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Should Graphic 9/11 Footage Be Off-Limits in Partisan Context?

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:45:00 -0700

While watching the Republican National Convention last night, disturbing images of September 11 put a pit in my stomach. Around 8:40 p.m. EDT, the RNC aired a video that included slow-motion footage of a plane striking the WTC, the towers' collapses, and images of a burning Pentagon, while a narrator conjured up memories of bodies falling from buildings. Even more, the 9/11 tribute video opened with a reference to Iran. The horrific images undoubtedly upset every American, but it left me wondering if the Republican National Convention was the proper time to evoke those painful memories.The Boston Globe noted that running 9/11 graphic images in a partisan context "was one of the few surviving campaign-season taboos." Keith Olbermann actually apologized to viewers, saying that it was probably not appropriate for MSNBC to show the video.Supporters of the video could argue that America needs to get real about threats and get real about which president will keep them safe from the threats. The narrator of the video furthers that point saying, "and for too long we've looked the other way. But the enemy is wrong. This is a war America will win. We'll have a president who knows how."

Should Graphic 9/11 Footage Be Off-Limits in Partisan Context?

Yes! How dare they use the dead as a campaign commercial!

No! Americans forget the threat. Republicans are realistic about our security needs.

Probably. Leaders should keep America safe without making citizens tremble in fear!

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Looking Back: Which Party's Convention Was the Best?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:00:11 -0700

Phew. I've run into quite a few people over the past few weeks who've seen both conventions top to bottom, and the question came up last night after the last balloon settled: Which convention was the best? In my mind it can be answered on a couple of levels — which convention looked the best, or which was more fun — but when it comes down to it, I think the real question is: Which convention did its job the best?My mom reported in after McCain's speech saying, "I was worried when McCain started, but was in tears at the end. Your grandpa wanted me to take him to the post office to sign up again." While that's a rousing testimony to be sure, they were solid McCain voters before anyone set foot in St. Paul. So what do you all think? You've seen our coverage of both conventions — which party's did its job with an A++ super-gold star?

Looking Back: Which Party's Convention Was the Best?

The Republicans. They responded to disaster, kept it business-like, and Palin rocked.

The Democrats. The force of 80,000 people plus stellar content and production ruled.

Neither. The conventions are nothing but pomp. I'm pretty glad they're done.

Both. Each had a different job to do, and they responded well in kind.

Other. You got your balloon drop! I'll tell you what I think in the comments.

Should Next President Prosecute Bush Administration Crimes?

LibertySugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:15:00 -0700

This week an ordinary citizen asked Joe Biden if the Obama Administration would "pursue violations that have been made against our Constitution by the present administration." His answer? Yes.Speaking about the efforts of the congressional Democrats to investigate the Bush Administration, VP nominee Biden said:
What they're doing is the right thing. They're not making false accusations, they're not making unfounded accusations, they're collecting data. They're subpoenaing records. They're building the file. And they're going through it and will go through it with a fine tooth comb. If there has been a basis on which you could pursue someone for a criminal violation, they will be pursued. Not out of vengeance, not out of retribution. Out of the need to preserve the notion that no one, no one, no attorney general, no president, no one is above the law.

Obama has said that he will ask his attorney general to distinguish between "genuine crimes" and "really bad policies." He said in April: "[I]f crimes have been committed, they should be investigated. You're also right that I would not want my first term consumed by what was perceived on the part of Republicans as a partisan witch hunt, because I think we've got too many problems we've got to solve."While it shouldn't surprise anyone when leaders vow to hold criminals accountable, political allegiances are sure to make this vow unusually controversial. Source

Should Next President Prosecute Bush Administration Crimes?

Yes! Like Biden said — no one is above the law!

Of course. The public and history deserve to know what happened.

Probably not. Bush does more damage if they waste time investigating.

No. Regardless of what they say, it would be nothing but a partisan witch hunt.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Baskin-Robbins' New Election Flavors! Which to Lick?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:00:48 -0700

Just in time to cool off this heated election, Baskin-Robbins has released two spanking new flavors, one for each of the candidates. Ever wonder what two scoops of McCain tastes like? His flavor, Straight Talk Crunch is:
Caramel ribbon, chocolate pieces, candy red states and crunchy mixed nuts swirled into White Chocolate ice cream.

Think a lick of Barack is more your taste? His flavor, Whirl of Change, is:
Peanut-nougat ice cream whirled with chunks of chocolate-covered peanut brittle and a caramel ribbon.

I think they're willing to look the other way on the whole Obama doesn't like ice cream thing . . . Given the (banana) split of the country, what would election-themed flavors be without a chance to vote for your favorite? You can, in the Flavor Debate '08. From now until Oct. 20, sample the candidates' sweet stuff and vote online or in stores for the winner. I wonder if the ice cream war could be a useful replacement for the old Electoral College? It would be a sweeter contest, to be sure.Which flavor would you want to try first?

Baskin-Robbins' New Election Flavors! Which to Lick?

Straight Talk Crunch! Candy red states and mixed nuts? Sold.

Whirl of Change! Mmm. . . caramel ribbon-y goodness. Yes we can eat ice cream!

Other. I've got a cherry on top for the comments.

Do You Consider a Candidate's Age and Mortality?

LibertySugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:00:44 -0700

Undecided Americans watched Sarah Palin's speech last night in part to figure out whether they are comfortable with her being "a heartbeat away" from the presidency. For some, this question takes on extra urgency because John McCain is 72-years-old. Politico consulted life-insurance experts to assess the likelihood that a Vice President Palin or a Vice President Biden would become President. According to the Social Security Administration’s tables, a man aged 72 years and 67 days (McCain's age on election day 2008) is almost ten times more likely to die before January 20, 2013, than a man aged 47 years and 92 days (Obama’s age on election day). Obama's cigarette use doesn't increase his likelihood too much, either.Of course, statistics derived from the entire population cannot predict the fate of McCain or Obama. Even so, do you consider whether or not a candidate will live through the term when you're making up your mind?Source

Do You Consider a Candidate's Age and Mortality?

Yes. I must be as comfortable with the VP candidate as I am with the top of the ticket.

Yes. But since I really like the top of the ticket, the VP only has to pass a minimal test.

No. I don't base my politics on death, since anyone could die walking across the street.

Sometimes. Depends how high the risk is that the candidate could die.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Sarah Palin on "Foreign Affairs Weekly" Cover: Funny Fake?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:03:36 -0700

On Fox News this morning they compared this week's Us Weekly cover showing vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin next to the headline, "Babies, Lies, and Scandal," comparing it to the happy-couple Obama cover the mag ran a couple of months ago. The difference in cover treatment is stark to be sure. Then I ran across this satire of the ubiquitous tabloid covers — the very fake Foreign Affairs Weekly (uh, I kind of wish this was a real mag) cover put together by the panopticist. With headlines like, "Putin: Best Beach Body," and hitting Palin hard with, "On China: "The governor's mansion has a beautiful set," is this an amusing lampoon, or one more liberal slight?Source

Sarah Palin on "Foreign Affairs Weekly" Cover: Funny Fake?

Amusing lampoon. The object of derision is really the tabs, not the candidate. It's fine.

Liberal slight. Can you imagine a similar one on Obama? People would go nuts.

Either way, it's all in good fun. No harm done.

Other. I'll give you my opinion in the comments.

Would Sarah Palin Be Treated Differently If She Were a Man?

LibertySugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:30:40 -0700

Many people think John McCain chose Sarah Palin simply because she is a woman, who also happens to appeal to the evangelical base. Citizen attended the Women and the Republican Party panel today in St. Paul and the question came up: would John McCain have chosen Palin if she was a man? One panel member responded, "I think the experience and issues takes a back seat because she (is) a woman."

Palin's gender may have influenced her selection, and it may influence the reaction to her. Perhaps if Sarah were a man, critics would not consider her family obligations — including five children, a son with Down syndrome, a pregnant teenage daughter — when assessing her ability to lead. It's a hypothetical exercise to figure out how gender matters here, but we do know that sensationalized coverage of politicians' personal lives has been used to assess male leaders, too. Remember Bill Clinton? While you may agree with many of the poll choices below, which do you think most accurately describes how Palin's gender factors into the race? (And stay tuned: Citizen's trying to see Palin address the Republican Coalition for Life right now!)Source

Would Sarah Palin Be Treated Differently If She Were a Man?

Yes! McCain would never have put a Mr. Palin on the ticket.

Yes! People would never judge a man this way.

Yup! McCain made a cynical choice to get women voters, and then says she's off limits.

No. Anyone dealing with this level of distractions cannot lead during this crucial time.

No. This is simply about McCain's judgment and conservative hypocrisy.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Vogue India Has Poor Model Luxury: Tasteless or Beautiful?

LibertySugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:46 -0700

Vogue India decorated poor women dressed in worn clothing with luxury status items. In one editorial photo spread a baby dons a Fendi bib, and in another a toothless woman holds a Burberry umbrella. Considering that 456 million live on $1.25 a day in India, there aren't too many families that can dress their babies in $100 bibs.Critics say the spread makes light of nightmarish poverty in India— for example, thousands of Indian farmers have killed themselves over the last decade because of debt. But the editor of Vogue India told the New York Times that critics need to "lighten up," and that the editorial expressed the fact that:
[F]ashion is no longer a rich man's privilege. Anyone can carry it off and make it look beautiful. You have to remember with fashion, you can’t take it that seriously. We weren’t trying to make a political statement or save the world.

While some may say the photo shoot brings fashion to the people, I can see how others could argue that it glamorizes serious human suffering.

Vogue India Has Poor Model Luxury: Tasteless or Beautiful?

Tasteless! It's disturbing to peddle status while the majority struggles for survival.

Beautiful! Poor people should not be excluded from fashion.

Not art, but what do you expect? Brands want to create awareness among a rising class.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Diddy Weighs in on the Choice of Gov. Palin: Good Argument?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:15:14 -0700

Though he might be changing his tune given the news of today, Diddy has released his reaction to the choice of Gov. Sarah Palin to be McCain's running mate. Diddy says, "No disrespect, I love you, I want you to live to be 110. . . Alaska? Alaska? Alaska. Al- come on man. I don't even know if there's any black people in Alaska." Well Diddy, the Census knows. Though black people might not be the most prominent minority population, about 30 percent of Alaska isn't white, whereas only 20 percent of the whole US isn't (at 70.7 percent and 80.1 percent white populations respectively.)
Math notwithstanding, he continues. The thesis statement of his argument appears to be, "John McCain is bugging the F*&% out." He repeats it as the core to his philosophy no less than six times. Then he delivers his assessment on Gov. Palin. "Like the lady is nice. She's cool. She's a heartbeat away. Then she the president. She goin' be on the phone with some man from South Korea or like, wha' she? I mean? What in the hell? Alaska?" He continues with this argument: "This one right here is not respectful to our lives, diverse lives, anybod- yo. You would let her keep your kids?" Which I think means, would you trust her to babysit?In the waning moments of his argument he delivers my favorite part: "Alaska mother f*&#@*r? What is the reality in Alaska? There's not even no crackheads in Alaska. There's not. . . not even no black people. . . there's not even no like crime. . . or foreign policies. Concluding, "We the future," and reiterating his colorful thesis statement.

Diddy Weighs in on the Choice of Gov. Palin: Good Argument?

Yes! I mean he uses colorful language, but I think a lot of people agree with him!

No way. Joe Biden would not call this argument "articulate." It's ridiculous and baseless.

Good argument or not, he's entitled to his opinon.

Other. I'll bug out in the comments.

Alaska's Sarah Palin Tapped by McCain — Good VP Pick?

LibertySugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:06:52 -0700

Well ladies and gentleman, the US now has its second-ever female VP candidate — Sarah Palin. Here are some crucial facts you should know about the number two on the GOP ticket. She's the 44-year-old governor of Alaska, who up until two years ago served as mayor of Wasilla, an Alaskan city of 5,400 people.Palin is pro-life, and a lifetime member of the NRA. She enjoys sky-high approval ratings and came onto the national scene as a reformer. Palin has five children, including a newborn who has Down syndrome, and a son ready to deploy to Iraq.Do you think Sarah Palin will give John McCain, who turned 72 today, the White House as his belated birthday present?Source

Alaska's Sarah Palin Tapped by McCain — Good VP Pick?

Yes. She has great conservative credentials, and appeals to women.

Definitely! She has executive experience and she's a maverick!

No. Americans will worry that she's not ready to be president if necessary.

No way. She may be a woman, but her pro-life stance won't win over Hillary supporters.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Missouri County Posts Meth Lab Locations Online: Good Idea?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:45:51 -0700

If you're looking to move, chances are you suss out a neighborhood first: schools, crime rates, sex offenders nearby, and the like. If you live in Jefferson County, MO, you can add another criteria to your info gathering: whether a meth lab is located nearby. Not limited to hardcore crack houses, the sheriff's department is listing places where it's seized any materials tied to meth production that indicate a past presence of a secret drug lab in the past two years. Real estate agents are thrilled by the new development though schools and house size still top the list of important area details. With the release of the info however, nearby homeowners might worry that the released info could wreak havoc on their own home's value. The sheriff says, "We keep raising the bar on awareness. You either do something about it, or you stick your head in the sand." Jefferson County has one of the worst meth problems in the United States. The state of Missouri recorded 770 meth-lab incidents in the first six months of this year. Is their criteria too broad? Should a house be listed as a meth lab just for having evidence gathered? Is privacy at stake or is this progressive crime fighting?Source

Missouri County Posts Meth Lab Locations Online: Good Idea?

Privacy's at stake. Crime details shouldn't be on the web, it's a threat to the area.

Progressive crime fighting! Good for them for getting the info in the open and accessible.

Other. I'll tell you my opinion in the comments.

Who's Going to Rock the Mic Harder: Clinton or Biden?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:30:04 -0700

With the roll call vote happening tonight, Bill Clinton set to speak at 7 p.m. (MDT) and Joe Biden to speak shortly after, it's a rip snorter of a lineup!We're at the convention center following all of the action — what do you think? Were you happy to see Hillary release her delegates and help make Obama nominated by acclamation? Whose speech are you most looking forward to? Whose going to rock it tonight?Source

Who's Going to Rock the Mic Harder: Clinton or Biden?

Bill!

Joe!

That's like choosing a favorite child. Impossible!

Blergh. Over the campaign and/or the Democrats

Other. I'll tell you what I'm thinking in the comments.

Kucinich: Corporations Have Erased Public Space — Agree?

LibertySugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:15:47 -0700

Before Kucinich's speech last night during the pre-primetime portion of the convention, I caught him discussing how America has sold its public sphere to corporations. In the video bellow he says:
Corporations have infiltrated our political process so seriously that they've put labels on all of us. There's not one on me. But I can say that when I go to my own Ohio delegation and I see Dominion on everything. I know that's a natural gas company that's jacking up everybody's rates and needs the support of the state administration to do it. . . . We're in the Pepsi arena. Obama is gong to give his acceptance in Invesco stadium. What's this about? It's like we're forgetting the public space.

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Yesterday he drove home his take-back-America message at the DNC. I watched him practically jump over the podium, urging Americans to ditch apathy:

Wake up, America. The insurance companies took over health care. Wake up, America. The pharmaceutical companies took over drug pricing. Wake up, America. The speculators took over Wall Street. Wake up, America. They want to take your Social Security. Wake up, America. Multinational corporations took over our trade policies, factories are closing, good-paying jobs lost. . . . Wake up, America. This is not a call for you to take a new direction from right to left. This is a call for you to go from down to up.

Do you agree that corporate interests have taken over the United States?Source

Kucinich: Corporations Have Erased Public Space — Agree?

Yay! Corporations have outbid the needs of everyday Americans.

Nay. Americans work and participate in corporations, too!

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

13-Year-Old Boy Gets 15 Years For Murder — Fair Sentence?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:03:53 -0700

A 13-year-old Texas boy accepted a plea deal yesterday for a 15-year sentence following the stabbing murder of his friend earlier this summer. The boy charged in the murder will be eligible for parole in three years. The judge in the case says that he agreed to the relatively light sentence for the murder (which could have been up to 40 years) because he thought the boy had a good chance to change.The judge said:
I think this young man has a chance to be rehabilitated. I’m actually pulling for him. All these cases are difficult. These are kids. Some of these kids are good kids, some are rotten kids, but they’re all kids, and all these cases that come through here are difficult. You have to weigh them and evaluate them, but that’s true for judges in any situation.

The charges in the incident stemmed from the boy stabbing his 14-year-old friend in the heart. His mother is understandably distraught, but his defense attorney says, "She’s upset, but she’s accepted it and come to terms with what’s going on.” Was the judge right to value the prospect of rehabilitation in a criminal so young? Or does it speak to the underlying "rottenness" of the child to have committed a crime so young?Source

13-Year-Old Boy Gets 15 Years For Murder — Fair Sentence?

The judge was right to weigh his ability to change. 15 years when you're 13 is a lifetime.

He did the crime, regardless of age. The maximum penalty should have been given.

There kind of are no fair answers when you're dealing with someone so young. So sad.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Does It All Add Up? Who Should Save Public Schools?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:00:30 -0700

Testing, testing. Is No Child Left Behind working for anyone? It's standardized its way through schools since 2001, troubling seemingly every teacher, parent, and student in its formulaic path. Getting all children above the mean score by 2014 is its ultimate goal even if teaching for tests is its consequence. Good magazine this month takes a look at the state of public education, how it's changing, and how it can be saved.Philanthropists have poured well-meaning money into schools, but the question is, are they helping? The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's effort to create smaller schools has seen mixed results. Smaller classes mean more attention, but it's also been hard for schools to maintain electives and extracurriculars. On the other hand, billionaire Eli Broad's effort to run schools like businesses is even more controversial. He favors increased standardized testing, scripted curricula, merit pay, and replacing school administrators with managers, and so does his money. He even has academy that trains school leaders in the Broad way.Money is changing the way public schools operate, and those with money, regardless of qualifications, are making the decisions. If public schools are a national treasure, shouldn't we treat them accordingly? Good calls parents to action and asks them to make noise, take a stand instead of opting out or sending their kids to nearest private school.Is this too idealistic? Or in this age of hope, is change from the bottom up possible? Anyone, anyone? Bueller?Source

Does It All Add Up? Who Should Save Public Schools?

Public education belongs to the people. If the government isn't fixing it, then we must.

This is classist. Only parents who have time (i.e. money) can get this involved.

I'm not sure, but Hooked on Phonics worked for me!

I know! I'll stay after class and tell you in the comments.

Making Tiaras a Habit: Nuns in a Beauty Pageant — Good Idea?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:00:29 -0700

I'll watch any pageant, or any show about pageants but this one? I'm not sure. An Italian priest is organizing an online beauty pageant for nuns called "Miss Sister 2008." The aim of the contest is to fight the stereotype that all nuns are old and homely. The priest behind the plan says, "Nuns are a bit excluded, they are a bit marginalized in ecclesiastical life. This will be an occasion to make their contribution more visible."And the answer to the big question I know was on the tip of your tongue is this: "We are not going to parade nuns in bathing suits." He continues, "But being ugly is not a requirement for becoming a nun. External beauty is gift from God, and we mustn't hide it." Visitors to the website hosting the online pageant are supposed to vote for the nun "they consider a model." The effort, said to have been inspired by suggestions from nuns, has drawn criticism from the association of Catholic teachers saying, "It's an initiative that belittles the role of nuns who have dedicated themselves to God." The idea of showcasing nuns' beauty as a means of "making their contribution more visible," is an interesting concept. Is it an inspired way of bringing the life of a nun into modern times, or missing the point of being a nun altogether?Source

Making Tiaras a Habit: Nuns in a Beauty Pageant — Good Idea?

Inspired! It shows that nuns can be modern and pretty, a good way to motivate more.

Missing the point! A nun's work is not her looks, a contest should judge what she's done.

I see both sides, but it seems pretty harmless.

Other. I'll parade my opinion in the comments.

It's In! Obama Picked Biden for Vice President! Good Choice?

CitizenSugar — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:21:20 -0700

We've been waiting for the text for days and now we know! Barack Obama just announced his running mate in the 2008 presidential election is none other than Joe Biden. The first Obama/Biden rally will go down today around 3:00 pm ET.Biden is in his sixth term as the senior Senator from Delaware, is Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and was in the running for the presidency this year before dropping out right after the Iowa caucuses. Are you surprised? Is this a good choice?Source

It's In! Obama Picked Biden for Vice President! Good Choice?

Yes! That's who I was hoping for! Right on.

That's the pick I expected, but I was hoping for _______.

No way. He just lost the election.

I'm surprised, but pleased.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Chinese Made in the USA Tee — Pointed Critique or Pointless?

CitizenSugar — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:00:10 -0700

With all of the controversial news that's sprung to life out of China during these Olympics (protesting and grandmas facing labor camps, to name a few) this t-shirt encompasses a whole slew of thoughts behind the complicated nature of the relationship between China and the US. The design is pretty cute — and the slogan, "Made in the USA" written in Chinese characters, makes a statement of its own. But between Chinese products causing trouble, manufacturing moving there, and China's growing economy, what appears to be a hipster fashion choice could very well have political implications. What do you think? Would you wear the statement?

Chinese Made in the USA Tee — Pointed Critique or Pointless?

Pointed Critique. It calls attention to China's looming presence in the US economy.

Pointless. Who's going to know what it even says? And China is far from taking over.

Other. I know it's just a t-shirt, but I have some stuff to say about it in the comments.

Are Gas Prices the Real Reason For the Housing Crisis?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:45:17 -0700

I'm already a fan of Scotty Iseri's politically-charged pop music — but when he puts together a Morgan Spurlock-esque explanation about how the housing crisis isn't really due so much to "predatory lending" and "reckless borrowing" but the cost of getting out to those McMansions my interest was piqued.
Scotty's piece studies Buffalo Grove, outside of Chicago, IL, where residents spend almost a quarter of their income on transportation cost, and nothing is accessible without getting behind a wheel. Showing how Buffalo Grove's houses have declined 8 percent in value, while Chicago — where it's possible to live close to everything you need without getting in a car has seen housing prices go up almost 10 percent, makes a lot of sense. Similar trends are happening in Portland, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles, where the draw of houses far away pales in comparison to that ubiquitous "pain at the pump." What do you think? Is gas the real grinch?

Are Gas Prices the Real Reason For the Housing Crisis?

Yes! Real estate is location, location, location. Gas makes that decision for people.

It's part of it, but not the whole picture. The mortgage industry has dirty hands, too.

No. Gas is coming down, and people will grasp at straws to blame for their mistakes.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Should Houses of Worship Keep Out of Political Matters?

LibertySugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:38 -0700

Americans have reconsidered their faith in the mixing religion and politics. A majority of Americans now say churches and other houses of worship should keep out of politics and not express their views on day-to-day social and political matters. Fifty-two percent of those surveyed by Pew Research Center said that Churches should butt out, the highest level since the poll began in 1996.The shift is most apparent among conservatives. In 2004, 30 percent of conservatives said that churches should stay away from politics, compared to 50 percent today. And among white evangelicals, 36 percent want religious groups to stay out of politics, up from 16 percent in 2004. Considering both candidates sat down to chat with Reverend Warren during last weekend's forum at the Saddleback Church, I would guess that Barack Obama and John McCain do not oppose religious groups getting involved in politics. What about you: should churches keep quiet about politics? Source

Should Houses of Worship Keep Out of Political Matters?

Hell Yes. Religious groups should not use their influence to further a political agenda.

Heavens No! Voters have a right to know where their leaders of faith stand on the issues.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Who Has the Housing Problem: Obama or McCain?

LibertySugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:11 -0700

Candidate dwellings got a bunch of attention yesterday. After John McCain could not recall how many houses he owns, Barack Obama aired an ad painting McCain as out of touch with America's economic woes.

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McCain took the opportunity to point out Obama's own housing problem. An ad coming only hours after Obama's stars a real estate deal between Obama and would-be convicted felon Tony Rezko. It also alleges that Obama gave Rezko $14 million in taxpayer money through political influence. The complex details of McCain's allegation might not stick with voters, plus independent sources say there is no evidence that Obama did anything improper involving Rezko.McCain's ad came quick, but do you think it will effectively quell backlash coming from McCain's forgetfulness?

Who Has the Housing Problem: Obama or McCain?

Obama. He shouldn't throw stones when he lives in an even more corrupt house.

McCain. Forgetting how many houses has gelled the narrative that he's out of touch.

Not sure. But answering an economic critique with a character attack seems desperate.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Hallmark Rolls Out Gay Wedding Greetings: Tasteful or Tacky?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:51:12 -0700

Though just a scootch late for the famous nuptials of Ellen and Portia, Hallmark has rolled out a new line of greetings, created for just such an occasion. In response to California ruling gay marriage legal, Hallmark saw a fancy card niche to be filled — one that doesn't involve shiny embossed images of a traditional bride and groom. Despite the fact that most states don't recognize gay marriage (CA and MA are the only two) several others recognize civil commitments, and when there's a ceremony, there's a cause for card.Hallmarks says the decision to offer the greetings was not politically motivated, but rather a response to consumer demand. Their spokeswoman says, "it's our goal to be as relevant as possible to as many people as we can." Indeed they started offering "coming out" cards last year (an event that strikes me as more interesting? I did not know one gave a card for such an occasion!) The new cards contain neutral language, speaking to love rather than a specific event so they're useful for weddings or commitments. Four designs in all will be released this summer.As 85,000 same-sex couples have become legal in one way or another since 1997 and estimates peg nearly 120,000 more will join Ellen, spelling millions in new business for wedding industries. Is this just smart marketing? Hallmark has already expanded to include cards for "sorry you can't get pregnant," and "good luck in rehab," as well as interfaith marriages — because in greetings, it's the specificity that counts?Source

Hallmark Rolls Out Gay Wedding Greetings: Tasteful or Tacky?

Tasteful. It's smart business, savvy etiquette, and a sign of mainstream acceptance.

Tacky! By hyping them as gay greetings, they're taking advantage to make a buck.

I suppose there's no harm in making them available, but it does seem opportunistic.

Other. I'll greet you in the comments.

Should Hybrid Drivers Get Special Parking Perks?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:30:30 -0700

I get the need for handicapped parking spots. I might even get "family" parking, or close spots for expectant ladies — but this? This could be the "slippery slope" my dad always warns me about. Some stores are now offering preferential parking for those driving hybrid cars. Being an eco-avenger behind the wheel lands you closer to the door in Austin, Chicago, and a handful of cities trying out the program. Los Angeles has allowed hybrids (and cars that get more than 45 mpg) to park for free for three years already while Houston flyers with hybrids get to park at airports for free, and New York City is toying with the idea of allowing hybrids to buck the parking meter.While the jury's out on whether parking perks lead to efficient car purchases, some of the states with plans underway, like Texas, New York, and California, already lead the nation in states with the highest hybrid sales. It might be more of a mental boost than a planetary benefit — the marketing specialist at Houston's Ikea says there's no enforcement on the hybrid-only slots, but people like the spirit of it. It's about promoting awareness. "The company's philosophy is to be green conscious, and we'd like our customers to think that way, too."What do you think? Right track or what's next!?Source

Should Hybrid Drivers Get Special Parking Perks?

Right track. Even if it's just symbolic, it makes people think and rewards good effort.

What's next?! Special parking for blondes or Virgos? This is just silliness.

It's tricky. It's a nice idea, but it does punish those who can't afford a new hybrid car.

Other. I'll park my thoughts in the comments.