Fishhand

Hey kk, are you on well water? or city water?

I don't typically use emoticons, but the emoticon perfectly describes what I was doing while reading this paragraph. Wait, I went back and read it while typing this

I have been doing some research on McCain vs. Obama in terms of policy positions. I wanted to provide you guys with some websites I've found that compare them one on one. I honestly do not know if the creators / contributors to these websites lean to the right or left. They seemed unbiased with the data and information based on real facts and quotes. I hope it helps. TAX http://www.taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blo...rison-of-t.html HEALTH http://www.epi.org/content.cfm/pm126 SCIENCE & TECH http://sharp.sefora.org/innovation2008/mccain-obama/ SOCIAL SECURITY http://seniorliving.about.com/od/president...a_mccain_ss.htm ARMS CONTOL / NATIONAL SECURITY http://www.armscontrolcenter.org/ ENERGY http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2008/2008-08-04-03.asp ADDITIONAL COMPARISONS INCLUDING ABORTION, IRAN, ETC http://obama-mccain.info/index-obama-mccain.php

Hey Phil, As far as I can tell, the letter is written by Obama. I checked a couple of sources and the text of the letter was the same. I tried finding it on Obama's websight, but was unable to locate it. I'm not sure if the source where I pulled it leans to the left or right. I've heard some rumors in regards to Palin's pastor. Some of us may find it interesting, some not. I won't post a link to it until the quotes and philosophies I've heard are substantiated more thoroughly. Plus, I haven't really researched it, so I don't want to be caught speaking out of my arse. Then again, I may not post anything 'cause, darn, I am outnumbered. I'm really not an a..hole. I don't think you are trying to sway me or anyone else from changing their vote. I appreciate you letting us vent on the topic. I also appreciate the stopping of the name calling and inuendo regarding Obama's name. That crap was petty. This topic has been time consuming but otherwise refreshing to me personally. I've researched more during this election than any other. Both left and right wing sights and television programs. We definitely have different opinions! I think the USA will be fine whomever is elected President.

Hey McCloud, Sorry it took so long to reply, I didn't have access to the interweb last night. First, I'ld like for you to read Obama's statement regarding his relationship with Jeremiah Wright....http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/on_my_faith_and_my_church.html I know he's a politician, but, I take him at his word. The laundry list of statements from Jeremiah Wright read back to back sound horrible, and, they are horrible but, I think they may portray the man unfairly in context to the whole sermon (in the "God darn America" instance). I'ld never heard of Jeremiah Wright before Barack's candicacy. When I heard of these statements made by Wright, I "youtubed" the statements and tried to listen to his whole sermon (I watched this stuff back in March, so, my recollection may be a little off or I may be a little off because I try to put myself in other's shoes and view things from their vantages...advantages and / or disadvantages...). What I took from his sermon was that the sermon was about the misdirection of governmental power and the lack of funding from governmental entities in regards to improving the urban environment. I think the Katrina incident kind of shined a light on the current administration's regard to some within the African American community. The people of Chicago probably witnessed the same thing firsthand. I think Wright is way off base to use his position as a pastor to talk about the Government. He tries to tie it in with "that's in the Bible", but, I think it was wrong. His use of descriptive terms were unfortunate and I think he needs a stylist.... If Obama had not cut ties with the Trinity United Church, I would have a big problem with it. As it stands, I put this topic in the Obama's Skeleton Closet file.

loo10, I agree with you...what McCain went through during his hostage years took monumental courage and self sacrifice. He stood up for his fellow servicemen and the USA. That still doesn't certify him as the best candidate, in my opinion. I respect your opinion and would appreciate some verifiable proof that Obama has had relationships and connections with terrorists and hate mongers (the William Ayres thing was discounted earlier on a different thread). If you have proof, my viewpoint of him may change. Thank You, Jim

Oops, Duh! Obama was not in the US Senate, you're right. But, Obama did speak out against the war in 2002 and probably would of voted against it. Then again, if he was in the US Senate during that time frame and was fed a bunch of false information maybe he would have voted for it. I don't know. http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/warspeech.pdf

It may not be 8 more years of the same, but in my opinion, if McCain gets elected it will be 4 more years of very similar policy positions in regards to the Iraq War, the War on radical islam, the War on Terror, the War on this and the War on that. McCain has admittedly "shot from the hip" and used his gut feelings about certain issues and running mates. In my opinion, if circumstances arise during his Presidency, he'll use those same gut feelings which could lead this nation further down the path we're currently travelling. I agree with the decision to pursue Osama bin Laden into Afghanistan, however, the Iraq War is based on false pretenses which we went into based on gut feelings and no substantive evidence. In my opinion, Obama had the vision and analytical thought process that saw through the dealings which led up to our nation's decision to perform regime change in Iraq and that has us now embroiled in the Iraq War (I've never used embroiled in a sentence before in my life). He voted against the War. The way I look at it, if our nation could have borrowed 9 trillion dollars from China and whoever else we've borrowed money from and spent that money on infrastructure improvents, research and development of green technologies, etc. we would be so far ahead of every other nation in the world it would be comical. We would be looked up to, have less worries of dependence on foreign oil, and would be a model for other countries / governments to emulate. Thereby, spreading democracy. In my opinion, we should lead by example, not by force of will and might.

To give just dues....McCain is a great man...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_mccain

Sorry, the post link thing didn't work. When I think it's gonna work, it doesn't, and when I don't think it's gonna work, it does. Operator error. Try this link. It's alot of reading, but, it provides a good synopsis. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama#...life_and_career

Man, that's an easy one...Alma mater.... Although the article doesn't necessarily go into the specifics regarding his path, it gives a brief enough synopsis to formulate an opinion. In regards to Obama admitting to being stoned and high (is that like being drunk and inebriated) during high school...do you really want me to research and substantiate Bush's 1972 charge for Cocaine possession? His Sept. 4, 1976 arrest for drunk driving? His path to avoidance of the Vietnam War? Bush was not without his faults yet we elected him President.

You voted for Clinton! There's hope! Taxidermist voted for Clinton! Raise High the Roof Beams! I don't agree with your statement regarding, "If you believe in judges who strictly adhear to the constitution and written law, vote Republican." It's one of those, "I'm right and you're wrong statements". Democrats are good people tooo wacka do wacka do wacka do. I think Mark Hedger's comments way back at Page 2 of this post hit the nail on the head and summarizes the struggle between the Democratic and Republican Party philosophies. To summarize Mark, "A better question would be, at what point do value issues supercede national security, foreign policy, or economic issues?" I know that doesn't really have anything to do with judges, but, in my opinion, it's a great question and one we should ask ourselves when weighing the current climate and where, based on our votes, the Republican or Democratic party will take us.

FactCheck.org is a non partisan, non profit voter advocated group http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/woul...ofits_if_i.html

I couldn't get the post/link to work. You'll have to copy and paste in your browser. http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf

It's the name calling Nobama, BARRACK HUSSEIN, etc. and the small minded barbs that piss me off. There's only been one perceived liberal on here who has began a topic regarding politics and that was yesterday. I grew up in Ridgedale, now reside in Branson and fish alot. I would have some good information to share. However, it's the constant assault by some people on OA who have ruined it for me. Why would I want to give information to someone who is not respectful enough to at the minimum spell Obama's name correctly. I'm just going back to lurking and waiting for Al's next story. But, I did catch a world record hybrid (or maybe it was a striper...it had a broken patch near it's pectoral fin..29lbs...released). Good fishin all.

The union deal is a tough call. In the present day environment, I can see their benefits and their deficits. For example, workers at AWG are on a production standard (AWG is a grocery warehouse providing groceries to Dillons, Country Mart, etc., at least they used to). They are Teamsters and I used to work there in the early 90's. The production standard ensures the company the workers are doing their jobs. But, the production standard is also set at such a rapid pace, safety becomes an issue. In my opinion, if there was not a union, the company would jack the production standard through the roof and if you got hurt they would fire you. It happened to me, I was working in the meat department utilizing a single motorized pallet jack. My shoelace had come undone unbeknownst to me. When I stepped off of the pallet jack, my opposite foot was stepping on the shoelace. I shortstepped and the pallet jack rolled up on the back of my heel. It hurt and I mean bad. The company threatened to fire me for being negligent, but the union stood up for me and saved my job. In my opinion, unions ensure workers fair compensation, which will provide them and their families a way to achieve a reasonable standard of living. There are problems with unions as well. There was a guy at AWG who broke his arm on purpose just so he could draw an OJI check. I heard, he stuck it through a pallet and another dude hit it with a board. It didn't break the first time, so he had to hit it again. The union should not stick up for people like this, but, if someone in the union were to say something they would get blackballed. We all know why corporations move their factories to third world countries. Greed and the exploitation of those less fortunate. Third world countries don't have a standard of living and it's wrong what is going on. I don't blame Bush for the corporations moving their factories. I just think Obama and the Democratic Party stand up for workers' rights more than the Republican Party.

Man jjtroutbum, that had to be alot of work. Nice job. Where did the last statement come from? The one where you say, "Don't get in a fight with an old man. If he's too old to fight he'll just kill you." That's pleasant and really proves your point.

Wow, it seems you speak in such boastful generalities there's really no way to begin to reply. But I'll try. I was in the Teamsters for about six years at Associated Wholesale Grocers. Worked my arse off on the night shift in the meat department. I think your Kennedy statement may be so off base it's laughable. Either way, I did laugh. Check this link out In Praise of Unions I'm not too sure how to work the post/link thing, so, if it doesn't come up, the first paragraph of the letter is, "Those who would destroy or further limit the rights of organized labor --those who would cripple collective bargaining or prevent organization of the unorganized -- do a disservice to the cause of democracy." John F. Kennedy March 30, 1960 That doesn't sound like a man who destroyed the unions. I could be wrong, though...just need proof. The advent of the Corporation and their mantra of greed and stated policy of making the shareholders money at all cost is the problem with all of our jobs being shipped overseas.

Hey bigredbirdfan, We all know the story. Sing along...GW lost the popular vote in 2000, he swift boated Kerry in 04, he put our nation into a 10 trillion dollar debt and bin Laden's popularity is even more. Just made it up. sorry. I personally do not respect George Bush. I respect the office of the president, but not Bush and definitely not Cheney or the evil king pin Karl Rove. In my mind, when Bush speaks to us, it's like he thinks we're a bunch of third graders. Na Na Na Na Nucler Nucler New clear. Letterman's "Great Moments in Presidential Speeches" is hilarious. When I said put up with Bush / Cheney, I didn't mean to rub you the wrong way. I apologize. But, it's their policies that have put this nation in a serious funk. McCain will be more of the same. I was wondering, is it just coincidence Palin is from a big oil state? Can't anyone spell Obama. It's not that difficult. I have trouble capitalizing the C when I type.

Hey Soggyfeet,I'm staying far away from abortion, intelligent design and gay marriage. In the topic of Fuel, you may want to check out, "Who Killed the Electric Car". I know Blockbuster used to carry it. Oneshot,True. True. But, I didn't hear the question. My take on that sound blurb is this...Obama prefaces the statement by saying "our challenge is to get people persuaded that we can make progress when their is no evidence of that in their daily lives." and then he goes on to say that jobs have been gone in some midwestern states for 25 years and there's been no regeneration through both of the Bush's and Clinton's terms. And then he goes on to say, " it's not surprising then that they get bitter and they cling to their guns or religion or antipathy towards people who are not like them". Sounds alot like Missouri. I don't view his statement regarding guns, religion and antipathy in the same light as you (I'm assuming). Try to not take his statement in a derogatory way. People are bitter because they've lost jobs, of which, they probably blame the government for shipping them overseas. Because of this, the only thing they have to cling to is their guns or religion for security... We all want some sense of security. In my opinion, he's saying "I'm going to try and show these midwestern folks who's lost jobs, lost their faith in governance, lost their faith in progress, there's more out there than just guns and religion for security." His statement may have come out wrong by some view points, but, I took it to mean he's trying to build people up, not tear them down. He's trying to say there is security in our nation if we all have a commonality. Guns, religion, antipathy towards others are all derisive issues. If we can just put them aside and treat all men equal, we'll be fine. Sounds plausible.

I don't quite follow you Murdoc... 1) Who lied to a grand jury? Are we talking Clinton from eight years ago? 2) 100 days in actual office? Is that referencing Obama's time in office? 3) When I said ordinary shoes I meant humble beginnings. Both Clinton and Obama have humble beginnings and, in my opinion, they will try and look out for the ordinary man. Not that McCain / Palin won't, but the Obama / Biden team is a better option, in my opinion. What makes people think if Obama were to be elected President, automatically he would lead America down some dark path to Marxism, Socialism, or God forbid....Communism. Clinton didn't...Clinton was a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. I'm in his boat. We've had to put up with Bush / Cheney for eight years, maybe it's time for us to put up with a different party's style of leadership for at least four years and see where it takes us. 4) I didn't play the race card. 5) "This is a mix of comments that you can take or leave but true" Does this mean your statements are true and I should quit typing?

Half the size of the US in land mass, yes but, a similar population as Detroit. My point was...McCain is old and he's got that glandular thing going on...Lamont from Sanford and Son said it best, "YOU'RE TOO OLD, Fred!" I wasn't trying to compare her apples to apples with Obama, in my opinion, she's not Presidential material. I could be wrong, though. Definitely been wrong before. I think the GOP is grooming her for a presidential run later down the line. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure of Obama's history in terms of his senate victory (who he ran against, margin of victory, etc.). I didn't think they would just hand over a senate seat to someone by default. So, I Googled it and checked out the wikipedia synopsis. It looked like his Republican adversary in 2004 dropped out of the race 86 days before voting day because of a sex scandal. The GOP then nominated Alan Keyes. Keyes obviously didn't have a chance, but he garnered 27% of the vote.

The only reason I'm voting for Obama is because Dave Chapelle is going to be hilarious impersonating him. Taxidermist, I caught a huge striper last month. I'ld like for you to stuff it. Can you? Let me know. Thanks, Jim

McCain's birthday was yesterday. He's 72. I personally think he's a great man but his time has passed. Whenever McCain and Obama eventually begin their debates I envision Pedro Martinez grabbing Don Zimmer's meathead and throwing him to the ground. Callous I know, but that's the mental picture I get. In my opinion, Palin is a bigger stuffed shirt (literally and figuratively) than if McCain would have chosen someone like Romney. All those points jjtroutbum and jdmidwest bring up about Palin are good points, but come on, she fishes, is young and vibrant, full of ideas, excelled in athletics? I can not see how anyone can truly want an unproven untested hockey mom as a potential leader of the USA. She'll be a bigger puppet than our current president. I think Obama has a vision for America and he can lead the majority of Americans to a brighter future. I thought it was a great day for the USA when a man of color received the nomination for presidency of the USA. All politicians have skeletons, faults, etc. but I place Obama in the same light as WJ Clinton. An everyday enlightened man from humble beginnings who can inspire ordinary people because he's been in their shoes. Obama is a leader.

I've tempted a few big strippers this year. The big ones are usually happy with a dollar bill. But, I've also had success with McDonald's coupons, food stamps and half drank beers. The technique is to place the beer on the stage and point to it and then her and then back to you all the while sticking your tongue out and winking both eyes at the same time. It's the skinnier strippers that are tougher to catch. Usually takes a $5 bill and repeated trips. Sometimes you skunk out...sometimes you get lucky and still skunk out...