07-09-2004, 08:44 AM | #7 (permalink) |
Banned
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Actually, it does. For an excellent analysis, I recommend Herb Meyer's video "The Siege of Western Civilization". His title is the most concise phrasing of the state of the world today that I have encountered.
American Thinker had an excellent review of it the other day. Television, for the most part, belongs to the left. The advent of the Fox News Channel, and the occasional History Channel program to the contrary notwithstanding, “progressive” pabulum dominates the tube. Anyone who has ever raged at the unfairness of it all should meet Herb Meyer. Herb has done what many of us may have fantasized: he went out and produced his own television documentary – a program that is so clear, so compelling, and so correct on so many counts, that it throws into sharp relief what has been conspicuously lacking in the media (and educational) fare dealt us by the cultural elite. I recently watched it on DVD, and you can, too, for the modest price of $19.95 for either VHS tape or disc. In roughly 40 minutes, Herb Meyer knocks the ball out of the park, explaining concisely and clearly the nature of the challenges facing Western Civilization. One of his great gifts is that he employs metaphor, one the human mind’s favorite tools for understanding, with great skill. Beginning with scenes of nature, he explains that civilizations are just like ecosystems, and dependent for their survival on their environment remaining benign. The environemnt of Western Civilization, however, has turned hostile. Herb defines Western Civilization as something rooted in the distant past, but primarily the product of the Renaissance, when, in Europe and Europe alone, religion became reconciled with reason, and the lines between church and state began to be drawn. The American Revolution, which took the critical next step of defining rights and the power to govern as belonging to the people, not to the rulers, extended the groundwork for the flowering of science, creativity, liberty, and the panoply of humanity’s gifts. So powerful was this revolution that over time we in the West have forgotten that it remains vulnerable. A triple threat of challenges has emerged: the rise of Islamofascism (really a resurgence of the aggressive threat to the West that Islam has presented since the Seventh Century), the internal challenge of an anti-Western mentality in the domestic cultural left, and the crisis presented by low birth rates in the industrialized countries. Herb presents and discusses these very large and complicated questions quite clearly and understandably. Although he uses the potential of television for visual illustrations, most of the program consists of him talking right into the camera, with steady eye and warm, friendly delivery. It is like having a super-intelligent favorite uncle over for dinner, and listening to him enlighten the family with his insights on the most important matters of the day. It may be one-sided, but it feels conversational. There is no pomposity, difficult language, complex usage, or obscurity. Just common sense and insight, raised to uncommon levels. Although the talk is very grown-up, I could not help but wish that teen-agers get a chance to see this video. In an ideal world, it would be run in every classroom in America. Failing that, it makes a great gift for your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, or for any bright young person who is at the mercy of the educrats. Herb is so friendly and engaging that it is easy to forget that he brings some formidable credentials to the table. During the Reagan Administration he served as Special Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence, and Vice Chairman of the CIA’s National Intelligence Council. He is widely credited as the first intelligence official to forecast the fall of the Soviet Union. He knows whereof he speaks, when he talks of challenge to seemingly-formidable powers. In his video, there was not one proposition to which I took the slightest exception. Herb Meyer has done us all a favor by going out on a limb and producing the most accessible summary of the important issues facing us. He deserves a large audience. |
07-09-2004, 08:47 AM | #8 (permalink) |
I change
Location: USA
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I appreciate my President for his pragmatic approach to running this country, his ability to assemble and work with a solid team of advisors, his sense that the private sector is the place to focus economic opportunities that ultimately benefit all citizens, and his ability to discern the fact that decisive and active execution is necessary to geopolitics and national security in addition to diplomatic methods. In brief, he is the sort of realist that I am willing to support, given my own not dissimilar convictions.
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create evolution |
07-09-2004, 08:51 AM | #9 (permalink) | |
Banned
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Whatever the case, the review doesn't tell us anything but generalities. Last edited by cthulu23; 07-09-2004 at 08:57 AM.. |
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07-09-2004, 08:56 AM | #10 (permalink) |
Sarge of Blood Gulch Red Outpost Number One
Location: On the front lines against our very enemy
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I support President Bush because of the following:
-I agree with the stance that he has taken on abortion, I am Pro-Life and so is he. -I agree that putting money back in the pockets of the consumer drives the economy, and that tax cuts give money back to the people and keep that money out of an ever increasing government. -Social Security needs reform, and he has been a big supporter of this, I agree. -He pursues actions against terrorists in a manner of war, and not a manner of criminal investigation. -Racial/Gender Quotas are a horrible idea and are unfair to all in the end, he agrees. -He is a man of strong religious beliefs, while others see this as a liability, I do not. -He respects the military and is willing to provide them with the most support that he can. Those are just a few of the reasons why I support the President, you want to ridicule me for it, fine, I don't care, you asked me why I support Mr. Bush, and I gave you an answer as to a few issues we agree on. Edit: What ART said too, that was beautiful man *tear*.
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"This ain't no Ice Cream Social!" "Hey Grif, Chupathingy...how bout that? I like it...got a ring to it." "I have no earthly idea what it is I just saw, or what this place is, or where in the hell O'Malley is! My only choice is to blame Grif for coming up with such a flawed plan. Stupid, stupid Grif." Last edited by archer2371; 07-09-2004 at 08:58 AM.. |
07-09-2004, 09:38 AM | #11 (permalink) |
Tilted
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He supports tax relief for all taxpayers and came through with his promise.
Finally gave our military some spending over the puny .5 % growth it had previously. Alsofactor in how he is over hauling the services by not being afraid to cancel some billion dollar projects that were cold war related in order to make a more nimble force. Gave some of the most deserving members of our government a much needed raise, they being the military. Willing to fight for school reform instead just throwing money he demands results. I wish he would work harder on vouchers however. Fighting the war on terrorism in the Middle East where it breeds instead of in the US. Recognizing that the UN in the end doesn't have jurisdiction over the preservation of our nation we do and we have enough friends that we don't need them. Is actually working on plans to better Social Security rather than just ignore or band aid the problem. Nice to have someone who has belief in God and is not a mere bench warmer when it comes to issues regarding religion vs politics. Mostly I can say its his ability to put what he thinks is right for our nation above popularity, polls or other nations opinions. Thats vision and leadership. |
07-09-2004, 11:12 AM | #12 (permalink) | |||||
Junkie
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07-09-2004, 01:25 PM | #14 (permalink) |
And we'll all float on ok...
Location: Iowa City
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I support this administration for their disregard of the importance of the environment.
Yeah, I really fucking hate trees.
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For those who believe in God, most of the big questions are answered. But for those of us who can't readily accept the God formula, the big answers don't remain stone-written. We adjust to new conditions and discoveries. We are pliable. Love need not be a command or faith a dictum. I am my own God. We are here to unlearn the teachings of the church, state, and our educational system. We are here to drink beer. We are here to kill war. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us. --Charles Bukowski |
07-09-2004, 01:33 PM | #16 (permalink) | |
The sky calls to us ...
Super Moderator
Location: CT
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07-09-2004, 01:47 PM | #17 (permalink) |
Walking is Still Honest
Location: Seattle, WA
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I support the effort in Iraq and I think it was good to go in.
I want Bush to be the one who picks Supreme Court successors. Mainly because of abortion. I support the way that the tax cuts were distributed. Those who pay more should get more back. Those are the big three. They outweight areas in which I disagree with Bush, such as spending increases, gay marriage, and the controversial provisions of the Patriot Act.
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I wonder if we're stuck in Rome. |
07-09-2004, 03:07 PM | #18 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: Eternity
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Defense. I am pretty much apposed to the rest of his polices. I like Kerry's stance on most polices with the exception of defense. Fuck 'em both I'm voting Nader.
Edit: I wanted to make it clear that I did not post this to troll or make a joke. If everyone in this country voted for Nader and he won, it would send a message to Democrats and Republicans that we are sick of their crap.
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The mother of mankind, what time his pride Had cast him out from Heaven, with all his host Of rebel Angels Last edited by assilem; 07-09-2004 at 04:06 PM.. |
07-09-2004, 04:29 PM | #19 (permalink) |
Conspiracy Realist
Location: The Event Horizon
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I voted for him. The main reason because I felt a Libertarian vote was a wasted effort. Here are some of the main reasons I hope he is defeated in the upcoming election.
(embed removed, click the link for movie) http://www.activeopposition.com/MP3s...y_fortunes.wmv
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To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.- Stephen Hawking Last edited by phredgreen; 07-10-2004 at 11:25 AM.. |
07-09-2004, 04:37 PM | #20 (permalink) |
....is off his meds...you were warned.
Location: The Wild Wild West
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I can sum up my support quite simply.
I am better off now than I was four years ago. I just sat down and made up a list of how my life is a) better, b) worse, or c) the same in regards to having Bush as President. There was one thing in the "worse" column and everything else was under "better" and "same".
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Before you criticize someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry at you.......you're a mile away.......and they're barefoot. |
07-09-2004, 05:01 PM | #21 (permalink) | |
Conspiracy Realist
Location: The Event Horizon
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If it goes into areas you would rather maintain being private; I understand. Thanks
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To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.- Stephen Hawking |
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07-09-2004, 05:07 PM | #22 (permalink) |
....is off his meds...you were warned.
Location: The Wild Wild West
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I am actually toying with the idea of using it to start a new thread.
I am not a concise person and just the "rough" (hard to read except by me) version is over two pages long. I'll go see if I can make it smaller. I don't want to post 2-3 pages of my writing because most people won't read the entire thing.
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Before you criticize someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry at you.......you're a mile away.......and they're barefoot. |
07-09-2004, 06:13 PM | #24 (permalink) |
....is off his meds...you were warned.
Location: The Wild Wild West
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You will find that Palast falls in line with Moore.
Some will speak highly of him and others will say he is lying. You kind of have to research it yourself and some to your own conclusion. For me, my opinion was formed about this guy after his reporting on Cynthia McKinney (sp?). She is the politician that alluded on NPR that Bush "knew" about 9/11, etc. Palast wrote a scathing article claiming that she never said this on "the House floor". True, she didn't say it on the House floor, she said it on NPR and can be heard in the soundbite. So my advice, take it for what it is worth: opinion.
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Before you criticize someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry at you.......you're a mile away.......and they're barefoot. Last edited by KMA-628; 07-09-2004 at 06:17 PM.. |
07-09-2004, 06:21 PM | #26 (permalink) | |
WoW or Class...
Location: UWW
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Even if a Democrat or Republican won, if a third party candidate got a massive percentage of the vote, Washington would be scared.
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One day an Englishman, a Scotsman, and an Irishman walked into a pub together. They each bought a pint of Guinness. Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy beverage, three flies landed in each of their pints. The Englishman pushed his beer away in disgust. The Scotsman fished the fly out of his beer and continued drinking it, as if nothing had happened. The Irishman, too, picked the fly out of his drink but then held it out over the beer and yelled "SPIT IT OUT, SPIT IT OUT, YOU BASTARD!" |
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07-09-2004, 07:48 PM | #27 (permalink) |
Insane
Location: Eternity
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Precisely Jimmy4. And to those who say a vote for Nader is a vote for Bush. Oh well. Then maybe the dems will learn to put up a better candidate next time and give me someone to vote for that I can really support. But as of now they are both one in the same. A Bad choice.
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The mother of mankind, what time his pride Had cast him out from Heaven, with all his host Of rebel Angels |
07-09-2004, 09:41 PM | #28 (permalink) | |
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Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada
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One thing I would be really interested in seeing is a documentary that, for once, tries to show Bush in good light. I've seen all the ones that make him look bad, but you can't really form a proper opinion until you've heard both sides make their case.
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"A witty saying proves nothing" - Voltaire |
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07-09-2004, 09:46 PM | #29 (permalink) |
WoW or Class...
Location: UWW
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I believe the BBC is making all of their content available online (or trying to at least).
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One day an Englishman, a Scotsman, and an Irishman walked into a pub together. They each bought a pint of Guinness. Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy beverage, three flies landed in each of their pints. The Englishman pushed his beer away in disgust. The Scotsman fished the fly out of his beer and continued drinking it, as if nothing had happened. The Irishman, too, picked the fly out of his drink but then held it out over the beer and yelled "SPIT IT OUT, SPIT IT OUT, YOU BASTARD!" |
07-09-2004, 11:07 PM | #30 (permalink) |
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i am pro-life but i would never vote for bush because he is generally an incompetent leader.
abortion is not going to be re-criminalized. republicans have been promising for decades to do something about abortion. it's funny that no one ever calls them on it. the issue has shifted to partial birth abortion, a practice that occurs so infrequently its hardly worth arguing. abortion is going to remain legal, although the cutoff date may vary. furthermore, killing iraqis under flimsy pretenses is no better than killing the unborn. people who support abortion should have to look at the gruesome pictures associated with the practice, just as war supporters should take an honest look at the full scope of our actions. thousands of deaths, alienating allies, huge deficit, divided country, no end in sight. without a doubt there were better ways to do this. bush may be a religious man. does this make him a good leader? no. the pope is perhaps even more so a religious man. his messages of peace were ignored by the president. like republicans, i prefer less gov't. however, bush fails again. he has drastically increased spending and bureaucracy. but do what you want. |
07-10-2004, 12:24 AM | #31 (permalink) | |
Conspiracy Realist
Location: The Event Horizon
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Hopefully something that hasnt been inavertently destroyed.
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To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.- Stephen Hawking |
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07-10-2004, 03:43 AM | #32 (permalink) | |
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1) i don't understand your bench warmer comment... are you saying you want religion in politics? if so, what your saying is that you like how he is eroding one of the principles this country was founded on, that being seperation of church and state. correct me if i'm reading into this wrong. 2)i agree he has vision. is it what's right for this country? i don't think so. but that's my opinion. but i don't think it's very arguable that he's a horrible leader. he's divided the country more so than any other president in my lifetime (only 25 years). that's not leadership. leadership is having a vision and getting everyone to go with you. what he's doing is pushing his vision, not leading. there's a big difference. /my $.02
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shabbat shalom, mother fucker! - the hebrew hammer |
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07-10-2004, 10:13 AM | #33 (permalink) |
Kiss of Death
Location: Perpetual wind and sorrow
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I'm assuming Cosmo's line on religion is in regards to people like Kerry who say they are religious to cash in on the vote, but when push comes to shove they don't back up the morals they profess (unless it benefits them).
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To win a war you must serve no master but your ambition. |
07-10-2004, 10:29 AM | #34 (permalink) | |
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could you show examples of that? i haven't heard of him doing that at all. and i'd rather someone who says they're religous but doesn't act on it, then someone who says they are and then tries to force it on me...
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shabbat shalom, mother fucker! - the hebrew hammer |
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07-10-2004, 11:18 AM | #35 (permalink) | |
....is off his meds...you were warned.
Location: The Wild Wild West
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I gave you a specific example regarding how I formed my opinion of Palast. I don't like those kinds of reporting techniques, so I have a negative opinion of Palast. Yes I have seen Bowling from Columbine and I also live very close to the high school itself. The movie lost me when it implied that the proximity of Columbine High School to Lockheed Martin contributed to the tragedy. That pisses a lot of us off around here because that is so ludicrous as to almost make light of the event. If there is anybody to blame around here (other than Harris and Kleibold) it would be the Douglas County Sheriff's Dept. There were numerous tips to the police regarding Kleibold and Harris and they were all ignored. Location had nothing to do with it. For me, it is simple. I don't agree with some of the things Palast has done in the past, so I ignore him. No facts, no links. I did my own research and came to my own opinion. That was what I was suggesting regarding the poster that asked if it was true. It is something you pretty much have to research for yourself. The information is out there, it is just a matter of what you do with it.
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Before you criticize someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry at you.......you're a mile away.......and they're barefoot. |
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07-10-2004, 01:13 PM | #36 (permalink) | |
Kiss of Death
Location: Perpetual wind and sorrow
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To win a war you must serve no master but your ambition. |
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07-10-2004, 01:14 PM | #37 (permalink) | |||||
BFG Builder
Location: University of Maryland
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I'm not a Bush supporter (I would've voted for him had I been 18 4 years ago, but I'm not voting for him this year), but I can't help but be irked by some of kutulu's comments...
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I don't recall whether or not the tax cut was a universal percentage drop or what, but I never could understand this idea of "the little people" being more important than the rich (or vice versa). The rich pay more taxes, so of course they would be getting more money back. I fail to understand why this is a bad thing. No arguments with the deficit fact. Quote:
This is a valid opinion, but I disagree. Bush acted based on what he felt was strong intelligence at the time, and I do not fault him for that. He believed Iraq was a threat at the time, and acted on it. More importantly, I do not feel that the money was a waste. The people of Iraq are better off now than they were under Hussein, and (as cliche as it sounds) you can't put a price on freedom. Quote:
Yale is a private institution, and free to do as they wish. There are a lot of people out there who are struggling, and not all of them are minorities. Why should a minority be placed ahead of a white person who has better qualifications? If we are all truly equal, then we should all be given the same opportunity. Artificial assistance provided in the name of "racial equality" or "diversity" does not reflect this value. Quote:
Amen! Quote:
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If ignorance is bliss, you must be having an orgasm. |
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07-10-2004, 01:18 PM | #38 (permalink) | |
BFG Builder
Location: University of Maryland
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Just because you're of a faith does not mean you subscribe to their every belief. Many jews are not kosher, for example. And many Catholics believe that gay marriage is acceptable. I do not believe that Kerry is "cashing in the vote" in those instances; he is following his own personal moral code.
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If ignorance is bliss, you must be having an orgasm. |
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07-10-2004, 01:25 PM | #39 (permalink) |
Kiss of Death
Location: Perpetual wind and sorrow
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I'm not faulting him for his opinions. It's just htat the issue such as abortion is so fundamental to being catholic and Kerry, through his voting, has gone out of his way to ensure something the catholic church identifies as one of the most evil and vile practices in the history of man.
It's like saying your on the basketball team when you are really a towel boy, just because you are in the yearbook with the team doesn't make it so.
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To win a war you must serve no master but your ambition. |
07-10-2004, 01:26 PM | #40 (permalink) |
Insane
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Kerry does oppose abortion and gay marriage (supports civil unions) though....he just won't say it too loudly or he won't have something against Bush. He said if he were to appoint a justice, he would probably pick one leaning against abortion, and he said as long as civil unions were legal he would sign a ban on gay marriage.
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Mechanical Engineers build weapons. Civil Engineers build targets. |
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