sox4lifeinPA

I'd like to also open this thread up for suggestions on how you would want me to govern, if I was elected President. As I stated before, I want to know what you, the people, think is important. I will do my best to hear you out and offer suggestions and ultimately find consensus, so that you feel fairly governed. Again, I'll be happy to engage anyone with questions. PA

I see there's a VP spot open

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 10:21 AM) Thank you for the answers, but I have a few follow-ups: what does virgin "in the purest sense" mean? What type of abuses are we talking about -- and let me say, you don't have to get too into detail, but are we talking about using women for sex, money? Not that it matters too much (as I have a good deal of respect for your answers) but I'm interested in what we're talking about here. I'm happy for you and your fiancee. Truly. Thank you for your follow up questions, I'll try to be as forward and honest as possible. What I meant by "virgin" is simply that I have not engaged in intercourse. I don't know if I would consider anything I've done as "abuse" as you described. As I said, I treated my girlfriends well, but I know that I should have used more self-control to avoid sexual interactions, i.e. light or heavy petting. Some may not consider this to be as big of an issue as I feel it is, but I hope that is a testament to my character. I think all females should respect themselves by avoiding situations where they'll give in to guys, but what I'm getting at is that I think men, myself included, need to have more self-control and more respect to not put women in that place. I hope that's seen as a positive thing. Let me know if you need more information. Sincerely, PA

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 08:26 AM) Hey Alex, what are your banks you recommend, and those to avoid, from an "insiders" prospective? I am shopping for a new place, well because NATIONAL CITY IS THE WORST BANK EVER! I can tell you which banks are worth dealing with. Do you have a list? I can look into them and let you know my semi-professional opinion.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 12:18 AM) I am interested in my candidates as human beings, and I think that one's answer to the following can be quite telling: What is the worst thing you've ever done, in your opinion, to another human being, that you regret? How about: what's the worst thing you've ever done that you don't regret? What's, in your opinion, the best thing to happen to you? (And please note: "White Sox winning the World Series doesn't count. ) If you choose to say, "these are unpolitical questions," I understand fully, let me say, but I do hope that you answer them and feel comfortable answering. Thanks Gregory for your great question. I don't feel uncomfortable at all answering them. The first thing I would say is that to each person at different times in their lives "the worst thing I've ever done" may change, and not necessarily because you've done something to change that; sometimes it's simply paradigm shifts. The worst thing that I have ever done was probably in high school through some of college. I did not respect women like I should have. In relationships i was always nice and tried to make the girl feel happy, but ultimately it was about seeking self-satisfaction. While I can say that I am still a virgin in the purest sense, I have experienced quite a bit. What I most regret about those times are the damaged relationships and hurt feelings that I may have caused these now women to cope with. Perhaps I'm being melodramatic, but in the light of my upcoming wedding, my frame of reference is heavily focused on treated Miss PA with love and respect. I cannot say I did that successfully earlier in my life. I deeply regret that. However, what I have experienced in the past has helped me grow, apply what I've learned, and overcome those obstacles. The best thing to ever have happened to me is my fiancee. Through our four year relationship, I have learned to let go of anger that I once harbored, think of others before myself, and ultimately, I have learned to put in practice what I could not early in my life. There is nothing like finding someone who truly makes you exponentially a better person than you were with them, especially when they can do it so patiently, elegantly, and beautifully. She is a godsend, and I thank Him everyday for that. Well, I hope that allows you to get to know me better. I too, think that the person behind the campaign is really the most important part of the campaign. Thanks again for the question. PA.

QUOTE(BobDylan @ Nov 16, 2006 -> 01:37 AM) I told you not to buy an iPod. I didn't.

Kate=heaven

QUOTE(Rex Kicka** @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 11:51 PM) PA, how is it possible we keep agreeing on things? Vote for PA

o...m....g..... I just cracked my screen. #$%$#^#$^#$^#$^#$%$#%#$!@#!@%@#$^#$^

Requires anyone not working at a bank to balance their check book so I DON'T HAVE TO DO IT FOR YOU

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 09:44 PM) PA, do you know anything about HSBC's online savings account? only that there are no monthly fees. No minimum balance. And FDIC insured. Could be gimmicky. It's a great rate, but they could change it on you at any time. I haven't heard good, bad or otherwise about it. The only thing I would worry about is the funding options. I'm not a big fan of giving out my account number. If there's an option to use your check card I would do that. If someone gets their hands on that you're protected, not so with your account number. hope that helps. This is the new frontier of banking. Over the last few years companies like ING have siphoned off nearly 60 billion from traditional banks. That's an amazing number. I believe my bank loses nearly 250k a month to ING. In response, we're one of the first banks to offer a competitive online account.

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 09:33 PM) "Independent Republican" Isn't that an oxymoron? Certainly not. I believe that much of my platform is based on Republican ideals. I am, however, independent from the political machine and rhetoric. I mean what I say and say what I mean. This refers back to my independent nature. If you read later in my platform I wrote: I think you must always seek to understand the perspective of others, especially those you are elected to lead, but any elected official retains the right to make decisions based ultimately on balanced judgment between what they know and perceive. I hope that clears up any confusion. If we cripple businesses with over-regulation, we will ultimately hurt the consumer. My point is that we must first seek to protect the consumer from harmful environmental contaminants and then find the best balance so that businesses stay fiscally viable. I think it is assumed that the U.S. will be involved in mutli-lateral talks. I believe nations like Russia and China, who are in the midst of economic booms because of their international business, should be required to be more involved financially and militarily to supplement nation's already involved in resolution talks. Thank You. My experience in the financial industry has allowed me to see people of all backgrounds struggle to plan for their retirements. The Banking industry is already the most heavily regulated industry in the U.S., however, I think for the benefit of the financial institution as well as the people of the United States, we can seek to promote the education of financial services planning. I can give you an example that already exists and would help satisfy this requirement. At the last financial institution I worked, they had an account for individuals age 50 or better that gave the customer a free consultation with a certified financial planner. This is a free benefit for an age group the Federal government recognizes under the CRA. I believe it would benefit financial institutions to be required to report this activity both because it promotes business but also because it is one more area they can report under the current CRA laws. Thank you for your questions. I hope you found them helpful.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 08:08 PM) Actually after reading your platform, and knowing your character and views, I think you would make a great VP. After I win the primary, we'll talk. Certainly we shouldn't put the cart before the horse, but I would be one hell of a bulldog VP

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 09:24 PM) Agree again, I think this is a record for me agreeing with you, twice in one day. I've been getting a lot of that lately

QUOTE(Rex Kicka** @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 08:43 PM) 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 shopped a couple banks the other day and noticed that they don't really care about the customer. However, I know of a few banks that actually WANT your business. There are definitely financial institutions to avoid and others worth frequenting. QUOTE(aboz56 @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 08:49 PM) Agree totally, this is the primary reason I got out of retail. People have no sense of how they treat each other and are totally out for themselves. Most of the service industries are like that though, I'm sure banking is the same way. I know what you meant, and I understand the complexity of dealing with other people's money. What I find ironic is that America is becoming the #1 service providing country in the world...yet we're the #1 douche bag providing country in the world.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 07:54 PM) Mainly because people don't like to see their money f***ed with. Right...because the teller is out to get the customer... I know this issue from both sides very well. You are dealing with another human being, and as long as the individual is doing what they can to make things right, No one has the right to act like a jackass to that person.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 07:29 PM) me too, me too. glad I'm not alone.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 07:37 PM) BTW, PA, to keep this fair and all I am reminded of the words of a great American President Ron Reagan, so . . . "I want you to know that I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience." It's duly noted that this is the second attempt at discrediting my campaign

Mistakes are made all the time by tellers and by customers. The key is how the teller and the customer handle fixing the mistake. There's a range of responses for both sides with tellers gravitating towards graciousness and customers leaning towards being assholes. that's my 7 years of banking experience.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 07:16 PM) Gee, nice when the moderator favors one candidate by name. When you're innovative and high profile, it's hard to not be noticed

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 07:11 PM) Of course not. And of course the good citizen from Pennsylvania's original comment wasn't meant as a slight against those who would swear on holy books other than the Bible. actually, I was being serious by being funny. Does it really matter WHAT people swear on? Shouldn't we give accurate testimony to anything and everything to the best of our ability regardless of what just happens to be holding up my resting hand at that moment? just saying.

I find it interesting that even though there seems to be 2 repubs, 2 independents and 2 democrats so far.... all of the political views are pretty much even. the debates should be interesting too.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 09:00 AM) Most of your platform consists of "It's a state's rights issue". If there is a checkerboard of different laws on abortion, guns, welfare, and etc. wouldn't that create an interstate problem? If we are the United States of America, shouldn't we be united on the big issues? Thank you Mr Texsox for your comments. I often compare the United States to the corporate model. I agree with you that the overall vision of our nation should be handled by the supreme leaders of our nation, and moreover that we should be united in those issues. This is a recipe for success. However, when we take a deeper look, we realize the ineffectiveness of our central government. Like a major corporation, you have divisions and leaders of those divisions. They are asked to maintain the overall vision of the company, however, are often granted leeway with managing their division. Section leaders must stay mobile and evolve as their division evolves, for it would be ineffective leadership and poor service to those they represented if they did not. Furthermore, when corporate leaders eliminate those traits and transfer all decision making and authority to the highest levels of the corporation, the decisions made and enforced are often out of touch as your climb down the corporate ladder. So, as we seek to apply this idea in a real world setting, we must recognize the clear differences between divisions, or states. Energy laws, Gay Marriage laws, Tax laws, Gambling laws, Voting laws, Abortion laws, Capital punishment laws, and even the way many state governments are run all vary state to state. It is misleading to overlook the clear differences between one state and another. There are distinct social differences between individuals in the south and individuals in the northwest. So, I do believe that the state governments of any given state should be federally backed to properly service their constituents. State leaders have direct access to those for whom they were elected to represent and therefore are most adept at making decisions that positively effect the citizens of the United States the most. Finally, I would disagree with the notion that "most of my platform consists of 'state's rights'" issues. While many issues can be solved on the state level, I understand the need for concise direction from the highest levels of government. States must offer public services that protect its population such as state and local police, but it is foolish to ignore the broader scope of security that the federal government can offer in organizations such as the U.S. Army. So we must balance state's rights to decide what is best for its people and the necessity for the federal government to broaden the governing scope. thank you again for your question. Sincerely, PA

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 12:38 PM) Mine is not as a much of a question as a comment... I would like to go on record as saying "F you PA" Thank you. Thank you Mr Southsider, your comments have been noted. Hopefully that is just the motivation I need to win MY election

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Nov 15, 2006 -> 05:53 PM) If some morbidly overweight dude with crumbs all over his shirt and a "25 years of service at McDonald's" pin on his lapel was being sworn in on a McDonald's value menu... I'd probably accept that he met that legal hurdle. of course you weren't trying to slander me... and of course you weren't trying to stereotype mcdonald's workers and/or patrons of that restaurant....