Where do we generally agree?

[Patters]

I think there are a few things that most of us agree on, though we might not agree on the details:

(1) Our deficit is too big, and our government needs to be fiscally responsible.
(2) Religion should not play a big role in government policy.
(3) Government in general did a poor job preparing for and initially responding to Hurricane Katrina.
(4) We have to capture or kill Osama bin Laden.
(5) Education is a top priority.

Do you agree with the above examples? What other ones are there?

[Blue Collar]

This is a great idea patters

WE all need to sheath our political swords for a bit, to understand where we all stand on issues, so that we may be able to discuss the issues and learn insights on these matters...Without the usual, dem rep bullsh1, billy bluedress type counter-measure tactics or doofus GWB. It's kinda funny, insight is non-existent, would you agree harry?

[Chevy]

Originally Posted by Patters

I think there are a few things that most of us agree on, though we might not agree on the details:

(1) Our deficit is too big, and our government needs to be fiscally responsible.
(2) Religion should not play a big role in government policy.
(3) Government in general did a poor job preparing for and initially responding to Hurricane Katrina.
(4) We have to capture or kill Osama bin Laden.
(5) Education is a top priority.

Do you agree with the above examples? What other ones are there?

I can agree with these. I would also like to add:

To number 5 - The fed needs to get out of the education business. Other than setting standards, the Fed should not be directing or funding public education. Leave that money with the states to begin with, and let them manage it.

[IcyPatriot]

Originally Posted by NEM

All Americans SHOULD agree on those items,however, I doubt you will get a lot of righties to agree with it because Bush failed on all of them and they will never admit it.

NEM ...there are many times I wonder if nature built you upside down and put your brains in the wrong place. I agree with all but #4...in it's place I would like to see a downsized military...it would help #1.

So...now that you were wrong you can tip yourself around again till the next time flatulence comes out of your mouth.

[milwaukeebeers44]

I have one that's kind of a corollary to #1

(1a) There is entirely too much earmarked/directed funding in the federal budget.

I agree with all, except maybe (4). I think it would be nice, but there are other fish to fry as well.

[IcyPatriot]

Originally Posted by NEM

I said I agree that all Americans can agree on those points, but I also said, and it is lfactual, Bush has failed on all of them. Are yu disputing that?

This is what you said....bunch of garbage IMO:

All Americans SHOULD agree on those items,however, I doubt you will get a lot of righties to agree with it because Bush failed on all of them and they will never admit it.

Most of the righties here are critical of Bush in domestic areas...you are(were) wrong.

[wistahpatsfan]

Originally Posted by Patters

I think there are a few things that most of us agree on, though we might not agree on the details:

(1) Our deficit is too big, and our government needs to be fiscally responsible.
(2) Religion should not play a big role in government policy.
(3) Government in general did a poor job preparing for and initially responding to Hurricane Katrina.
(4) We have to capture or kill Osama bin Laden.
(5) Education is a top priority.

Do you agree with the above examples? What other ones are there?

I'd tweak the list:

(1) Our government needs to be scrapped.
(2) Religion should not play any role.
(3) Government in general has done a poor job preparing for and initially responding to everything.
(4) We have to capture or kill Osama bin Laden. The government, apparently, doesn't.
(5) Education is a top priority of smart people. American Idol is a top priority of most Americans.

[IcyPatriot]

Originally Posted by NEM

Would they agree on the other points, that he failed in all of them?

Except for #4 ... but #4 really has no business being there because most rational people don't see us getting OBL. If he is in Syria, Pakistan, India we will never get him because there's no way we invade those countries.

If OBL stays where he is today...right now...we aren't getting him...it is impossible...we had our chance. I think we both agreed back then we let him get away on purpose...I could be wrong...but I felt that way...we had him cornered and it was just a show.

To be honest...I think he has info on Bush that Bush would rather never come out...what other reason would we have for not getting him when we had the chance?

Anyways...too keep it simple...#4 is never going to happen, so why even tease ourselves...I'd rather move on, OBL has litle power anymore other than as a spiritual guider and there are a number of people who could readily take his place there...people like Al-Sadr for example or any high ranking Mullah or tribal leader.

[DarrylS]

Consider these amendments:

6. Understanding and respect for the constitution, with its balance of power.

7. Streamlining the way congressional bills are processed, i.e. when they pass a bill just pass the bill, do not fill it with pork barrel amendments or fluff. Let that stuff stand alone and let those who support them suffer the consequence. This election is filled with political adds about how congressman voted for Sheep Institutes and Bridges to nowhere, if you want to vote on sheep, bridges or other congressional special interest projects make them stand alone do not cram them into some important bill. I am willing to bet our spending will decrease by about 15% to 20% if this is done.

[wistahpatsfan]

Originally Posted by GJAJ15

Consider these amendments:

6. Understanding and respect for the constitution, with its balance of power.

7. Streamlining the way congressional bills are processed, i.e. when they pass a bill just pass the bill, do not fill it with pork barrel amendments or fluff. Let that stuff stand alone and let those who support them suffer the consequence. This election is filled with political adds about how congressman voted for Sheep Institutes and Bridges to nowhere, if you want to vote on sheep, bridges or other congressional special interest projects make them stand alone do not cram them into some important bill. I am willing to bet our spending will decrease by about 15% to 20% if this is done.

Very good points. I agree. Unfortunately, in order to do so, we need to overhaul the government, maybe firing everyone and start over. I know the perils of term limits, but maybe we need to do it for about 20 years to clean the whole thing up.