Republicans are partly to blame

[leavemealone]

First of all, thank you for this forum. America is sorely in need of some education and this is one of the better ways to do it.
Next, an issue seldom discussed is important to understand if we are to find a viable solution to the problem we face. The problem, of course, is the socilaization of America-the U.S.S.A. It is on the way if we don't do something about it. But we also need to realize that, had the Republican Party not pushed us into a Neo-Con President we would not necessarily be in this predicament. Many Independent, fiscally conservative voters, as well as long time Republican voters were sent packing by the way President Bush dealt with 9/11 and the oil crisis. Though I am no conspiracy theorist and don't believe the terror attack or oil crisis was perpetrated on the American people by their leaders I would be a fool if I couldn't see how those in the oil industry took advantage of the situation. When oil companies are pulling in record profits on the backs of AMERICANS it is not time to wave the party flag but get involved to help the party return to it's senses. Way too few got way too rich for it to be ignored.
But instead of admitting the mistake and proving to be the responsible party we select a sure loser for the next Presidential Campaign. Hey, I voted for McCain. But I still threw my vote away. And I promised myself before the election that if Obama won I would join the Libertarian Party since I could at least throw my vote away on someone I was more happy to vote for.
The biggest problem we have in America when it comes to electing our representatives is that so many vote without knowing anything. I call this negligent voting. I tell everyone who will listen to me (and that list grows steadily smaller) that, if they can't explain the views of all candidates and give a reason for siding with one of them then they are not making a choice at all and are using this most precious gift negligently. They are committing democracy abuse. But, what needs to be said here is that Republicans are guilty of it too. Negligent voting practices are not as widespread among Republicans as they are among Democrats but the practice is what brought the Neo-Cons into power and contributed to the Obama victory.
This may be hard to hear but we are not going to solve our problems by trying to change liberals but by fixing our own problems so that we can bring straightforward solutions to the individuals who feel disenfranchised and have been deceived into thinking that a turn to the left is the answer.

[Katherine]

You bring up an interesting point. I think many people were disappointed in the republican party. I do want to make a point about the oil crisis. The speculators are the ones that caused the record prices on gas. We are also beinging held hostage by the middle east over oil. BP just found a hugh amount of oil in the gulf of mexico, we need more offshore drilling until we can develope alternative fuel sources. I am hoping the republican party is taking notice of our anger and looking within for changes that need to be made. We need to kick all the politicians out of DC and send a group of reasonable responsible middle class americans in to clean up there mess.

[avajl]

My husband and I also turned to the Libertarian party after this mess. Well we always wanted to try the Independent party but due to the mainstream media... that's where we need change before 2010/2012. Other parties MUST be given opportunity or talk about throwing your vote away.

[USAF American]

Another reason we are in this mess is obimini was elected by color votes. It did not matter what his agenda was (as it was stated during the election), people saw an opportunity to create history by electing the first black man president. Now, that said, let me say that I have absolutely no problem with that, in fact I was hoping he could lead our country. But I see now that he doesn't know what he is doing. I can't understand how a junior senator, unheard of, voting "no" more times than he voted with a decision and has not produced a birthcertificate, with less than 155 days in congress, ever became a presidential candidate in the first place!

And yes, the repubs are partly to blame for their spending during the Bush admin. I especially distain PORK during a recession. Don't get me wrong, I think President Bush was the greatest President America has ever had. He conducted himself with dignity, integrity and honor. I had never experienced fear like I did on Sept. 11, 2001 and his actions made me feel safe. I supported a War on Terrorism and still do, but I think we should send everything we have and support our troops unconditionally to stop spilling American blood in yet another foreign country. obimini is against the war but he found out quick it's not easy to get rid of.

All I can say is we find ourselves in one ##### of a mess and it will not be easy to fix, I'm 55 yo and I doubt it will be fixed in my lifetime.

[dannprice]

I hope that the republican party can get their act together. I hope they begin by owning up to their past mistakes. They need to start off by saying we know we have made bad decisions and acted out of self interest... but we hear you now and we committ to being a servent of the MAJORITY of the people instead of selfserving.There is no longer any room for special interest. The republican party has got to stand up and say we are going to commit to protecting the rights of the people, to stop the take-over of government, and to protect the constitution and call/vote those out who trample on it!!! I also thought about joining an independent party, but I want my vote to count. I can't just throw it away and allow the democrates to continue their mad reign. The 2010 elections may be the wake up call the politicians need to realize we the people finally are paying attention and we mean business.

[karenelaine]

They need to start acting like conservatives and not letting this nomination of Elaine Kagan get passed. She is nothing but a shell to Obama and if she is comfirmed we will be in deeper do-do then we already are. I am not voting for any RINO that votes to confirm her.