Thoughts on Ryan as VP?

The Nordic countries are quite nice too.

It's a fascinating country right now. I'm not sure if the division CAN be healed???

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Originally Posted by The Storyteller

I stopped paying attention to this race the moment it was apparent Romney was going to be the nominee. He doesn't have a shot in the world of being president.

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And I just don't see how Mr. Obama could be reelected unless Romney completely and totally shoots himself in the foot somehow. At least we know one of us will be right.

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Originally Posted by gimmethesimplelife

I'm 45 now and I'm thinking if RomneyRyan get into office, the clock is really ticking on this citizenship for me.....Just don't think this (or any other for that matter) country is worth being in a position where the choices are roof over head or medical care.....Rob

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I don't see ever giving up my citizenship because I love living here, but if anything would make me think about it its possible that would be another four years with the current administration. Guess we just reflect the country at large, huh Rob?

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Originally Posted by bae

The Nordic countries are quite nice too.

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I am of Danish Heritage - but it is way too cold there -- too many smelly cheeses, and fish eating! Though "our" family still owns the farm - after over 200 years!

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Originally Posted by Greg44

I am of Danish Heritage - but it is way too cold there -- too many smelly cheeses, and fish eating! Though "our" family still owns the farm - after over 200 years!

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Can I take your place? I love cold weather and stinky cheese. :) Well, I do live in MN. I guess that's close enough. Danish summers are probably nicer though (read: cooler).

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Originally Posted by Gregg

I'm not sure if the division CAN be healed???

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I think there are lots of people on both sides of the divide who have great interest in making sure it isn't healed. I find that, and them, sickening.

One of the things that took me a while to adjust to after moving to phoenix was the slower, casual, southern lifestyle. But now I like it better and the Midwest seems too stoic.

what about those on the fence?

I have no qualms that our economy is in the toilet. We have to figure out how to turn it around. Maybe Ryan can figure this complicated issue out.

but I still can't sign on to the anti-abortion platform. Because woman are left to care for the children while men waltz away. I wish there was never a need for abortion but the need has existed since almost the beginning of time. Tell me what the solution is to the problem of women getting pregnant. sometimes unwillingly.

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Originally Posted by flowerseverywhere

what about those on the fence?

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There are, I think, quite a few of us on that fence. Fiscal conservative/social liberal pretty well describes me and most of the people I know. Maybe I just live in a cocoon, but everywhere I go I seem to run into folks with similar thoughts. I couldn't care less about party affiliation, but wouldn't mind a little more recognition from one party or the other.

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Originally Posted by bae

I think there are lots of people on both sides of the divide who have great interest in making sure it isn't healed. I find that, and them, sickening.

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Sadly bae, I can only agree with you.

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Originally Posted by Gregg

There are, I think, quite a few of us on that fence. Fiscal conservative/social liberal pretty well describes me and most of the people I know. Maybe I just live in a cocoon, but everywhere I go I seem to run into folks with similar thoughts. I couldn't care less about party affiliation, but wouldn't mind a little more recognition from one party or the other.

Sadly bae, I can only agree with you.

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Agreed, agreed, agreed.
And I'm long past the "If X is elected, I'm outta here" threat. I survived the Reagan/Bush years politically, I can survive anything. I'd love to see a candidate that was committed to radically reforming our social programs, rather than eliminating them. And one that had the cojones to stand up to the Pentagon, and to Big Industry and its abuses. One that, I dunno, rewarded "job creators" for actually creating American jobs, rather than just for earning & consuming. But whatever happens, our resilience and mettle will be tested in the coming years, so we keep on working on our self-sufficiency and our community-building. Life is good.

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Originally Posted by ApatheticNoMore

Anyone actually serious about using tax increases to solve the deficit argues for repeal of the entire of the Bush tax cuts. Not just some over 200k nonsense. That shows how much taxes could really bring in (tax rates that were already in existence before Bush).

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Actually, tax rates are not a good indicator of revenue. In 1960, with upper end tax rates of 90%, the United States collected tax revenues equal to about 18.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product. In 2007, 5 years after the "Bush Tax Cuts", the United States still collected tax revenues equal to about 18.5%.
In 2012, without any significant changes to the tax policies in place in 2007, the percentage is projected to be around 16% after enjoying a consistent average of 18.3% since the 1960's.

A couple of things to ask yourself;

1. What value did the 90% tax rate of 1960 bring to the US Economy that the 35% rate of 2007 didn't?
2. Since revenue as a percentage of GDP hasn't fluctuated more than a few percentage points over the past 70 years (excepting WWII), do you think that all this political posturing and class envy is worthwhile?
3. Why are revenues lower in 2012 than 2007? What has changed?

I believe an honest appraisal of the historical record might lead a free thinker to answer;

1. None
2. No
3. The lack of economic activity.

While imposing higher tax rates on the rich may be personally satisfying to some, it is not the answer to the problem. Until we place our focus in the right direction, we shouldn't be surprised at more of the same.