The USA Political Thread

[lennco]

Here you can spout your USA political views.

Rules:
1. Keep it clean
2. No fighting
3. Respect the views of others.
4. US Political views, No Religious views
5. Have fun

:wave:

 

[JB Lions]

"Do you realize that the US has aprox. 1100 bases in about 150 countries. Just in Germany alone they have close to 230! That's right; 230 bases."

Yes, I do. I'm an army brat, my dad used to be in the army for 20 years. I used to live over in Germany. They're actually closing down my high school and the bases there. Again, there are reasons there are bases in those countries. They can kick us out, can't they? I just gave you some reasons above why we're there in the first place and why some countries still are ok with us being there.

"Ron Paul has the right idea, but the MSM, controlled by Big Business, Big Pharma and the Big Military Complex will make sure that he remains IRRELEVANT, which they've succeeded."

We were going good, actually discussing issues and they go right back to MSM/Ron Paul/Big This Big That controlling stuff again. It's like some kind of safety cushion you keep running back too. We already had that thread. He's just a libertarian/isolationist type. He's just not relevant, not in the mix.

 

[GILSAN]

"Do you realize that the US has aprox. 1100 bases in about 150 countries. Just in Germany alone they have close to 230! That's right; 230 bases."

Yes, I do. I'm an army brat, my dad used to be in the army for 20 years. I used to live over in Germany. They're actually closing down my high school and the bases there. Again, there are reasons there are bases in those countries. They can kick us out, can't they? I just gave you some reasons above why we're there in the first place and why some countries still are ok with us being there.

"Ron Paul has the right idea, but the MSM, controlled by Big Business, Big Pharma and the Big Military Complex will make sure that he remains IRRELEVANT, which they've succeeded."

We were going good, actually discussing issues and they go right back to MSM/Ron Paul/Big This Big That controlling stuff again. It's like some kind of safety cushion you keep running back too. We already had that thread. He's just a libertarian/isolationist type. He's just not relevant, not in the mix.

The US doesn't need so many bases anymore. The cold war is over. No need for so many bases in Germany IMHO. With all the sophisticated armament the US has, they can easily do with just 30-40% of their main bases. How many bases do you need to send drones?

As for the things you mention, (Cliff Notes version you are mostly right

"A. The U.S. basically saved Europe during World War 2."
To a certain point yes. They came in at the end after Britain had bombed the hell out of Germany on one side and the Russians were closing in on the other side

Bosnia/Kosovo was indeed an embarrassment for Europe. The US didn't seem too interested either in the beginning, but then they reluctantly came in through NATO

Libya on the other hand hardly had any US intervention. It was mostly the UK and France involved.

 

[JB Lions]

"The US doesn't need so many bases anymore. The cold war is over. No need for so many bases in Germany IMHO. With all the sophisticated armament the US has, they can easily do with just 30-40% of their main bases. How many bases do you need to send drones?"

I agree with you, that's why many are closing down. Not sure were you got 230 bases. Wasn't sure myself so went looking:

"The rationale behind the large number of closures is that the strategic functions of the bases, originally designed to serve as forward posts in any war against the Soviet Union, are no longer relevant since the end of the Cold War."

[ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Army_installations_in_Germany"]List of United States Army installations in Germany - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

I'm seeing 57 existing bases with about 20 closing in the next few years, that would leave about 37.

Then look below at Former installations, big list. About 170 that have been closed already over the years.

 

[GILSAN]

"The US doesn't need so many bases anymore. The cold war is over. No need for so many bases in Germany IMHO. With all the sophisticated armament the US has, they can easily do with just 30-40% of their main bases. How many bases do you need to send drones?"

I agree with you, that's why many are closing down. Not sure were you got 230 bases. Wasn't sure myself so went looking:

"The rationale behind the large number of closures is that the strategic functions of the bases, originally designed to serve as forward posts in any war against the Soviet Union, are no longer relevant since the end of the Cold War."

List of United States Army installations in Germany - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'm seeing 57 existing bases with about 20 closing in the next few years, that would leave about 37.

Then look below at Former installations, big list. About 170 that have been closed already over the years.

Looks like they have already shut down lots and now only have 57. Thats actually a good move (they've been listening to Ron Paul) because one thing that has not been mentioned is the amount of resentment that all these bases generate around the world, especially when the soldiers go out to the discos and charm up the local girls. (can't really blame them - boys will be boys)

Many Americans however, do have a tendency to being loud mouthed and rowdy and this can sometimes be problematic with the locals. The US army lads also have to try to abide with local customs that in many cases are very different to theirs. I'm sure your dad must know this better than most, though I'm led to believe that today's soldiers have to deal with much more complex situations than before.

http://www.thenation.com/blog/16137...itary-bases-generate-resentment-not-security#

The US has a very important base in Lajes, Azores Islands (Portugal) It was widely used during WW2 and more recently also during the Gulf War. These islands lie almost halfway between the US and Europe.

[ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lajes_Field"]Lajes Field - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

 

[JB Lions]

"especially when the soldiers go out to the discos and charm up the local girls."

Well, that is how my dad met my mom

Yeah, there were some that didn't like our presence. We had bomb threats every now and then to our schools but as kids we loved them. Because that meant if they were later in the day, we just got out of school early. And we knew nothing was ever going to happen. You might have a cause and people believing in that cause, but if you took that to blowing up innocent children, then that's just not a good look.

But that kind of thing was pretty rare. Of course you'll have some young, immature people at times but overall people got along great. We would have things to bring the community together. We always had Volksfests in our little village where Germans were welcomed to come. The economy did great. When I was over there, the dollar was strong and we spent a lot of money over there. Had Germans sponsor stuff likes Volksmarches and stuff like that. I would say overall we got along great. And I know people that grew up over there or spent a great amount of time there, just loved it. It was a great place to live, had a lot of fun. All the travel opportunities, chance to experience different cultures etc. Even just the way the housing was setup. 3 bedroom apartment, had to have at least 2 kids to get those, some had 3. 1 building had 3 stairwells, 6 apts. per stairwell. 18 apts per building, so about 40 kids a building. Building, parking lot, building, then grass, lots of room to play. Kids everywhere. I could go outside with a football in my hand, have a 6 on 6 game in a matter of minutes. Had some German/American soccer teams, did that myself. You should see my Facebook with all the people that grew up there. They miss it to death.

That's just what I know from my end, in Germany. Could be different elsewhere.

 

[.X.]

I wonder how many will actually watch the debates up and coming soon, So many Americans are pinned back on their heels looking for jobs, Ways to stop foreclosure on their homes, Ways to keep their vehicle from getting repossessed.

I see religion has become a part of this thread, Well, We Americans are in no position to play a religion card in this election. We are nearing a point of economic crisis, Should a economic crisis with no less than that of the great depression take place, I wonder who will be worried what religion our nations leaders are???

 

[GILSAN]

"especially when the soldiers go out to the discos and charm up the local girls."

Well, that is how my dad met my mom

Yeah, there were some that didn't like our presence. We had bomb threats every now and then to our schools but as kids we loved them. Because that meant if they were later in the day, we just got out of school early. And we knew nothing was ever going to happen. You might have a cause and people believing in that cause, but if you took that to blowing up innocent children, then that's just not a good look.

But that kind of thing was pretty rare. Of course you'll have some young, immature people at times but overall people got along great. We would have things to bring the community together. We always had Volksfests in our little village where Germans were welcomed to come. The economy did great. When I was over there, the dollar was strong and we spent a lot of money over there. Had Germans sponsor stuff likes Volksmarches and stuff like that. I would say overall we got along great. And I know people that grew up over there or spent a great amount of time there, just loved it. It was a great place to live, had a lot of fun. All the travel opportunities, chance to experience different cultures etc. Even just the way the housing was setup. 3 bedroom apartment, had to have at least 2 kids to get those, some had 3. 1 building had 3 stairwells, 6 apts. per stairwell. 18 apts per building, so about 40 kids a building. Building, parking lot, building, then grass, lots of room to play. Kids everywhere. I could go outside with a football in my hand, have a 6 on 6 game in a matter of minutes. Had some German/American soccer teams, did that myself. You should see my Facebook with all the people that grew up there. They miss it to death.

That's just what I know from my end, in Germany. Could be different elsewhere.

Sounds like a good life. How long ago was that?

I would say that generally speaking the US bases and the soldiers in most of Europe were very welcome, except for a few situations. I know that US bases in Portugal have never had any problems with the locals as Portuguese are generally speaking very friendly people.

The resentment would come from countries where the cultures and religions are very different, like the Middle East, Asia, Africa etc.

 

[.X.]

This song was released in 1992, How did they know that some 20 years later, we would be in this predicament???

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xi3w8XnYPw"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xi3w8XnYPw[/ame]

 

[GILSAN]

I wonder how many will actually watch the debates up and coming soon, So many Americans are pinned back on their heels looking for jobs, Ways to stop foreclosure on their homes, Ways to keep their vehicle from getting repossessed.

I see religion has become a part of this thread, Well, We Americans are in no position to play a religion card in this election. We are nearing a point of economic crisis, Should a economic crisis with no less than that of the great depression take place, I wonder who will be worried what religion our nations leaders are???

I'll be watching them for sure. When will they start? I just hope the questions asked are not as stupid as so many of the ones asked in the last debates a few months ago.

Agreed that religion should be kept out. The massive debt and how to reduce it, the economy and unemployment are in my opinion the most important things and should take up at least 60-70% of the time in the debates.

 

[JB Lions]

I wonder how many will actually watch the debates up and coming soon, So many Americans are pinned back on their heels looking for jobs, Ways to stop foreclosure on their homes, Ways to keep their vehicle from getting repossessed.

I see religion has become a part of this thread, Well, We Americans are in no position to play a religion card in this election. We are nearing a point of economic crisis, Should a economic crisis with no less than that of the great depression take place, I wonder who will be worried what religion our nations leaders are???

Well, we already have the worst economy since the Great Depression when Obama got in. So what to do about it. Not sure anybody has really got the answer. Trickle up or trickle down, which one. I know with Romney's plan, they say middle income people will pay more in taxes, while the wealthier pays less. I'm not sure how that's going to stimulate the economy. If you have less money in your pocket, you have less to spend. If you have less to spend, you might hang on to it a little tighter. I guess the thinking is, with tax breaks for the rich, it'll produce more jobs, then people will be ok with spending more in taxes, since they'll have more jobs, a better job, more money? Don't know. I've always been more of a your life is what you make it and ultimately it's on you, regardless of who's in the White House.

Sounds like a good life. How long ago was that?

Awhile back, in the 80's, lived over there 12 out of my first 18 years of life.

Not sure when the debates happen, don't think we have a schedule yet.

I know we have this for the conventions:

Republican National Convention
August 27-30, 2012.

Democratic National Convention
September 4-6, 2012.

So next 11 days, we'll have both of them.

 

[GILSAN]

I think the Banking/Financial system is WAY too powerful and taking control of the world. Banks can lose Billions $ and still get bailed out, while millions of people lose their homes but never get bailed out. Look at whats happening in Europe. Countries like Greece, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Italy have a noose on their necks now because of of the debt they owe to the big international banks who are just as much to blame (easy money) as our pathetic politicians that got us into this situation (spending that easy money like crazy).

Now the people have to pay for this with massive wage and benefit losses, as well as increases in various types of taxes and consumer goods like food and gasoline to name a few. We have been f...ed by these bastards.

All this crisis is to save the banks, to repay the loans at indecent and exorbitantly high rates. I think we should reset the whole banking/financial system, let the bad ones take their losses and start all over again.

Banks should be used for deposits and making loans, not to use your and my money to play casino games with derivatives and other crap that I don't even understand.

Iceland also had similar debt problems thanks to 3 or 4 of their local banks who grew too big for their shoes, but the country took a different, more intelligent stand. They told the banks to go to hell, let them go bankrupt, arrested the CEO's as well as members of the government and took them to court. That was just 3 years ago and today Iceland is doing just fine, Good for you Iceland. :kickass: You are an example that others should follow :tu:

"I guess the thinking is, with tax breaks for the rich, it'll produce more jobs, then people will be ok with spending more in taxes, since they'll have more jobs, a better job, more money? Don't know. I've always been more of a your life is what you make it and ultimately it's on you, regardless of who's in the White House."

Rich people all over the world will always be able to get away with paying high tax rates. They will always find tax heavens all over the world to put their money. The new French President Hollande, recently decided to put the rich paying a 75% tax rate. No big deal for the very rich French. They just moved over to England or other countries where the tax rates are much lower.

Look at Warren Buffet, his tax rate is a lot lower than his personal secretary. That's what he himself said.

 

[.X.]

I'll be watching them for sure. When will they start? I just hope the questions asked are not as stupid as so many of the ones asked in the last debates a few months ago.

Agreed that religion should be kept out. The massive debt and how to reduce it, the economy and unemployment are in my opinion the most important things and should take up at least 60-70% of the time in the debates.

The first Tuesday in November is election day.

I haven't heard of dates yet regarding the debates. But they will be coming very soon.

The only advice i can give the young people who will be voting is. Ron Paul is our hope.

---------- Post added at 08:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:58 PM ----------

With out a stable middle class, We will be up a creek with out a paddle, As good as a 3rd world country at best. We are on our way to that plateau.

To straighten out our economy, we have to pull out of countries that we are in conflict with. That is just the beginning.

We have to stop the monopolizing of corporate America. I figure i don't need to post them, they are obvious. The greed has torn our middle class to shreds.

Well, we already have the worst economy since the Great Depression when Obama got in. So what to do about it. Not sure anybody has really got the answer. Trickle up or trickle down, which one. I know with Romney's plan, they say middle income people will pay more in taxes, while the wealthier pays less. I'm not sure how that's going to stimulate the economy. If you have less money in your pocket, you have less to spend. If you have less to spend, you might hang on to it a little tighter. I guess the thinking is, with tax breaks for the rich, it'll produce more jobs, then people will be ok with spending more in taxes, since they'll have more jobs, a better job, more money? Don't know. I've always been more of a your life is what you make it and ultimately it's on you, regardless of who's in the White House.


Awhile back, in the 80's, lived over there 12 out of my first 18 years of life.

Not sure when the debates happen, don't think we have a schedule yet.

I know we have this for the conventions:

Republican National Convention
August 27-30, 2012.

Democratic National Convention
September 4-6, 2012.

So next 11 days, we'll have both of them.

 

[GILSAN]

Is this really true? The Democratic National Committee is raising a number of eyebrows after announcing that it will be hosting Islamic “Jumah” prayers for two hours on the Friday of its convention, soon after denying a Catholic cardinal’s request to say a prayer at the same event.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/dnc...s-blessing-and-you-wont-believe-whos-invited/

 

[DU]

Is this really true? The Democratic National Committee is raising a number of eyebrows after announcing that it will be hosting Islamic “Jumah” prayers for two hours on the Friday of its convention, soon after denying a Catholic cardinal’s request to say a prayer at the same event.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/dnc...s-blessing-and-you-wont-believe-whos-invited/

As a test... write what is happening and what has been done in a manner that is not biased or leaning. Use both "left" and "right" and purely informational sources to do this.

Thanks for your participation in the experiment I will call "Can Anyone Report Impartially".

Thanks for playing.

To answer your question? No. What you have written is not true.

 

[sanfran]

It seems, that either God or some cosmic forces conspired against the White Trash Convention in Florida!

:hearts:

 

[JB Lions]

Is this really true? The Democratic National Committee is raising a number of eyebrows after announcing that it will be hosting Islamic “Jumah” prayers for two hours on the Friday of its convention, soon after denying a Catholic cardinal’s request to say a prayer at the same event.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/dnc...s-blessing-and-you-wont-believe-whos-invited/

The Friday of it's convention? The convention is Sep. 4-6, that's a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The thing you linked too has some flyer saying Aug 31 - Sep 1. Are they hanging outside, days before the convention even starts saying some prayer or something? Actually it's on that page as well, it's at some park, Marshall park. If the KKK went down to Tampa a few days before the convention and got together at some park, would the RNC be hosting the KKK?

You need to get a MSM link for something like this, something that's vetted or link to the DNC actual schedule.

Also, the "author" if you want to call her that said this in the title "DNC Announces" if that was in fact true, you should be able to provide a link to that actual announcement from the DNC.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dnc...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

I can't find it, the only thing I see is a bunch of right wing blogs.

 

[DU]

soon after denying a Catholic cardinal’s request to say a prayer at the same event.

As JB Lions tried to do some of the work for you... I would also point out that this language is totally false. It's craftily worded to almost sound true.

 

[GILSAN]

As JB Lions tried to do some of the work for you... I would also point out that this language is totally false. It's craftily worded to almost sound true.

Actually I did do some searching. JB Lions probably did a better search

---------- Post added at 08:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:15 AM ----------

It seems, that either God or some cosmic forces conspired against the White Trash Convention in Florida!

:hearts:

You seem to have a problem with white people. I have only one thing to point to you;

https://www.google.pt/search?um=1&h...5.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0...0.0...1c.b6JeWhdtf0w

Take your pick!

 

[JB Lions]

Watching the speeches right now. Speaking of white, something somebody brought up last election. How the RNC was 93% white and watching it now, pretty much the same thing. Another problem to add on to the America is moving to middle, while the party is stuck on the right. How is the party going to get people more involved, when white people will be a minority in the country in a few decades?

Guy talking about Ron Paul and not counting delegates, whole delegations might walk out, talk of starting another party, which would impact the Republican Party etc. Not going to have numbers in the future to win anything again.

 

[GILSAN]

Watching the speeches right now. Speaking of white, something somebody brought up last election. How the RNC was 93% white and watching it now, pretty much the same thing. Another problem to add on to the America is moving to middle, while the party is stuck on the right. How is the party going to get people more involved, when white people will be a minority in the country in a few decades?

Guy talking about Ron Paul and not counting delegates, whole delegations might walk out, talk of starting another party, which would impact the Republican Party etc. Not going to have numbers in the future to win anything again.

I can only watch CNN and they are more preoccupied with the Isaac storm. What I heard CNN team say is how surprised they are that Ron Paul was being ignored. As if they didn't ignore him most of the time. I wish Ron Paul would have created a 3rd party a few years ago. It's probably too late now for him.

What can I say except plead to Ron Paul to emigrate to Portugal and come show our pathetic Politicians how its done. We won't ignore him.

Not counting Paul's delegates is one of the most pathetic things I've ever seen.

93% white you say. What do you expect when nearly 100% blacks will blindly vote for Obummer.

Just finished hearing a very nice rendition of "Amazing Grace" by I don't know who (one of the 4 guys had a long white beard)