Introducing myself

Hi all, before you read my replies I thought I'd talk about my views a little. I'm from Louisiana and my views are pretty much those of the local Democratic party. I guess I consider myself a practicalist/moderate on fiscal issues. I was pro tax cut but not the way Bush wanted to do it. As far as spending goes, I think we should spend money when we know it's going to good use, hence we should be constantly reviewing where federal money is going and if it becomes obvious (even to Republicans) that we should increase spending. Defense issues are where I'm the most conservative and probably where I will disagree with you most. I was pro-war but I do question now I question the compitence Bush's defense department. After listening to Paul Wolfowitz saying that they assumed Iraqi's would welcome them with open arms, the Iraqi police force would be intact, and that there wouldn't be reminence of the regime using guerilla warfare against our troops I was thinking to myself (well Mr. Wolfowitz those were some pretty big assumptions) not to mention they have other people like Admiral Poindexter working at the pentagon. As for social issues I'm pretty much liberal but for a different reasons than most are. Take gay marriage, most people who are for it are for it because they are actively pro gay rights. While pro gay rights are great and all I think there's a bigger principle freedom as long as it does not infringe on the freedom of others. Gay marriage in no way infringes on the freedom of others so why ban it? Another example is flag burning. Sure the right to social protest is all fine and dandy but what about why should the government prevent people from offending others. If you're offended by it sucks for you go cry about it, just not to the government. I'm completely against censorship in any form, something that unfortunately some conservatives and liberals are for. Politicians I can't stand come from both sides of the spectrum. My personal least favorites include Nancy Pilosi and Arianna Huffington on the other side Orrin Hatch and Trent Lott. Lately I'm becoming fed up with the Republicans especially with the Christian values stuff and the fact that it seems there isn't a moderate in the bunch (or at least none that are willing to admit they are) and that they have much different agenda now a days than Ronald Regan had had envisioned. As for Bush I don't hate the guy but I think he is a below average president. I think his domestic agenda is well almost nonexistant and there are some simple things he could easily do for things like healthcare and public schools that he simply will not do. Unfortunately all of the Candidates on our side are looking like they would make Below Average presidents. I guess what I'm waiting for is the next JFK, somebody who knows how to use government to solve problems and also knows how to get the people to get people involved (I know it's not going to happen anytime soon). Anyway I'm tired of typing with this rather lengthy post so I look forward to posting here.

Hope you enjoy it here. One slight criticism - can you break your posts down into paragraphs? It would make them easier to read. Other than that, glad you're here.

I usually do break down into paragraphs just didn't for introduction.

Don't forget to stop by The Lounge and introduce yourself. BTW, could you explain the meaning of your screen name? I am curious if the "Tron" is after the movie of the same name.

:toast:

Welcome. I'm from MN and also consider myself socially liberal. That includes defense issues for me as well. I consider myself fairly economically liberal as well, though I don't approve of our considerable deficit. Yes Bush is well below average as a President. I could see by looking at what he did in TX that he would be a nightmare as far as domestic issues, little did I know he'd hook up with a group of people with truly scary foreign policy ideas and do anything to try and carry them out. Pax-Americana indeed!
You'll find a pretty wide range of views here...theres alot of room to cover from Centrist to true Socialist and libertarian/Independat to boot.
Take Care

Man you're up late for Louisiana.

Nice overview, seems pretty reasonable to me.

Perhaps I'm a lot older, but I am a whole lot more cynical about the Republican agenda than you are....

Looking forward to your posts, though!

be ready to debate all your points because the bullets will start flying RIGHT away : )

1) My Name is something random that I thought up from some things I heard today.

2) I am quite cynical about Republican agenda as a whole and the fact that almost the entire party clings onto support that agenda but I do believe there are Republicans with good intentions.

3) I do plan on taking bullets but I love debating.

4) I don't have a problem with Bush's foreign policy in general or the main people in charge like Condi Rice and Collen Powell I'm just pissed off that he has incompitent people in high positions in the defense department. If I were going to have an overzealous attitude towards foreign policy I'd at least want to make sure that the people running my military knew what the hell they were doing.

Condi Rice repeatedly exaggerated the imminent threat posed by Hussein. Powell began the process by seeking to involve the UN but eventually caved to the neocons and decided to present false evidence.

Was it the trashing of allies like France and Germany that garnered your approval for Bush's policies?

You are going to be reading alot of things on this board that will just flip you gasket! I invite you to keep on open mind, check out the resources for yourself, and ask alot of questions. Most people here believe things are much, much worse than the average American and there are facts to back up the vast majority of opinion. But it takes time to wade through it all. Don't get discouraged and don't let anybody chase you away, we all need to get together for the future of our country!!

You wrote:
"I guess what I'm waiting for is the next JFK, somebody who knows how to use government to solve problems and also knows how to get the people to get people involved (I know it's not going to happen anytime soon)."

Might I suggest you run over to a Dean Meetup (next one is in Sept.. www.meetup.com). I won't say he is another JFK -- cause JFK was of another time. But I think Dean fits the rest of the bill you have noted. Just a thought. Ya kinda gotta see/hear him speak in person or to a speech on the web..... www.deanforamerica.com

But no matter who you choose to vote for.....you might find DU a nice place to land for the primary and general election seasons.

You do sound like a rather moderate republican to me....... but hey...if the dems can win you over to straight ticket voting, that would be cool!

:hi:

Free speech and equal rights are my main issues. Nice to be in agreement with you there!

Since someone mentioned Dean above, I'll just suggest you also look up John Kerry (johnkerry.com). I host the New Orleans Kerry meetup, we'll probably be at Rue de la Course on Magazine 2 weeks from Thursday, so swing on by if you want more info (or just a cup of coffee)!

edit: many errors, no coffee yet...