Politics of SWRP

[Dr. Jake]

I'm a teenager, but I LOVE politics. In fact I want to obtain a BA in International Studies or Pol. Science and then go on to obtain a Juris Doctorate(sounds more prestigious than Law Degree). After a while as a lawyer, I want to run for office. My highest political aspiration is Governor of the Great State of Louisiana or possibly senator from that place to the Fed. Government. I understand this is not likely, so there is always Parish Council/President ;D

Anyway, I love discussing politics with people (especially those with opposing views) and often take views opposite of the person that I'm talking to, simply to debate over issues.

So, I would like to form a completely civil, non-hostile environment for political discussions to occur.



Also, the poll above is for me (and other members) to get an understanding of the political trend on this site. From what I've gathered, most forum rpg's that I have been involved with lean towards the left (in regards to the trend of members' views). However, on most Star Wars sites I've noticed a Moderate or perhaps Right of Center trend.

If your in the mood, then fill out this little form to tell us all about your (twisted) political stances. Answers should be: Support Indecisive, Oppose, or Mixed. If you don't think the issue is one that should be addressed by the Fed. or State governments, then answer N.I. (No Intervention). Issues marked with an asterisk(*) are difficult to answer with these choices, and you may write a sentence or two on the issue. If there are other issues that you feel are important, feel free to add or discuss them within the form. I know that i missed a lot of issues, but these are some important ones to me (and many other Americans)


[color=Blue][b]Social and Political Issues:[/b][/color]

[b]Abortion[/b]:
[b]Gay Marriages/Civil Unions:[/b]
[b]Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.):[/b]
[b]Legal Gender Change:[/b]
[b]1st Amendment Rights:[/b]
[b]2nd Amendment Rights:[/b]
[b]10th Amendment (States') Rights:[/b]
[b]Patriotism:[/b]
[b]Federalism:[/b]
[b]Unitarianism (Unitary State):[/b]
[b]Current Political System:[/b]
[b]Current Presidential Election Method:[/b]
[b]Affirmative Action:[/b]
[b]Gender Equality:[/b]
[b]Recreational Marijuana Legalization:[/b]
[b]Other Recreational Drug Legalization:[/b]
[b]Immigration*:[/b]

[color=Red][b]Economic Issues:[/b][/color]

[b]ObamaCare[/b]:
[b]Social Welfare:[/b]
[b]Social Security:[/b]
[b]Medicare and Medicaid:[/b]
[b]Other Government Entitlements[/b]:
[b]Progressive Taxation[/b]:
[b]Flat Taxation:[/b]
[b]Capital Gains:[/b]
[b]Cap and Trade:[/b]
[b]Other Gov't Action  for Environment:[/b]
[b]Socialism:[/b]
[b]Capitalism:[/b]
[b]Government Intervention (Safety/ Regulations)[/b]:
[b]Government Intervention (General):[/b]
[b]Debt Ceiling:[/b]
[b]Chinese Debt*:[/b]

[color=Green][b]Foreign and Military Issues[/b][/color]

[b]US assistance to Israel:[/b]
[b]US Sanctions on Iran:[/b]
[b]Russia*:[/b]
[b]China*:[/b]
[b]Cuba*:[/b]
[b]NATO:[/b]
[b]EU:[/b]
[b]US Operations in Afghanistan:[/b]
[b]Spcl. Immigration & Transportation with Can. and Mex.:[/b]
[b]US Support of Global Democracy:[/b]
[b]US Mil. Intervention in General (except above field):[/b]




Please forgive typos

And yes, I know I misspelled Libertarian.

[Dr. Jake]

My stances:

I consider myself a Centrist with significant Conservative and Libertarian social and economic tendencies. I am a HUGE advocate for states rights in most debates, believing that the Tenth Amendment is right and just.

These stances are quite different from the mostly Conservative Democratic and Republican members of my rural SE Louisiana community.

Social and Political Issues:

Abortion: Oppose
Gay Marriages/Civil Unions: Support
Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.): Mixed
Legal Gender Change: Oppose
1st Amendment Rights: Support
2nd Amendment Rights:Support
10th Amendment (States') Rights: Support
Patriotism: Support
Federalism: Support
Unitarianism (Unitary State): Oppose
Current Political System: Mixed
Current Presidential Election Method: Mixed
Affirmative Action: Oppose
Gender Equality: Support
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: Mixed (Up to the states, and I know I broke my own rule!)
Other Recreational Drug Legalization: Mixed (see above, bit with restrictions on HARD drugs)
Immigration*: Simplified process, required English proficiency, and deportation of illegal immigrant living here for less than 15 years (180 months)

Economic Issues:

ObamaCare: Oppose
Social Welfare: Mixed
Social Security: Mixed
Medicare and Medicaid: Mixed
Other Government Entitlements: Mixed
Progressive Taxation: Oppose
Flat Taxation: Support
Capital Gains: Support
Cap and Trade: Oppose
Other Gov't Action for Environment: Oppose
Socialism: Oppose
Capitalism: Support
Government Intervention (Safety/ Regulations): Support
Government Intervention (General): Mixed
Debt Ceiling: Support
Chinese Debt*: To be repaid just like all other National Debt, as soon as possible and reasonable.

Foreign and Military Issues

US assistance to Israel: Support
US Sanctions on Iran: Support
Russia*: Wary economic agreements and free trade and remain wary of Russian Mil. Action
China*: Grow closer economic ties, maintain current political ties, and stricter inspections and investigations on Chinese products,
Cuba*: A sovereign state that will eventually destabilize and revert to Democracy. End Embargo and begin extensive negotiations.
NATO: Support
EU: Mixed
US Operations in Afghanistan: Oppose
Spcl. Immigration & Transportation with Can. and Mex.: Support
US Support of Global Democracy: Mixed
US Mil. Intervention in General (except above field): Opposed

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Edit: To preface the dry information here, I have a few words to say. Firstly, this is a really US-centric thread, which is not very inclusive to other nationalities. Maybe you should make it more generally applicable?

Politically, the closest to what I'd self-identify is social democrat. I believe the US governmental structure is inherently flawed, and I believe we should adopt a parliamentary system. But I suppose the most honest answer is "I don't know."


Social and Political Issues:

Abortion: Mixed
Gay Marriages/Civil Unions: Support
Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.): Support
Legal Gender Change: Support
1st Amendment Rights: Support
2nd Amendment Rights: Support
10th Amendment (States') Rights: Mixed
Patriotism: Mixed
Federalism: Mixed
Unitarianism (Unitary State): Support
Current Political System: Oppose
Current Presidential Election Method: Oppose
Affirmative Action: Oppose
Gender Equality: Support
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: Oppose
Other Recreational Drug Legalization: Oppose
Immigration*: Ease restrictions, grant refugee status to Mexicans, secure borders.

Economic Issues:

ObamaCare: Support
Social Welfare: Support
Social Security: Support
Medicare and Medicaid: Support
Other Government Entitlements: Support
Progressive Taxation: Support
Flat Taxation: Oppose
Capital Gains: Mixed
Cap and Trade: Mixed
Other Gov't Action for Environment: Mixed
Socialism: Mixed
Capitalism: Mixed
Government Intervention (Safety/ Regulations): Support
Government Intervention (General): Mixed
Debt Ceiling: Mixed
Chinese Debt*: Meh?

Foreign and Military Issues

US assistance to Israel: Oppose (Huge oppose)
US Sanctions on Iran: Oppose
Russia*: I support friendly relations, and want them in NATO to ensure greater stability. Russian assertiveness in the 'near abroad' is based off of fear of isolation. Inclusion would assuage those concerns.
China*: Meh?
Cuba*: End the embargo. Just deal with the fact they have a communist government, the world isn't ending.
NATO: Support
EU: Support
US Operations in Afghanistan: Mixed
Spcl. Immigration & Transportation with Can. and Mex.: Mixed
US Support of Global Democracy: Support
US Mil. Intervention in General (except above field): Mixed

[Mara]

I went with 'other,' because I refuse to pigeonhole myself into one party or another. This has been my stance for the last few years now (and a problem I run into during primary voting, where I have to pick a party ballot). Mostly because I'm sick of people who vote for a certain party, rather than actually researching the issues and candidates and deciding for themselves. And because I'm completely annoyed with the current state of our government that pretends it's bipartisan, but really isn't, because the sides mostly refuse to work with each other.

I don't vote for parties. I vote for people.

[Rugs]

^ Those are political philosophies, not parties.

I'm a dirty librul in the south =P Oh no


Also, I nearly didn't fill this out, because you take a number of issues, many of which are far too complicated to be broken down in to a for/against/indiferent, and do just that. Some of them don't even really fit in for a simple for/against/indifferent answer.

It's an interesting thing you're trying to do, and I can appreciate it. I just think some of these items don't work well for the format chosen. I think the political compass test would be better for determining political standings. I've found it to be pretty accurate with myself and several individuals I know.

And yes, I'm gonna break your rule a bit and talk on some of these =P Just how I am

Social and Political Issues:

Abortion: Support, though the issue is two complicated to have justice done with a simple yay/nay question
Gay Marriages/Civil Unions: Support
Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.): Support
Legal Gender Change: Support
1st Amendment Rights: Support
2nd Amendment Rights: Support
10th Amendment (States') Rights: Depends. I love my state, but there are some things that don't need to be left up to it. Fun fact- Didn't ratify the 13th amendment 'til 1995. Not that it mattered then, but jeez.
Patriotism: In general? Yeah, it's a good thing. Blind nationalism is bad, though.
Federalism: Mixed
Unitarianism (Unitary State): Mixed
Current Political System: Given the current political climate, it's easy to say oppose. But when it works, it's alright. Could definitely use some reforming.
Current Presidential Election Method: Oppose. My vote never means a thing due to where I live.
Affirmative Action: Support
Gender Equality: Support
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: Support
Other Recreational Drug Legalization: Depends
Immigration*: Same as lmr, really

Economic Issues:

ObamaCare: Universal healthcare? Sure. There's absolutely no reason why it shouldn't exist in some form in the US by now.
Social Welfare: Support
Social Security: Support
Medicare and Medicaid: Support
Other Government Entitlements: Support
Progressive Taxation: Support
Flat Taxation: Oppose
Capital Gains: Mixed
Cap and Trade: Mixed
Other Gov't Action for Environment: Mixed? It depends
Socialism: What kind of question is this? Some things about it are good, others not as much. Same goes for the next item
Capitalism:
Government Intervention (Safety/ Regulations): Support
Government Intervention (General): Depends
Debt Ceiling: Nonissue
Chinese Debt*: Nonissue

Foreign and Military Issues

US assistance to Israel: Something something game of thrones. I don't really care. Though I do not want Bibi dragging us into a war.
US Sanctions on Iran: If it keeps us out of a war, support.
Russia*: Shell of its former self, kept afloat by oil sales. Mostly indifferent. See no reason for aggression toward the Russians.
China*: Rising power. Certainly attention needs to be paid to them, but their growth will slow. Population trends will make problems for them in the future. Still, will be a major force on the international stage for the coming years.
Cuba*: Like lmr said, end the blockade. They're communist, so what? Just accept and move along.
NATO: Support
EU: Support
US Operations in Afghanistan: Lean oppose
Spcl. Immigration & Transportation with Can. and Mex.: Indifferent
US Support of Global Democracy: Er... depends on the democracy. Not every democracy is one I'd support just because it's a democracy.
US Mil. Intervention in General (except above field): Depends.

[Cosmo]

Social and Political Issues:

Abortion: Mixed, in cases of rape, incest, and if it threatens the mothers life, Abortion is a fine option.
Gay Marriages/Civil Unions: Support
Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.): Support
Legal Gender Change: Indecisive
1st Amendment Rights: Mixed, just because people have the right to freedom of speech, doesn't mean they should use it. I support the concept, just do not support anyone who says 'I can say what I want, its called freedom of speech.' You say that, and I will not like you.
2nd Amendment Rights: Support
10th Amendment (States') Rights: Support
Patriotism: I prefer the term Nationalism, but support.
Federalism: Support
Unitarianism (Unitary State): Mixed
Current Political System: Support
Current Presidential Election Method: Oppose
Affirmative Action: Oppose, America tries so hard to not be racist, they end up being racist. If its not against the little guy, its against the big guy.
Gender Equality: Support, If I said no, I would never get a date again.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: eh, I do not really care. I have friends who smoke, and those who don't.
Other Recreational Drug Legalization: Oppose
Immigration*: Mixed, America has no national language so saying all immigrants should speak English is void, although I do admit, seeing signs in Spanish does annoy me. I do not believe social programs such as Welfare should apply to non-citizens.

Economic Issues:

ObamaCare: Oppose, I believe they need to think about this a little more. Do I oppose public healthcare? No, but they should spend more time on it fixing the kinks instead of trying to rush it through.
Social Welfare: Mixed, helpful, but people abuse the system. Needs regulations.
Social Security: Mixed
Medicare and Medicaid: Mixed
Other Government Entitlements: Mixed
Progressive Taxation: Oppose
Flat Taxation: Support, time tested and simple. People would not fear being audited because they may or may not have made a mistake when filing.
Capital Gains: Mixed
Cap and Trade: Indecisive, I believe the American consumer would have pushed companies to make more fuel efficient cars anyways thanks to the rising gas prices, but if it makes the government feel better, eh go for it.
Other Gov't Action for Environment: Indecisive
Socialism: Oppose, I took this as a Socialism or Capitalism. I believe both have their perks and drawbacks, but over all, I prefer Capitalism.
Capitalism: Support
Government Intervention (Safety/ Regulations): Oppose, I hate OSHA
Government Intervention (General): Oppose, I am a huge States Rights person.
Debt Ceiling: Mixed
Chinese Debt*: Mixed

Foreign and Military Issues

US assistance to Israel: Support
US Sanctions on Iran: Support
Russia*: Depends on your view. I, personally, do not trust Russia as a country. They are shaky at the best of times and their government is always in a state of chaos as of late. They are a toss up, and diplomatic ties would be needed to ensure they do not land on China's side should the worst occur. Do not put much stock in Russia.
China*: Prepare. A rising power never simply lets things go as they are, trade but place restrictions, diplomatic assertive action against their military growth and ensure they do not attempt to grow in land. Their population is going to get.. turbulent due ot their large amount of elder people and one birth rule (With a growing number of those being boys), but desperation is never a good thing, and they may do something they normally would not do if things go south at home. Speak softly and carry a very big stick.
Cuba*: Great opportunity to perhaps reach Cuba diplomatically that has not been possible before. Trade and talk, but do not put too much stock in Cuba.
NATO: Support
EU: Support
US Operations in Afghanistan: Support
Spcl. Immigration & Transportation with Can. and Mex.: Mixed
US Support of Global Democracy: Support
US Mil. Intervention in General (except above field): Support, if you have power use it. It is fine to do something and make a mistake, but nothing angers me more then when someone who can do something, does nothing.

[Dean]

I am not myself an American, nor would I ever want to be one. I do think you guys have an interesting black and white thing going on regarding issues like gay marriage and such. Although I do not support it.

Social and Political Issues:

Abortion: support, who are you to decide over someone elses child?
Gay Marriages/Civil Unions: support, love is love. And about the sanctity of mariage crap: How sacred was the 24 hour mariage of britney spears? Thats one of the few people that shouldn't be allowed to get married, period.
Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.): support. Are they less human?
Legal Gender Change: support, prover medical condition.
1st Amendment Rights: support
2nd Amendment Rights: support
10th Amendment (States') Rights: opposed.
Patriotism: Nationalism is a good thing
Federalism:
Unitarianism (Unitary State): opposed
Current Political System: Flawed
Current Presidential Election Method:flawed like every voting process in which every retard gets to vote. seriously, there should be a test
Affirmative Action:
Gender Equality: support
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: support (I'm a dutchie) People should be able to do what they want. Legalizing would also lead to a drop in crime. Also important, you can tax something thats legal
Other Recreational Drug Legalization: Leeeegaaaaaaaalliiiiizzeeee ITTTT
Immigration*: to work and be a part of society yes. Delinquents should be dealt with swiftly and roughly

Economic Issues:

ObamaCare:
Social Welfare:
Social Security:
Medicare and Medicaid:
Other Government Entitlements:
Progressive Taxation:
Flat Taxation:
Capital Gains:
Cap and Trade:
Other Gov't Action for Environment:
Socialism: OPPPOSSEEE
Capitalism: SUUPPPOOORRRTTT
Government Intervention (Safety/ Regulations):
Government Intervention (General):
Debt Ceiling:
Chinese Debt*:

Foreign and Military Issues

US assistance to Israel:
US Sanctions on Iran:
Russia*:
China*:
Cuba*:
NATO:
EU:
US Operations in Afghanistan:
Spcl. Immigration & Transportation with Can. and Mex.:
US Support of Global Democracy:
US Mil. Intervention in General (except above field):

The parts that i didn't fill out I am majorly indifferent or not knowledgeable to answer.

[Dr. Jake]

Certainly very interesting views held by our members.

Personally, my political views change so much its ridiculous. It seems like I cross the line between libertarian and centrist daily.

What do you guys think about Public Education in the US and abroad? I, contrary to most libertarians, believe that we should have the right to basic High School education. However, I believe that private schools should have the right to operate as a business and not be allowed to accept government funding.

In fact, I think gov't handouts to corporations is just a breeding ground for corruption. I think it is unfair how Democrats get the "People's Crusaders against Corporations" when they are just as bad as Republicas when it comes to Lobbying and Corporate handouts.

Just saying.

*takes long breath and gets off soapbox*

[Apillis]

Social and Political Issues:

Abortion: Support
Gay Marriages/Civil Unions: Support, would be silly of me not to being recently married.
Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.): Support, of course.
Legal Gender Change: Depends to what and what for.
1st Amendment Rights: Support
2nd Amendment Rights: Support
10th Amendment (States') Rights: Support, under the clause so long what a State institutes doesn't attempt to supercede constitutional rights with their own "rights" and laws.
Patriotism: Support. To an extent. To quote Oscar Wilde, "Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.", it is good to be loyal to your country, but like anything taken to extremes it simply becomes another form of insanity. The US has seen plenty that already.
Federalism: Depends to what degree and for what.
Unitarianism (Unitary State): See federalism.
Current Political System: Support
Current Presidential Election Method: Electoral College needs to be removed, or if nothing else, different system in place. One more populace driven.
Affirmative Action: Support
Gender Equality: Support
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: Support
Other Recreational Drug Legalization: Depends on what.
Immigration*: Depends in what regard. My own mother was a French immigrant, so naturally I support immigration, but I've never heard of anyone who doesn't outside of severe xenophobics. So, what exactly is this part driving at in regards to immigration? Because the issues on immigration number in the many.

Economic Issues:

ObamaCare: Support. And I've been wondering for as long as I can remember why the US hasn't adopted it yet.
Social Welfare: Support. My mother was childern's therapist at a free mental health clinic, thus her clients were all quite poor, and as she used to say, "It's expensive to be poor.", sometimes people just need a helping hand.
Social Security: Support
Medicare and Medicaid: Support
Other Government Entitlements: Depends on what it is.
Progressive Taxation: Support
Flat Taxation: Against. Immensely.
Capital Gains: Depends to what degree.
Cap and Trade: Depends on the severity.
Other Gov't Action for Environment: Depends on what.
Socialism: Depends upon the degree. While the US is a capitalist economy, to deny that the US has utilized and enacted socialist programs to keep the country running for the past couple centuries is the summit of ignorance. So, again, it depends.
Capitalism: See Socialism.
Government Intervention (Safety/ Regulations): Support. Immensely. To not understand why or how products and industries need to be regulated is the difference between your water being able to be lit on fire, contaminants poisoning not just water but your food, and being stuck with crappily made products from certain other countries that prove hazardous to your health. If some want to risk it, fine, but no logic exists in allowing yours and your family's health being destroyed while claiming it's about "freedom". It simply makes no sense.
Government Intervention (General): Depends on what.
Debt Ceiling: We pay our bills like any responsible adult.
Chinese Debt*: See Debt Ceiling.

Foreign and Military Issues

US assistance to Israel: Support. To a degree.
US Sanctions on Iran: Support. To a degree.
Russia*: Depends on what about.
China*: Depends on what about.
Cuba*: Depends on what about.
NATO: Depends on what about.
EU: Depends on what about.
US Operations in Afghanistan: It needs to end. The sooner the better.
Spcl. Immigration & Transportation with Can. and Mex.: Depends. In general.
US Support of Global Democracy: Support
US Mil. Intervention in General (except above field): Depends on what, with whom, and to what degree.

[The Conman]

OK, Just prefacing this, I'm Canadian, so I don't know what the Amendments are, I'll either google 'em or skip 'em.

So far as my alignment, I'm considered centrist...in Canada ( Voted for NDP, Jack Layton, great man, check him out ). Given that our Conservative party is more liberal than your liberal party, that'd probably make me a liberal liberal. If that's a thing.

Point is, that I'm adding a not American spin to this here little survey thing.

Social and Political Issues:

Abortion: Support
Gay Marriages/Civil Unions: Support
Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.): Support
Legal Gender Change: Support
1st Amendment Rights: Derp
2nd Amendment Rights: Derp
10th Amendment (States') Rights: Derp
Patriotism: YAY HOCKEYLAND!
Federalism: What's a federalisim?
Unitarianism (Unitary State): Yes?
Current Political System: No?
Current Presidential Election Method: Lol, your election system is lebroke.
Affirmative Action: Affirmative?
Gender Equality: Support.
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: I'm Canadian.
Other Recreational Drug Legalization: Once again, Canadian.
Immigration*: Rocks. Gotta love dem chocolate women.

Economic Issues:

ObamaCare: Does he?
Social Welfare: Support.
Social Security: Is that military?
Medicare and Medicaid: Wat?
Other Government Entitlements: Wat?
Progressive Taxation: Support
Flat Taxation: Nope
Capital Gains: NOPE!
Cap and Trade: I'll trade you my cap, it says Bluejays on it though.
Other Gov't Action for Environment: Support.
Socialism: WELCOME TO CANADA!
Capitalism: THIS WHY AMERICA IS BROKEN! CAPITALIST PIG-DOGS!
Government Intervention (Safety/ Regulations): Take the warning labels off ALL the things!
Government Intervention (General): Support, generally.
Debt Ceiling: There's a ceiling? Where?
Chinese Debt*: Hah...you guys are so boned...

Foreign and Military Issues

US assistance to Israel: NOPE.
US Sanctions on Iran: NOPE. ( It's only hurting the people, not the president. The Average Jamal Q-Al'Pulik Is the guy getting the **** end of the stick. Nice going US and A, once again, you've managed to punish the people with nothing to actually do with the problem.
Russia*: SUPPORT! THEY PLAY BETTER HOCKEY THAN YOU!
China*: Ching-Chong-Ding-Dong. Also, They're cool too.
Cuba*: * lights Cuban cigar he bought downtown, while drinking a coke with genuine Cuban Rum in it, all of which was bought cheaply and easily. Is actually surfing iTravel2000 for Vacations to cuba, to which Air Canada flies ever day. *
NATO: * Checks date * Nope, it's not 1965 anymore, not necessary.
EU: One word, LOL
US Operations in Afghanistan: GTFO, NOW.
Spcl. Immigration & Transportation with Can. and Mex.: NAFTA...OH GOD MY ASS....WHY MULROONY...WHHHYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
US Support of Global Democracy: YOUR GONNA FREE THE **** OUTTA EVERYBODY! WEATHER THEY WANT IT OR NOT! AMERICA, F**K YEAH!
US Mil. Intervention in General (except above field):N-O-P-E STAY OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S BUSINESS....unless the UN tells you to go, then it's ok.

[Dr. Jake]

So...thoughts on the inconsistent, politically mindedesteemed, honorable gentlemen currently running for President?

In other news, the extremely complex and possibly unstable thing that is my mind has had a revolution and well...I'm a Democrat.

I've gone blue on issues like Environmentalism (though I still don't believe in Global Warming!) and Social Security (which I've always been for, but thought it should be said).

Clinton 2016.

Wait for it.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Many people become more liberal when their life experience is broadened.

As to the candidates, I think President Obama has a few flaws, but I'd be more worried about the results of voting in Governor Romney; I think both the Republican establishment and the tea party will do more harm than good, and in this case we have an establishment candidate who will be catering to the tea party Republicans for support.

As to global warming, I think it is real, but I think even if it isn't real and we address it, we lose nothing. While if it is real and we don't address it, we're in deep trouble.

[mephz]

Social and Political Issues:

Abortion: support
Gay Marriages/Civil Unions: support
Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.): support
Legal Gender Change: support
1st Amendment Rights: Mean nothing to me, not an American. Haven't read them and don't plan to.
2nd Amendment Rights: Mean nothing to me, not an American. Haven't read them and don't plan to.
10th Amendment (States') Rights: Mean nothing to me, not an American. Haven't read them and don't plan to.
Patriotism: it's stupid.
Federalism: Would not want to live in a country with federalism
Unitarianism (Unitary State): against?
Current Political System: Current political system where? In Iceland it's decent enough although I dislike how few options I have to choose between, then again people in America only have two real options when they vote...but I'm unhappy with 4.
Current Presidential Election Method: support, the president has little real "power" in Iceland though.
Affirmative Action: support
Gender Equality: support
Recreational Marijuana Legalization: support
Other Recreational Drug Legalization: support, if someone wants to kill himself with this stuff then it should be his or hers choice.
Immigration*: support

Stopped here, got bored. Plus many of the things were mostly America related anyway

[Aldar Natadare]

Aug 3, 2012 16:31:55 GMT -5 Dr. Jake said:

Clinton 2016.

Wait for it.

I would probably die of excitement, I like Obama and plan on voting for him, but I love Hillary so much

[Rugs]

Aug 3, 2012 16:31:55 GMT -5 Dr. Jake said:

So...thoughts on the inconsistent, politically mindedesteemed, honorable gentlemen currently running for President?

Allow me to pontificate and prognosticate...

Bams is alright. He's had a decent first term, especially considering the fact that the opposition party apparently doesn't believe in compromising, which makes it more or less impossible to really get anything done. Wish some things could've gone a bit further, but considering the circumstances, he's been fine.

Mittens, on the other hand.

I don't like Mittens. I've never liked him. I didn't like him in 2008. And it's not solely because I'm of a differing political persuasion than he is; there are a few respectable people on the other side that I think would make much better candidates for the Republican platform, like Jon Huntsman. However, the current frenzied state of the base makes any of them sniffing the nomination more or less impossible.

Problem with Mittens is he's a guy that wants to be president for the sake of being president. He doesn't stand for anything, and has a way of just saying what he thinks his base wants him to hear. It got him through the primaries, sure, but he was running against a field that was (mostly) a bunch of loons.

Of course, I almost feel bad for the GOP, since Mittens isn't exciting in the least and apparently doesn't have any real convictions of his own, or at least none that he's willing to run on. But that's what they wanted, so it's what they got.

Amusing thing is, he's got a very, very low chance of winning on Election Day. Unless the crisis in Europe blows up in the coming months and ruins our fragile economy, or some other unforeseen disaster or scandal breaks out, it's going to be very difficult for him to find an electoral path to the White House. I expect the popular vote to be reasonably close. However, when a candidate--in this case Mittens--needs almost every swing state to go to him on Election night, it's not likely they're gonna win. The fact that Bams only needs to win a few--in some cases one or two--of those states that are up for grabs means that, again, barring some unforeseen circumstance, that he'll be looking at a second term come Nov. 7th. Now, there are three months left until the election, and anything can happen in that time. But if things continues as they are, and especially if the economy follows the trend from the last few years of job growth troughing out in the summer and picking up steam for fall heading into the winter, then Romney's gonna have a long night.

There's also the fact that a lot of voters that vote for him won't be voting for him, but rather against Bams. That doesn't win elections. I've said several times before in other places, and will say again, Mittens is the GOP's John Kerry.

But watching him flail and flop around on the campaign trail is pretty funny. Sweet schadenfreude. But perhaps things will pick up after the conventions, when the real campaign starts.

[Dr. Jake]

My prediction is a reasonably close Obama victory. I agree, Mitt is boring and doesn't have the charm or energy the Obama Campaign has.

It is true. Obama's Administration has been rather mediocre, not bad, not good. My main turnoff (for both candidates) is their political nature. Obama switches positions every few months, but Romney does as well. That, and Romney's lack of real ideas besides "Take out ObamaCare." At least Obama has a general idea of what he wants to do...

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

I haven't seen Obama change positions. He hasn't been in a position to fulfill every single goal, but who can?

[Rugs]

All politicians do. Some more than others. Most recent thing I can think of his the gay marriage decision, but even the writing for that was on the wall and had been for a while for anyone paying attention. Now sometimes the politics of things might mean he can't do as he'd like, or has to take an alternative path, but he's been pretty consistent.

Mitt's in a league of his own on that.

[Dr. Jake]

Special interest groups happy = 2nd term

" " " " " " " " unhappy = 1 term Barrack

[Zarkan]

Social and Political Issues:

Abortion:None issue-My feeling is the debate is centered on what constitutes sentient life.
Gay Marriages/Civil Unions:Support
Misc. Gay Rights (Adoption, Mil. Service, etc.):Support
Legal Gender Change:Sure Why not
1st Amendment Rights:support
2nd Amendment Rights:support
10th Amendment (States') Rights:Oppose
Patriotism:support(within reason)
Federalism:support
Unitarianism (Unitary State):Support
Current Political System:Mostly function, prefer coalition governments and two vote systems.
Current Presidential Election Method:Mixed
Affirmative Action: Mostly support though a better system of arbitration is needed
Gender Equality:Support
Recreational Marijuana Legalization:Mixed - Don't really care one way or the other just wish it was consistent and had some scientific support.
Other Recreational Drug Legalization:see above.
Immigration*: Current System is utterly borked too time consuming and expensive. Needs to be streamlined for better use. Hunting down current illegals is a waste of time and resources, deport if cause trouble.

Economic Issues:

ObamaCare:Nominally Support
Social Welfare:Support
Social Security:Support in the sense that we need a system for it.
Medicare and Medicaid:support
Other Government Entitlements:mixed
Progressive Taxation:acceptable
Flat Taxation: Unconvinced of the pacticality
Capital Gains: need more research
Cap and Trade: oppose
Other Gov't Action for Environment: support
Socialism: Limited support
Capitalism: limited Support
Government Intervention (Safety/ Regulations):support
Government Intervention (General):mixed
Debt Ceiling: more problematic then advantages
Chinese Debt*: Same as any other

Foreign and Military Issues

US assistance to Israel:Oppose, israel is the cause of many of it's own problems and blanket Nato support as left them feeling confident in being a violent bully.
US Sanctions on Iran:support
Russia*:Support in goodwill, but cautiously.
China*:we should be using more of our clout to encourage and support the political reformist in their congress.
Cuba*: Need more info on Castro's successor
NATO: Support
EU: Support
US Operations in Afghanistan: Support
Spcl. Immigration & Transportation with Can. and Mex.: mixed, largely based on weather they uphold their portions of any agreement.
US Support of Global Democracy:Support, but we must be willing to accept outcomes that we may not like.
US Mil. Intervention in General (except above field):Support.