Why should Obama be reelected?

[AlBell]

Examples that don't involve keeping racial segregation or prayer in schools?

See my post #177.

I'd say the 60's protests for racial equality contained a fair number of right-wingers; religion is each person's decision, prayer in school less so.

Yet, freedom from religion is not necessarily an attack on religion as I suspect most r-w's would agree.

 

[DJW]

Then if the Democrats start playing the filibuster-everything game, the Republicans would probably invoke the "nuclear option" ending the obstructionism you seem to think everyone wants.

Honestly, Joe, I really don't think the "nuclear" option will ever be used. It would upset the apple cart much too much.

At one point in my life I would pick the better of the two weasels. Now, I see no difference between them. I know, I know, there's abortion rights, gun rights, immigration, etc...but, I see those issues as just a way to polarize the public mind. The black and white thinking keeps the incumbent in power by its very nature. Unless there's a real change in the way people think, there is no inertia available to push anything of substance through.

Perhaps I don't have the energy to care much beyond wanting incumbents voted out. Sure, there are major flaws to kicking the bastards out, but wouldn't a good house cleaning be fun to watch at the very least?

 

[RandFan]

What are the connections between Mormons and Masonry?

Joseph Smith was a mason and incorporated masonic rituals and iconography for Mormon temple rituals and symbolism.

 

[RandFan]

Hmmm. . what specifically do they swear? I can see them still invoking a render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's type of separationism.

I'm not saying that's the case but from my recollection no. There is no such seperation. I'll ask current members and/or look online.

 

[Travis]

Honestly, Joe, I really don't think the "nuclear" option will ever be used. It would upset the apple cart much too much.

At one point in my life I would pick the better of the two weasels. Now, I see no difference between them. I know, I know, there's abortion rights, gun rights, immigration, etc...but, I see those issues as just a way to polarize the public mind. The black and white thinking keeps the incumbent in power by its very nature. Unless there's a real change in the way people think, there is no inertia available to push anything of substance through.

Perhaps I don't have the energy to care much beyond wanting incumbents voted out. Sure, there are major flaws to kicking the bastards out, but wouldn't a good house cleaning be fun to watch at the very least?

The problem is that when Democrats lose they react by trying to become more like the Republicans. When Republicans lose they decide to double down on hate and cruelty.

 

[RandFan]

The problem is that when Democrats lose they react by trying to become more like the Republicans. When Republicans lose they decide to double down on hate and cruelty.

I agree with this. It's bizarre that they double down on things the general public doesn't even want.

 

[DJW]

The problem is that when Democrats lose they react by trying to become more like the Republicans. When Republicans lose they decide to double down on hate and cruelty.

Seems you've got a good load of hyperbole going on there, Travis.

I remember when...

(Can't believe how time flies)

...Dems controlled everything and failed, and Reps owned everything and failed. The best times had Newt and Bill pissing each other off.

 

[SezMe]

Progressives in congress and in administrations are as bad or worse than right-wingers on blocking things.

[Citation needed]

 

[respect]

What are the connections between Mormons and Masonry?

When the Mormons want to build a new temple they hire the Masons because they know a lot about right angles.

 

[DJW]

[Citation needed]

Is This what you were looking for or do you want something quantitating an actual difference?

 

[AlBell]

[Citation needed]

Read the papers, watch tv news, and think.

Keystone pipeline for example.

 

[citizenzen]

Read the papers, watch tv news, and think.

Or be prepared to provide sources when asked to back up one's assertions.

I think we're still waiting for you to do so.

 

[Travis]

Seems you've got a good load of hyperbole going on there, Travis.

I remember when...

(Can't believe how time flies)

...Dems controlled everything and failed, and Reps owned everything and failed. The best times had Newt and Bill pissing each other off.

And when the Republicans lost control did they become more liberal or did they just embrace the dark side?

 

[SezMe]

Is This what you were looking for or do you want something quantitating an actual difference?

I kinda prefer something more specific....like this:

As of December 2010, President Barack Obama has nominated one hundred five individuals for federal judgeships. The overwhelming majority of them have been filibustered,...

How many filibusters did the Dems initiate that got the Republicans all atwitter? From your source: TEN!

I'll tell you this. When it comes to power politics at the highest level, the Dems can't carry the Rep's jocks. The only thing they seem to have mastered is the ability to walk upright without a spine.

 

[DJW]

And when the Republicans lost control did they become more liberal or did they just embrace the dark side?

Oh, I think the dark side was embraced by both parties a LONG time ago. The Farce is strong with them.

 

[DJW]

I kinda prefer something more specific....like this:

Thanks for the link.

How many filibusters did the Dems initiate that got the Republicans all atwitter? From your source: TEN!

Sorry, I didn't accurately project the voice I wanted you to hear, which happens a lot to me. I was only being curious. I should have mentioned that.

I hadn't searched with a plan to compare any numbers one way or the other, but I do like your color choice.

I'll tell you this. When it comes to power politics at the highest level, the Dems can't carry the Rep's jocks. The only thing they seem to have mastered is the ability to walk upright without a spine.

Don't you think Boner...er...Boehner is about as spineless as they come?

Speaker Pelosi had a spine, didn't she?

I'm not trying to suggest that there isn't a dimes worth or difference between the two parties, but I don't see as much of a difference as some of you do. It sounds to me like you don't like the Democrats acting like politicians. I saw the same behavior by the Republicans when they took power and lost it or at least I heard similar reactions like yours from the more right minded folks. As I get further and further from my youthful exuberance, the lines really seem to blur.

 

[NoahFence]

Quick question...

Any ideas how rank-and-file repubs feel about the upcoming election? They have to know that there are literally zero candidates that can win, yet they still pump money and support into candidates that are about as abysmal as we've ever seen?

Must be frustrating. Like when I join a new game in Battlefield 3 and the team I'm on is getting throttled.

 

[JoeTheJuggler]

Honestly, Joe, I really don't think the "nuclear" option will ever be used. It would upset the apple cart much too much.

I agree with you that currently the threat of the "nuclear option" is not working as a deterrent. But the Senate procedural rules get changed pretty frequently. I can see the details of the current filibuster rules changing.

The House did away with the filibuster in 1842. So such big rule changes can happen. I think the Senate is supposed to be less populist, so giving the minority party there more tools makes sense in a way.

Frankly, the thought of a simple majority being able to impose their agenda on the country frightens me, even when I mostly agree with the current majority party.

At any rate, my point is still that the degree of obstructionism and spirit of uncooperation in Congress right now is nothing unprecedented historically.

We'll get through it.

 

[Ron_Tomkins]

The only other person I find as competent (if not more) than Obama is Hillary Clinton.

 

[AlBell]

...

Any ideas how rank-and-file repubs feel about the upcoming election? They have to know that there are literally zero candidates that can win,

They don't agree with that assessment.

yet they still pump money and support into candidates that are about as abysmal as we've ever seen?

ODS is strong in many.

Must be frustrating. Like when I join a new game in Battlefield 3 and the team I'm on is getting throttled.

If you say so.