What is the most important issue, facing the 08' election? Options

[kimmytree]

With so much going on right now, this next election is going to be extremely crucial.

For you, what is the most important issue that needs change? (The War in Iraq, the economy, abortion, civil rights, medical care, restoring our respect from the rest of the world, etc)?

Discuss.

[sadolakced acid]

Money.

whoever raises the most money will win.

[kimmytree]

^ Well yeah, probably. But what do you think is the most important issue, which will be a deciding factor for who you vote for?

[illriginal]

The one issue I have a problem with, is electronic voting.
And I agree with some of the posts above.

[*kryogenix*]

Abortion. I will not contribute one vote to the slaughter of babies.

In addition, The SCOTUS justices that rumored to be retiring are pro choice. The recent PBA Ban shows that the current court is pro life leaning, but a few more justices wouldn't hurt.

[kimmytree]

For me, it's probably the way we're handling our international affairs. I dont think we should be in Iraq, and I feel like Bush has hurt our reputation as a country. We were so much more respected when Clinton was in office.

Also, the Environment is a big issue for me... just not as big as the war. Whether Global Warming exists or not, we need to cut down on our oil consumption. Not just for the Environment, but so we wont be so dependent on countries that we dont exactly get along with.

[illriginal]

For me, it's probably the way we're handling our international affairs. I dont think we should be in Iraq, and I feel like Bush has hurt our reputation as a country. We were so much more respected when Clinton was in office.

Also, the Environment is a big issue for me... just not as big as the war. Whether Global Warming exists or not, we need to cut down on our oil consumption. Not just for the Environment, but so we wont be so dependent on countries that we dont exactly get along with.

Everywhere Bush has went (internationally) he's had protesters in the tens to hundreds of thousands. I'm glad the world hates him. He's a f'n devil.

[kimmytree]

^ That's for sure - but he's bringing us down along with him. Most of the world not only hates him, but us too. We're the retards who elected him into office, TWICE.

[uninspiredfae]

Money.

whoever raises the most money will win.

For the first time in a long time, I agree with you.


The world hated Americans way before this Bush stepped into office. If that's an excuse to hate him... well, it's not much of an excuse. You're deluding yourself if you think Clinton made it any better. Not that I have a problem with Clinton (I liked him a lot more than Bush).

I'm one of the "retards" that voted for him. TWICE. I don't feel much like a 'tard though, thank you very much.

[tr1pp1n]

obama plz

[kimmytree]

^

For the first time in a long time, I agree with you.


The world hated Americans way before this Bush stepped into office. If that's an excuse to hate him... well, it's not much of an excuse. You're deluding yourself if you think Clinton made it any better. Not that I have a problem with Clinton (I liked him).

I'm one of the "retards" that voted for him. TWICE. I don't feel much like a 'tard though, thank you very much.

Yes, somewhat. But we're hated much more than we were before, mostly due to the way we've handled things (terrorism, Iraq, the UN, etc).

I meant that THEY (most of the world) thinks whoever voted him in is a retard, not me. People can vote for whoever they want.

[illriginal]

^ That's for sure - but he's bringing us down along with him. Most of the world not only hates him, but us too. We're the retards who elected him into office, TWICE.

More like a program re-elected Bush. That's why I don't want electronic voting. I don't trust it at all. Anyone can program a computer to do anything within the computer itself.

[uninspiredfae]

Here's a cheap graphic chronology that may resolve your quandary.

| /
| _/\_/
| _/
|--/
|-------------

Or something to that effect. My point is, it (level of American hatred) is going to get worse and worse because history shows that it has been getting worse and worse, no matter who's in office.

(That was supposed to be an incline but cB doesn't do spaces and symbols I guess)

[kimmytree]

^ What? Things get worse, but then they get better. Think about what happened after the Depression, WW2, Vietnam, etc.

[xKatt]

With so much going on right now, this next election is going to be extremely crucial.

For you, what is the most important issue that needs change? (The War in Iraq, the economy, abortion, civil rights, medical care, restoring our respect from the rest of the world, etc)?

Discuss.

The troops need to be withdrawn from Iraq and we need to stop wasting the damn social security, time, energy and lives of our people.

[*karmakiller*]

The war and Healthcare.

[uninspiredfae]

^ What? Things get worse, but then they get better. Think about what happened after the Depression, WW2, Vietnam, etc.

Are you kidding me? Do you not see that the level of animosity towards Americans gradually increased over the years? It's been on the rise for decades before even Bush senior. It may improve a short time, but it gets twice as worse after the fact and we're right back on the incline.

My stock portfolio could use some of this constant increase.

You might be asking why...(about the increase hate, not my stock options because I'm not going into that teehee). All you have to do is ask why do the rest of the world hate us. It's more than one reason. Polls will tell you that people hate our way of life, our freedom and how we don't appreciate what we have. They'll tell you that people don't like our military and economic power. Our history of warfare, our patriotism, and even OBESITY gives them reason to hate. So many reasons aside from the President alone. When I was in Vietnam recently, a lady sneered at me and said something that can be translated along the lines of "Fat American". I assure you, at 5'4 and always under 135lbs, I'm very average, not fat.

I'm not saying that Bush didn't have anything to do with this, because he certainly made this certain situation that much worse, but don't blame everything on the poor man. We have a lot to do with it on our own.

[*ersatz*]

Really, you voted for Bush? Pardon me of my surprisement.

Anywho, I think foreign policy and social issues will be the biggest, but it's really whoever presents the most logically sound solutions to present problems, whoever can provide answers to the questions.

[uninspiredfae]

I told everyone I would the first time around. Now, I'm all for the money.

[sadolakced acid]

politics is unfortunately an industry now.

And frankly, I'm tired of it. Sure, the new republicans are a bit more dirty in their money games, but the democrats aren't much better.

Which is why I joined unity 08. They have very little chance of winning, but at least they might effect some sort of change in the system.

[illriginal]

politics is unfortunately an industry now.

And frankly, I'm tired of it. Sure, the new republicans are a bit more dirty in their money games, but the democrats aren't much better.

Which is why I joined unity 08. They have very little chance of winning, but at least they might effect some sort of change in the system.

I never disagreed with socialism, that for sure :D

SOCIALISM FTW!!

[kimmytree]

Are you kidding me? Do you not see that the level of animosity towards Americans gradually increased over the years? It's been on the rise for decades before even Bush senior. It may improve a short time, but it gets twice as worse after the fact and we're right back on the incline.

My stock portfolio could use some of this constant increase.

You might be asking why...(about the increase hate, not my stock options because I'm not going into that teehee). All you have to do is ask why do the rest of the world hate us. It's more than one reason. Polls will tell you that people hate our way of life, our freedom and how we don't appreciate what we have. They'll tell you that people don't like our military and economic power. Our history of warfare, our patriotism, and even OBESITY gives them reason to hate. So many reasons aside from the President alone. When I was in Vietnam recently, a lady sneered at me and said something that can be translated along the lines of "Fat American". I assure you, at 5'4 and always under 135lbs, I'm very average, not fat.

I'm not saying that Bush didn't have anything to do with this, because he certainly made this certain situation that much worse, but don't blame everything on the poor man. We have a lot to do with it on our own.

That's true. But I dont think countries similar to ours (such as ones in Europe) actually HATE us for things like that. Countries like Iran do though.

But still, after what Bush has done, we're definitely hated now.

[*Flair*]

I'm not American so I don't really know much.

But still, after what Bush has done, we're definitely hated now.

I agree. Bush has given America a really bad image. In Europe, Belgium to be exact, America is percieved to be a controlling nation and that my friend, isn't a good thing.

[illriginal]

That's true. But I dont think countries similar to ours (such as ones in Europe) actually HATE us for things like that. Countries like Iran do though.

But still, after what Bush has done, we're definitely hated now.

What? Wait... huh? HA!

Even Canadians, Australians, and Hawaiians HATE our existence.

I'm not American so I don't really know much.
I agree. Bush has given America a really bad image. In Europe, Belgium to be exact, America is percieved to be a controlling nation and that my friend, isn't a good thing.

Ahhh now I understand why Europeans either say, we're controlled by a Nazi party. Or why we're controlled by a Jewish communist state. Without it being visually obvious.

But who knows? Right?

[kimmytree]

^ Well, they obviously hate Bush, but I dont think they hate us, as in you and I. At least that's what my relatives over in Germany claim.

[*Flair*]

^ There are actually people who hate Americans in general. Years ago, I was harrassed because they thought I was American.

[kimmytree]

^ But actually "hate" hate? Hate's kind of a strong word. I dont think the average European hates the average American. They highly dislike us. Ahh nvm you're right, same thing.

I've been to Italy, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic... and not once has someone treated me unkindly for being an American. But when I was in Germany on a school trip, at a restaurant at the top of the Zugspitz... I was paying for my food, while one of my friends was getting a a fountain drink. The dang cashier nearly jumped over the counter and had a cow when she saw him taste his drink, and then fill it back up.

... So I frantically ran away with my food, forgetting to take my change (like $15 Euros). [/rambling]

[*Flair*]

Of course, we don't hate you in general, we just dislike you. Note: we doesn't include me (don't ask, haha). But there are people who hate you, I've met some. Like I said, I was harrassed ... bad experience.

[illriginal]

^ Well, they obviously hate Bush, but I dont think they hate us, as in you and I. At least that's what my relatives over in Germany claim.

Hm... possibly. I can't really generalize a whole region. Some people love us, some people hate us. I guess that's my best answer to that :P

[uninspiredfae]

Here's a close to home example to drive this... home. Let's say we have a racist on our hands and we ask him "Do you hate Blacks, Asians, Hispanics? Or do you hate that one Black kid over there?" What do you think his answer is going to be? "I hate that one Black kid because he's Black, but I don't hate other Blacks"? No, his answer isn't going to individualize you, it's going to generalize you.

Also, haven't you heard the phrase "Those damn Americans"? They're not hating you or me individually, they hate Americans in general! When researchers and statisticians run polls, they don't put your name on the ballot, they put "American" on it, and if you're American... well, you gotta deal with that.

There's a bigger picture here. It sucks, but it's true.

[kimmytree]

^ But people hate Americans in a different way, compared to Bush. Most people would love to kill him, but I dont think the average person (from Europe and places like that) would want to kill one of us. It's a different kind of hate.

Like I hate a couple of people I used to be friends with... but I also hate Bush and his administration. It's a different kind of hate. They're guilty of two completely different things.

[*kryogenix*]

^ But people hate Americans in a different way, compared to Bush. Most people would love to kill him, but I dont think the average person (from Europe and places like that) would want to kill one of us. It's a different kind of hate.

ROFL Bush trip to Albania, they loved him

[illriginal]

^ But people hate Americans in a different way, compared to Bush. Most people would love to kill him, but I dont think the average person (from Europe and places like that) would want to kill one of us. It's a different kind of hate.

Like I hate a couple of people I used to be friends with... but I also hate Bush and his administration. It's a different kind of hate. They're guilty of two completely different things.

No offense but you've been too sheltered or something. Or maybe you just love this country so much that your pride blinds you.

Again, not trying to make personal attacks, just sayin.

[kimmytree]

No offense but you've been too sheltered or something. Or maybe you just love this country so much that your pride blinds you.

Again, not trying to make personal attacks, just sayin.

What makes you think I've been sheltered? My dad was born and raised in Germany, so I definitely havent been raised with the mindset that we're as great as we think we are.

And actually, I almost hate what our country has become.

[kimmytree]

ROFL Bush trip to Albania, they loved him

Ohh noooo, Albanians. What a difference that makes.

[illriginal]

What makes you think I've been sheltered? My dad was born and raised in Germany, so I definitely havent been raised with the mindset that we're as great as we think we are.

And actually, I almost hate what our country has become.

I dunno it seems like you don't know what's goin on in the real world and you're being spoon fed by your family.

And I agree with you, except I HATE what our country has become. And I wish God would step in and wipe away the corruption and filth this country has become.

I have lost my pride for this country.


Again, not tryin to diss you. Just wanna make that clear.

[kimmytree]

I dunno it seems like you don't know what's goin on in the real world and you're being spoon fed by your family.

And I agree with you, except I HATE what our country has become. And I wish God would step in and wipe away the corruption and filth this country has become.

I have lost my pride for this country.


Again, not tryin to diss you. Just wanna make that clear.

You're right in a sense - I am very sheltered. But not from what goes on in the world. I watch the news (such as MSNBC and CNN) on a daily basis, and I consider myself to be very informed - compared to most 17 year olds. What have I said that makes you think I dont know what goes on in the real world? I'm confused.

Same here - I'm just always afraid that by saying that, people will think that I'm anti America. But that's definitely not the case. I've gotten to the point where if a Democrat doesnt win this next election, I'd be tempted to move to Germany or Canada. There's no way I can handle another four years of having Republicans in office.

Oh - I know. It's okay.

[sadolakced acid]

i don't think albanians love bush as much as they love america.

I believe it was US's intevention in the ethnic cleansing of Albanians in Kosovo that they are thankful for.

And if i'm not mistaken, Clinton was criticized for it.

[uninspiredfae]

That's true. But I dont think countries similar to ours (such as ones in Europe) actually HATE us for things like that. Countries like Iran do though.

But still, after what Bush has done, we're definitely hated now.

The world definitely hated Americans before Bush, but yes, he's made it worse, but I'm not surprised. I guaratee you that long after Bush, we'll still be on the incline.

I'm sorry to break the news, but Bush is representative of America even if people in both blue (and red states) don't agree (anymore). He represents the fact that Americans put him there in the first place. If anything, the world hates Americans for voting Bush. TWICE.

Haha. Someone on cB... um, Sandra (is she still around guys?)! She said she was almost attacked for just knowing to speak English by two guys from who knows where (I don't remember anymore) in England (or was it France?). They thought she was American, and she wasn't.

There is a different kind of hate at work here! I agree! The kind that people hate us individually as a person, and the kind that people hate us generally as a nation, as I've said.

[*Flair*]

As a European, let me tell you this: We do not like you Americans.
Now, I'm not saying that every European hates Americans, no, not at all but in general, we consider you to be brats.
In history class whenever the word 'America' comes up, you hear insults like 'bastards, son of a bitch' ... I am not lying.

We refer to you guys as Americans even if we know your name. Even I do it.

You're not liked. At all.

Fae, that's me. Haha! I'm Sandra and it was in Belgium.

EDIT//Salut Fae!! Your memory is outstanding, haha.

[uninspiredfae]

Salut ma chère!

Hey, at least you're honest... and at least I remember that you told the story!

[illriginal]

What have I said that makes you think I dont know what goes on in the real world? I'm confused.

I've gotten to the point where if a Democrat doesnt win this next election, I'd be tempted to move to Germany or Canada. There's no way I can handle another four years of having Republicans in office.

Oh - I know. It's okay.

You were saying that not all of the world especially countries that are similar to the U.S. such as Europe hates the U.S. and it's people.

But in reality, our country, our leaders, almost every aspect of our existence gets slammed. Such as Bush, the most hated man in the world right about now. Our Educational System gets laughed at by almost everyone, I'm surprised Ethiopians haven't slammed it from my witnessing (just kiddin). And as stated before, we're known to be arrogant, ignorant, lil whiny spoiled brats.


And I'm in the same ship as you, in fact, I can't trust our next politician. It seems as if they found a loop hole on how to make money off of us like some fascist nation we already are. I'm planning to leave the main land, and move to Hawaii (Kauai), if not I'm thinkin of moving to Iceland.

I need to escape this American society, everyone seems like programmed robots who don't give a damn about their future, humanity, nor our leaders and our future leaders. And there's no better place than a tropical/colorful quiet Island out in the wild and 30 miles away from civilization/cities

[kimmytree]

You were saying that not all of the world especially countries that are similar to the U.S. such as Europe hates the U.S. and it's people.

But in reality, our country, our leaders, almost every aspect of our existence gets slammed. Such as Bush, the most hated man in the world right about now. Our Educational System gets laughed at by almost everyone, I'm surprised Ethiopians haven't slammed it from my witnessing (just kiddin). And as stated before, we're known to be arrogant, ignorant, lil whiny spoiled brats.


And I'm in the same ship as you, in fact, I can't trust our next politician. It seems as if they found a loop hole on how to make money off of us like some fascist nation we already are. I'm planning to leave the main land, and move to Hawaii (Kauai), if not I'm thinkin of moving to Iceland.

I need to escape this American society, everyone seems like programmed robots who don't give a damn about their future, humanity, nor our leaders and our future leaders. And there's no better place than a tropical/colorful quiet Island out in the wild and 30 miles away from civilization/cities

I'm fully aware of why they dont like us, and that Bush is one of the, if not THE most hated leader in the world. I just dont think the average European hates American citizens the same way they hate our president.

I agree. Who would've thought things would ever get this bad. If it wasnt for my family being here, I'd leave America in a heart beat. In a way though, that makes me really sad, considering I've had family here since the early 1700's. I love what our country used to be, but I hate what it's become. I know alot of people think that's being anti-America, but it's not. My Dad's a German citizen, so it would be very easy for us to re-locate. And we all have passports, so if things ever get really bad here all of a sudden, we can jump up and leave, and not have to worry about getting a visa or anything like that. I hate to imagine our country coming to that point - but I wouldnt be surprised at all if it did.

[*Flair*]

The average European doesn't hate you. I'm not saying that Europe is a dangerous place for Americans, not at all. My point is - there are people who actually hate you.

Come to think of it, I believe that it's become a normal thing to say 'oh, f-ck Americans, I hate them all' without actually meaning any of it.
By the way, most of the Europeans I say hate you are Muslims. I was attacked by Muslims, actually ... I think most Arabs hate Americans with a passion.

[kimmytree]

^ That's what I was trying to get across all along.
But yeah, there are some who actually do.

Really? Muslims? I've always figured that most of the ones that do hate us are just norman Europeans. Besides Britian, I wasnt aware that Western Europe had that many Muslims.

[*Flair*]

Most of the Muslims in Belgium are immigrants. 90 % of the students in my school is Muslim.

[uninspiredfae]

Maybe "hate" is the wrong word. Let's say "animosity" instead and that covers everybody. And we'll still have an incline.

[retaliate]

I'm going to have to say changing our foreign policy, is at the top of my list.