[PaoloSmythe]

and so the US is to declare war on Turkey now, for their threatening the stability Bush claims to have created?

hahahhhaaaa

the simple fact that other neighbouring countries are so compelled to get their hair mussed up, is indicative of what a god awful job has been done in post-invasion irak.

cause or effect of our still being out there?

[Snowolf]

Oh aint that just lovely! You know, this region coming apart at the seams just bolsters my opinion that although Saddam was a total bastard, a total bastard is the only thing that can maintain any semblance of order and stability in that region. George Bush senior knew this when he stopped short of going after Saddam in 91. Cheney is even quoted as saying that it would be insane to remove Saddam back in 1991.


Cheney advised against invading Iraq in 1994

And they call John Kerry a "flip-flopper" This is about the only time Cheney ever said something I agree with!

Now they have gone and done it and look at the result.

[xenster]

Vote Ron Paul.

[PaoloSmythe]

vote NONE OF THE ABOVE

[xenster]

Hmmm.. to vote or not to vote... Seeing as how Ron Paul calls for a more non-interventionous government system and immediate withdrawl of troops from all around the world including the middle east and korea I'll take my chances with RP. I'm re-registering as a republican just so I can vote in the GOP primaries. It's a long shot, but he's gaining momentum and still has a chance as most primaries are still a good 5-6 months away.

[PaoloSmythe]

so what's his attitude towards abortion rights?
will there be any likely policy changes to reflect them, and how does that correlate with 'non-interventionalist governance'?

sincere Qs....

[xenster]

although he strongly believes in the "pro-life" platform, he believes issues like abortion should be handled at the state level through proper legislation. By non-interventionous, he means that not everything should be handled at the federal level and powers should be delegated to reflect more localized perspective (e.g. states).

[PaoloSmythe]

so you do not think he might lend his influence as 'commander in chief' to sway a state level decision, regarding the availability or even legality of abortions or stem cell research?

[xenster]

It may be possible, but unlikely from what I've seen of Ron Paul. He is constantly talking about following the guidelines of the constitution and proper delegation of power to the states. For him to use his position to coherce state legislation in any way would make him a hypocrit, and judging from his voting record, he stays true to his message and platform. I'm not saying Ron Paul is the perfect candidate, but I believe he's significantly better in terms of his ideologies on foreign policy, fixing our economy, reformulating the role of government, education, and some issues with healthcare (I personally believe in a socialized healthcare system). It's also good to know that he's been married to the same woman for like 40+ years as opposed to many of the other candidates who have enough emotional family baggage to fill up a tabloid (i.e. Giuliani)

[PaoloSmythe]

i cannot disagree with much of what you say. for sure you seem aware of RP being the lesser evil of the bunch given to chose from; hence my preference for NONE OF THE ABOVE.

you see, for as long as you have a bunch of crap to chose from, you will be inclined not to vote. when this results in a low turn out, the politicos can claim 'voter apathy'.

however, given a chance to suggest that any fault lies with candidate diversity, rather than lackadaisical voting habits....suddenly you will see more than just a different coloured rosette to distinguish each talking head! cue a true(r) democracy.

anyways, back in the real world.... it is a shame you have to sign up to an entire political party / ideaology, when looking to endorse a single individual.... it is also because of this, that i do not think RP's claim of allowing states to be autonomous will last, given adequate pressure from lobby groups and other funders of his presidential campaign (especially if he should look to re-election!)