Yes, we can.

[innerSpaceman]

Uh-oh ... this is where Leo might have to admit he's got a soul.

[scaeagles]

Never, ISM.

I was quite disgusted with GHWBush. The whole "read my lips", not finishing the job in Iraq, whatever, and Clinton was new, promised tax cuts (which I can't believe I almost thought he meant), talked more smoothly....he was an opportunity for something that was different than what we were experiencing.

While it would be disingenuous to say I found him more inspiring than Dole, and i didn't like his first term, I thought of voting for him out of protest for the Republicans putting up such a flippin weak candidate because it was "his turn".

And why can't I say it's idiocy to vote for a man for the most powerful office in the world simply because he inspires you? I can think of many people who rose to power because they were inspiring even though their policies were crap (or worse).

[wendybeth]

Inspiration has seen many countries through some very difficult times- and it tends to encourage people to be more involved in whatever struggle is happening at the time. (I'm thinking of Winston Churchill as an example). I think it's beyond idiotic to vote for someone who is morally corrupt and has so many acknowledged negatives simply because one has such a curious disdain for his opponent. I say curious in that many of the reasons Scaeagles cites for disliking him are somewhat vague or seem based on a personal dislike or distrust of the man.

I am definitely up for some inspiration- it's been a very long time.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

I say curious in that many of the reasons Scaeagles cites for disliking him are somewhat vague or seem based on a personal dislike or distrust of the man.

???? Do I need to post a laundry list?

Raising taxes, whether income or capital gains
What he would do to health care
his energy policies (or lack thereof)
his tremendous lack of experience

Do I need to go on? Would you classify those as vague?

[Alex]

You can say it. I don't think it is a reasonable position, but you can certainly hold it. But it is awfully elitist of you to decide that simply because someone is inspired they are an idiot. It seems to suppose that being inspired is a meaningless thing. Despite your protestations otherwise, the speeches that have inspired people do contain content. Go ahead and dismiss that if you want.

And again, I am not saying it is the best thing if simply being inspired is the only reason one has (but I also don't think there are many people for whom that is true). But it is still, and let me say it one more time so that I can be sure you'll understand me, not nearly so frakking idiotic as not voting for Obama because he is a Muslim. And you equated them.

And I can think of many uninspiring people who made it to office. So another reason McCain is thoroughly ****ed.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Alex

But it is awfully elitist of you to decide that simply because someone is inspired they are an idiot.

Didn't say that. I said voting for someone simply because they inspire you akin to not voting for someone because they scare you. Which is what the whole Muslim thing really is....not voting for him because they find that scary.

[wendybeth]

Another thing- much has been said about Obama being 'arrogant', etc. I think it's bull****, much along the lines of confident, ambitious women who get labeled 'b i t c h e s' while their male peers are referred to as 'take-charge' or 'self-assured', etc. The man is articulate, intelligent and doesn't drag his knuckles when he walks, which I know is a huge departure from our current leader. It's a nice change.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

Another thing- much has been said about Obama being 'arrogant', etc. I think it's bull****, much along the lines of confident, ambitious women who get labeled 'b i t c h e s' while their male peers are referred to as 'take-charge' or 'self-assured', etc. The man is articulate, intelligent and doesn't drag his knuckles when he walks, which I know is a huge departure from our current leader. It's a nice change.

So here we go.....criticism of Obama is seen as something akin to sexism (or racism) and can't be legitimate polciy wise.

Sorry, but anyone who claims to be the symbol of American greatness has some issues with arrogance. Some are fine with it, Alex even expects it.

Yes, he is certainly articulate and intelligent. For someone so taken aback by what you view as personal attacks against Obama, you sure hand them down to the current administration without much of a thought.

[wendybeth]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

So here we go.....criticism of Obama is seen as something akin to sexism (or racism) and can't be legitimate polciy wise.

Sorry, but anyone who claims to be the symbol of American greatness has some issues with arrogance. Some are fine with it, Alex even expects it.

Yes, he is certainly articulate and intelligent. For someone so taken aback by what you view as personal attacks against Obama, you sure hand them down to the current administration without much of a thought.

I have precedent on my side. You don't.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

So here we go.....criticism of Obama is seen as something akin to sexism (or racism) and can't be legitimate polciy wise.

The criticism has nothing to do with Obama's policy. It is an ad hominem attack.