Republican Debate

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Sat May 05, 2007 7:05 am

I realize it was all sound bites and show, but some of the Republican candidates impressed me with some of their ideas.

As they stayed away from Iraq and the War and slamming GWB some came out with some interesting ideas that might be worth pursuing.

Any thoughts?

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ryan costa · Post by **ryan costa** » Sat May 05, 2007 9:09 am

It was no good. They were all racing to be likened to Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan was an illusion, a collection of photo ops and billboards along the highway on the way to the new mall. In that regard Bill Clinton was probably the president most like Ronald Reagan. The difference is that Bill Clinton was less irresponsible.

Here is the only thing Reagan had going for him: the Financial Markets picked up a lot of steam during his run. This was because of his irresponsible tax cuts. The psychology of gambling is that the bigger the reward, the more often the rat or pigeon or wall street shark will push the button. When you cut the capital gains and income taxes it is like increasing the payouts.

Other than that the Reagan Administration messed up the Middle East more, added several trillion to the U.S. Debt, got us further entrenched in the patterns of escalating oil addiction, put Alan Greenspan and the Globalists further in power, hastened the post-industrial ridiculousness of America, enabled the Savings and Loan collapse, etc, etc.

But he co-opted Bruce Springsteen's hit song "Born in the USA" for his campaign! It had a catchy tune and inspirational refrain. that's all people need to not bother pondering the lyrics, which were about less-connected Baby Boomers getting tooled out by the government to fight in Viet Nam then given the short shrift stateside. It's stupid. It was just as stupid when they played Neil Young's "Keep on Rockin' in the Free World" when some Navy Ships were shipping out or shipping in after 9/11.

Reagan is an illusion. Candidates chasing that illusion are insubstantial.

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:16 pm

Ryan,
Let me know when your book comes out so I can buy it! Your posts are very interesting. The Reagan years were the beginning of this nightmare we are in now for sure. What's worse an actor for president or failed businessman that never worked a real job before?

DougHuntingdon · Post by **DougHuntingdon** » Sat May 05, 2007 9:22 pm

what's worse than a bad actor or failed businessman? maybe Dennis Kucinich? He didn't set the world on fire the couple days he wasn't on the public dole.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Kucinich

I didn't realize his imported wife was so young. (about 29, if my math is correct) He fits in with California more than Ohio

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Sun May 06, 2007 8:39 am

Well whether you like Kucinich or not, his wife really is a brilliant humanitarian. From what I read, their marriage is based more on common goals than the plastic of those CA marriages.

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Sun May 06, 2007 10:15 am

complimnetary wrote:what's worse than a bad actor or failed businessman? maybe Dennis Kucinich? He didn't set the world on fire the couple days he wasn't on the public dole.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Kucinich

I didn't realize his imported wife was so young. (about 29, if my math is correct) He fits in with California more than Ohio

Doug

This underlines that he is a congressman of the people. He knows what hard times are, and knows that a great majority of his District is going through.

As for Elizabeth, we a lucky to have her. She is very sharp,

Together they make a great couple.

This comment is very biased, I have watched them work together, it is very strong and very complementary of each other.

.

Lynn Farris · Post by **Lynn Farris** » Mon May 07, 2007 7:41 am

I really enjoyed the debate as well as some of the rapid fire questions. Seriously do you need a minute to say if you believe in Roe v. Wade or believe in Evolution. I also appreciated that the average citizen could send in questions.

But I'm ashamed to admit, I wasn't familiar with a few of these candidates.

Romney looked good, had humor and clearly won the debate. But Dr. Paul had several good points. I particularly appreciated the part about the Inflation tax. And he was almost libertarian, almost too much so - which was nice to see the old style Republican come back. I think we need that balance in our congress - but maybe not in our presidency.

I was disturbed that 3 of the candidates did ot believe in Evolution. And all except Dr. Paul seemed to support the Iraq war - though maybe not the management of it.

Most seemed to differ a little from Bush - but were to close to his ideology to make me comfortable.