Think before voting
If democrats haven’t yet become disappointed and disgusted with their party’s shortcomings let me enlighten them. Remember they gave us a priority list last Nov. consisting of the following: Get out of Iraq, Lower taxes, Fix social security, Pass some health care legislation and Beef up the no child left behind program, these, among other things to numerous to mention. After 6 years of planning strategy and 7 months in control of congress, the democrats are giving us a new list. IT is DESTROY BUSH, DESTROY BUSH and DESTROY BUSH.. That’s right folks, approximately the same length of time Clinton had to destroy Al Qaida and 7 months they accuse president Bush of wasting when they say he should’ve been able to learn, locate and destroy Al Qaida before 9:11. In reality, the democrats, in congress have done absolutely nothing in their 7 months of power.
I learned very early in life that patriotism and loyalty cannot be separated. But when you put politics and hate before patriotism and love of country you lose your patriotism and your hate becomes traitorous in nature.
So without an agenda, what happens in 2008 if we elect a democrat for president and keep the current congress in power? I think we’ll become a country floating in limbo with no direction for the future. Governed by a party that uses the polls to make decisions, destroys anything in the path that offers objection to their cause and wants to treat the war in Iraq as a police action, I can picture a government of confusion, indecision and disappointment.
History supports the facts that great nations and empires are usually destroyed from within. For two hundred and thirty two years we have built a free and a great nation. Our generation and many before us have died in defense of that freedom and that greatness. Think hard before you cast your vote in 2008.
This letter has not been edited.
but look at all the promises the dumocrats keep making and their sheep keep following.
there will be a chicken in every pot some day.
“Think hard before you cast your vote in 2008”
Well said, Bob.
The question is...will you?
Does thinking “hard” before voting mean to vote Republican?
If I were to vote Dem I wouldn't have thought “hard” before I voted?
The problem is, Bob, not many think “hard” before they vote. Voting party lines is not my definition of “hard” thinking. When I “think hard” about politics I get a little nauseous, followed by an acute headache and then I realize both ruling parties just don't give a crap. The political war is cyclical. We need to break the cycle.
Posted by Lazy Chemist on July 17, 2007 02:03 PM“Think hard before you cast your vote in 2008”
Well said, Bob.
The question is...will you?
Does thinking “hard” before voting mean to vote Republican?
If I were to vote Dem I wouldn't have thought “hard” before I voted?
The problem is, Bob, not many think “hard” before they vote. Voting party lines is not my definition of “hard” thinking. When I “think hard” about politics I get a little nauseous, followed by an acute headache and then I realize both ruling parties just don't give a crap. The political war is cyclical. We need to break the cycle.
Posted by Lazy Chemist on July 17, 2007 02:04 PMThe Democrats ran on absolutely no platform last November -- and they beat the heck out of the Republicans.
Everyone knows that the Democrats are just as corrupt as the Republicans, but after six years of running an entirely Republican agenda with no opposition, the country is in an extremely sorry state of affairs. Apparently, the needle of public opinion has swung left and America now prefers corrupt Democrats over the corrupt Republicans.
The Democrats have only been in Congress for six months -- and many of their proposals have been defeated by presidential vetoes.
Are you saying that Republicans will do a better job of getting us out of Iraq, lowering taxes, fixing social security, passing some health care legislation and beefing up the no child left behind program? If so -- then why didn't they do it over the previous six years?
If I were Republican, I would sincerely hope that the Democrats win the presidency and retain a majority in Congress. Then, I could sit back and blame them for not fixing all the problems that began under the Bush administration.
Who knows? With a little misdirection, people might forget that it was the Republican agenda that got us into most of the messes that we currently face.
The Republican party needs to get back to basics: exercise fiscal responsibility; reduce the size of government and amount of spending; lower taxes for the middle class; repeal the idiotic Patriot Act and restore the civil liberties of Americans.
If that was the platform for the next Republican presidential candidate, that's who I would vote for.
Posted by Tree Hugger on July 17, 2007 02:06 PMThis letter is one of the most hair-brained I've ever read. With this kind of thinking, no wonder we wound up with the catastrophe, "confusion, indecision and disappointment" of the Bush administration.
Posted by conservative media on July 17, 2007 02:10 PMThink hard indeed! Think about the most corrupt administration in history, worse than Nixon’s! Think about an administration hellbent on taking away the freedoms and rights that patriotic Americans died for..and then through their twisted logic call anyone who opposes them a traitor. I am sick and tired of Republican right wing war mongers ( tho a case can be made for recent GOP whore mongers) playing the traitor card. We need to take back America from the dictatorship we have in the White House. 70% of the people oppose Bush. 70% oppose the war…and yet he ignores the voices of America. We have an elitist regime in the White House. Bring on the impeachment papers NOW…it’s time to take back America and defend the Constitution we were founded on! Anything less than impeachment IS bordering on treason.
The Dems have tried to end the war, as 70% of us want but a pig-headed President thinks himself king, or perhaps ‘emperor’ and feels only he knows best. Bush vetoes every bill presented, it’s time to kick the bum out. Bring on the lawyers and Impeachment! Defend the Constitution!
Think hard indeed! Vote for ANYONE but a Republican. Republicans, the party of the Rich, the Elite, the Corrupt the Partyy of Bullying and Fear, but certainly not the Party of the People. America belongs to us not just elite rich Republican fat cats!
It’s our flag too damn it!
I DO think before I vote.
That's why I DON'T vote republican.
I think, therefore, I am a liberal.
Posted by Thomas on July 17, 2007 02:44 PM"In reality, the democrats, in congress have done absolutely nothing in their 7 months of power."
Hell, I somewhat agree with that statement ... This simply must be addressed, though:
"I learned very early in life that patriotism and loyalty cannot be separated. But when you put politics and hate before patriotism and love of country you lose your patriotism and your hate becomes traitorous in nature."
"Very early in life"? You must be very smart.
Hmm, I'm guessing that your definition of patriotism is being "loyal" to Republicans, because, really, what's the difference between love of country and love of Republicans!? (sarcasm). I'm curious, in 1998 when the Republicans and many media smelled blood with respect to the Clinton sex scandal, did you accuse them or your buddies of "put[ting] politics and hate before patriotism and love of country"? Did you tell them their hate had become "traitorous in nature."?
cjc - A question: What freedoms have you lost since 9-11? I keep hearing people say that Bush has taken freedoms away. Please list them so that I can then lobby my congressman and Senators.
Thank You
Posted by on July 17, 2007 03:20 PMThat looked like a laundry list of Republican talking points that Mr. Johnson uses to "show" how badly the Democrats have govern. Of course this fool never mentions the 100 hour agenda that Speaker Pelosi enacted. It was the Democrats that instituted pay/go.
As far as being ineffectual, I think the 30 hour debate tonight to highlight the obstructionist Republicans is a clear illustration as to who refuses to do the will of the people. How come an up and down vote was so important when Republicans wanted another radical activist judge on the Supreme Court that they were willing to consider the "Nuclear Option" to prevent filibusters but now they want to filibuster an up or down vote on the Iraq occupation? It isn't Democrats who are afraid to debate and vote on the important issues of our time. It is the terrified Republicans who don't want to have their votes counted in public where all can see how cowardly they really are.
Mr. Johnson has shown that he doesn't really think hard about the issues. He just listens to Rush and Hannity and then regurgitates whatever Faux News tells him is the facts.
Posted by Wes on July 17, 2007 03:25 PMIt looks like the letter writer thought long and hard about this letter. Oh about two minutes worth judging by his screeching tone and lack of facts to substantiate his delusions. I am sure he gives a lot of thought as he votes R all the way down the voting ballot.
Posted by Sean on July 17, 2007 03:59 PMHey Mr. No-Name at 3:20 --
Here you go:
Following are examples of freedoms which President Bush and his fellow Republicans in Congress have already expunged (as reported by the Associated Press):
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION: Government may monitor religious and political institutions without suspecting criminal activity to assist terror investigations.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION: Government has closed once-public immigration hearings, has secretly detained hundreds of people without charges, and has encouraged bureaucrats to resist public records questions.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Government may prosecute librarians or keepers of any other records if they tell anyone that the government subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation.
RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION: Government may monitor federal prison jailhouse conversations between attorneys and clients, and deny lawyers to Americans accused of crimes.
FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCHES: Government may search and seize Americans' papers and effects without probable cause to assist terror investigation.
RIGHT TO A SPEEDY AND PUBLIC TRIAL: Government may jail Americans indefinitely without a trial.
RIGHT TO LIBERTY: Americans may be jailed without being charged or being able to confront witnesses against them.
Next!
(Source: http://baltimorechronicle.com/020105ChuckBaldwin.shtml)
Posted by Tree Hugger on July 17, 2007 04:03 PMBush destroyed himself.
Dumbest President in history.
Apparently you learned very early in life how to whine like a baby. The pendulum has swung and now you're time is up Mr. Johnson. Now take credit for all failures for the last 6+ years. Can you name any successes, other than destroying the spirit and reputation of the United States?
Posted by CommanderinDunceCap on July 17, 2007 04:30 PMRobert Johnson; traitor, coward, moron.
Posted by on July 17, 2007 05:05 PMMaybe it's too hard of work to think hard.
Posted by Dona Dunsmore on July 17, 2007 05:07 PMIf I'm not mistaken I think Mr. Johnson is a Bush fan. I'll bet he thinks the millions spent on investigating Clinton for Lying about sex was money well spent!!
Posted by Michael D on July 17, 2007 07:05 PM"In reality, the democrats, in congress have done absolutely nothing in their 7 months of power."
Actually, there's truth in that. The Democratic majority is a slim one, which Democrats don't possess the Republican chutzpah to call a mandate. Of course a Republican president and his magic veto pen haven't helped matters, either. Maybe Congress should ask for "patience" every six months like Bush does.
Posted by Hans Christian Brando on July 17, 2007 07:11 PMRobert and others, if the Rethuglicans were not being obstructionists, maybe something could get done.
Posted by Ron 2 on July 17, 2007 07:52 PMOf course you can separate patriotism and loyalty. Loyalty to this dangerous fool of a president is virtually unpatriotic. It was said well 300 years ago: "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel"
Posted by gadfly on July 17, 2007 09:30 PMIt's not "DESTROY BUSH" - it's "STOP BUSH FROM DESTROYING THIS COUNTRY."
Posted by Liam on July 17, 2007 09:34 PMIf Dems agenda is destroy Bush, then why is Nancy Pelosi declaring impeachment off the table, a waste of time. Why did the Dems cave in with the Iraq funding bill, benchmarks my arse.
Congressional approval ratings are tanked because this craven Bush Kow-Towing has got to stop. The Dems need a spinal implantation or 2009 will bring more war and death.
Posted by Holy Reality on July 17, 2007 10:07 PMFDR (derelict ), solely accountable and responsible for the Pearl Harbor attacks (2,500 dead saints. "W" (derelict), solely responsible and accountable for 9/11 (3,000 dead saints); NOLA-Katrina (1,500 dead saints); and Iraq-NAM (100,000 dead saints). GOP (gulags, oppression, pimps) = bodybags'R'US.
Posted by 40acresandmymuleandvetbennies on July 17, 2007 11:36 PMFDR (derelict), solely accountable and responsible for the Pearl Harbor attacks (2,500 dead saints). "W" (derelict), solely responsible and accountable for 9/11 (3,000 dead saints); NOLA-Katrina (1,500 dead saints); and Iraq-NAM (100,000 dead saints). GOP (gulags, oppression, pimps) = bodybags'R'US.
Posted by 40acresandmymuleandvetbennies on July 17, 2007 11:37 PMplease vote your feelings with the socialist far left liberal democrats. they are singing the same song that they always do and tell you how they are for you and will get everything you want as it is your right to have what everyone else worked for.
please name something the liberals have done to better everyones life.
once again they are going to fix social security althought when Bush brought it up it wasnt broke. remember teddy telling everyone that if Mary Jo was alive today [he forgot how she was killed] she would be enjoying the benefits of SSI.
they raised the minimum wage up so high that now I want to give up my job to work for the minimum wage like the rest of the country does.
the libs for years always tell you what you want to hear and then do what they want to and you take a back burner until they need your support and then they will fix all of your problems again and have the government pay for it.
Posted by on July 18, 2007 05:10 AM
Blah blah blah.
We have heard this same crap for the last twenty years. I doubt 5:10 really wants to give up his job for a minimum wage job. What we do know about 5:10 is like the rest of the Republicans he has absolutely no interest in helping the country come together to work on our mutual issues. Party before country right 5:10. Nothing is more to 5:10 than important than maintaining his hatred towards Democrats. Get a life dude. The country doesn't want your right wing radical extremism either. We want a country that works together to form a more perfect union for everyone.
Posted by Wes on July 18, 2007 06:31 AM5:10
"once again they are going to fix social security althought when Bush brought it up it wasnt broke"
Then why did Bush try to chage it???
Posted by conservative media on July 18, 2007 06:47 AM5:10
"once again they are going to fix social security althought when Bush brought it up it wasnt broke"
Then why did Bush try to change it???
Posted by conservative media on July 18, 2007 06:47 AMOnce again...a bunch of sheep arguing party lines. Time to wake up people, most of you sound like morons...baaaaaa
Posted by on July 18, 2007 07:49 AMPoliticians are just that...politicians. They will say or do anything to get into office...then do whatever they want. The idiots that follow these public tit feeders (see majority of above posts) and try to bolster their lies are just fools.
Posted by on July 18, 2007 07:53 AMTree Hunger - Thank You
Posted by on July 18, 2007 08:48 AM2 words: Ron Paul
Posted by Jay on July 18, 2007 09:00 AMHans, Tree Hugger, etc... - The reason you claim failure for the new direction congress is the Bush veto pen?
That reasoning sounds well to those looking to excuse congress but it is blatently false.
So far, as we approach the end of 7 months in office, congress has sent two bills to the pres. Both were Iraq funding bills and the first one contained the very thing Bush said he would veto, withdrawal time tables. So we a grand total of one veto to date.
The Anon poster saying he would rather quit his job and work for min wage is also misguided. The minimum wage hasn't been raised yet. Pelosi and Co hammered out several bills early on, including raising min wage. Yet none of those bills have even been considered yet in the senate. They seem to be too busy chasing there own shadows, hoping to pin something, anything on this admin so they can say gotchya and feel smug.
Until any of those bills reach the oval office you can't lay the blame for their failure at Bush's feet.
I'm not excusing this admin for its many failures, but I'm hoping most voters will see this new diraction congress for what they are and quit making excuses.
We need a thorough housecleaning in congress next election or we will continue to sink as a nation.
Posted by KW on July 18, 2007 09:48 AMVery well stated, KW. "Gotcha" is more important in Washington, for both parties, than is constructive cooperation and legislation which would benefit this country. Neither party can cast a stone without breaking their own glass walls in addition to the glass walls of the opposition.
Posted by darfor on July 18, 2007 09:54 AMThanks darfor.
BTW - I haven't found ANY candidate yet I would back for pres, but there's a strong chance I'll be voting for an Independant vs. Rep or Dem.
Posted by KW on July 18, 2007 10:47 AMI am tempted to vote a 3rd Party too, unfortunately I dont think they could ever win. I find myself voting more AGAINST a candiadte than for one. The Dems do not impress me, but they seem the only ones interested in ending the war, as evidenced by todays vote. Bush's apprpval rating of 27% doesnt surprise me, what surprises me (and scares me) is that 27% of this country is still willing to follow him. Well, I suppose Sadam, Stalin, Mussolinin and Hitler had their followers all the way to the end too...good solid Party members never oppose their 'leader'.
Posted by bill on July 18, 2007 10:55 AMI haven't found any independents as of yet that I feel are any better than those offered up by current joint power structure (Repubs & Dems). The closest (and I emphasize closest) I come to an independent is actually in the Repub's camp, although he is technically a Libertarian -- Ron Paul. Both the Dems & Repubs hate him because he interjects constitutional logic to all legislation. In fact, his nickname among the Repubs is Dr. No.
Posted by darfor on July 18, 2007 10:58 AMthe only Rep that looks decent is Ron Paul, and he'll never get the nomination. Ghouliani, Mccain, Thompson are all jokes. Clinton, Obama, Edwards would all be 1000% improvements over the Hillbilly at 1600 Penn. Ave .
Posted by Jim4x4 on July 18, 2007 10:59 AMthe only Rep that looks decent is Ron Paul, and he'll never get the nomination. Ghouliani, Mccain, Thompson are all jokes. Clinton, Obama, Edwards would all be 1000% improvements over the Hillbilly at 1600 Penn. Ave .
Posted by Jim4x4 on July 18, 2007 11:00 AMPolitics and religion are similar in at least one respect, the good v. evil mentality brings in a lot of money.
Posted by Homer on July 18, 2007 11:04 AMJim4x4 - I disagree with any of those four being better. Obama is the only one left with a chance for my vote but he won't get into specifics of his campaign platform.
Edwards wants to cater to the far, far left crowd and Hillary hasn't the experience or ability to carry this race to the finish.
Look for additional candidates to enter post primary as Independants once the Rep/Dem parties have showin their hands. Some far better names could surface as the ones to vote for.
I also hate voting for the lesser of evils simply because a lesser known candidate may not win. But the next election may prove different if enough people become sick of following party lines. I know I have.
Posted by KW on July 18, 2007 11:08 AMI also hate voting for the lesser of evils . . .
Posted by KW on July 18, 2007 11:08 AM
Actually you voted for the greater of two evils when you twice voted for the one with a forked tongue and horned hoofs. Who knew that a chimp could have hoofs?
Posted by Wes on July 18, 2007 12:00 PMI never voted for Kerry.
Posted by KW on July 18, 2007 12:33 PMYou can vote for a donkey or an elephant, but nothing will ever improve. If you want to change America, you will have to vote for someone who is hated by both the Democrats and Republicans. That person also would be hated by the Council on Foreign Relations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Bilderbergs, the pharmaceuitical, banking, and insurance industries and the United Nations. You would have to vote for a man who believes in freedom and the rule of the Constitution. Now just who might that be?
Posted by Jay on July 18, 2007 12:43 PMSome things that might quickly change if a Democrat is in the White House.
Restrictions on stem cell research would fade as the government could fund this promising field of work.
womens health clinics here and overseas would get the funding Bush cut off or the Republicans cut off and when women's health improves the whole society improves.
A sensible plan for leaving Iraq could be instituted, even the Iraq President wants us out now. Not many reasons to stay since we accomplished all Bushs` earlier goals.
Re-rout the Iraq war money into our infrastructure and use it to secure our Southern border. Security takes money, not platitudes.
Who else can think of changes that Democrat would make.?
The dem record on border security is equal to that of the reps. They don't want it. So scratch that off your list as an accomplishmnet.
Other changes would include repealing of the Bush tax cuts which would mean we start paying higher for goods and services.
Socialized medicine would be forced upon those whether they want it or not. No choice would be given to individuals.
Additional taxes would be placed on all of us to fight the popular castrophy known as global warming. We would solve nothing but those in control would sure have a great deal more money to peddle their brand of influence with.
I say screw them all and vote Independant. Lets do a thorough house cleaning next election and teach all in congress a lesson.
Posted by KW on July 18, 2007 01:29 PMKW, is there an independent with a ghost of a chance?
Please don`t say Lieberman, because he wants us to stay in Iraq to protect Israel. If Israel is attacked our troops will head there on a heartbeat if he is Pres.
Posted by Sharon B. on July 18, 2007 01:42 PMSharon B -
The Iraqi president has modified his position of "the Americans can leave anytime they want", to one of Iraq needs more time to stabilize before the American withdrawal.
Hey, I agree with you for personal reason insofar as the war. I have a son who is an Army combat medic that I would be much happier to have at home as a civilian paramedic. But...
Posted by darfor on July 18, 2007 01:44 PMSharon - Whether or not an Independant will have a chance is up to the voters. I will say the current approval ratings for congress give me hope that more people are totally fed up than anyone realizes.
Therein lies your ghost of a chance.
Posted by KW on July 18, 2007 02:45 PMThe new Democrats in office have not had 6 years to mess up or 6 years to succeed. I know that labelling them failures this quick is heady stuff for Republicans but not so fast boys.
Now if the Republics would just cooperate once in a while, we could get the troops home for Christmas.
Posted by Sharon B. on July 18, 2007 04:51 PMI never voted for Kerry.
Posted by KW on July 18, 2007 12:33 PM
So you are admitting you voted for the worst president in the history of the United States. Thanks for being honest about your voting record.
Posted by Wes on July 18, 2007 05:06 PMSharon,
There are NO RESTRICTIONS on stem cell research, I repeat - There are NO RESTRICTIONS on stem cell research. Get a clue. There are however restricted (or no) funding by the GOVERNMENTof stem cell research. This little fact you fail to mention does not forbid any of the major research organizations or companies to pursue this research. So don't let the facts get in your way.
Lordy, lordy, restrictions "on government funding of stem cell research" would likely fade.
Now does that make you feel better 5:14? Goddess knows I never expected you to know what I was referring to without each and every word in the right place.
Also, this insane drug war might be different under a Dem president and the abstinence only program would be abstinence/safe sex.
Posted by Sharon B. on July 18, 2007 08:36 PMNO RESTRICTIONS Sharon B. You just don't get it - is the government supposed to provide funding for new prescription meds because it fits yours and your Husband Charles B agenda?
Of course I forget you are a Pro-tax, pro-bigger government and an anti corporations for profit left wing nut along side Charlie Brown. You two must sit in front of your computers all day long looking to spew your moveon.org talking points and rebutals.
Wes:
"Thanks for being honest about your voting record."
No problem Wes. Truth abounds in my posts. You should try it sometime.
It's pretty clear that KW voted for Nader.
As for 8:36 a.m., the present government has become the largest, bloated, money-wasting bureaucracy in history, spending more money to invade personal lives and publicize a rainbow of terror threats, while handing out pork projects and cash to ineffective iraqi "informants" all because of this administration's policies.
So, if you're against bigger government, you must be against this administration. Now, what would you rather have...money spent on subsidizing american prescriptions, or money spent subsidizing Syrian gun-runners? It's a question of priorities, and we know where your's lie...in blind allegiance to idiotic foreign policy.
Posted by CommanderinDunceCap on July 19, 2007 10:27 AMI love conservatives when they spew that libs want a larger government. It doesn't get any larger than this one folks, also this administration wants to be in your bedroom, phone, computer and library. I agree with an earlier post, Bush is the worst president ever. Also why do conservatives love corporations, the only function is for profit, not to help or better mankind in anyway but to make profits by any and all means.
"Also why do conservatives love corporations, the only function is for profit, not to help or better mankind in anyway but to make profits by any and all means."
Because that's how we better mankind. Without the profit motive, we wouldn't have had most of the technological advances, medical breakthroughs, and inventions that have made our lives better.
Posted by Mike on July 19, 2007 08:52 PM The author would advise others to "think hard." As evidenced by Mr. Johnson's own letter, we see that real "thinking" is not in vogue these days. If Mr. Johnson is serious about doing corrections he should do what needs to be done, look at his own blind allegiance.
Mr. Johnson undoubtedly considers himself a "patriot" and would claim to "love his country." Most who do so most vociferously know nothing of their country. It is impossible to "love" anything of which one is totally ignorant. Whenever I see such claims, which amounts to nothing more than "flag waving", the first question I ask is "Are they trying to blind me or themselves?"