abingdoncomputers
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posted on November 16, 2000 10:15:03 PM
I would like to thank everyone who have posted their opinions on this forum since election day. This election will certainly go into the history books and I believe we will see some positive changes made to the electoral process because of it.
It's apparent that most of the posters here have strong feelings one way or the other and that's the way it should be. Healthy debate is a cornerstone of a strong democracy. I feel fortunate to live in a nation where we can freely express our opinions, debate the issues, agree to disagree, and still be proud to be Americans.
There were many good points raised here by people on both sides of the political fence. It's a shame that we can't all be right about all of the issues, but I really feel that we are indeed all right about some of the issues.
No matter which candidate ends up taking the Oath Of Office, I hope that the country will rally around his administration and give the new President the opportunity to succeed or fail based on his character and abilities to lead and pull both sides of the political aisle together instead of trying to hammer him into submission over the way the election drama played out. We may be divided in our political views but as Americans our respect should be for the Office of the President of The United States, not necessarily for the guy who holds it. Our country and her citizens deserve it.
If I have offended anyone here with my posts, I sincerely apologize. I enjoy a healthy debate and I sure as heck got one. I have only the highest regard and respect for everyone who cared enough about their country to post their opinions here, including those of you on the "other side".
Our country and wonderful system of government will survive and become stronger because of, not in spite of this present controversy. I really don't think that I can add any more to the discussion so I'll just lie low from now until the election is decided one way or the other. It will sure be interesting to see how it all turns out.
And we can all meet back here after President Bush's inauguration and debate some more. (sorry, couldn't resist)
Thanks again everyone...
[ edited by abingdoncomputers on Nov 16, 2000 10:19 PM ]
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krs
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posted on November 16, 2000 10:30:13 PM
Another day, another manifesto.
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Zazzie
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posted on November 16, 2000 10:33:13 PM
krs---I told you to go to your room!!!
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abingdoncomputers
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posted on November 16, 2000 10:33:25 PM
Another day, another manifesto.
Agreed.
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IMLDS2
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posted on November 16, 2000 10:35:47 PM
abingdoncomputers-
You and I seem to be on the same wave length.
The way I see it...the people with a hand out(who voted for Gore) welcome all the government intrusion into their lives as long as he gives them food,money,education etc...FREE of course...err...no..WE(working middle class)will pay for their FREE services.
The people who want government to doing the job it is suppose to voted for Bush.
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Zazzie
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posted on November 16, 2000 11:26:18 PM
IMLDS2---if you don't like being stereotyped, it's usually a good idea not to practice it yourself. But my post is to address something else
In one of your posts on this board you use the word disabled twice, I have no idea what you mean by that or to what extent --- but are we to assume that you are using absolutely no government agencies or any sort of "hand-out" to assist you and yours with any of your disabilties.
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chococake
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posted on November 17, 2000 12:23:07 AM
Maybe some people would rather see fighting in the streets than debating in a forum.
I may not agree with the outcome but I'm glad to see our government at work and the freedom we have to express ourselves.
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jamesoblivion
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posted on November 17, 2000 01:22:28 AM
Nice message, I agree! Healthy debate, and no one is being dragged off to a gulag for voicing our opinions.
*********************************
I just want to mention (probably not the best thread to do it in, but.... )that I always find politicians running on the anti-government platform to be ironic. Gosh, you think the man who spent a couple of years of his life and tens of millions of dollars to ascend to the most powerful position in the world does so because of his deep distrust and disbelief in the Fed gov't? What better way is there to show that you oppose the machine then desperately try to lead it, right? 
Gotta love those lines politicians will feed us with straight faces. Politicians say the darndest things. 
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scrabblegod
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posted on November 17, 2000 05:02:49 AM
I just do not see the Demoncrates dying off gracefully when defeated. Gore himself said Bush could move on with a loss but for him, this was everything and he would do anything to get there.
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femme
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posted on November 17, 2000 06:39:47 AM
What's this, abingdoncomputers?
Bowing out before the fat lady sings?
Where's the fun in that? 
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Linda_K
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posted on November 17, 2000 06:56:02 AM
Okay....you're waiting for the fat lady to sing? You got it!
America.....America...God shed his grace on thee....and crown thy good, with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
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Linda_K
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posted on November 17, 2000 07:05:44 AM
Okay....so I've had too much coffee this morning, I apologize. hehe
Seriously, abingdoncomputers, I'd like to thank you and the other posters who have shared their feelings and thoughts as we go through this unusual time in our history.
I've enjoyed reading all the opinions shared here, and have been pleasantly surprised at how 'civil' everyone remained, while very strong feelings have been expressed on both (+other) sides.
Thanks to you all.
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CleverGirl
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posted on November 17, 2000 08:12:38 AM
Very nice, gracious post, Abingdon.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could all do that, all the time? Me too, of course -- but only if I really have to.
James -- I couldn't agree with you more about the irony (if not hypocrisy) of the anti-government folks. WE are the government, even if it seems way too indirectly. Ultimately, government hatred = self-hatred.
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abingdoncomputers
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posted on November 17, 2000 10:51:35 AM
Thanks for the nice comments everyone.
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HartCottageQuilts
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posted on November 17, 2000 11:39:52 AM
What better way is there to show that you oppose the machine then desperately try to lead it, right?
I think the idea is that such a candidate will stand between the People and Oblivion. I agree with you that it nearly always comes off as disingenuous. This is why, back in my radical days, my eyes nearly popped out of my head when some of my fellow anarchists wanted us to organize into a political party. They honestly didn't see the irony, and were quite offended when I pointed out that "anarchist organization" is surpassed in oxymoronity only by "jumbo shrimp". (It was about that time that I left the commune. Bad food, no heat, and lack of logic tend to wear on me.)
[ edited by HartCottageQuilts on Nov 17, 2000 11:41 AM ]
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Zazzie
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posted on November 17, 2000 11:43:42 AM
Doing my work on the computer with CNN droning in the background---and realized the #1 reason Bush shouldn't be Presidient is 'Karen Hughes'---that lady drives me bonkers
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calamity49
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posted on November 17, 2000 01:20:32 PM
Me too, Zazzie. The Democratic Party could not have a worse representative.
Abington,
That was one of the nicest posts I have seen on this board. You have alot of class.
Calamity
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maddienicks
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posted on November 17, 2000 01:30:02 PM
I've read these threads with interest, sharing much of them with the husband. I haven't posted much, but I've enjoyed seeing the debates here.
AC - very high class.
Kris
[email protected]
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toke
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posted on November 17, 2000 01:30:07 PM
So Zazzie...
How do you feel about the Monarchy?
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Zazzie
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posted on November 17, 2000 01:36:37 PM
You'll have to ask someone who lives in Great Britain that question.
Many Americans assume that Canada is still part of the British Empire and we pay homage to the monarchy ---though Canada is a member nation of the Commonwealth--there really isn't anything that the Queen of England has any control over Canada---we are as much of a demorcracy as the USA.
So if the Brits want their taxes used to support the royality (which are really just a tourist draw anyways)--that's up to them
edited to add a smiley
[ edited by Zazzie on Nov 17, 2000 01:37 PM ]
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toke
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posted on November 17, 2000 01:41:48 PM
I admit total ignorance... Why are you a member of the Commonwealth?
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Zazzie
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posted on November 17, 2000 01:47:43 PM
It's more or less a trading partnership---and ya get to participate in the Commonwealth Games once every four years.
The only criteria for membership is that you once were part of the British Empire (I guess the USA could join if they wanted to )
So countries that are members are ones like Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, numerous African nations, India, Pakistan etc
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toke
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posted on November 17, 2000 01:52:12 PM
Ah ha! So why does British royalty visit...for the bucks?! Do you mean Canada has no connection at all to the Monarchy? I've seen all the parades, etc. This is mere nostalgia?
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Zazzie
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posted on November 17, 2000 02:01:55 PM
Technically yes----a Royal Visit is all pomp and circumstance--nothing more.
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/
Being a member on The Commonwelath is voluntary
Even in Britain the Monarchy has almost zilch in the way of political power. The Queen can be displeased about something--but there isn't a heck of a lot she can do---and she can't do anything here.
We have a 'Govenor General---who is the Queen's Representive in Canada--but it is a Canadian that has been appointed to the post by the Prime Minsiter of Canada---and again that role is for giving out awards, going to ceremonies, promoting Canada and attending state dinners--zilch when it comes to any power.
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toke
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posted on November 17, 2000 02:05:26 PM
I am lost. Why is Canada a member of the Commonwealth, if it is meaningless?
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Zazzie
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posted on November 17, 2000 02:15:17 PM
Click the link I put above---it is meaningless if you think of it as a political entity---it is NOT a political entity---
"Today's Commonwealth is a world away from the handful of British Dominions which were the first Commonwealth members. From Africa to Asia, from Pacific shores to the Caribbean, the Commonwealth's 1.7 billion people make up 30% of the world's population.
The modern Commonwealth gradually evolved out of United Kingdom's imperial past, mainly through decolonisation, the effects of two world wars and changing patterns of international relations. Today it helps to advance democracy, human rights, sustainable economic and social development within its member countries and beyond. Armed with a common working language and similar systems of law, public administration and education,
the Commonwealth has built on its shared history to become a vibrant and growing association of states in tune with the modern world"
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toke
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posted on November 17, 2000 02:17:10 PM
Okay. You're saying the Monarchy means absolutely nothing to Canada?
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Zazzie
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posted on November 17, 2000 02:23:13 PM
The Monarchy has no political power over Canada--if Britain went to war tomorrow--Canada doesn't have to....
We pay no taxes to Britain.
---we are a democracy/ our Constitution resides in Ottawa and we vote for the party of our choice in National elections---just as you do.
.
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toke
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posted on November 17, 2000 02:27:32 PM
So all the pomp and circumstance is meaningless...just for show? I still don't understand. This is not unusual, I admit... Why do Royalty come to Canada???
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Zazzie
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posted on November 17, 2000 02:42:45 PM
They get invited--they open hospitals, cut ribbons, eat lots of food---make speeches that say not much of anything--review troops.
There are lots of people who like/adore the monarchy---towns or places they visit get lots of people coming there/great tourist draw--lots of Americans come up with the nice fat wallets and spend money---tradition runs deep in both of our countries. But Royal visits are kinda of fun---towns get their best bib and tucker on--and the mayors dust off their Sunday Best--and you might get a glimse of a waving gloved hand as the Royal Limo drives by. But she won't chop off your head if you Boo when she drives by.
--and the whole trip boosts tourism for the UK
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