What are your issues?

[Gan]

As we start down the path to 2008 and the eventual elections this November, I wanted to start some thoughts on what are the actual issues that matter to you (us) the voters.

List all of your issues in the poll (multi-selection) then we'll come back and choose the top 3 or 4 for a conclusionary poll narrowing down the issues that matter the most.

I've had to combine some categories due to a limit of polling options of 10. :(

Crime / Immigration
Healthcare / Education / Poverty / Rural aid
Iraq War / National Security / Foreign Policy
Taxes / Tax Reform / Government Reform / Ethics
Fiscal Responsibility / National Debt
Property Rights / Eminent Domain
Abortion / Family Values / Gay Rights / Marriage
Gun Control / 2nd Amendment
Energy / Energy Independance
Veteran Issues / Social Security

[Drunken Durfin]

http://www.fairtax.org

[Ilvane]

This could be really interesting to see. I chose my two as:

Healthcare / Education / Poverty / Rural aid
Iraq War / National Security / Foreign Policy

I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Angela

[mgoddess]

What I'd be interested more in is what people outside the U.S. think should be the major issues we need to work on (not what they're told via the television or radio)...

As for the list...

Crime / Immigration
*Healthcare / Education / Poverty / Rural aid
*Iraq War / National Security / Foreign Policy
Taxes / Tax Reform / Government Reform / Ethics
*Fiscal Responsibility / National Debt
Property Rights / Eminent Domain
*Abortion / Family Values / Gay Rights / Marriage
Gun Control / 2nd Amendment
*Energy / Energy Independance
*Veteran Issues / Social Security

While I know I should to care about all of the issues, the starred ones are the ones that hit closer to home for me.

[Latrinsorm]

I chose the ethics one: everything follows from that. For instance, the fact that there are still people being denied civil rights (in the 21st century ffs) is something that could not persist in an ethical government.

[CrystalTears]

I find it rather interesting that family values/abortion and issues of the like are always a hot topic, yet is the least of the concerns in this poll.

[Latrinsorm]

It's worth pointing out that the current +/- in this poll is a little over 4, or about 23%. Statistics! :)

[chillmonster]

I find it rather interesting that family values/abortion and issues of the like are always a hot topic, yet is the least of the concerns in this poll.

Abortion, family values, defence of marriage, etc are simply wedge issues that are made to seem important during election time. When politicians aren't pushing them, you see the issues that really effect people.

[ClydeR]

Abortion, family values, defence of marriage, etc are simply wedge issues that are made to seem important during election time. When politicians aren't pushing them, you see the issues that really effect people.

As the Holy Father pontificated in his New Year's Day address (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/peace/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20071208_xli-world-day-peace_en.html) at the World Day of Peace, those issues are central to the struggle for world peace. The Pope said the following:


Consequently, whoever, even unknowingly, circumvents the institution of the family undermines peace in the entire community, national and international, since he weakens what is in effect the primary agency of peace. This point merits special reflection: everything that serves to weaken the family based on the marriage of a man and a woman, everything that directly or indirectly stands in the way of its openness to the responsible acceptance of a new life, everything that obstructs its right to be primarily responsible for the education of its children, constitutes an objective obstacle on the road to peace.

Until we rectify the liberal assault on our families, we will never have peace. The traditional family and the church are the primary instruments of peace.

[Keller]

Until we rectify the liberal assault on our families, we will never have peace. The traditional family and the church are the primary instruments of peace.

:tool:

[Gan]

Until we rectify the liberal assault on our families, we will never have peace. The traditional family and the church are the primary instruments of peace.

Yes, because the holy church has always been about the peace.
:banghead:

Interesting viewpoint - just note that I'm in disagreement with it.

[Clove]

As the Holy Father...

Zip it. Catholics don't vote.

[Hulkein]

I choose taxes and fiscal responsibility.

[Warriorbird]

I killed Christmas, ClydeR. I killed it with my own hands.

[Gan]

Figured I would let this run until tomorrow night or Saturday morning then narrow the field with a follow up poll.

Basically my goal behind this was to encourage those who are motivated to figure out which issues matter to you and what issues are available to you based on each of the front running candidates on both sides. I used each of the candidate's official websites /issues page to pull from.

If you notice there are some issues that are equally important to those who are typically liberal as well as conservative - just with different reasons. Such as Iraq war/foreign policy for example. Because of this, I'm going to break out the top 4 or 5 issues and expound on the alternating viewpoints (pro vs. con) as a means of narrowing down from the large list to a smaller list. With the selections made on the 2nd poll we will be able to see a few of the narrowed issues emerge as an ordering of importance either at this time or with a final conclusionary poll on Sunday.

After that, print out the results, fold up into a 5.5" x 4.25" piece of paper and use as a drink coaster for your computer desk. :)

[Jorddyn]

Can I have an option that says:

"Stop spending my money on blowing people up, jailing people for victimless crimes, and legislating morality and instead spend it on fixing people dying for lack of health care, crap falling apart, stupid and hungry children, and the old-people-who-didn't-save fund."

That's the one I'd pick.

[Gan]

Can I have an option that says:

"Stop spending my money on blowing people up, jailing people for victimless crimes, and legislating morality and instead spend it on fixing people dying for lack of health care, crap falling apart, stupid and hungry children, and the old-people-who-didn't-save fund."

That's the one I'd pick.

Everything you mentioned except for 'crap falling apart' is a selection on the afore mentioned poll.


Stop spending my money = fiscal responsbility AND taxes/tax reform/ etc.
Blowing people up = Iraq war/fiscal policy
Jailing people for victimless crimes = ethics reform and possibly crime
Legislating morality = abortion/family values etc.
People dying for the lack of health care = healthcare
Crap falling apart = ? Fiscal responsibility? (government spending)
Stupid and hungry children = education/poverty
Old people who didnt save fund = social securityThere is no Easy (Lazy) button in politics.

[Makkah]

<<Veteran Issues / Social Security>>

Guess you had to involve Parkbandit somehow; it IS politics after all.

[Kembal]

Hmm, I chose Foriegn Policy/Iraq, Ethics, Healthcare/Education/Poverty/Rural aid, and Energy for mine. I know you got stuck with the ten choices Gan, but it seems to me Tax and Ethics are probably better off being separate choices in the followup poll.

What I did find interesting, that even with our recent thread that got into immigration, it's not even in the top 5.

[Snapp]

Healthcare / Education / Poverty / Rural aid - Primarily Healthcare
Iraq War / National Security / Foreign Policy
Abortion / Family Values / Gay Rights / Marriage - Primarily gay rights (duh ;))..I really have no opinion one way or the other on abortion

Interesting results so far on this poll though.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

I almost picked them all like Bob did, but narrowed it down to three or four I think. Personally, NONE of the issues strike me as more important than the others.

Fact is, I vote for a person that I trust can surround themselves with the staff that can figure out the ins and outs of all the issues, and make the best, most socially responsible and ethical decision.

Sadly, politicians, like lawyers, have a very difficult time fulfilling my above requirements. Like I said in the other thread, I have a very difficult time deciding on who to vote this year, because it's a bunch of sad candidates.

It's like it's closing time in the bar, and only the ugly chicks are left -- you never want to be in that situation. You hearing me?

[Jorddyn]

There is no Easy (Lazy) button in politics.

Well, that's kind of my point. Everything on your list is important, but in very different ways for everyone.

[Gan]

Well, that's kind of my point. Everything on your list is important, but in very different ways for everyone.

Hence why the poll was posted. Hence the purpose of the thread.

You amaze me sometimes.

*To add.

You seem to have grasped the concept in looking at you votes in the different categories. Just think of this as the rough draft poll to flesh out which of the existing issues that each party is highlighting on, based on a PC perspective.

I definatley intend to narrow down and seperate the top 5 categories so folks have to choose which ones are the most important.

Keep in mind that this is done to help those who are intersted in identifying candidates that have the same views and or priorities. We all know that a President can only do so much without the unerring cooperation of Congress and the SCOTUS. Yet, the President - freshly elected with the mandate of the people - will have a pretty large impact on the focus of what legislation and what policies are followed initially and, with diminishing returns as time moves forward, throughout his (or her) term of office. And this is an important thing to someone who's being buried in a myriad of issues while trying to find common ground on someone who actually represents his or her viewpoints rather than a candidate who happens to have the right last name, the right husband, or great camera presence.

[Gan]

Hmm, I chose Foriegn Policy/Iraq, Ethics, Healthcare/Education/Poverty/Rural aid, and Energy for mine. I know you got stuck with the ten choices Gan, but it seems to me Tax and Ethics are probably better off being separate choices in the followup poll.

What I did find interesting, that even with our recent thread that got into immigration, it's not even in the top 5.

I hope to split out the top 5 into more seperate catgories for a refinement of the selections with the goal of narrowing down the focus even more.

I agree with you though, taxes and ethics were kind of lumped in. Initially I did this with some based on party preference simply because some go hand in hand with the others depending on which way you lean.

[Anebriated]

Crime / Immigration
Healthcare / Education / Poverty / Rural aid
Fiscal Responsibility / National Debt
Gun Control / 2nd Amendment

Can you tell I live in a poorly managed city with a high crime rate?

[Gan]

Interestingly enough, crime continues to be a big topic for folks in Houston - especially on the AM talk radio agenda.

Also interestingly enough, because we're fairly close to the border, crime is also associated (or attempted to be associated with) immigration issues.

And while I think crime is an important issue, I think it deserves more focus locally rather than nationally. Immigration on the other hand is a national issue rather solely a local issue because of what it affects - such as education and healthcare, oh and taxes.

[Gan]

Top 5 thus far (not in order of ranking)

Iraq War / National Security / Foreign Policy
Taxes / Tax Reform / Government Reform / Ethics
Fiscal Responsibility / National Debt
Property Rights / Eminent Domain
Energy / Energy Independance

[Jorddyn]

I'll ignore the snarkiness.

I get that you're going to be whittling down the polls to the most important topics, and I don't think it's a horrible idea. I just think it is oversimplification of incredibly difficult ideas and topics.

For example, on a recent online quiz, there was this question:

Immigration: What is your position on immigration in the United States?
Build a fence along the border. I am opposed to granting legal status to illegal immigrants.

Tighten security first, but I also believe we should provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who are already here.

I favor stiff fines for employers who hire illegal immigrants, a security fence along the border, and a denial of citizenship to children born here of parents who are in the U.S. illegally. I oppose any form of amnesty.

I favor a guest worker program, while tightening border security.




I don't like any of the answers.

I favor a guest worker program and stiff fines for employers. These in combination should reduce the flow of illegal immigrants, as there will be a legal pool from which to choose and penalties for not playing by the rules. After the above are in place, I believe in providing emergency services for illegals - we'll set your broken leg and deport you - but I do not believe in any welfare for them other than a couple sandwiches and bus fare home. I also favor a very short-term, large-scale amnesty program, simply because I fear what would happen to the economy if they all returned to their countries of origin, and because I believe we need to know who in the hell is in the country.

I believe there should be at least a 5 year guest program prior to any citizenship request. I think for any citizenship application, the applicant must have no record, and the citizen must be at least 18, and not be a felon nor have been imprisoned for a serious misdemeanor in the last 5 years. I think that employees should only be allowed to claim a number of exemptions on their W-4 equal to the number of dependents they have on their insurance.

I think rather than the SSA sending a letter to a company in Iowa regarding a mismatched W-2, they should work with the INS to actually collect the illegal immigrant. As it stands, the person walks out the door, and we are still no closer to knowing who is truly in our country.

I think a fence is a waste of money. I wonder about the clusterfuck that will be created by requiring proof-of-citizenship for the parents before giving the child a citizen birth certificate, but I don't think that it is a bad idea.

That's my answer to one-half of one item on your ten item list. How exactly are we going to get to that from this poll? I don't know. But, I guess if one person walks away from your poll with a better idea of the issues, or better idea of candidates' views, then it isn't an all bad thing.

And there's my non-easy-button answer. I won't bore you with something similar for all of your topics.

[Gan]

*Edited.

Actually, I'm not offering up any solutions for which you seem to be undecided upon. The basis for the poll was to highlight which issue was important. From there perhaps we could run a thread discussion different options to said issue based on what people think is a viable solution.

Thats where I'm confused by your confusion or disdain. We arent discussing solutions to the issues, we're simply trying to find out which issues are more important than others. That being said, your issue selection should not be hung up on the lack if viable answers, at least not yet, IMO. If anything, once you can identify which issues are key to your decision making process then you can look at the viable solutions offered by each candidate and base your selection on the candidate at that point.

If anything, you're overcomplicating the process of identifying which issues are most important to you by fretting over the myriad of offered solutions to said issues. IE you're taking the cart before the horse.

In conclusion, to each their own. Your participation is appreciated - Thx for playing.

[Parkbandit]

I'll ignore the snarkiness.



NO ONE IGNORES THE MANSHARK BITCH!

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/belike53/shark-man_clr2.gif

[chillmonster]

Interestingly enough, crime continues to be a big topic for folks in Houston - especially on the AM talk radio agenda.

Also interestingly enough, because we're fairly close to the border, crime is also associated (or attempted to be associated with) immigration issues.

And while I think crime is an important issue, I think it deserves more focus locally rather than nationally. Immigration on the other hand is a national issue rather solely a local issue because of what it affects - such as education and healthcare, oh and taxes.

Crime is more closely related to the economy than it is to immigration. When the poor/middle class are doing well, crime goes down and mayors all over the country take credit. When it's in the toilet, there's an upward trend.

Also: I would post a comparison of real median wages and violent crime rates, but there's no lazy button for that either. So I think I'll take the religious way out and say, "I've said it, and I have no facts to back it up. Now prove me wrong." (Only difference is I'm right :P)

ALSO: You could assert that immigration has a negative effect on poor/middle class wages, and you'd be right. I, however, am way too lazy this morning to care.

And Happy New Year.

[Jorddyn]

NO ONE IGNORES THE MANSHARK BITCH!

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/belike53/shark-man_clr2.gif


Snarkiness, not sharkiness.

Get out your bifocals :D

[Celephais]

What I think is interesting about a poll like this is that it's a poll of weight, not a poll of direction... so if I selected say "Social Security" but I really wanted less social security, that wouldn't be reflected. Obviously that's beyond the bredth of a poll like this.

I just think it's kind of funny when you see a political poll like this when you have people for escalation of the war and people for descalation of the war, voting the same. (I actually like the change of pace a poll like this brings, as most people have made clear their viewpoints one way or another, but not viewpoint against viewpoint).

[Parkbandit]

Snarkiness, not sharkiness.

Get out your bifocals :D


Who ever heard of Snarkman? God, u r dum.

[ClydeR]

I killed Christmas, ClydeR. I killed it with my own hands.

That's funny. But you should know that there are people who actually are trying to destroy the traditional culture of our nation.

The American Family Association has a 25-minute audio interview (http://www.afr.net/audio/afareport/rpt06292007.mp3) with a pastor from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. According to the report, most of the upstanding people in the city of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, have moved out of the city, because they like the natural beauty that is available outside of the city limits. That left a lot of homosexuals in the city. The homosexuals used the city council to establish a domestic partnership registry, which was a very underhanded thing to do.

Furthermore--and you can hear this part beginning at the 12:33 mark in the audio report--the homosexuals have a website showing their desire to construct a laser beam that will be sent from the ground to a satellite in space and redirected to hit a large statue of Jesus overlooking the city of Eureka Springs. They can't really construct a giant laser, of course, but it shows their desire to harm our culture.

In addition to the audio report, the American Family Association sells a DVD (https://store.afa.net/pc-10000122-5-theyre-coming-to-your-town-dvd.aspx) explaining how homosexuals took over the government in Eureka Springs, and they have a trailer that shows what it is about.

If you don't wake up soon, they'll be running your local government too. That is why it should be an important issue in the poll.

[Celephais]

That's funny. But you should know that there are people who actually are trying to destroy the traditional culture of our nation.

The American Family Association has a 25-minute audio interview (http://www.afr.net/audio/afareport/rpt06292007.mp3) with a pastor from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. According to the report, most of the upstanding people in the city of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, have moved out of the city, because they like the natural beauty that is available outside of the city limits. That left a lot of homosexuals in the city. The homosexuals used the city council to establish a domestic partnership registry, which was a very underhanded thing to do.

Furthermore--and you can hear this part beginning at the 12:33 mark in the audio report--the homosexuals have a website showing their desire to construct a laser beam that will be sent from the ground to a satellite in space and redirected to hit a large statue of Jesus overlooking the city of Eureka Springs. They can't really construct a giant laser, of course, but it shows their desire to harm our culture.

In addition to the audio report, the American Family Association sells a DVD (https://store.afa.net/pc-10000122-5-theyre-coming-to-your-town-dvd.aspx) explaining how homosexuals took over the government in Eureka Springs, and they have a trailer that shows what it is about.

If you don't wake up soon, they'll be running your local government too. That is why it should be an important issue in the poll.
Thank you, that was hilarious. Homos with fricken lazer beams on their heads! Get em Sharkman!

[CrystalTears]

Are those homos with freakin' lazer beams on their freakin' heads? :lol:

[Tsa`ah]

...

You have got to be the biggest idiot on the interweb.

[Celephais]

... Why couldn't they just fire the laser at the statue of jesus? Is jesus only suseptible to indirect fire? It's like that level in Legend of Zelda where you've got to kill those statues with the big eyes, but they close them if you're looking at them.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

That's funny. But you should know that there are people who actually are trying to destroy the traditional culture of our nation.

The American Family Association has a 25-minute audio interview (http://www.afr.net/audio/afareport/rpt06292007.mp3) with a pastor from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. According to the report, most of the upstanding people in the city of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, have moved out of the city, because they like the natural beauty that is available outside of the city limits. That left a lot of homosexuals in the city. The homosexuals used the city council to establish a domestic partnership registry, which was a very underhanded thing to do.

Furthermore--and you can hear this part beginning at the 12:33 mark in the audio report--the homosexuals have a website showing their desire to construct a laser beam that will be sent from the ground to a satellite in space and redirected to hit a large statue of Jesus overlooking the city of Eureka Springs. They can't really construct a giant laser, of course, but it shows their desire to harm our culture.

In addition to the audio report, the American Family Association sells a DVD (https://store.afa.net/pc-10000122-5-theyre-coming-to-your-town-dvd.aspx) explaining how homosexuals took over the government in Eureka Springs, and they have a trailer that shows what it is about.

If you don't wake up soon, they'll be running your local government too. That is why it should be an important issue in the poll.

Seriously, someone bust out the tin foil hats (so the homosexuals can focus the lasers on them and make jiffy pop).

[Celephais]

Anyone have a link to that website where the homos tell us how to make jesus seeking lasers? I don't have a desire to harm our culture of course, but I can really construct a giant laser, and if they are looking for one, and they control the government they can likely pay me. Unfortunatly it'll probably be in three dollar bills.

[Hulkein]

Sneaky homos.

[Gan]

Are those homos with freakin' lazer beams on their freakin' heads? :lol:

LOL

http://www.thismodernworld.com/blog/DrEvil.JPG

[Gan]

You have got to be the biggest idiot on the interweb.

Word.

[TheEschaton]

Maybe ClydeR is Jesuit renamed. ;)

[Sean of the Thread]

This whole guest worker and fines shit always cracks me up.

THE VAST VAST MAJORITY are completely paid under the table in cold green cash and don't exist for all practical purposes. (other than the emergency room that is).

People need to get a clue.

[Sean of the Thread]

That's funny. But you should know that there are people who actually are trying to destroy the traditional culture of our nation.

The American Family Association has a 25-minute audio interview (http://www.afr.net/audio/afareport/rpt06292007.mp3) with a pastor from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. According to the report, most of the upstanding people in the city of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, have moved out of the city, because they like the natural beauty that is available outside of the city limits. That left a lot of homosexuals in the city. The homosexuals used the city council to establish a domestic partnership registry, which was a very underhanded thing to do.

Furthermore--and you can hear this part beginning at the 12:33 mark in the audio report--the homosexuals have a website showing their desire to construct a laser beam that will be sent from the ground to a satellite in space and redirected to hit a large statue of Jesus overlooking the city of Eureka Springs. They can't really construct a giant laser, of course, but it shows their desire to harm our culture.

In addition to the audio report, the American Family Association sells a DVD (https://store.afa.net/pc-10000122-5-theyre-coming-to-your-town-dvd.aspx) explaining how homosexuals took over the government in Eureka Springs, and they have a trailer that shows what it is about.

If you don't wake up soon, they'll be running your local government too. That is why it should be an important issue in the poll.


Speaking of Jesus Christ.... JESUS CHRIST ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME. Either you're a joke poster or you are right up there with Kevin and Backlash in the retard tree.

I'm not really sure why it still amazes that there are people as ignorant as you. I mean it's simply amazing to me and that's why I'm thinking this is a joke poster.

[Snapp]

ClydeR is going to ruin our plans to take over Arkansas if he keeps running his mouth.

[Tsa`ah]

ClydeR is going to ruin our plans to take over Arkansas if he keeps running his mouth.

I fucking knew that ten spot wasn't for toys for tots ... you damn laser implanting bastard!

[Keller]

That's funny. But you should know that there are people who actually are trying to destroy the traditional culture of our nation.

The American Family Association has a 25-minute audio interview (http://www.afr.net/audio/afareport/rpt06292007.mp3) with a pastor from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. According to the report, most of the upstanding people in the city of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, have moved out of the city, because they like the natural beauty that is available outside of the city limits. That left a lot of homosexuals in the city. The homosexuals used the city council to establish a domestic partnership registry, which was a very underhanded thing to do.

Furthermore--and you can hear this part beginning at the 12:33 mark in the audio report--the homosexuals have a website showing their desire to construct a laser beam that will be sent from the ground to a satellite in space and redirected to hit a large statue of Jesus overlooking the city of Eureka Springs. They can't really construct a giant laser, of course, but it shows their desire to harm our culture.

In addition to the audio report, the American Family Association sells a DVD (https://store.afa.net/pc-10000122-5-theyre-coming-to-your-town-dvd.aspx) explaining how homosexuals took over the government in Eureka Springs, and they have a trailer that shows what it is about.

If you don't wake up soon, they'll be running your local government too. That is why it should be an important issue in the poll.

At first I thought you were some random Christian jihadist. But then, as your posts became more and more absurd, I thought you were a regular poster w/ a second "Funny" account to mock the Christian jihadists. I'm not sure, however, that our regular posters would go to the trouble to find the propaganda such as the above -- which leaves me back at square one.

In either case, you're the best thing to happen to the PC in a while. Please keep posting.

[ClydeR]

I agree that the stuff about the laser was sort of silly, but it really happened. The homosexuals really had a website showing a laser going down on the statue of Jesus. The homosexuals may claim that it was supposed to represent communications and show that they were working together across the nation, but I pointed to the interview where you can listen to a description of it. I trust the pastor who said it was a laser meant to destroy Jesus.

As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. It doesn't matter that the laser was not real. Homosexuals who designed such a website should be ashamed of themselves for that reason, among others. I am all for free speech, but there must be limits to the extent to which people are able to use their speech to infringe on my rights.

[Gan]

I am all for free speech, but there must be limits to the extent to which people are able to use their speech to infringe on my rights.

Exactly how were your rights infringed upon?

[Mighty Nikkisaurus]

That's funny. But you should know that there are people who actually are trying to destroy the traditional culture of our nation.

The American Family Association has a 25-minute audio interview (http://www.afr.net/audio/afareport/rpt06292007.mp3) with a pastor from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. According to the report, most of the upstanding people in the city of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, have moved out of the city, because they like the natural beauty that is available outside of the city limits. That left a lot of homosexuals in the city. The homosexuals used the city council to establish a domestic partnership registry, which was a very underhanded thing to do.

Furthermore--and you can hear this part beginning at the 12:33 mark in the audio report--the homosexuals have a website showing their desire to construct a laser beam that will be sent from the ground to a satellite in space and redirected to hit a large statue of Jesus overlooking the city of Eureka Springs. They can't really construct a giant laser, of course, but it shows their desire to harm our culture.

In addition to the audio report, the American Family Association sells a DVD (https://store.afa.net/pc-10000122-5-theyre-coming-to-your-town-dvd.aspx) explaining how homosexuals took over the government in Eureka Springs, and they have a trailer that shows what it is about.

If you don't wake up soon, they'll be running your local government too. That is why it should be an important issue in the poll.

I'm a little late to the show but this is fucking hilarious.

Homosexuals with laser beams trying to blow up Jesus! Your rights are being infringed upon!

[Gan]

Allright, I'm closing this poll and taking the top 5 to 'part deux'.

Here's the top 5 in no particular order.
Iraq War / National Security / Foreign Policy - 29 votes
Taxes / Tax Reform / Government Reform / Ethics - 34 votes
Fiscal Responsibility / National Debt - 29 votes
Property Rights / Eminent Domain - 26 votes
Energy / Energy Independance - 26 votes

[Parkbandit]

Exactly how were your rights infringed upon?

B3CAUSE THEY R OUR CIVIL RIGHTS AND WE MUST PROTECT THEM!!11

[Celephais]

a laser going down on the statue of Jesus.
Maybe the gays made a blowjob giving laser and figured Jesus would lighten up if he got some laser head.

[Mighty Nikkisaurus]

B3CAUSE THEY R OUR CIVIL RIGHTS AND WE MUST PROTECT THEM!!11



SAVE JAYZUS FROM THE HOMOZ!!one1

[ClydeR]

Exactly how were your rights infringed upon?

That is a good question that I should have addressed preemptively. Thanks for asking it.

The U.S. was founded on Judeo Christian principles. The First Amendment specifically guarantees each of us the right freely to exercise our religious beliefs. The First Amendment also guarantees freedom of speech, but that protection does not extend to threats of physical violence. The homosexuals are (1) disrespecting the principles on which the country was founded, (2) threatening the destruction of a religious symbol that does not belong to them, and (3) threatening infringement on everyone's free exercise of religion. That's three strikes.

[Gan]

That is a good question that I should have addressed preemptively. Thanks for asking it.

The U.S. was founded on Judeo Christian principles. The First Amendment specifically guarantees each of us the right freely to exercise our religious beliefs. The First Amendment also guarantees freedom of speech, but that protection does not extend to threats of physical violence. The homosexuals are (1) disrespecting the principles on which the country was founded, (2) threatening the destruction of a religious symbol that does not belong to them, and (3) threatening infringement on everyone's free exercise of religion. That's three strikes.

wow...

[CrystalTears]

Agreed with Gan. I can't muster up more than wow either.

[Celephais]

Maybe the gays would stop trying to blow up the Judeo Christian symbols if the Judeo Christians would stop trying to enforce their religion on the homos.

Do you really think that homosexuals care about your religious symbol? No, they care that your religion has been trying to outlaw their lifestyle. Leave them alone and they'll leave you alone... Christians have never really been good at being Christian though...

[Sean of the Thread]

Holy fucking shit

[Keller]

I trust the pastor who said it was a laser meant to destroy Jesus.


This is soooo sig worthy.

[Keller]

It has been a while since the village idiot showed up to unite the PC. Thank you Jesus, I mean ClydeR.

[TheEschaton]

How many times does it need to be said: The founders of this country, while many of the Judeo-Christian tradition, realized better than anyone else that a tyranny of the majority's religion was to be avoided at all costs. That is why there IS a seperation of Church and State. That is why Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most important of our Founding Fathers, wrote (emphasis mine):

"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man & his god, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and state."

[Sean of the Thread]

Religion had nothing to do with the founding of the United States.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Saying God Bless America is my God given right.

[ClydeR]

How many times does it need to be said: The founders of this country, while many of the Judeo-Christian tradition, realized better than anyone else that a tyranny of the majority's religion was to be avoided at all costs. That is why there IS a seperation of Church and State. That is why Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most important of our Founding Fathers, wrote (emphasis mine):

"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man & his god, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and state."

There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution about the separation of church and state. You may have our constitution confused with the constitution of the Soviet Union, which specifically recognized such a separation ("the church in the U.S.S.R. is separated from the State, and the school from the church").

Thomas Jefferson's words about separation of church and state are not in the U.S. Constitution. The words of Patrick Henry, another Founding Father, are just as relevant. Henry said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Instead of reading the opinions of varioius Founding Fathers, try reading the Constitution itself. Or just look at the motto printed on the coin in your pocket.

[TheEschaton]

The motto on my money was added in the 1940s, well after the founding of this country, and the First Amendment very clearly says:


Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I highlighted the relevant portions for your dumb ass, and then underlined the specific part which prohibits the state from being involved in religious matters. Oh, and considering who WROTE the Constitution, Madison, who was also for strict separation, and Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, your quotation of Patrick Henry seems less relevant.

-TheE-

[Latrinsorm]

You may have our constitution confused with the constitution of the Soviet UnionHe's always doing that. Is it a coincidence that he endorses the RED Sox? I think not.

Where's the obligatory "U R BACKLASH" remark?

[TheEschaton]

P.S. You should cf. Madison's Memorial and Remonstrance, an opposition to Henry's attempt to get the gov't to sponsor Christianity, and see how said Remonstrance eventually garnered support and defeated Henry's attempts.

-TheE-

[ClydeR]

I highlighted the relevant portions for your dumb ass, and then underlined the specific part which prohibits the state from being involved in religious matters.

Thank you for actually looking at the Constitution. It clearly never mentions a separation of church and state. At best it prohibits the establishment of an official state religion. Suggesting that "establishment" of religion means a strict separation of government from all faith-based matters is going too far.

We need only one more Republican president so that he can appoint strict constructionist judges to the Supreme Court, ensuring that the proper interpretation of the Constitution prevails. At least two liberal judges want to resign but are trying to hold out for a Democrat president. Let's hope they don't get one. We need judges who will protect life and our culture.

[Warriorbird]

Man. The homosexuals really had a laser! I fear Jesse even more now.

[Daniel]

Thank you for actually looking at the Constitution. It clearly never mentions a separation of church and state. At best it prohibits the establishment of an official state religion. Suggesting that "establishment" of religion means a strict separation of government from all faith-based matters is going too far.

We need only one more Republican president so that he can appoint strict constructionist judges to the Supreme Court, ensuring that the proper interpretation of the Constitution prevails. At least two liberal judges want to resign but are trying to hold out for a Democrat president. Let's hope they don't get one. We need judges who will protect life and our culture.

You missed the second part.


Also, the notion that the government would protect and endorse one religion over all others is effectively a state religion. It's doubtful that any legislation or attempts to make that so would likely never see the light of day. Republican or democrat in the SCOTUS.

[Hulkein]

the notion that the government would protect and endorse one religion over all others is effectively a state religion.

You think he can actually comprehend that?

[Keller]

Dear Baby Jesus in Heaven above, please save us from people like ClydeR. He is exactly what drove me from the church and will continue to push me further from it. Please help people who attempt to practice your way of life actually read your word and meditate upon it daily. And for those who do so and still lack the common sense to understand your message, please give us heart disease that they may die sooner than would otherwise be possible. In Your name I write this prayer, Keller.

[Sean of the Thread]

This guy Clyde is a real fucking clown. I love it.

[Gan]

This thread has now gone beyond 5 stars.

And ClydeR is exactly why I do not support the religious right of the Republican base, why I absolutely loathe organized religion and its rhetoric, and why I would never endorse a candidate such as Huckabee or Romney.

We do not need a religious leader as the leader of our country. We need a leader who can lead a government (rather more like a business mind you).

If you are looking for a religious leader, please head to your nearest church.

[chillmonster]

Religion had nothing to do with the founding of the United States.

Co-sign

And when you read letters and columns written by the founding fathers, it is very easy to interpret what they meant in the Bill or Rights.

And a question for all of these Theocracy advocates. If we were to base our laws on the Bible, what should we include and what should we discard? After you answer that tell me what you based those decisions on. Then tell me why, if you can pick and chose what you want to take from the Holy Book, we should base our laws (or our morality) on Christianity at all? Why not use that same innate sense of right and wrong to write just laws and judge moral behavior completely irrespective of religious doctrine? That's what the founders did.

[Parkbandit]

This thread has now gone beyond 5 stars.

And ClydeR is exactly why I do not support the religious right of the Republican base, why I absolutely loathe organized religion and its rhetoric, and why I would never endorse a candidate such as Huckabee or Romney.

We do not need a religious leader as the leader of our country. We need a leader who can lead a government (rather more like a business mind you).

If you are looking for a religious leader, please head to your nearest church.

Why not Romney? It's not like he is some mormon leader, is he? Aren't all candidates, including Rudy, a member of a church? What makes you never to endorse Romney, but have no problem endorsing Rudy?

The only one I see as religious is Huckabee... as he is/was a minister.

[TheEschaton]

Suggesting that "establishment" of religion means a strict separation of government from all faith-based matters is going too far.

The problem is, it isn't. The founders themselves said there was a strict separation. Every judge until Rehnquist got his slimy paws on the court said so too.

-TheE-

[Drisco]

That is a good question that I should have addressed preemptively. Thanks for asking it.

The U.S. was founded on Judeo Christian principles. The First Amendment specifically guarantees each of us the right freely to exercise our religious beliefs. The First Amendment also guarantees freedom of speech, but that protection does not extend to threats of physical violence. The homosexuals are (1) disrespecting the principles on which the country was founded, (2) threatening the destruction of a religious symbol that does not belong to them, and (3) threatening infringement on everyone's free exercise of religion. That's three strikes.

You disgust me, End of story. If you went home and hung yourself tonight the world would be a better place.

[Gan]

Why not Romney? It's not like he is some mormon leader, is he? Aren't all candidates, including Rudy, a member of a church? What makes you never to endorse Romney, but have no problem endorsing Rudy?

The only one I see as religious is Huckabee... as he is/was a minister.

I think its because I'm so anti-religion that I threw Romney in there. I have other dislikes for Romney (political dislikes) that make him a rule out - I was just on an anti-religion soapbox earlier.

[ClydeR]

You disgust me, End of story. If you went home and hung yourself tonight the world would be a better place.


Dear Baby Jesus in Heaven above, please save us from people like ClydeR. He is exactly what drove me from the church and will continue to push me further from it. Please help people who attempt to practice your way of life actually read your word and meditate upon it daily. And for those who do so and still lack the common sense to understand your message, please give us heart disease that they may die sooner than would otherwise be possible. In Your name I write this prayer, Keller.

I understand your anger, but it is misplaced. Ironically, although you may wish me ill health, you are actually killing yourself a little every day. The homosexual lifestyle leads to mental depression and a shortened life span.

It's not too late for you to change. As a matter of fact, some people think change will be the theme of the upcoming election. Homosexuality is a growing problem in this country. The next president needs to be able to isolate the problem and coordinate the government's provision of reparative therapy for those who have this illness. There are several organizations that provide faith-based techniques for healing homosexuals. Because homosexuals are a danger to themselves and to the rest of society, the government should mandate and pay for facilities where they can be cured.

[TheEschaton]

Drisco, you flaming homosexual, you're dying a bit every day!!!!!!!111one111!!

You can't change your sexuality. It is inherent to who you are. You cannot "heal" homosexuality. Thx, teh end.

Oh, and your gov't mandated facilities to "cure" homosexuals sound suspiciously like the Nazi concentration camps.

-TheE-

[chillmonster]

I understand your anger, but it is misplaced. Ironically, although you may wish me ill health, you are actually killing yourself a little every day. The homosexual lifestyle leads to mental depression and a shortened life span.

It's not too late for you to change. As a matter of fact, some people think change will be the theme of the upcoming election. Homosexuality is a growing problem in this country. The next president needs to be able to isolate the problem and coordinate the government's provision of reparative therapy for those who have this illness. There are several organizations that provide faith-based techniques for healing homosexuals. Because homosexuals are a danger to themselves and to the rest of society, the government should mandate and pay for facilities where they can be cured.

This guy can't be serious.

[Sean of the Thread]

Yeah I've already decided this guy is joking.

[TheEschaton]

Yanno, at least the PC agrees on this. I don't know of any overly evangelical religious posters on this board...who post here regularly, I guess. Jesuit would be the closest, which is ironic, since the Jesuits are the most liberal of all Catholics..

[Snapp]

This Clyde guy is either really funny or really crazy.


Or Backlash.

[Parkbandit]

BACKLASH!!!!1111oneone.

[Hulkein]

Cure your homosexuality: marry a woman you don't love, beat your kids as a result of intense self hatred, bang a guy on the side.

[Gan]

I understand your anger, but it is misplaced. Ironically, although you may wish me ill health, you are actually killing yourself a little every day. The homosexual lifestyle leads to mental depression and a shortened life span.

It's not too late for you to change. As a matter of fact, some people think change will be the theme of the upcoming election. Homosexuality is a growing problem in this country. The next president needs to be able to isolate the problem and coordinate the government's provision of reparative therapy for those who have this illness. There are several organizations that provide faith-based techniques for healing homosexuals. Because homosexuals are a danger to themselves and to the rest of society, the government should mandate and pay for facilities where they can be cured.
Comedy Gold.

LOL

[Keller]

I understand your anger, but it is misplaced. Ironically, although you may wish me ill health, you are actually killing yourself a little every day. The homosexual lifestyle leads to mental depression and a shortened life span.

It's not too late for you to change. As a matter of fact, some people think change will be the theme of the upcoming election. Homosexuality is a growing problem in this country. The next president needs to be able to isolate the problem and coordinate the government's provision of reparative therapy for those who have this illness. There are several organizations that provide faith-based techniques for healing homosexuals. Because homosexuals are a danger to themselves and to the rest of society, the government should mandate and pay for facilities where they can be cured.

Just for this post I am felating the first man I see tomorrow morning (it's midnight Paris time). And for your imagination's sake -- I have no gag reflex.

[ClydeR]

Just for this post I am felating the first man I see tomorrow morning (it's midnight Paris time). And for your imagination's sake -- I have no gag reflex.

The first man that most men see in the morning is themselves when they look in the mirror. That really would require an imagination.

[Keller]

The first man that most men see in the morning is themselves when they look in the mirror. That really would require an imagination.

I'm blind from excessive masturbation.

[Mighty Nikkisaurus]

I'm blind from excessive masturbation.

:rofl:

[ClydeR]

Several weeks ago I wrote about (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showpost.php?p=667819&postcount=35) how gays have taken over the city council of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Sally Kern (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Kern), an Oklahoma legislator, made the same point a few days ago when she questioned whether or not the region's most prominent passion play should continue to be held at Eureka Springs where there is a gigantic statue of Jesus. Then she went on to complain that the homosexual agenda poses a threat to this nation. Kern said --


Studies show that no society that has totally embraced homosexuality has lasted more than, you know, a few decades. So it's the death knell of this country. I honestly think it's the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat If you got cancer or something in your little toe, do you say, well, you know, I'm just going to forget about it because the rest of me is fine? It spreads. OK? And this stuff is deadly, and it's spreading, and it will destroy our young people, it will destroy this nation.

A bunch of liberals started making a big deal because she compared homosexuals to terrorists. She went on the teevee Easter morning and set the record straight in a debate with a homosexual "Christian" (part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_qDVwr0Jew), part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zizvwv9sbw0)). Nobody will question her after her overwhelming victory in the televised Easter debate.

I feel vindicated.

[Gan]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/30/43805818_d7427766bd_m.jpg

[Snapp]

She went on the teevee Easter morning and set the record straight in a debate with a homosexual "Christian" (part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_qDVwr0Jew), part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zizvwv9sbw0)). Nobody will question her after her overwhelming victory in the televised Easter debate.

I feel vindicated.

We musta watched different videos cuz I didn't see any overwhelming victory.

[Stretch]

Fiscal Responsibility / National Debt
Taxes
Social Security

Stop spending my god damn money on useless sacks of shit who won't get a job.

[Stanley Burrell]

Fiscal Responsibility / National Debt
Taxes
Social Security

Stop spending my god damn money on useless sacks of shit who won't get a job.

You have money?

[ClydeR]

You can't say I didn't warn people. And this happened in the town with America's tallest Jesus statue, which, I hasten to add, is still standing despite the lasers.


EUREKA SPRINGS -- Voters in this tourist town overwhelmingly endorsed its anti-discrimination ordinance in a special election Tuesday.

More... (http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/may/13/gay-bias-ban-wins-in-eureka-springs-201/)


Randall Christy of Ada, Okla., chief executive officer of the Great Passion Play near Eureka Springs, said voter turnout was low in part because Christians were afraid to vote. The election drew 48 percent of the town's 1,705 registered voters.

Christy said one man who put out a sign reading Repeal 2223 found his car windows smashed the next day. Others found maggots in their mailboxes.

Christy said he has had his life threatened over the issue.

"I don't think people understand the kind of people we're dealing with in Eureka Springs," said Christy. "There is an infill of very vile, radical, vicious people in this town. They have gone around intimidating people to the point that they were afraid to get out of their homes today. This is not sour grapes. The people have voted. The Bible-believing Christians did not have the guts to get out and vote."