What worries me about Obama's policies?

[janetupnorth]

1. National Health Care - I have a good friend from New Zealand who grew up with National Health Care - she has NOTHING good to say about it. I'm sure our Canadian friends would have some stories about the wait times, etc. I don't think it is a good thing at all.

2. Foreign Policy - I have family members in the military, some state-side, some overseas. One is a female overseas BY HERSELF because she is in intelligence. Whether or not you agree with the war, I would trust the people who are OVER THERE fighting. Significant progress has been made and it needs to be finished and troops brought home safely, not just "yanked out".

3. When he speaks, he provides few specifics...this is now and previously in his campaigns. I watched when he was campaigning for his Senate position - it lacked substance.

4. Unions, social programs, etc., the supposed focus on the "middle class". First, Barack is NOT middle class, he's been far above it for a long, long time. Second, I've ALWAYS been worse off financially under liberal financial policies. My taxes go up and I have to work twice as long to make the same money. I am not poor, but I am definitely lower middle class. On unions, they had a stated time and purpose, that purpose is long gone and they have not successfully adjust to the new needs. Social programs were for a time and place but times have changed...all I see is abuse of the system. Why should the mom next to me who chose to sleep with a loser boyfriend be wearing designer clothes because she is collecting welfare and CHOOSING not to work while I am working my butt off to provide for my family and wearing my 15 year old ripped jeans to work? Don't even get me started on some workman's comp. claims. If I wasn't taxed to death for social programs and had that income in my pocket, well, I know I'd be debt free.

I have more, but there is a good start to Cathy's comments on a "gut feeling" or comparison to a fictional character. My gut tells me a lot, but my brain is throwing up more red flags.

I'd answer on that thread, but it was supposed to be about Palin (...and yes of course more conservative given the nature of the topic).

 

[TammyStar]

I second your motion on national healthcare. I would love to see a poll of what healthcare workers think of it. I for one as a healthcare worker of 20 years would not be happy with it.

 

[Jennie4PC]

I am so not a fan of socialized medicine. Yeah it would be nice that our insurance premiums werent so high but they are high because the dr.s have to have their medical malpractice so high cause everyone likes to sue over petty problems. Yes there are reasons why people should sue but some people sue cause they are bored. I know a dr that had to stop delivering babies cause his malpractice insurance was so high.

 

[janetupnorth]

I am so not a fan of socialized medicine. Yeah it would be nice that our insurance premiums werent so high but they are high because the dr.s have to have their medical malpractice so high cause everyone likes to sue over petty problems. Yes there are reasons why people should sue but some people sue cause they are bored. I know a dr that had to stop delivering babies cause his malpractice insurance was so high.

Don't you sometimes wish you were born 100 years earlier when life was more simple? When a handshake meant something? When your word was your word and you didn't cross or change it?

Then again, I sometimes wish I was born 100 years later to see what it'd be like.

 

[Jennie4PC]

I dont want to be born 100 yrs later. I look back and see the peole who lived 100 yrs ago and I really admire them. Yes they did have a hard life and we sit here and wonder if we could have survived. But I ma sure they look at us and think I am so glad I lived when I did.

 

[chefsteph07]

National Healthcare

Lack of Leadership experience

To name a couple.

 

[janetupnorth]

I'd probably definitely choose the "100 years ago".

 

[Jennie4PC]

I'd probably definitely choose the "100 years ago".

me too. I wonder what my great grand kids will have to live with.

 

[raebates]

I don't know. I understand what you mean about character being a little more prevalent. But, I kind of like my flush toilet, running water, and electricity--a few things that the average person didn't have 100 years ago.Not to mention my computer, which allows me to chat with my buddies around the globe.And, trust me, there were sleazy, nasty people back then, too.

 

[rennea]

I generally don't chime in on these things but my 2 cents...

I love my health care and don't have any complaints. I love the fact that when I found out that I was expecting there were know worries over the cost of prenatal care and delivery. I called the doctors office and got in same day. The problem we have is that some people will go to the doctor over a broken nail cause "hay it's paid for" and it does cause wait times for some things.

Ok off my soap box.

 

[janetupnorth]

I generally don't chime in on these things but my 2 cents...

I love my health care and don't have any complaints. I love the fact that when I found out that I was expecting there were know worries over the cost of prenatal care and delivery. I called the doctors office and got in same day. The problem we have is that some people will go to the doctor over a broken nail cause "hay it's paid for" and it does cause wait times for some things.

Ok off my soap box.

Unfortunately the good old USA is FULL of those people...our workman's comp. claims, malpractice lawsuits and other things prove it.

You can't put in a system and expect it to work right with those underlying issues not addressed.

If we tried to put in a National Healthcare System, it will be a BIG mess.

 

[rennea]

Unfortunately the good old USA is FULL of those people...our workman's comp. claims, malpractice lawsuits and other things prove it.

You can't put in a system and expect it to work right with those underlying issues not addressed.

If we tried to put in a National Healthcare System, it will be a BIG mess.

I don't disagree with you Janet, there are so many issues that are not being addressed.

But I think it is so sad to see people lose everything because of doctor and hospital bills Or people don't seek medical treatment when they should because of the costs involved. National health care is definitely something that couldn't happen over night.

It's different for me up here cause it's the only thing I have ever known. There are so many complaints about our system here but my family and I have never had a problem receiving medical care. I guess we have been lucky.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Healthcare: It's gonna be a mess no matter who gets in - the healthcare system is broken badly. I am going into debt right now because of the system and my DH has "good" insurance.

At least Obama has a plan to start somewhere.


Iraq: Obama has not said he will "yank" them out. Come on! He said we will leave in a responsible way with a timeline.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I second your motion on national healthcare. I would love to see a poll of what healthcare workers think of it. I for one as a healthcare worker of 20 years would not be happy with it.

Just ask the Military spouses if they remember Champus? Back in the mid 90's before it became Tricare and got a major overhaul- you would go in first thing in the morning- fill out paperwork, and they would call you in the order of importance based on why you were there.

Several times I would go there with bronchitis, or a sinus infection and not get called until 5:00 at night, or not at all and I'd have to come back the next day- Champus was run by the government. I'm so glad that they made some wonderful changes to the system- it still isn't perfect, but it more closely resembles what it's like to go to the doctor as a civilian!!!

I do not agree with government run healthcare- they can't even fix what's wrong with this country, and you want them involved with your healthcare? No thanks! I'll strike out on my own!!

 

[JAE]

Healthcare: It's gonna be a mess no matter who gets in - the healthcare system is broken badly. I am going into debt right now because of the system and my DH has "good" insurance.

At least Obama has a plan to start somewhere.


Iraq: Obama has not said he will "yank" them out. Come on! He said we will leave in a responsible way with a timeline.

Obama claims he wants to end the war responsibly. What does that mean? I don't think he knows. I think people think that means he's going to end the war sooner than McCain would end it. Whatever! McCain doesn't want this war any more than anyone else. But, I trust that he will end the war responsibly because he knows what that means. We have to finish the work/fight until we win.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I guess I feel that our government is not good at handling money, and if we had government paid healthcare- well....our taxes would go up even higher- they aren't going to pay for it- we are! The senators, and congressmen and women are not going to donate money into the general pool- they are going to have to raise taxes to pay for it. So I think we should call it what it is- taxpayer funded healthcare!

When DH and I worked for Wells Fargo- they had fabulous insurance and almost everything even specialists was 100% covered, we were so blessed. With the insurance we have now, only certain things are covered, but every doctor's office and hospital has been kind enough to take payments- so we make payments on what few medical bills we have.

 

[peichef]

There are definitely issues with having a health care system as we do in Canada. To call our health care free is a misnomer. We are taxed to the hilt. Plus, many of us pay for private insurance to cover what is not included in the gov't plan.So... we have wait times for specialists & tests, etc. So we have a shortage of family doctors, esp in smaller communities. No we don't get to pick our specialist, we are referred at our doctor's whim.That said, no one ever has to worry about taking their sick baby to the ER with an high temp b/c they fear the medical bill.We do have a 2-tier medical system (contrary to what most Cdns believe). Those with private insurance often choose to pay for private OT, physio, speech therapy, etc. etc. No wait. No muss, no fuss. It frees up spots in the public system for those who need it & can't afford private.Neither system (US or Cdn) is perfect. But I am grateful for ours.

 

[sklay723]

There are definitely issues with having a health care system as we do in Canada. To call our health care free is a misnomer. We are taxed to the hilt. Plus, many of us pay for private insurance to cover what is not included in the gov't plan.

So... we have wait times for specialists & tests, etc. So we have a shortage of family doctors, esp in smaller communities. No we don't get to pick our specialist, we are referred at our doctor's whim.

That said, no one ever has to worry about taking their sick baby to the ER with an high temp b/c they fear the medical bill.

We do have a 2-tier medical system (contrary to what most Cdns believe). Those with private insurance often choose to pay for private OT, physio, speech therapy, etc. etc. No wait. No muss, no fuss. It frees up spots in the public system for those who need it & can't afford private.

Neither system (US or Cdn) is perfect. But I am grateful for ours.

I understand that in most cases, the healthcare system on a socialized basis isn't the end of the world because it can help those who otherwise wouldn't get assistance. But in the case of my uncle (in Canada), it was ridiculous. He had to wait SIX WEEKS to get a scan done when he started having heart problems (blackouts, racing pulse, etc.). Found out he had a major blockage and needed surgery...and then had to wait FIVE MORE WEEKS to get booked at a hospital three hours away (because the wait list was longer for the hospital two miles from his home) so he could have a double bypass. He could have died waiting...and when they got him into surgery and found out he had two valves blocked and not just one, they said that he was lucky he'd survived the wait. I know this is just one case, and there are probably plenty of people who might have a more positive experience to share, but based on what my family had to deal with for three months, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I used to work in a hospital's marketing office, and I know people diagnosed with exactly what he had who had surgery less than 48 hours after diagnosis was made. It's just sad...

 

[pcchefjane]

I have been without healthcare the majority of the last 10 years. I went to a clinic based on income part of that time but then was told when I went to get a pap smear that I "made too much money" (found out it was by about $1,000) and needed to go find my own doc. Unfortunately I haven't been able to do that since it would cost between $400-600 to have a private doc to do a pap plus get it read by the lab. The lab charges more than the doc does! TNCare is a joke here! Everyone on it goes to the ER if they have a hangnail...which makes the costs sky-high for everyone else.

My Nephew is an F-16 pilot and has been in the Gulf several times. It always worries us all...and now he is facing a divorce because his wife decided she didn't like him being gone so much. Don't want to go there... We have to support all our military. We don't want another Vietnam... I was a teenager then and it was horrible...

Having worked in HR at a Tire Plant many years ago, I remember all the Workers' Comp stuff we had and half the time, the guys out on it were doing work on the side that we couldn't catch them at. Many had "soft tissue injuries" that couldn't be proven.

As someone who draws $275 unemployment a week and has been out of work since June, there is nothing out there and even less since minimum wage went up. I have 25 years of experience as a Admin Asst and no one wants me because I have "too much experience" and am obviously not 30 years old and 36-22-36... Our economy can't take much more and the taxes can't go any higher!

Sorry...but his whole platform terrifies me! I am a Conservative Christian who is pro-life so that puts me totally opposite him in every way I consider important!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Please don't peg me as having a preference for or against certain candidates because I don't .... I am a staunch independent and even if I had an opinion, I would not post it ...NATIONAL HEALTH CARE: Not gonna happen. It didn't happen when we had a president whose wife wrote a plan ... it won't happen now. Health care is a MESS but I'm betting the health care lobby is too strong.Plus we ALWAYS seem to have "balance" which is not a bad thing ... Notice how the house and senate are narrowly Democrat controlled when a Republican is president?THE WAR: Again, there will be a timeline ... it won't be abrupt by any means. I have family members who are military and have been proud to serve ... and others who did not like deployment one bit. Again, I'm neutral on this issue but I wouldn't condemn someone who wanted to "support the troops" by bringing them home.FOCUS ON THE MIDDLE CLASS: On this issue only I say it's about time. I am in the middle class, I guess ... but I still have a heart for the poor, and so did he when he worked the streets of Chicago. One does not have to BE in an economic group to understand their struggles. There are other concerns that I have with this candidate ... but these issues are not among them. The abortion issue is pretty big for me. However, I have concerns with McCain as well.Maybe this is a good year for a protest vote ... I've joked that I support the Nader-Gonzalez ticket because of my collegues, Tommy Nader and Meri Gonzalez.

 

[chefallison53]

I think if the government can offer socialized health care in small quantities to the military and their family at no cost what so ever, that they can some how manage to do it on a larger scale for all Americans. The military is pretty good about startegies and planning ....

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I think if the government can offer socialized health care in small quantities to the military and their family at no cost what so ever, that they can some how manage to do it on a larger scale for all Americans. The military is pretty good about startegies and planning ....

It does cost- it costs you...and other taxpayers! And the military is not the best with paying the medical claims on time, and DH and I have been sued several times for bills that were not paid for several years, that we had no idea were not paid until we were being summoned...

Yes, having the health care is a blessing, but I don't want the government running it any more than they do- Does that make sense?

 

[Stampaholic1961]

I absolutely don't want the government involved in my medical coverage. But something needs done about the cost of health care. We are self employed. Ten years ago when we started our business, we bought our own health insurance. It was about $210 per month for a family of four. Ten years later it is almost $1,000 per month! What else has gone up almost 500%! It's totally ridiculous! We can't get other coverage because of my pre-existing conditions.And don't get me started on the cost of doing business. There are so many taxes that a company has to pay. Big companies get special concessions & don't have to pay them. But a small business such as ours has to pay through the nose. The government tells us how much we have to pay. They have rules on what questions we can ask a potential employee etc. I wish the people who made the laws had to abide by them. Life would be very different if people who were representatives & members of congress had to come home & live among their constituents. That is how it used to be. It would sure add accountability, wouldn't it?Ok, I'll get off my soap box now.

 

[rennea]

It was about $210 per month for a family of four. Ten years later it is almost $1,000 per month! What else has gone up almost 500%! It's totally ridiculous! We can't get other coverage because of my pre-existing conditions.

How does the average person afford that!!!! Crazy

 

[Stampaholic1961]

How does the average person afford that!!!! Crazy

We struggle every month to pay it! I don't know how much longer we are going to be able to continue. It's kind of ironic....the stress of of wondering how we are going to be able to pay for insurance is causing me physical problems. My blood pressure is high etc. So which is the lesser of the two evils, not having health insurance or having insurance that costs more than you can afford?! It's a no-win situation.

If my health was better, I would get a "real" job so I could get coverage that way. My husband would have trouble getting a job that could pay him what he is worth! So we are pretty much sunk there too.

 

[chefsteph07]

I have been without healthcare the majority of the last 10 years. I went to a clinic based on income part of that time but then was told when I went to get a pap smear that I "made too much money" (found out it was by about $1,000) and needed to go find my own doc. Unfortunately I haven't been able to do that since it would cost between $400-600 to have a private doc to do a pap plus get it read by the lab. The lab charges more than the doc does! TNCare is a joke here! Everyone on it goes to the ER if they have a hangnail...which makes the costs sky-high for everyone else.

My Nephew is an F-16 pilot and has been in the Gulf several times. It always worries us all...and now he is facing a divorce because his wife decided she didn't like him being gone so much. Don't want to go there... We have to support all our military. We don't want another Vietnam... I was a teenager then and it was horrible...

Having worked in HR at a Tire Plant many years ago, I remember all the Workers' Comp stuff we had and half the time, the guys out on it were doing work on the side that we couldn't catch them at. Many had "soft tissue injuries" that couldn't be proven.

As someone who draws $275 unemployment a week and has been out of work since June, there is nothing out there and even less since minimum wage went up. I have 25 years of experience as a Admin Asst and no one wants me because I have "too much experience" and am obviously not 30 years old and 36-22-36... Our economy can't take much more and the taxes can't go any higher!

Sorry...but his whole platform terrifies me! I am a Conservative Christian who is pro-life so that puts me totally opposite him in every way I consider important!

HUH? $400-$500 for a pap and lab readings? You might be incorrect. I had a pap done back in May and found out that DH ins only covers paps every other year so this one was my responsibility...it cost $136. out of pocket for everything. You might want to check that out again. It would be worth it.

 

[PChefPEI]

I must agree with Rennea and Charity....I also love our health care system. No worries about medical bills, although I know we pay through our taxes, but I think if we had a system like the US, we'd still be paying the same taxes anyway!!

 

[BethCooks4U]

We currently pay over $400 per month out of our pockets to be insured. When DH was unemployed we paid almost $900 per month for COBRA. We do not have a history of health problems.

Currently I am spending time at the doctors/hospital and our part of the bills are staggering and we are told we have "good" coverage - lol. The doctors have to go through all kinds of hoops and do needless tests (more money) that show just what they already knew because our healthcare system is so broken.

Those on medicare and medicaid are already on nationalized health care - that system is far from perfect I totally agree - but let's get real. As the nation ages and with more and more jobs shipped out of the country - less decent jobs here, and less jobs that even help pay part of the premiums - the nation is headed to the majority to be on national health care anyway. Let's get someone in there who is willing to look at the system and come up with a plan to make it work. There are good models to look at and adjust to our country.

It doesn't matter if they take it from our taxes or directly from our pockets, either way healthcare is expensive and we are put in financial danger if we actually need to see a doctor.

 

[chefsteph07]

Cobra is a joke, always has been and always will be...$900 is the standard rate for Cobra. My husband was unemployed for a short time while I was pregnant and just to insure myself it was going to be $400 per mo. We opted to not insure me and just pay out of pocket. That turned out to be cheaper than if we had the coverage! If you don't have a history of health problems, sometimes it is cheaper to just pay the visits out of pocket if you happen to get the flu or need a prescription for an antibiotic or something. One doctor visit does not cost $900, even w/ a standard rx, and even in those cases if you inform your dr you are not insured they will give you samples to get you throgh.

I did not have ins for a full 2 years before I got married...guess what, I worked for a doctor! The ins they were going to provide cost too much for me to carry (it would have taken most of my pay!) so I opted to do without and do the above if I was ill for any reason. It was way cheaper than having to pay for a monthly premium.

 

[lacychef]

I agree with you Janet. There's something to be said about a gut instinct, & mine isn't good about Obama.

 

[babywings76]

When I was a dental assistant, I remember when my office was showing me how they ran things, they told me to give the Medicaid patients the "cheaper" toothbrush. I know that sounds silly, and I thought it was so stupid. But I guess they felt that they got reimbursed so poorly from Medicaid that they don't want to spend as much money in treatment. Now I'm curious how if everyone was on socialized medicine what doctors and dentists and everyone are going to get paid. My husband is a physical therapist and all of this stuff scares him. He has employees to pay. Secretaries, techs, assistants, and other therapists. They aren't being paid a ton as it is, now how will he be able to hit his budget? I guess I'm curious how the medical profession will be affected.

 

[PChefPEI]

Just an FYI, here in Canada, we have to pay for our dental bills...although I do have a great plan through work, Thank God!!

 

[buckeyefan08]

:grumpy:I'm so torn....

 

[janetupnorth]

:grumpy:I'm so torn....

The issues aren't just healthcare, that is one of many.

Basically, I agree with LESS government control not more...we have TOO MANY things involving the government...they are in our schools, our medical care, our homes, everywhere.

I personally feel more than capable to decide what is best for my family and work to provide it not have the government dictate and supposedly fund it which comes from my taxes anyway.

 

[Laura420]

I cant see how a government who cannot control spending, who cant even manage medicare or social security can possibly pitch national healthcare as a program that will work for everyone.

It will end up as just another governement program they will banckrupt and abuse and tell us we have to fix... give me a break. Let them show me that they can manage medicare first, before they sell me a "better" program.

urgh.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

If you liked FEMA in New Orleans, you're gonna love nationalized health care.No one can be refused medical treatment. Let me repeat that - NO ONE can be turned away from an ER or hospital when in need of medical care. There are programs of many kinds out there to fund necessary procedures.I happen to have first hand knowledge of a woman (I am not related to her) who was in need of surgery. (I can't say more because of HIPPA.) She worked with a county social worker who found funding from three different sources, worked with the surgeon to cut his fee in half, and worked with the hospital to make special arrangements.The money is out there, in programs, for the uninsured to receive medical care and it doesn't take some bureaucrat in Washington, D.C. to figure it out.

 

[colegrovet]

I'd probably definitely choose the "100 years ago".

doing genealogy, I get a good look at my family live back 100+ years. It's interesting seeing how they lived, where they lived, what they did, the struggles.
There's many times I'd like to got back..

 

[elizabethfox]

We pay about $300 a month with BCBS for our health insurance.
And that is for a family of three.
It actually went down a lot this year...of which we were thankful.

I don't think we should have government run healthcare. Like everyone else is saying...the government can't even handle medicare and so. sec. has no place trying to run our healthcare.

And as for Obama, I don't trust him one bit. I could care less if he was black, white, chinese, or BLUE....I just don't trust him as a person. I don't think he has the experience needed to run the country.

I also don't really like where McCain stands on a lot of issues. In the past I feel he has been wishy washy and on the fence too much. BUT I do think that he has been in the politcal arena long enough, to have more experience on running this country than Obama.

IMO

 

[rennea]

Just an FYI, here in Canada, we have to pay for our dental bills...although I do have a great plan through work, Thank God!!

Children are paid for until I think there 5 years of age or so.

 

[rennea]

We struggle every month to pay it! I don't know how much longer we are going to be able to continue. It's kind of ironic....the stress of of wondering how we are going to be able to pay for insurance is causing me physical problems. My blood pressure is high etc. So which is the lesser of the two evils, not having health insurance or having insurance that costs more than you can afford?! It's a no-win situation.

If my health was better, I would get a "real" job so I could get coverage that way. My husband would have trouble getting a job that could pay him what he is worth! So we are pretty much sunk there too.

Thats terrible for you and your hubby

 

[nicci11]

Okay . . . I know I am going to get slammed for this email but here goes!

What's scary to me . . . is that we elected and then re-elected a president who's credentials were certainly more questionable than Obama's! A president, by anyone's standards, who was certainly no overachiever. A president who led numerous companies that he was involved in into bankruptcy as he has nearly done to our great nation. We went from a Rhodes Scholar, President Clinton, to someone who just squeeked by in school. A president who was itching to prove something and leave his mark on the country by racing into a war that was unsupported by nearly every one of our country's allies . . . . . and you guys are scared of a person with the intelligence, ethusiasm and social/economic programs that could actually have a positive effect on us middle class americans???

John McCain is a member of the same "Good Ole Boys" club that President Bush belongs to. He has been in Washington now over 26 years and has voted the exact same way as President Bush a staggering 90% of the time. Don't let the same old republican scare tactics about "socialized medicine" keep you from taking a hard look at whay these two candidates stand for. No one from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama is suggesting "socialized medicine". If you read either of their plans, they have both come up with at least a starting point to fix the mess the health care system is today. If you already have quality affordable health insurance then nothings going to change. Their plans are intended to help the many many americans who fall through the cracks, not just the people who don't want to work and take advantage of government programs.

I also know that many of you on this site are pro-life and I am as well, but we had a pro-life president in office for 8 years and nothing has changed. Don't let one issue mask so many of the other urgent issues this country needs to deal with. John McCain is certainly an American Hero but that also doesn't qualify him to effectively lead this country in the direction it needs to go. Why does someone have to be a Washington fixture to be deemed appropriate to be president?

I realize that this is a conservative site for the most part, and I am most likely in the small minority on here but I just want people to look beyond the same old rhetoric and really take the time to find out what both of these men stand for and what solid plans they have to get this country moving in the right direction again. Unemployment has reached a five year high as of this morning!

I write this in all sincerity and with respect to your opinions.
Nicci

 

[JAE]

No need for anyone to slam you, but you will definitely be disagreed with just as you've disagreed with people who won't be voting for Obama. I don't have time to respond to your post, but I'm not ignoring it. For now, I do want to say that as far as the pro life platform President Bush has made progress. For one, he said "no" to using human embryos for research using public funds. I'll come back later.

Also, as far as the country moving in the right direction, I think conservatives and liberals believe the direction the country should move in is quite different from one another. (Thinking that sentence may be hard to understand, but I can't seem to fix it.)

 

[janetupnorth]

And I counter some in all respect and sincerity.

Okay . . . I know I am going to get slammed for this email but here goes!What's scary to me . . . is that we elected and then re-elected a president who's credentials were certainly more questionable than Obama's! A president, by anyone's standards, who was certainly no overachiever. A president who led numerous companies that he was involved in into bankruptcy as he has nearly done to our great nation. We went from a Rhodes Scholar, President Clinton, to someone who just squeeked by in school. A president who was itching to prove something and leave his mark on the country by racing into a war that was unsupported by nearly every one of our country's allies . . . . . and you guys are scared of a person with the intelligence, ethusiasm and social/economic programs that could actually have a positive effect on us middle class americans???

...and what does this have to do with the current match-up? You are bashing Bush which is NOT what this campaign is about....and being a Rhodes scholar does not mean intelligence or success in the future. I have 3 degrees on my wall right now NOT counting numerous certifications. Although I highly value that education and experience, it does not make me who I am in today's workforce. I don't care how many degrees Obama has, he needs to have a balance of experience. It's not about education, it's what you do with it.

John McCain is a member of the same "Good Ole Boys" club that President Bush belongs to. He has been in Washington now over 26 years and has voted the exact same way as President Bush a staggering 90% of the time.

Wow, have you been watching the campaign ads.Truth is, McCain DID vote in line with the Republican party 90% of the time in 2007. However, in 2001, he voted in line as low as 67% of the time. Obama voted in line with Bush 40% of the time...what does that say, he supports Bush?We'd have to dig into each individual piece of legislation and vote to determine the true impact of that statement. I call that a "scare tactic".

Don't let the same old republican scare tactics about "socialized medicine" keep you from taking a hard look at whay these two candidates stand for. No one from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama is suggesting "socialized medicine". If you read either of their plans, they have both come up with at least a starting point to fix the mess the health care system is today. If you already have quality affordable health insurance then nothings going to change. Their plans are intended to help the many many americans who fall through the cracks, not just the people who don't want to work and take advantage of government programs.

I see that was quoted from Obama's website and quote from his May 29, 2007 speech. His proposal would not make things more affordable, it would RAISE taxes and cost much more than he states. ...and what about the enforcements? That is a big cost.He states he can do this in one term...in reality the concept alone would take about 5-10 years and things he talks about like electronic records are already happening DESPITE him - it's the nature of business!He also contradicts himself on freedom and choice in the plan, yet having the government pick up the tab...uh..right...

I also know that many of you on this site are pro-life and I am as well, but we had a pro-life president in office for 8 years and nothing has changed. Don't let one issue mask so many of the other urgent issues this country needs to deal with.

Because the legislative branches have been controlled Democratically during all that time. One issue isn't swaying the vote for most of the people here.

John McCain is certainly an American Hero but that also doesn't qualify him to effectively lead this country in the direction it needs to go. Why does someone have to be a Washington fixture to be deemed appropriate to be president?

They don't have to be a Washington fixture - Palin isn't!I think the Obama/Biden ticket is more of a "Washington fixture" as a whole than McCain/Palin but that is my opinion.

I realize that this is a conservative site for the most part, and I am most likely in the small minority on here but I just want people to look beyond the same old rhetoric and really take the time to find out what both of these men stand for and what solid plans they have to get this country moving in the right direction again. Unemployment has reached a five year high as of this morning! I write this in all sincerity and with respect to your opinions.
Nicci

I think there are more independent and democrats than you think. The conservative side has just chosen to debate and investigate and stand up more for their opinions.Unemployment high? Well, one again I direct you back to which party is in control right now! The president can't do squat without legislation to back it....oh and don't get me started on unemployment...all over the place people are looking for GOOD WORKERS. People aren't willing to take them. They want everything their way. There are definitely issues, there is definitely unemployment, we've definitely lost manufacturing jobs overseas over the last 15 years. But, we also have become selfish and lazy. We need to fight to get them back. We need to educate ourselves and be willing to work....just my opinions once again...

 

[janetupnorth]

Oh, and if anyone wants to move up north, my company is HIRING!!!! It's hard to find good help!...anyone want to go into Healthcare? There is a shortage of good nurses, EMTs, teachers, etc.

 

[elizabethfox]

Yes Bush has his issues...just like any president.
And I just love how everyone raises the Clintons up on such a high pedestal.
Our country was having issues even when Clinton was in office! Yes things have gotten worse, but it hasn't just been since Bush has been in office. It has been a gradual decline.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Okay . . . I know I am going to get slammed for this email but here goes!

What's scary to me . . . is that we elected and then re-elected a president who's credentials were certainly more questionable than Obama's! A president, by anyone's standards, who was certainly no overachiever. A president who led numerous companies that he was involved in into bankruptcy as he has nearly done to our great nation. We went from a Rhodes Scholar, President Clinton, to someone who just squeeked by in school. A president who was itching to prove something and leave his mark on the country by racing into a war that was unsupported by nearly every one of our country's allies . . . . . and you guys are scared of a person with the intelligence, ethusiasm and social/economic programs that could actually have a positive effect on us middle class americans???

John McCain is a member of the same "Good Ole Boys" club that President Bush belongs to. He has been in Washington now over 26 years and has voted the exact same way as President Bush a staggering 90% of the time. Don't let the same old republican scare tactics about "socialized medicine" keep you from taking a hard look at whay these two candidates stand for. No one from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama is suggesting "socialized medicine". If you read either of their plans, they have both come up with at least a starting point to fix the mess the health care system is today. If you already have quality affordable health insurance then nothings going to change. Their plans are intended to help the many many americans who fall through the cracks, not just the people who don't want to work and take advantage of government programs.

I also know that many of you on this site are pro-life and I am as well, but we had a pro-life president in office for 8 years and nothing has changed. Don't let one issue mask so many of the other urgent issues this country needs to deal with. John McCain is certainly an American Hero but that also doesn't qualify him to effectively lead this country in the direction it needs to go. Why does someone have to be a Washington fixture to be deemed appropriate to be president?

I realize that this is a conservative site for the most part, and I am most likely in the small minority on here but I just want people to look beyond the same old rhetoric and really take the time to find out what both of these men stand for and what solid plans they have to get this country moving in the right direction again. Unemployment has reached a five year high as of this morning!

I write this in all sincerity and with respect to your opinions.
Nicci

Well said Nicci!

My husband is happy at his current job but has looked for one in the WI area so we could be closer to our children and there is absolutely nothing. I have THREE adult sons who are under or un-employed. Two of them live in WI. They have a lot of job experience and education. ...hmmm I'm not seeing a lot of opportunity there - or anywhere. The attitude of big business is "you're lucky you have a job". I am tired of paying through the nose to pad the pockets of the CEO's and the fat cats in Washington. Time for a change. I'll be voting for real change.

Oh, and, I am still wondering why the Republicans are afraid to let Palin talk to any reporters. She gave a speech today with McCain in WI and they both parroted what was said at the RNC. When will they let her answer unscripted questions?

 

[janetupnorth]

Well said Nicci!

My husband is happy at his current job but has looked for one in the WI area so we could be closer to our children and there is absolutely nothing. I have THREE adult sons who are under or un-employed. Two of them live in WI. They have a lot of job experience and education. ...hmmm I'm not seeing a lot of opportunity there - or anywhere. The attitude of big business is "you're lucky you have a job". I am tired of paying through the nose to pad the pockets of the CEO's and the fat cats in Washington. Time for a change. I'll be voting for real change.

Oh, and, I am still wondering why the Republicans are afraid to let Palin talk to any reporters. She gave a speech today with McCain in WI and they both parroted what was said at the RNC. When will they let her answer unscripted questions?

Don't worry, debate time is coming fast. I'm sure she can stand on her own two feet.

I don't think they were afraid to let her speak...we don't know the schedules or why they didn't take questions.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Don't worry, debate time is coming fast. I'm sure she can stand on her own two feet.

I don't think they were afraid to let her speak...we don't know the schedules or why they didn't take questions.

I'm sure she'll handle herself just fine in the debates. My concern is that she is kept so hidden away. It looks bad and sure doesn't make me feel like she's such a great choice.

 

[janetupnorth]

I'm sure she'll handle herself just fine in the debates. My concern is that she is kept so hidden away. It looks bad and sure doesn't make me feel like she's such a great choice.

I'm thinking it is the rush after the RNC and the recent attacks on her. I too am anxious to "hear" from her! ETA: Today is the day that the attacks occur on what McCain said last night...it needed to be about him today not her.

 

[janetupnorth]

U.S. Productivity Decreased 2.2% in Q2Output fell by 3.7%, which was the largest quarterly decline since a 2.5% decrease in the second quarter of 1989. Hour worked decrease 1.5%, but compensation increased 3.9%. Unit labor costs increased 6.2%.Source: Industry Week