President Obama

[Deadly_Nightshade]

I did hear more about the "opps" during the oath and I was correct, it was The Chief Justice and not Obama who gaffed.

[Killian Kalthorne]

Not the bits I heard. I doubt they will repeal the second amendment, Aram.

[Aram]

but somebody said they would!

[Kaftan Barlast]

yes to gay marriage! That sort of thing.

 

The US liberals are so frakkin stupid for falling for that trap. Its probably the least important issue on the roll, but the republicans keep goading the democrats into taking the bait. Its like the pyromaniac tricking the fire department into rescuing a kitten from a tree while a whole apartment block is burning to the ground.

Edited January 21, 2009 by Rosbjerg
offensive remark removed

[Killian Kalthorne]

but somebody said they would!

 

Don't be so fraking paranoid, Aram.

[Killian Kalthorne]

The US liberals are so frakkin stupid for falling for that trap. Its probably the least important issue on the roll, but the republicans keep goading the democrats into taking the bait. Its like the pyromaniac tricking the fire department into rescuing a kitten from a tree while a whole apartment block is burning to the ground.

 

In my humble opinion, there is no greater issue than equality.

Edited January 21, 2009 by Killian Kalthorne

[WILL THE ALMIGHTY]

Huh. He didn't get killed. That's a nice start.

[Killian Kalthorne]

Cheney was stuck in a wheelchair and could get access to his hunting rifle.

[taks]

I do think that we need a fairer tax system than the old income tax system. One that will hit the rich and the poor, and everyone in between, equally and fairly. We eliminate the federal income tax and the IRS (as it is now) and introduce a federal sales tax system.

much better.

 

What I mean that once we get spending under control, devise a budget that gets us a surplus of funds, instead of a deficit, while working on getting the national debt paid off, that is when we see if the country can afford programs that would socialize healthcare.

they just dropped $700B and obama and his merry elves are talking about doubling that... welcome to fantasy island!

 

taks

[Hiro Protagonist]

As for Obama himself, he scares me half to death. My biggest fear is that he and his fellow democrats in Congress will radically change and expand the role of government into an Orwellian nightmare. Thay are quite capable of it and some are chomping at the bit to do it.

 

GD, what's the size of your tin-foil hat?

[Humodour]

I love Obama.

 

I mean he's obviously a great bloke and will make an awesome president for the next 8 years and all that typical jazz.

 

But what I really like about him is how people like taks and Guard Dog almost pop an artery every time he's mentioned.

[Volourn]

Kind of how some people did the same with Bush is mentioned. You know, how Bush is Satan, and HOW HE WILL DESTROY THE US AND BECOME A DICTATOR TO END ALL DICTATORS NEVER LEAVING OFFICE EVAR!

 

 

lolz

[Tigranes]

Did someone mention Bush?

 

Bush sucks. Obama is the best RPG in the last 10 years.

 

ROOFLES

 

( )

[taks]

But what I really like about him is how people like taks and Guard Dog almost pop an artery every time he's mentioned.

this is where you show your ignorance. i don't in the least. he's a socialist, that's all.

 

you argue from a point of ignorance more than anyone in here and it is laughable.

 

taks

[SteveThaiBinh]

Respectful and constructive, please, everyone.

[Tigranes]

Just so I'm on topic, too: doesn't matter much to me what he said in the speech or the details of the inauguration which, I trust, in true US political style, had a lot of adrenaline and celebration and whatnot. What I'm interested in is the fact that he'll actually be doing stuff as prez now. Gonna be interesting to see hwo he follows up on the car bailouts after Bush's lease of life, Guantanamo Bay, the famous healthcare, etc.

[Guard Dog]

As for Obama himself, he scares me half to death. My biggest fear is that he and his fellow democrats in Congress will radically change and expand the role of government into an Orwellian nightmare. Thay are quite capable of it and some are chomping at the bit to do it.

 

GD, what's the size of your tin-foil hat?

 

Really? Think I'm being paranoid? Check this: http://www.congresscheck.com/2009/01/19/ki...22nd-amendment/

[Guard Dog]

Here is another interesting little tidbit of news. Congressman Charles Rangel, Democrat from New York has said he will introduce a bill in Congress to reinstate mandatory military service through the draft. Thats right all you US males aged 17-28, now that Bush is out of office the Democrats want a military draft! I remember a number of you were hyperventilating about Bush getting re-elected in 2004 worried that he would bring back the draft. He said he would not. He didn't. The Democrats running the show seem to feel a little differently about it now.

 

 

If it happens I will laugh and laugh and laugh.

[Killian Kalthorne]

I wouldn't mind the draft if they do three things with the military:

1) Remove the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" malarky for gays and lesbians serving in the military.

2) If women have an equal chance of being drafted and are allowed to participate in combat roles.

3) If the individual is unfit for military service allow him or her perform a civil service job that supports the military.

Edited January 21, 2009 by Killian Kalthorne

[Tigranes]

2) If women have an equal chance of being drafted and are allowed to participate in combat roles.

 

Now that would create a shandstorm of cosmic proportions.

 

GD, is that an independent proposal bya congressman or are there signs that it is part of a wider policy initiative?

[Killian Kalthorne]

Now that would create a shandstorm of cosmic proportions.

 

I know. Imagine the horror our Islamic enemies getting their butts kicked by women. Women can be just as buttkicking for goodness as any man and it is far past time our military show this to the world.

[Humodour]

The draft is a silly idea and the House Rep proposing it is as silly as that Republican one who wants to fine all authors $5000 each time they swear in their books.

 

Guard Dog's inability to distinguish between an individual Senator and his party is amusing. What is also amusing is that this Charles Rangel fellow tried to introduce the draft back in 2003, but was DENIED. He claims a draft would make the government think twice about going to war next time. It's an interesting idea, but I think simply getting rid of Bush is enough on that front.

 

Also, news flash, Guard Dog: this isn't some Democrat plot against the Republicans. Rangel introduced it in 2003 and 2006 (the current one). In 2003, the House voted against it 402 against, 2 for.

 

taks: Oh, well in that case, bring on 'socialism'. What are you going to call a centrally planned economy with no free market now, though? Aha, you didn't think that through very well.

[Meshugger]

I saw the speech and the whole parade while having dinner. The speech itself was as i expected: pretty empty, but it is quite rare that an inaguration would be anything remotely inspiring.

 

Here is another interesting little tidbit of news. Congressman Charles Rangel, Democrat from New York has said he will introduce a bill in Congress to reinstate mandatory military service through the draft. Thats right all you US males aged 17-28, now that Bush is out of office the Democrats want a military draft! I remember a number of you were hyperventilating about Bush getting re-elected in 2004 worried that he would bring back the draft. He said he would not. He didn't. The Democrats running the show seem to feel a little differently about it now.

 

 

If it happens I will laugh and laugh and laugh.

 

I, for one, happen to support such a draft. A nation with a private army creates a class of citizens that are considered in a higher regard than the rest, or so to say, more patriotic. Having a mandatory draft, Israeli style, diminishes such a class and thus, all are equal. Also, if everyone has a military background or have relatives currently serving, it makes the military less of a political arm of the congress, president and the senate. A policy of pre-emptive strike would be more seriously questioned by the public as well.

 

Serving in the military is also an important social contract for the citizens, it creates a better bond in society and a greater understanding of the potential sacrifices that the common citizen would face.

 

For every empty rhetoric "But it takes away freedom!" the retort is: You already pay taxes, and you have to have an education, homeschooled or not. Military draft falls in the same social contract. If you're a pacifist, then there should be the option of doing a non-combatant civil service.

[Volourn]

You shouldn't be forced to kill, or be part of an appartus to kill (even if said killing is 'morally justifible') if you choose not. The whole point of having a military in the first place is to protect those who cna't protect themselves. ie. Civilians.

 

A draft is a cowardly act by a government. Plain, and simple.

[Meshugger]

You shouldn't be forced to kill, or be part of an appartus to kill (even if said killing is 'morally justifible') if you choose not. The whole point of having a military in the first place is to protect those who cna't protect themselves. ie. Civilians.

 

A draft is a cowardly act by a government. Plain, and simple.

 

As i said, there should be a 'civil service' for those who are pacifist or do not wish to wield a weapon.

 

I do not see a draft as an act of cowardice, it rather requires greater judgement of the statemen to wage war since they and their relatives will be in it as well.

 

From my point of view, using the military in any other way than self-defence is political hackery. Soldiers and servicemen ultimately become tools of the governing body to conduct wars as a political game. That is cowardice, IMO.