A call to political action

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We're still quite a few months away from the US presidential election, but I urge everyone to start seriously considering political questions. First of all, even though not everyone can vote in this election (including younger readers and people from outside the US), everyone has a major stake (and everyone can affect the political process). It goes without saying that children and citizens of other nations are seriously affected by American policy (foreign and domestic).Secondly, the time for political action is now, while people are still forming nascent opinions of presidential candidates. Finally, the stakes of this election are INCREDIBLY HIGH (I don't ussually use the all caps bit, but I think this warrants extra measures) . I've listed just a few of the major issues below:1. Fiscal Policy- The US cannot sustain our current spending/tax ratio. The rising deficit threatens monetary stability and interest rates. Either major budget cuts must be enacted (neither party has shown any willingness to do this), or taxes must be raised (it's painful, but we should realize that lowering taxes without decreasing spending is akin to taking out loans, not getting free money).2. Foreign policy- The events of 9/11 have drastically altered our perception on foreign policy. We need to seriously evaluate our current foreign policy in a practical and reasonable fashion. How much do we value multilateral institutions, like the UN, WTO, etc.? Have our current foreign policy actions made us safer, or should we take a different approach? 3. Domestic Social Issues- This includes the currently hot topic of gay marriage, and the more shadowy topic of abortion. Although abortion hasn't been in the news recently, abortion regulations in this country are likely to undergo MAJOR changes depending on the next election. Roe v. Wade hangs by a thread; the last abortion case (Casey v. Planned Parenthood) was decided 5-4 in favor of maintaining Roe (with significant alterations). Several of the five justices voting to maintain Roe are extremely old and quite likely to retire or die within the next four years. Pay particular attention to Justice O'Connor- she has already indicated a desire to retire in the near future. She has also been the key vote on a number of controversial topics (including abortion, affirmative action, gay rights, and other less visible but equally important topics). If she leaves the Court, expect her replacement to significantly alter the legal fabric of the US. If you care about any of these issues, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! Even if you can't vote, urge other to vote, and let your voice be heard. Volunteer for the campaign of your choice, talk to your friends, do whatever you can to get out the vote this fall!!!Thank you for tolerating my ranting and raving.

I think everyone should vote me for president. Better than both the candidates if you ask me. :grin:

yep yep. I'm very apathetic. Sorry bout that.I understand voter apathy is a major issue in the states.

I'm not %100 happy with any of the candidates either. However, I still plan on volunteering for the Kerry campaign (and voting, of course). It's simply a matter of lesser evils. I think that this may be a critical turning point in US history. I don't want it to turn the wrong way...By the way Sexpot, thumbs up on voting in the primaries!!!

Websex, I know you're not 100% apathetic. I saw your posts in the abortion thread ("what's your view?"). I can't emphasize enough the fact that the next election could seriously affect abortion rights.

Aint the American elections all about who has the whitest smile, or are they based on the person who can damage your country the most?

@ Max. But seriously, I was for Kerry but since he's not for gay marriage, I'm not too keen on him that much although he is the lesser of the 2 evils.Fun fact: This is the first year I can vote, yay me!

The 2004 election will be my frist time voting for anything and I am voting for John Kerry. Although i'm not completely with everything he says the fake is I want Bush to be out of office and hes the man to do it. In a recent poll Bush has 46%, Kerry at 45%, and Nadar with 6%, the Ralph Nadar people really need to vote for kerry before he spoils another election.

I really really really want Bush out of office- I'm Democrat and I think Bush is an Ass.But I don't like Kerry either; I voted for Gore last election b/c he was the lesser of 2 evils. I remember wanting to vote for the independent guy (like Ralph Nadar) but didn't b/c he didn't have a good chance of winning and I didn't want Bush- that didn't work obviously. I'm not so sure this time who is the lesser of two evils.I need to study both candidants better- I've been abit lax. This is going to be a very hard decision for me. And I may end up voting for Bush even though he's an Ass. I don't know. I'm afraid people won't become informed before they vote. They'll just want Bush out of office so much they'll vote for anyone else.... And I think that may be the case for alot of the population...I just wish that for once we would have a good clear choice. Someone we could be proud of as our president...

What exactly makes Bush an 'Ass' (with a distinct capital A)?

I hate party politics. Another reason why I suffer from a case of voter apathy. I'm not old enough to vote yet, but if I were old enough to vote right now, I'm not sure who I would vote.

Someone said something about Americans picking the guy with the whitest smile, etc. That's true to a certain extent. It happens a lot in the less educated crowd to just vote for the guy who looks the best.

Not looking to invite arguments, but I want Bush to stay in office. I was raised and (almost completely) align with conservative views. I know next to nothing about politics but I'd rather have a Republican I don't know making my decisions for me than a Democrat I don't know.

Not sure. Democrats like to concentrate on more domestic views and while the republicans want to concentrate on foreign policies.

But the foreign stuff leads to good things for the military. All for that. (grew up in and joined USAF)

Very true. If you're in the military or have military ties, it's best to vote republican. Being a military son, I'll be would be voting republican. Although, I hate party politics.

yeah, I just about keeled over the first year I could vote. One of the candidates (independant) was listed as wanting to cut America's military IN HALF!! (grr...)

lmao.. I wonder who you're referring to... geez!

I think I'd vote for Bush over Kerry being raised conservative and all. If I could, that is.

I can't remember the guys name anymore. Here's a question: How many people choose liberal or conservative based on going along with or rebelling against their parents and/or society?

MY parents are very conservative although they chose not to be labeled "republican" or what not. My dad is so conservative down to the point its racist, and not open to any change what so ever. Every country is horrible except ours. He feels that the mideast should all be 'fixed' or whatever. And i can't stand that, Its not out of rebellion its about go hearted judgement. I know that only about 1% of conservatives are probably as bad as he is but grr it pisses me off. I feel that We do need to focus here on home issues instead of betting the world by instilling ddemocracy everywhere (which i dont agree with to begin with), we need to focus on our own people. So many people are still living in poverty and isn't like 10% of the population holds 90% of the wealth or something like that? I feel that we all should be treated equal, as Bush wants an unconsitutional amendment passed, atleast Kerry leaves it up the the states to decide. U may call me liberal but I dont think its being liberal i think its just being fair.