Rex Kickass

The good news is that its likely that only two of those four names will be any kind of factor in the next election - even on the primary level.

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ Nov 18, 2006 -> 12:10 AM) Didn't the Peppermint Poontang open for Cream and The Buffalo Springfield at the Fillmore in '68? No, I saw them open up for The Sweet and Andy Kim, the hairiest man in Rock N Roll, at the Palace in 74.

On this board, I can't figure out if that would help or hurt PA.

It's not who he's nominating, it's when he nominates them. Nominating them in the lame duck session is an f-you to the incoming Dem majority - because even the GOP led Senate isn't going to act on most of them. Although I think that John Bolton, should get an up or down vote in January, and he should get the nod this time because his work has shown some considerable talent that wasn't there. But remember, he DID get an up or down vote in his committee. They voted down originally. A fair amount of these judicial nominations didn't have the votes to get out of committee in this congress either - and again, a party line vote for the GOP got them out onto the floor. If you recall, there hasn't been an active filibuster against federal judge nominations in over a year. Why? Because the GOP led Senate threatened to do away with the filibuster if it was used in just that kind of situation. Remember talks of the nuclear option? The judges that Bush is renominating this time around didn't have enough support in his own party to get through committee. As it is, George Bush has gotten a higher percentage of his bench appointees through than any other president in the last thirty years. About one out of three of Clinton's appointees were blocked by a GOP majority congress after 1994 as far as I can recall. Of course, as you seem so fond of saying, I'm sure it's different this time. It's always different.

I ate whale last weekend.

I tend to agree. This dude may be a douchebag. But last time I checked, that is usually not one of the reasons someone can be tazered in most municipalities.

I'm out of the draft range now, but even if I wasn't (and with what Rangel is proposing, I wouldn't be) I would still support this. What's the phrase that so many of the Hannitys of this world want to spit out every five minutes? I think it's Freedom Isn't Free. And the truth is, I don't see compelling service to your country to be an abridgement of freedom. Especially if there is a community service component to it. If anything, I think its empowering to our country. Why? With an educated populace that has its sons and daughters in a compelled national service commitment, it makes us less likely to use our country's military might unless it was absolutely necessary. Wars of folly would become less frequent. Why? Because it could be that Senator's son in the crossfire. And think of the social benefit of having people of all classes working together helping out those in need in our society. Our society would be much stronger with a national service commitment.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 02:53 PM) So today, Clear Channel Entertainment, #3 on my list of world's most evil monopolies, was purchased out by a consortium of Thomas H. Lee Partners LP and Bain Capital Partners LLC for about $19 billion. Link. Why is this in the Dems only thread? Because the interesting part of this story is that "Bain Capital Partners LLC" was founded by 3 men in 1984, one of whom, and I believe the key one, happens to be Mitt Romney, current Governor of Massachusetts and presumptive 2008 Candidate for the Republican Presidential Nomination. I guess that's one way to make sure you get good press coverage...buy Clearchannel. As part of the deal, Clear Channel will be spinning off 448 radio stations and selling its TV units. 448 stations I believe is roughly half of its holdings and will be basically concentrating solely on top 100 markets. (That would be markets with populations greater than 300,000 people). I've worked for a company that went from public to private. This will be better for radio in general.

What's so bad about it? Because you don't want to go if called?

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Nov 18, 2006 -> 02:36 PM) I don't like the ID checks, but that's just me. I am sure these officers were indeed trained on how to handle this sort of thing. But cops are humans, and some of them aren't going to learn very well. Plus, some of them will tend to get antsy in a crowd. Ideally, those types of people don't work in law enforcement, but some slip through. If the situation is reviewed and they find the taser was as unnecessary as it appears, then the officer deserves a reprimand, some unpaid leave, and some further training. So, since tasers have been around (the 80's to now), 70 people have died from tasers? That's a very small number. 200 in 6 years according to Amnesty is a little more, but that is about 35 a year. When you look at the millions of police encounters per year, its miniscule. Tasers are not deadly force weapons. I will say though, for the record, that I never used one and never would. I personally think you take too much of a chance, with electrical or chemical weapons, of exposing some underlying health condition and endangering the subject. Just my choice. I wouldn't use them unless I or someone else was in danger. And as I said, more die in simple custody - 50-100 a year perhaps: None of this makes those deaths OK, or good in any way. But when you set up guidelines for police conduct, the premise needs to be that if a subject disobeys a lawful order (which this was, even if it seems petty), that they need to be able to subdue, arrest or remove that person. The method doing so needs to take all impacts into account. Dragging the kid out in handcuffs is just as likely to kill him, and MORE likely to maim him. Do you see what I mean? I'll go one farther. If it turns out that the cop tasered improperly, he ought to be tossed out on his taser.

Cities are in a bit of a bind, financially, generally. Because of commuters. They work in the city and consume a lot of its resources, yet they don't own property or spend a lot of money in the city often. That's something that is common city to city. New York, for an example. There's a lot of bs that you can call Daley on. I just don't think that higher taxes and a budget crunch is one of them.

I support bringing back the draft. Something similar to what Germany's done in the last fifty years. You serve a year in the military or two doing civil service a la Americorps.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 01:15 PM) What were the differences between the winning campaigns you worked on and the losing? It's tough to say, because I often worked with a slate of candidates, and only some of them won. So often times I worked with candidates who won and who lost on the same campaign. My ideas for jello wrestling were already nixed, nobody wanted to see me in a speedo. To be honest, I think we have some very good discussions now and I don't know how we could make a messageboard any more exciting and engaging than we do now. We have a great group of posters who always make the board worth reading and discussing.

QUOTE(Soxy @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 11:01 AM) With recent standardized test scores showing that students in urban areas are out performed by their peers and the opinion that US students are falling behind in science, what do you think the role of federal government should be in support of strengthening our country's (obvious) floundering in teaching science? Do you support increasing funding to national organizations (Like the National Science Foundation and the National Instutute of Health) or do you believe this is a state's issue? If it is a state's issue, how would you recommend they address this issue? I think we need a government that has more respect for science first and foremost. We need to increase research money to organizations like NIH and NSF to help us deal with situations that need our attention. I also propose that we create some sort of fund to help recruit qualified science teachers to reach out to students at the Junior High and High School level. We can't keep importing scientists from other countries and expect our society to be strong. We need to grow our own bumper crop of scientists and help preserve American innovation. I also think that we should work closely with urban school districts and create a national clearinghouse of ideas to see what works best for these students who seem too often to be left behind. Ultimately, our best attempts at tackling these problems of an education gap are handled locally. We should facilitate programs to improve school districts' performance without heavy micromanaging at a federal level.

There are very few positions that I have determined my cabinet will hold. However, I do propose adding two positions in my cabinet, should the nominees accept. The first offer would be to Soxy to be Soxtalk's very first Secretary of Couture and Chomsky. The second offer would be to Bea Arthur. To be my Secretary of Awesome.

In the race, out of the race, in the race again. What are you, Ross Perot?

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 10:59 AM) I have to say, I like your thinking here. I think we've ignored the non-military aspects of fighting the "War" on terror. Ultimately this "war" is just as much nonmilitary as it is military. Keys to an overall victory mean that not only do the organizations that have attacked us are destroyed but that we've also suffocated the recruitment of new potential terrorists and organizations. That's not something that can be done with bombs alone. And its definitely not the easy thing to do. But if we are committed to ending terrorism aimed at free nations, free nations need to respect and not threaten the people we seek to help. If there is indisputable proof of an imminent impending attack, I would act. But a doctrine of preemptive strikes is a tool generally used by aggressive, imperial states. Adapting a general doctrine doesn't protect us at all. I think government should be run as lean and limited as possible but I think that it would be foolish for me to say that government should be restricted to x, y and z. A society's needs change over time, and as such so does the purview of a government. I think that the federal government ought to be more proactive in protecting workers from unionbusting procedures. A worker, in my opinion, has a right to a seat at the table and a right to be heard when it comes to determining his working conditions. Whether he chooses to take it is the decision of the worker and not the employer. QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 12:35 PM) *AHEM* I also helped a Mr. Mike Gresham set the stage for a future successful run at School Board in Michigan City by consulting his campaign from afar. Although, his success is entirely his own doing. I just had the honor of giving him advice now and again.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 10:54 AM) Please explain who you worked for, what happened and why, time periods included. I was a volunteer and team leader for the Kerry for President campaign in October and November 2004. I helped get out the vote. I was a community organizer for the Corzine for Governor campaign in 2005. I worked specificially to outreach traditionally ignored, yet important constituencies in my legislative district, gay voters, haitians and seniors. I helped develop a voter turnout program for my hometown this year, designated to helping the NJ Democratic party turn out vote in a traditionally ignored city.

Thanks!

I do, infact have, as some of my opponents may point out, more political experience than most posters on this board. This is true. But the truth is this. I went to work for the political establishment. The political establishment decided that I wasn't worthy of them. Why? I'm more interested in making a difference than cashing a paycheck. I'm more interested in ensuring that government does what it's supposed to than what it currently does. I'm more interested in listening to my constituents and keeping their wishes in mind. So I'm listening to what you have to say. Please feel free to say it. Together, we can have a Kickass Presidency for Soxtalk!

PA, how is it possible we keep agreeing on things?

I avoid the bank itself, not because of the teller but generally because most bank's in person policies don't make me enjoy where my money is kept.

I just wanna know where I should put my lawn signs.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/na/cp_s111529A.xml.html

In 2006, our nation faces some of the greatest challenges it has ever faced. Mounting pressure and isolation from our allies abroad, a whole host of problems at home - aging infrastructure, a polarized political culture, a military stretched to the limit, and a government that seems more interested in protecting their power than ensuring the liberty and protection of the American people who need it most. The truth is that we need leadership in this country from people like me, who don't care about getting rich, don't care about protecting other people's power, but rather wants to ensure the safety and security of the American people. Both in the short term and long. This is why I choose not to run as a Democrat or a Republican, but rather an Independent. I will not be beholden to any party line or what is practical. I promise to try my hardest to make decisions that will put my country before myself. I promise to listen to both sides of an argument and find the common ground on which we can build a stronger America together. America needs more than just a good President. America needs a Kickass presidency! Rex Kickass for President. On The Issues: Abortion I hate the idea of abortion, but I recognize that the issue is more complicated than the way I see it. I support the concept of choice - however I feel specific practices regarding termination of pregnancy are best handled by the medical community and should be tightly regulated by federal medical regulations. This is ultimately a personal issue and a public health issue, not a political one. Gun Control The second amendment does provide for the right to bear arms. It doesn't mean that every weapon should be allowed. I do support regulating the types of arms available for sale and I do support a federal waiting period for purchasing weapons. Iraq War The Iraq war is a definite problem that we face. By leaving immediately we run the risk of having Iran take over the country and having an ascendant power that would not be in the best interests of the US. However, we can salvage this by working with Iraq's neighbors in the region to create a stable country where freedom can flourish. War on Terror We should work to disrupt and destroy organizations that support terror as a viable weapon. We should also work to discourage future acts of terrorism by working to address the root causes that feed terrorist organizations its human capital. It's not enough to put out the fires that have already started, we need to make sure that the area around it is less susceptible to igniting into flames of hatred as well. Energy I would work my hardest to acheive energy independence within 25 years and to have the nations power grid infrastructure to be upgraded. Our nations energy needs should be met - by and large - by clean energy sources (wind, solar, hydroelectric) within the same timeframe. Capital Punishment I do not believe in the intentional taking of life, by criminals or by the state. Marriage Equality Equal people deserve equal rights. Civil marriage should be a legal union between any two consenting adults, regardless of their sex. Spiritual marriage is an issue between individuals and their faith. Health Care Basic Health Care should be made available for all Americans, regardless of income or insurance availability. This includes preventative therapy as well as procedures necessary to ensure someone's well being. Minimum Wage I support raising the minimum wage to $7.50 per hour and including a provision that would provide an automatic annual cost of living increase to the minimum wage of 4% or the rate of inflation for the previous year (whichever is higher). Welfare I believe in giving Americans a hand up, not a hand out. We should help the weakest among us get by in today's world, but it is not unreasonable to expect a contribution back from them to our society. Corporate Welfare I believe in giving Americans a hand up, not a hand out. We should be business friendly, but in return we should expect businesses to be good citizens and contribute back to our society. If corporations choose not to do so, they should not expect to receive any kind of subsidy from our society. Bankruptcy I support the full repeal of the bankruptcy bill passed in 2005. Immigration I support comprehensive immigration reform. Increased security at the border. Enforcement is a two way street, however. Deporting undocumented aliens is important, but levying extremely heavy penalties on employers who knowingly hire undocumented aliens at the expense of American workers is just as important. I do support allowing undocumented aliens who have lived in the US longer than five years and have no other criminal records a path to citizenship. Preemptive Military Action As a doctrine or policy, it is not useful. Military Action should always be the absolute last resort. Size/Scope of Government As big as necessary, as small as possible. Federal Taxes/Balanced Budget The first 25,000 dollars Americans earn should be tax free. The government should cap the marginal tax rate for the richest Americans at 35%, only if absolutely necessary. The estate tax should be kept in place. The Federal Government should maintain a balanced budget at all times, excepting only periods of federal emergency. Increased Spending Public Mass Transportation. Basic Health Care Services for American citizens. Security at American ports of entry. Decreased SpendingEarmarks, corporate subsidy, all elected officials should take a 20% pay cut. Affirmative Action I believe that government should take steps to ensure that there is no bias based on race, religion, creed or sexuality towards its contracts and enforce legislation to ensure that private industry is acting in good faith with the law. International Human Rights I support working aggressively to ensure human rights protections for all people in the world. North Korea I feel that progress can be made on the situation in North Korea through negotiation and diplomatic exchange. Both direct and multiparty. I believe that in order to change the situation to our advantage, we would need to be the positive agent of change. To that effect, I would support opening an American mission in North Korea to create a dialogue with the state. Iran I feel the same policy with North Korea can be productive with Iran. Palestine/Israel Only by returning to our more traditional role as being an "honest broker" for peace in the region can we affect a positive turn to the conflict. School Funding I don't know enough about this issue to give you a good answer. New Orleans It should be rebuilt in a fashion that doesn't price out the working class who also made New Orleans their home prior to Hurricane Katrina. Social Security I support Social Security in its current form. I think that by raising the cap on FICA taxes slightly, coupled with an increase in American productivity, we will see that Social Security can remain solvent for decades longer than we originally thought. Stem Cell Research I support embryonic stem cell research. Labor Labor is the backbone of our economy. Organized labor allows workers a seat at the table. This is definitely something worth supporting. Eminent Domain Should not be used for private corporation's economic gain. The definition of a "blighted community" should be tightened to help prevent abuse that we see today. Public Transportation Increasing our mass transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring energy independence. International Trade Policy I believe in free and fair trade. Tort Reform I don't know enough about this to give a good answer to this. Corruption We should make incumbency less an advantage for Congressional and Presidential campaigns. Redistricting should be done by a bipartisan commission. I also think that we should work to kick lobbyists off the hill, and aggressively enforce ethics violations in the government.