Friday, December 7, 2007
Politics vs. Poo Poo Platter
While those two things usually go together in most people's minds, that is not what this post is about. I just find it interesting at the response that our last two posts have received. Based on the number of comments it appears that our society is more interested in poo than politics! In a matter of days our poop story had over 10 comments and it has been five now that my declaration for Romney has been out there and only 7 comments (2 of which are mine)! C'mon people, you don't have to agree with me when it comes to what candidate to vote for, but I sure hope the lack of comments isn't a demonstration of a lack of interest when it comes to voting for our next President of the United States, especially this year when another Clinton might be stepping into the oval office (and might I add that she is by far the scarier of the two)!
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36 comments:
you know that is so sad. but true. and that is why our country is in the state it is in - they count on voter apathy... agghhhhhhhh
you are funny.
Oh and good job on knowing me and that i HATE to drive! Remember when we went to Utah and DROVE..what were we thinking? You are a lucky guy to have a wonderful wife that likes to drive (or at least is good about it!)Im SURE Shane wishes I was better about it.
I am going to have to agree with you Heath. I have debated back on forth on this, but I am now proud to shout "Romney for president!". Did you see the latest CNN interview that had a large side square (bigger than the Romney one) stating what Mormon's believe? Pretty interesting seeing what Mormon's believe according to CNN. The only thing I am a little unsure of about Romney is his waffling on certain issues.
BTW thanks for bullying those who commented on the poo poo platter into proclaiming their political beliefs on your blog as to not be shallow. jk :) Glad you care and don't take the right to vote lightly.
I believe the apathy has to do with a people that are tired of broken promises and lies. People are tired of our young soldiers in Iraq, tired of the health care system, tired of kids in America getting dumber, tired of people getting shot up in shopping malls, tired of losing their homes to foreclosure, etc... The country has lost faith in politicians. As for Romney, he seems like the best Republican in the field. That being said (and you may want to sit down for this) I am much more impressed with the Democrats in the running, including those who get so much smack-talk on this blog and Celeste's Corner. I really don't understand where all the hate or dislike comes from. They have their problems and nobody has as nice of hair as Mitt but they have good ideas and seem to care more about the average American than the Republican candidates do. I haven't chosen who I will vote for yet but it won't be Mitt. I wish you were still in Denver so that we could talk it out because debating is much tougher on blogs.
Sorry Heath it's not my lack of interest in politics that keeps me from posting it's just that I agree with you. But the poo poo platter was hilarious and I could so relate.
Go Ron Paul
Holy crap, after I posted I actually read the comments and would like to know what, "Good ideas," the democratic candidates have.
Metromut (jesse and/or lindy), I would love to be back in Denver to debate this with ya'll. First I must say that regardless of your political beliefs and whether or not I agree with them, thanks for posting and contributing to the blog, as well as a big thanks for having an opinion. What really irks me are those that have no opinion when it comes to their own country.
I must honestly say that I have not read EVERYTHING that Hilary, Edwards, and Obama stand for or believe in, but just the fact that they are on the Democratic ticket means that they favor bigger government involvement in my life, in general, and I think that is absolutely wrong. Not to mention their specific answers on Iraq, Healthcare and Taxes are very polar opposite what I believe. But as you said, it is hard to debate on the blog, but thanks for contributing. Please add what great ideas you say they have as well as offer up the name of whom you are leaning towards. Just curious, are you going to vote in the primaries and a registered Republican or Democrat?
I will have to say that I have been studying up on this years election and I have been pretty passionate about it. I am addicted to talk radio. I'm not sure why but I feel like this is going to be one of the most important elections we have had so far. I agree with you that Mitt is the best canidate for the job and Hillary scares me to death. For any of you out there who think Mitt is a flip flopper, you should check out Hillary's record. I can tell you one thing, I am not looking forward to all the comercials during election time. I just hope that people can look past religion.
One of the things that make this country so great is the fact that we can have our own opinions. It's not forced upon us to think one way or another, and WE DO have a voice in the candidate we elect. This is one of the many reasons this country is so great. Granted our country does have flaws that do need to be mended. Whoever we decide to lead us into fixing these problems is huge, obviously. We have to keep in mind that there will be sacrifices made with whomever we choose. For me I am choosing the candidate that helps me make the least sacrifices, while still protecting the things that mean the most to me. If what they say and promise matches up with their previous actions (or voting record) taken and aligns with my criteria then they have my vote. I understand that not everyone thinks the same as I do, which they don't have to.
With that said, I have to say that I am curious which Democratic Candidates have these great ideas. I certainly have not read all the literature out there either. Although I have read my fair share, not to mention researched their voting records. I am always open to listening to others. My only criteria for a candidate is that they preserve and protect the conservative values our great nation was founded on. Conservative does not always equal Republican. Have you ever heard of a guy named Sen. Zel Miller? My criteria might be different than others and that is ok. But as long as everyone is thinking about it now and not waiting till the day of the election to decide, then that’s all we can hope for. Hopefully the decisions aren't being made solely on the fact that the candidate is a woman, or their skin color, or their religious affiliation. There is so much more to it.
I have to admit that I hate getting involved in politics. Why? Because I hate the backbiting, name calling, dirt flinging that it always seems to become. I get really sick of all the negative things being said even if it is directed towards someone I absolutely can't stand (i.e. Hillary). While there are a few major issues that I want to agree with a candidate on, what I most want in a presidential candidate is a moral conscience. I want someone who will do what they honestly feel is best for our country regardless of whether or not I agree with every decision. I can respect someone who stands for what they feel is right and yes, even someone who can learn from mistakes and therefore changes their stance for the right reasons. Sincerety counts for a lot in my book and from what I've read and heard, I feel that Romney is sincere. That he does have a conscience. ...A moral one at that. And that is something I can feel good about supporting.
I think Metromut explained why he likes the dems in this excerpt:
"I believe the apathy has to do with a people that are tired of broken promises and lies. People are tired of our young soldiers in Iraq, tired of the health care system, tired of kids in America getting dumber, tired of people getting shot up in shopping malls, tired of losing their homes to foreclosure, etc... The country has lost faith in politicians."
He expects the government to take care of all of those things. I would say it's not the govt.'s responsibility... it's yours and mine. So, if you depend on the govt. to solve all those things, then you can probably expect to be disappointed. The truth is, they can't. It's our job, not theirs (except for when it comes to foreign relations like Iraq... but we probably wouldn't agree on how to handle that either).
Wow, thanks for the comments everyone. Adam, I must say that I like your post and agree with you on this one. I find it very...um...interesting at people's views of all the home foreclosures that are happening right now and somehow trying to pin that on Bush as if it were his fault that people are naive enough to sign their name to a contract and agree to pay way more than they can afford for a home they should never be in! Keep the posts coming. Oh, and Lee, I'll forgive you for still sicking with Ron Paul :) (Hey, at least you don't waiver, I'll give you that much.)
you have a great string of comments. i dont know about romney - to be honest, i dont think people can look past his religion? but dont you think no matter what we do, our country is becoming more "secular progressive"?
do you really think romney will make our lives better? secure the border? lower taxes? decrease spending? BE TRULY CONSERVATIVE??? etc... are we voting for him BECAUSE he is mormon? do we think since he is mormon he will lead and act just how a mormon should? should all mormons vote for him then? and all blacks for obama? and all women for hilary? ;)
Hey Heath, maybe Chelsea and your kids are just more entertaining than you?!?
:)
I still love you all though!
The poo platter is very funny! I do love Mitt and that is where my vote is! So keep writing about him, I love it! I love all the comments posted, I just was reading them all and it makes me again remember all the reasons I love America. We can all have our own views and voice them with out being thrown in jail or killed! I have been keeping up best I can on everyone running and I do think that Romney is the best choice. So, go Romney!
Emily, I'm not sure people can look past his religion either, but that makes no difference to me. I believe he is the best candidate and thus I am voting for him. It really bothers me when I hear people say they are voting for Giuliani because they think he has the best shot to win the whole thing, but they really like another candidate better. I say, vote for the guy, or girl, that you think will do the best job, not who you think has the best chance of winning because there are too many variables that can happen in a campaign that changes things very quickly.
Next, I truly do believe that Romney will secure our border, lower taxes, and also revamp washington and the ludicrous spending that happens there to get some grasp on our horrible National Debt. In no way, shape or form and I voting for the guy because he shares my religious beliefs, and if someone is voting for him for that reason they are setting themselves up to be sorely dissappointed, because chances are he will not act like what those specific people think he should act like 100% of the time just because he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I believe it is very naive to think that he will never mess up or do/say things that are not in line with our church's teachings, but since when do any of us not mess up and act like we shouldn't? So please, don't vote for the guy because he is Mormon, don't NOT vote for the guy because he is Mormon, don't vote for Obama because he is black, don't vote for Hilary because she is a female, and for pete's sake don't vote for Ron Paul because Lee Chaffee is! Vote for the person that you feel will do the best job running our wonderful country. I just happen to very firmly believe that this person is Mitt Romney. I feel like he has the most integrity and character of any of the candidates and I like his ideas!
Yeah don't vote for Ron Paul because I will, vote for Ron Paul because he's the only candidate that gives a damn about the Constitution, your personal freedom, and is willing to acknowledge how flawed our economic situation is. I just watched the Iowa debate and Romney will not stop talking about, "Healthcare for every American," someone who cannot grasp that the government has no business in our healthcare system is critically flawed and has no business running for president.
Hey Heath - mom keeps telling me I should weigh in on you guys' blogs - this looks like an opportune place to jump in. Sorry Lee, but Ron Paul has as many weird, unworkable ideas as he has good ones - net effect is a guy with no chance. As for Mitt, I come to the table from a business and finance background and perspective. Romney has more experience, far and away, than any other candidate in fixing what is broken. If you look at his time at Bain Capitol and before, his time at the Olympics, and his time as governor, he has turned around and spahned positive change in the professional, business, non-profit and government arenas. That is phenomenal! Bottom line, he has been extremely successful in everything he has ever been involved in! I would just love to turn him and his experience and ingenuity loose on Washington! I don't see any other candidate that can match his history of success in any area of their life. Yes, we may be nervous about this or that little thing with regard to his positions or politics, but we can count on him to get things done. And for those of you who are going to be paying for my baby boomer retirement, you should be extremely hopeful that someone can fix this approaching crisis. Nobody has sniffed at a fix so far.
As much as I like a good poo story, I am glad to see that this post has ignited a fire under some bums and that there are now more comments here than there. I think there have been a lot of good points and at least healthy discussion.
Heath- As you may have guessed, I am a Democrat and have been for years. I decided long ago to be a Democrat until I get super-stinking rich, at which time I may consider becoming a Republican as this would be in the best interest of my fat wallet. I don't agree with many of the Republican ideas and feel that there are too many contradictions in the platforms. Here are a just a few issues I have- The biggest issue for Americans according to polls is the war in Iraq and that most Americans want out, yet this gets very little air-time from the candidates (see last debate) and it seems that the candidates will keep things status quo (except of course for Lee's man Ron Paul-- go Ron!). Number two issue according to polls is health care. The two parties obviously have a fundamental difference in philosophies on how to tackle this problem. I am on the side of the rest of the civilized world (at least those who eat off tables) in my belief that universal health care is possible but would require a government program. I like to think of this not as "socialized" medicine but as "christianized" medicine. Before people go ballistic and say how bad things are in Canada (which is a little bit of brainwashing in my opinion), let me say that we could do better than Canada and Europe. Leaving health care up to private sector means for-profit health care and insurance. I do not want to go to the doctor whose boss wants more money for himself and his shareholders. This system is not working now and it will fail in the future. I do think that Mitt is going in the right direction and that he was willing to do something/anything says a lot about him. Where will the money come from for government health insurance? How about pulling out of Iraq, for starters, and spending some of that dough on problems at home. I also entirely do not understand why all the Republicans want a bigger, stronger military. This takes so much money that could go to so many better places. I don't know the exact numbers but I know that we spend way more than any other country, have way better stuff already, and have way more nukes. I guess that is it for now. I am sure that will spark some debate.
By the way, did anybody watch the Iowa debates. You should. It may be because I watch with a biased eye, but the Democratic debate was so much more pleasant. I would much rather eat lunch with that group than the Repubs.
Also- This is Jesse, not Lindy (altough after watching the debates would also rather eat lunch with the Dems). I love the idea of taxing richies as I am poor. Trickle down economics does not work. I don't understand why the Republican candidate needs the blessing of Evangelicals. This is way weird to me. I am utterly ashamed of Bush and his cronies. I value life- another reason to get out of Iraq. I love tree-huggers. And to connect with the people, I too think John Edwards is a little slimey and would hope that he sat at the other end of the table at lunch. I didn't cover everything but I have to save some for my novel.
I really hope I am interpreting this wrong:
"I like to think of this not as "socialized" medicine but as "christianized" medicine."
I am getting from this statement that you believe a government run health care program would be along the lines of the United Order or Law of Consecration described in the Doctrine and Covenants. Lest there be any confusion here, I offer you this Conference talk:
http://www.latterdayconservative.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=167
Calling the socialization of medicine Christlike, or the socialization of any program by the government, is blasphemous.
Uhh... where did that come from?!
I am sorry if my verbage was misunderstood. What I actually meant by "christianized" medicine was that I believe a health care system that cares for all its citizens, regardless of income, pre-disposing disease, status, etc., is a value shared with Christians. Maybe I have it all wrong but I thought that we were supposed to look after the less fortunate, maybe even if that meant a personal sacrifice on our part. The private sector has failed our neighbors. As good as non-profits and churches are, they cannot possibly provide for the millions that need help in this country. I envision a country where a family whose young child gets a catastrophic disease can get the care they need regardless of income, as opposed to the same family in the U.S. now that would need to organize charity bake-offs or spare change collections in the gas stations. If that is not a christian value, I must have it all wrong. I hope that most people that read my last comment recognized my intent.
Lastly, I thought the blasphemy stab was a bit much, seeing as I don't know you and you don't know me other than a whopping three political posts.
Oh... one last bit.
I did read the article and found it interesting. I especially liked the opening zinger. Again, my comment wasn't refering to the United Order. It was more of a "let's help our fellow man" deal.
That sounds like a wonderful country Jesse. It stinks that all can't have the same care. My wife and I have actually had the talk, what would we do if one of us got a life threatening illness would we actually save that person if it meant killing us financially forever. Still undecided.
Yes, "Lets help our fellow man," that would be considered a Christian value. A government run social program does everything but help their fellow man, they suppress men, they strip them of their dignity and self respect, they create a situation where the government is relied upon ever increasingly. In one sentence you talk of helping the family with the child with the catastrophic illness, which is a rare situation. Then you talk of the millions who need help. There are not millions who need help, there are millions who somehow believe that they have a right to good health. As a medical student you should know that good health is anything but a natural right, it has to be worked for, to be achieved it takes discipline and personal responsibility. The total lack of the slightest bit of personal responsibility is at the root of almost every problem this Country faces. But instead of calling on the people to be more accountable for their actions, or lack thereof, the government says, "No , it's not your fault, we will solve the problem for you, you deserve better, you have a right to better." The American people have been duped into believing that they have a right to health care, that they have a right to a job, that they have a right to a home, that they have a right to education. You and I have a right to life, liberty, and the fruits of our labors, these are the undeniable rights that we are entitled to. I have no problem sacrificing to help others, but the redistribution of wealth that a government healthcare system would consist of would be forced charity. And I cannot believe that the, "Private sector has failed our neighbors," the "private" sector is so encumbered by government regulation, and has been for some time, that it is nowhere near a fair conclusion to state that the private sector has failed. In fact the government has done a good job of making it appear to the general public that the private sector is the cause for the current state of healthcare, when in reality it is the government that legislated it that way (ie Doctors not being allowed to own hospitals, doctors being told who they must treat and how much they can charge for procedures, etc.)
Oh and the blasphemous remark was more of an open statement, I see how it may have been perceived to have been directed solely at you but that was not my intent. Sorry for any confusion or misunderstanding.
Jesse, it is unfortunate that you don't know Lee, and vice versa, because you two would actually get a long really well. Thank you for your clarification of your "christianized" healthcare. I would love it if everyone could have the health care coverage that they needed any time regardless of money, and I would also love it if everyone had a roof over their head. Unfortunately the answers to these problems are not solved by the democratic views of allowing government to do the job. I'm sure most of us on this post are familiar with WIC, Foodstamps, and/or Medicaid, and I believe (I could be wrong) I would be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks these are good answers to the problems they are trying to solve. To me, that is the issue. Dems want to help the poor and needy, which I want to do as well, but they want to do it by giving handouts and not requiring any accountability!
When you look at the Healthcare system that Romney is talking about, while it might not be perfect, it is going in the right direction. It is attempting to solve the healthcare problem we have in this country, but by doing it with private insurance so that there is still personal accountability to some degree. Handouts from the government, or from anyone, doesn't help people who are struggling, it only enables them more. So, I agree that displaying good Christian values to help those in need is a good idea, but I guess I disagree with you with the method of doing it.
By the way, on a little side note, but still sticking with government and healthcare, I am working now in the VA (Veterans Administration) system, so I am seeing first hand what a government run healthcare system is like, and just let me say, I hope I never have to be treated like these guys and gals are treated. It is a good idea, and it provides healthcare, but it is a horrendous system. I'll take my private doctors and hospitals anyday.
Chaffee, we must have been typing these last comments at the same time as I did not get to read your most recent comment until after I posted.
You know I agree with you on most issues, but I do have to say that while it is true that taking personal responsibility of one's health would definitely solve a lot of health issues in this nation I must disagree that "good health HAS to be worked for, to be achieved it takes discipline and personal responsibility." I know all too many people that are suffering from diseases, conditions and/or syndromes and they have done nothing to deserve these in terms of not taking care of their bodies. In some instances these are syndromes that have afflicted them since birth, and in others it is disease that has wreaked havoc on people that eat better and exercise more than myself.
But for everyone one person I know who is afflicted with an unfortunate disease or sickness that is beyond their control, I know twenty or more who take little to no care of their bodies, yet wonder why they have health problems (Actually here in Philadelphia it is more like 1000:1). The healthcare for these undeserving people is being provided at the expense of those in real need.
Are you going to AZ for christmas Heath?
Chaffee, this is the first Christmas since we have been married that we are staying put. The kids are pretty excited to have Santa Claus come down their own chimney this year. What about you?
I am so glad that this post has got such great feed back, but how is your family and what have those cute kids of yours been doing????????
Heath, I am writing this from my in-laws couch...it is good to be home, sorry we won't get to see you. Is your residency only one year, or will you be in San Antonio next fall?
I was going to comment earlier, but just had too much to say. If you really want to discuss political issues you probably need to create another blog!
One of the best things going for Romney, in my opinion, is that he is not a politician, but a business man. The government is a very poorly run "business" in my opinion so I think could benefit from this background. Having said that, I am thus far undecided myself.
As far as democrats, one of the biggest concerns I have is in one of the debates I watched none of the candidates could give a straight answer. They would talk for 5 minutes and I still couldn't tell where they stood on an issue.
As far as healthcare is concerned, I really like Romney's plan. We are all required to have car insurance, why not health insurance. As far as socialized or Christianized healthcare, why is healthcare more of a priority than housing, clothes or food? Aren't those even greater necessities of life, and yet the government doesn't, in general give us these things (nor do I think they should). Also, there is a point you reach when giving an individual help is detrimental... it's called enabling. A lot of the people we would be paying for with socialized healthcare are those who are drinking, smoking, drugging, attempting suicide and in the process killing their bodies and eating up resources. They don't care about themselves, and we would be throwing our money away trying to take care of them when they don’t care. I don’t think enabling is in line with gospel principles and we are expected to be self reliant and take personal responsibility for our actions.
I actually disagree and think that many churches and charitable organizations provide for individuals better than the government. I don't mind helping others, but I do mind spending my money on individuals who are spending their money on drugs, alcohol, big screen tv's, cars etc... instead of on their own healthcare. I would be more than happy to make a contribution to the healthcare of someone who got a terrible disease or something of that nature, but I'm not willing to pay for the drug addict who takes little or no responsibility for themselves. Pre-mommyhood I worked in the mental health sector, and trust me, there are individuals who are eating up the resources and taking no responsibility for themselves, plus government programs are not run very well from what I have experienced. I would rather give money to the church or have it to better my children's life in some way, who can then make a difference in the world, than spend it on the many individuals who are doing nothing to care for themselves. In most cases it's not that people can't pay for their healthcare, it is that there are other things they would rather spend their money on. Maybe a more beneficial healthcare plan would be geared to provide healthcare to those individuals unfortunately struck with many of the terrible and unjust diseases than paying for every American, including a large number of substance abusers and other such individuals.
Lee, my program is just one year and I am jealous that you are back in Arizona. However, I seem to remember talking to you and you stating that you weren't sure about moving back to Mesa because of several "issues" you had with the general population there. Is this still true, or are you now looking forward to living there when you are done?
Shalyce, all I can say is ditto! Thanks for your post and I guess I will try to make other posts to get off my political soapbox. I will defer people that want the politics to the link on my page to Celestes Conservative Corner.
hey Heath Happy BIrthday a couple days ago. Hope it was a good one.
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