[gandalf]

Allan,

Agreed, and I think it’s called the ‘American Century’ for good reason. However, the current situation isn’t as simple as patriotic right-wing militaristic types versus the ‘I hate America’ anti-war left-wing types. Talk about re-inventing Vietnam. We all filter life through the lens of our experiences.

Really, I think few of us have any issues with a muscular foreign policy when we are morally justified, and we all want to be strategically and operationally effective in achieving our ends. Indeed, 9/11 gave us enormous latitude to pursue an expansive foreign policy.

The most interesting aspect to me about the current situation is that our government has conducted itself in such a way as to have lost the support of the majority of the American public — and that’s post 9/11, which is saying something. Partisans can blame it on anti-America liberals with no stomach for battle. That sounds tough. It’s actually pretty gay. Whatever. The root problems are deeper than rhetoric.

The moral underpinnings of our foreign policy have been called into question through a series of questionable judgements, almost derelict in their incompetence: Iraq, torture, rendition, mercenaries, etc. The strategic and operational aspects have been an utter disaster (strengthening Iran, Bin Laden at large). And most troubling, our government has become synonomous with dishonesty among its own people (war propoganda, Plame, Tillman, etc.). We are at war, and a nation divided. What does that tell you?

Half of us are wimpy lefties? What a jackass response.

On the one hand, you decry the fascist tendencies of our current ‘regime’, and they are indeed there. And on the other hand, anyone who sees fundamental problems with our foreign policy, posture, plans and actions is an anti-American, anti-military lefty. The contraditions are abundant. Perhaps you’re not seeing things for what they are?

Respectfully, I believe it’s easier for my generation (X) to see the problems inherent in our position as we gratefully escaped the missteps and polarization of Vietnam. We have breathed life into some huge challenges in the years ahead, like fueling a brush fire when we should have suffocated it.

Regards,

[gandalf]

Allan,

Agreed, and I think it’s called the ‘American Century’ for good reason. However, the current situation isn’t as simple as patriotic right-wing militaristic types versus the ‘I hate America’ anti-war left-wing types. Talk about re-inventing Vietnam. We all filter life through the lens of our experiences.

Really, I think few of us have any issues with a muscular foreign policy when we are morally justified, and we all want to be strategically and operationally effective in achieving our ends. Indeed, 9/11 gave us enormous latitude to pursue an expansive foreign policy.

The most interesting aspect to me about the current situation is that our government has conducted itself in such a way as to have lost the support of the majority of the American public — and that’s post 9/11, which is saying something. Partisans can blame it on anti-America liberals with no stomach for battle. That sounds tough. It’s actually pretty gay. Whatever. The root problems are deeper than rhetoric.

The moral underpinnings of our foreign policy have been called into question through a series of questionable judgements, almost derelict in their incompetence: Iraq, torture, rendition, mercenaries, etc. The strategic and operational aspects have been an utter disaster (strengthening Iran, Bin Laden at large). And most troubling, our government has become synonomous with dishonesty among its own people (war propoganda, Plame, Tillman, etc.). We are at war, and a nation divided. What does that tell you?

Half of us are wimpy lefties? What a jackass response.

On the one hand, you decry the fascist tendencies of our current ‘regime’, and they are indeed there. And on the other hand, anyone who sees fundamental problems with our foreign policy, posture, plans and actions is an anti-American, anti-military lefty. The contraditions are abundant. Perhaps you’re not seeing things for what they are?

Respectfully, I believe it’s easier for my generation (X) to see the problems inherent in our position as we gratefully escaped the missteps and polarization of Vietnam. We have breathed life into some huge challenges in the years ahead, like fueling a brush fire when we should have suffocated it.

Regards,

[gandalf]

Allan,

Agreed, and I think it’s called the ‘American Century’ for good reason. However, the current situation isn’t as simple as patriotic right-wing militaristic types versus the ‘I hate America’ anti-war left-wing types. Talk about re-inventing Vietnam. We all filter life through the lens of our experiences.

Really, I think few of us have any issues with a muscular foreign policy when we are morally justified, and we all want to be strategically and operationally effective in achieving our ends. Indeed, 9/11 gave us enormous latitude to pursue an expansive foreign policy.

The most interesting aspect to me about the current situation is that our government has conducted itself in such a way as to have lost the support of the majority of the American public — and that’s post 9/11, which is saying something. Partisans can blame it on anti-America liberals with no stomach for battle. That sounds tough. It’s actually pretty gay. Whatever. The root problems are deeper than rhetoric.

The moral underpinnings of our foreign policy have been called into question through a series of questionable judgements, almost derelict in their incompetence: Iraq, torture, rendition, mercenaries, etc. The strategic and operational aspects have been an utter disaster (strengthening Iran, Bin Laden at large). And most troubling, our government has become synonomous with dishonesty among its own people (war propoganda, Plame, Tillman, etc.). We are at war, and a nation divided. What does that tell you?

Half of us are wimpy lefties? What a jackass response.

On the one hand, you decry the fascist tendencies of our current ‘regime’, and they are indeed there. And on the other hand, anyone who sees fundamental problems with our foreign policy, posture, plans and actions is an anti-American, anti-military lefty. The contraditions are abundant. Perhaps you’re not seeing things for what they are?

Respectfully, I believe it’s easier for my generation (X) to see the problems inherent in our position as we gratefully escaped the missteps and polarization of Vietnam. We have breathed life into some huge challenges in the years ahead, like fueling a brush fire when we should have suffocated it.

Regards,

[gandalf]

Allan,

Agreed, and I think it’s called the ‘American Century’ for good reason. However, the current situation isn’t as simple as patriotic right-wing militaristic types versus the ‘I hate America’ anti-war left-wing types. Talk about re-inventing Vietnam. We all filter life through the lens of our experiences.

Really, I think few of us have any issues with a muscular foreign policy when we are morally justified, and we all want to be strategically and operationally effective in achieving our ends. Indeed, 9/11 gave us enormous latitude to pursue an expansive foreign policy.

The most interesting aspect to me about the current situation is that our government has conducted itself in such a way as to have lost the support of the majority of the American public — and that’s post 9/11, which is saying something. Partisans can blame it on anti-America liberals with no stomach for battle. That sounds tough. It’s actually pretty gay. Whatever. The root problems are deeper than rhetoric.

The moral underpinnings of our foreign policy have been called into question through a series of questionable judgements, almost derelict in their incompetence: Iraq, torture, rendition, mercenaries, etc. The strategic and operational aspects have been an utter disaster (strengthening Iran, Bin Laden at large). And most troubling, our government has become synonomous with dishonesty among its own people (war propoganda, Plame, Tillman, etc.). We are at war, and a nation divided. What does that tell you?

Half of us are wimpy lefties? What a jackass response.

On the one hand, you decry the fascist tendencies of our current ‘regime’, and they are indeed there. And on the other hand, anyone who sees fundamental problems with our foreign policy, posture, plans and actions is an anti-American, anti-military lefty. The contraditions are abundant. Perhaps you’re not seeing things for what they are?

Respectfully, I believe it’s easier for my generation (X) to see the problems inherent in our position as we gratefully escaped the missteps and polarization of Vietnam. We have breathed life into some huge challenges in the years ahead, like fueling a brush fire when we should have suffocated it.

Regards,

[gandalf]

Allan,

Agreed, and I think it’s called the ‘American Century’ for good reason. However, the current situation isn’t as simple as patriotic right-wing militaristic types versus the ‘I hate America’ anti-war left-wing types. Talk about re-inventing Vietnam. We all filter life through the lens of our experiences.

Really, I think few of us have any issues with a muscular foreign policy when we are morally justified, and we all want to be strategically and operationally effective in achieving our ends. Indeed, 9/11 gave us enormous latitude to pursue an expansive foreign policy.

The most interesting aspect to me about the current situation is that our government has conducted itself in such a way as to have lost the support of the majority of the American public — and that’s post 9/11, which is saying something. Partisans can blame it on anti-America liberals with no stomach for battle. That sounds tough. It’s actually pretty gay. Whatever. The root problems are deeper than rhetoric.

The moral underpinnings of our foreign policy have been called into question through a series of questionable judgements, almost derelict in their incompetence: Iraq, torture, rendition, mercenaries, etc. The strategic and operational aspects have been an utter disaster (strengthening Iran, Bin Laden at large). And most troubling, our government has become synonomous with dishonesty among its own people (war propoganda, Plame, Tillman, etc.). We are at war, and a nation divided. What does that tell you?

Half of us are wimpy lefties? What a jackass response.

On the one hand, you decry the fascist tendencies of our current ‘regime’, and they are indeed there. And on the other hand, anyone who sees fundamental problems with our foreign policy, posture, plans and actions is an anti-American, anti-military lefty. The contraditions are abundant. Perhaps you’re not seeing things for what they are?

Respectfully, I believe it’s easier for my generation (X) to see the problems inherent in our position as we gratefully escaped the missteps and polarization of Vietnam. We have breathed life into some huge challenges in the years ahead, like fueling a brush fire when we should have suffocated it.

Regards,

[gandalf]

Wow. Republicans are crashing like a bad housing market.

I’m a conservative, especially in matters of fiscal and foreign policy. I voted GOP through the 80s, 90s and through GWB’s first run at the Presidency. I’m unaffiliated now and I’ll be pulling the ‘D’ for a change come November, including a vote for Obama. I might end up switching parties.

Polls show a good 70% of Americans strongly disapprove of the performance of republicans in the majority. For my part, I am unhappy with their incompetence on matters of foreign policy and energy policy. I’m also unhappy about the partisanship, general unethical conduct and the degree to which they’ve politicized everything. Much of it is about demonizing the opposition.

Let’s examine some of the hypocrisy. On the one hand, you protest the erosion of civil liberties under the Bush Administration. I like Ron Paul too. He’s right on target. The next minute, you’re recycling talking points about Obama not having any qualifications or experience.

If I remember correctly, he was Magna Cum Laude Harvard Law School and a former professor of CONSTITUTIONAL LAW at Chicago. So if the constitution is an issue for you, he ought to be well-qualified, no? You agree? If anybody understands US government and the Consitution, it would be a person of his background?

This is one example, and there are many, of how I don’t believe the criticisms are well-supported. Most of us see through the noise. The GOP talking points have become shrill and desperate. You’ve lost credibility with the majority of the American public.

Eisenhower was one of the great Republican Presidents of the last 100 years and a centrist. He governed effectively from the middle through a period of great turmoil. As indicated by Susan Eisenhower’s endorsement of Obama earlier this year, Eisenhower would almost certainly have supported Obama were he alive today. There are quite a few of us, former Republicans who are either crossing party lines or have left the party altogether.

And it’s mostly because of this ridiculous right-wing crap that’s constantly spewing forth. So keep it up. The Democrats are in all likelihood going to sweep the elections come November because of it.

This entire generation, the Democans, the Republicrats, the zeitgeist of it all, “Bickering Baby Boomers in Divorce Court.” The collosal selfishness and stupidity, possibly the worst generation of all time. God help my generation of Americans, and my kids. We have some monumental problems, beginning with energy and foreign policy, complicated now by financial crisis and insolvency. It’s going to take a while to repair the damage you’ve wrought.

[gandalf]

Wow. Republicans are crashing like a bad housing market.

I’m a conservative, especially in matters of fiscal and foreign policy. I voted GOP through the 80s, 90s and through GWB’s first run at the Presidency. I’m unaffiliated now and I’ll be pulling the ‘D’ for a change come November, including a vote for Obama. I might end up switching parties.

Polls show a good 70% of Americans strongly disapprove of the performance of republicans in the majority. For my part, I am unhappy with their incompetence on matters of foreign policy and energy policy. I’m also unhappy about the partisanship, general unethical conduct and the degree to which they’ve politicized everything. Much of it is about demonizing the opposition.

Let’s examine some of the hypocrisy. On the one hand, you protest the erosion of civil liberties under the Bush Administration. I like Ron Paul too. He’s right on target. The next minute, you’re recycling talking points about Obama not having any qualifications or experience.

If I remember correctly, he was Magna Cum Laude Harvard Law School and a former professor of CONSTITUTIONAL LAW at Chicago. So if the constitution is an issue for you, he ought to be well-qualified, no? You agree? If anybody understands US government and the Consitution, it would be a person of his background?

This is one example, and there are many, of how I don’t believe the criticisms are well-supported. Most of us see through the noise. The GOP talking points have become shrill and desperate. You’ve lost credibility with the majority of the American public.

Eisenhower was one of the great Republican Presidents of the last 100 years and a centrist. He governed effectively from the middle through a period of great turmoil. As indicated by Susan Eisenhower’s endorsement of Obama earlier this year, Eisenhower would almost certainly have supported Obama were he alive today. There are quite a few of us, former Republicans who are either crossing party lines or have left the party altogether.

And it’s mostly because of this ridiculous right-wing crap that’s constantly spewing forth. So keep it up. The Democrats are in all likelihood going to sweep the elections come November because of it.

This entire generation, the Democans, the Republicrats, the zeitgeist of it all, “Bickering Baby Boomers in Divorce Court.” The collosal selfishness and stupidity, possibly the worst generation of all time. God help my generation of Americans, and my kids. We have some monumental problems, beginning with energy and foreign policy, complicated now by financial crisis and insolvency. It’s going to take a while to repair the damage you’ve wrought.

[gandalf]

Wow. Republicans are crashing like a bad housing market.

I’m a conservative, especially in matters of fiscal and foreign policy. I voted GOP through the 80s, 90s and through GWB’s first run at the Presidency. I’m unaffiliated now and I’ll be pulling the ‘D’ for a change come November, including a vote for Obama. I might end up switching parties.

Polls show a good 70% of Americans strongly disapprove of the performance of republicans in the majority. For my part, I am unhappy with their incompetence on matters of foreign policy and energy policy. I’m also unhappy about the partisanship, general unethical conduct and the degree to which they’ve politicized everything. Much of it is about demonizing the opposition.

Let’s examine some of the hypocrisy. On the one hand, you protest the erosion of civil liberties under the Bush Administration. I like Ron Paul too. He’s right on target. The next minute, you’re recycling talking points about Obama not having any qualifications or experience.

If I remember correctly, he was Magna Cum Laude Harvard Law School and a former professor of CONSTITUTIONAL LAW at Chicago. So if the constitution is an issue for you, he ought to be well-qualified, no? You agree? If anybody understands US government and the Consitution, it would be a person of his background?

This is one example, and there are many, of how I don’t believe the criticisms are well-supported. Most of us see through the noise. The GOP talking points have become shrill and desperate. You’ve lost credibility with the majority of the American public.

Eisenhower was one of the great Republican Presidents of the last 100 years and a centrist. He governed effectively from the middle through a period of great turmoil. As indicated by Susan Eisenhower’s endorsement of Obama earlier this year, Eisenhower would almost certainly have supported Obama were he alive today. There are quite a few of us, former Republicans who are either crossing party lines or have left the party altogether.

And it’s mostly because of this ridiculous right-wing crap that’s constantly spewing forth. So keep it up. The Democrats are in all likelihood going to sweep the elections come November because of it.

This entire generation, the Democans, the Republicrats, the zeitgeist of it all, “Bickering Baby Boomers in Divorce Court.” The collosal selfishness and stupidity, possibly the worst generation of all time. God help my generation of Americans, and my kids. We have some monumental problems, beginning with energy and foreign policy, complicated now by financial crisis and insolvency. It’s going to take a while to repair the damage you’ve wrought.

[gandalf]

Wow. Republicans are crashing like a bad housing market.

I’m a conservative, especially in matters of fiscal and foreign policy. I voted GOP through the 80s, 90s and through GWB’s first run at the Presidency. I’m unaffiliated now and I’ll be pulling the ‘D’ for a change come November, including a vote for Obama. I might end up switching parties.

Polls show a good 70% of Americans strongly disapprove of the performance of republicans in the majority. For my part, I am unhappy with their incompetence on matters of foreign policy and energy policy. I’m also unhappy about the partisanship, general unethical conduct and the degree to which they’ve politicized everything. Much of it is about demonizing the opposition.

Let’s examine some of the hypocrisy. On the one hand, you protest the erosion of civil liberties under the Bush Administration. I like Ron Paul too. He’s right on target. The next minute, you’re recycling talking points about Obama not having any qualifications or experience.

If I remember correctly, he was Magna Cum Laude Harvard Law School and a former professor of CONSTITUTIONAL LAW at Chicago. So if the constitution is an issue for you, he ought to be well-qualified, no? You agree? If anybody understands US government and the Consitution, it would be a person of his background?

This is one example, and there are many, of how I don’t believe the criticisms are well-supported. Most of us see through the noise. The GOP talking points have become shrill and desperate. You’ve lost credibility with the majority of the American public.

Eisenhower was one of the great Republican Presidents of the last 100 years and a centrist. He governed effectively from the middle through a period of great turmoil. As indicated by Susan Eisenhower’s endorsement of Obama earlier this year, Eisenhower would almost certainly have supported Obama were he alive today. There are quite a few of us, former Republicans who are either crossing party lines or have left the party altogether.

And it’s mostly because of this ridiculous right-wing crap that’s constantly spewing forth. So keep it up. The Democrats are in all likelihood going to sweep the elections come November because of it.

This entire generation, the Democans, the Republicrats, the zeitgeist of it all, “Bickering Baby Boomers in Divorce Court.” The collosal selfishness and stupidity, possibly the worst generation of all time. God help my generation of Americans, and my kids. We have some monumental problems, beginning with energy and foreign policy, complicated now by financial crisis and insolvency. It’s going to take a while to repair the damage you’ve wrought.

[gandalf]

Wow. Republicans are crashing like a bad housing market.

I’m a conservative, especially in matters of fiscal and foreign policy. I voted GOP through the 80s, 90s and through GWB’s first run at the Presidency. I’m unaffiliated now and I’ll be pulling the ‘D’ for a change come November, including a vote for Obama. I might end up switching parties.

Polls show a good 70% of Americans strongly disapprove of the performance of republicans in the majority. For my part, I am unhappy with their incompetence on matters of foreign policy and energy policy. I’m also unhappy about the partisanship, general unethical conduct and the degree to which they’ve politicized everything. Much of it is about demonizing the opposition.

Let’s examine some of the hypocrisy. On the one hand, you protest the erosion of civil liberties under the Bush Administration. I like Ron Paul too. He’s right on target. The next minute, you’re recycling talking points about Obama not having any qualifications or experience.

If I remember correctly, he was Magna Cum Laude Harvard Law School and a former professor of CONSTITUTIONAL LAW at Chicago. So if the constitution is an issue for you, he ought to be well-qualified, no? You agree? If anybody understands US government and the Consitution, it would be a person of his background?

This is one example, and there are many, of how I don’t believe the criticisms are well-supported. Most of us see through the noise. The GOP talking points have become shrill and desperate. You’ve lost credibility with the majority of the American public.

Eisenhower was one of the great Republican Presidents of the last 100 years and a centrist. He governed effectively from the middle through a period of great turmoil. As indicated by Susan Eisenhower’s endorsement of Obama earlier this year, Eisenhower would almost certainly have supported Obama were he alive today. There are quite a few of us, former Republicans who are either crossing party lines or have left the party altogether.

And it’s mostly because of this ridiculous right-wing crap that’s constantly spewing forth. So keep it up. The Democrats are in all likelihood going to sweep the elections come November because of it.

This entire generation, the Democans, the Republicrats, the zeitgeist of it all, “Bickering Baby Boomers in Divorce Court.” The collosal selfishness and stupidity, possibly the worst generation of all time. God help my generation of Americans, and my kids. We have some monumental problems, beginning with energy and foreign policy, complicated now by financial crisis and insolvency. It’s going to take a while to repair the damage you’ve wrought.

[gandalf]

surveyor, interesting. No Obama-mania here. I like McCain. I prefer Obama. I understand the points you’re making. I think they’re light on specifics but provided with candor and good intentions. Thanks.

FYI, I have a degree in Economics and run a business in the facilities management field. We do quite a bit of surveying and engineering work and have a reputation for doing good work. For my part, I value competence over experience. I bring this up because your comments about Obama seem to be about his lack of experience. In fairness, it’s an age-old question (pun intended).

Whoever wins the election, I think we can expect a more centrist approach to governance, which is an important step forward. In all likelihood, Obama will be the next president. I expect he will govern from the center, the same way Reagan did. Remember ‘Reagan Democrats’? We’re starting to see this with ‘Obamacans’. I’m an ex-Republican and Obama supporter. Leave the ‘mania’ off, please.

Whatever the outcome, we’re facing some very difficult challenges in the immediate years ahead, so this kind of leadership is required. Try not to buy into the media caricatures. Again, thanks for your perspectives.

[gandalf]

surveyor, interesting. No Obama-mania here. I like McCain. I prefer Obama. I understand the points you’re making. I think they’re light on specifics but provided with candor and good intentions. Thanks.

FYI, I have a degree in Economics and run a business in the facilities management field. We do quite a bit of surveying and engineering work and have a reputation for doing good work. For my part, I value competence over experience. I bring this up because your comments about Obama seem to be about his lack of experience. In fairness, it’s an age-old question (pun intended).

Whoever wins the election, I think we can expect a more centrist approach to governance, which is an important step forward. In all likelihood, Obama will be the next president. I expect he will govern from the center, the same way Reagan did. Remember ‘Reagan Democrats’? We’re starting to see this with ‘Obamacans’. I’m an ex-Republican and Obama supporter. Leave the ‘mania’ off, please.

Whatever the outcome, we’re facing some very difficult challenges in the immediate years ahead, so this kind of leadership is required. Try not to buy into the media caricatures. Again, thanks for your perspectives.

[gandalf]

surveyor, interesting. No Obama-mania here. I like McCain. I prefer Obama. I understand the points you’re making. I think they’re light on specifics but provided with candor and good intentions. Thanks.

FYI, I have a degree in Economics and run a business in the facilities management field. We do quite a bit of surveying and engineering work and have a reputation for doing good work. For my part, I value competence over experience. I bring this up because your comments about Obama seem to be about his lack of experience. In fairness, it’s an age-old question (pun intended).

Whoever wins the election, I think we can expect a more centrist approach to governance, which is an important step forward. In all likelihood, Obama will be the next president. I expect he will govern from the center, the same way Reagan did. Remember ‘Reagan Democrats’? We’re starting to see this with ‘Obamacans’. I’m an ex-Republican and Obama supporter. Leave the ‘mania’ off, please.

Whatever the outcome, we’re facing some very difficult challenges in the immediate years ahead, so this kind of leadership is required. Try not to buy into the media caricatures. Again, thanks for your perspectives.

[gandalf]

surveyor, interesting. No Obama-mania here. I like McCain. I prefer Obama. I understand the points you’re making. I think they’re light on specifics but provided with candor and good intentions. Thanks.

FYI, I have a degree in Economics and run a business in the facilities management field. We do quite a bit of surveying and engineering work and have a reputation for doing good work. For my part, I value competence over experience. I bring this up because your comments about Obama seem to be about his lack of experience. In fairness, it’s an age-old question (pun intended).

Whoever wins the election, I think we can expect a more centrist approach to governance, which is an important step forward. In all likelihood, Obama will be the next president. I expect he will govern from the center, the same way Reagan did. Remember ‘Reagan Democrats’? We’re starting to see this with ‘Obamacans’. I’m an ex-Republican and Obama supporter. Leave the ‘mania’ off, please.

Whatever the outcome, we’re facing some very difficult challenges in the immediate years ahead, so this kind of leadership is required. Try not to buy into the media caricatures. Again, thanks for your perspectives.

[gandalf]

surveyor, interesting. No Obama-mania here. I like McCain. I prefer Obama. I understand the points you’re making. I think they’re light on specifics but provided with candor and good intentions. Thanks.

FYI, I have a degree in Economics and run a business in the facilities management field. We do quite a bit of surveying and engineering work and have a reputation for doing good work. For my part, I value competence over experience. I bring this up because your comments about Obama seem to be about his lack of experience. In fairness, it’s an age-old question (pun intended).

Whoever wins the election, I think we can expect a more centrist approach to governance, which is an important step forward. In all likelihood, Obama will be the next president. I expect he will govern from the center, the same way Reagan did. Remember ‘Reagan Democrats’? We’re starting to see this with ‘Obamacans’. I’m an ex-Republican and Obama supporter. Leave the ‘mania’ off, please.

Whatever the outcome, we’re facing some very difficult challenges in the immediate years ahead, so this kind of leadership is required. Try not to buy into the media caricatures. Again, thanks for your perspectives.

[Author]

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