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Across the Fence:  Our Next President  |
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 05:26:38 AM
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Okay...this will be a bigger regret Tracy...but here goes. I honestly feel most anyone (especially those running in 2008) who has sense enough to actually DO the job has sense enough not to want it. Name me one politician who is running and actually has a fighting chance, who is not an opportunist? The job lends itself to those who will do or say ANYTHING to get it. I will vote, but for whom I do not know at this time. Most of the time I end up voting AGAINST someone instead of FOR someone. I dont know so much about a woman president. I want to think women smart enough to do it, wouldnt dare. You know our nation use to be something to be proud of in a way that made people, men and women, want to serve in a political capacity. I am not so sure there are that many Americans that are willing to have their character challenged in such a way and for what...so the rest of the world can hate you on a more personal level???
I won't stir up a hornet's nest here this early in the morning. I have friends who are republican and friends who are democrats. I try not to discuss politics or religion with people I like (and I like all of you!) simply because I don't want to judge my friends, and my human nature will not allow me NOT to. I have voted Democrat in the past 5 presidential elections...sometimes to vote against someone. I am afraid I will be a turncoat this time and have to vote for a Republican to vote against someone. I don't think I can vote for Mrs. Clinton and not because of her husband's shenanigans. I happen to agree for the most part with his politics. Wouldnt want to be married to him but that's another story. But because she doesnt say anything new. She plays both sides of everything. And quite frankly, I just find her unlikeable. When she came to the South, found herself in an African American church in Selma Alabama, and all of the sudden found herself speaking with what I am sure she thought was acceptable and accurate "Southern Black Woman" accent, I was enraged! If I had been there I probably would have found myself wearing little twisty ties on my wrists and being thrown in the back of a police car! I dare she. And I am neither African American nor religious but I was extremely insulted as a woman.
In my opinion, no one named Barak Hussein Obama is going to get elected president anytime soon. And I do like his politics, however he doesnt have a lot of experience and whom ever takes the job will need plenty of that.
John Edwards (again in my opinion) lost me when he decided to run period. His wife is dying of cancer. Is his running for president NOW, really more important than his family? If so, well...I can't deal with that.
So I suppose I will just do like so many others and wait and see what the fall out is. Whose left standing after this VERY early start to spending extraordinary amounts of money to convince the American public that you "aren't as bad as ____________" fill in the blank with whom ever is being criticized at that moment.
What I really want is someone who can help educate people so we might be better members of the human race. Someone who will act with that in mind when they choose what is worth fighting over and what is worth fighting for. I am not sure there is such a person running this time. Its a real shame Paul David Hewson was born in Ireland. I would vote for him.
Susan
http://www.thesoapmaven.com
http://notquitejunecleaver.com
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 08:03:45 AM
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Yes, Bono would be great. For a number of reasons, but if only that would make The Edge his Secretary of State 
"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." Margaret Atwood
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 09:26:22 AM
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Wow! A musical cabinet. Wouldn't that be cool? U2 is only my all-time favorite band ever...sigh...dreams. :)
Susan, good points, all of them. Even though I'm a Hillary supporter so far, I agree on most of your points.
So...how about President Gore? I'll be a turncoat in a half-second if he decides to jump in. Keeping my fingers crossed...
Catherine :)
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 10:15:06 AM
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I agree with the general point that Tracy and Susan make about politicians and the state of politics today. People like Al Gore and Bono are probably more useful to the world as non-politicians.
Tracy, could you clarify a couple of the things you said? Why is it offensive for Edwards to say he is for the "common man"? And what's the deal with that "no income taxes for Puerto Ricans"? I live in NY and I never heard about that...why would anyone think that was a good idea? By the way, living in Western New York, I feel the same way about Hillary that many of you do about Edwards. She's an opportunist who doesn't care about us and our state, just about being elected to something. She's not even from NY, she bought a house here just to run for Senate. |
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 10:55:17 AM
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I totally agree that Mr. Gore and Bono would better serve humanity from the fringes of the political world, instead of serving the very thing they are fighting against. If you get a chance pick up this month's Vanity Fair magazine. The guest editor is Bono and it is so far a wonderfully informative issue. I was excited to find several pages dedicated to Tunisia - where my husband is as I type this and will be for probably 2-4 more years if not longer. I'm sure at some point in that time I will end up spending some time there as well. If for no other reason, to experience a completely different culture. When if called the first time from Sfax I asked him if he thought I would "make it" - He said "You would LOVE it! " I was very humbled that he thought I would fare pretty well under such different circumstances. I always knew that if for some reason I had not married and had a family, I would have joined the peace corps.
I just had someone ask me today why I am a Democrat.
Susan
http://www.thesoapmaven.com
http://notquitejunecleaver.com
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 12:42:54 PM
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Well, reading all of your responses REALLY has me thinking now. I WAS torn between Edwards, Clinton and Obama. Now, I don't think I want ANY of them! While I have voted republican (Reagan's first term) in the past, I generally find I prefer the democrats most of the time.
Honestly, though, I am so disillusioned with politics and the whole voting process anyway. I feel like it doesn't even really matter who you vote for, we're going to get the shaft anyway. You know, the guy with the most popular votes still loses the election?!
I'm still going to vote just to have that "voice" even if no one is listening. The women before us fought too hard and long for us to have that right that I will not dissapoint them by giving it up.
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
We come from Nature, we go back to Nature; health & happiness in between requires intimacy with Nature. |
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laluna
True Blue Farmgirl
295 Posts
New York
USA
295 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 4:39:09 PM
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Susan - heh. Why are you a Democrat? That's funny. Perhaps you can direct them here: http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/features/deskofgk/2004/08/hgd_1thru4.pdf (It's the first four chapters of Garrison Keillor's "Homegrown Democrat.") Highly recommended reading in these times, imho.
Tracy - would you please elaborate on this "2. O'Bama, no way. Yes he's a nice guy. There is so much more I can say about him but it's best I keep it to myself"? I'm just curious, given that your comment begins with "nice guy" but clearly that's not what you really think (at least, that's how it comes across in the post, and we all know how easily misunderstood words can be online).
And I would hope that the citizens of this country are smart enough *not* to not vote for someone because of their name (Barak Obama), but then, I'm just a wacky liberal (see post above in support of Kucinich ;-) See, this is why Jimmy Carter didn't make it as president - he was too "good" for what politics has become. I'd be happy to be another to cast a vote for Bono, or Gore, for that matter! :-) |
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nashbabe
True Blue Farmgirl
687 Posts
687 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 5:12:46 PM
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Oooh, Bono and The Edge. My favorite band ever. Do you think Larry Mullen Jnr. could also be in the Cabinet? He's still a cutie...
Grew up on a farm...moved to da city...grew up a farmgirl!
http://nashbabe.blogspot.com |
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 5:25:19 PM
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When I answered the person who asked I felt pretty proud of my composure because I really felt like they expected something other than what they got! And it was a man who asked. I think he expected me to say something like "Well...so and so is much cuter than so and so" - which I am sorry to say I have heard women say. Simply put, I look at what presidents (in my life time) have done when they left office. What did Nixon do? Reagan? Bush 1? I mean besides play golf and jump out of private planes? I don't know either. But I do know what Jimmy Carter did...but then again who doesnt? Habitat for Humanity. Declare Yourself. The Carter Center (resolving political conflict PEACEFULLY and combating disease), 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the Middle East. Bill Clinton continues to work to bring affordable medications to the poorest of the poor. The list goes on and on and on. Just look into it. Just google "post presidential" after any former president and it may surprise you and possibly make you nauseous. And this is why I call myself a Democrat. But saying that only speaks for my personal philosophy. I still might have to vote outside my party!
When my husband called today from Tunisia I was telling him about all this discussion and my "confrontation" today and he said "you know girl (he's the only one authorized to call me girl by the way!) that's one reason I love you so much, you know what you believe and why." I was married to him almost 27 years before I knew where he stood politically. I just always assumed he disagreed with me and just didnt want to fight about it. Come to find it out he's more liberal than I am. We took one of those fun "political" tests once and he was WAY left of Gandhi! Who knew???
Susan
http://www.thesoapmaven.com
http://notquitejunecleaver.com
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Edited by - TheSoapMaven on Jun 15 2007 5:27:58 PM |
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sewgirlie
True Blue Farmgirl
1894 Posts
Sheryl-lyn
Calverton
NY
USA
1894 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 6:19:04 PM
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I CANNOT EVER see myself voting for Hillary! Have you ever heard how she sounds??!!?? Shrill and harsh or fake and harsh. I live in NY and feel she is not even here except to be Senator. She never answers any questions with real answers. I think of her as a cold, unfeeling person. Sorry to be so vague! LOL
Edwards, No. Same thing as was said before...he has a wife who really needs him at home now and he is off running for president. If he stayed home on this election to tend to his family and jumped in for the next election, maybe I would consider him since he has his priorities straight. Also, how does a man who pretends to represent the "average" people afford a $400.00 haircut??!! I could be like Cousin IT and get a full body waxing for less than that!
Obama? Like him, but he does not have enough experience, so not this time.
Romney? We will see.
I would love John Mellencamp to run. He is a real American who does not sugarcoat the serious issues and he loves this country, warts and all. :) Kidding of course, but he is an American icon.
I like Colin Powell. Too bad he would not go for it.
You are all making me think about this closely and I appreciate your opinions!
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Michelle Marie
True Blue Farmgirl
158 Posts
Michelle
Many
Louisiana
USA
158 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2007 : 06:42:42 AM
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The soap maven................ who dared to ask you that? I must know! Ha Ha
My goodness!!!
I am very discouraged with politics these days. It is all such a mess and I am just at a loss. I guess, for me, after the parties choose their candidates I will go from there. I find a hard time trusting any of them, to be honest. I am with those who vote for the person they think is the best candidate no matter their party.
Thats my two cents. |
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2007 : 06:53:05 AM
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Morning! No names Michelle but I was at the Farm & Garden if that gives you a hint. Obviously this person just thought they knew me! Or they never would have asked! How many hours have you listened to me rant??? And so good natured! I promise not to talk so much this coming election. Hope you are feeling better and give me a ring later!
Susan
http://www.thesoapmaven.com
http://notquitejunecleaver.com
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nashbabe
True Blue Farmgirl
687 Posts
687 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2007 : 09:54:20 AM
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Gore: naaah. Edwards: naaaah. Hillary: heck no. Obama: nope.
Republicans running: sheesh, not really. At least not the ones thus far, and not really sure that Thompson is a whole lot more to pick from.
I'll vote for someone, even if it's mostly voting against someone else. Holding my nose as I go to the polls...
Disgusted by the whole process. Obviously they all pretty much only listen to corporations and big donors at the end of the da, at least anyone who actually has a chance of winning. They only schmooze me when it's votin' time, and then go do whatever they want to do. I wasn't thrilled by Paul Wellstone's politics but it did seem that he was one of the few who actually (mostly?) did what he really believed in. The rest o' them--heck, they can all be bought. And lordy, are they bought...;-P
Grew up on a farm...moved to da city...grew up a farmgirl!
http://nashbabe.blogspot.com |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Jun 17 2007 : 07:36:42 AM
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Well the main reason I like Ron Paul is that what I've heard from him is sensible and back to the basics our country was founded on. The media doesn't like him at all if that gives you any indication....... Hillary is scary, fake and would harm our country terribly (her husband was a brilliant man but had the morals of a snake); Obama has a muslim background (which is unfortunatly against many of our countries founding principles) and seems to flip flop as much as Hillary; Edwards needs to be home taking care of his wife and family; and the other reupblicans I don't know to much about. Although McCain is one of my senators I'm not sure he'd be a good President.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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At home with Mama
Farmgirl in Training
16 Posts
Erica
Jacksonville
FL
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2007 : 5:18:56 PM
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Hmm, girls girls girls!!! If you REALLLLLY want things to change then you've got to change! Voting democrat or republican is basically the same thing. One party wants your money, the other wants your rights.. and the line is becoming less clear.. either way you keep giving them both up when you think you only have the choice of the lesser of two evils. Why wouldn't you vote for someone who may not have as good of a chance but you believe in them more??? Think about it.. the more people that start to take a stand against the republicans and democrats then we might actually get other parties noticed and elected. I encourage you to do your homework and find out what you really believe.. there are other parties out there.. liberatarian, constitutional, green...
www.at-home-with-mama.com |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 07:33:36 AM
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Sorry, at this point, I'm interested in everything you say pro/con about Edwards (and all the candidates) except that he needs to be at home with his wife. She doesn't WANT him at home! And largely, she's with him--a joint effort, and her decision. I feel like on a WAY smaller level, that my dh needs to play music, share his music. If that takes him away when I'm ill, then it does.
I grew up in a different home though, where work meant being away from home 7-9 months out of the year for my dad, so I could be biased :)
"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." Margaret Atwood
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Carolinagirl
True Blue Farmgirl
486 Posts
Kim
Rutherfordton
NC
USA
486 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 08:26:17 AM
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| I agree about Edwards and his wife, Jonni. It seems that they've made that decision together, and the public shouldn't question that. |
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Runbikegrrl
True Blue Farmgirl
250 Posts
MaryAnn
Waterbury Ctr
VT
USA
250 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 08:41:29 AM
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"I encourage you to do your homework and find out what you really believe.. there are other parties out there.. liberatarian, constitutional, green..."
Erica the problem is these parties never even have a chance of getting someone elected sad...but currently true...that is why I don't support any of those candidates I don't want my vote to go to waste...the problem with this coming election is any vote could be a "waste" as there are no candidates I am even marginally excited about!
"So many interests so little time!"
http://lovelifelivegrrl.blogspot.com/ |
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Carolinagirl
True Blue Farmgirl
486 Posts
Kim
Rutherfordton
NC
USA
486 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 09:11:03 AM
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I think that we all worry about our votes going to waste, so we just pick what we can (the best of the worst, if you will). But, if more and ore people would vote their conscious, whatever that is, the paradigm will shift. It will take a long time, but it will shift. And the thing is, if you vote what you believe, then your vote isn't wasted- because you wouldn't have voted for the other candidates anyway based on your beliefs.
Kim in NC |
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junkjunkie
True Blue Farmgirl
1306 Posts
Judy
Lawrenceville
NJ
USA
1306 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 09:28:11 AM
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| The whole process of politics is so partisan and powerful, even if an independent were elected in office, their ideals would be squelched when it came time to try to pass something. You have the Congress and Senate, which are made up of the two major parties, and he/she (the independent) would have major roadblocks. And as we all know....the two major parties are bought and sold. Very frustrating! |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 09:29:50 AM
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| I'm with you Amie. Voting party lines just doesn't work for independent minded people. I tend to lean towards Democrat, but there are some BIG issues, such as gay marriage, that I can't in good concience, vote for. |
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 09:46:51 AM
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I usually don't like to get into political or religious belief conversations (I'm not a whimp, but have very strong feelings that may not always be popular). I have to say that I've read some very intelligent and insightful remarks here. Perhaps we should have a Farmgirl Party. Just kidding, but I am so hopeful that there will be a time (soon) when we can make our vote for an independent, libertarian or green party member really count and make a difference in our country.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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gateway girl
True Blue Farmgirl
135 Posts
Shari
Missouri
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 11:41:40 AM
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I haven't made up my mind who I will vote for but I do know it will be for the person not the party. Even if that means my vote will be viewed as wasted. But for all you ladies that are considering voting for Hillary, I just ask that you look at the world view. Most world nations do not view women as an equal to men. These are the same people that any president has to deal with for our safety and our economy. If we have a woman as president, and other countries don't respect her position or authority, what will happen to our foreign policies that our past presidents have worked so hard to put into place? I just don't think a woman president would be beneficial to the US in a world view. Not Yet, but maybe someday. Just a thought!
Guardian Angels surround me and keep all enemies from me! |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 1:21:18 PM
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What about Margaret Thatcher (former Prime Minister of Great Britain) and Angela Merkel (current Chancellor of Germany). Having a women serve as U.S. President would in no way put us in bad standing with the rest of the world*. Indeed, it's time we follow suit of these and other countries with female presidents (there is at least one African country with a female president but I forget her name) and do away with the gender divide. Women are equal to men and are proving it politically (and in many other ways) around the world everyday.
Catherine
*It's my belief that it's our CURRENT president who has placed us in bad standing with the rest of the world...anyone, male or female, will be an improvement...
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
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gateway girl
True Blue Farmgirl
135 Posts
Shari
Missouri
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 2:32:14 PM
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Catherine,
You have a point. Maybe it's just me. I know women are equal and in some things surpass men. In my belief though Hillary is definitely not the female I would want to represent me. Maybe Condi Rice? I don't know.....
Guardian Angels surround me and keep all enemies from me! |
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Across the Fence: Our Next President |
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Our Next President
