You can probably imagine that I've been pre-occupied with Yankee baseball, but I have done my civic duty and reviewed the debates. Actually, I watched the first debate (Miami) in its entirety. You can grab the audio torrents here.
The underlying theme of the first Kerry vs. Bush confrontation was the war on Iraq. Bush repeatedly accused Kerry of waffling on the issues. He accused Kerry of changing his position in support of the war effort. Bush claims that Iraq crisis called for swift and concise action, not unilateral allied support.
Kerry argued that the real enemy was not Iraq, but Osama Bin Laden. The film Fahrenheit 911, explains why Bin Laden is still at large.
Many questions come to mind regarding concise action and unilateral support. What is the appropriate response for an act of agression against America? How long should you wait before this action takes place? I remember when I served aboard the USS Stark, and she was attacked by an Iraqi Mig Fighter. Although we were stunned, and lost 37 shipmates, no swift action was taken against Iraq. During that time period, the US supported Iraq in their fight against Iran. In fact, the US attacked Iranian oil platforms that were alleged to have been responsible for laying mines in the Persian Gulf shipping lanes.
The actions of the US gov't are always based upon the perceived gain. How do we benefit from an occupied Iraq? You be the judge.
Really good. I would like to hear more about your service. I think people have to remember in this election this isn't about the next 4 years but the next 50 years. The Supreme Court has three judges likely retiring. Also, it's about the state of the economy. I really hope people will vote, encourage their families to vote and take some initiative to be informed and involved.
I'm considering sitting out this election or casting a mickey mouse ballot....This lesser of two evil voting pattern cannot continue in my opinion.
Our issues are not being addressed by either party.
Just this week it was reported that "Blacks were slowest to emerge from the economic downturn that started in 2000 and ended in late 2001." In spite of the fact that Kerry mentioned the 50% unemployment rate for Black men in NYC, what is his plan for Black America?...To fill the burgeoning Prison Industrial Complex?........
Center for Economic and Policy Report: http://www.cepr.net/publications/job_tenure_report.htm
S:
You might want to consider reading about the Libertarian Party. If you feel strongly about not voting, don't waste your vote. However, if you do not vote, you cannot in good conscience complain about the newly elected President.
Wow , that must have been a frightening experience. I had no idea. Reflecting back on some of my harrowing experiencies growing up in East NY/Brownsville, Brooklyn I believe to this day that the best response is taking swift, painful retaliatory action. Your adversary will think twice about attacking you if you make your response deadly. In my neighborhood gang we had to mercilessly kick a__ to be left alone. Showing weakness or indecisiveness encourages and emboldens your adversary. Harrasment and attacks grew increasingly worse unless the response was devastating.
This is also the pattern I observed throughout the 90's re: the 1st World Trade Center attack, the USS Cole, and many other attacks that occurred leading up to 9/11. The next one when, not if, it happens will be even more deadly, because we have given the impression of weakness and uncertainly, worrying about world opinion instead of using extreme deadly force to deal with people who believe suicide-murders are a ticket to paradise.
Watching the Russian school massacre was frightening to me as a mother. It has shifted my priorities from the economy to security. I've come to realize that today security and the economy are inextricably linked--another 9/11 style attack would send the economy into a downward spiral. How many of us would escape another recession?
S:
I think this issue trancends voting. Blacks have traditionally been the most affected by economic downturns. This will continue as long as we are employees and not employers; consumers and not capitalists. What are we doing to change that?! One of the few things we can do, we are failing miserably at--that is ensuring our children are adequately educated. As a former PTSO member, I got very frustrated at parents that do not get involved in the educational process, stay on top of their kids to do basic things.. like their homework; and others who let their kids drop out of high school and fail to instill discipline and respect in their children. This effectively limits their opportunities for many of them because they are not prepared to transition into the work force, much less become entreprenuers! It's diffcult for me to understand because when I was growing up, education was not an option; homework, and respect was absolutely mandatory. I had to earn everything I got.. no handouts! If you think these politicians are really going to give us anything of substance think again.
I believe many of our problems are self-inflicted; we have got to realign our prorities, start taking responsibility for our own future and stop looking for others to come up with a "plan".
RE: "If you feel strongly about not voting, don't waste your vote. However, if you do not vote, you cannot in good conscience complain about the newly elected President." AG
I disagree with that statement Bro. AG. Voting should not be a prerequisite necessary to make a complaint about the newly "selected" President. By consciously and selectively choosing to not vote, based on ones disatisfaction with both candidates, should not diminish my rights as a U.S. citizen. By the way, there are choices other than Bush and Kerry. Are you familiar with the write in ballot?
I'm totally in opposition to this notion of telling people to vote or don't complain. Voting should not be reduced to a mere hand exercise where we are required to choose between the lesser of both evils. If my critical issues are not being address, then no candidate deserves to get my precious vote. Personally, I believe Black America needs to leverage their voting power by threatening not to vote unless the Democrat Party meets our demands. They can't win without our support. We're taken for granted by the Democrat Party consistently. I respect the Republicans because at least they let us know off the back where they stand.
Char: I didn't know that you were so rugged and raw. Definitely, glad you're on my squad..
How does it go, 'From the ville never ran, never will' ;)