Hi, I'm an independent and I'm newly zotted.

[independent5]

Protagoras,

When I said "cut" I meant eliminate. Sorry for the semantics there.

And you can't think of a single one. It must be painful to say the words. LOL

You really don't understand where I'm coming from. I'm only offering an open-mind to solutions that help society. I'm not really in support of or against the things we are currently arguing.

[IllumiNaughtyByNature]

STupid Troll couldn't even maintain a decent conversation without a socialist comment falling out.

[Sam Cree]

If you are a fence sitter, and vote issue by issue, it indicates that you have no underlying political philosophy on which to base your decision making when it comes to voting.

However, this statement "Another angle to look at this is -- the government could be the most efficient and fair way for you to get money to those who need it." puts you solidly in the socialist camp, whether you know it or not.

You cannot believe in that statement and still believe in individual freedom and personal liberty, the cornerstones of our nation. Not to mention that the foolishness of it has been repeatedly and tragically demonstrated by history.

[Sally'sConcerns]

In my utopian way of looking at things, I want the government to be responsible for defense and infrastructure such as building roads and maintaining freeways. That's your idea of utopia? LOL

Against all evidence you still think the government can build roads and maintain them better than they do other things? Hell, they can't even deliver the mail.

I do believe the federal government can build roads and maintain them better than local or state entities. If I use the Interstates as an example of good government planning and execution, I think they do a much better job than smaller government enitities. Leaving it to the states or even the counties would create a hodge-podge of roads with differing methods of building, materials and routes.

I'm sorry you've had difficulties with proper mail delivery. So far, I've been lucky I suppose since I've never had any problems with the USPS.

Also, please note when I mentioned my idea of utopia it had to do strictly with what I would look to the federal government to handle.

[knwilson]

as far as macro stats - i will look. but i also tend to personalize some of these things to put them in perspective. I look at things like the Tax rebate - which so many liberals bash because it was in conjunction with some "relief" for upper 1%. Just ask an honest question to an honest group of folks - how many of you all received money back due to the tax rebate, change? Almost everyone I know did - over 80% of my peers - and those that didn't - well - they are better off financially than i am. What did that 80% do with there money? The spent it. They helped boost the economy. Money was infused into the economy based on choices by individuals. Just a simple example thus far. In that case, the govt "allowed" me to spend money as I saw fit and everyone benefited (economy boosted - more jobs available, fall in unemployment rates).

[Protagoras]

You really don't understand where I'm coming from.

OH, but I do. Like a laser I'm honed in.

I'm not really in support of or against the things we are currently arguing.

Nonsense.

So you can't think of a single program that should be eliminated?

[Repealthe17thAmendment]

Hell, they can't even deliver the mail.

I'm with you most of the way, but I'm gonna defend the US Postal Service. They move an awful lot of mail and they get it mostly right.

They're not very friendly, but that's another issue!

[independent5]

knwilson,

You've nailed exactly what I was saying about communism. If the rest of my quote were posted, it would be clearer where I'm coming from. I'm all for no government (which I equate with true communism), but human nature --and the nature of the world in general-- makes that impossible or near impossible.

[Protagoras]

Well suffice it to say we have different ideas on what the proper role of government is in a free society. And thankfully, it is unconstitutional for the feds to do what you suggest.

[Sloth]

My instinct is to increase the salary for teachers to encourage those better suited to teach to enter the field. I knew a lot of very bright people who wanted to teach but didn't feel that they'd be compensated well enough.

Pffft. The reason that bright people don't teach isn't the lack of pay, it's the fact that bright people mostly have degrees in something other than education, and the NEA keeps a stranglehold on access to their little club.

I'll agree with, say, doubling teachers' salaries if we first fire all the ones above elementary level who hold only education degrees.

[Sam Cree]

Classical liberal.
Yeah, I am coming from there also, in the English tradition.

[Protagoras]

Actually, technically, they aren't part of the government anymore. But they still suck, Fedex and UPS do a better job.

[Sam Cree]

Forgot to mention, 600 people a minute is just plain silly, ask the guys in Iraq how often they've managed it. Even with a full artillery battery.

[Sally'sConcerns]

Which part is unconstitutional and how? I'm asking a serious question here so please don't call me a troll or ask the admin moderator to zot me.

Thanks

[Protagoras]

I'm a classical liberal, the other guy is just a garden variety Democratic liberal.

[Sam Cree]

When all property belongs to everyone, to the people, the community, in truth, the reality is that it belongs to the state. Hence the neverending totalitarianism of communism.

[Michael Goldsberry]

"Would no government be utopia?"

Your absence would be a utopia!

BEGONE COMMIE TROLL!

[knwilson]

please stand down for a bit - this is a necessary exercise in education - let it continue

[Sam Cree]

Truthfully, some of his statements are to the left of what I'd consider a "Democratic liberal."

I'm hoping, though, that he's like me at that age...I thought I was a "liberal," and voted Democrat occasionally, Republican more often, but didn't understand the ramifications of the modern usage of the term.

[slimer]

Beware of trolls posing as undecideds. Having said that, I'm very interested in learning why you are still "undecided" at this point. What candidate most closely reflects your values?