support them! Because they are THERE! Being at war they need and deserve our SUPPORT!


When one speaks out as if the war is false. Then what must go through their minds? They are in the field of battle and DO NOT need to hear this. Stating they they are fighting and dying for nothing is an insult. And is a dis-honor to their service to their country. They should be honored.





My families millitary service goes back as far as the American Revolution. Up to and including my Dad.
I do and always will support American Soldiers. That is how it should be.
I resent the fact that anyone would question this.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
- Father Dennis Edward O'Brien

yay! the dems win goodbye bush policeys, no more national defence ,sweet. yaya lets leave iraq early becuase we havent learned from korea or VIETNAM! yeah to the death of americas honor and standing up for itself! yay for a political system where the demacrats and republicans cant agree on anything so they vote opposite of eachother instead of comprimising to get something done. death to freedom, death to american honor.

A lot of republicans don't support the war either, btw...

And what kind of logic is in play here? In a hypothetical situation, let's say some psycho picked up my cats and threw them into a pit filled with dobermans. I DEFINATELY don't support my cats being there, but i'm going to hope and wish that they make it out alive.


Anyone can say something about ANYTHING in a round-about way...


So you're saying it's better to send them to a war that not even the majority of americans support, and have them risk their lives for a "purpose" that will probably NEVER be 100% realized, than to stay at home with their families? How is THAT supporting the troops? "take care in what they say or do", does that include bush too? It was his big mouth that CAUSED thousands of troops deaths, and even more injuries that will ruin lives forever.

I'm sick of people pulling the "if you don't support the war, you don't support the troops" card. Just because people don't support the war doesn't mean they're neutral about the troops dying. Me and all the other people can think bush is a total MORON while still hoping (and some praying) that the troops remain unharmed.

Which, in republicans' minds, mean "We gotta keep feeding them this junk about how we're making progress in the war!! A few hundred more soldiers died? Oh well, that's life, SEND MORE TROOPS!!!"


Please, please, PLEASE tell me how protesting the war is "anti-american". You're saying that everyone who does NOT support the war is "fueling the fire of those against freedom and democracy"? So i'm assuming that almost every other country in the world hates freedom?

Before you start calling me anti-american, please take a step back and open your eyes. I'm not the one that supports sending american soldiers to their graves for a wholly unsupported war.

Were those that protested the civil war anti-american? Were those that protested the vietnam war anti-american? Please. Supporting america means just that, support our country and those the dwell inside it. It doesn't mean we have to support every bull **** idea the president comes up with.

And please, stop with this "If you're not with us, you're against us" idealogy. It really defies logic....


I seriously doubt that the anti-war protesters are the ones that scarred the soldiers...


But they ARE fighting for nothing. THAT is the insult bush is spreading. The war has been pointless for quite some time now, yet our soldiers are STILL dying. Is that not dishonerable on bush's/congress's part?

Or are you in favor of the "keep all the information seperate from the troops". The idea that "They're just fighting because we told them to, it doesn't matter WHY, just kill the people we tell you to" is pretty weak. As long as soldiers have contact with civilians, or ANYONE outside the government, for that matter, they're going to hear about the war, and the general opinion about it. The anti-war movement has been around for a while, and has only gained strength since then, building support since people started opening their eyes.


That's all well and good, and i agree with the quote. However, i still state that you can straight up condemn the war while still supporting the troops. The 2 ideas are not COMPLETELY independent of each other, but to say "Not supporting the war = Not supporting the troops" is to say that "Not supporting bush = Wanting to see soldiers die". And that, i sure as hell don't agree with.

And btw: How would you like it if i started calling you anti-american because you don't like freedom of speech? Anyone who PROTESTS protesters is anti-american. It's a simple fact . Please reconsider what it means to be an american before you start using that term ad-nauseum.

in nam many people spoke out against the war (hippies) and when news people talked to some of the NVA and VC years after the war they said one thing that gave them so much streangth is that even the country they were at war with supported them, and jane fonda going over and creating propagande movies for them was worse, she should be tried for treason and hung. if you aid the enemy then shame on you. and the dems with their timetables and antiwar rhetoric, and they way of just voting the opposite of republicans doesnt help america. matter of factly all i've heard from them is buch is bad, i've heard that for 6 YEARS! ENOUGHH! if you dont like it come up with a better idea instead of whining.

Thank you Heretic Monkey for replying so thoughtfully to Scarlets post. Supporting the President's policies and supporting the troops are two entirely different things and should be treated as such.

On the subject of Vietnam;



The "Hippies" and others who spoke out against that war were fully justified in doing so. The Vietnam War was nothing more than an internal civil war and we had no business butting our noses into it in the first place. Support for our increased military involvement (actual fighting forces as opposed to advisor's) came about because of a simple fact; the government lied to the American people about our naval forces being attacked (Gulf of Tonkin incident) by the North Vietnamese military and used this as an excuse to send our troops into battle.

You are too quick to spread death and destruction here; Jane Fonda (and the hippies and thousands of others) were totally correct that our military had no business being over there in the first place and they had every Constitutional right to say so but she was totally in the wrong to do what she did and has admitted as much publicly since then. In fact, it was our opposition to UN mandated elections that would have taken place in the mid-fifties that directly led to the partition of Vietnam and the subsequent civil war in the first place. There has been enough killing because of our involvement in a country we shouldn't have meddling in in the first place, let it rest.

Vietnam is so totally unlike our involvement in Iraq where our government told us nothing but the truth. Take those Massive stockpiles of WMD we recovered that were going to be used against us immediately if we didn't do something. Thank God we recovered them all and the support facilities and supply's used in their development, otherwise we would be in sorry shape right now.




God that was hard to write that last paragraph without bursting out laughing. Tens of thousands of people dead because President Bush and his cronies lied to us about what was happening over there. Billions of our tax dollars wasted and no end in sight yet. At the time we were debating whether to go into or Iraq or not President Bush and his cronies called everyone who disagreed with them on this anti-American also. Amazing how things never change isn't it? And you are going to sit here and call people who are attempting to do something about this fiasco "whiners."

President Bush had near 100% support from the American public after we were attacked on 9/11, but he chose to squander it on his own personal agenda instead of pushing hard after our real enemy. Now our military forces are tied up in Iraq and if we are attacked again we are going to be hard pressed to come up with the military forces needed to defend ourselves with.

To sum this up I will leave you with this quote:

"Nothing is more anti-American than to call another American citizen anti-American because he/she disagrees with you." Ronbo - 2006

Edit: spell checker removed the "W" from WMD.

you sir are a disgrace to america, yeah, thanks just totally brush the idea of democracy (the only way to achieve peace, dont believe it read woodrow wilsons war message delevered to congress before entering WW1). as for his own personal agenda, what the heck are you talking about. tens of thousands, yeah i bet not, cuasualty rate has been down 75% since the first gulf war. the demacrats always say the figures of the dead and are eagar to point out wrong, they are eagar to say "we" are suffering yet they just totally oppose republican views. they only say they care, they just want people to vote for them, they want you to think our soldiers died for no reason, when in face thye died for the most noble of all cuases , they think so highly of freedoms they are willing to put their life on the line.
god bless our troops. you dont have to agree with bush, but you should agree with the idea of spreading democracy, demacratic nations tend not to start wars over small dissagreements and get along fine, that is how world peace will be achieved. (odd me saying this considering my name and such...)

Ahh... the old can't attack the message so attack the messenger routine, the sure mark of an unarmed man in a battle of wits.

Preemptively invading another country under false pretenses is a disgrace, being responsible for the deaths of close to three thousand American soldiers is a disgrace, causing the deaths of an estimated ten to fifty thousand civilian deaths (there is no accurate data base to be found but rest assured that the count is high) in Iraq is a disgrace, using the freedoms that are guaranteed us by the Constitution and that our forefathers fought and many died for, that dear sir is most certainly not a disgrace. That is Democracy in action.

It is not the job of this countries armed forces to spread Democracy at the point of a gun, its job is to defend our own freedoms. Pardon me if I am wrong on this minor fact but I always thought that spreading a countries philosophy by force was something that the bad guys did.

I wholeheartedly agree that Democracy would be the best system for the worlds peoples to adopt, however, spreading it at the point of a gun kind of goes against what democracy is all about doesn't it? If you want Democracy to spread you have to hold its example up for other peoples to see, admire and wish to emulate. Holding up an example of our preemptively invading another country under false pretenses and being responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands (yes, tens of thousands of innocent lives) is hardly an example we could wish for others to follow now is it?

When a people are ready for Democracy they will fight for it themselves, invading other countries to force a philosophy they do not want on them is hardly a "noble cause," it is evil.

In my opinion present day politics in America are nothing but a bunch of children whining about various things. I can't vote, because I'm too young, but I still pay attention to politics. Both parties are just telling voters what they want to hear. I honestly believe that the majority of candidates don't give 2 craps about this country, rather, they just want to be elected and receive that fat paycheck and not have to pay taxes on it. Having both parties just telling us what we want to hear doesn't do anything for us, and it makes us look stupid when we vote for them and then we don't get what we want. What we need here is something different for a change, something besides Democrat and Republican, that is the only way things are going to change in this country.

I like this explanation best.



More from the same site. Much more.



And even more...


The webmaster and authur



Thank you MSM, thank you liberal left for helping to encourage and perhaps instigate a war you that you in turn protest against.



Yes they are anti-American. No if's and's or but's about it. My freedom of speech as an American citizen allows me the right to say so. One can be an American, but not pro-America. The proof is in the pudding.

That ought to keep y'all busy for a while.

Heres one reason Bush and his cronies are prepared to keep letting your soldiers come home in body bags,
and seems in no hurry to stop this terrible loss of human life.Check out the link. I can't understand with your military might,you have resorted to street fighting,instead of bombing the crap out of them.Give them one mighty shock and they won't come back for more of the same.Look what happened in the gulf war, when General Norman Swartzcoff blasted the Iracq army divison into a pile of scrap metal. There was no Iracq army back there for more of the same, in the days following.What was left immediatly retreated.
America needs another "Storming Norman Swartzcoff" and all of our boys would be home in next to no time.

http://sovereigncause.org/news0.html


PS. Our Aussie soldiers are over in Iracq also.

DSTM.

If we just simply 'stopped' we would lose, if we stick it out, maybe we can finally bring some sort of order to that region. Maybe not, either way in my opinion staying is better than running with our tail between our legs.

So you agree with the democrats that we should be wimps and come home?

Those people[terrorists from iraq] need to be removed. We are helping these people.

You may think they are no threat but we all know better. We let these people build up over the years and they came over and blew up 3 of our buildings can killed thousands.

[sarcasm] yeah we should leave without removing them so they can restock and come blow us up again...

its a good thought, and yes it could possibly end the war, but if we start bombing them every country and its mom in the UN will condemn us, and not only that but the terrorists will use it as propaganda and many more will feel they have been wronged and wont take it sitting down, which leads to more radicals, which perpetuates the situation. we can't just leave, i believe that should,t cross anyones mind especial after looking back at vietnam and after we left so many people were slaughtered, we were winning militarily, we just got sick of hippies telling us to stop, so we pulled out. you don't have to agree with bush's policies, but just because you don't like his policies or even him, doesn't mean its ok to vote opposite eof him all the time (dem party) or keep saying our soldiers are dieing for nothing and that the war is going on for ever (hmm google bombing by dems, you'd think they would come up with something a bit more intellectual considering another name for them is liberals). the war isn't going to last forever, nothing lasts forever, but 2 things to consider. if america justs pulls out, we loose, there goes our countries pride and honor, and you can see by looking at korea and iran that they know we are stuck in a hard place, they are seeing if we will carry out what we say, or if we are blowing hot air. countries in the world will look at us differently if we leave. the second thing is that its a disgrace to say our soldiers died for nothing. they died for freedom, people who join the military know sooner or later something may happen to them, and they do there job anyway. let me tell you they aren't doing it for the pay, sure as hell no (unless your a highranking officer). they do it for the defence of freedom, after thats what america stands for! freedom the most noble of all cases to pursue, sometimes we have to loose a little to gain. i would cry the day that we leave, and all of those men and women that have died there, i will cry because people will say, "they died for nothing, nothing was accomplished". you have to look at this, the only government that can support freedom <b> IS</b> democracy, no other gov't can support it. by throwing out evil dictators and putting the people in control we spread democracy. the aim of the war was not this at first, and it was not for oil. it was because almost every single congress person, and the intelligence community believed saddam had WMDs. most people denied it but if you look back almost everyone said he had them. we invaded (no thanks to france and germany who both didn't help because they were getting a good deal on oil) and searched, the papers are mostly slanted to the left, i don't care who you are but look in them all, most lean left. now when we found several hundred mustard gas artillery shells that were left over from gassing the kurds, that was only reported in a few newspapers here, but look it up, mustard gass is classified as a WMD. not only that but we found several bio-chem labs , they had nothing in it, but saddam had plenty of time to get everything out before we came in. and why would he act suspicous when he asked to let UN watchdogs to check out his facilities, he was buying time to move everything.
iraq is a very sticky situation but if we stay through these tough times and show the world we are here, not for conquest, but for freedom the world will be a better place.

that was long
anyways thats my $5
and if you live in another country your probably not hearing the same things as here in america and you may not know much about the president or you just wanna be on board with your other friend who happen to dislike america. i believe you have no say, and i believe you should shut your yappers unless you do your information checks so that you are getting unbiased info.

freedom
- "i may not agree with what you said sir, but i will to the death defend your right to say it" - Voltaire

Apathy Republicans have no one to blame but theirselves???

Don't tell me to shut my yappers, USSR1943, I have not for a moment said I hate americans.I respect your opinion and expect the same in return.You are building a huge military base here and I welcome you.You also have had a base in southern Aust for a long time.I do my research and have a genuine interest in the safety of all our nations.If you had any decency in you .you would retract the last para of your post.I have many friends in the US and 2 of my nephews teach over there.I'm sorry, I thought I was welcome on BC.

Doug (DSTM.)

Okay folks let's all just take a deep breath and calm down. Of course you are welcome here at BC DSTM.

This is a forum for civil debate. So please let's try and discuss the issues and play nice.
I realize that it is easy to become emotionally involved in a hot topic. Trust me I know.

What do you all say. Shake hands and continue?

Like the man said....;)

I agree, we do need to remove the threat so that we can be safe. It seems to be the only way to end the terrorism in the middle east, aside from mass bombing, and everyone would be crying over that one so I doubt it will happen..

John, I couldn't agree more. The time of civility in politics and placing the interests of this nation above personal power and party ideologies is over and has been for a long time. Power corrupts. My personal opinion is that this country is already on its decline and will fall apart. History shows that every nation who's populace finds that they can vote themselves gifts out of the public treasury has collapsed under it's own weight. No nation has survived this trend, and this is where we find ourselves now.

I urge all people in this nation to start examining the activities of the government. If you don't like the direction it is taking, then look for candidates that truly support what you believe is right, (i.e look at their voting record not the campaign adds.) and vote for them. This is the only way to make change happen. you also have to hold them accountable once they are in office. Otherwise you end up with what happened with the Republican party (I'm Republican). They forget what got then elected and start pandering to special interests that contribute to their campaign. They become more interested in their personal power and not the good of this country (illegal immigration for example).


seafox14

i am sorry i offended you DST that remark was not specificly aimed at you. it was aimed at people who are not well learned and do not choose to look into our political system and only do what everyone else is doing. i am deeply gratified by the fact that australia has sent troops to iraq and is also working for a free, demacratic world.
-sorry for the offence-
-australia rules-

Hi ussr1943,No hard feelings and appreciate the clarification. It is easy to be overcome with emotion on such topics. Most of it is out of frustration anyway.Yesterday on TV here, it showed a handsome 19 yr old Aust soldier which was sent to Iraq. To save his mates, he threw himself on top of a live grenade and was blown to pieces, so I can only imagine what you are all going through with so many of your brave soldiers, that never come home alive.
Kind Regards
DSTM.

Dear Friends: Please remember CIVILITY!!! CIVILITY!!! This forum is not a place for insult, anger, hostility, disparage, contempt, or personal attacks!!!!! BE CIVIL! Thank you very much. YOYO.

MGBY: Yes, civility is important. I knew this would be a "firey" sort of thread, but I thought it was an important topic. My post is very frank, but not intended to attack or flame.

As for HM's comments on your post: though I think you have the right to say anything you want, it does make it difficult to read when your post is a huge block, all in caps...

MGBY - I find it interesting that you seem to find social conservatism synonymous with morality and Christian values. Generally, most social conservatives, at least in the US, are also economic conservatives. I ask you this: was Jesus a capitalist? Would he think that programs to help the poor would amount to "pork spending?" Would he think regulation to prevent harm to citizens simply a burden on the GDP? Didn’t Jesus supposedly say that a rich man has as much chance getting into heaven as a camel has of passing through the eye of a needle? The classical economic view that by making the rich richer, wealth will trickle down and eventually benefit the poor doesn’t seem to fit well with Christian values, yet it is widely accepted. Those who are both economic and social conservatives are either hypocrites, or they don’t fully understand the economic beliefs they tout.

Now, let alone the impact on the lives our troops (those who died, their families, and those who are permanently injured both physically and mentally), what about the civilian population of Iraq? Their losses are rarely mentioned in mainstream news. According to this Canadian website, the Associated Press reports that the Iraqi Health Minister has claimed that a total of 150,000 civilian deaths since the beginning of the war. I read in my local paper, the Oregonian, that the death toll for civilians was roughly 3000 a month. Yes, it's the equivalent of a 9-11 per month. Those civilians are every bit as innocent as those who died here on 9-11. Now I ask you, is this conflict Christ-like? You might tell yourself that the war is in self-defense, believing the nonsense that Saddam had anything to do with 9-11. But we are talking about the constant deaths of civilians, not enemies or terrorists. You might also be comforted by the fact that we got rid of Saddam, who himself was a brutal dictator and caused many deaths. But does the brutality of a country's leader alone give us the right to do what we did? You might tell yourself that they are better off now than they were. Who are we to make that judgment? Aren't Christians not supposed to pass judgment in the first place? I've read articles written by those still living in Iraq who live in fear every day. Remember, this wasn't an Iraqi revolution supported by the US, it was a US invasion. The fact that "Saddam was bad" is true, but the idea that this was the best way to oust him is obviously false. These people have gone from living under the rule of a despot to living in anarchy. Most of us have never experienced either. So again, who are we to pass judgment?

I find it odd that there are so many Christians who care more about closing porn stores and the name of the 3 week vacation surround Christmas than the world's great suffering. Saddam's Iraq was painful and dark, but there are countries all around the world that are as bad if not worse, so how does that alone justify our actions in a political/moral sense? Especially when it wasn't the original reason for the war! Again, I fail to see how social conservatives have a monopoly on morality or logic.


I also find it disturbing how many people believe that to question the actions of your government is on par with being anti-American. I would argue that when you stop analyzing what's going on and simply accept anything spoken by a sitting president as truth, you have chosen a path that is anti-democracy. Furthermore, you have also become credulous and abandoned the very logic that MGBY claims only liberals lack.

I also find strange the idea that only conservatives can protect us from terror. First, do you think al Qaeda-type terrorist groups really care which party is in control? Obviously they don't; Clinton was in office during the first Trade Tower attack and Bush was at the helm during 9-11. I believe the reason we are a target of terror is for our government's repeated interference in the politics of countries throughout the world year after year; mainly to suit economic interests. This type of influence has existed throughout history; France helped the US gain independence because helping the Colonies hurt their larger enemy, Britain. Even today, presidents come and go, the parties trade positions over the years, but the influence of our industries on politics never ebbs. The point is, the motives of al Qaeda go far deeper than a sitting politician’s political affiliation.

If anything, I would guess that al Qaeda would want someone like Bush in office. His first option in Iraq, when the question of weapons of mass destruction came up, was invasion. He didn’t even wait for international weapons inspectors to finish their job! Al Qaeda is trying to gain support by showing the Islamic world that the big western powers are violent, aggressive, and seek militarily expansion. So what did we do? Invade and occupy an Islamic country! At home they want us to live in fear, to restrict our rights. One attack and we did it to ourselves...and tell ourselves we more secure! We give the president more power, at the cost of our own democracy.


The war in Iraq has nothing to do with the war against terror. It has in fact created more terrorists and increased anti-Western sentiment through out the Middle East. It has also hurt our ability to defend ourselves by causing us to expend large amounts of our resources there instead of, well, fighting terror. Oh yes, and lest we not forget that it was originally justified on a false premise. But somehow, if you question all this, you are not supporting the troops. On the other hand, if you support a war that places our troops in danger for no good reason, you are a patriot?

Let's recap:

A. (2003 version) America is in an unavoidable conflict in Iraq for it's own defense due to Saddam's supply of weapons of mass destruction. The troops are in danger but they are bravely doing their duty and we should support that.

A. (2006 version) America is in an unavoidable conflict in Iraq for it's own defense due to Saddam's brutality as a dictator and to bring democracy to the Middle East. The troops are in danger but they are bravely doing their duty and we should support that.

(Please use the version of A you prefer.)

B. America is in a completely preventable conflict in Iraq that had nothing to do with national security. The lives of soldiers serving in Iraq are being thrown away for nothing. The troops are bravely doing their duty, but if you truly support and care for them we, as a country, should show it by doing what ever we can so that they are brought home safely as soon as feasibly possible.

You are anti-American if you choose B; yet in order to choose A, like the administration wanted all of America (and the world) to do, you'd have to believe in the conditions set forth by A. Since facts and evidence don't support either version of A, Bush n' Co. had to use their other tool: constantly repeating mindless, emotion-based rhetoric. Included in that rhetoric is the idea that anyone who questions the rhetoric is therefore anti-American and doesn't support the troops. Well played, Karl!

Now, call me illogical, but I would argue that a president who sits in safety while our troops are under fire and says to the enemy, "Bring it on!" is not a president who "supports the troops," or even cares, for that matter.

Choice A (either version) is not based on logic; it is the opposite of logic. It is based only on belief and that is why it remains valid only in the minds of those who aren't interested in facts.

I think we need leaders who work with the rest of the world, rather than "telling them how it's gonna be." We need leaders who make decisions based on observable facts and evidence, not blindly following ideology. There exist such leaders among both the Republicans and Democrats. It was just finally time for the Democrats and moderate Republicans to step up to the plate.

MGBY, most Americans are social conservatives? I will have to disagree with you on this one, my friend. Personally I won't stereotype an entire nation one way or another. No two individuals have exactly the same political beliefs. Various countries have different levels of consensus on different issues, and these fluctuate constantly. In the US, there are many variations based on location as well; it's a big country! Now, I would agree with you that much of the reason for the Republican defeat is due to Bush's weaknesses as a leader. I am not attacking conservatives or Republicans outright. My only complaint with the Republican party is their lack of bravery and wisdom to vote against their party's leader. I place blame where it is due: squarely on the president.

After reading what everyone had to say, I believe it is imperative to speak from the perspective of truth. Lies or misinformations does tremendous disservice to everyone. Let's get some points straight, perhaps will facilitate some understanding as to what has transpired that brought about the state where we are in today. Also, keep in mind that I am not saying it is all the fault of one side, I believe both sides are responsible for the mess that we are in. I do not belong to any side, the truth is the truth, and I stand with the truth. 1). Demo may have won the seats, but it is a referendum on Bush, not a referendum on conservative values. 2). This is not a vote for Demo values! 3). Bush has betrayed conservatism. 4). 3.5 years of wars has gotten lot of people killed!. 5).Bush is a liberal. 6). Bush won both elections espousing conservative platforms, in truth he and his father both were not electable on their liberal values. 7). Bush has strayed from conservatism after being elected. 8). The administration has been consumed by Iraq war and eschewed all other pertinent issues. 9).Their spending has been extravagant and it is out of control. 10). Republican party has hijacked conservative causes. 11). Bush' policies has come under fire by conservative communities. 12). Absences of true conservative ideology in his administration. 13). Words used in his second inaugural address were too ambitious. 14). He reneged on his statement of "no nation building". 15). He invaded Iraq without provocation and this war will be viewed as a blunder historically. 16). Has been incapable to unite forces necessary to conclude Iraq challenge. 17). loosing this election may have been contrived per Bush to pave the way for a Demo win in 2008, and to enable him to push through his amnesty for illegal aliens with a congressional makeup thats in accord with his core values. 18). MBAS running the war (with inadequate support from WDC and Defense dept. and the congress),which has jeopardized lifes of our soldiers. 19). Bush has not been enforcing the immigration laws. 20). He has kept the border open, undermining the social, political, economic security of this country(30% 0f our penal system population are illegal aliens. And there are penetrations by middle eastern terrorist factions). 21). Bush alienated value voters of his conservative base. 22). Bush try to gain vote by yelling "Peloshi", but didn't work as historically this kind of tactic does not work. 23). The driving force to dump Bush is his mismanagement of Iraq war. 24). Voters has been angered by the lies and abandonment by Bush and this inapt congress who was only interested in personal gain of power. 25). Conservative leaders has severely criticized Bush of his betrayal of conservative principles. 26). Bush has no vision , no idea where to take this country. 27).Republican party has turned a blind eyes & attempted to cover up corruptions until after the election. 28). The government has been paralyzed by Iraq and Liberalism. 29). Pervasive immoral, corrupt leadership and the parties are out of control . 30). Soldiers has been punished illegitimately as common criminals, not right! 31). Conservatives is not an arm of the Republican party, they are the party. 32). Alienation of the Reagan Democrats. 33). Deindustrialization of America. 34). The exportation of jobs and lost of jobs to Americans. 35).America has been made a folly by the Iraq war. 36). Conservative movements has been eroding or deconstructed in increasing number of states. 37). Secular progressive has been on the rise. 38). Judeachristian values has been debased, 39). People are wandering who is running this country and demands a reassessment of this country's direction. 40). Incessant treasonous behaviors by the leftist medias and ACLU that hasn't seen the light of any accountability by these perpetrators. 41). Democrats has done nothing but engaged in slimy attacks, lies, betrayal of our troops. 42). Democrats arrogantly, engaged in sowing seeds of destruction and divisivenss(San Francisco is an ongoing social experiment in progress leading to demise of Judeachristian values, and Peloshi is one of its principle instigators). 43). This nation has lost its ranking as one of the worlds' top 10 economic power. 44).Congress has not been doing their job in protecting its citizen. 45). Democrats has been engaged in double standard(Jefferson, the $$$ in the freezer man; Harry Reed' hypocrisy.....?). Should they be accountable?? And: Frank, Boxer, Peloshi, Kennady, Durbin, Mertha, Clinton, .....etc, should they be accountable??? UNCONSCIONABLE!!! 46).Leftist main stream medias perpetrating lies, acting like the 5th column(promoting Leftist agenda and castigate this administration to no end, only reported on the negatives!). 47). Middle East policy failures one after another with an amateur running the state dept... 48). Bush is a big corporate backer and the administration is overrun with incompetent people as Rice from the educational sector, and ( Snow, O'Neal, etc..) from the Wall Street that has no business in running USA. Clearly cronism at its best. 49). Rumsfield was an instrument of Bush in the mismanagement of this war. 50). Foreign students are choosing to go to other countries for higher education than choosing USA. 51). There has been lies and lies and lies by the Democrat party to no end. 52). Leftist medias aiding & abetting the enemy in time of wars(New York Time). 53). lack of uniformity in reporting by the leftist medias has been a disservice to the American public who rely on them to keep them informed. It is a disgrace, there has been no balance , no fairness in reporting!! 54). The leftist medias has not only undermined this country's security, they have damaged this country's integrity and reputation to the the point of international alienation of America and castigation of America as a fool!! 55). LIBERALISM has eroded moral and ethical value foundation of this country. 56). Key positions will be taken over by incompetent and unqualified individuals with lack of ethical values as Reed, Peloshi, Kennady, Lavin, Schumers, Franks, Mertha,..etc.., (I implore the public to examine who they really are-what an irony!). 57).Bush brought on this fiasco himself, and he did lie and people has died. 58). DEMOCRATS , you are ROYALLY-EQUALLY CULPABLE IN PROMULGATING LIES and as a result PEOPLE DIED!!! 59). Irresponsible, disproportional application of immigration law, in which border agents were punished with imprisonment and Mexican drug dealers were protected and compensated(where is AG Gonzalez and the congress?). 60). Permitting illegal alien to invade this country, abusing our social welfare system and abusing our law, and precipitate burden on our economy; yet, Bush did nothing(where is the congress?). 61). The LEFTIST black robed judges are making laws on the bench and nullifying measures approved by the people. And, our government does nothing(where is Bush and the congress?)! 62). Liberals are blocking the appointment of John Bolton , who has been an effective representative to the UN. This defys logic! etc., etc.,........etc... IN the final analysis, THE PEOPLE SAW THE LIES AND KNEW THAT BUSH and the CONGRESS HAS BETRAYED THEM!!! It has been very upsetting seening the state of discord this country is in; and it is evident from the impassionate expressions on this forum that we are disappointed with this administration fundamentally, but pointing fingers here and there myopically in this very charged emotional-toxic climate only precipitate culture of hate. Take care and cultivate peace and goodwill. Warmly YOYO.

MGBY just a suggestion on your posts...

Please space them out. I cant even read them without the words running together. They do that when they are not spaced.

Skip a line every now and then. I hope you dont get offended. I would like to read your posts as you post a lot but its hard.

See you around.

I'm just glad we are in for a change in our direction.

Iraq is becoming like Vietnam but we've never pulled out... the sad thing is that this isn't an all out war and we've been in it longer than we were involved in World War 2.

I do understand the times we're different and we had a direct enemy... however, with our "advance" we are suppose to be, we are playing hide and go seek in the **** desert. I am starting to question our real technological advances.

Here's what I see in America. An economic growth rate that leads the free world. The Dow Industrials setting new records. Wages on the rise. Relatively low taxes. Over 5 years since a terrorist attack in America. An all-volunteer armed forces that keeps us safe and free. A country that people from all over the world are trying to immigrate to. Tremendous opportunity everywhere.

Sure, people complain about politicians the way they complain about the weather, but really . . . how much does what they do in Washington affect your life day to day? Very little, I'd wager.

What I do expect from our national politicians is protection from the existential threats--Communism, fascism, etc.--all the rest is interesting but minor by comparison . . . healthcare, stem cell research, gay marriage, corruption, all of it.

Lighten up. Live longer.

ladeau, interesting that you think of healthcare as a minor issue, of little concern. Let me guess...you have it?

I respect your opinion,but quite honestly, I am appalled at your apathy.Sorry.

DSTM.

DSTM--

I'm not apathetic. If I were, I wouldn't vote, I wouldn't write letters to the editor, I wouldn't keep up with current events, I wouldn't contribute to charities and I wouldn't post in this forum.

I do believe, however, that a perspective on the big picture is healthy. And reading history, I find the state of the country today to be better in almost every respect than at most times in the past.

My eyes are not closed to the significant problems in the country or the world, but I don't dwell on them either. Are your eyes open to the many beautiful and positive aspects of life today?

Hi Ladeau,
You have done a 360 degrees turn around in two posts, IMHO. I made a judgement on your first post, not your second post. If you wanted a different response,It would have been wise to combine the two.
I am probably not the only reader, who got the same impression.

I do not judge my country to be in good shape,just because of large companies getting mega rich while the poor are getting poorer.

In answer to your last question,my eyes are wide open to the beautiful and positive aspects of life,just harder to find,these days.

Also, I'm not paranoid in any way,just a fellow human being that is concerned where this world is headed.When I go through Frankfurt airport, for example, I feel intimidated by guards everywhere with huge automatic rifles and security dogs sniffing your rear end,so no, I don't feel safer than say twenty years ago,or any better off for that matter.

DSTM.

As far as life in the States, I think it's dubious to assume things just "keep getting better and better." The cost of living is rising, and the mean wages are not matching it let alone surpassing it. Education is getting more and more expensive, yet jobs that don't require education and still pay the bills are becoming ever more scarce. There was a time when an uneducated individual who worked hard could support a family. Now for most married couples, they both must work to make ends meet. The effect on the health of families, in my opinion, is far more likely to be caused by the stresses that modern life places on it...like the ever-growing lack of time parents and children spend together...than say, two gay guys down the street that want to tie the knot.

Without major reforms, these trends will continue as they have. Especially education; after all, if good paying jobs will continue to require more education, therefore demand for education will always increase...thus the price will continue to rise...unless we find a way to educate the public that isn't based on the market system?

Many claim life is better due to the amount of "stuff" Americans buy. But the cost of that increase in material position is debt. So we don't really "have" more per say, we just have more things before we actually pay for them. This may make life more groovy for the present but it is not a long term basis for increasing quality of life. I would even venture to say that high over-consumption is a symptom of an unhealthy society; one that constantly looks for new ways "escape." To escape the bad home life; to escape the 50+ hour work week that barely pays the bills; ect.

Now, I am not an alarmist...I am not saying that the sky is falling. There are aspects of life today that are pretty good; we must appreciate that, since a great portion of the population of the world endures a much lower quality of life than the Western nations. But on the other hand, I am a bit annoyed by those who think things are more rosy than they actually are. Usually it's folks who are relatively well-to-do and don't have to worry about basic needs or their futures; those that have less empathy for others than perhaps they should.




On a less serious note, I would like to share a funny political cartoon, all in fun of course...in it, the Republicans "explain what happened."

This post seemed to go from the origional question about the democrates having control of the house to the issues of the war. So with that in mind I will post first regarding the democrates having control and conclude with a few thoughts regarding the war and its direction and some of my concerns of the war.

The democrates.......in control..........look out. The last time the democrates had control of both the House and the Senate was in the Carter administration. MARK MY WORDS......THE PROSPERITY WE HAVE ENJOYED IN THE PAST IS GONE......MARK MY WORDS. The whole situation to me is way to familiar.

Early on in his administration, Carter introduced a dizzying array of ambitious programs for social, administrative, and economic reform. Most of those programs, however, met with opposition in Congress despite the Democratic majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. On one hand, Congress, in the post-Watergate environment, was more willing to challenge the executive branch; on the other, Carter the populist was quick to criticize Congress and to take his agenda to the American people. In either case, Carter's difficulties with Congress undermined the success of his administration, and by 1978 his initial popularity had dissipated in the face of his inability to convert his ideas into legislative realities.

On the home front, Carter's management of the economy aroused widespread concern. The inflation rate climbed higher each year he was in office, rising from 6 percent in 1976 to more than 12 percent by 1980; unemployment remained high at 7.5 percent; and volatile interest rates reached a high of 20 percent or more twice during 1980. Both business leaders and the public at large blamed Carter for the nation's economic woes, charging that the president lacked a coherent strategy for taming inflation without causing a painful increase in unemployment.

The faltering economy was due in part to the energy crisis that had originated in the early 1970s as a result of overdependence on foreign oil. In 1977 the president, whose mistrust of special interest groups such as the oil companies was well known, proposed an energy program that included an oil tax, conservation, and the use of alternative sources of energy. The House supported the program but the Senate quashed it. Moreover, one of those alternative sources, nuclear power, seemed much less viable after the disastrous meltdown of the core reactor at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania, in March 1979.

Obviously even then the democrates worked against themselves.....the normal selfish attitude.

The whole reason the democrates have control is because of the politicaly uneducated that simply voted democrate because George Bush is Republican.

The only thing I can say is congratulations.........fix the gas problems......fix the war. You being whining and complaining blaming the republican majority........FIX IT.




The War in Iraq:

We are at war.....war is not a pretty site. Regardless of if you agree with the war in I raq or not look at the the death tolls of the past wars then look at the war in Iraq:

Civil War:

Union 498,332
Confederacy 364,821

Total: 863,153

World War I: 116,516

World War II: 405,399

Korean War: 54,246

Vietnam War: 56,244

Iraq: 2342 has died in combat.

DEATH TOLL FROM THE WORLD TRADE CENTER : 2752

The numbers speak for themselves.

Did they care about civilian casualties........I am so sick and tired of people trying to win this war by UNDERSTADING the Iraqies or muslims.

We could win this war in a very short period of time by dropping a few bombs or nuclear bombs.......not only would it solve this problem.....it would serve as an example to the surrounding contries and the world. Right now we are a laughing stock because we are afraid of offending someone.

People should be glad I'm not in power......If they are on death row....killem...quit wasting my money.....If I was at war......killem......quit wasting my money. If you cross the border into my country I wouldn't deport them, put them in jail......they are criminals.