[A_perfect_lady]

We’re all “influenced” by a lot of things. Those of us who grew up here have certainly been heavily influenced by the steady march towards full blown socialism that the US has been on since the 1930s. That doesn’t necessarily make us socialists, or more sympathetic to socialism than people who grew up in less socialist countries, and in some cases it has made us particularly hostile towards socialism.

I hate to tell you this, but as far as I'm concerned, you just proved my point. Who is behind this steady march? Americans who have been influenced!

Childhood influences tend to have one of two outcomes: either you incorporate it, or you have a violent reaction against it. If you look around at America today, I'm sure you won't deny that over half of America has indeed incorporated a socialist outlook.

They won't call themselves socialists; they'll simply believe that the government should pay for your education, health care, and if possible, your housing, and should control the economy.

Those others, who have a violent reaction against socialism, are called conservatives.

But my point is: find someone who grew up here in America and does not either tacitly accept or consciously reject socialist premises.

Obama grew up with Muslim influences. He doesn't reject them. So I tell you what, I'll concede this: Obama is no more muslim than most liberals are socialists. How's that?

[Stentor]

they'll simply believe that the government should pay for your education, health care, and if possible, your housing, and should control the economy.

Those are "the issues" your supposed to discuss. If you reject them as unworthy of discussion, your not "serious".