I do, indeed, have a few Republican friends. One abhors the Bush administration and says that they stole his party from him and twisted it into an ugly tool for their own ends. The other, a businesman, supported Bush and the wars, although I'm not too sure of his thoughts now, with the economy being what it is. He doesn't mind (in fact, sometimes requests) an anti-war song I wrote because, he says, it comes down on both "the dirty GOP and the spineless Democrats". I get along with both of them quite well, even with occasional political discussions that are accompanied with much eye rolling on all our parts.

I consider them friends and love them as such. I believe that they may fall into the former part of a quote from the 19th century British philosopher, intellectual and politician John Stuart Mill.

" Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people... it is true that most stupid people are conservative."

Thanks Cheryl, for providing some insight into your feelings. And I believe you are correct when you say about our extended family here, "to each ther own".....if we are about anything here, it is (or should be) tolerence. We have an intelligent assembly here, so it is very important for us to, when we put forth opinions, provide some insight into our thinking process to help others understand how and why they came to be. What is it the French say? Vive le differance?

And Zap, I've always loved that quote!

I've kinda said the same thing to people when I have noted that I believe that one could be a smart person and support Bush, or one could be a decent moral person and support Bush, but I find it hard to imagine a smart person with decent morals supporting Bush. Arrogant on my part? Perhaps. But my true view.
In the last election one might note that Obama did get the votes from people with higher education and those that make more than 100k per year.Yup, the stupid people have been well represented for the last 8 years, now the smart people get a chance. But even so, as I've said before, it may take more than 4 years of smart to repair what 8 years of stupid did.

VMT, It was sad to see prop 8 pass. But I do not think it will be upheld by the supreme court. Wait and see.

Cheryl H., I understand how you feel, but I think that the conservative "movement" peaked already. The Republican Party will,
after a lot of internal struggle, begin to gravitate towards the center
more. Look at it this way; the next voters coming on-line are younger (by definition), browner, and more likely to see our country as part of a world community than as a traditional super-power ready to kick anyone's ass at a moment's notice. As a famous Hollywood conservative once said, "It's morning in America," so don't get your hopes up on getting a conservative in the White House anytime soon.


mikey

For the most part, Larry, I agree. However, I must make the point that higher education does not denote intelligence just as lack of it does not indicate stupidity. There are an awful lot of well educated but stupid people (like my retired academia neighbors who twice voted for Bush) just as there are a good number of "under educated" smart folks (like the maintenance guy at work who voted for Obama). Then, too, there are sometimes smart people who make stupid choices and stupid people who sometimes make smart ones.

Hi all, I did a quick check , and didn't see anything , so sorry if this is already posted..... but
60 minutes, on right now, covering Barak's campaign strategy.

check it out : http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/60minut ... 3415.shtml

Last night, there was an issue I needed to address and randomly I said, "You are going to have to get Barak about this. "

That brought on some comments!

I agree, and have made that point here before.

It's like Arlo shas said before. Sometimes people on 2 different sides of an issue have more in common than those on the same side. He's right. We all have Arlo in common...

Well said, Cheryl! Well said!!!

Ahhhh yes, finding the common ground. Cheryl you have taken your first step in denouncing the dark side. I mean if Darth Vader could do it, so can you! Try the blue kool-aid! Don't be afraid! The red kool-aid is spoiled! It's full of lead, rat poop, blood and empty calories! The blue kool-aid supplies 100% of the daily requirements of hope, justice, intellect,foresight and fairness! At least for the time being. Drink hardy me lass!

I could never denounce the dark side. But I have fun hanging out on here no matter what folks views are...

Hmmmmm.....beware my Jedi brothers and sisters, the force is strong with this one. Do they have Sith Lords near Pixley ya think?

Not to fear Larry.....we are dependent upon the dark side.....without it we would have no place to stick our light. Everything is becoming much more clear.....the prophecies of the past are coming to fruition. The long-awaited one has been in our midst all along! We have been blinded by the lightning and blunder of piddly folk music and our own self-righteousness! The moment of awakening is now upon us.....let the new era commence. Arlo, Pete, Obama, the Music of the Ages---all are dependent on "The One" who is the keeper of the sacred Darkness, the essential balance which allows our light to exist. Hail Cheryl of Pixley, the Light is forever thankful for the blessing of the Dark!!!!!

Kevin and Larry, you guys crack me up. You're terrific!