Daria and CS

FallinAgain · January 2012

So, no arguments, but who do you want to get the GOP nom? Since it looks likely it will be Romney, are you happy with that?

daria405 · January 2012

Yes, I like Romney and have wanted him to get the nom all along. I'm originally from Michigan and his family also has Michigan roots (his dad, I think, was governor of Michigan for awhile). Not that it qualifies him for President, but you know.

CaptainSerious · January 2012

I'm torn.

Personally, I identify most with Ron Paul. Not with everything he says, but I'm basically a libertarian, and I think he's true to that cause. I don't necessarily agree that we don't need a Federal Reserve or some of his other claims, but I also don't believe those things have a snowball's chance in hell of becoming a reality even if he is elected, so I'm okay with that.

On the other hand, I think Romney or Huntsman have the best chance of beating Obama in the general election. I don't know enough about Huntsman, so I'm still researching that. I think Romney has a lot of things that harm his "likability," so that's a problem with moderate voters. Personally, I think Romney is a Republican in name, who stands wherever the public-he's-currently-trying-to-woo to wants him to on many issues, such as gay marriage and health care. I don't like a candidate whom I can't pin down.

salimoo · January 2012

I would be okay with Huntsman, actually. I like most of what I've heard.

I don't understand how Romney can be doing so well after pretty much creating Obamacare and then pretending he didn't.

wingedbride · January 2012

daria405:
Yes, I like Romney and have wanted him to get the nom all along. I'm originally from Michigan and his family also has Michigan roots (his dad, I think, was governor of Michigan for awhile). Not that it qualifies him for President, but you know.

You like him because he's from your home state?

oklagirl · January 2012

I also want to talk politics more often. I remeber when that was a big source of discussion on NEY.

Hello, republicans. Please to explain your stance and reasonings on the following topics:

1. Immigration

2. Healthcare reform

3. Gay marriage

4. Abortion/contraception

5. Taxation

I'm genuinely curious.

EssBe · January 2012

wingedbride:
daria405:
Yes, I like Romney and have wanted him to get the nom all along. I'm originally from Michigan and his family also has Michigan roots (his dad, I think, was governor of Michigan for awhile). Not that it qualifies him for President, but you know.
You like him because he's from your home state?

Yep this is why I love Bobby Jindal so much.

Oh wait. No I don't.

FallinAgain · January 2012

CaptainSerious:
I'm torn.

Personally, I identify most with Ron Paul. Not with everything he says, but I'm basically a libertarian, and I think he's true to that cause. I don't necessarily agree that we don't need a Federal Reserve or some of his other claims, but I also don't believe those things have a snowball's chance in hell of becoming a reality even if he is elected, so I'm okay with that.

On the other hand, I think Romney or Huntsman have the best chance of beating Obama in the general election. I don't know enough about Huntsman, so I'm still researching that. I think Romney has a lot of things that harm his "likability," so that's a problem with moderate voters. Personally, I think Romney is a Republican in name, who stands wherever the public-he's-currently-trying-to-woo to wants him to on many issues, such as gay marriage and health care. I don't like a candidate whom I can't pin down.

I think this is pretty true. I think he's a economic Repub, but not necessarily a social issues one. Or, maybe he's one all the way around be played more liberal to win MA.

I think you're right that Paul's efforts to end the Fed (and most other federal depts.) doesn't have a snowball's chance. My bigger concern would be about things he could control--especially the US's relationship with foreign countries. His isolationist bent worries me as I don't see it as practical in the current global world.

Is that an argument? I don't mean it to be. I just find politics fascinating even while I currently find them repulsive.

FallinAgain · January 2012

salimoo:
I would be okay with Huntsman, actually. I like most of what I've heard.
I don't understand how Romney can be doing so well after pretty much creating Obamacare and then pretending he didn't.

Did you see Romney when the woman asked about healthcare and said she didn't have ins. and was scared? And he responded, "See Obamacare doesn't work." And she said, "It hasn't gone into effect yet, but I see my friends in MA and they have hope." And he said, "Yeah, who do you think did that?" And then his staff rushed him out of the room. How does his brain make that turn on a dime?

I would seriously consider voting for Huntsman over Obama.

salimoo · January 2012

FallinAgain:
salimoo:
I would be okay with Huntsman, actually. I like most of what I've heard.
I don't understand how Romney can be doing so well after pretty much creating Obamacare and then pretending he didn't.
Did you see Romney when the woman asked about healthcare and said she didn't have ins. and was scared? And he responded, "See Obamacare doesn't work." And she said, "It hasn't gone into effect yet, but I see my friends in MA and they have hope." And he said, "Yeah, who do you think did that?" And then his staff rushed him out of the room. How does his brain make that turn on a dime?
I would seriously consider voting for Huntsman over Obama.

I know. His campaign song should be Little Lies. How can anyone have confidence in that, aside from people from his dad's home state of course (oops, arguing)? He'll tell you what you want to hear, anything you want to hear, but who knows what he'll actually do? Dumb.

I would also consider voting for Huntsman this year.

CaptainSerious · January 2012

1. Immigration - The current laws are for the birds. They need to be changed to allow for migrant workers or for people to legally move here, either as citizens or non-citizens (personally, I prefer for more access to citizenship). Whatever the new laws are, they need to be enforced. having laws on the books and not enforcing them makes is asinine, and makes a laughing-stock of our country and government.

2. Healthcare reform - I don't think it should be required for small employers to provide health insurance to employees. I do think that basic health care should be available to everyone, but not necessarily through employers. I don't like when the government/insurance companies try to enforce lifestyle changes on the insured--encouraging healthy change is one thing, requiring it as a condition of coverage is not okay. I don't have any great answers, but I do think that the new law goes farther than I'm comfortable with.

3. Gay marriage - Marry away! I see a difference between civil and religious, so the government should marry gay couples just as they would anyone else. It's the only way to guarantee they receive all the same rights

4. Abortion/contraception - Abortion is not something I could ever do, but I believe it should remain legal. Legislating it would be legislating morality. Contraception is nobody's business but the person using it. It should be available to anyone who wants it, and low-cost protection (from diseases, especially) should be available without any required counseling or any other interaction that may scare teens away.

5. Taxation - This is where we'll probably differ the most. I'm so sick of hearing the myth that the rich don't pay their fair share. They pay their share and more. The AMT is bullshit. The amazing loopholes we hear about only apply to the super-mega-rich, and even with them, they are paying far more than the rest of us. I like the idea of a flat income tax, which tapers off (or doesn't apply at all)at the lowest end of the scale. I don't think savings should be taxed. I also don't think there should be sales taxes. Just income and property.

CaptainSerious · January 2012

FallinAgain:

I think this is pretty true. I think he's a economic Repub, but not necessarily a social issues one. Or, maybe he's one all the way around be played more liberal to win MA.

I think you're right that Paul's efforts to end the Fed (and most other federal depts.) doesn't have a snowball's chance. My bigger concern would be about things he could control--especially the US's relationship with foreign countries. His isolationist bent worries me as I don't see it as practical in the current global world.

Is that an argument? I don't mean it to be. I just find politics fascinating even while I currently find them repulsive.

I didn't take this to be argumentative.

I can't tell if Romney's a moderate trying to play to the Republican base or a conservative who played the liberals in MA. What I do know is he's no social liberal if he was ever anti-abortion (yet another flip-flop).

I don't know about the isolationist thing. I mean, I don't know how far he'd take it, and I'm definitely all about seeing the world-view (definitely not a nationalist by any stretch of the imagination), but maybe if we weren't so spread thin throughout the world, we could focus a little more on what needs to happen at home. I would be worried about shrinking the armed forces too much, but not necessarily about bringing most of our troops home. I also like the no undeclared wars thing.

mashedpotato · January 2012

CaptainSerious:

1. Immigration - The current laws are for the birds. They need to be changed to allow for migrant workers or for people to legally move here, either as citizens or non-citizens (personally, I prefer for more access to citizenship). Whatever the new laws are, they need to be enforced. having laws on the books and not enforcing them makes is asinine, and makes a laughing-stock of our country and government.

2. Healthcare reform - I don't think it should be required for small employers to provide health insurance to employees. I do think that basic health care should be available to everyone, but not necessarily through employers. I don't like when the government/insurance companies try to enforce lifestyle changes on the insured--encouraging healthy change is one thing, requiring it as a condition of coverage is not okay. I don't have any great answers, but I do think that the new law goes farther than I'm comfortable with.

3. Gay marriage - Marry away! I see a difference between civil and religious, so the government should marry gay couples just as they would anyone else. It's the only way to guarantee they receive all the same rights

4. Abortion/contraception - Abortion is not something I could ever do, but I believe it should remain legal. Legislating it would be legislating morality. Contraception is nobody's business but the person using it. It should be available to anyone who wants it, and low-cost protection (from diseases, especially) should be available without any required counseling or any other interaction that may scare teens away.

5. Taxation - This is where we'll probably differ the most. I'm so sick of hearing the myth that the rich don't pay their fair share. They pay their share and more. The AMT is bullshit. The amazing loopholes we hear about only apply to the super-mega-rich, and even with them, they are paying far more than the rest of us. I like the idea of a flat income tax, which tapers off (or doesn't apply at all)at the lowest end of the scale. I don't think savings should be taxed. I also don't think there should be sales taxes. Just income and property.

shamon, I'm down with all of this.

_Fenton · January 2012

I would consider voting Huntsman, too. My main concern about a candidate is that he/she will not nominate a terrifying religion monster to SCOTUS since that can take decades to reverse.

I am a hardcore liberal, but the Democrats aren't really liberal anymore, so why not just vote for the smart one with the least owed blow jobs to lobbyists.

lindsayll · January 2012

_Fenton:
I am a hardcore liberal, but the Democrats aren't really liberal anymore, so why not just vote for the smart one with the least owed blow jobs to lobbyists.

QFT, although I lean moderate libertarian.

The AMT is the debil.

CaptainSerious · January 2012

I have to leave for the afternoon, but I actually enjoyed this post. It's not that I mind discussing these things, it's just that sometimes being in the minority makes if feel like a dogpile I'm trying to fight my way out of, and that gets old.

Pretty much, I'm against government involvement in personal lives. And, and this is probably where I differ with most here, after seeing first-hand how inefficient government is, I've got to believe that most things can be done better and cheaper by private entities. Regulation almost always has unintended consequences that make things slower, more costly, and provide a diminished product. It doesn't reward ingenuity. That said, I understand some regulation is necessary to keep businesses in check so that they don't go all profit-crazy at the expense of the masses.

Maybe we can discuss more tomorrow.

WendyToo · January 2012

mashedpotato:
CaptainSerious:

1. Immigration - The current laws are for the birds. They need to be changed to allow for migrant workers or for people to legally move here, either as citizens or non-citizens (personally, I prefer for more access to citizenship). Whatever the new laws are, they need to be enforced. having laws on the books and not enforcing them makes is asinine, and makes a laughing-stock of our country and government.

2. Healthcare reform - I don't think it should be required for small employers to provide health insurance to employees. I do think that basic health care should be available to everyone, but not necessarily through employers. I don't like when the government/insurance companies try to enforce lifestyle changes on the insured--encouraging healthy change is one thing, requiring it as a condition of coverage is not okay. I don't have any great answers, but I do think that the new law goes farther than I'm comfortable with.

3. Gay marriage - Marry away! I see a difference between civil and religious, so the government should marry gay couples just as they would anyone else. It's the only way to guarantee they receive all the same rights

4. Abortion/contraception - Abortion is not something I could ever do, but I believe it should remain legal. Legislating it would be legislating morality. Contraception is nobody's business but the person using it. It should be available to anyone who wants it, and low-cost protection (from diseases, especially) should be available without any required counseling or any other interaction that may scare teens away.

5. Taxation - This is where we'll probably differ the most. I'm so sick of hearing the myth that the rich don't pay their fair share. They pay their share and more. The AMT is bullshit. The amazing loopholes we hear about only apply to the super-mega-rich, and even with them, they are paying far more than the rest of us. I like the idea of a flat income tax, which tapers off (or doesn't apply at all)at the lowest end of the scale. I don't think savings should be taxed. I also don't think there should be sales taxes. Just income and property.

shamon, I'm down with all of this.

Me too.

L_Woods · January 2012

Not Daria or CS, but I'll answer too since I'm "one of them."

oklagirl:

I also want to talk politics more often. I remeber when that was a big source of discussion on NEY.

Hello, republicans. Please to explain your stance and reasonings on the following topics:

1. Immigration: I believe that while the system we have is flawed, if thousands have been able to legally immigrate, there shouldn't be full amnesty, etc. for illegal immigrants. That being said, if there were some partial amnesty or something I might support it. My opinion has been formed partially from living in a border town and partially from conversations, text, etc. from legal immigrants and/or their families.

2. Healthcare reform: The Romney plan/Obamacare are not the way to reform Healthcare, though some sort of reform are necessary. My limited experience with HR Professionals indicates that a lot of the companies large enough will pay the fines rather than pay for healthcare, which sort of defeats the purpose. I think the employer would ideally be out of it. I'm not sure what exactly the right answer is though, but I haven't read much of anything other than the Romney Plan/ObamaCare.

3. Gay marriage: I am for Gay Marriage. I do believe that the term marriage really shouldn't be used by the state at all, but since it is, and that won't change, let everyone get married. Let everyone get divorced. Who cares. Love is love regardless of gender.

4. Abortion/contraception: ProChoice. I, myself, would chose life in terms of an abortion senario, but believe contraception is a good way to prevent getting in that situation. I wouldn't be alive if my bmom picked abortion, but I respect the choice she had to make and the choice that is made in the opposite direction by many others.

5. Taxation: Honestly, I'm confused about taxation and all the options.

I'm genuinely curious.

Temp893353375007415 · January 2012

I wish I could participate more. Sign me to all of CS' point. but I would like to expand a bit on Immigration.

Immigration: the laws have to change, I personally believe that amnesty is wrong, but something needs to be done to figure out a way to keep those who came to this country by less than legal means here (specifically if they are working and paying taxes), but not just hand them citizenship, because that would be unfair to those who did it legally. Figure out a way for us to give them a clear path to citizenship (with steps). I know some have said there should be a fine, but I think that should be paid by their employer, who has hired them probably knowign that they were exactly legal.

For healthcare, I really think we need to truly scrap the whole system and start anew, but neither side will ever allow that.

I also think we need to redesign the housing finance system, and change fannie mae and freddie but not open them (get rid of them completely) to the private market. That would make "too big to fail" seem like nothing, and hardly any middle class working american would be able to qualify for a mortgage without at least 20 percent down (if youre lucky).

daria405 · January 2012

No, I don't only like Romney because he's from my home state. I like him because I think he can beat Obama in the general election and because I consider him to be one of the more moderate Republican candidates.

FallinAgain · January 2012

I am finding it interesting, but not surprising, that our Repubs are all pro-gay marriage. I think I'd be much more open to voting for a Repub that was for gay marriage (see Huntsman). For me, that issue is the defining civil rights fight of our time and I cannot bring myself to vote for a candidate that wants to deny those rights anymore than I could ever vote for a candidate who believed in segregation or that women should not be allowed to vote. It's such a basic human dignity issue for me. I can't get past it.

boxerfan · January 2012

CaptainSerious:

2. Healthcare reform - I don't think it should be required for small employers to provide health insurance to employees. I do think that basic health care should be available to everyone, but not necessarily through employers. I don't like when the government/insurance companies try to enforce lifestyle changes on the insured--encouraging healthy change is one thing, requiring it as a condition of coverage is not okay. I don't have any great answers, but I do think that the new law goes farther than I'm comfortable with.

How does the new law go farther than you're comfortable with?

I'm a contractor, so I am not offered health insurance as a benefit.

My H's company does not offer health insurance of any kind.

There is no individual insurance plan offered in the state of GA that would provide me the same level of coverage that I would be able to get through an employer offered plan, regardless of how much I am willing to pay.

Is that right?

As far as insurance companies enforcing lifestyle changes on the insured, this happens today for anyone that needs to get individual insurance. Lifestyle choices affect your premiums, as well as your ability to be insured at all. Those things are also affected by factors that you have absolutely no control over, such as family medical history and preexisting conditions. Aside from preexisting conditions, none of those things matter at all when you are participating in a group plan.

I don't necessarily think that all businesses should have to offer healthcare, but I think the same healthcare plans should be available to everyone, regardless of whether they're purchasing insurance as an individual, or through a group.

boxerfan · January 2012

Also, tell me about Huntsman. I know virtually nothing about him.

buddhagouda · January 2012

boxerfan:
There is no individual insurance plan offered in the state of GA that would provide me the same level of coverage that I would be able to get through an employer offered plan, regardless of how much I am willing to pay.
Is that right?

I have this same issue in MS, and I find it infuriating that despite the exorbitant premiums we are paying for private health insurance, we still had to shell out over $10,000 for Ethan's birth and will likely have to do so again when we decide to have a second kid. That's a lot of house down payment that went down the drain.

FallinAgain · January 2012

boxerfan:
Also, tell me about Huntsman. I know virtually nothing about him.

He's the former gov. of Utah, and served in the Reagan and Bush1 administrations. Most recently, he served as ambassador to China under Obama.

He supports the the Ryan Tax plan, which I need to know more about. He believes in a path to citizenship for illegals but also wants a fence on the border. He supports civil unions.

Temp893353375007415 · January 2012

There are some great articles on Huntsman penned by Joe Scarborough in politico, if anyone is interested.

He has no chance in being the nominee and could not beat Obama, Romney has the best chance.

salimoo · January 2012

2bMrsEAB:
There are some great articles on Huntsman penned by Joe Scarborough in politico, if anyone is interested.

He has no chance in being the nominee and could not beat Obama, Romney has the best chance.

Oh I agree that he has the best chance, but is he the best choice?

FallinAgain · January 2012

Why do you think Huntsman cannot beat Obama? And why Romney has the best chance?

daria405 · January 2012

FallinAgain:
Why do you think Huntsman cannot beat Obama? And why Romney has the best chance?

Because he is polling really poorly and will probably drop out of the race after South Carolina. I once read an interesting book on the bandwagon effect in primary elections, and that's what you see here.

FYI, I also support gay marriage - I'm one of those Repubs who thinks it's none of my business what you do with your body or your relationships.

FallinAgain · January 2012

daria405:
FallinAgain:
Why do you think Huntsman cannot beat Obama? And why Romney has the best chance?

Because he is polling really poorly and will probably drop out of the race after South Carolina. I once read an interesting book on the bandwagon effect in primary elections, and that's what you see here.
FYI, I also support gay marriage - I'm one of those Repubs who thinks it's none of my business what you do with your body or your relationships.

I understand the polling and that he will likely drop out, but those are related mostly to the GOP nom. I don't think polling is very useful comparing him to Obama because it's biased by the fact no one thinks he'll be the nom. I was wondering why, I guess, the assumption seems to be the Romney has a chance to beat Obama.

I think Romney has some real problems, not the least of which is that he seems to be the GOP's John Kerry--no one really wants him but there's no one else they like better. Plus, he's robotic and dull, except when he gets pushed on an answer and becomes angry and snotty.

lindsayll · January 2012

FallinAgain:

I think Romney has some real problems, not the least of which is that he seems to be the GOP's John Kerry--no one really wants him but there's no one else they like better. Plus, he's robotic and dull, except when he gets pushed on an answer and becomes angry and snotty.

Perfect analogy.

Daria and CS

Re: Daria and CS

Choose Another Board

Search Boards