Ron Paul should've been our next President...

[cohazard]

I hate to cut your post, by quoting just a portion. But I hate the notion going around that people are voting Obama based on his race. There has been black politicians long before the 08' election, and EVERY single one of our presidents are white men.
I think it's borlined racist (not of you specifically), to tag Obama as some trendy black president rockstar. Noone voted Jesse Jackson in the 80's, or Al Sharpton in 2000 because they are black, so how is it all of the sudden "hype" based on "ethnicity". Barack Obama is an incredible person, and he has the intelligence and charisma we NEED to change this mess. That's why he is doing so well, it's not because of anything other than his mind.
But I do respect you going outside the box and defending Ron Paul, I do like some of his ideas, and he would make a great candidate for the republicans.

You're absolutely right, I didn't mean for it to come off that way so if I did I will clarify by saying that some of the people I've talked with specifically told me that they were voting for Barack on race alone (these people weren't of age when Al Sharpton ran [neither was I], not to say they would've voted for him) so this is a very new experience to them.

I have a lot of respect for the Obama campaign for holding off on the personal attacks until the ones being thrown at them got truly ridiculous.

I believe both candidates have great qualities to them, and they both have downsides. It's just that Ron Paul had a lot less of them haha

Hopefully he runs in 4 years and if it's not too late by then, he has more support of more Americans from different walks of life.

I was hoping the days of a split in half America would be over with Bush leaving, but sadly, politics is still very divisive.

 

[michael couture]

I know you did'nt mean it that way, because your opinion seemed very respectful throughout. I've just heard some people say similair things, and it just rubs me the wrong way.
I as well can't stand the devisive campaign ads, but I just tune them out altogether. Obama had very few to start, and most were against Bush not Mcain. But I remember before the Democratic National Convention, when Obama had a small slump of media coverage, everyone said it was because he was'nt attacking Mcain enough. And I wish it was'nt like that, but Obama then had to respond and attack Mcain. I wish voters took more responsibility as well though. If we were more educated, and intersted in learning the facts behind the candidates, we would'nt need those ads. Alot of people say they hate the attack ads, but don't follow the campaigns otherwise. I appreciate your opinions, and respect that you did'nt get upset with me having a problem with that one portion of you quote.

 

[cohazard]

Once again, I agree with you Michael. The saying goes something like "a well armed populous is the best defense against tyranny"; well I say a well armed and well educated populous is indomitable.

I don't know what it will take, but some day I hope to see education, political ethics, and inter-cultural cooperation and understanding as the top issues in politics. That is not a Utopian or idealistic scenario, it is entirely possible.

I remember when I was a young kid, I was told that there are two things you never talk about: politics and money. But when I was old enough to understand politics and formulate my own views in life, I realized that there is no good reason not to discuss anything.

Part of becoming a decent adult is to be able to disagree respectfully. If someone told me that Ron Paul is the most ignorant man alive, I'd love to hear why they felt that way, share what I know, hear what they know, and cross check each others facts.

I feel that the attitude of not talking about politics promotes the divisiveness we are seeing in the current election. I hope to see more direct exchanges between candidates in debates. I would also like to see adults teaching the younger generation by example that you don't lambaste an opposing ideology/opinion with insults, but instead analyze it objectively and be honest with oneself if one may be wrong.

There was no reason for me to get upset about what you said. You have a very important and valid point about not perpetuating a negative assumption of Obama supporters' intent.

 

[michael couture]

Wow, very well said. I as well am open about my views on just about anything, and love open discussions. The only time I hate it is when it get's personal, and off topic to the discussion.
I hear so many people dodge discussions, and say they hate talking politics. But we will never respect eachother, or come to common ground if we can't share our opinions. It's like it's become a bad thing to talk politics, and it's like walking on shaky ground. I think it's ridiculous, and the longer we go without open discussion, the harder it is to talk about anything. We pass judgement regardless of open discussions, and it's usually harsher because we assume the worst. Instead of having healthy discussions, we take personal attacks of peoples character, because we fear what they might think, and we're not secure enough in our beliefs. I'm open to hear anybodies opinion, even if it's pro Mcain. Actually, especially if it's pro Mcain. Because I'm confident in my beliefs, and love to see what other people might think.