The Note: McCain Plumbs for Message — But Can’t Fix All Leaks

I haven’t this much about plumbers in political discussion since Watergate. It might be apt since the policies of Bush and McCain have sent the economy down the toilet.

Joe the plumber, Bob the builder, Jill the nurse will end up paying more taxes whereas Obama the politician, Osama the killer, Ayers the “professor” and Hussein the terrorist will have a free reign over the country

McCain is too old and bitter; Palin is a rude idiot. Obama is this country’s only chance.

Joe the plumber isnt even registered to vote and it’s late to register there now.
Given that an his snark about Obama being like Sammy Davis Jr, I dont think he’s McCain’s best spokesman.
Bob the Builder would be ashamed.

The analysts are being extremely kind to McCain, who once again looked whiny, desperate, and un-presidential. Obama, on the other hand, gave the impression of being a strong, composed leader who is in touch with the American people.

No way McCain was good enough
through out all 3 debates.
It is so sad through the
whole campaign, watching McCain going from from the “Super Hero” to “Super
Zero”.

look at dailykos.com for what may be interesting data about Joseph Wurzelbacher and his potential Republican ties.
Not just an average Joe . .. .

Uhbama was lost withot his teleprompter.

But honestly the best and most truthful thing that I’ve heard about this election is this
“John McCain looks as if he’s about to drop dead any day. Do we really want watching Russia from Alaska {a island in the state she governs and she’s never been there}, abuse of power to fire whomever her husband is mad at, irresponsibility as a parent by not teaching her daughter to use birth control, making the little boy skip school only to work in an oil field, on and on and on. Who needs this dyfunction in Washington and what does it really say about John McCain & his lack of judgment. The only people who like Sarah Palin is the conservatives (and not even all of them like her) who are blind to the fact she knows nothing. Simply she knows nothing. Alaska actually should feel ashamed letting a woman like this run their state. Glad we have Tim Kaine working for VA!!
Posted by: VA is blue | Oct 16, 2008 8:57:58 AM

What I wanted McCain to ask Obama is simply this, who gave Joe the money? How did he get in a position to buy the business? Did the government give it to him? Of course the answer is NO. Part of the “American Dream” is working for it. A hand out does not spread the wealth from the upper to the lower classes, it spreads the despair from the bottom up. Barak’s tax cut idea is, in this case, just another term for welfare.
As for the comment above regarding McCains facial expressions, just a question, did you see Obama’s face, lauging at McCain’s comments, etc?

Coffee – bet Bob and find a plumber at 3:00 am.

I think McCain went back to Joe a couple times too many. First use was effective, despite McCain’s emotional tone. After that, it was an eye-roller.

McCain hurt himself badly last night, yet again. He just doesn’t come across as a guy who is in control of himself – well, that’s too harsh. A guy who is in control, but its a constant struggle for him to remain so.
But Morris on Fox had an interesting comment. While McCain lost the debate, he may have set himself up for a tightrope walk back into the race. The reason being that the debate may have framed the issue for the coming weeks – taxes.
In that sense, he may have lost the battle but gave himself at least a chance to still win the war.

What I wanted McCain to ask Obama is simply this, who gave Joe the money? How did he get in a position to buy the business? Did the government give it to him? Of course the answer is NO. Part of the “American Dream” is working for it. A hand out does not spread the wealth from the upper to the lower classes, it spreads the despair from the bottom up. Barak’s tax cut idea is, in this case, just another term for welfare.
As for the comment above regarding McCains facial expressions, just a question, did you see Obama’s face, lauging at McCain’s comments, etc?
Posted by: John | Oct 16, 2008 9:03:18 AM
*um yeah we did and thats what the American people like. Not to have a temper tan

Joe the plumber is out to lunch, a plant by the Republicans.
McCain has had his day in the sun.
The “Rocker chair” is waiting for McCain.

What’s with that slurping McCain constantly does?

Hey, if Joe the Plumber makes more than $250,000 per year, he SHOULD pay more taxes! I am sick of these corporate fat cats getting their Republiecan tax breaks year after year. Joe the Plumber, if you don’t like it: “tough sh**t”

McCain lost again. It was round number 15, and Obama was ahead on points. All he had to do was avoid a haymaker, which he did. Obama retains the belt.

The only way McCain could have won this debate in the media’s eyes…is if Obama walked off the stage crying.
And for those of you making fun of Joe the Plumber, you do not represent middle America with your hatred.

darryl – the one thing I know about corporate taxes is that profits are taxed, as opposed to total cash transactions.
In other words, the quarter million that Obama says he’d tax is Joe’s take home. It shouldn’t affect his ability to hire employees, because employees aren’t paid out of profits; they’re paid out of operating expenses.
Joe, of course, wants to keep as much of his take-home as he can. But to claim this kills his ability to grow the business doesn’t strike me as a credible claim.

Okay let’s get the facts out about ACORN for those idiots that can’t see this for what it really is.
This is not voter fraud as Limbaugh and Palin call it… no one voted yet! While I’ll agree they need to stop this fraudulent registration the fact is that ACORN pays people to get new registrations. Some of these people are ripping off ACORN and falsifying registrations so that they make more money. These bogus registrations will NEVER be votes because no one is going to show up to vote.
These ACORN employees are not trying to fix the election they are simply trying to stuff their own pockets with cash. The system is working and they are catching the bogus registrations… matter of fact ACORN is flagging most of these and sending them bundled together so that they can be scrutinized. ACORN has not choice but to send the registrations in because that is the law.
Bottom line the Republicans are blowing smoke once again telling half truths and lying to the American people to try and win an election. It worked in 2000 and 2004… it won’t work in 2008! We must get out the vote to win back America from these self serving lying Republicans!

As a republican McCain really is in deep trouble. Let me just say that we will loose. I for one will not support this ticket. Lat night he looked angey non-presidential and offer nothing new. Thats why he los the debate and thats why he will loose come this november. Obama looked calm and presidential. I turned away from McCain when I realize that Palin is just not qualify. Yes shes cute but hey so is my wife and I will not want my wife to run this nation. Sarah Palin is controvertial, abused her powers and is clueless about the real issues that we allfaced. To those will not vote for Obama for what ever reason, I urge you to hold your nose and make the right choice this time around and vote for the best team Obama/Biden. McCain looks and acts ill and the worse scenario will be if Sarah palin gets in, talk about a nightmare!!!! So lets get behind Obama, he is a decent guy and get this nation back on track. Obama is a very smart guy. Not erratic like McCain.

Mccain on the Aborition Issuse and the way he refereed to Womens Health with his fingers UNCOMPASIONATE, VILE CONDESENDING,ARROGNANT,HEARTLESS, Mccain do you know there are many woman out there that have to decide about their health and there unborn child, MCAIN YOU ARE VERY INSENSITVE WHEN IT COMES TO WOMEN,You know Republicans cry NO BIG GOVERMENT but then you turn around and want the Goverment to tell a woman what she should do with her body, or who a person should love and marry KEEP THE GOVERMENT OUT OF PEOPLES PERSONAL AFFAIRS!!!!!

I agree. Have have been a republican for over 40yrs and this will be the first time ever voting for a democratic ticket. Last night Obama acted conservative and McCain acted erratic. I have nothing nice to say about clueless Palin. I dont have any respect for someone who abused he power as a governor. Vote Obama/Biden for the sake of this Nation

Isn’t interesting that when the McCain supporters have nothing to offer on behalf of their candidate, they resort to bitter, nasty comments about Obama and his supoorters. Let go of the hatred and name calling. Make just one “credible” mature, clear thinking response, McCain supporters.

McCain stated that American corporations pay 35% in taxes.
That statement is NOT TRUE!
Whlie the tax code reflects a 35% rate, the ACTUAL amount paid by the Fortune 500 was LESS THAN 18%.
I pay more than that, and I’m only making $50k/year.
Why do Pubs have a problem with corporations paying their share of the burden in America?
Ronald Reagan RAISED corporate taxes. Is he not the quitessential Republican for you guys?
And screw Joe the, I’ll complain but I didn’t register to vote, plumber. Any plumber making over $250/k per year is not going to get sympathy from me. More power to him, but there are families in this nation that need tax relief just to pay their bills. Anyone making a quarter million per year is not suffering.
But when you have 7 houses and 13 cars, I can see where you would be out of touch with 90% of America.

Obama = calm, well reasoned, thoughtful
McCain = hot tempered, impulsive, reactionary
Who do you want to have the “football” with the missle launch codes?

McCain clearly won THIS debate. Obama didnt bring his A game and it showed.
Middle America can see through Obamas falsehoods and on election day, McCain will prevail.
Don’t be misguided by the liberal media’s attemp to inflate the Poll numbers. They have never meant anything, other than to sway undecided voters.
Obama was flat last night. He is not ready to lead our Contry anywhere.
Posted by: darryl from indy | Oct 16, 2008 9:11:05 AM
** and McCain lost the first two. Must mean he’s not ready either~> plus America says Obama won. I thought because McCain was so experienced that he would have better debates than he did but it just shows that what McCain is talking about is things no one is concerned about. We care about the things Obama says and McCain won’t win only appealing to the Conservative base. 40% won’t win an election. he needs to start thinking of pleasing the Republican party and start talking to the people who are really listening. Why can’t he say the words MIDDLE CLASS?? He refuses to tell the American people his plan for the middle class– probably because he doesn’t have one and he doesn’t care.

In the past 8 years, the wealthiest 5% of Americans have DOUBLED their holdings.
The middle class has seen stagnant growth at best. Actually a reduction if we factor in cost of living increases.
THAT’S wealth redistribution!
Only, under Republican guidance, the wealth is redistributed FROM the middle class TO the already wealthy. The wealthy get to coast on the backs of the middle class American.
If letting the mega-rich keep more money stimulates the economy and creates jobs, why is unemployment increasing, wages are decreasing, and our entire economy is tanked across the board?
Supply side economics is a failure. There is NO WAY to say otherwise. Not by ANY metric used. It FAILED!
I prefer a leader who is trying to help 85%+ of the American population over the guy whose main concern seems to be a plumber who makes over $250,000/year.
Say hello to PRESIDENT OBAMA!

So we are suppose to feel sorry for Joe the plumber making over $250,000? Give me a freak’n break!

Angie, where is your compassion and sensitivity for the unborn child. Do you have any idea how brutal and torturous an abortion is for the baby in the womb. They are either dismembered or scaled to death by a saline solution that turns their skin black. They are not just a piece of unfeeling tissue. Look up the developmental stages of the baby’s growth.Plus it comes out a bloody mess. It is a gruesome act. You have no idea how bad it is and most often extremely painful for the poor child. The little heart is beating by 12 weeks. The fetus has little feet and tiny hands and fingers. if you have the courage to look at the tiny mutilated dead bodies, then just google ‘abortion pictures’. McCain’s compassion is where it should be… on the side of the unprotected unborn infant. Women are not helpless creatures, but unborn children are. They cannot protect themselves. Women I know who have had abortions do it because they don’t want to be inconvenienced. It is a truly selfish act.

If Mccain puts a Freeze on spending wont more people loose their Jobs like state workers arent there Jobs like the Infrastracture, Funded by the goverment?someone please correct if I am wrong. now Obama wants to go down the list of Federal spending and see whats not working, and where we are wasting, And where were not. can someone please explain the differences? And does anyone really think Mccain can balance the Budget in 4 years with this amazing Debt?

I am a small business owner and consider Joe six-pack, the plumber, is wide eyed and badly fooled about the profits he thinks he is going to make. If he can afford to finance a business, pay workers, and all the other expenses involved in operating what he calls a small business and still make a quarter of a million dollars net profit, and remember the tax will be on the net not the gross, I can’t see where he has any complaints about paying a small increase in taxes. Again, this is an indication of how out of touch McCain really is. How many of you small business owners make a quarter of a million dollars a year net? If I could achieve such profits I would gladly pay more taxes. When a person owns seven homes, 13 cars, wear $520.00 pair of shoes and his wife wears $13,000.00 outfits and has over one hundred million stuffed away, I don’t think he know what the middle class goes through. If McCain lived the life of the middle class he would quickly see the trickle down theory that he adamantly supports doesn’t work for us. Joe, based on my income, if you are going to make that much profit I certainly can’t afford you as my plumber.

Fran I agree and I disagree, BUT IT IS NOONES BUSINESS WHAT SOMEONE DOES IN THEIR PRIVATE LIFE,Fran what about all the living breathing babies and small children that have Died in Iraq? Not to mention the Pregnant women? Mccain is not Compassionate about that! Its ok to kill those Innocent children with BOMBS!Not to mention some Iraqi children are living with no arms or legs or half their faces burned from the bombs NO DIFFERENCE JUST WORST THOSE CHILDREN ARE LIVING LIFE BREATHING!

mccain had too many wild moments last night. his disdain for the “health of the mother” may stoke the anti-choice crowd, but it repelled the other 2/3rds of america. his joe the plumber comment was almost cute, the first time. by the 3rd or 4th mention, not so much.
or how about mentioning ayers immediately after obama’s call for civility? or mccain’s absurd charges of supporting infanticide?
i’ve never seen a candidate quite so desperate in a debate. almost felt sorry for him for a few seconds there.
obama/biden 2008

Maybe Joe the plumber knows some kind of secret plumbing trick that allows him to make so much profit, mind you, not sales. If so, by hiring more guys, he would stand to make even more, assuming they actually work.
I guess he fooled McCain (no businessman himself) into thinking that any increase to the payroll would come right out of his profit.
By running with that line, McCain has revealed how he really thinks of the Joe Sixpacks doing the hard work out there – they just cost money, profits.
But when greedy Joe the Plumbers whine, that gets his attention.

darryl…what does Clintons bad choices have to do with Obamna?
At least we had a balanced budget and times were good.

darrly…Obama was and still is against the war in Iraq.
What is your point?

To “Slick Barry”
You wrote: “Unfortunately for Obama, those are the FACTS, both about Ayers and ACORN”.
WHO CARES? – People DO NOT CARE! Get it through your thick head – The focus is on the E.C.O.N.O.M.Y – Idiot!!

Obama’s tax plan-which is basically wealth distribution will give tax breaks to those that don’t need it. I work my butt off every day, commute 2 hours each way to make a good living, that I planned for by going to college and grad school and reaching for the American Dream, and all of a sudden it’s a bad thing to make money? in the same breath. I have a cousin age 42 has 7 kids by 6 different baby daddies, collects Food Stamp, Welfare and Section 8, paying $143 .00 for a house in an upscale Northern VA neighborhood that I can’t even afford, her strategy every year for the past 10 years has been work for about 4 months out of the year make the minimum amount of money needed to file taxes. and then get a huge refund. Last year she made about $5500 , paid about $700 in taxes and received a refund of $4350(not including the stimulus package, which was $600 for each person), these are the people that will gain from Obama’s tax plan, so I guess the lesson to my children should be don’t go to school, get your higher education, and have a good career which earns you good pay because they will consider you elite, rich and whatever else and tax you to death, just go ahead and have a couple of babies and live off the the government you’ll be alright!! . Ridiculous on so many different levels.

And McCain is against abortions. What is your point?

you people are not getting the point, whether Joe the plumber makes $250,000 or not, the goal is to grow your business and to possibly make that kind of money, not just plumbing but many other industries. I know people that deal in HVAC that can make $10,000 in one day if they need to replace a system, but they also have to buy supplies and pay helpers, etc. It’s not whether the plumber makes $250,000, it’s the American Dream that he could.

“Joe the Plumber” goes down in history as the small town “bitter” American who unmasked Socialist Obama. My advice don’t go anywhere near Grant Park on election night. Who knows what will happen when Obama loses.

Karen…I guess you have never lived on food stamps and welfare. It isn;t fun, let me tell you.
I blieve welfare needs to be reformed but saying Obama is going to take from you, th college grad and give to the poor is WRONG and plus that it is selfish.
You, yourself, should be helping the poor. Kids that grow up in poerty have less opportunities and are at risk of dropping out of school. We do not need more bums.
This is called being accountabel for others in need. You don’t sound like you know anything about that. I am a gramma raising a grandchild, I work full time and go to college at night. If I get a great job, I expect to pay my fair share of taxes. Don’t you?

Angie, excuse me. Yes I do net that!! I have three jobs. I am a Benefits Manager by day and an Adjunct Professor, as well as a Consultant. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I am not whining. I am stating the obvious.

Bob Schieffer’s question on judicial appointments produced honest answers from both John McCain and Barack Obama. McCain believes in judges applying the law, while Obama believes in judges creating the law.
McCain gave a clear answer in favor of strict constructionism:
They should be judged on their qualifications. And so that’s what I will do. I will find the best people in the world — in the United States of America who have a history of strict adherence to the Constitution. And not legislating from the bench.
Obama, on the other hand, endorsed judicial activism:
I think that it’s important for judges to understand that if a woman is out there trying to raise a family, trying to support her family, and is being treated unfairly, then the court has to stand up, if nobody else will. And that’s the kind of judge that I want.
Except, of course, THAT’S NOT THEIR JOB. Judges have the task of applying the law as promulgated by coordination between the elective branches of government, the legislature and the executive. That responsibility does not rest with the one branch of government that is UNACCOUNTABLE to the voters. That design intends to keep the US from being ruled by lifetime-tenured star chambers with no recourse left available to the electorate.

Angie- It’s called multi-tasking honey

Kim, explain to me exactly how Obama’s plan to raise taxes on people making more than a quarter million will prevent Joe from growing his business.
I see the exact opposite. Joe will have an incentive to decrease his take-home from over a quarter million to under a quarter million, and every small business owner knows you can do that by increasing your expenses.
In other words, if Joe hires enough people or buys enough new plumbing vans, his take home will drop into the lower tax bracket, right?

unbelievable, so now because an American Citizen (Joe) ask a simple question and question the Messiah Obama, his militia is out digging up dirt on this man because he does not agree with him, so far according to the Lemmings, he is not registered to vote and he is somehow associated with Keating, what next? Is this what we will have to live through for 4-8 years with an Obama Presidency? if you don’t agree with him you are A. Racist or they will dig into your personal information and try to use it against y ou to shut you up? This is what the American people are setting themselves up for unbelievable.

Ok, I am a 36 year female average american. I voted Bush twice. At the beginning of this “run for president” I knew that I was really going to have to pay attention. Things have gone wrong over the past 8 years and I needed to hear what McCain would do different. After seeing him in action I was even more unsure. I mean the guy is 72(I’m pretty sure that is right) he has to make it 4 years. He seems to lose it when confronted or frustrated. Then he goes and chooses Palin for running mate, is he even in his right mind now??My friends and I tease over choosing the least evil, but after last nights debate, I have to say my support is for Obama, no I don’t agree with everything he plans to do, but I agree with more issues than not. McCain he looked made up, scripted, just like Palin does, and their “cutesy” comments they use to relate to average American, well it all looks so fake. I had my 12 year old son watch the debate for a little while and then I asked him who looked more trust worthy and would serve as president. His answer..Obama, he said McCain looked “freaky” and scared. Ummm..that’s coming from a 12 year old boy. And what was that all about Autism, I thought it was Down Syndrome, and wouldn’t that be a special interest just because of Palin? What about all the kids with diabetes, cancer, why would Autism be so special?? My son has ADD, at this point I think Obama has more to offer that would help him and many of the other kids out there. I think Autism, although sad, is something minor compared to what else plagues children. Abortion issue, this is America and there should be a choice. If you are against it, then don’t do it, but at least you had a choice. With a choice now, how many times do we hear about a newborn abandoned to die in a dumpster, side of the road, school bathrooms, without abortion how many more of those horrific stories would we hear about. Sure the mother would face charges, but that would all cost money. Republican or not I have always been Pro-Choice. Joe the plumber, I think his a joke too. A plant from the McCain campaign. McCain spent too much time on him otherwise.

WHAT A SHOCKER!
In the final debate of October 15, 2008, Barack Hussein Obama talked more like Republicans George Bush and Herbert Hoover. Barack Hussein Obama related to growing the federal government, raising taxes and trade restrictions. Barack Hussein Obama says he is not repeating the last eight years of the Bush administration, but talks like President Bush. If Barack Hussein Obama becomes president, he says he will repeat the acts of Herbert Hoover (raising taxes and trade restrictions) that led America into the Great Depression. This is Barack Hussein Obama’s agenda.
John McCain and Sarah Palin have a much better understanding of how America can survive the financial crisis. John McCain and Sarah Palin do not talk like a George Bush and a Herbert Hoover.
You had better do some real thinking before you pull that lever.
WE HAVE EVERY WORD IN COMPUTER MEMORY

Charlotte: McCain’s issue on abortion is right. He is pro-life and that’s the way everyone in this country should be. If you have children and you don’t like his pro-life views then why didn’t you get an abortion. Obama is the worst candidate this country ever had running for the presidency. He has close ties to a terrorist and a crook that may be going to jail shortly. Obama was an attorney for Rezko and knows all about his deals. But after Rezko was indicted Obama turned his cheek the other way. Rezko paid for half of that house Obama owns and the lot. Is that what friends are all about. Obama is a crook himself.

McCain’s use of sarcasm is really toxic. He poisons relationships and conversation. Is this how he will approach world leaders? …………
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/10/16/note-to-mccain-sarcasm-is-toxic/

Business, small or big, does not need interference from the Barrack Obama’s tax program. Properly run business do not need incentives, business needs government to keep out of the way. Barack Obama is not a business man and knows nothing of financing a business. He sits there and says what he wants to do with business taxes he collects. Government is has and always be the worse run operation in the world. Government throws billions of dollars after their failings to try to correct a problem they created. The financial crisis proves my point.
Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton wanted every American to own a property whether they could afford it or not. If the banks did not give a person a loan with bad credit and no way to repay the debt, then the bank could face a law suit. Now we have to pay for two idiot presidents’ stupid regulations. Hillary Clinton has the audacity to state; President Bush made the financial mess. Her husband was too busy getting BJ’s to notice the financial mess he was creating.
Barack Obama wants to grow government bigger than it is. It is time to shrink government to a size where everyone can see what the hell is going on with our tax dollars.
Keep Out Of My Pocket!

We have expert financial advisers and some brokers that have joined with us and they say, “SHRINK GOVERNMENT“.
Barack Obama wants to grow government bigger than it is. It is time to shrink government to a size where everyone can see what the hell is going on with our tax dollars.
Keep Out Of My Pocket!

Mariann Pepitone: “Paul – Are you smoking Obama’s pot that he has leftover? Obama wants to raise taxes on people making $250,000 which includes small businesses. McCain will not raise the taxes.”
I’m not sure you understand what’s being said in this conversation.
Its because Obama wants to raise taxes on those making more than $250,000 that highly succesful small business owners who could take home that kind of profit will have an incentive to keep more money in their businesses.
Its McCain’s approach that gives an incentive to these folks to take money out of the business for their personal use.

independent voters: “No one has the right to that which is mine, not the government and not you. As the plumber said, there is no reason for you to take that for which I work.”
So you’re saying you are philosophically opposed to all taxation?

Paul:
It is you that do not understand that we do not need Barack Obama’s tax incentives. We need Barack Obama to get the hell out of our business. SHRINK GOVERNMENT
Keep Out Of My Pocket!

Paul:
We want government to SHRINK. Barack Obama wants to grow government. Government wastes are no longer acceptable by a vast majority in the older taxpayers groups. Soon the young will come to realize that people do not need BIG government. People need a government that operates in an efficient way.
Taxes are needed, but the spending must be better controlled.
Keep Out Of My Pocket!

ll
If your husbands likes the thought of a Great Depression, then by all means vote for Barack Obama. Taxes are man’s worse enemy because government finds so many ways to expand in its own failures and waste a taxpayer’s hard-earned money. Barack Obama wants to expand government
Keep Out Of My Pocket!

We have many Catholics that do not support abortion. It is NOT a question of gay rights or racism. It is the question of Presidential Candidate Barack Hussein Obama supporting abortion. A fetus has the right of life. If you cannot support the right to life, then it is impossible to support any other rights of life. A Catholic whether liberal lay or conservative must come to realize that supporting the right to life is a sacrament of life.
Moreover, liberal lay Catholics must realize that they are not supporting the poor and other races by agreeing to consent to abortion. Abortionists are supporting the control of the poor and the races by allowing abortion. It is necessary to see into the future and come to realize the control of certain peoples because of race and lack of wealth. Abortionists support control of the population and the destruction of a life whether the life be gay, poor, or of a selected race.
Keep Out Of My Pocket!

What’s going on here? I’ve heard 3 separate and conflicting things about Joe the plumber, some from Joe himself.
Is Joe’s personal income $250,000 per year?
Are Joe’s business revenues $250,000 per year?
Is Joe trying to buy a business for $250-270,000?
Joe, please get your story straight.

Aw, Mariann why the insults and I’ve only made 1 post and you got a laugh at of it. Now that is strange. So since you pretend to know everything you still didn’t tell me how you are an expert in finance. Oh and I guess more than half the country needs to go back to college then, right. Do you know how stupid that sounds.

Independent Voters: “We have many Catholics that do not support abortion.”
As a Catholic, I’d say that all Catholics do not support abortion.
But… and I had this argument with my pastor… but the pro-life movement is directed toward one thing. That one thing is legally prohibiting abortion by 1) overturning Roe, and 2) then working at the state political level to ban abortions there.
My problem with this is that its a prohibition we tried before – we know its not going to work.
It will only set-up a black market for abortions in states that do ban it, and/or set up a situation in which people who want an abortion drive to the nearest state that allows them.
It doesn’t make pragmatic sense.
People in the pro-life movement will say pragmatism doesn’t apply because we’re talking about morals, etc.
But we’re also talking about how the government governs in connection to those morals, which I’d argue does require pragmatism.
What really irritated my pastor was when I asked him what else can be done to prevent abortions besides getting involved in a debate over legislation?
He had no answer.

Gil Gamesh: Joe the plumber wants to buy his own business that will make $250,000 per year. Are you hard of hearing or didn’t you understand what he said. He doesn’t make $250,000 but wants to. If he makes that much income he will pay much higher taxes according to Obama because Obama wants to raise the tax on that amount. His plan could cause a depression in this country and we can’t afford that.

Mariann Pepitone – such bluster. Obama increasing taxes on those who make $250k will cause a depression?
You do realize that someone making $250,001 will only pay the higher tax rate on the $1, right?
Besides, Obama’s approach provides an incentive for small business owners – the few who could take home profits like that – to invest in their own businesses, thus decreasing their taxable profits.

Paul:
You are wrong in that liberal lay Catholics do not object to abortion.
Moreover, I never made anyone pregnant unless I wanted it to happen. People need education about life and how to be more than a dog. If a woman prefers back ally abortion, so be it.
If Bach, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, or Einstein would have been aborted, the world would have missed their greatness. Moreover, who to say that the next aborted child would have not been the child that discovered many cures for disease or find a new energy.

From The National Coalition on Health Care:
Healthcare spending is 4.3 times the amount spent on national defense. Total spending was $2.3 TRILLION in 2007. There is a healthcare spending projecting of $4.2 trillion by 2016. Retiring elderly couples will need $200,000 in savings just to pay for the most basic medical coverage. Many experts believe that this figure is conservative and that $300,000 may be a more realistic number. This cost just reflects a growing elderly segment of the population.
From Independent Voters:
The national healthcare program proposed by Barack Obama has inaccuracy in the numbers. We can predict that the national healthcare program will need government funding in huge dollar amounts because there is no control over the true rising costs of doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.
No one will dictate to the pharmaceutical companies about price because their research costs are astronomical. The American Medical Association will not bow to bullying by any government agency. The hospitals will reduce beds to cover the need to reduce costs of administration. Many hospitals have failed and many are still failing because of costs due to government regulations.
Barack Obama’s national healthcare program is more of a fantasy than a reality. The insurance industry has many failings during this financial crisis and any attempt to reduce premium costs will create a need for subsidies from the federal government. Moreover, the national healthcare program will eventually become mandatory for everyone.
Keep Out Of My Pocket!

Independent: “John McCain and Sarah Palin have a much better understanding of how America can survive the financial crisis.”
Just don’t agree with that one, and it seems neither do a lot of people.

Independent: “You are not Catholic and you cannot understand the difference in Catholic beliefs and the splits that have taken place.”
Hate to disappoint you, but I absolutely am Catholic. Go to Mass every Sunday and everything (though I have a bad habit of missing holy days of obligation, and yes, I go to confession when I do). My son is even an altar boy – er, server, as they’re called now.
Independent: “In reality, John McCain had to go along with the bailout because people would have said, ‘John McCain does not care’.”
Wait a minute. You’re acknowledging McCain takes positions for political expediency? What happened to all the country first stuff?
Independent: “should Barack Obama win the presidential election, he will have to tell you Democrats…”
Sorry to disappoint you again, but I’m not and have never been a Democrat.

Paul:
There is a time for gathering what you can to try to win the battle. John McCain is military trained and he knows when to regroup. (I am also military trained at Fort Benning, GA., Harmony Church.) John McCain knows the direction to take the country. We Independent Voters have a strong belief in John McCain. Barack Obama hides too much of his true self and we now distrust him until he confesses openly about himself.
I am Roman Catholic and go to mass every Sunday with my family and some of our Independent Voters. I do not believe in abortion and none of the Independent Voters I know believe in abortion. However, that is not to say that no Catholics have abortion. I know of two Catholic women having abortions.
The every-four-year national skirmish among Catholics over abortion politics is as predictable as a politician’s smile. But this year a few “game changers,” in the phrase of the season, have altered the conversation within the Catholic community and for the wider culture.
For the first time since the abortion issue began to dominate the Catholic political discussion 35 years ago, groups have organized and high-profile Catholics have gone public to insist that Catholic teaching does not prohibit a vote for a pro-choice politician.
Keep Out Of My Pocket!

Everyone is on the truth,this was only a debate, what about body language that goes with it? McCain was rather “uptight”, Obama was “relaxed”. When in the white house which man is going to think it through rationally, or go off half cocked? Face to face with another person that the other “dis-likes, disagrees with”, what will happen?

After last nights pathetic attempt to regain lost ground, Grandpa McCain once again proved he’s a mean tempered, spiteful old man, who has no business running for President.
Effectively he has lost this election, he has no chance of winning, and thank God!
for that.
Like Obama keeps saying ” Yes we can ”
and it looks like yes we will!

Why I am voting Democrat!
I’m voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending MY MONEY than I would. I think when you spread the wealth around it is good for everybody! It’s Patriotic!
I’m voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. All profits are evil and should be confiscated for Government Redistribution.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe that MORE Government regulations and higher taxes on Business will stop Business from exporting their jobs to Countries with LESS Government regulations and lower taxes.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe terrorists should be allowed to have trials in American courts. And be able to subpoena top secret documents, soldiers, government officials, etc. to cross examine for their defense. They should have ACLU lawyers who can help intimidate Americans who serve on the juries!
I’m voting Democrat because I believe in a FREE government health care system. I believe doctors, nurses, hospitals, drug companies, etc. will gladly donate their time, products, services, facilities, etc. for FREE and that will be a better system.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe in and support trial lawyers, frivolous lawsuits and outrageous jury verdicts.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe 9/11 was an inside job to con the American people to go to war for oil.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe social security is solvent and that there is a social security lock box and I don’t believe social security is a Ponzi scheme.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe Gay Marriage should be the law of the land and will probably produce better children.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe English should not be the official language of the United States. I don’t mind pushing one for English when I use the phone.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe partial birth abortion is okay but water boarding a terrorist is disgusting.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe having a domestic terrorist like Bill Ayers as a close friend is a good thing. It allows for great relations with foreign terrorists.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe MOST AMERICANS are bitter and cling to their guns and religion. Let’s rid our country of guns and religion!
I’m voting Democrat because I believe illegal aliens deserve all the rights of ordinary Americans plus some additional rights Americans do not have.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe groups like ACORN who register felons, drug addicts, wino’s, homeless drifters, illegal aliens, dead people, children, fictional Disney characters, etc. makes my vote count more.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe celebrating the winter solstice shows compassion for the small minority of people that do not celebrate Christmas.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe hard core criminal murders and rapists deserve life and that the innocent unborn deserve death. It’s a choice I can live with.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe Bush caused Hurricane Katrina and he blew-up the levies in the ninth ward of New Orleans.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe our soldiers are AIR RAIDING villages and killing innocent people.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe sex in the Oval Office with an intern is a private matter and that everybody lies under oath about sex.
I’m votin Demokrat becuse I wus edumkated at a publick sckrool. I lik da NEA!
I’m voting Democrat because I believe that any one who is not partaking in one of the many wonderful government programs obviously has too much money and should pay higher taxes.
I’m voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq the terrorists will be happy and now think of us as good people.
I’m voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as it does not offend people. Can’t we all just get along?
I’m voting Democrat because I believe oil companies’ profits are wrong. I believe higher taxes on oil companies will produce lower prices at the pump.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe we need to rid ourselves of dependency on foreign oil, BUT I AM AGAINST offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, drilling in Anwar, building nuclear power plants and clean coal technology.
And finally, I’m voting Democrat because I believe Reverend Wright when he said “GODDAMN AMERICA” and “OUR CHICKENS ARE COMING HOME TO ROOST”. Hey let’s make a comfortable nest for those chickens!
Why are you voting Democrat?