Palins Alaska

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

Rockhound, I do enjoy this debate, and I hope my posts are not coming across harsher than I'm intending. My posts tend to do that, unfortunately. You and I don't agree, but you have been very respectful.

As have you, which is why I enjoy the discussion. I just got back to this now, I wasn't ignoring the topic, just a busy day! I may come across as a raving liberal, and on some topics I am, but I'm some pseudo Liberal-Ind-Libertarian Mix.

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

I'm not saying I think he hates America. I'm saying his spiritual mentor, his political mentor, and his wife all dislike this country to varying degrees. Do you agree?

I think there may be aspects of the country they disagree with, but I wouldn't call Wright his political mentor, nor would I call Ayers his political mentor. As far as Michelle, who knows. I do think she is left of her husband, but I think Laura Bush was left of GWB on some topics. This has influence, but ultimately they (the wives) are not the president.

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

But those who dare to question his patriotism are dismissed as kooky racists by those who worship Obama.

I don't think you come across as a kooky racist; some who are out there holding signs certainly are.

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

(1) the western European nations are more socialist in nature than the US currently is (fact) (2) those western european nations are in far more economic danger than the US currently is (fact) (3) given (1) and (2), it's fair to say that western european socialism doesn't seem to be working (my opinion, but reasonable I think) (4) in order to save themselves, those nations are drastically cutting spending (fact) (5) Obama's vision of america is one where the federal government is larger than we're used to, with higher taxes to support it (I'd say that's fact, I don't see how you can disagree). In other words, he favors the western European model.

1,2,3 I accept as fact. I also think the scale of the economies of those countries is far different than the US, and makes direct comparisons difficult. I also don't see us heading down the socialist path you do. I was a fan of Healthcare for children and the elderly, and having a low-cost option for the rest of America, which is what Obama campaigned on. It remains to be seen if the current plan does that.

Here in lies a major issue. I don't think many people, myself included think that we can continue to raise spending a cut taxes, and this applies to both sides of the aisle. I think the White House dropped the ball with this one, and should have fought harder. The problem now, is that these cuts are probably permanent (maybe not a problem? I like lower taxes as well) but few of the Republicans are actually proposing ways to make the cuts needed. They were continually griping about how we need to extend unemployment, but only if the Democrats find a way to fund it. Where is the same logic with the tax cuts? What will get cut to account for the difference in income for the country.... Probably nothing right now, and nothing when the Republicans take the house.

Originally Posted by Jim in CT

Therefore, I am as opposed to Obama's economic policies as I can be. Our economy was doing just fine until the subprime mortgages imploded

Are you blaming this on Obama? I don't think you are, but just clarifying....