Billie Said:

Another Political Cartoon- Plain vs McCain? PLEASE HELP!!?

We Answered:

I don't notice any "symbols", but it's addressing the Sarah Palin phenomenon. John McCain is making a live speech, and the crowd is more interested in a televised replay of Sarah's speech than his.

It doesn't seem to be terribly partisan (Dem or Repub), just commenting on the meteoric rise of Mrs. Palin on the national political stage.

God I hate doing kids' homework for them. (But I, too, did not understand politics as a youth,) Not do the rest of it yourself, kid.

Isaac Said:

Political question about abortion?

We Answered:

First of all--my heartfelt compliments to you. You are doing EXACTLY what our forefathers hoped for--thinking for yourself and making the effort to inform yourself. Don't be concerned about your limited knowledge--non o fus really knows everything we need to know--we inform ourselfs the best we can and make the best decisions we can. That is not a guarantee of being correct. None of us ever has that--but believe me, you are more qualified to vote-right now--than most people who will go to the polls tomorrow, or in november.

I am very serious--I'm a historian/social scientist--and I teach young people at major university. I only wish half of them were like you! YOU are America--so vote. Whatever you decide--vote. You--and other young people like you--are our real hope and our future.

As to the specific issue (abortion)--here's my view. I don't ask that you agree, necessarily. Simply consider my arguement.

First, personally, I am opposed to abortion. But I do think it's an issue the state needs to stay out of. My reasons are simple: ultimately, the belief that the fetus is a person is a religious belief (that includes my own view). And no one has the right to use the law to impose their religous beliefs on others. In that sense, I don't see it as a "women's rights issue, but as a question of individual liberty in the broader sense.

The second point I'd make is that it is NOT a key issue when deciding who to vote for--especially for president. The president has NO authority in this area. None. The most a president could do is to ask Congress to put forward an ammmendment to the Constitution. When deciding on which candidate, its important not jsut to listen to their views--but to consider what the candidate, if elected, can do--not ust what he/she wants to do. And on this issue, a president can't do anything. So its not really important.

Now, when voting for a Senator or Congressperson, its a bit more relevant--but not much. That's because he/she could-if such a measure came up (unlikely) they have the power to vote for or against. But deciding soley on that point (which, as I say, probably won't actually come up) and not taking into account all the other issues, seems to me to be irresponsible. This is even more true since, even if Congress did passs such an ammendment, it would have to be ratified by 3/4 of the state legislatures. Beleive me--that is not going to happen.

A final note on this issue--go to the library and find a text (preferably a good college-level text on Constitutional law focusing on civil rights and civil liberties--and read about the Roe-v. Wade decision. You will get some surprises. Here's a few points you may not have heard:
>Roe does NOT give a blanket legal status to abortion. It only affects first-trimester abortions. All the laws that allow later-term abortions, though based in part on Roe, are later court decisons/legislation
>The Court researched this about as thoroughly as they did any decision they've ever made. They even went back as far as Thomas Aquias! (Who, incidentally, saw the soul entering the body at "quickening, about the end of the first trimester). They also pointed out that many states already allowed early-term abortions even before Roe.

Again--I applaud your efforts--and your attitude. I'm really not concerned about how a young person such as yourself decides to vote in any particular election. If--and I am seeing this more and more--the young people of this country bring the same attitude toward their voting and participation in our political process, our country will be well-served.

From one AMERICAN CITIZEn to another--thank you--you made my day!

Richard Said:

Palin vs McCain political cartoon. Help!?

We Answered:

It is making fun of McCain. It has nothing to do with Obama. The cartoonist is observing that Sarah Palin appears to be more popular with the conservative base than Senator McCain, and more people watched her convention speech than watched McCain's.

Victoria Said:

Why doesn't the Democratic Party try to change the constitution instead of using judicial activists?

We Answered:

In this day and age, it is probably impossible to get a constitutional amendment passed by the required number of states. And that would be if you could even get enough agreement in congress to put forth an amendment. With the hatred in this country for anyone who doesn't agree with you, it will probably never again be possible to get an amendment proposed or passed.

Dana Said:

Boy trying to act like a president vs FoxNews. Which side are you on?

We Answered:

Fox is the only news source out there, and Obama hates it.

Marion Said:

Barack Obama vs. Void of Course Moon! Your thoughts?

We Answered:

When you say "All other Democratic or Republican candidates who declared their intentions during a void moon for the 2008 U.S. presidential election have been eliminated." You would need to look at all other aspects and placements which were going on during those times. For instance, did any of those announce their intentions during a Mercury retrograde period?

I will read the blog in more detail tomorrow, but it's near bedtime now. Thank you for the link.

This is a very interesting question. I enjoy the ones like this which really make us think.

John Said:

Obama vs Hillary Clinton. Who do you think will become the democratic nominee.?

We Answered:

Who will win, or who should win for the good of the country? Personally I think Hilary should win, but I think Obama will.
Hilary has loads more experience. She has seen first hand how running the country works.She will work her butt off in the job as she will have a lot to prove. She also has some damn good people around her.(as long as some can keep their trousers zipped up!)
Obama has the charisma, and if it one thing I have learnt about American politics is that experience and suitability for the job are secondary to how you are perceived. Look at George W Bush. What the heck were you guys thinking putting that idiot into power....twice!!!!!!!
Obama simply doesn't have the experience, but in the end I don't think that will matter. He comes across as more personable and that will be the deciding factor.
The really scary thing is that American voters have such a huge influence on the rest of us "little" people throughout the world. It is even more of a shame that most of you in the States have absolutely no idea what the world outside the states is like unless it directly effects America.
Your leaders have a huge influence on the rest of the world, yet you consistently vote in people who come across as not really giving a hoot unless it directly effects the USA. You invaded Iraq under the guise of bringing democracy and stability to that region. Why haven't you done the same in Zimbabwe? Answer, the USA has no financial interest in Zimbabwe. Do you even know where Zimbabwe is?
Obama or Hilary? It doesn't matter really. It is never about who the right person for the job is, it is about who is better at telling you what you want to hear. A scary realisation for the most powerful country in the world.