To the editor:
On Thursday night I had the pleasure of going to the Dole Institute of Politics to watch the 2nd District congressional debate between incumbent Republican Lynn Jenkins and Democratic challenger Tobias Schlingensiepen. As a truly undecided voter, it is wonderful community opportunities like this allow citizens like me to formulate their opinions in an educated, informed manner.
After having read in the Journal-World that a similar debate in Topeka saw a turnout of only 50, I was thrilled to see our community value the democratic process by showing up in far greater numbers. Unfortunately, on this particular evening, my experience was diminished by several of those who chose to attend. Sitting in front of my husband and me were three very vocal Schlingensiepen supporters who insisted upon making loud grumblings and distracting motions toward the stage every time Jenkins spoke. At one point, they even found it appropriate to yell out “liar” as she made her closing remarks.
As an undecided voter, the actions of this group may help persuade me in my decision, but probably not in the way those three disrespectful citizens hoped. While in the past I have traditionally been a supporter of the Democratic Party, if this is the way Schlingensiepen supporters go about conducting their affairs, I would be ashamed and embarrassed to count myself as one of them. In the democratic process, manners and respect ought to be bipartisan values.
Comments
Armstrong 8 months, 1 week ago
Sadly that type of behavior does not come as a shock from Larryvillagers. No doubt those individuals were patting one another on the back for " fighting for the cause ." Little fish in a little pond.
dowser 8 months, 1 week ago
Name calling is also rude behavior as it is exhibited by many of our more conservative contributors.
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
And n ot by the liberal side??
tanzer 8 months, 1 week ago
The example was already provided.
LesBlevins 8 months, 1 week ago
Heckling a speaker at events such as this is rude behavior but I noticed the writer does not say there wasn't similar heckling when the other candidate spoke.
Renaissance 8 months, 1 week ago
As a spectator at this event, I can confirm that there were no Tobias hecklers present. The 3 Jenkins hecklers were very much present and from what I could gather, annoyed the heck out of everyone around them
merrill 8 months, 1 week ago
More important than a few rowdies in the crowd are jobs,economics and public education funding.
The repub party declared the day Obama was elected their primary function would be to make Obama a one term president.
Consequently their millions of NO votes became the disastrous campaign against women,The USA and jobs for Americans. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jun/09/did-republicans-deliberately-crash-us-economy
BRING ON EMPLOYMENT = THE GREATEST REPUBLICAN FEAR ON EARTH!!!
Repubs fear a dramatically improved quality of life for all WOULD keep them out of control for decades….. we would hope.
Keep in mind a prospering america can overcome repub fear mongering... it must.
What is the repub party afraid? Why do they ALWAYS say no?
What do Repubs fear?
--- Fear a dramatically improved quality of life for all americans
--- Fear Jobs Jobs Jobs for americans
--- Fear New USA industry thus new wealth for america
--- Fear new cleaner energy sources because it would create so many new jobs and reduce rates across the board
--- Fear Medicare Single Payer Insurance for = huge tax dollar savings to government,public schools,small business and all of us in general. Single Payer Medicare is the answer. -http://www.healthcare-now.org/ -http://www.pnhp.org
--- Fear Clean Collar Industries which produce jobs that cannot be outsourced
--- Fear educated Americans because WE ask questions
--- Fear losing of tax incentives/tax breaks for the wealthy that actually create tax increases for entire spectrum of the middle class
bornon7 8 months, 1 week ago
Just because you changed your name doesn't mean we don't know who you are.
merrill 8 months, 1 week ago
Neither WOMEN nor Republicans nor Democrats nor the Upper Middle Class/Middle class can afford the Republican/RINO Party!
Do women need more republican big government in there lives? It is on the way! http://www.kansascity.com/2012/10/05/3849961/joel-brinkley-gop-would-impose.html
Public Education is a strong player in new Economic Growth yet republicans starve the system of funding which starves our teachers of resources. Which starves the desired level of education = stealing from our children’s future.
Trying to kill an educational institution such as Sesame Street and PBS is reckless and Irresponsible. Republicans are out of touch going on 32 years.
Is the market value of your home worth less than your mortgage? How much market value have home owners lost since 2007? Trillions of $$$$.
Let's talk about republican entitlements that have literally destroyed jobs,economies and retirement plans. And made owning a home a risky investment - now that is remarkable.
DC republicans have been successful at wrecking our economy big time twice in the past thirty years. Because of the pattern I am convinced it is their economic policy established under the direction of Reagan/Bush.
Bush/Cheney accomplished a remarkable achievement by destroying the world economy which of course makes it difficult for the USA to bounce back quickly. The question becomes how in the world did they sucker financial institutions worldwide into buying bundles upon bundles upon bundles of bad USA home loans worth trillions of dollars in bad debt?
What an incredible and criminally insane economic policy? I don't believe the entire world can afford the economically reckless republican party that was born in 1980.
merrill 8 months, 1 week ago
Let's talk about republican entitlements that literally destroyed jobs,economies,retirement plans. And made owning a home a risky investment - now that is remarkable.
--- This ENTITLEMENT - Bailing out The Reagan/Bush Savings and Loan Heist aka home loan scandal sent the economy out the window costing taxpayers many many $$ trillions (Cost taxpayers $1.4 trillion), Plus millions of jobs, loss of retirement plans and loss of medical insurance. http://rationalrevolution0.tripod.com/war/bush_family_and_the_s.htm
--- This ENTITLEMENT Bailing out the Bush/Cheney Home Loan Wall Street Bank Fraud cost consumers $ trillions, millions of jobs, loss of retirement plans and loss of medical insurance. Exactly like the Reagan/Bush home loan scam. Déjà vu can we say. Yep seems to be a pattern. http://www.dollarsandsense.org/archives/2009/0709macewan.html
--- This ENTITLEMENT - Bush/Cheney implied many financial institutions were at risk instead of only 3? One of the biggest lies perpetrated to American citizens. Where did this money go? Why were some banks forced to take bail out money? http://www.democracynow.org/2009/9/10/good_billions_after_bad_one_year
Is the market value of your home worth less than your mortgage? How much market value have home owners lost since 2007?
The fewer republicans the more our properties will become worth and the more likely USA jobs will be reinvigorated.
markoo 8 months, 1 week ago
Indeed, it's only the the silly libruls that have cornered disrespect in our political spectrum.
Because nothing speaks of the highest form of respect than labeling our President as unAmerican, a foreigner, challenging his birth certificate and citizizenship, and categorizing him as The Other in the last 4 years.
johnwoods 8 months, 1 week ago
Anyone that states that it is only liberals that act disrespectful are not being honest.
parrothead8 8 months, 1 week ago
So we've got liars on the right and disrespectful malfeasants on the left. What are we to do?
DougCounty 8 months, 1 week ago
Heckling is not an attribute that is exclusive to "liberals," "radicals," or the "left." I remember the debates from the Hutch State Fair where Roberts supporters could not have been more obnoxious if they had tried.
I think that this type of behavior is unacceptable from any political corner, and any debate should be preceded by an announcement that the expectation for the debate is that the demeanor of the audience will be civil and respectful of all views of the candidates and that individuals not respecting the rest of the audience/candidates will be warned once, then asked to leave.
Then the moderator should back up their words with actions, if necessary. There is no protection of disruptive behavior in the First Amendment.
Liberty275 8 months, 1 week ago
A few parts of the left are hateful and rude. You don't find their equal on the right until you get to supremacist whackos and schizophrenics that think god talks to them. Being inconsiderate doesn't have a party line, but it seems the Ds are always a little more desperate and therefore given to more bad behavior.
DougCounty 8 months, 1 week ago
Oh, come on. Don't make this a domain exclusive to the left--it's simply not true. Personally, I see much of this behavior as an acceptable style in any high school event that I've seen of late. For example, at both of the local talent showcases Showtime and Encore, when a student comes on to get ready to perform, their fellow students and even parents will yell their name, scream and be so obnoxious that it greatly demeans the overall event for me. Since it is a musical venue, there is not much to be done about the obnoxious behavior (although it would be great if someone set higher standards), but in a political venue, such behavior should not be tolerated--from either side, and make no doubt that it's come from both sides before.
Renaissance 8 months, 1 week ago
Funny you mention high school examples, as there were approximately 15 Lawrence High students at this debate, every one acting in a polite, appropriate manner. The three hecklers identified by the writer, when confronted by me after the debate about their rude behavior identified themselves as 70 year olds who had "earned the right to be rude"
DougCounty 8 months, 1 week ago
That's great! I know young folks can behave appropriately, and it's good to hear that they were in this venue.
Liberty275 8 months, 1 week ago
"Don't make this a domain exclusive to the left"
I didn't.
notaubermime 8 months, 1 week ago
"You lie!"
lawfam5 8 months, 1 week ago
And the majority of those who posted here say it's only liberal Democrats who are rude? If I'm not mistaken, your posted quote was directed to our president at the State of the Union address! Obama 2012!!!!
Liberty275 8 months, 1 week ago
How did you like that?
snap_pop_no_crackle 8 months, 1 week ago
Excessive copy/pasting is a form of heckler's veto on this award-winning website. People get tired of scrolling past drivel they've seen hundreds of times and don't read the later posts on a thread. http://www.rbs2.com/heckler.htm
bad_dog 8 months, 1 week ago
Look in the mirror. I'm betting you have a pretty high "scroll by" ratio too. It is however nice to see the concern for your fellow readers having to scroll, scroll, scroll all the time.
justfornow 8 months, 1 week ago
Heathens, the lot of them!!!
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
Are you conducting your own little JW Forum Inquisition?
Katara 8 months, 1 week ago
No one expects the JW Forum Inquisition!
jafs 8 months, 1 week ago
So, there were lots of people there, and 3 of them were obnoxious, and happened to be supporters of the D candidate.
Making one's decision about who to vote for on that basis seems rather odd to me.
There are a lot of rude obnoxious people in this country, on all sides of the political spectrum.
Wouldn't it be better to make these sorts of decisions based on policy and substantive differences between the candidates?
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
Those were my thoughts as I read this letter.
I suspect that the letter writer is not an undecided voter at all, but rather a Jenkins supporter attempting smear Schlingensiepen with the behavior of a handful of audience members. And I can guarantee that they weren't their under instructions from him to cause any sort of disruption.
markoo 8 months, 1 week ago
+1
Exactly. This reaks of something strange if the author of this op-ed is going to make her decision based on 3 hecklers and believes that somehow represents the actions, rhetoric, or character of the candidate and Democratic party.
If that is indeed what the author believes, she is extremely close-minded to begin with.
Furthermore, who the hell are these "truly undecided" voters? Who in the hell could you possibly be undecided at this point in time unless you either lived in a cave or refused to read a newspaper, internet, or watch TV? With the exception of Romney pandering to the middle in the last debate, the differences between both parties even down the ticket (and especially between the GOP incumbent and Dem. candidate) could not be more evident.
I find those who call themselves "undecided" this late in the game horribly ignorant while they attempt to portray themselves as an informed listener who pretend they are hearing both sides before they decide on their vote. I have more respect for those who are hardcore extremists whom I strongly disagree with than these ignoramus "undecideds".
fiddleback 8 months, 1 week ago
Lol. She might as well have finished her letter with, "By the way, what's a CPA?"
Saturday Night Live _ Undecided Voter by hulu
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
Funny clip, but I hope JW figures out how to load in youtube videos without having them play automatically upon the opening of the thread.
DoubtingThomas 8 months, 1 week ago
I agree! That is annoying.
acornwebworks 8 months, 1 week ago
I'm sorry, edge. But, when someone writes a letter to the editor and says..."As an undecided voter, the actions of this group may help persuade me in my decision, but probably not in the way those three disrespectful citizens hoped"...then the letter writer should expect people to respond to that particular statement.
You know...that you should expect that people would respond to your "the actions of this group may help persuade me in my decision..." comment?
Like it or not, edge, but your comment literally BEGS for people to question your thinking.
I mean, do you seriously not understand that you literally were telling the rest of us in your letter to the editor that the poor behavior of 3 audience members might actually have an effect on your vote?? That their behavior actually could outweigh the candidates' positions??
Maybe that's not what you meant. But it certainly is what you wrote. And it had nothing whatsoever to do with "extremists"...or with the candidates...just with three rude people.
Katara 8 months, 1 week ago
Why didn't you ask those folks to be quieter because you couldn't hear?
markoo 8 months, 1 week ago
"I've heard PLENTY of the presidential election...but I hadnt heard as much on the local state level..excuse me for wanting to go hear what the candidates had said. I didnt mention a word about the presidential election in my letter, I was simply speaking on this specific race. "
I understand what you're saying, but you overlooked what I said, so here it is again:
" the differences between both parties even DOWN THE TICKET (and especially between the GOP incumbent and Dem. candidate) could not be more evident."
I understand how the media has addressed the Presidential race ad nauseum, but my point stands for everyone down the ticket, including this U.S House race. Have you seriously not paid attention on where Jenkins stands on issues? I don't expect you to follow every vote she makes or every piece of rhetorical blather that she says, but a small level of keeping up with the local news will tell you how far she is to the Right on nearly all issues. One either agrees with her views or doesn't. And it really isn't that hard to decide, you're either in agreement with every extremist GOP view and you'll vote for her, or you don't and you'll decide to vote for someone else (or won't vote at all). It's that simple. The only logical explanations I can conclude is that those who label themselves "undecideds" like yourself are: 1. They haven't kept up with that minimal level of knowledge on local/national politicians like Jenkins and MAY be easily pursuaded by silly hecklers at a debate (your words), or
I'm more inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt and believe it's more #1 on your part, but either case doesn't help what you stated in your op-ed much.
markoo 8 months, 1 week ago
"it's perfectly ok to not vote party line & try to hear the facts on what each person wants to say.“
Of course. I'm a registered Independent myself for this very reason, though I tend to lean one direction more often than not. But if you're there to hear "facts," I suggest you take anything they say with a giant bucket of salt and do a little reading yourself on the actual views of both candidates. As for Jenkins, I suggest you not only read about her views, but examine her votes. Actions speak much louder than words.
"ALSO, I didnt make my mind on what candidate to vote for based on the hecklers, but what I did get out of that was that I really need to distance myself from the extremists in my party."
If that's truly the case, then that's good to hear. But I hope you can understand my confusion when you stated that the hecklers MAY help persuade your decision away from whom they support. That would have been extremely ridiculous for you to categorize and generalize the actions of the hecklers to their candidate.
Renaissance 8 months, 1 week ago
I think the writer's point was exactly that- she was TRYING to be informed by attending the debates and was limited by obnoxious Tobias supporters who wouldn't let a single Jenkins word be heard.
jafs 8 months, 1 week ago
Really?
If they were that disruptive, why didn't somebody remove them?
Jenkins has no problem getting her message out, in a variety of ways - I'm sure that anybody can find out what her positions, and her voting record, show, if they're interested.
If the 3 were sitting in one area, somebody could just move to another area as well, if it bothered them so much.
By the way, I'm not defending their behavior at all - I support civil discussion and debate without rudeness and name-calling.
But, even the lte writer didn't claim she couldn't hear Jenkins and find out what her positions were - she just didn't like the bad manners of the 3 people.
johnwoods 8 months, 1 week ago
So the hecklers bothered her more than our sitting Representative potentially lying? She didn't say if she did any fact checking on Jenkins' statements, but that would seem to be required if she was making up her mind about who to vote for from the happenings at one event.
tbaker 8 months, 1 week ago
Yet another example of the liberal definition of "tolerance" - conform or be relentlessly attacked for voicing an opposing view. Their orthodoxy is where the true bigotry lies in America.
You'll see what I mean by the replies that follow this post.
Excellent letter. Thank you Rachael.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
Oh, please. This was not an "excellent" letter. Nor was it an example of "liberal intolerance."
It was a few individuals who, according to the letter writer, misbehaved, and another audience member making illogical and unsupported connections between them and Schlingensiepen.
lawfam5 8 months, 1 week ago
Since when did the word "liberal" become a negative attribute? I believe it was around the time of Bush#1, if not well before. A definition of liberal from Webster's dictionary includes "Not narrow or contracted in mind; not selfish; enlarged in spirit" I'm a liberal and proud of it!
sunflower-voter 8 months, 1 week ago
Oh, baloney.
SnakeFist 8 months, 1 week ago
Constitutional_Malfeasance said: "The left quite frankly is very uncivil and need to learn some manners. Even liberal journalists can not behave themselves anymore."
Are you joking? It was a republican congressman who yelled "liar" during the State of the Union address. And conservative commentators like Limbaugh, Savage, Hannity, and Coulter are some of the most uncivilized people on Earth - not out of conviction but because that's what their hate-filled conservative audiences respond to.
acornwebworks 8 months, 1 week ago
Sadly, the same crap happens to people who put up Obama/Biden signs. (Including the racial slurs.) Do you think Romney will call and apologize to them?
Jeez Louise...do you seriously believe that every darned person who has a campaign sign vandalized should be called by the opponent and apologized to???
(And do you seriously not understand the difference between Sandra Fluke...who was testifying before Congress...and some homeowner with a campaign sign in their front yard?? Gimme a break. Of course you do. But you apparently don't care. Yeesh.)
KSWingman 8 months, 1 week ago
Sandra Fluke did not testify before Congress.
She was invited by a Democrat member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to speak at a committee hearing (not to "testify"), but was not approved by the Republican chairman of the committee. In response, the House Democratic Caucus held a meeting of its Steering and Planning Committee, in which Ms. Fluke spoke (but again did not "testify" as legally defined.)
Meatwad 8 months, 1 week ago
Hopefully more research and thought goes into your decision-making process, but that is very sad that people would behave in that way. I don't support Jenkins because I would prefer representatives who have their own original thoughts and who I feel represent me, instead of towing the party line no matter what. I'm embarrassed that those people were so ill-mannered though at the event.
jafs 8 months, 1 week ago
My guess is that they weren't very disruptive, in fact, otherwise they would have been removed.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
I can understand why you are upset at their behavior, but why are you even considering letting the behavior of these people affect how you vote? Do you really think they were there doing this at the behest of Schlingensiepen?
jafs 8 months, 1 week ago
If they were really that disruptive, then I don't understand why they weren't removed.
3 people ruining an experience for hundreds of people seems unlikely.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
You're only grouped with them if you choose to be. And do you really believe that Schlingensiepen (and Democrats/Liberals in general) are somehow all impolite jerks just because of these few people? Is Jenkins (and Republicans in general) more polite, and do they represent you and your concerns better simply because of this single incident involving 3 people at one debate?
jafs 8 months, 1 week ago
There have been many ways to find out what these two candidates believe and stand for.
I imagine a short internet search would provide you with many examples, and concrete things you can use to decide for whom to vote.
DoubtingThomas 8 months, 1 week ago
Go ahead and vote for the party of Joe Wilson who Yelled(not whispered) "You Lie!", a statement directed AT The President of the United States DURING the President's State of the Union Address, Which was televised and viewed by millions of viewers.
jafs 8 months, 1 week ago
I agree their behavior was poor.
But, it seems that you want to make that mean more than it does, from where I sit.
Especially if you were planning to look it all up online anyway to inform yourself before voting.
somedude20 8 months, 1 week ago
First, this bothered me: "As an undecided voter, the actions of this group may help persuade me in my decision"
Really, this has to be one of the MOST asinine things I have ever read, in life. So, you could believe wholeheartedly in a candidate but if they had some rude supporters, you would vote for the other person (whom you consider to be inferior)? Wow! I like the Steelers and I know they have jagaloon fans (remember, it is the fans, not the players that you should be upset with). I also enjoy listening to Ozzy, AC/DC, The Police, The Ramones and many more and having been to thier shows, yes, you will find jagoffs in just about every crowd but why would you hate the band? Hey, did you stop believing in God after that nut shot and killed Tiller?
Second, Jan Brewer pulling that crap with a sitting President. It seems to be ok now to disrespect Obama unlike how any other President has ever been treated
rockchalker52 8 months, 1 week ago
It's true that we can find the positions of the candidates through research on the web & otherwise, but nothing represents their positions quite as well as hearing their stances live in real time from the candidates themselves. The opportunity to do so gives one a taste of their skills as communicators & how they might conduct themselves as an elected representative. It seems as if these yahoos denied that opportunity to a few people with their boorish behavior.
jafs 8 months, 1 week ago
Yes, perhaps to a few people.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
The value of debates depends entirely on the format, and the ability of the moderator to enforce that format, and make candidates answer the questions posed, rather than engage in artful dodges.
The recent presidential debate told us almost nothing about the specifics of what either candidate would do if elected. It was 90% posturing and "performance" and about 10% content, and hence, completely useless as a tool for choosing a candidate to support.
I didn't see this debate, so I don't know how useful it was in making a truly informed choice.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
I think that our elections and the campaigns for office are largely superficial. Romney definitely performed better than Obama, but it was a nearly content-free performance.
But given the vacuity of this contest in general, for some undecided voters that largely meaningless performance is about all they have to go on. Some other equally meaningless event (such as the next two debates) could swing them in the exact opposite direction.
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
I experienced the same type of behavior in one of Ms. Jenkins’s “town Hall” meetings some years ago. Worse, it was well organized and basically precluded anybody but the anointed from participating. There, too, the use of character assignation such as calling the speaker a liar was observed. Mr. Pitts has an op-ed piece on this today and what follows is my comment to that piece.
Facts do not have ideologically bias. Mr. Pitt’s article does. There is only one instance of a liberal misrepresentation (poor Hillary). All the other examples are of conservatives. Now it was Mr. Welch who argued that the books were cooked on the latest unemployment figures. He is not the conservative world. Today he presented his opinion as to what his comment was about in the WSJ.
I could observe that the 47% issue is based on fact. Annually 47% of us pay no federal income taxes regardless of the reason why or what might happen next year. There was no spontaneous demonstration in Libya caused by a poorly scripted movie but a planned attacked by a well coordinated and led group of what we today call terrorists. That is a fact despite a week of denial form the White House.
Seems to me as if we are unable to identify a fact if it does not fit our ideological beliefs. Lying is as noted a very poor way to run a campaign. I would opine that calling the other guy a liar because we do not like his presentation of a fact is just as poor a way to run a campaign. This later approach (noted in a letter elsewhere in this space) seems to be missing from Mr. Pitt’s musings.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
Nobody has minimized her experience. We've merely pointed out that the behavior of these few hecklers has nothing to do with Mr. Schlingensiepen and his qualifications for the office he seeks.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 8 months, 1 week ago
yes
johnwoods 8 months, 1 week ago
How about going to the candidates own websites?
lesticia 8 months, 1 week ago
Rachel I was there as well and sitting in the 3rd or 4th row, so I hope you will be relieved to know that we weren't even aware that was going on behind us. I do remember hearing someone loudly whisper "liar" at one point but that was all I heard or saw. I guess next time try to sit closer to the stage?
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
Punish the victim!!
jafs 8 months, 1 week ago
The idea that candidates speaking directly gives us unbiased and objective information would be funny, except that many people seem to believe it.
What we get from direct speech of candidates is whatever they happen to say, regardless of the facts.
It may be useful, but it's just one piece of information to evaluate, along with all of the others.
verity 8 months, 1 week ago
Indeed.
One might try looking at the candidate's record. Actions say much more than words.
And I have to wonder why the Dole Institute didn't eject these people if they were being so disruptive.
jafs 8 months, 1 week ago
I agree you get direct speech from the candidates.
But, it's hardly unbiased or objective, in fact, given the level of misrepresentation in politics, it's likely to not even be the truth.
As we saw in the debate from both sides.
I'm simply suggesting that people be more discriminating and analytical when listening to candidates speak, and not think that's something it's not. Especially when candidates have a voting record that lets us know what they actually do, rather than say.
And, I certainly hope you understand that politicians while campaigning tend to tell us what they think we want to hear, and make promises they rarely keep, in some cases not even having the ability to keep them.
As far as the last 4 years, anybody who blames Obama for it without understanding the effect of pretty continuous R opposition in Congress doesn't understand how our system works, in my view.
beatrice 8 months, 1 week ago
On the way into work, I was cut off by someone with a Romney bumper sticker. Well, if Republicans are going to be that rude to fellow citizens in the everyday world, then I am voting for Democrats.
Silly letter.
beatrice 8 months, 1 week ago
Yes, a silly letter. Since PBS is the one government program Romney said he would cut, it is a hot button political issue because it speaks to the candidates' priorities. Romney isn't ready to say he will cut funding to oil companies, which have seen record profits, but he will cut educational television. Well guess what, that money we are giving to oil companies, it too is borrowed from China, and it is more than 8 times as much money as given to PBS.
So Big Bird is not a silly issue at all. The notion that someone was rude at a political event -- like it is all that rare or seemingly isolated to one party -- and will sway someone's vote without consideration of the politicians' points of view and stands on policy is extremely silly.
beatrice 8 months, 1 week ago
The idea that PBS would survive without federal funding is not a guarantee, especially in less densly populated areas of the country. Also, commercial support would alter the level of programming. I strongly disagree that it is wasteful spending -- it is the opposite becaue it helps educate our population.
Romney saying something is on the table doesn't mean it would be on the chopping block. It clearly does not have the same level of priority for him as does putting the ax to funding PBS.
First off, Republicans simply do not have legs to stand on when it comes to arguing for fiscal responsibility. Since Reagan, who tripled the national debt, Republicans have driven the debt higher while cutting taxes that largely help the wealthy. Trickle down economics do not work. Romney appears he would follow along those same ways and has stated that he would not accept a single dollar in tax increase for 10 dollars of cuts. Lowering the debt and deficit will require both. Romney doesn't get that, Obama does. Hopefully when he is re-elected, the Republican House will not be so against working with Obama and something effective can take place.
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
Nothing is guaranteed
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
Interesting. Bozo do you presume that the actions of liberal supporters are not considered by voters yet you generalize the actions of some conservative supporters to condemn millions of your fellow citizens in an apparent hope that will lead to them to vote for your favorite.
IMHO, the actions of supporters, particularly if seen to be generalized, do affect how people vote. We are not electing a candidate – we are electing a party. Few of our elected officials vote consistently at odds with their party. You are a representative of the party you support!! Acting boorishly or deliberately disrespectfully gets counted and can work to your own disadvantage - however good it might feel at the moment.
somedude20 8 months, 1 week ago
"IMHO, the actions of supporters, particularly if seen to be generalized, do affect how people vote."
So, those few fans who cheered Matt Cassel getting clobbered on Sunday are going to cause every swinging Rick who supports the Chiefs to not do so now?
I know, sounds crazy to me as well!
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
Need I say more - the disconnect is soo obvious
tuschkahouma 8 months, 1 week ago
these women were in front of my father who doesn't like mrs. jenkins either.... nothing like see that woman be snide towards a minister.....nice....
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
beatrice
Exactly what direct subsidy do we give the oil companies? They get tax breaks just like green energy companies. Tax breaks originate from Congress. Mr. Romney has never been there but Mr. Obama has.
Anotheer red fish from the IMHO paid employee of the DNC
IMHO neitheer should get tax breaks.
hedshrinker 8 months, 1 week ago
debates by candidates often offer more info about style as opposed to content. Candidates can and do, say any old thing and if today is any example, say completely conflicting things every few hours , sometimes even in the same venue. So I'm less interested sometimes in WHAT they are saying than in their ability to think on their feet, be reflective, be inclusive and generous, able to follow the rules of the format, NOT BE A BULLY AND INTERRUPT THE OPPONENT(S) AND MODERATOR, restrain anger, be gracious, genuine and civil, be humorous and even self-deprecating instead of egotistical and trying to get off as many zingers as possible.So the reality is that Rachael can probably learn more by looking at Jenkin's record, and follow her $$$ trail than listening to her tea party talking points. I am offended by people who are rude in all kinds of public venues every day and I assume most people are; this letter generated a lot of heat b/c it occurred in a political context and allowed lots of folks to try to score points by politicizing incivility. Believe me, it comes in all stripes and varieties. What does surprise me is that we allow them to get away with it by abdicating our power, like ineffectual parents who want to be their kids' friend instead of doing the tough job of parenting. In the Presidential debate, I was shocked that Lehrer was completely steamrolled and inefffective against Romney's bullying, which Romney has done over and over in debates this year so he looks like a tough guy, pandering to the some simpletons who think that might makes right...if you holler a lie loud enuf and long enuf, a majority of simpletons will believe it's true.
DoubtingThomas 8 months, 1 week ago
Peaceful? Sure. There were men in suits with Assault rifles slung across their backs at many of those Peaceful Rallies. I ALWAYS equate Peace with an Assault Rifle.
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
Really?? Perhaps you have photo from the many rallies?? NRA functions do not count.
DoubtingThomas 8 months, 1 week ago
Google "Tea Party Rallies-Assault rifle photos". The NRA backs The Tea Party but I do not believe these were NRA events. They were TEA PARTY RALLIES. See for your self.Some of the most prevalent photos were taken at an OBAMA rally where Tea Party Protesters showed up with Hand guns and Assault rifles. The camera never blinks.
DoubtingThomas 8 months, 1 week ago
Taking a firearm to a PRESIDENTIAL Campaign rally and wearing it openly is just plain insane. Nothing like walking around with multiple sniper positions keeping a bead on YOU at all times. And DON'T tell me that was not the case. The Secret Service Don't Play Around!
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
First of all no photo reference but I saw at least one on TV some time ago Second - how do we know the people with weapons were sanctioned by the Tea Party? Idiots showing up and drowning out conservatives do not make all liberals idiots Third In most states carrying an unconcealed weapon is legal- not rational. Taking one to a presidential activity just may get you targeted - probably got them in the SS database - they probably were already there.
The point is that nuts doing inappropriate things at a gathering are still nuts. You cannot generalize however much it may make you feel superior.
IMHO this is exactly what people are talking about when they observe the extremism of our system. You see a nut you associate with the Tea Party and the whole “Tea Party” is nuts. In my day when the SDS took violent action I tended to blame all Democrats – Just as bad.
DoubtingThomas 8 months, 1 week ago
They may not have been sanctioned by the Tea Party ITSELF, But they identified themselves as Tea Party Supporters.I agree with you wholeheartedly on the point that a Nut Is A Nut, no matter who they claim to be affiliated with and both Parties have their fair share. Also, I do not seek to feel "Superior" to you or any one else. That is not my Nature.
DoubtingThomas 8 months, 1 week ago
People with Disabilities like mine are often Stigmatized, Treated like they are "Less Than" Normal. I only hope to be treated as an equal. This forum helps. I find answers to some of my questions here. I sometimes find answers in others responses and even in their questions. I only hope my input helps others as much as their input helps me. As my User name points out , I am a doubter. I am always searching for truth and It is very elusive these days.
Moderate 8 months, 1 week ago
Keep looking - the search is worth it.
Remember that conservatives tend to be more supportive of gun ownership. The Tea party tends to be financially conservative. That there is overlap should not be a surprise. How much - who knows. But simply having a gun does not make you dangerous. THat is another of the topics on which e are badly divided.
DoubtingThomas 8 months, 1 week ago
Thank for your civil tone.I believe in gun ownership as well. I am a well trained soldier. I am fiscally conservative, but not at the cost of the middle class. I would have a hard time choosing an abortion as a Possibility in most situations, but I support a woman's Right to choose as this is a very personal decision.Some of my best friends,male and female and some extended family, are gay. I am a 4th generation Blue Collar Democrat. I really feel like I don't fit in either party. Being an independent is a possibility but then I feel like I am "sitting on the fence". I will figure it out some day. Until then, I will continue my search. "Life is a Journey" some one once said, and I am one serious Traveler. Thanks again.
deec 8 months, 1 week ago
I know. Those police officers rioting against peaceful demonstrators were horrid. It's a good thing the fake charges have been thrown out in several communities.
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2012/09/occupy-chicago-declares-victory-after-all-charges-from-encampment-attempts-are-dropped.html
http://occupyportlandnews.com/2012/occupy-austin-trespassing-charges-thrown-out-judge-establishes-free-speech-precedent-again/
http://articles.philly.com/2012-04-26/news/31410843_1_protesters-social-justice-charges
http://online.wsj.com/article/APbeee7075eee64df7b8becd296410a3cc.html
kuguardgrl13 8 months ago
What a bunch of malarkey. I was at the debate and was able to observe these "disrupters" for the entire thing. While one did hiss "liar" at one point towards the end, for the most part they were using the ASL sign for applause since most debates frown upon clapping or making noise. It was nothing more than a small show of approval whenever Tobias said something that group approved of. Maybe I'm biased because I agree with them. Sue me. Jenkins said a lot of things that would upset staunch liberals. I was surprised something didn't happen earlier in the debate. Outbursts will happen when a person is truly upset by what is said. That being said, I can't believe someone would make a decision based on a small group not even wearing Schlingensiepen gear. Lynn Jenkins had tons of supporters decked out in her shirts and pins. She didn't need more acknowledgment. Tobias deserved to know that his supporters were present. The outburst caused a minuscule ripple in the debate, but the moderators quickly moved on. Props to them for keeping calm and moving things along. The disrupters had their one moment and then kept quiet for the rest of it. They were then accosted by Jenkins supporters. Leave the poor elderly ladies alone.
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