Obama's NCAA Bracket and Jay Leno Appearance

1. 56

   NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keMBascrkm0
   
   People gave Bush sht about tap dancing in front of the White House while we were in Iraq.  Obama spending this much time on his bracket and coming out on tv to discuss it is not appropriate nor presidential in my opinion.  I consider myself a big sportsfan and Obama knows wayyyy too much about this season and the matchups for his own good.  He has it down to what team has been playing hot and who had what injuries and when.  In addition, apparently he's making an appearance on the Jay Leno Show tonight.  I don't remember any presidents going on late night talk shows during their presidency.  It's cool to show you are human and do things that common folk can, but this is a little too much in my opinion, especially for what's going on now

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2. 92

   gamergirlposted 16 years ago

   God Forbid our President have time for a hobby.

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3. 0

   Leta Sposted 16 years ago

   Obama is cool and way smart and can get away with it.
   
   Bush tap dancing in front of the white house or that clip I saw of him on Late Night banging on native drums just highlight what an inane outa touch sadly geek white guy he is.

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4. 56

   NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

   no one said that a president is not allowed to have a hobby.  i just don't think it's appropriate to go into a studio to film a segment called "Barack-Etology" and then air it on tv while we are in an economic crisis.  also it's not very presidential to go on the Jay Leno show as a president for laughs or to pitch whatever he is trying to pitch.  there is a reason no other president has done this before...because it's not in good taste

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5. 0

   Leta Sposted 16 years ago

   Good taste is all a matter of what one can pull off successfully.  And I have no doubt Obama will pull it off successfully.
   
   You mean, New Republican, that your favorite Republican presidents have not done anything like this.  Generally, because they lack the cool needed.  lol.  Sorry, but it is true....
   
   Obama's strategists are extremely intelligent and are the same ones responsible for his win in November.  I believe they are using this moment to spread some populist good will.

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6. 56

   Pestposted 16 years ago

   Jay Leno is a big joke though...funny guy he is...not.

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7. 56

   NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

   as far as i know, no democratic president has come on a talk show during their presidency. correct me if i'm wrong.  and who cares if a president is cool?  i rather he do his job than "be cool." this isn't elementary school.  perhaps he should stop wearing suits and try a leather jacket and be like fonzie.  i don't want my president sitting in the same seat that lindsay lohan sits in.

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8. 56

   NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

   oh and why bring up specifically Republican presidents as being "uncool." when did this become partisan.  just because my screen name is newrepublican you feel the need to attack the party out of no where?  looks like you have a chip on your shoulder.

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      RKHenryposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      Appears like you were looking for an argument.  You are not interested in what people have to say.  You are just interested in bashing people and making accusations.  Are you having troubles at home?  Seriously, whats your deal?

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   2. 0

      Leta Sposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, no.  Not "the chip on your shoulder" thing again....  (Was this really supposed to be a serious post?  How uncool, lol.)
      
      Because the partisan tone is just obvious.  And because Clinton already sat in that chair--and I think discussed boxers or briefs and played a sax...  Because Marilyn sang happy B-day for the Kennedys (also 'cool' guys). 
      
      It's just a fact that Dems are cooler than Repugs.  And cool can mean many things--as in cool-headed, graceful, handles all situations with ease, naturally allowing for almost anything to be in good taste because of this very specific skill.

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9. 56

   NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

   i am looking for constructive feedback.  if you wish to add a negative connotation to it by calling it an "argument" then so be it.  and how am i bashing people?  speaking of accusations...no i am not having "problems at home."  i forgot, it's taboo to make criticism of obama.  thanks for reminding me

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      RKHenryposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      Criticize him all you want.  But get off Lita's ass.  You appear to have a problem with her.  If you're not an angry person, why are you attacking Lita and making accusations that tend to make people that your sole intention is to bash fellow posters?   Your attitude sucks.

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         NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

         how am i "on lita's ass." and how do i have a problem with her.  you got issues buddy.

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10. 92

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    Obama is making history.  He is doing things to connect with the American people that no other President has made time to do.  Being on the Jay Leno show is one of these things - and the publicity in a tone of light-heartedness and comedy should be seen for what it is - an attempt to reach out to more people, to raise morale through laughter and smiles.
    
    If the President wants to take, in the scheme of things, a short time away from the grueling duties of babysitting geriatric Senators and Congressmen, then who are you to tell him no?
    
    We are in an economic downturn, not a prison camp.  I'm quite sure that the needs of the country ARE on our Commander in Chief's mind, but it's insane to think that he should not be allowed personal time when most of his day is spent dealing with the thousands upon thousands of issues, requests, demands on his time and attention that simply being the President entails.

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       RKHenryposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       An economical downturn caused by a dim witted Republican.

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       NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       thank you gamergirl.  although i disagree with you, i appreciate a constructive response unlike the other responses i have received.
       
       
       

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11. 0

    Leta Sposted 16 years ago

    RK, no worries!  I can handle it.  Mildly entertaining, even.  Thanks, tho. 

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    1. 63

       RKHenryposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       This person is crazy rude.  They are out there.

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          Pestposted 16 years agoin reply to this

          Always someone every night being craysee.

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12. 56

    NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

    i'm well aware of other candidates for president and ex-presidents doing it.  i watched bill clinton play the sax on the arsenio hall show.  if you read my initial post for what it was and not read what you wanted to into it, it stated "during their presidency."  so please find me an example of that.
    
    my partisan tone is obvious? if you look at my other posts i have criticized bush.  i didn't think tapdancing in front of the whitehouse was presidential.  all i'm saying is that obama should be allowed to be criticized like all other presidents.  somehow the conversation turned into republicans being "uncool."

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    1. 0

       Leta Sposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       I have no idea how many news reports I read describing Obama as "cool."  I imagine you have heard this as well?
       
       And I'll watch Leno tonight (we thought it was yesterday actually) and I very seriously doubt Obama will in any way come off as 'unpresidential.'  Like I say, he simply has a sort of natural grace and was looking presidential from the first debates with McCain (who looked VERY unpresidential).
       
       And I, as a partisan democrat, have a right to my opinion that Republicans are generally uncool.  Take issue and criticize Obama if you want--it won't come off and doesn't come off as valid--at least, I don't think it does.

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       1. 56

          NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

          yes, trust me i have heard many times the media calling Obama cool, i think thats pretty much all they have to say about him.  in fact, i have seen a skit on saturday night live about Obama as Mr. Cool. the example i wanted you to give me referred to how no presidents who was currently in office (democrat or republican) have gone on late night talk shows. i was asking you to find me an instance of one who did. 
          
          and i thought reagan was pretty cool .

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13. 56

    NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

    looks like there is only one person making personal attacks here.   they are out there...

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14. 92

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    If I may ask, what is it that you disagree about?
    
    Should the President be chained to the chair in the oval office until greedy CEOs stop taking bonuses out of the trillions of dollars funneled to them to save their poor business practices?  Is he to be under White House arrest until people rely less on credit (aka money they do not have) and more on living within their means and acquiring goods based on the money they DO have?
    
    There are so many reasons our economy is in the shape it is in, and if you simplify it, the reasons can be tracked to a few very easy to understand concepts:
    
    Dishonesty
    Irresponsibility
    Lack of Self Control
    
    You began this thread speaking out because the President has a favorite sport that he devotes what attention he can to learning.  Before he is President, before he is husband, father, friend or colleague, Barack Obama is just a person.  A well spoken, well advised, charming person who likes basketball enough to pay attention to it.  As far as I've seen, it's not caused him to stall on the tasks at hand, so what is the issue, really?

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    1. 56

       NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       I don't think the President should be "chained to the chair in the oval office."  I actually think Obama having hobbies is "cool."  Again, I don't mind him playing basketball or making a bracket.  You need those things to release.  My issue is his going into a studio and making a "tv special" called "Barack-etology."  I don't think that was necessary.  That's totally different than making a bracket for fun with your buddies.

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15. 0

    Leta Sposted 16 years ago

    NR-
    Yeah, so what? (This is, btw, exactly what I mean about a conservative tone). Imagine there was a first time a president flew in an airplane, too.  First time they used internet for campaigning (Obama using it successfully--being cool, lol), while McCain couldn't figure out how to use the computer buttons.   
    
    Let's face it, Dems got you all on the 'cool' factor.  You have some serious reconfiguring to do.
    
    And Reagan (what is it with that guy--he's your hero) wasn't cool in my book--just sappy.  Eck.

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16. 77

    JamaGeneeposted 16 years ago

    NewRepublican, just for the heck of it, I'm throwing in here that tonight's Leno show with Obama hasn't aired yet, so why don't you watch it *before* you start trashing our COOL prez?
    
    JamaGenee

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    1. 56

       NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       it doesn't matter what he says on the show.  the fact that a president in office is going on a late night talk show where people like lindsay lohan go on is per se not presidential in my opinion.  there is a reason no president while in office (democrat nor republican) have done so. if he feels that this is a good forum for him to connect to people, then that is his decision.  however, i do not agree with it as i did not agree with bush tapdancing in front of the white house.

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17. 56

    NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

    ok if you want to make this partisan so be it.  first off, i don't judge a president's qualification on whether he is "cool" or not.  if you want to say democrats are "cooler" then you are welcome to that claim.  if it makes you feel better then i am happy for you.  democrats can have that title. 
    
    to compare the firsts of going on a plane or internet to going on to a late night talk show is a bad analogy.  going on a plane doesn't have a serious/non serious connotation about it.  and again, i see you felt the need to take an unnecessary shot at republicans with the internet comment which is unrelated to the post.  if it will make your day for this republican to admit that we need to embrace the internet, then yes we do and i feel that we are doing so with more republicans signed up to twitter than democrats.  again remember it is you who is unilaterally attacking republicans with off hand remarks, but go ahead, but remember what you are doing.

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    1. 0

       Leta Sposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       OMG, it is partisan.  That is so obvious.  And we happily accept the cool factor, , which can indeed be a qualification and is.
       
       Conversations, lol, go around topics all the the time, as I am sure you are well aware.  I cannot say the use of the internet or whatever by Republicans and having you admit that will 'make my day,' but whatever.  It IS a fantastic point, though.
       
       And, no--partisan or no partisan opinion--  I do not take issue with Obama going on Leno.  In my eyes, he has handled everything I have thus seen in a presidential manner.  The plane analogy has to do with the 'embracement,' lol, of progress, or use of sometimes alternative means (at least from a conservative viewpoint) for political or whatever aim.  Which conservatives by their very nature are not often want to do--  (Therefore, the analogy is valid.)
       
       I sure hope I did not make a Republican cry today. 

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          NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

          the analogy is invalid.  who is to say going on a late night talk show with lindsay lohan is progress. 
          
          republicans don't cry.  soft hearted liberals do when little little iraqi children die.

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             Leta Sposted 16 years agoin reply to this

             Use of alternative means.  Get it?  Use of any progressive means.  Anathema to a tradition bound conservative.  Try as you will, you cannot remake that.
             
             I'm afraid the Iraqi children reference is lost on me.  What is your intention there?

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18. 92

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    ANYONE should become upset when innocent children are slaughtered.
    
    Shame on you.

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19. 56

    NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

    part of war. impossible to avoid totally.

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    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    
    
    Republicans cry.

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       NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       I didn't know he was a Republican.

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21. 92

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    ((I was trying to be funny, because he's a total nut and I honestly wouldn't claim him as part of my crew if I were a Democrat.))

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22. 56

    NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

    "See, Barack's been, ahh, talking down to black people on this faith-based... I want to cut his nuts out." - Jesse Jackson

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23. 92

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    Yeah, that kind of crazy.
    
    But seriously, you never answered my prior post in truth - Why do Mr. Obama's extracurricular activites upset you?  He's not out doing coke or getting sloshed, he's going to be on Jay Leno and break new ground.  He's boldly going where no aging Presidential dude has gone before - thank Alfredo he's not going on Conan!
    
    Ramen!

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       NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       first of all, conan is the man. conan > leno. =P  but again like i said, his extracurricular activities do not bother me.  he can make his bracket.  he can play basketball.  that is healthy and necessary to maintain sanity. 
       however, i personally feel that its harder to take a president seriously when he makes tv show specials like baracketology and goes on late night talk shows.  why stop there, why not make a guest appearance on Heroes?  to me it's less of a matter of what he does with his time, it's a matter of being professional or presidential to me.  when i go to a job interview, i could go in a hawaiin shirt and sandals or i could go in a nice suit.  does it change who i am internally? no.  but at the same time is it appropriate?

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    NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

    you obviously have a chip on your shoulder.  i suppose as soon as you see a republican or anyone with an alternative view you want to attack them personally or color a party a certain way rather than argue on the merits.  that will not get you far.  my statement about iraqi children was immature but it was in response to an equally immature response of "i sure hope i didn't make a republican cry."   i regret saying it and stooping to your level.  you should learn from obama and be mature and cool.

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    1. 0

       Leta Sposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       This chip on the shoulder again!
       
       I think Obama has a sense of humor, tho (hence the Leno appearance).  And, oh, absolutely I attack all the Republicans I can find when I see them (which would be the majority where I live--can you see it?).
       
       And have you lost the ability to capitalize your sentences?
       
       And for what it is worth--I really sincerely oh so hope I didn't make a Republican cry....

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          NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

          go ahead attack republicans whenever you see them.  i hope this brings america together and allows us to move forward.

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25. 0

    Leta Sposted 16 years ago

    Because it is non-presidential, Gamer Girl.  Not befitting of the traditional office of president that we so esteem...or some such stuff.

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    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    Well, if the only socially taboo thing Obama does in the next 3 years 9 months he's got left in office is make appearances on comedy talk shows, I think we'll be good to go.

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       NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       yes if that's the only taboo thing he does i think i can live with that.  it's better than cheating on your wife by getting oral sex in the oval office!

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    Leta Sposted 16 years ago

    Oh!  Only some Republicans.  Some are not that fun to attack, you know.  Especially when they are your boss or something.  Could be problematic.
    
    Seriously, have you lost the ability to capitalize sentences?  That's really bad.
    
    Obama will bring us ALL together on Leno tonight.

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       NewRepublicanposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       i don't mind if you attack republicans with valid arguments based on the merits.  in fact, that should be done to have an exchange of ideas.  but as soon as you start attacking republicans or the republican party personally then i have an issue with it.  what good does that do in helping people and parties to get along and progress?  to me it just moves things backwards and gets nothing accomplished.
       
       i dont capitalize sentences in message boards just like when i wear sweat pants while i'm at home after wearing a suit at work.

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28. 0

    Leta Sposted 16 years ago

    Oh, yeah!  You were the one, I think (if I remember) who doesn't like Rush Limbaugh, right?  Limbaugh who very much attacks liberals of any persuasion.
    
    I'd argue that satire is often part of politics, which I'm sure you are aware.
    
    Again--I am absolutely sure that Obama will not embarrass the tradition and office of president.  So other than that, what are you concerned with here other than partisanship?

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29. 56

    NewRepublicanposted 16 years ago

    yes that was me.  i'm trying to be the next generation of republicans, if you will (and that does not mean to be more moderate).  i just want to change the energy and approach of the party.  i believe if there is one thing republicans can take away from obama is his positive energy.
    
    rush has very valid points in my opinion but he uses negative energy to get his points across.  i admit i enjoy listening to him because he is funny.  however, i DO NOT want him to be the face of the republican party.  he has great points but he is an entertainer.  howard stern has some intelligent and valid liberal points, but i'm sure the democratic party does not want him to be the face of the party.
    
    at the same time, as much as rush and other conservative commentators give us a bad name, i feel like alot of times we are attacked unfairly.  but if i had to start somewhere, i will start with my own party with which i have more control over than the opposing party.
    
    i just like to get a conversation going to hear what people think.  it's just that sometimes, when people aren't used to hearing a certain side, they find it offensive and then fighting occurs.

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30. 0

    Leta Sposted 16 years ago

    I cannot stand Howard Stern.  And never thought he was funny, I don't care what his politics.  The same with Limbaugh.  Now those two are both seriously in bad taste, in my opinion.
    
    And I think you know that Obama is not going to deface the presidency in any way, right?   I didn't take this post seriously, because obviously this Leno bit is a good will PR move on Obama's part.
    
    I've already gathered you like to get conversation going--or something...  ? 
    
    How do you propose to change the energy and approach--as from what I've seen the party has no valid anchor any more?  It has been hi-jacked by neo-cons.

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       RKHenryposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Mike,  America does have a third party.  Several in fact.  But the two most prominent are the Independents and Libertarians.  Also, Democrats are liberal.  Republicans are Conservative.  Republicans use to represent less government, but anymore they do minic the Democratic positioning in this area.  But in completely different areas.  Conservatives would have all Americans worshipping Christian Gods while shooting illegal immigrants from their front lawns. 
       
       Misha, I don't quite understand your post.  This American bail out started with Bush.  There is a big difference between him and Obama.  Whether or not Obama appears on a late night show, will not effect the differences that stood between him and McCain or him and Bush.

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31. 77

    JamaGeneeposted 16 years ago

    IMHO, the image of the Republican party won't change until it stops using the Oval Office as a Lifetime Achievement **reward** for old guys like McCain, or the birthright of a severely UNqualified member of a "dynasty family" like Bush.  Oh, and until it remembers that a president is supposed to represent ALL of the people, not just those whose pedigrees or bank accounts qualify them for membership in exclusive country clubs.  "Exclusive" being the key word here. It's the "keeping with our own kind" mentality and inability to think outside the box that's sending the Republican party down the path of the dodo bird.  Also the "us against them" mentality. 
    
    "Thems" happen to be the millions of Average Americans who turned out in droves to elect a skinny half-white guy with fresh ideas and boundless positive energy.  The millions of Average Americans marginalized or forgotten by the Republican party for far too many years.

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32. 68

    Make Moneyposted 16 years ago

    Howard Stern was kicked out of Canada.  In 2000, after countless listener complaints, Stern was canceled by the two Canadian radio stations carrying his show: CILQ in Toronto and CHOM in Montreal.
    
    I'm not totally convinced that there is much of a difference between the Democrats and the Republicans but I'm not from the U.S.  I believe most of the world would be glad to see a third choice for Americans.  I have no doubt a lot of Americans feel the same.

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33. 68

    Mishaposted 16 years ago

    No Mike, they are still happy they made the right choice - just read through this thread LOL.
    
    But give it a couple more months and a handful more AIGs, and I bet they will finally start suspecting that might be - just might be - it was not the best choice after all

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34. 68

    Mishaposted 16 years ago

    You seem to jump to conclusions again RK
    
    I would say that bailouts are just completing the long process that started way before Mr. Bush and even Mr. Clinton for this matter. In fact I can give you the milestone when it's started - back in the beginning of the previous century.
    
    I believe it was 1913 when income tax was first introduced in the USA, and since then the country slowly but surely converted itself from the land of free into the land of government slaves.
    
    Total nationalization that we are watching in the making right now will complete the Great American Socialist Revolution...
    
    If it was McCain, it would have been called Great American National-Socialist Revolution, and instead of making scapegoats out of AIG managers they would make scapegoats of Mexicans... This was the only difference between your choices on the last elections...
    
    And I have nothing personal against Obama, he is trying to do his job as good as he can - I was just replying to Mike

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       RKHenryposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       If it appears that I had jumped to conclusions "again", I apologize.  I was unaware of said activity.  I perfectly understood the fact that you were replying to Mike.  However, I fell short of understanding your post to him. Excuse me please, for making an attempt at understanding to less be unaware but inspired.

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    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    I think that's the longest reply in a thread from Misha I've seen in a long time!
    
    

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36. 68

    Mishaposted 16 years ago

    LOL I can master it sometimes, but it takes too much energy to repeat often

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37. 0

    Leta Sposted 16 years ago

    For the record, I do believe there is a big difference between the approach liberals have and the current 'approach' taken by the neo-cons that have hijacked the conservative party in America.  And I'm not exactly alone in that thinking--many high profile conservative writers would agree with that.
    
    I cannot stand the so called 'social conservatives' who want to turn back the clock (oh, --would CREATE some kind of 50-60's utopia that never existed--pro-life, women in their 'place', working class in their place, God and church involved in gov't, channeling Ayn Rand and Reagan fantasies) and the dynasty rulers (as Jama noted) who would use all that politically for their own gains of wealth and power. 
    
    'Real' conservatives?  With more than a couple brain cells (all in my humble opinion, of course, lol)?  Very few left.
    
    I do have to say, however, between disenfranchised cynicism covering just everything--every party is bad, we are all doomed, OMG--even conservatives who would like to find a new approach and use positive energy toward this goal are more appealing.
    
    Misha--I know you try hard to connect us with the former U.S.S.R, but our history just didn't evolve that way.  It isn't Obama making 'scape goats' of AIG managers, but the American tax payers, who do not understand this kind of 'above all' award, and who have a right to be angry.  Xenophobia also has a nasty little way of its own among the general populace--but here, yes, the neo-cons do have a tendency to stir up hate (witness Sara Palin rallies).
    
    The differences between McCain and Obama were huge and glaring for anybody who did pay attention.  It didn't even have to be about partisanship.

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