Quick cameo - I injured my back and so I'm doped up on Vicodin and like, 2 other muscle relaxers. I'm doped up! <P>I'm undecided. I'm leaning toward Gore because A - he's pro-choice, and B - he knows a lot more about foreign policy, which with the situation in the Middle East, is very important for our next president. But I'm not completely sold on him, and I do like Bush because he's "real." I'll let you know on election day!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by catnip:<BR><B> And here in Minnesota I have the utmost respect for Paul Wellstone because though our politics are not the same, he passionately means what he says. </B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>But did you read Wellstone's piece in this mornings StarTribune? He comes out strongly for Gore:<BR> <A HREF="http://www.startribune.com/viewers/qview/cgi/qview.cgi?template=opinion_a&slug=well03" TARGET=_blank>http://www.startribune.com/viewers/qview/cgi/qview.cgi?template=opinion_a&slug=well03</A> <P>

Hey, I got a vote. . .woo,hoo! Thanks Worthatry - but don't waste your vote - in a way I already run the country. <P>See, I'm one of those faceless bureaucrats who don't have a heart or a brain. But, for years the government has been inappropriately referred to as "Big Brother." It's really been "Big Sister" all this time.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carriemom:<BR><B> I really don't get what he [Bush] wants to do with Social Security.</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I may be able to explain this, for what it's worth.<P>Currently, money we pay to FICA first goes straight to those on social security. What's left over is invested in US Treasury bonds (the safest investment we have).<P>Bush would rather not invest in Treasury bonds because, although they are very safe, they don't pay very much interest. He would rather invest at least some of the money in private securities -- corporate bonds, for example. There's a little more risk, but the return would be higher. Higher returns would be good because at some point, there won't be enough FICA tax coming in to pay everyone on social security.<P>In addition, under some versions of this idea, individual workers would get to decide where their share of social security would be invested. <P>There's a problem, though. If the money we pay in as FICA gets invested, it won't be going to make social security payments. Those payments have to come from somewhere else. This makes any surplus much smaller. If we also eliminate the estate tax, we may be back to deficits.<P>Probably more than anyone wanted to hear. The idea about privatizing social security is not that bad, but it is expensive.<P>A colleague I respect a lot argues that Bush may actually be a better choice for the environment because Business might be more willing to go along with environmental efforts coming from a Republican government. I'm not sure what I think about that.<p>[This message has been edited by Cottonwood (edited November 03, 2000).]

I could feel a little bit better about Gore if he would publicly take a stand against Clinton's horrendous behavior in office. But I am definitely pro-life and very conservative, so even that wouldn't get my vote. I'm also sick of liberals trying to tell us that anyone who takes a strong stand for marriage (between one man and one woman, for life) and family is intolerant and hateful. Along with my vote for Bush, mark my vote to back the Boy Scouts! (Yep, I know that one will really get some responses )<P><BR>------------------<BR>"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31<p>[This message has been edited by HGBrawner (edited November 03, 2000).]

BUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am voting for George W. Bush.

G O R E !!!!!!<P>Gee Dubya looks like a caricature of himself. He seems like he's got a tick or something.

Being from Minnesota I'm voting for Jesse <P>No, just kidding but he really isn't doing to bad of a job even though we could do without some of the scandel.<P>I guess I will vote for Gore. I really just don't like GWB. I may agree with his stand on abortion but that is it. Clinton may have been a [censored] about some things but you have to admit the country is in better shape now then it was 8 years ago. <P>

If I were registered (which I am NOT) I would check the Ballot next to George Dubbya's name.<P>His personality has remained consistent. I do not question his level of integrity as frequently or as intensely as I do Al "I invented the Internet and Pantyhose, too" Gore.<P>I consider myself to be a Moderate Republican. If I had my druthers, I'd be President and I'd fix everything hah!<P>Truth is, the job ain't that easy, and you have to collaborate on all sorts of matters - some of which you may have never even imagined could exist. It comes down to the incumbent's basic character strengths. Any politician can court any set of values. But it takes an honest, moral individual to carry out the honored duties of our nation's leader in an effective manner.<P>Both major candidates have some failings where this is concerned. However, Gore has simply shown his *ss too many times for all the reasons already listed here (and so many more) to be actually taken seriously as someone who can represent our nation. <P>I think it's wonderful to see George the younger following in his father's footsteps. To me, that is evidence that his motivation to be the President is influenced by his father. As for Gore, he's like the guy with the mop and bucket, trying desparately to clean up after Clinton and the negative image he bestowed on Democrats and men in general.<P>Just my humble, quiet, unsuspecting opinion here <P>Khyra

A couple of sleepers you might be interested in.<BR>Michael W. Bay is running as the candidate of the National Barking Spider Resurgence Party (I'm not making this up). If, of course, you don't like Mike try Clay Oliver Hill the nominee of the Populist-Democratic-Viking Party (I'm not making this one up either). Of course in this age of PACs it would not be fair to omit the Whores for Gore or Bush against Bush (something about being arrested in your home for having too many marital aids - yes! in Texas) .<BR> Hope your election is as good as mine (personally I'm not voting because I think it only encourages them).

Hi guys,<P> I spent a few years in southeast Missouri( essentialy Arkansas), heard to much about the Clinton mafia. I think its impossible to know everything about every candidate, so the next best thing is to vote party philosophy. I feel that the best thing the federal government can do, in most cases, is to butt out. Republicans have tradionaly advocated increased states rights and limited federal control. Reign in the Fed!!!<BR>They produce NO goods or services. The only way the Fed can do anything is by taking our money. <P> Can you guess who I'm voting for?<P> God bless you,<P>------------------<BR><P>Lynton

Good point Lynton!<P>Bill

If I had a choice...Cheney, but Bush is the next best thing. A pathological liar like Gore would NEVER get my vote.<P>Khyra, you have made excellent points. And I agree wholeheartedly <p>[This message has been edited by Kayleigh (edited November 04, 2000).]

I would just like to hear each candidates interpretation of what middle class is!<P>GWB says no one should pay more than 33% of their income in taxes?? Excuse me, but why is 33% acceptable. <P>I consider middle class income range to be 60,000 to 100,000. <P>Spouse and I both work, we have had to bear the full cost of 2 college educations. No one has ever offered us an help.<P>Way I see it, no matter who wins, I will still be supporting all the unwed mothers, paying for their tuition and childcare. <BR>I have had 2 unwed mothers working for me, that had to quit so the govt, (ME) would support them and pay all their living expenses!<P>Why do my daughters get penalized for my hard work?!? When they graduate, we will have massive student loan debt. Kids with deadbeat parents get the same degree, with no debt!!!!!<P>Some one PLEASE explain this to me!!!<P>SheRa

Being a former high school history teacher, I just had to join this, even though I usually post on the emotional needs board.<P>Allen Keyes was my first choice during the primary season, but I knew he didn't have a chance. Keyes' view of the Constitution is literal...he does not see it as a "living breathing" document, with an interpretation that changes with time. I agree with that view. The current interpretation should be the same as when it was written. What if we viewed our marriage vows as changable over time. Then none of us would bother being here.<P>Well, time to get off my soapbox.... reluctantly, I'm voting for George W. Bush rather than Gore, because the Clinton/Gore administration IMHO will go down in history as one of the most corrupt in our nation's history. Besides, Gore lies over the silliest of things....I cannot respect a liar.

33% is way too much but it is better than 50%<P>Alan keyes is a very viable option it is just too bad the ever so enklighten left would never vote for a conservative successful black man.<P>I would like for the Gore voters to give me a reasonble answer as to why they think he would be a good president. And how his socialist ideals would help this country. Especial in the face of how the Marxist ideas failed so miserably.<P>Any takers?<P>Bill

Hmmm, well if you see Gore as a socialist/Marxist then I guess it's alright for me to see Keyes as a fascist. This guy is so far out in right field he might as well be on another planet.<BR>Oh yes I am entitled to my opinion just as you are entitled to your opinion about Gore.<P>I am voting for Gore mainly because of where he stands on woman's issues. That said unfortunately I see him as the lesser of two evils. Hopefully the next election will see a viable third party candidate. <P><p>[This message has been edited by TMD (edited November 04, 2000).]

TMD,<P>Just for the sake of argument....<P>A fascist for of gov't is one ruled by a totalitain type military dictatorship...according to Webester...<P>How does Allen Keye fit that? He is a humble black man that wants to see ALL Americans succeed.<P>He believes in individual rights, freedom accorded by the constitution, and a pretty sound fiscal ideal.<P>I see Gore as being socialist in that, he believes that the gov't can make better choices than I can, therefore take from those according to there means ang give to those according to there needs. How is this fair?<P>Aside from being pro abortion where does Gore stand on womens issues? By know means am I attempting to open the abortion can of worms, as that is an unwinnable argument. But I am curious what other woman's issues he stands for? <P>Bill<p>[This message has been edited by WilliamJ (edited November 04, 2000).]

My comment about Keyes was meant facetiously.<BR>In other words all political views are entirely subjective. <P>Just to let you know where I am coming from I guess I look at elections/politics in a different way. Gore is not in any way shape or form a socialist/Marxist. Since we have "winner take all" elections and most voters political views are centrist, candidates cannot be too radical in their views if they want to win the election. In addition to that we have a system of check and balances ie Congress and the judiciary so whoever gets in office I don't see any radical change. In addition we have a whole another level of goverment at the state and local level. There is an old saying "There isn't a dimes worth of difference between the Republicans and Democrats." Or has Nader put it, "The only difference between Gore and Bush is which one gets on his knees faster for the coporate interests.<P>As for the women's issues he supports increased funding for research for women's health issues, his Medicare/SS/prescription drug plans because the majority of participants are women and of course reproductive rights. <P><p>[This message has been edited by TMD (edited November 04, 2000).]