[BKsBimmer]

Originally Posted by MiddleAgedAl

Ah yes, 1 guy did. I'm guessing he probably is not associated with all the others who said they would rather starve than take a handout. Too bad, peer pressure might encourage him to engage in a bit of self-reliance if he was.

While I'm not thrilled that he was doing that, at least he didnt say anything about Uncle Sam owing him a phone, as well. Perhaps there is more hope for him, after all, if he ever decides to try and become an economic contributor: he'll have to wean himself off 1 less dependency.

Al's Rules for a sustainable, healthy society:
1.Try and be a net economic contributor; give more than you take.
2.If you cant contribute to the pot, the next best thing is to try and not consume from it either.
3.If you cant manage that, at least try and consume less, rather than more.
4.If you cant even manage #3 either, then for pete's sake, at least refrain from encouraging others to shuffle up to the trough also (vote for Obama to get a free phone)

Okay, so what you're saying is you like one group of morons better than the other group of morons.

Well I really don't think I have anything more to contribute so I'll just leave it there.

[MiddleAgedAl]

Originally Posted by BKsBimmer

Okay, so what you're saying is you like one group of morons better than the other group of morons.

I RESPECT one group of morons more than the other, because they are less damaging to society than the other group.

Obviously I think it would benefit society immensely if everyone occupied level 1 on my scale.

Even if you cant make it to level 1, if you are willing to starve in order to not fall down to level 3, you have my respect more than those who are not only content to sit on level 4, but encourage others to vote in such a way to enable that lifestyle to remain possible.

[rgrovr]

Its a shame that half of all white people voting actually voted for a black president but 95% of all black people that voted, voted for a black president.

So for all the dog whistling the OP pretends to keep hearing, seems like only black people hear it. Something must be broken with that whistle.

[MP0WER]

Originally Posted by MiddleAgedAl

YES! No matter who wins in November, it will be really hard to say that it will an example of a pure meritocracy; the cream rising to the top as a result of a considered, thoughtful analysis and comparison of both candidates.

On one side, you get people voting for Obama to reward him for implementing a free phone program that he didnt even do, and on the other you get people voting against Obama for being a Muslim, which he is not. In both cases, those votes shouldnt really count at all.

Winston Churchill even said "The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter", and I think he was right.

Personally, I think votes should be weighted to measure your knowledge of not only your candidates platform, but the others as well.
Answer a series of multiple choice questions about the various policy positions; where does party x stand on issue y. No partisan judgment or anything, just a measure of your grasp of what you are voting for, and against. Get all the questions right, so you are informed, and your vote carries a bigger weight than someone who gets them all wrong. Sadly, that'll never happen in a million years.

See my signature quote.

No file a tax return, no vote.

[OldArmy]

Originally Posted by MP0WER

See my signature quote.

No file a tax return, no vote.

Taxes is critical, and, if I may be so bold, perhaps a couple of more:

-Property owner
-Veteran
-Literate

Of course that would take the number down to about 1% of the population.

[Purple Derple]

Originally Posted by OldArmy

Taxes is critical, and, if I may be so bold, perhaps a couple of more:

-Property owner
-Veteran
-Literate

Of course that would take the number down to about 1% of the population.

Sorry guys, I don't agree with this. I do believe it is a very un-American as well. This sort of system would surely act to consolidate power among a privileged class. That is exactly the kind of thing the founders of this country were getting away from in the nation's infancy. What I mean is, while women couldn't vote and slavery was still a thing back then, the spirit of the constitution was to promote true democracy and has since done that. While I agree that most people choose their vote for the wrong reasons, everyone's vote should still matter despite who they are. Everyone deserves a voice no matter how stupid that voice sounds.

[MP0WER]

Originally Posted by Purple Derple

Sorry guys, I don't agree with this. I do believe it is a very un-American as well. This sort of system would surely act to consolidate power among a privileged class. That is exactly the kind of thing the founders of this country were getting away from in the nation's infancy. What I mean is, while women couldn't vote and slavery was still a thing back then, the spirit of the constitution was to promote true democracy and has since done that. While I agree that most people choose their vote for the wrong reasons, everyone's vote should still matter despite who they are. Everyone deserves a voice no matter how stupid that voice sounds.

I would have to question who taught you your history. That's not what our founding fathers wanted by any stretch. I think i understand your opinion though, that everything the government does affects all people in the country and that everyone in the country should have a say in who's running it. A valid point indeed.

Do you have issue with convicted felons not being able to vote?

[Purple Derple]

Originally Posted by MP0WER

I would have to question who taught you your history. That's not what our founding fathers wanted by any stretch. I think i understand your opinion though, that everything the government does affects all people in the country and that everyone in the country should have a say in who's running it. A valid point indeed.

Do you have issue with convicted felons not being able to vote?

What part of my history do you question? Everyone thinks they know their history don't you know? Or, if you'd like, please tell me why I'm wrong I am open to it. I kind of have a problem with felons not being able to vote. While on one hand it makes sense to lose rights when you break the law. On the other hand, the law is made by and for certain people. At the same time there are other people who prefer to live different lifestyles that often are illegal. They live among rules that really don't fit who they are. I am not talking about rapists and murderers here, but there are plenty of people who are convicted of crimes when really the law is being heavy handed. I know of a woman who was drunk and shoved a cop while she was being arrested. Felony assault of a police office. She is a fool for sure, but she's not a bad person. Finally, from what I've seen of the justice system, it is really screwed up, and for that reason alone I do not feel it should be linked to voting rights. I also don't believe in the death penalty for this reason.