McCain vs. Obama: The 2008 Presidential Candidates on the Issues
by 17 people |
Ranked #165 in Duels, #99,120 overall
WHAT about the ISSUES?
I have always felt strongly that we should vote based on where each candidate stands on the ISSUES.
But the mainstream media elites seem to have traded their training in professional journalism in for the title of Propaganda Machine.
It is important to vote for the major candidate that will do the most good for our country.
Here, you can do your homework on the issues and participate in DUELS for every issue covered. There is a Just-for-Fun Voting Poll at the bottom of the page.
The more you participate, the more interesting this page becomes.
Values Voter Guide
- FRC Action
- Free Download
John McCain on Abortion
Voting Record
Supports repealing Roe v. Wade. (May 2007)
Voted YES on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
Voted NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
Voted YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)
Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)
Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion. (Dec 2006)
Barack Obama on Abortion
Voting Record
Supports Roe v. Wade. (Jul 1998)
Undecided on whether life begins at conception. (Apr 2008)
Voted NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
Voted NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
Voted against banning partial birth abortion. (Oct 2007)
Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
Sponsored bill providing contraceptives for low-income women. (May 2006)
Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)
Is abortion an issue of women's rights or the rights of the unborn? Why?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byThe mother's rights... a woman should have the option to choose what to do with her own body!
MarcoG says:
Absolutely down to the individual. It is beyond me how anyone can think it's up to some else or some else's rules.
Posted October 12, 2008
lakeerieartists says:
I am completely pro-choice. I also think that medical issues of any nature are always an private individual choice to be worked out between the patient and doctor. Until someone has walked in the shoes of a person making the choice, you have no right to judge them.
Posted October 12, 2008
daria369 says:
The most intimate personal choice there is and should be left to mother-to-be to decide what to do.
Posted October 09, 2008
Eugene E. Ratay says:
A few people in this country should not have the power to decide what a woman can do with her body. It,s up to her and her god.
Posted October 04, 2008
The unborn's rights... a fetus at any age is a baby, not a blob of tissue, and abortion is murder!
A.E. says:
I read a story in the news last week of a 14 year old boy who stabbed and killed his mother and her unborn baby. He may be tried as an adult for the 1st degree murder of 2 people. This story sickened and saddened me. But yet our society doesn't think of an unborn baby as a "person" if abortion is the issue at hand. My heart goes out to those who have been raped and become pregnant, for example; that would be a horrible thing to go through. But killing an innocent baby because of a terrible situation that happens, does not make that killing right. Bad things happen in our world, but there are people and organizations who can help.
Posted November 06, 2008
Heartbroken says:
Why do we deafen our conscience by constantly justifying our wrongdoings. Why don't we understand that whether we believe in something or not doesn't change the fact that it exists. God exists. Yes, the Lord and Creator of the world. And he HATES abortion. What right does ANYONE have to decide to destroy God's creation? We all look for comfort rather than the truth that will cause us discomfort. How awful it will be to find out that THERE IS judgement after death and many will find themselves on the wrong side. God says, seek and you shall find. That is all. You will find God if you seek. So it is better to seek and find him and save your eternal soul than stick to the philosophies of man and spend eternity in regret. I've seen so much, physically and spiritually and I beg you in the name of God, don't wait until it is too late. Stop justifying the wrongful acts of man. If you had been aborted, would you be here today talking about YOUR rights? U don't decide when a baby has life because you didn't CREATE that life. God did. Stop being so selfish and believe that God will see you through, especially if the conception was not by will. Hell is not worth being so stupid about life. We prepare for exams, marraige and life. But no one prepares for life after death. What a tragedy!!! God help us all...before it is too late. I beg you. In Jesus name I beg you. We would not be so foolish if we only knew. If we only knew!
Posted October 31, 2008
James20 says:
Ditto to what WhitU4ever said. Maybe to the one who did not make it, might have been the one who would have discovered a cure for whatever that plagues us now.
Posted October 12, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
It SHOULD be an issue of the rights of the unborn child. I am adamantly against abortion in all but the most dire of circumstances, however, I fully support legal abortions. If they were illegal, all we would have is thousands of maimed or dead women (and their poor babies who survive bothched abortions) who had no other choice but to seek a back alley or dangerous procedure. Just because a woman makes a mistake, or her life is in danger, or she is abused or raped, is NO reason that she should be mutilated or put in to further danger. No, I don't think abortion is right, but I will defend a woman's access to a safe and legal one here. For me, it's really more of a "men's" issue. MEN are the ones who made it legal. They are the ones who have reduced the sacred nature of pregnancy to a choice in a matter of an "inconvenient medical condition" and MEN are the ones who benefit from getting off the hook because they're too selfish to wear a condom or who brutally rape or molest women.
Posted October 09, 2008
WhitU4ever says:
No question that a woman's body is her own, nor is anyone trying to tell her what to do with her body. However, once a woman is pregnant, another completely separate human being's body enters into the picture. That innocent baby's body develops rapidly and is completely dependent upon the mother to protect it while it grows. The majority of abortions are done on young unmarried women who have experienced an ?oops.? Should not the woman have the decency to take responsibility for her own mistakes for a very short nine months of her life, let someone else who is ready enjoy the blessing of that little life and raise it, and vow never to oops again until she is ready? Can a woman change her mind about the children she has at any stage of the child's life after it is born? Should our answer to that be death as well? That little soul was meant to be a gift to others. But whether or not that person is allowed to be a blessing to anyone at all depends on the mother's choice. Yet, that soul is often perceived only as a burden.
There are many who have survived failed abortions. I only know two of them. Both of them suffer from the effects of cerebral palsy due to the saline method of abortion used to try to kill them at birth. Yet both are still grateful to be alive. Both have dedicated their lives to reversing Roe v. Wade. Both call the fact that over 40 million babies have been aborted "legalized genocide."
Click on the Roe v. Wade link in the comparisons between McCain and Obama above to review the effects of abortion on those who have had them, on the abortionists that have performed them, and everyone involved. You will see that it is not just a few that have changed their minds and think it is wrong. Even those involved in the court cases instrumental in legalizing abortion think it is wrong.
Yet, when a woman decides to allow her flesh and blood to live, regardless of the chances of handicap or how it was conceived, she is doing something I consider to be heroic, courageous, noble, and inspiring. No one said it would be easy, but then nothing courageous ever is.
Posted October 09, 2008
Faith of My Fathers
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 12/23/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Books by politicians are not often worth reading, but John McCain's Faith of My Fathers is an astonishing exception to the rule. The Republican senator from Arizona has a remarkable story to tell--better than just about any of his peers--and he tells it well, with crisp prose and an unexpected sense for narrative pacing. The first half of the book concerns his naval forbears: his grandfather commanded an aircraft carrier in the Second World War, while his father presided over all naval forces in the Pacific during the Vietnam War. They were the first father-son admirals in American history. Young John McCain knew he had enormous shoes to fill and rebelled against many of the expectations set for him. At the Naval Academy, he was nearly expelled, graduating fifth from the bottom of his class. He never became an admiral, but achieved fame another way: as a naval aviator in 1967, he was shot down over North Vietnam and spent several years in POW camps, where he was beaten, tortured, and nearly allowed to die. McCain describes the awful details of his imprisonment and tells how he stayed mentally strong during seemingly endless months of solitary confinement and how he communicated in code with fellow captives. Faith of My Fathers concludes with McCain's release and contains no information about his subsequent political career. It is, nonetheless, a complete and compelling memoir of individual heroism--one that will interest both political and military history buffs. --John J. Miller --
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John McCain on Budget & Economy
Voted YES on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
Voted NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts. (Apr 2000)
Voted YES on 1998 GOP budget. (May 1997)
Voted YES on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment. (Mar 1997)
Barack Obama on Budget & Economy
Voting Record
Voted against limiting credit to 30%, because 30% too high. (Jan 2008)
Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
Should the government provide another economic stimulus check? Why or why not?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYES! Too many people are in serious trouble because of gas prices and defaulted home loans.
James20 says:
To get back some of my tax money that I over paid the Government.
Posted October 12, 2008
ArtByLinda says:
Yes, they definately should. Those that are struggling are seriously struggling during these times, they all the help they can get. I'm seeing more people, middle class citizens that just make enough to get by in this economy, unable to quite make ends meet. A 3% raise in wages and yet a huge rise in the prices of absolutely everything.
Posted October 09, 2008
NO! All it will do is increase taxes and help people to depend on others to bail them out of their own messes.
The_Homeopath says:
Economic stimulus checks are nothing more than a political ploy to gain favor of a pissed off population. Obviously, the last one didn't exactly help anything. And sorry, but with prices as dangerously high as they are now, the amount given out didn't really do much anyway - maybe half of a mortgage payment? A month of groceries? Nice, yes, but what about the next month?
Posted October 09, 2008
daria369 says:
And where does the government get the money from? - Another loan that has to be repaid from (future) taxpayers pockets...
Posted October 09, 2008
AslanBooks says:
Instead of sending another stimulus check, I think a more intelligent solution would be to cut taxes. Why collect taxes only to give some of them back? Just cut taxes and make it permanent.
Posted August 28, 2008
B.J. says:
And where is all the money going to come from? Our taxes, that's where.
Posted August 06, 2008
Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise
Amazon Price: $10.04 (as of 12/23/2009)
Used Price: $1.15
Product Description
At this defining moment in our history, Americans are hungry for change. After years of failed policies and failed politics from Washington, this is our chance to reclaim the American dream. Barack Obama has proven to be a new kind of leader-one who can bring people together, be honest about the challenges we face, and move this nation forward. Change We Can Believe In outlines his vision for America.
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John McCain on Civil Rights
Voting Record
Voted YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
Voted YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998)
Voted NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. (Oct 1997)
Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)
Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)
Voted YES on Amendment to prohibit flag burning. (Dec 1995)
Voted YES on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. (Jul 1995)
Barack Obama on Civil Rights
Voting Record
Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
Ending racial profiling is part of fight for justice. (Jan 2001)
Sponsored bill for special-needs evacuation plans. (Sep 2005)
Sponsored bill for a Rosa Parks commemorative postage stamp. (Dec 2005)
We're told that there is a separation of church and state. People wish for religious influence to stay out of government affairs and the same people wish to impose laws upon religious organizations that would hinder the practice of free religion (ie: marrying homosexuals would be against the Judeo-Christian religion but after homosexuals are allowed to marry, pastors and rabbis would be forced to marry homosexuals or risk jail and lawsuits). Do you feel this is right?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes...
The_Homeopath says:
I'm sorry, I don't completley understand the yes or no part of the question. I believe in freedom of all to choose how they practice whatever religion they choose without fear of censure or persecution. Religion - ANY religion - should stay the hell out of government or attempting to influence policy.
That said, I also believe that your rights stop at the end of my nose. We, as a society, do need to be on guard against dangerous practices carrried out in the name of religion (let's not forget that female genital mutilation is defended by religion in some areas), cults which damage children, or religious practices which seriously "put other people out" for lack of a better phrase. For example, yes, I believe that children should be allowed to pray in school if they want to, but NO, the school should not have to make special schedules or accomodations for them to do so. In prisons: yes, kosher meals or private services should be available but no, the state shouldn't have to provide, for example, live chickens for a Santeria practitioner to sacrifice. Get my drift. Do your thing, worship what you believe, but don't infringe upon the state to support you or others to go out of their way for you to do so.
Posted October 09, 2008
No...
WhitU4ever says:
I feel that all should be free to practice what they believe in, unless it imposes physical danger, financial hardship, or takes away the rights and freedoms others. The basic differences between good and evil or right and wrong cannot be left out of the equation when making such phenomenal decisions for an entire nation.
Posted January 16, 2009
TimeisRunningOut says:
We all talk about freedom, but freedom in ignorance is the most dangerous thing man can do know. We are so focused on getting God out of our system that we don't even see that the more we get him out, the more disasters and problems harass our nations. It's hypocritical that God is taken out of the schools and yet learning Islam is part of the course. It's an outrage that man has allowed evil to corrupt mind and system in such a way that they no longer see wrong as wrong. It's sad that in an attempt to be self-sufficient and a 'know it all' nation, we know so little about the fact that there is more to this life than we see. There are two things in this life. God and his adversary. Good and evil. Life and death. The broad path and the narrow way. If man, in all his 'intelligence, philosophies and wisdom', sat down for just one week, away from all influence and picked up the Bible to seek to find if God did exist, he WOULD find God. Every individual needs to stop and reevaluate their life. Many say, if God existed, why do all these bad things happen? Well, if your child disinherited you and spat in your face, insulted you by defiance and breaking all your rules and told him to get out of his/her life, and meaning it, what would you do? Seriously. Hear this. Heaven and Hell exist. It's existance is not based on your belief of its existance. God and Satan exist. And a continious battle in the spiritual world, spilling over into the physical is warred in an effort to gain man's soul. One for love, one seeking for destruction. What a rude awakening it will be to die and find out that everything the Bible ever said exists. God is real. I've seen Him. I talk to Him. And if every man sought to know Him, God would reveal Himself to them too. Please, don't reject the message of salvation and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm not talking about the extreme Christian activists out there. I'm talking about my best friend and Saviour, Jesus Christ who cries because there are so many souls heading to destruction. You may not want to hear the truth. You reject it without consideration. We continiously pray for the lost souls, for God's patience to not run out. Please, please, its not worth it to live a lifetime for yourself and desires and eternity separated from God and in the depths of Hell. Don't expect to continiously reject God, and yet think that He's too good to send you to Hell. He doesn't send anyone there. We do. We cause our eternal destruction by our actions. Please, seek God and I promise you that you will find Him and know that He does exist. It won't be for someone to tell you. You will know without a doubt. If this was not so, I would not promise. Please, ask Jesus Christ to save you, and He will. Please!!! It's not the church we are fighting. It's God. And no one can win against Him. No one. It's not worth it.
Posted October 31, 2008
Angelina_Howard says:
No. We live in freedom. Feedom to choose religion and freedom to choose how we vote. Aren't most votes based on personal beleifs. Remove that and might as well stop voting. America is based upon freedom of speech.
Posted October 13, 2008
MarcoG says:
I don't really understand the question. But I think that state and religion should be separate issues. I'm not sure if this is the right place for this but the point has been touched on above:...I don't believe in gay rights, I believe they are known as human rights. All humans are equal, and should have equal rights.
Posted October 12, 2008
ArtByLinda says:
I don't think the matter is as black and white, nor is the question. I would have to have more of an explanation. I don't like that they took the ten commandments out of a public park recently...and people want to take the cross off of mountains. Even if someone doesn't agree with it, those were still historic monuments that have been there forever.
Posted October 09, 2008
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/23/2009)
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Elected the first black president of the Harvard Law Review, Obama was offered a book contract, but the intellectual journey he planned to recount became instead this poignant, probing memoir of an unusual life. Born in 1961 to a white American woman and a black Kenyan student, Obama was reared in Hawaii by his mother and her parents, his father having left for further study and a return home to Africa. So Obama's not-unhappy youth is nevertheless a lonely voyage to racial identity, tensions in school, struggling with black literature; with one month-long visit when he was 10 from his commanding father. After college, Obama became a community organizer in Chicago. He slowly found place and purpose among folks of similar hue but different memory, winning enough small victories to commit himself to the work. He's now a civil rights lawyer there. Before going to law school, he finally visited Kenya. With his father dead, he still confronted obligation and loss and found wellsprings of love and attachment. Obama leaves some lingering questions...
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John McCain on Corporations
More deductible expensing of equipment investments. (Feb 2008)
Cut corporate income taxes to keep jobs here. (Jan 2008)
People worry about corporations unduly influencing elections. (Sep 2007)
Voted NO on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy. (Jul 2001)
Rated 61% by the US COC, indicating a mixed business voting record. (Dec 2003)
Barack Obama on Corporations
Cap the farm subsidies for Fortune 500 companies. (Dec 2007)
End tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas. (Aug 2007)
Hold corporations responsible for pensions & work conditions. (Aug 2007)
Tax incentives for corporate responsibility. (Jun 2004)
Close tax loopholes for US companies relocating abroad. (Jun 2004)
REAL USA Plan: Reward companies that create domestic jobs. (Jun 2004)
Voted YES on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)
Prevent money laundering by disclosing corporate owners. (May 2008)
What do you think of corporations?
Do you think that big corporations are good or bad for the economy?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byBad, because...
Good, because...
ArtByLinda says:
Good because they stimulate the economy and provide services and jobs.
Posted October 09, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
Essentially, they are good in theory and practice. They pay taxes and provide jobs. The problem arises when "big" corporations begin to border on monopolies or engage in practices such as price fixing or getting politicians in their pockets to influence policy in their favor.
Posted October 09, 2008
John McCain on Crime
Voted YES on limiting death penalty appeals. (Apr 1996)
Voted YES on limiting product liability punitive damage awards. (Mar 1996)
Voted NO on restricting class-action lawsuits. (Dec 1995)
Voted YES on repealing federal speed limits. (Jun 1995)
Voted YES on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)
Voted YES on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals. (May 1994)
Establish an FBI registry of sexual offenders. (Oct 1996)
Barack Obama on Crime
Legislated protecting police detainees during interrogation. (Nov 2007)
Pushed Illinois bill to videotape all capital interrogations. (Oct 2007)
Passed 150 laws to toughen penalties for violent crime. (Oct 2004)
Battles legislatively against the death penalty. (Jul 2004)
Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)
How do you feel about criminals?
Should criminals be given harsher punishments?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, because...
ArtByLinda says:
Yes, for many crimes, no for some...depends on the state you are in, the criminal history they have, and the law they have broken.
Posted October 09, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
That would depend on the crime. It's a difficult call since each case is different. I wish that all of our judges were just and that they were able to use their own judgement. Certain crimes like child abuse, rape, and murder should be an automatic life without parole. Someone gets busted for having a joint or robbing a grocery store to feed their kids? Maybe not so much. I do not believe in parole -EVER- for anyone who commits a violent crime of any nature. Nor should pedophiles ever be released. The greater safety of society is too important.
Again, there really is nothing as simple as a yes or no answer because it all depends on how you define the word "criminal".
Also - OJ should rot in jail for the rest of his life. Money talks, but it's about time his money ran out I think.
Posted October 09, 2008
No, because...
Character Is Destiny
by John McCain, Mark Salter
Character Is Destiny: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember (Modern Library Classics)
Amazon Price: $11.96 (as of 12/23/2009)
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With the optimistic, confident delivery (occasionally peppered with a slightly precious, "for children" tone) familiar to viewers of Sunday morning political programs, Senator McCain serves up an admirable family recording with bipartisan appeal. Beginning with his own parents (a mother who is always eager to learn and "a stickler for good manners," and a father whose integrity shone in his dedication to military service, at one point a commander to his son in Vietnam), McCain profiles individuals who he feels exemplify attributes of good character. Thomas More was a great example of honesty; Ernest Shackleton exhibited loyalty, Victor Frankl dignity, and McCain himself clung to faith during his time as a prisoner of war. McCain's overriding message, that character is all about choices, and that one's character-not looks, abilities or possessions-determines one's happiness in life, is certainly an inspirational one that listeners from any political orientation can get behind.
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John McCain on Drugs
Voted YES on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996)
Sponsored bill on drug testing for major league sports. (May 2005)
Sponsored bill for grants to Indian tribes to fight meth. (Dec 2006)
Barack Obama on Drugs
Questions harsh penalties for drug dealing. (Oct 2007)
Not first candidate to use drugs, but first honest about it. (Oct 2007)
Do not lower drinking age from 21 to 18. (Sep 2007)
Experimented with cocaine but turned down heroin. (Aug 2007)
A "secret smoker", especially around reporters. (Aug 2007)
Smokes cigarettes now; smoked some pot in high school. (Feb 2007)
Admitted marijuana use in high school & college. (Jan 2007)
Understand why youngsters want to use drugs. (Aug 1996)
Saying no to drugs YOUR way...
Is it more the responsibility of the government or the parents to educate America's youth about substance abuse? Why?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byThe government, because...
MarcoG says:
I actually think it's a bit of both...but if you're interested in substance abuse, I doubt you would be willing to listen to your parents. Isn't it a rebellion thing. The government neeed to make sure that the right information is available, as should be support to help reabilitate.
Posted October 12, 2008
The parents, because...
ArtByLinda says:
How about their parents, the schools and their friends. We should all work together to get rid of this problem.
Posted October 09, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
The parents. Unfortunately, too many parents in our society either don't pay attention or are just blinded by their own views on the matter to actually parent effectively.
Posted October 09, 2008
Kristen Michelle says:
Parents set the tone for everything a child does. I know parents who smoke weed and use crack in front of their children and some even do it with their 9 year olds. It is not the governments job. Children mimick.
Posted August 12, 2008
John McCain on Education
Supports tax-free savings accounts for education expenses. (Jul 1999)
Supports "Reading Excellence"; and rewarding good schools. (Jul 1999)
Supports at-risk programs; homeless ed.; anti-drop-out ed. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
Voted NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
Voted NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction. (Apr 2001)
Voted YES on declaring memorial prayers and religious symbols OK at schools. (May 1999)
Voted YES on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules. (Mar 1999)
Voted YES on education savings accounts. (Jun 1998)
Voted YES on school vouchers in DC. (Sep 1997)
Voted YES on $75M for abstinence education. (Jul 1996)
Voted YES on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer. (Jul 1994)
Voted NO on national education standards. (Feb 1994)
Focus educational resources to help those with greatest need. (Jul 2001)
Supports Ed-Flex: more flexibility if more accountable. (Jul 2001)
Barack Obama on Education
Sends kids to private school, but wants good schools for all. (Jul 2007)
Supports charter schools and private investment in schools. (Jul 1998)
First Senate bill: increase Pell Grant from $4,050 to $5,100. (Aug 2007)
Sponsored legislations that recruit and reward good teachers. (Sep 2004)
Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
What you think about education...
Are school vouchers a good idea? Why or why not?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, and this is why...
The_Homeopath says:
I actually think that vouchers are a good idea. So many parents have absolutely no choice in their child's education due to their socio-economic circumstances. I'm lucky - we have a choice here and my kids are at a really good charter school that doesn't cost me a dime. If that school wasn't here, my kids would be home schooled because the regular "public" school is a joke. Again, I'm lucky since I would have the financial ability to stay and home to do it. Most parents don't have that luxury. I think if vouchers were instituted, we'd loose the ridiculous policy of "no child left behind" which has done nothing for our kids but turn them in to test-taking machines. No body gives a crap anymore what a kid learns - the only thing that's important is how well they can do on the almighty state tests with their pathetically narrow focus.
Posted October 09, 2008
No, and this is why...
My Dad, John McCain
by Meghan McCain
My Dad, John McCain
Amazon Price: $12.74 (as of 12/23/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Born the son and grandson of military men, Senator John McCain from Arizona was destined for a life serving his country in the armed forces. Like many great men, he occasionally struggled with authority, but once he found his true calling -- flying naval aircraft -- his ideals and commitment to his country took him far.
From the low point of five years as a prisoner of war to the high points of raising a large, happy family and being chosen as the Republican nominee in the 2008 presidential election, Senator McCain has lived an incredible life driven by a love of his country and a desire to serve it to the best of his ability.
This picture book biography, written with great love and insight by his oldest daughter, writer Meghan McCain, shows us the public John McCain and the personal John McCain in a way we've never seen before -- making this American hero come to life before young eyes.
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John McCain on Energy & Oil
Favors wind & solar in ad; favors nuclear in bills. (Jun 2008)
2000: Held hearings on mounting evidence of climate change. (Jan 2004)
Energy 2001: 1st Republican to sign onto reducing GHGS. (May 2002)
Supports alternative fuels, emission controls, & CWA. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
Voted NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
Voted YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
Voted YES on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997)
Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline. (Aug 1994)
Sponsored bill for greenhouse gas tradeable allowances. (Feb 2005)
Supports immediate reductions in greenhouse gases. (Sep 1998)
Barack Obama on Energy & Oil
Supports nuclear power if it's clean & safe. (Jun 2008)
Opposes Yucca Mountain for nuclear waste storage. (Jun 2008)
Voted for failed IL gas tax holiday & learned from mistake. (May 2008)
Self-contradictory on Bush's clean-energy plan. (Jan 2008)
"We cannot drill our way out of our addiction to oil." (Oct 2006)
Passed tax credit for installing E85 ethanol at gas stations. (Feb 2008)
Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency. (Sep 2004)
Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
Sponsored bill for tax credit for providing 85% ethanol gas. (Apr 2005)
Sponsored bill to notify public when nuclear releases occur. (Mar 2006)
Sponsored bill raising CAFE by a 4% per year until 2018. (Jul 2006)
Your voice on oil and energy...
Should we drill offshore? Why or why not?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes...
WhitU4ever says:
Drilling offshore will help oil and gas prices in the future, although it will not be immediate. Yet, prices have already began to come down. But drilling has a more important purpose than lowering fuel prices: Foregn policy. Drilling offshore will decrease our dependence upon foreign countries for fuel, which puts us in an offensive position rather than defensive when negotiating with countries that use oil to try to manipulate us politically. If we can become self-sufficient in energy and oil, we will no longer be subject to foreign manipulation, such as cutting off our supply of oil or increasing oil prices. We will no longer have any need for expensive contracts with countries, especially those who propogate evil practices such as communism, terrorism and genocide. We must think of our children and grandchildren and place them in an offensive foreign policy position when it comes to energy so that we cannot be bullied or compromise our tax dolars, freedom, and safety.
Posted October 22, 2008
daria369 says:
Drilling is NOT a solution to the problem! With today's consumption those reserves (to be drilled) would last for a very short time so - focusing on alternatives is the way to go.
Posted October 09, 2008
No...
The_Homeopath says:
No. More oil is only prolonging our independance on it. Say we find a great domestic source and we're set for another 50 years. Then what? We're still going to run out someday and we need to seriously be searching for alternatives to fossil fuels. More drilling is just a band-aid. Finding more domestic sources also would NOT reduce our dependance on foreign oil. First, we have iron-clad trade agreements with those countries. It doesn't matter at all how much we may find here, we still will be importing the exact same amount. Second, it WILL NOT reduce the cost of gas. The high prices aren't caused by OPEC, they're caused by our own, home-grown, oil companies who are making record profits while rising prices due to "processing costs". Does anyone really think if Exxon discovers a huge pocket of oil here in the US that they'd drop prices out of the kindness of their hearts? Hell no, they'd just claim that their prices were soaring due to how much it cost them get it out of the groud or to process it into gasoline. The ONLY people who would benefit from offshore drilling are the shareholders of the big oil companies and then the government would just turn around and give them another damn tax break anyway.
Posted October 09, 2008
John McCain on Environment
Voted for one Congressional Katrina investigation. (Jun 2008)
Support much tougher regulations on emission requirements. (Jan 2008)
Voted for $3M "bear DNA" study. (Nov 2007)
Preserving wilderness among proudest achievements. (Sep 2002)
Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
Voted YES on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
Voted YES on transportation demo projects. (Mar 1998)
Voted NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests. (Sep 1997)
Voted NO on continuing desert protection in California. (Oct 1994)
Voted YES on requiring EPA risk assessments. (May 1994)
Supports grants for brownfields remediation. (May 2002)
Barack Obama on Environment
1985: Organized asbestos removal in Chicago housing project. (Aug 2007)
Passed lead abatement & 24 other laws in IL Senate. (Aug 2007)
Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
Sponsored health impact bill for environmental health. (Apr 2006)
What do you think about the environment...
Do you think that global warming is caused mostly by man or something that mostly occurs naturally?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byWe are mostly to blame...
Nature is mostly to blame...
ArtByLinda says:
I think it has been happening for hundreds of years. Look at where the glaciers used to be, they almost covered North America. Do you think we had polution that melted them back before the continent was populated?
Posted October 09, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
I think mankind is making it worse. Our planet just came out of a "Little Ice Age" a few hundred years ago. We're in a warming cycle. A large part of this planet was hot, humid, and tropical at various points in the past. Ice Age, Warming Spell, and back again. It's a cycle and I don't think that we can do anything at all to stop it, that's insane.
I do think that our pollution is making it worse, though. The problem I have with sticking to the argument is that no body seems to be addressing the fact that no matter what we do, good or bad, the planet will warm up anyway. So, the question is - what are we going to do about it? How is the human race going to survive it? Even if we totally eliminated all of our man-made greenhouse emissions, we still won't stop the inevitable. I think we should be worried about that. Maybe we can slow down the inevitable, but what then? Humans are tragically short-sighted on both sides of the argument, the earth is not a stable plaything that we, in our superior knowledge, can control. Humans will need to adapt and arguing back and forth about who's to blame isn't going to help.
Posted October 09, 2008
John McCain on Families & Children
Supports flex-time & unpaid family leave. (Nov 2004)
Unfiltered Internet robs our children of their innocence. (Dec 1999)
Parents should be active in media kids are exposed to. (Jul 1999)
Label violent media products like we label cigarettes. (Jun 1999)
Media Responsibility Act requires video & music labeling. (Jun 1999)
Violence in media caused Littleton shootings. (Apr 1999)
Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999)
Rated 83% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record. (Dec 2003)
Barack Obama on Families & Children
Teach both abstinence and contraception to teens. (Apr 2008)
Expand flex-work & Family and Medical Leave Act. (Feb 2008)
Parents should control what's coming over the airwaves. (Jan 2008)
Restore dream of making children's lives better than parents. (Dec 2007)
All kids should learn about sexual abuse. (Jul 2007)
FactCheck: 'Sex Ed for Kindergarten' means 'age-appropriate'. (Jul 2007)
Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line. (Oct 2006)
Sponsored bill banning high lead levels in children's toys. (Nov 2005)
About family issues...
Should internet porn be regulated by the government, or only by parents?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byBy the government...
By parents...
MarcoG says:
Absolutely by parents. When I was young, I wasn't even allowed a TV in my bedroom, I dred to think what children have access to, if they have the internet in their bedrooms...scary
Posted October 12, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
By parents. Again, too many of them just don't pay attention though. It's not the government's responsibility to be our babysitters.
Posted October 09, 2008
Why Courage Matters: The Way to a Braver Life
by John McCain, Marshall Salter
Why Courage Matters: The Way to a Braver Life
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
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After two stirring memoirs, Senator McCain turns in a slim meditation on the nature of courage. Suggesting the definition of courage has been stretched thin in contemporary parlance, where it can be applied to acts as insignificant as cutting or not cutting one's hair, McCain seeks to return to the word's fundamental meaning not just of "the capacity for action despite our fears" but self-sacrifice for the benefit of others as well as for oneself. Although he addresses valorous conduct by American soldiers in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he is, as always, modestly self-critical of his own experiences in Vietnam (although he and his fellow POWs turned to one another for moral support on a daily basis, he confesses, "I was not always a match for my enemies"). In an especially moving chapter, he recounts the participation of his congressional colleague John Lewis in the nonviolent wing of the Civil Rights movement. Other sections discuss the Navajo leaders Manuelito and Barboncito, Jewish freedom fighter Hannah Senesh and Burmese dissident (and Nobel Peace Prize recipient) Aung San Suu Kyi. These compelling life stories stand up against the best passages of McCain's previous works. Alas, his writing becomes more vague and less interesting when he shifts to a more abstract discussion of the need for courage in the post-September 11 era. One of McCain's greatest strengths as a writer has been that he doesn't sound like just another politician, and while the drop-off in quality here isn't significant, it is noticeable.
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John McCain on Foreign Policy
Voted NO on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons. (Sep 2000)
Voted YES on cap foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)
Voted NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech. (Apr 1998)
Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)
Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996)
Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo. (Jan 1994)
Sponsored bill suspending Russia's participation in the G-8. (Feb 2005)
Barack Obama on Foreign Policy
Wrote 2006 law stabilizing Congo with $52M. (Oct 2007)
At college, protested for divestment from South Africa. (Aug 2007)
Increased aid to Republic of Congo. (Aug 2007)
Visited largest slum in Africa, to publicize its plight. (Aug 2007)
Protested South African apartheid while at college. (Feb 2007)
Supports Israel's self-defense; but distrusted by Israelis. (Oct 2006)
Visited Africa in 2006; encouraged HIV testing & research. (Oct 2006)
Sponsored aid bill to avert humanitarian crisis in Congo. (Dec 2005)
Your take on foreign policy...
Should we be supporting Israel?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byNo, we can't afford to...
Yes. we can't afford NOT to...
The_Homeopath says:
Yes, because they support us. I'm very much of the mindset that friends should have each other's backs.
Posted October 09, 2008
John McCain on Free Trade
Supports ethanol, but by exporting, not by subsidies. (Oct 2007)
Supports opening border to Mexican trucks. (May 2002)
Against foreign sales corporations (offshore tax breaks). (Feb 2000)
Pro-NAFTA, pro-GATT, pro-MFN, pro-Fast Track. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
Voted YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore. (Jul 2003)
Voted YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile. (Jul 2003)
Voted YES on extending free trade to Andean nations. (May 2002)
Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. (Oct 2001)
Voted NO on removing common goods from national security export rules. (Sep 2001)
Voted YES on permanent normal trade relations with China. (Sep 2000)
Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world. (May 2000)
Voted YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority. (Nov 1997)
Voted NO on imposing trade sanctions on Japan for closed market. (May 1995)
Rated 100% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record. (Dec 2002)
Sponsored bill for trade with post-Orange Revolution Ukraine. (Apr 2005)
Barack Obama on Free Trade
Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
Your ideas on free trade...
Should we regulate free trade more or less? How and why?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byMore...
Less...
The_Homeopath says:
Sticky, sticky question. Look at NAFTA. It cost Americans jobs. On the other hand, the whole planet is interdependent now. No nation can survive without the others.
Posted October 09, 2008
John McCain on Government Reform
Claim of "24 years with no earmarks" mostly true. (Jan 2008)
No signing statements: either sign or veto bills. (Dec 2007)
Focus on homeland safety, restoring trust, and fiscal policy. (Dec 2007)
Authored line-item veto law; struck down by Supreme Court. (Oct 2007)
Supports Line-Item Veto and Balanced Budget. (May 1999)
Supports term limits on Congress. (Jul 1998)
Supported then opposed transparency in grassroots reporting. (Jan 2007)
Supported non-severability as key component of CFR. (May 2002)
Voted NO on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
Voted YES on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
Voted YES on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
Voted YES on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)
Voted NO on funding for National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995)
Supports Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform. (Jul 2001)
Sponsored bill subjecting 527s to political committee rules. (Feb 2005)
Sponsored bill prohibiting non-legislated earmarks. (Jul 2005)
Sponsored bill disclosing lobbyist info & gifts on Internet. (Dec 2005)
Sponsored bill allowing individual votes on each earmark. (Feb 2006)
Barack Obama on Government Reform
GovWatch: Promised public financing, and then retreated. (Jun 2008)
1998: First law passed, 52-4, stripping legislator perks. (Aug 2007)
2004: Used state money for seemingly political mailing. (Aug 2007)
Registered 150,000 new minority voters in Chicago in 1992. (Jul 2007)
Sponsored bill to disclose earmarks on Internet. (Oct 2006)
Ended corporate jet travel subsidized by lobbyists. (Feb 2008)
"Money is the original sin in politics and I am not sinless." (Nov 2007)
Reduced cost TV ads for candidates; $85M presidential limit. (Oct 2007)
FactCheck: no lobbyist money; yes from bundlers who lobby. (Jul 2007)
First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform. (Apr 2007)
FactCheck: no lobbyist money, yes from lobbyist spouses. (Apr 2007)
FactCheck: Yes, Obama cast 130 "present" votes in IL Senate. (Jan 2008)
Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
Sponsored bill criminalizing deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005)
Sponsored resolution rejecting photo ID for voting. (Sep 2005)
Sponsored bill to post earmarks on the Internet. (Jan 2006)
Your views on government reform...
Should we require voter ID for voter registration?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, because...
The_Homeopath says:
I'm not entirely certain if Voter ID is really a huge issue in line with the HUGE topic of government reform. I only wish that enough people cared enough for this to even be an issue. I personally have no problem with requiring ID to register or vote.
Posted October 09, 2008
No, Because...
Sarah
by Kaylene Johnson
Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
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"Sarah Palin is a politician of eye-popping integrity." -- Fox News Network
"There's an undeniable national buzz surrounding the first-term governor, seen by many Republicans as a fresh, new face to represent the party's future." -- Chicago Tribune
"Wildly Popular, she's more than just a pretty face." -- Alaska Magazine
John McCain on Gun Control
Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition types. (Sep 2007)
Supports ban on certain assault weapons. (Aug 1999)
Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban. (Aug 1999)
Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
Voted YES on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
Voted NO on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
Voted YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
Voted YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
Barack Obama on Gun Control
FactCheck: Yes, Obama endorsed Illinois handgun ban. (Apr 2008)
Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
Your views on gun laws...
Should the public possess handguns? Explain your answer.
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes...
WhitU4ever says:
Thieves are less likely to steal and criminals less likely to assault or attack in an area where the general public is allowed to possess a handgun. The crime rates went down in Washington D.C. after the average citizen was finally allowed to carry. Before that, it had one of the highest crime rates. A thief looks for opportunities where guns are restricted... case and point: Columbine, that Nebraska mall where even security wasn't allowed to carry a gun, Virgina Tech, etc. At that Colorado church shooting, only two were shot besides the gunman because there was an armed security volunteer on duty. Oh, by the way, handguns are not for bears, Mr. U.K.-topia.
Posted March 09, 2009
The_Homeopath says:
Yes. We do have a guaranteed right to bear arms. I have no problem with waiting periods or even requiring gun safety permits before you can buy one, but every American has the right to have them if they want one. The people out there committing crimes aren't the ones with legal firearms anyway.
Posted October 09, 2008
BBQ-Ken says:
I you can't defend yourself who is in charge? .......
The person with the gun legal or not... Do you really think the police and other government will be there to protect you?
Posted August 29, 2008
No...
MarcoG says:
Well, I'm British, so my answer to this, no, because why do you need one??? I understand if you live somewhere where a wild bear could attack you, then it's necessary for self safety, but other than that, it's beyond me.
Posted October 12, 2008
John McCain on Health Care
Supports tax-free medical savings accounts & tax credits. (Nov 2004)
Supports patient rights; regulate nicotine as a drug. (Jul 1998)
Voted NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Jun 2003)
Voted YES on allowing reimportation of Rx drugs from Canada. (Jul 2002)
Voted YES on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages. (Jun 2001)
Voted YES on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Apr 2001)
Voted NO on including prescription drugs under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
Voted YES on limiting self-employment health deduction. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on increasing tobacco restrictions. (Jun 1998)
Voted NO on Medicare means-testing. (Jun 1997)
Voted NO on blocking medical savings acounts. (Apr 1996)
Barack Obama on Health Care
End-of-life self-medication ok; euthanasia by others not ok. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: Reducing obesity would save $18B, not $1T. (Dec 2007)
Got tested for AIDS, with wife, in public, in Kenya. (Jun 2007)
Universal Healthcare
Unclear if Obama's plan costs less than Clinton's. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: Hillary's plan does mandate; but so does Obama's. (Feb 2008)
Fact Check: Yes, Obama favored single-payer, despite denial. (Jan 2008)
Fact Check: No, US costs are not twice as much as others. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: OPPORTUNITY to insure all, but no GUARANTEE. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Coverage plan might leave 8.5 million uninsured. (Nov 2007)
Voted NO on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
Healthcare according to YOU...
Should the government regulate health care? Why or why not?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, because...
The_Homeopath says:
Probably. As much as I am in favor of less regulation - just look at how well that worked for the banks. Remember what happened when the savings and loan regs were loosened? It's ridiculous to me that American pharmaceutical companies are selling life saving drugs to other countries for less than they do to a US citizen. I'm not speaking of donating AIDS drugs to Africa, I mean when you can buy AMERICAN made drugs in Canada for less than you can here. The insurance industry is so out-of-control with trying for more profits and red tape, it's a mess. I don't think that total socialized medicine is the answer here, but something does have to be done. The very poor can get free care here, and the rich don't need to worry, but the middle class are having serious problems right now.
Posted October 09, 2008
No, because...
John McCain on Homeland Security
Ran the largest squadron in the US Navy. (Oct 2007)
1973: Spokesperson for Operation Homecoming. (Oct 2007)
1977:Appointed as Navy liaison to Congress. (Oct 2007)
Cited 245 pork projects, or $3.5M waste in defense bill. (Oct 2007)
"I've spent my life leading on national security issues." (Sep 2007)
First reaction to Sept 11: "This is war". (May 2002)
Argued for base closings even in the wake of 9/11. (May 2002)
Accepts gays in military under current policy. (Jan 2000)
"Torture has never worked throughout history." (Apr 2007)
Worked with John Kerry on Vietnam POW's (2007)
Voted NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
Voted NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
Voted NO on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
Voted YES on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
Voted YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
Sponsored bill giving higher priority to rail security. (Jul 2005)
Sponsored bill banning torture of terrorists in US custody. (Jul 2005)
Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
Barack Obama on Homeland Security
FactCheck: Promised to repeal Patriot Act, then voted for it. (Jan 2008)
Restore habeas corpus to reach Muslims abroad. (Dec 2007)
2006: Obama-Lugar bill restricted conventional weapons. (Oct 2007)
Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell. (Aug 2007)
2005: Passed bill to reduce conventional weapon stockpiles. (Aug 2007)
Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
Voted YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
Voted YES on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
Homeland security in YOUR eyes...
Should foreign terror suspects held at Guantanamo Bay have the right to challenge their detention in civilian courts?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes...
lakeerieartists says:
If we are civilized citizens, we have to treat all people civily. We should not stoop to their level. Rights are rights.
Posted October 12, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
Yes. I'm so sick over the human rights violations under the guise of homeland security. Guess what? The terrorists hate us. Torturing them makes them hate us more. So, we're just encouraging MORE terrorists who want to kill us. Homeland security is a joke. The World Trade Center wasn't destroyed by a mother carrying a water bottle on to a plane. The individuals at Gitmo are such a small piece of the puzzle, the government needs to get over it and realize that their own actions are what are breeding the hatred against us.
Posted October 09, 2008
No...
Hard Call
By John McCain, Mark Salter
Hard Call: The Art of Great Decisions
Amazon Price: $10.87 (as of 12/23/2009)
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As he faces down the perplexing issues of war in Iraq and immigration reform at home, it's fitting that Arizona senator McCain, a contender for the 2008 Republican presidential bid, would spend time reflecting on principled stands that either "win a hero's welcome or indefinite pain and suffering." McCain and co-author Salter follow the blueprint of their previous book, Why Courage Matters, to provide readers with a series of character-as-history profiles of the men and women who shaped seminal moments in 20th century political and cultural history, from the integration of professional baseball to the pardoning of Richard Nixon to the end of the Cold War, as well as seemingly trivial accomplishments like the invention of the disposable razor ("Sell the shave, not the razor"). Throughout, an insider's view provides keen insight on the caprices of history and more than a few echoes of current events, most importantly the interplay between personal experience and national destiny. Meticulously crafted, this collection will appeal to those who respect McCain's reputation as a maverick for whom "faith and courage" ranks among the most important forces in human history.
Usually ships in 24 hours
John McCain on Immigration
1988: Honored by La Raza for opposing official English. (Jan 2004)
Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on visas for skilled workers. (May 1998)
Voted YES on limit welfare for immigrants. (Jun 1997)
English immersion over bilingual education. (Jul 2001)
Sponsored comprehensive immigration reform, without amnesty. (May 2005)
Barack Obama on Immigration
Illegals shouldn't work; but should have path to citizenship. (Dec 2007)
OK to provide government services in Spanish. (Dec 2007)
FactCheck: Lightning IS likelier than employer prosecution. (Nov 2007)
Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
Your opinions on immigration...
Should English be declared the official language of the United States?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes...
lakeerieartists says:
Isn't it already? But we should still have other language help in areas with significant populations.
Posted October 12, 2008
ArtByLinda says:
Yes, but we should have help available for emergencies, like language lines.
Posted October 09, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
Yes.
I also believe that any "illegal" immigrant should be granted US citizenship if they so desire. We could make a working proficiency of the language a requirement for citizenship and then save A LOT of taxpayers money on the INS and defending the borders while also letting these immigrants contribute by becoming tax paying citizens like the rest of us. Too many racist folks foget that we are ALL immigrants and that our forebearers also learned the language.
Posted October 09, 2008
No...
The Audacity of Hope
by Barack Obama
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream (Vintage)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
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The Audacity of Hope, Obama engages themes raised in his keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, shares personal views on faith and values and offers a vision of the future that involves repairing a "political process that is broken" and restoring a government that has fallen out of touch with the people.
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John McCain on Jobs
Unions are monopolies; don't compel people to join. (Oct 2007)
Voted NO on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
Voted Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
Voted NO on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on repealing Clinton's ergonomic rules on repetitive stress. (Mar 2001)
Voted YES on allowing workers to choose between overtime & comp-time. (May 1997)
Voted YES on replacing farm price supports. (Feb 1996)
Barack Obama on Jobs
Owes unions who endorsed him; that's why he's in politics. (Oct 2006)
Overrode federal overtime rules and raised the minimum wage. (Sep 2004)
Obama will strengthen unions and workers' rights. (May 2004)
Sponsored bill allowing an Air Traffic Controller's Union. (Jan 2006)
Voted NO on terminating legal challenges to English-only job rules. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
Your voice on jobs...
Is overhauling unemployment insurance as a retraining program a good idea or a bad one?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byGood, because...
The_Homeopath says:
It could be a good thing, but I'd need to really hear more about specifics first.
Posted October 09, 2008
Bad, because...
John McCain on Principles & Values
Proud of Justice O'Connor; favors Roberts and Alito. (Jan 2008)
Able to work with others with own set of principles. (Dec 2007)
Courage is the capacity for action despite our fears. (Apr 2004)
Just government is derived from the consent of the governed. (Apr 2004)
We need moral courage to be honest all the time. (Apr 2004)
Do the thing you think you cannot do. (Apr 2004)
The allure of pride affects adults like it affects children. (Apr 2004)
We are indebted to those who shed blood for us. (Apr 2004)
It's love that makes courage necessary. (Apr 2004)
Political style is to be straightforward. (Sep 2002)
Principles are more important than personal happiness. (Sep 2002)
Restore, renew, reform, & reinvigorate government. (Sep 1999)
Public officials have failed to set example for society. (Aug 1999)
Barack Obama on Principles & Values
GovWatch: Wears flag pin to deflect anti-patriotism critics. (Jun 2008)
I revere the American flag; I don't refuse to wear flag pins. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: Yes, refused to wear a flag pin, last year. (Apr 2008)
Don't seat MI & FL delegates; they're based on non-campaign. (Feb 2008)
FactCheck: Ranked most liberal in Senate, based on 99 votes. (Feb 2008)
The Clinton years were undeniably better than the Bush years. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Obama praised GOP for having ideas, not GOP ideas. (Jan 2008)
Objected to Republican ideas; did not compliment them. (Jan 2008)
Ran for Congress in 2000 & lost. (Nov 2007)
Says he gave away all Rezko "boneheaded" donations to charity. (Nov 2007)
Don't know if life beyond earth; focus on life here on earth. (Oct 2007)
Voted with Democratic Party 96.0% of 251 votes. (Sep 2007)
The Plan: Raise Obama's profile, including African adventure. (Aug 2007)
Assigned RFK's Senate desk; invokes RFK regularly. (Feb 2007)
Hopefund PAC donated $500K to Democratic Senate candidates. (Nov 2006)
Post-1960s politics more about attitude than issues. (Oct 2006)
Guilt is a luxury that not everyone can afford. (Aug 1996)
"I have shown the right judgment to lead." (Feb 2008)
Cultivates comparison to Jack Kennedy. (Nov 2007)
Campaigns assiduously in black churches. (Nov 2007)
A "hopemonger", having seen the power of hope. (Jun 2007)
Seek common ground, not a moral crusade. (Oct 2004)
State Senate opponents disqualified on technicality. (Aug 2007)
Barack Obama's Personal History
GovWatch: "Worked his way thru college" meant 2 summer jobs. (Jul 2008)
FactCheck: Took Rezko's donations, but never represented him. (Jan 2008)
Real estate deal with felon was "boneheaded" but ethical. (Oct 2007)
Most decisive moment: transition from high school to college. (Aug 2007)
High school jock--played football as defensive lineman. (Aug 2007)
Planned on presidency since well before 2004 Convention. (Aug 2007)
Dreams from My Father originally about Harvard Law Review. (Aug 2007)
Favorite authors: E. L. Doctorow & Shakespeare. (Aug 2007)
To understand Obama, understand Hawaii's cultural mix. (Aug 2007)
A reformed smoker but occasionally burns one. (Mar 2007)
Traces ancestry to Jefferson Davis, President of Confederacy. (Feb 2007)
Lost Congressional primary in 1999 to Bobby Rush. (Feb 2007)
Personal story is basis of political desire to unite. (Feb 2007)
Full name: Barack Hussein Obama; family calls him "Barry". (Oct 2006)
First black president of the Harvard Law Review. (Jul 2004)
GovWatch: never a Muslim, but school listed him as Muslim. (Jun 2008)
Claims Rev. Wright and flag pins are distractions from real issues. (Apr 2008)
More influenced by his race than public perceives. (Dec 2007)
In college, rejected multiracialism for black identity. (Dec 2007)
Bradley effect: black candidates poll above actual votes. (Oct 2007)
Convention keynote speech highlights party's black targeting. (Jul 2004)
Blacks are angry; but I dissociate myself from Rev. Wright. (Apr 2008)
Rev. Jeremiah Wright helped bring me to Christianity. (Apr 2008)
Exposure to Islam taught me that Muslims can partner with us. (Apr 2008)
I am a proud Christian who believes deeply in Jesus Christ. (Jan 2008)
Joined church that emphasized a "Black Value System". (Dec 2007)
Source of his book title "Audacity of Hope" was a sermon. (Feb 2007)
I'm a big believer in the separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
Spent time in both Muslim and Catholic schools. (Aug 1996)
Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
Your values voiced...
Barack Obama says the Clinton years were far better than the Bush years. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI agree...
MarcoG says:
Speaking as an outsider, when Clinton was President, we had respect for America. Since Bush has taken over, every nation (that I am aware of) think America is a joke. America is a great nation, and needs someone who can prove it to the world. Unfortunately Bush has failed dismally
Posted October 12, 2008
I disagree...
The_Homeopath says:
I disagree. Many of the things that went wrong during the Bush years had their seeds sewn during Clinton's watch. I don't think either one is completely innocent on it.
Posted October 09, 2008
John McCain on Social Security
Voted YES on using the Social Security Surplus to fund tax reductions. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on Social Security Lockbox & limiting national debt. (Apr 1999)
Voted YES on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees. (May 1998)
Voted YES on allowing personal retirement accounts. (Apr 1998)
Voted YES on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes. (May 1996)
Supports individual savings accounts and work incentives. (Sep 1998)
Barack Obama on Social Security
Raise $97K cap on payroll tax exempting earnings under $250K. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: Removing $97,500 cap would be $1.3T tax increase. (Nov 2007)
Voted NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security. (Mar 2007)
You and social security...
Should social security be privatized? Why or why not?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes...
No...
The_Homeopath says:
No Way!!!!
I shudder to imagine how tragically screwed up it would be then.
Posted October 09, 2008
Worth the Fighting For
by John McCain, Mark Salter
Worth the Fighting For: The Education of an American Maverick, and the Heroes Who Inspired Him
Amazon Price: $11.21 (as of 12/23/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
McCain, with help from his administrative assistant Salter, picks up where the bestselling Faith of My Fathers left off, after his release from a North Vietnamese POW prison. After two decades in Congress, he has plenty of stories to tell, beginning with his first experiences on Capitol Hill as a navy liaison to the Senate, where he became friends with men like Henry "Scoop" Jackson and John Tower. (The latter friendship plays a crucial role in McCain's account of the battle over Tower's 1989 nomination for defense secretary.) He revisits the "Keating Five" affair that nearly wrecked his career in the early '90s, pointedly observing how the investigating Senate committee left him dangling for political reasons long after he'd been cleared of wrongdoing. There's much less on his 2000 presidential campaign than one might expect; a single chapter lingers on a self-lacerating analysis of how he lost the South Carolina primary. (He admits, "I doubt I shall have reason or opportunity to try again" for the White House, and may even consider retiring from the Senate.) Self-criticism is a recurring motif, as the senator berates himself for speaking recklessly or letting his temper get the best of him. He nevertheless takes pride in his status as a maverick and pays tribute to inspirational figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Ted Williams and Robert Jordan, the fictional protagonist of Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls. Luckily for McCain, he's such an engaging storyteller most readers will readily accept these digressions from his own remarkable history.
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John McCain on Tax Reform
Opposed to the Bush tax cuts as spending got out of control. (Jan 2008)
Consistent on focusing tax cuts more toward middle class. (May 2002)
Reagan Republican: simplify taxes; cut waste. (Feb 2000)
Supports flat tax; stop complexity by special interests. (Oct 1999)
Voted against Bush tax cuts for not reining in spending. (May 2007)
Voted YES on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M. (Feb 2008)
Voted YES on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
Voted YES on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
Voted YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
Voted YES on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
Voted NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. (May 2003)
Voted YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates. (May 2001)
Voted NO on increasing tax deductions for college tuition. (May 2001)
Voted YES on eliminating the 'marriage penalty'. (Jul 2000)
Voted YES on phasing out the estate tax ("death tax"). (Jul 2000)
Voted NO on across-the-board spending cut. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on requiring super-majority for raising taxes. (Apr 1998)
Barack Obama on Tax Reform
GovWatch: didn't vote to raise taxes 94 times; at most 54. (Jul 2008)
"I will raise CEO taxes, no doubt about it." (May 2008)
Voted YES on increasing tax rate for people earning over $1 million. (Mar 2008)
Voted NO on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset. (Mar 2008)
Voted NO on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M. (Feb 2008)
Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
Voted NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
Your take on tax reform...
Higher or lower taxes? Xplain...
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byHigher...
Lower...
The_Homeopath says:
I'm actually in the middle on this one. I believe in a flat tax with fewer deductions, write offs, and loopholes. Let's just make it more fair for everybody - rich and poor, corporations and individuals.
Posted October 09, 2008
Promises to Keep
By Joe Biden
Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics
Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 12/23/2009)
Used Price: $0.52
"Nearly forty years after I first got involved, I remain captivated by the possibilities of politics and public service. In fact, I believe that my chosen profession is a noble calling. That's why I wanted to be a part of it."
~ Joe Biden
Usually ships in 24 hours
John McCain on Technology
Ban Internet taxes & new cell phone taxes. (Feb 2008)
Veto pork barrel; focus transportation spending on repairs. (Aug 2007)
Internet access, with filters, at every school & library. (Jun 1999)
Voted NO on restoring $550M in funding for Amtrak for 2007. (Mar 2006)
Voted NO on disallowing FCC approval of larger media conglomerates. (Sep 2003)
Voted YES on Internet sales tax moratorium. (Oct 1998)
Voted NO on telecomm deregulation. (Feb 1996)
Sponsored bill requiring text on TV for visually-impaired. (Apr 2005)
Barack Obama on Technology
Incentives for next-generation broadband in every community. (Feb 2008)
Increase funding for math and science research & education. (Oct 2007)
Airlines got into trouble after deregulation. (Oct 2007)
Organizes campaign events via MySpace.com and FaceBook.com. (Oct 2007)
JFK inspired with space program; now same with energy R&D. (Sep 2007)
Increase funding for basic research; expand broadband access. (Aug 2007)
As Senate freshman spoke out on Katrina ramifications. (Aug 2007)
$42B more in university-based R&D. (Oct 2006)
Invest on transportation and clean coal technology projects. (Oct 2004)
Voted NO on restoring $550M in funding for Amtrak for 2007. (Mar 2006)
Close digital divide with high-tech training. (Jan 2001)
Ensure net neutrality: no corporate-tiered Internet. (Jan 2007)
Create online database of science & math scholarships. (Dec 2007)
Website for competitive federal awards. (Jun 2008)
Overturn FCC approval of media consolidation. (Mar 2008)
Your ideas on technology...
John McCain on War & Peace
Since 1998, championed policy of "rogue-state rollback". (Oct 2007)
Follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell. (May 2007)
Prefers not to take troops out of Afghanistan. (Jan 2007)
2000: Warned against radical Islamic terrorism. (May 2002)
Strategic bombing of Iran OK only if imminent threat. (Dec 2007)
Iran & Syria must not get nukes; they'll exterminate Israel. (Nov 2007)
Iran is sponsor of terrorism; US strike if they get nukes. (May 2007)
Iraq War
Costs will be far greater should we fail in Iraq. (Feb 2008)
Don't let enemy lay in the weeds until we leave. (Jan 2008)
Support the surge and bring troops home with honor. (Jan 2008)
Timetable for withdrawal is a white flag of surrender. (Jan 2008)
Strategy in Iraq: defeat al-Qaeda; limit Iran's influence. (Sep 2007)
Surge is working; let it continue until it succeeds. (Sep 2007)
Consequences of failure: regional chaos & we must come back. (May 2007)
Prefers more troops for surge, but 20,000 is sufficient. (Jan 2007)
McCain Principle: Committing troops means completing mission. (Jan 2007)
If we leave Iraq, terrorists will follow us home. (Jan 2007)
Congress has no authority to cut off funds for Iraqi use. (Jan 2007)
Voted NO on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months. (Dec 2007)
Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding. (Apr 2005)
Voted YES on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)
Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)
Voted NO on allowing all necessary force in Kosovo. (May 1999)
Voted YES on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo. (Mar 1999)
Voted YES on ending the Bosnian arms embargo. (Jul 1995)
Supports $48 billion in new spending for anti-terrorism. (Jan 2002)
Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem. (Nov 1995)
Barack Obama on War & Peace
$2.7 billion each week of Iraq spending is unsustainable. (Feb 2008)
Humanitarian aid now for displaced Iraqis. (Feb 2008)
FactCheck: Overstated displaced Iraqis; actually 4.2 million. (Feb 2008)
The Iraq war has undermined our security. (Jan 2008)
Iraq is distracting us from a host of global threats. (Jan 2008)
The Iraq war was conceptually flawed from the start. (Jan 2008)
Get our troops out by the end of 2009. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Violence in Iraq is LOWER than 2 years ago. (Jan 2008)
Congress decides deployment level & duration, not president. (Dec 2007)
Surge strategy has made a difference in Iraq but failed. (Nov 2007)
Hopes to remove all troops from Iraq by 2013, but no pledge. (Sep 2007)
We live in a more dangerous world because of Bush's actions. (Jun 2007)
War in Iraq is "dumb" but troops still need equipment. (Apr 2007)
Saddam is a tyrant but not a national security threat. (Mar 2007)
Iraq War has made US less safe from terrorism. (Oct 2004)
Not opposed to all wars, but opposed to the war in Iraq. (Jul 2004)
Trouble Spots
Take no options off the table if Iran attacks Israel. (Apr 2008)
Two-state solution: Israel & Palestine side-by-side in peace. (Feb 2008)
No action in Iran without Congressional authorization. (Dec 2007)
Meet directly for diplomacy with the leadership in Iran. (Nov 2007)
Military action in Pakistan if we have actionable intel. (Aug 2007)
FactCheck: Yes, Obama said invade Pakistan to get al Qaeda. (Aug 2007)
Iran with nuclear weapons is a profound security threat. (Apr 2007)
We did the right thing in Afghanistan. (Mar 2007)
Problems with current Israeli policy. (Jul 2004)
Engage North Korea in 6-party talks. (Jul 2004)
Use moral authority to work towards Middle East peace. (Jul 2004)
Voted to fund war until 2006; now wants no blank check. (Nov 2007)
Voted YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
Here's your chance to talk war and peace...
Should we set a date to bring the troops home? Why or why not?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes... enough is enough! Bring the troops home from Iraq.
The_Homeopath says:
Yes. Ill-defined goals aren't goals at all. The people in charge need to have specific things to work toward and not some vague wait and see approach.
Posted October 09, 2008
No way... not until we have won! Allow the troops to stay in Iraq.
ArtByLinda says:
Why would any commander in chief in their right mind allow the insurgents to know when we are leaving? Then they could just hold off until that date to take over again. It's just a stupid idea.
Posted October 09, 2008
John McCain on Welfare & Poverty
Supports block grants, welfare-to-work, state control. (Jan 2000)
Anti-poverty shared by gov't & faith-based orgs. (Jan 2000)
List unoccupied HUD-owned homes, & give them away. (Feb 1999)
Pro-block grants; pro-welfare-to-work. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on welfare block grants. (Aug 1996)
Voted NO on eliminating block grants for food stamps. (Jul 1996)
Voted YES on allowing state welfare waivers. (Jul 1996)
Voted YES on welfare overhaul. (Sep 1995)
Fully fund AmeriCorps. (Jun 2003)
Barack Obama on Welfare & Poverty
Fought for workers from college thru Senate. (Jul 2008)
Welfare laws he "passed" were federally mandated. (Jul 2008)
1980s: Director of the Developing Communities Project. (Oct 2007)
1985: Launched project to give voice to disempowered. (Aug 2007)
Community organizer on Chicago's South Side. (Feb 2007)
What you think about welfare & poverty issues...
Are faith-based organizations an effective way to fight poverty?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI think so. Here's why...
ArtByLinda says:
It is not their responsibility, but sometimes it is their calling.
Posted October 09, 2008
The_Homeopath says:
They're doing a better job at helping individuals than the government is at the moment. Each should continue to do as they have been. Who's feeding the homeless in Denver? Not the government. It's the Catholic Rescue Mission. But who helps out when you need to go to the ER but have no money? The government.
Each has there own place.
Posted October 09, 2008
WhitU4ever says:
They are better than government based organizations for welfare and poverty issues because they are already directly involved with the communities in need, specifically designed to deal with issues deeper than what the surface shows, and full of people who actually care enough to do the very best they can and much more than any federal or state run organization would do.
Posted October 09, 2008
I don't think so. Here's why...
lakeerieartists says:
They are a great help in the fight. And should continue to do so, because they are all about helping our fellow man. But the government should be working to eliminate poverty all of the time. The more productive citizens we have in the country, the better for everyone.
Posted October 12, 2008
A Just-for-Fun Voting Poll
Helpful Resources
- OnTheIssues.org - Candidates on the Issues
- Every candidate on every issue!
- GodTube.com
- Saddleback Civil Forum Clips
An Example of Media Bias
Observe Charles Gibson's difference between interview questions for Obama vs. Palen
This is truly fascinating. Charles Gibson interviewed Barack Obama and Sara Palin. From The Anchoress comes this comparison of questions he asked Obama, who remember is running for the top job, and what he asked Palin, who is only running for VP.Obama interview:
How does it feel to break a glass ceiling?
How does it feel to "win"?
How does your family feel about your "winning" breaking a glass ceiling?
Who will be your VP?
Should you choose Hillary Clinton as VP?
Will you accept public finance?
What issues is your campaign about?
Will you visit Iraq?
Will you debate McCain at a town hall?
What did you think of your competitor's [Clinton] speech?
Palin interview:
Do you have enough qualifications for the job you're seeking? Specifically have you visited foreign countries and met foreign leaders?
Aren't you conceited to be seeking this high level job?
Questions about foreign policy:
territorial integrity of Georgia
allowing Georgia and Ukraine to be members of NATO
NATO treaty
Iranian nuclear threat
what to do if Israel attacks Iran
Al Qaeda motivations
the Bush Doctrine
attacking terrorists harbored by Pakistan
Is America fighting a holy war? [misquoted Palin]
There's no doubt the Charles Gibson interviews showed extreme prejudice against Palin and extreme favoritism towards Obama.... He constantly questioned her ability to lead but never questioned Obama's ability to lead, all the more amazing considering that Palin was the only one with executive experience and the presidency is the highest level executive job in politics.
SARAH PALIN: In Her Own Words
by Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin ABC Interview With Charlie Gibson | God Edit Controversy
Barack Obama in His Own Words
by Barack Obama
Barack Obama in His Own Words
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Used Price: $1.14
This book is a collection of quotes taken from various speeches and comments made by Barack Obama. While it is informative in some ways, I hesitate to accept quotes that are taken from a larger text, interview, or speech simply because the context is missing. When a quote is taken out of a larger whole, sometimes the meaning can be misconstrued. If you are already strongly familiar with Obama, this book probably tells you things that you already know. If you are not, it is a good idea to read other books as well as transcripts of Obama's speeches so that you can form your own opinions as to how these comments should be taken. For real insight into Barack Obama, I suggest that you read "Dreams From My Father."
~ A Customer
Sarah Palin Speech at the RNC
The 2008 Republican Ticket
CNN's Wolf Blitzer with Lynn Forester De Rothschild
on the Dem ticket and why she is supporting McCain
The 2008 Democratic Ticket
Election 2008: Obama and Biden, the 2008 Democratic Ticket - Essential Reference with Public Papers, Votes, Speeches, Record in Congress - Barack Obama and Joe Biden (Two CD-ROM Set)
Amazon Price: $25.00 (as of 12/23/2009)
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