sox4lifeinPA

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 07:31 PM) I wonder how his relationship with Yellow Wiggle #1 was? conspiracy anyone?

how sad is your life if you're known as Yellow Wiggle #2?

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 06:21 PM) Are you advocating the unlawful downloading of pirated music? obviously Free Music...for $.99 donation per song. Tex, desperate for a scandal

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 06:06 PM) So 1970s. so can I. I'm sorry, I had to break up the gay moment....

aside from referring to Israel as Zionist, what was wrong with what he had to say?

QUOTE(YASNY @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 01:43 PM) The only thing about that is when Kennedy got done serving his country, he was still wealthy to the gills. Whereas Joe Citizen might need that time to better himself and his family. My friend comes home from Iraq at the end of the year (God willing) and he'll be trained to work with satellites and cell towers, have a 4 year education paid for, and will be buying a house with the money he's saved over the 3 years in the military. How has his time in the military failed to give back to him and give him a chance to better himself and his family? He was going nowhere before the military and now he's got a great life ahead of him. the only thing I would argue is that they should be paid more. But hell, I work in the bank and wait on douche bags all day... I deserve more pay too

Anyone that could answer these questions deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. I appreciate what you're asking and why you're asking it, but I think it is all too dependent upon things that are out of any of our grasps to effectively answer. Most of what your arguments leans on is the reality that the Bush Administration has done a terrible job at navigating the delicate international diplomatic scene and the international response to their audacious ways. My proposals address the two biggest issues I feel negatively affect us domestically and abroad: taking care of our troops in a way that show them we want them to be safer and not marginalizing international leaders by simply doing as we please. I believe these are the first of many steps to get us back on the road to peace in the Middle East. Ultimately, we must remain flexible and adjust to each new crisis as they are presented. Thanks again for your questions. PA

that's what I'm getting on my savings now... no minimum balance. My checking account is 5.00%APY

Balta, thank you for reading my debate discussion, and as I posted before, I would like nothing better than to respond to non-candidate questions in this forum. It should be understood that all of these discussions are happening in the vacuum of Soxtalk message boards, so I certainly do not assert that anything I've suggested to be anything more than suggestions. I do not possess the information available to the actual members of our government, so my thoughts are limited in their perspective at best. What I think you missed and I feel ties all of your questions together are the ideas that the Bush Administration acted alone in their international pursuits and out of step with international attitudes. What my administration would seek to do is correct this problem. By meeting with world leaders we would attempt to build bridges to the countries at hand. As I said, all of these countries have to interact with the U.S. on one level or another and threatening those that do not follow every practice we do solves nothing. Many European countries have strong anti-immigrant laws that many would consider discrimination in the U.S. Likewise, there are vast cultural differences from ally to ally of the United States. By working with the Saudis, the Egyptians, Palestinians and Israelis, we can show the world that peace can occur between nations that have otherwise tarnished histories. Your final point about American troop withdrawal is a valid one. My first suggestion was to increase amounts and quality of troop supplies. This better prepares our troops to handle insurgent attacks. Secondly, by acquiring International support, the situation in Iraq becomes more controllable. To summarize, I believe the setbacks in Iraq have come because of our acting without total international support and acting defiantly and arrogantly so that other nations have acted against us rather than helping us or staying neutral. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Thanks again. PA

Isn't this actually Antisemitism? All of the characters in this story are Jewish.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 11:00 AM) If the IPs fit, you mustn't aquit or perhaps the email addresses....

What are you saying?

It just goes to show you, no matter HOW smart you are, in the end you're always done in by your damn family

QUOTE(KevHead0881 @ Nov 29, 2006 -> 12:07 AM) Vagina troll? Just watched that movie this past weekend. Quite amusing. Nothing special, but funny enough to keep me entertained. Has anybody here seen Stranger than Fiction? If so, did they enjoy it as much as I did? Randall's response is classic. He gets white and the creepy music plays in the background... it was an ok movie. Apparently Kevin Smith thinks it's his best. Meh. I laughed a lot though.

I would like to offer the chance for any viewers at home to ask me questions about my debate responses. Thank you for considering me for President of Soxtalk. PA

Education must be considered a national priority. Higher education radiates social and financial benefits for individuals and communities in the short and long term. According to the College Board “there is a correlation between higher levels of education and higher earnings for all racial/ethnic groups and for both men and women.” Likewise, there are high rates of participation in civic duties such as volunteer work, voting, and blood donation. No doubt these are valuable by-products of an initiative that is marked with good intentions. No Child Left Behind is a wonderful mantra. Who would disagree with this concept? It is completely logical to strive for every child to have access to quality education to make the best of themselves, contribute to their communities, add to a growing economy, and continue to show the world why the United States is such a wonderful place of opportunity. Unfortunately, somewhere between the warm-fuzziness and the harsh reality of bloated school budgets we must decide how to really “leave no child behind.” This requires us to face three issues: funding, spending, and school attendance options. The endowment of schools should be a mixture of state and federal subsidies and local taxes. This should be based on need and not performance. I believe the state should have overall authority to monitor school progress and performance of students in order to keep school districts accountable to keeping graduation rates high, drop out rates low, and college attendance a viable option for any student. These are very easy landmarks amongst many to follow and document. The National Center for Fair & Open Testing states that standardized tests “do not measure the ability to think or create in any field. Their use encourages a narrowed curriculum [and] outdated methods of instruction.” Therefore, measuring a school’s performance by flawed testing practices is unfair to the students. My plan would better protect teachers from lawsuits from overzealous parents and punish more harshly teachers found to be abusing children. I would have more thorough hiring practices for teachers and aides based on character, desire, ability and then education because I believe forced mandates on GPA and/or test scores does not tell the full picture of quality teachers that are lost due to such false requirements. In my opinion, spending and attendance options go hand in hand. School budgets are dominated by teachers’ salaries and one major suggestion for relieving the growing pains is to have smaller high schools. My plan has a perfect remedy for this: When children are faced with so many options when they leave school, why shouldn’t they have options while in high school? I believe through student research and organization, parent and mentor involvement, and guidance through school counselors, children should have options to pursue Performing Arts high schools, Mentor/Work Life schools, Trade and Technical schools as well as College Preparatory schools. These types of schools should be encouraged in every school district. This would allow for teacher specialization, better education for students, and smaller facility needs which leads to overall lower operating costs. Thank you for taking the time to consider my initiatives on the education crisis in America. PA

Thank you, Mr FlasoxxJim, for your question. My environmental initiatives are actually economic ones as much as anything. No one can discredit the automobile as one of the greatest innovations of the 20th Century. However, the American Auto industry has seemed to have a difficult time adjusting to the 21st Century. Executives from Ford and other leading companies recently visited President Bush asking for government assistance to help relieve some of their financial woes. I believe this would be a vast mistake. It is not that I do not believe in government assistance in corporations, for instance, after September 11th, it was in the nation’s best interest for the U.S. government to prop up failing airlines due to the terrorist attacks. However, it is that the American Auto industry has failed to market to a growing demand for environmentally and economically smart vehicles. Here is what I do suggest: Expand the tax credits for individual who purchase environmentally friendly vehicles. In 2006, you could purchase a Ford Escape Hybrid and receive a $2600 tax credit. What I would suggest is at least doubling this number. This would create is a huge incentive for American car buyers to think green, save money at the pump and at the same time assist car companies in increasing their sales. Simultaneously, the Federal government could satisfy the Auto industry by spurring car buying, give back money to the American consumer, and stimulate the economy. Environmental policy affects us all; keeping this fact on the nation’s conscience and matching it with environmentally friendly, economically responsible policies will ensure a better tomorrow for ourselves and our children. I believe this is a small but significant step towards encouraging corporations and consumers to achieve that goal. Thank you for taking the time to consider my initiatives on the environmental problems in America. PA

I, as many others, have friends that have served or are serving in the military either in Iraq, Afghanistan or other locations around the world. My first action as President is to see that all of these soldiers are rewarded with the highest quality supplies that a world class military deserves. Our men and women overseas need to know that we want them to be safe while they are protecting our domestic and international interests. When these soldiers come home they should receive the best care for their emotional and physical wounds and have assistance with acclimating to civilian life. These individuals are heroes to us all and are in need of our support in whatever form it may be required of us. Iraq is a volatile and complex situation. One that cannot be summed up by Plan X, Y or Z; however, I understand the need for an exit strategy. Whether it is one month, one year, or twenty years truly depends on the level of expanded international involvement. My plan would be to sit all of the major parties, both regional and international, and lay it all on the table. I believe that in order to find stability in the region, Egypt, Jordan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel and an independent Palestinian state must face facts. Culturally, these countries are bitter rivals; economically, they all have one thing in common: The United States of America. I feel the Bush Administration has played all of their cards, and as President, I would have to face harsh facts that much of what had preceded my administration has nothing to do with how business will be conducted, yet will be judged as though it were. The United States has an economic advantage over all of these countries, however, this advantage does not equate to independence. I would make it my goal over my term to rebuild what has been destroyed. I believe as the last world super power, we have the distinct opportunity and responsibility to encourage working together to recognize sovereignty of nation-states and bring equality to the diverse of people groups of the world. To threaten those who do not play by our set of rules only provokes, it does not solve problems. My plan is to discuss with nations, who are regionally vested in Iraq’s future, how they would like to proceed in aiding a free and sovereign Iraqi government. I believe sectarian violence can only be suppressed by other Middle Eastern government’s involvement in the conflict. So this is paramount to stability for all countries in the region. U.S. troops should continue to train and provide security until a viable Iraqi police force can be assembled. As I have stated before, they must receive immediate high grade supplies and equipment to do so effectively and safely. This too will be aided by international assistance. I believe the time will be right when a coalition has been built to honestly and earnestly resolve what is going on in Iraq. Thank you for taking the time to consider my initiatives on the crisis in Iraq. PA

The tax issue is a nightmare to so many consumers. Tax “do-it-yourself-ers” lie awake at night anticipating the IRS agents breaking down their doors because of one omission on their tax return. Individuals have to save every last receipt in order to fully justify receiving the money owed to them by the government. Why does it have to be this way? The first initiative I would set for regarding taxes is to make the reporting easier. I would research tax return agencies, accountants, and the consumer on how to make the process better. If the federal government is holding on to your money, why can’t we make it a little easier for you to get it back? My overall agenda regarding taxes is keep them low and keep them fair. I believe that individuals in low income situations who are attempting to go to school should be rewarded with tax credits. I believe that it is the social responsibility of higher wage income recipients to bear a higher percentage of tax burdens. I believe that money should not be taxed as it is passed between generations. I also believe in reducing income taxes and leaning more towards a low federal sales tax. I think social security deductions should be raised to meet the growing retiree population. I also believe it would be in the best interest of the nation for my advising tax attorneys, economists, and accountants to have a little more voice in this issue than simply my opinion. However, in order for the federal government to better serve its citizens, I believe reexamining the reporting process, lowering of income taxes, and implementing a national sales tax are the most important issues to be dealt with immediately. Thank you for taking the time to consider my initiatives on tax reform in America. PA

If I said "Pillow Pants" would anyone know what I was talking about?

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Nov 28, 2006 -> 08:10 PM) Until I see someone willing to actually go on the record, or see the results of the airline's investigation, I don't see myself having a reason to either believe disbelieve them. I will say this...they're the only people out of that whole matter I've seen who appear to be willing to speak on record. or perhaps like any good company with a publicist they don't allow their employees to speak to the press.

Mahdi Bray, executive director of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation, called removing the imams an act of Islamophobia and compared it to racism against blacks. best quote ever.... perhaps Mahdi, you're a TAD oversensitive about something? maybe?

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Nov 28, 2006 -> 06:54 PM) Because excellent people like you are in need of fine representation on SoxTalk. Are there rules on shamelessly complimenting posters?

I haven't seen someone get that worked up about vasaline since watching "The Birdcage"... wait.... that came out wrong....

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ Nov 28, 2006 -> 02:06 PM) Do you know what word I'm not comfortable with? Nuance. It's not a real word. Like gesture. Gesture's a real word. With gesture you know where you stand. Nuance? I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. so the middle finger with the thumb sticking out wouldn't be a nuanced gesture?