Bush's Plans

[Brig]

[sandmann]

Seems good to me. The constitutional ban on gay marriage and the "movement towards life" seem to be a bit sticky, but other than that, I don't see anything wrong. We're following through with our responsibilities in Iraq and Afghanistan (unfortunately, yes, that WILL take money to do), he's trying to reduce the deficit, he is expanding healthcare, he's fixing the broken intelligence community, and he's going to keep activist judges out of the Supreme Court. I'm fine with all that.

[warmi]

The ban on gay marriage is not all that sticky if one realizes that this is simply a way to protect a meaning of a long standing institution.

As long as gays have the right to engage in unions which are legally equivalent to marriage ( especially as far as various benefits etc ) then everybody is happy.
The right can keep their label intact and the gays can have all the benefits of being able to join legally recognized unions.

[Brig]

I think gay marriage is an issue that should be left to the states. In fact, it seems to me that a lot more issues should be left to the states. Naturally, that becomes problematic due to a certain part of the Constitution... I don't see how it would hurt anyone to call two gay people in a commited relationship a marriage. America is in denial about its homophobia.

Although I'm not entirely unhappy with what he's promising, I can say that I'd be extremely dismayed if being Republican is based more one's social rather than fiscal conservatism. The problem with the former is that it morally (from their perspective) empowers them to spend like Dems. warmi, as a semi-libertarian, I'm sure you agree. Though, you're obviously not as worried as I am.

I know it seems bizarre to support the current social security system as a fiscal conservative, but more thorough analysis and though reveals that privatization will likely cause long-term problems. I'd really hate to retire after a bubble has crashed, particullarly if, lacking an understanding of how to invest, I put all my eggs in one basket.

I think the big winners will be energy companies and other "big" businesses. Bush's energy policy is stupid, and I'd venture unethical. A move towards renewable energy sources would be prefered to reliance on further exploitation of oil and natural gas. Nuclear is an option being bandied about because of rising oil prices; I think it's a great idea. Nuclear power is extremely safe now.

I really like the idea of extending the No Child Left Behind Act. Accountability is important. It needs proper funding this time around. I think our system should be more formalized. A move towards a Japanese-like system (pre-reformation, when they were the top international scorers in the math and sciences).

We spend too much money on the military. We shouldn't be in Iraq... blah blah blah...

[warmi]

" I don't see how it would hurt anyone to call two gay people in a committed relationship a marriage."

No it wouldn't but then you would have certain people arguing that how does it hurt anyone to have a man and two women in a committed relationshi.. or three or four.

If you redefined marriage once , what keeps your from doing it again ?

[Brig]

[warmi]

[Brig]

[Chad]

[chuck]

[sponge]

[chuck]

[SiGen]

[Brig]

[SiGen]