Quote:
|
Originally Posted by KMA-628
Mr. M -
Please do not try and pass yourself off as objective.
|
When did I ever try to do so.
Quote:
|
You are as slanted as I am, just the opposite direction.
|
Agreed. As is almost everyone here; even those who support the Libertarians.
Quote:
|
But I have never, ever, ever seen you give "Bushco" a fair shake. I do, however, see you go out of your way to critique "Bushco" regardless of the facts or lack thereof. (keep in mind, I don't particularly like the guy either)
|
Regardless of the facts or lack thereof? Well, that's a matter of opinion really, isn't it?
I don't really know what you mean by "giving him a fair go" in anycase. I disagree with most of what he does.
Do I praise him for the good things he does? Absolutely. The one that jumps out at me is the unprecendented amount of aid he has given (or released) to fight AIDS in Africa. In this respect he has put all of his predecessors (including Clinton who I greatly respect) to complete and utter shame.
I've also gone on record saying that I think he's a fundamentally good man doing what his conscience dictates and what he believes is right. I happen to disagree with most of what he does, but I do not think he's some evil conspirator trying to take over the world; that role is taken by Cheney... :-)
So, when I have a certain political position and I feel Bush embodies almost everything I loathe about capitalism and globalization run riot, then it's only to be expected that I criticise him. I'm
more than willing to give him praise, when said praise is due. Give me some examples and I'll happily do so.
Therefore, the use of the phrase "never, ever ,ever" is a bit inappropriate. At least in my opinion.
Quote:
Case in point: The FCC
Why is it just Bush that catches the heat here?
|
Well, it was the Bush Administration that I was targetting. And they get the heat because they acted after pressure from the AG.
That's why.
Quote:
|
The most successful censorship campaign that I am aware of was launched by the wife of a leading Democrat: Tipper Gore. Another leading Democrat has launched many efforts to "censor" Hollywood as well: Joe Leiberman. This is hardly a conservative vs. liberal issue like some want it to be.
|
And I would equally condemn these instances if I knew about them. But I react to news stories to which I'm exposed. And I've not seen any description of any of the above.
Quote:
|
But, that's just not as fun as making us conservatives out to be evil and repressive.
|
I respect conservatism. I disagree with it, but I respect it. Indeed, the older I get the more conservative I become myself. However, I'm at heart a liberal. I've gone on record as stating that I
DON'T think conservatives are "evil and repressive". Why paint me with the same broad brush-strokes you rail against yourself?
Like I said, I'll post the references when I get home and can find them. I at least included a link to the book where I read the comment, and specifically didn't simply make a throwaway comment. Again I believe this is an example of trying to ensure I at least support my contentions with reasons.
Quote:
|
Anyway, it is moot because we are consistently in the top four for dollar amount of foreign aid.
|
Yes, but as a percentage of GDP, which is the most appropriate measure, you are far below what you should be. At number 21 globally, you lag behind much smaller countries like Ireland (13), Australia (15), Finland (9), France (7) etc. The full graph can be found at
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-T/eco_eco_aid_don_gdp
Having said that, the $6.9 billion you gave in 1997 comes only second to that of Japan (measured in 1999).
So, the fact that you pay less than other countries, as a percentage of GDP and therefore as a real measure of what you can afford, is not something to be really proud of.
What
IS worth being proud of is your exemplary (and very recent) record on helping fight AIDS in Africa, as I have already mentioned.
Quote:
|
I don't see much praise for the amount, rather I see constant criticism that we should be giving away more money. I give about as much credibility to complaints about America as you give to the complaints made by the PTC.
|
You should be giving more money. If smaller countries can afford, then so can you. Plus the fact that the US committed to do so. Let me add that no one is perfect here. Nearly all UN countries are failing in their obligation to contribute 0.7% of their GDP.
Quote:
|
Lastly, so what if any part of America is adopting conservative core values? Why do you care?
|
Because American policy affects me. Like everyone else on this planet. That's why.
Plus, I'm interested. Sorry if that bugs you, but I am. I like a healthy debate. As I've said before, I'm more than happy to debate British politics, Australian politics, Kurdish and Iraqi politics, the future of the UN, the pros and cons of NASA funding and human expansion into the solar system, the likelihood of FTL travel and ET intelligence, the appropriateness of compensation for 9/11 families... the list goes on. And that's just on this Politics Board.
Quote:
|
It is not like any of the people adopting this position are being forced to do so. There is no gun pointed at my head forcing me to believe in the core values I adhere to, I do it because I want to. But yet, you want to label us as "mad"? (c'mon, you can't possibly think that with your title and opening line that someone wasn't going to be bothered--regardless of the BAC).
|
I still don't understand why you have a bee in your bonnet about my posts. But it's unfair to single me out and spend more time in this thread attacking my position and record than debating the facts. Such criticisms would be better suited targetted at some of the more extreme "left-wingers" here. And believe me, there's plenty of those.
Quote:
|
That is what really bothers me here. I am very conservative, very pro-family and not even a teency bit religious. Yet, for what I believe, I get people telling me "WTF" and "you're mad".
|
Fair point and duly noted. I don't think you're mad. You're entitled to your opinion. Out of curiousity, do you believe a (clothed) pregnant women is obscene? Or a Korous statue?
Quote:
|
And, to go back to a point I made previously, I cannot watch TV with my family in the evenings unless it is a DVD. Unlike when I was a kid, there is almost nothing on any network channel that I would consider o.k. for my kids to watch.
|
That's unfortunate. Is it sexual content or violence that you object to? I tend to agree, by the way, that some content is inappropriate for young kids. That's why we have the so-called "watershed" here and in Ireland/UK.
Quote:
There is also a (so much for lastly) reason I chose to bring this up with you. Of the people that share your biases, you are the most likely to actually respond intelligently. There are many, many people here I would
love to say similar things to, but that would be an utter waste of time.
|
Thank you for the compliment! It was a compliment, right?
Quote:
Usually, with you, I can bring this up and it is responded to appropriately. You must notice, also, that I am one of the few conservatives that has admitted errors. By my own nature I hate to admit, but I do nonetheless.
I will try another word, how is that? I am confused by your attentiveness to the failings, as you see them, of my country. I can see here or there comments, I am just trying to understand the continual comments.
|
I guess I just like a good debate. I honestly do not mean to insult you or your country.
Mr Mephisto