tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post1136035493413957295..comments2023-09-15T08:07:28.542-06:00Comments on Western Hero: Defending the IndefensibleSilverfiddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13541652236676260219noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-14162888752879862392012-03-10T06:57:21.320-07:002012-03-10T06:57:21.320-07:00Only the people who know enough -- and CARE enough...Only the people who know enough -- and CARE enough -- to WANT to be "represented," DESERVE representation.<br /><br />The rest are dullards most of whom know nothing and have no opinion worth entertaining.<br /><br />All men may be CREATED equal, but they don't stay that way for long.<br /><br />Now, I've given you something else to despise and reject.<br /><br />Have fun.<br /><br />~ FTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-17738599146262468842012-03-09T17:45:25.301-07:002012-03-09T17:45:25.301-07:00Damien,
I've lived in Europe as well as Asia,...Damien,<br /><br />I've lived in Europe as well as Asia, including Swindon in your own country, and am perhaps not as myopic as you may presume.<br /><br />I am a Libertarian (economically conservative, socially liberal) by nature, a Republican by convenience (there's not a snowballs chance in hell of getting a Libertarian elected here). <br /><br />You ask me to support my position with details, yet scold me on the use of Gallup Poll statistics. What would you have me do? Ask everyone?<br /><br />"The result of the changes has opened doors to the US, lessened "interference" by US politics into the affairs of other nations"<br /><br />And led to what? Increased "interference" by European politics? or Euro-American Politics? Or were those not NATO planes flying over Libya?<br /><br />I would have to disagree with you that Obama is any different regarding US troop deployment than previous presidents, with the possible exception that he is more covert about it. Meet the new boss same as the old boss.<br /><br />I might also add that Syria and Iran are not done yet.<br /><br />My point, that I attempted to illustrate with the Gallup numbers was that many of us here in the colonies find Obama just as, if not more polarizing.<br /><br />I will grant you this, your assessment is correct, it is the independents that will determine the outcome. Funny thing is, if you ignore political affiliation, more identify as conservative or moderate than liberal here.<br /><br />Cheers!Finntannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09234170229108668040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-87632905554957314842012-03-09T05:05:36.135-07:002012-03-09T05:05:36.135-07:00Finntann,
I am not American, you are, and you sho...Finntann,<br /><br />I am not American, you are, and you should therefore know better than me that such Gallup Polls never reflect much except views of those that wish to answer (the more active), the location and number that were asked and ulimately for that time. <br /><br />Your election in November will reflect the feelings on the day, the realization that it is an important choice and then, regardless of the vote, it depends on the majority of States not the majority of people (because you would have had Al Gore as President if it was).<br /><br />The ultimate decider for chosing the US Presidency comes down to five factors only. Getting the Latino Vote (because of the States that they influence), Getting the large Swing Voter element (mostly for the northern states), Getting the Older Voter (as they are most likely to vote and currently prefer Romney), Getting the largest number of States (not the largest number of votes) and proving to the people that he or she represents all of them (well most of them, that is why the radical, tea-party and ultra-religious candidates never have a chance).<br /><br />Though this is a topic in itself, one thing you can say about America's electoral system - it is neither uniform or actually truelly democratic.<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />Damien CharlesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-41760034571880809162012-03-09T04:57:08.889-07:002012-03-09T04:57:08.889-07:00Finntann,
Obama has changed a great deal in the w...Finntann,<br /><br />Obama has changed a great deal in the way US diplomacy, bilateral and multi-lateral dealings. Trade negotiation style has unfortunately not changed.<br /><br />The result of the changes has opened doors to the US, lessened "interference" by US politics into the affairs of other nations and his reaching out to the Middle-East has stopped the obvious unconditional bais in that region that left 14 nations second fiddle to the benefit of one. <br /><br />In one swoop he has turned the United States into an important but nevertheless a member of the international community rather than a stand-alone super-power that considers itself "exceptional" and makes everyone know it.<br /><br />We can add that he has altered the hawkish jump right in and boots-on-the-ground attitude to one of considering all the factors that apply. He has pulled your country out of one very ugly and questionable war.<br /><br />He has signed trade agreements with a number of critical countries that have been previously ignorned.<br /><br />As mentioned, unfortunately he still plays the hard-ball trade dealing to the detriment of other nations, simply because he can subsidise prices and threaten raising taxes to ensure Americans get the deal rather than the smaller economies of Canada, Australia and India.<br /><br />Now having said all that, if the GOP followed such an improved world-view in international affairs, who knows what improvements could happen in your country. (Please remember I am centre-right and a committed member of the British Conservative Party).<br /><br />A last comment, arguments such as Obama "apologizing his way around the world" was just political rhetoric for elections, and was proven to be incorrect as shown on a number of watchdogs such as PoliFact and others. Arguments such as his being anti-Israeli is similarly to the benefit of interest and lobby groups. Most countries except the GOP and the far-Right Israeli government consider the current process versus Iran as being the right step.<br /><br />Please ensure that any rebute to the above is supported by details, unless of course it is just your "opinion" of which you are most certainly entitled to and respected. My list above are events and a reflection of the views of the rest of the world. The term "Statesman" refers, I should point out, to the capacity of that person based on the views of other nations, not their own.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Damien CharlesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-70631400973446174012012-03-08T23:18:54.573-07:002012-03-08T23:18:54.573-07:00D Charles... what exactly has Obama done? Aside fr...D Charles... what exactly has Obama done? Aside from following the rest of the lemmings?<br /><br />You know, I'm wracking my brain and just can't come up with any brilliant Obama diplomatic initiative or breakthrough.<br /><br />"if anything the polarizing element within the GOP has almost assured a victory to BO"<br /><br />Unless of course that center thinks his progressive left rudder administration is polarizing.<br /><br />Gallup Poll 16-19 Feb 2012<br /><br />Independents:<br /><br />Obama a success 42%<br /><br />Obama a failure 53%<br /><br />Obama No Opinion 5%<br /><br />So much for that centrist-middle<br /><br />http://www.gallup.com/poll/153152/Obama-Approval-Averages-February.aspx<br /><br />If the election were held today:<br /><br />Romney 50%, Obama 46%<br /><br />Santorum 48%, Obama 49%<br /><br />http://www.gallup.com/poll/152918/Romney-Santorum-Closely-Matched-Against-Obama-Nationally.aspx<br /><br />Cheers!Finntannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09234170229108668040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-86329539195722338372012-03-08T07:26:12.164-07:002012-03-08T07:26:12.164-07:00two comments based oin the above discourse.
Finnt...two comments based oin the above discourse.<br /><br />Finntann, Obama has done way better than many recent presidents on the international scale and it is not just the aipac version of Iran that counts. better concentrate on economics to bag him.<br /><br />Secondly, is not the reality that winning requires the large centrist middle american voter who choses to vote either way? if anything the polarizing element within the GOP has almost assured a victory to BO.<br /><br />I agee with the comment, expect to lose, use it as a test and start looking and working hard for 2016. Rubio should not tarnish his reputation on now, perhaps JebB or Christie with Rubio for then? anyone?<br /><br />D CharesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-10963664032923386622012-03-08T03:37:17.633-07:002012-03-08T03:37:17.633-07:00"He won't care either way"
Maybe, b..."He won't care either way"<br /><br />Maybe, but I wonder whether other politicians would see the political profit to be made opposing him?<br /><br />I suppose the compulsory voting in Australia does disguise that protest signal. In a country like US or UK, where turnout is typically under 50%, a large turnout spoiling or voting "none of the above" would be very noticeable. It would probably command upwards of 48 solid hours on the rolling news channels, bumping lesser stories like Iran declaring war or whatever.<br /><br />Didn't Richard Pryor run as "none of the above" in Brewster's Millions?jezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14865247084509280406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-74568736017019851112012-03-08T03:33:53.854-07:002012-03-08T03:33:53.854-07:00RWT
"That's what a lot of Australians do...RWT<br /><br />"That's what a lot of Australians do but it's mainly because we're forced to vote, they don't want to get fined for not voting."<br /><br /> If we did that here we could pay off the national debt in no time. In 2008 only 56.8% of those old enough, and 61.6% of those registered, actually voted and THAT was a forty year high.<br /><br /> Americans are abysmally apathetic. <br /><br />viburnumAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-72012505427446248272012-03-08T03:19:39.834-07:002012-03-08T03:19:39.834-07:00"There is a third option: spoil your ballot p..."There is a third option: spoil your ballot paper."<br /><br />That's what a lot of Australians do but it's mainly because we're forced to vote, they don't want to get fined for not voting. Personally i think it's a waste of time, no one cares about that protest, so might as well just vote against the left and make it count.<br /><br />"BO might win, but he cannot claim a broad mandate nor can he write off a low turnout as due to a lazy or indifferent electorate."<br /><br />He won't care either way, he's already turning the country to crap without a mandate and obvious disapproval from the voters, so he wouldn't give a rats ass if he doesn't get a majority vote.MathewKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14385674205383405783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-90655049696734675942012-03-08T03:13:21.920-07:002012-03-08T03:13:21.920-07:00Good for you Silver, i would do the same if i were...Good for you Silver, i would do the same if i were an American.<br /><br />Just imagine what obama will do with a second term, one where he knows he doesn't need to care about a 3rd term, where he won't be accountable to the voters. It's a scary thought.MathewKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14385674205383405783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-29587324985597992292012-03-08T03:04:38.654-07:002012-03-08T03:04:38.654-07:00Jez: There is a third option: spoil your ballot pa...Jez: There is a third option: spoil your ballot paper. <br /><br /> That's probably far too subtle a gesture for American politicians, besides which less than 2% of the electorate use that type of ballot. I suppose 'none of the above' could be entered on the electronic voting machines and other systems in use but you can be sure that some wit here will have legally changed their name to that and claim the victory. ;-)<br /><br />viburnumAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-17442490736730960302012-03-08T00:49:32.515-07:002012-03-08T00:49:32.515-07:00There is a third option: spoil your ballot paper. ...There is a third option: spoil your ballot paper. If lots of people do that then yes, BO might win, but he cannot claim a broad mandate nor can he write off a low turnout as due to a lazy or indifferent electorate. Spoiling your paper is a positive act, which indicates disapproval of the whole field.jezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14865247084509280406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-90180591755419091812012-03-07T22:56:27.488-07:002012-03-07T22:56:27.488-07:00Twoguys: ABO is a dangerous mindset, for it hints ...Twoguys: ABO is a dangerous mindset, for it hints that you would be willing to settle for the lesser of the two evils instead of maintain our convictions.<br /><br /> We're always left picking the lesser of two evils. Government itself is a necessary evil, unless you have enough faith in the goodness of human nature to embrace an anarchic alternative. <br /><br /> Politics has always been "the art of the possible” and since the course we’re on is impossible to sustain we had better do whatever we can to turn the boat around. Right full rudder is certainly an appealing idea but a few degrees to starboard consistently applied will still get you headed in the same direction and without upsetting the passengers. <br /><br /> I’ll admit to dissatisfaction with the Republicans performance in the past, but allowing Obama and friends to continue to pursue their socialist agenda out of disappointment with whoever is the candidate is just cutting off our nose to spite our face. <br /><br /> viburnumAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-2612488792099176122012-03-07T21:58:30.701-07:002012-03-07T21:58:30.701-07:00Why would Rubio want the VP gig? That's the ro...Why would Rubio want the VP gig? That's the road to nowhere.Ducky's herehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14608115001116619877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-5699648581910145292012-03-07T21:57:31.677-07:002012-03-07T21:57:31.677-07:00"Obama has shown to be the consummate statesm..."Obama has shown to be the consummate statesman, deftly handling a host of tricky entanglements."<br /><br />OMG STOP!!! I CAN"T BREATHE I'M LAUGHING SO HARD!<br /><br />"Another major event, handled well again, would boost Obama among independents."<br /><br />What do you mean "again"?<br /><br />Are we in the same space-time continuum? <br /><br />You mean like IRAN? <br /><br />If he can pull that rabbit out of the hat, even I'll be impressed.<br /><br />In my humble opinion, Iran is a no-win situtation politically.<br /><br />If he does nothing, or more of the same he appears weak.<br /><br />If he takes military action, he'll get a short 'patriotism' boost and then gas will hit 8-10 dollars a gallon and cold hard reality will sink in with the voters.<br /><br />About the only positive outcome I can foresee is if the Iranians cave, and that's highly unlikely.<br /><br />Cheers!Finntannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09234170229108668040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-78838967799076015412012-03-07T21:56:47.883-07:002012-03-07T21:56:47.883-07:00z, the fact that the Dems didn't have the frea...z, the fact that the Dems didn't have the freaking balls to back up A.C.O.R.N. merely speaks to the fact that there are few of them worth anything and there is little difference between the two parties.<br /><br />Elections are kabuki for Rollo. They all dance for the same puppet masters and giving a voice to the working class isn't part of the plan. Hence ACORN had to go.<br /><br />They did the same with Sherrod. The unedited tapes are clear and her suit should cut into little Andrews estate nicely.<br /><br />Corsi's back working up the birthers since Sheriff Joe (another beauty) declared it a forgery. Leticia is all excited that Obama will have to resign.<br /><br />You people follow a clan of conspiracy theorists and you fell bad for me? It's not my mind that's rotting from disuse. My film and photography is better than ever.Ducky's herehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14608115001116619877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-32826398798909536952012-03-07T21:00:11.903-07:002012-03-07T21:00:11.903-07:00Z,
Loved that quote!
“We hid this throughout the...Z,<br /><br />Loved that quote!<br /><br />“We hid this throughout the 2008 campaign. I don’t care if they find it now."<br /><br />Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-91175966652464641112012-03-07T20:53:51.307-07:002012-03-07T20:53:51.307-07:00Ducky, you seem jealous of Breitbart; like you jus...Ducky, you seem jealous of Breitbart; like you just can't let it go, like a poor whining baby.<br />Odd that you think ACORN was a lie but...there IS NO ACORN anymore. And I didn't hear any Democrats protecting it, did you?<br /><br />How's about Sherrod? She was fired and nobody fought for her. THink Andrew had the goods and nobody wants the goods out? Or they don't want them out more than they want Sherrod IN gov't? :-)<br /><br />By the way, Corsi was right, too.<br /><br />It was kinda fun watching Prof Ogletree telling his Harvuhd class they didn't release the Obama video in '08, wasn't it? :-)Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-14412448759106304942012-03-07T20:49:21.165-07:002012-03-07T20:49:21.165-07:00The Supreme Court situation is enough to get me to...The Supreme Court situation is enough to get me to vote for even that awful Palin. Almost.<br />Well, maybe not...:-)Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-30924421671735566352012-03-07T20:31:46.633-07:002012-03-07T20:31:46.633-07:00The Breitbart tapes --- proof that poor little A...The Breitbart tapes --- proof that poor little Andrew was down to seeds and stems. Silly little man.<br /><br />The stuff would embarrass Jerome Corsi.Ducky's herehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14608115001116619877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-36260601546056844142012-03-07T20:30:09.022-07:002012-03-07T20:30:09.022-07:00viburnum,
"My best guess is Romney/Rubio, an...viburnum,<br /><br />"My best guess is Romney/Rubio, and I don't see him getting pilloried like Palin because of the Hispanic vote."<br /><br />I could see Romney picking him, but I think he will go with a southern WASP. I don't know. It could go a few ways.<br /><br />"The female demographic is probably a toss up depending on turnout."<br /><br />I disagree. Turn-out will be average, and the GOP has a big problem there in the swing states.<br /><br />"...I think most (conservative voters) will take the practical view and vote against Obama no matter who's at the top of the Republican ticket."<br /><br />I don't know. I think there are many who would be so disaffected by Romney, and believe Obama is just the worst thing since disco, and that with either President the country would be down the same path, that they may as well wait it out in the belief that the country will then finally embrace their Rightist agenda. Who knows? I suppose it could happen.<br /><br />"Stand by for the "The Last Remake of Wag the Dog" Why did you think we went to Bosnia?"<br /><br />No. That's not why we went to Bosnia. That entanglement started many years earlier. That was a last Cold War spark, igniting ancient fuels, among a weird variety of people, along a complex old line of debarkation that should never have been yet always have.<br /><br />It was a more complex than "Wag the Dog." <br /><br />JMJJersey McJoneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15426560061830038806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-13291836965167586582012-03-07T19:54:56.369-07:002012-03-07T19:54:56.369-07:00Anybody but obama.
The evilness of obamacare, let ...Anybody but obama.<br />The evilness of obamacare, let alone all you mention, is just starting to affect us. It's going to be unreal, and I already feel like I've been raped with a telephone pole.Kidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05287399775879832602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-64151906842909157892012-03-07T19:49:38.691-07:002012-03-07T19:49:38.691-07:00All bets are off until after Hannity concludes sho...All bets are off until after Hannity concludes showing the Breitbart Obama Harvard Tapes, on this Wednesday's broadcast of his show.<br /><br />This is going to change much.<br /><br />Thursday will be a very, very interesting day, indeed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-85000997001324227222012-03-07T19:28:59.051-07:002012-03-07T19:28:59.051-07:00JMJ: First, there's a Hispanic vote.
My be...JMJ: First, there's a Hispanic vote. <br /><br /> My best guess is Romney/Rubio, and I don't see him getting pilloried like Palin because of the Hispanic vote.<br /> <br />The female demographic is probably a toss up depending on turnout.<br /> <br />...seeing it as best to wait another four years to see if that will lay the ground for a "true" conservative candidate.<br /><br /> James Madison being unavailable, I think most will take the practical view and vote against Obama no matter who's at the top of the Republican ticket.<br /><br />"Another major event, handled well again, would boost Obama among independents."<br /><br /> Stand by for the "The Last Remake of Wag the Dog" Why did you think we went to Bosnia? <br /><br /> viburnumAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7674333464171899932.post-33072192091100123162012-03-07T16:54:21.363-07:002012-03-07T16:54:21.363-07:00beamish,
"I'm not certain a nation that ...beamish,<br /><br />"I'm not certain a nation that is confused enough to consider Mitt Romney a "conservative" is worthy of preservation efforts."<br /><br />Now there's a blog post just begging to be written!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com