Vote

[Jeff 232]

GET OUT AND VOTE EVERYONE

Hey everybody hope your all out voting today, whether its for a Democrat, Republican, Librarian or whoever just vote

I know I express my opinion quite a bit, but thats all it is,. I know i say some smart stuff and yes some real dumb stuff too. I just want the best for our country

So I have to head out soon in the rain and go vote, hope you all do too

Whoever wins or loses, I hope we all win as Americans

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!

VOTE ?????? IN 2006

[crispy crittr 14]

I agree with Jeff, GO VOTE!!

You have until 7:00 pm

In the meantime -

Stay Safe,

Chuck

[Jon 533]

Done.

Now all we have to do is watch TV tonight and see if we can toast with a glass of wine or if we shall WHINE.

Jon

[PressurePros 248]

Curtain close ::whissshhk:

Lets see.. all these choices.. where is the "lesser of the evils" straight party ticket?

Next!

[RyanH 14]

Media is saying "democrats didn't win, republicans lost." I have to agree. They abused their positions for the past few years, did nothing about taxation when they had the chance, have had YEARS since 9/11 to correct illegal immigration issues, and did nothing. Unfortunately, the democrats never proposed anything to "fix" any of these issues, they just ran on a "we're not republicans" ticket. Let's hope that now they are in they can actually do something POSITIVE for our country that doesn't involve class warfare. If the democrats would get behind and support th Fair Tax, I'd even vote dem in 2008...IF the fair tax was implemented as is it written currently. We had 8 amendments on our ballot that related to "special interest" tax brackets and incentives....8 more complications to our tax code. Ridiculous.

I think nothing will get accomplished in the next 2 years, though....dems will waste millions of dollars and too many breaths chattering about how they should impeach Bush, and nothing relevant to American's will be accomplished.

[Jeff 232]

CONGRATS TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!:cheers:

[JFife 14]

...So true about Repubs losing....I'm in MO which was a hotly contested state.....every day would get these huge fold-out mailers in the mail from the Democratic Party. EVERY ONE would have a huge picture of Bush on it and say something like, "had enough?" or "ready for a change?". That's sad when a Party's entire platform is basically, "hey, you've heard everyone gripe about Bush.....No, we don't necessarily have anything to offer, but at least it will be a change."

But alas, America--and my State of Missouri--have said their word. I wonder how any moron could support these Democrat candidates like Claire McCaskill (MO).....here ads said things like, "I'll work to improve the illegal immigration problem." Huh?? Who'd be ignorant enough to vote for someone like that?? Oh yeah, all the folks in the ghettos and homeless shelters, etc. The uneducated. Had people calling my house all day yesterday leaving messages, "this is Dem party....wanted to make sure you had a ride to get out and vote Dem today." And now a MAJORITY of our country are cool with all of this. Wow. ...So let's give Socialism a shot!!:)

[Deck Guy 14]

They must do the mailings by zip code. I never even recieved one, and you got one every day?

[kevinw 14]

I'm afraid you're right! I don't think we're going to see any significant change at all. I'm not a Dem, but I kinda wish they could have offered some substantive plan. The bottom line is that we're embroiled in a lot of big problems with no easy way out...whether Iraq, social security reform, tax reform...you name it. Unfortunately, big biz and lobbyists drive too much of what happens out of D.C. At least they have to shift their plans over to the new bodies in Congress. Bottom line, it's the same play with different actors.

[Deck Guy 14]

The pendulum may swing, but it never swings very far.

[Keth 15]

The American people stood up and made their voice heard. Democracy at it's finest.

[Jeff 232]

The American people stood up and made their voice heard. Democracy at it's finest.

Right on brother. I hope for the very best

[Jarrod 22]

I agree 100% with you Ryan. The republicans walked away from their conservative values. They were afraid of themselves. Let's hope that they learned a lesson from this. Unfortunately, this country will pay a heavy price for the next 4 years, and so will our soldiers.

Terrorists are celibrating everywhere - now that the spineless liberals are in control. Yes, I said SPINELESS!!!

[Deck Guy 14]

Jarrod,

Why four years? Senators serve for six, congressmen for two. Pres election in two years.

So your theory is that people that would have voted Republican, voted Democrat (liberal) because the Republicans weren't conservative enough? I don't see how that would be a logical decision.

[Jeff 232]

I hope the whole world doesnt fall apart now that the dems are in. LOL

A lot of people are sounding like Chicken Little .....The sky is falling

If the Republicans did their job they'd still have the majority

VOTE DEM IN 2008

[Deck Guy 14]

I'm thinking they lost because most people are moderates, and they have gone off the deep end. For that matter, I'd like to see both parties get more towards the middle and out of the radical left and right.

If Rumsfeld would have resigned last week, I bet things would have gone differently too.

[mas3372 14]

I'm thinking a lot of people these days could give two $hits if someone is a dem. or rep.. They simply want people that will do what is right. It is difficult to choose the far right wing or follow the dems, two complete opposites. This worked back in the day of black and white or red and blue, all the same. We live in an economy today of such complication that one extreme or the other just won't cut it.

I am a dem. in regards to the fact I am a union fire fighter and democrats to me are job and benefit security. Replubicans on the other hand offer me other perks that the democrats can't and won't. Perhaps I am a republican democrat, call me an independent, hell, call me confused.

Were at a point in this Country when the people have finally started to wake up and pay CLOSE attention. Ironic how gas prices where down the whole month and half before the election. It's come where the people of the US are realizing the effects of the current leadership and realize when we need change. In my home town alone with the highest taxes in the state, we tossed 3/5 of the incumbants for town council and elected first time office seekers of any kind, no experience, we just want change. We are willing to gamble with lack of experience in hope to catch a break. Where at a point where we sit back and say "what do we have to lose".

The one thing that still dissapoints me is that only 47 percent of Rhode Islanders actually go out and voted this year. And this year was a HUGE for Rhode Island between ballot questions, a US senator, govener, lt.governor, AG (especially after the station night club fire) and several other key positions. 47 % dissapoints me, but on the other side, that is up 30% from the norm.

I am done this rant. Thanks for listening.

[JFife 14]

I hope the whole world doesnt fall apart now that the dems are in. LOL

A lot of people are sounding like Chicken Little .....The sky is falling

If the Republicans did their job they'd still have the majority

VOTE DEM IN 2008

...If they'd have done their jobs well in the mind of a sound Republican, all they'd be able to carry is the true 25-30% base. Iraq would be a wasteland, but we'd have saved troops. Snipers would patrol the border. The economy would be scary it would be so powerful because we wouldn't have Special Interest Liberals to hold us back, and there'd be bounties on the heads of abortion doctors.

But instead, they have to walk this pandering line because of spineless moderates and socialist dems.

[JFife 14]

They must do the mailings by zip code. I never even recieved one, and you got one every day?

....Perhaps an exaggeration.....but at least every other day?? I am 30 and single, they could have done mailings on limiting factors like that.....singles are more likely to vote Dem. Can't believe you never got those!! LOL, actually in the eye of a service biz owner, quite an impressive campaign. Nice, consistant campaign of pictures of Bush with goofy faces.....headline, "Are you ready for a change??" Didn't even mention Jim Talent!!LOL

[racechaser 64]

Jarrod,

So your theory is that people that would have voted Republican, voted Democrat (liberal) because the Republicans weren't conservative enough? I don't see how that would be a logical decision.

I don't think conservatives voted for a socialist out of spite. I think "independent" conservatives either didn't pull a lever when in the box or voted libertaian.

The state ballot ballot initiatives prove that people are growing to be basically a conservative nature.

For years, I too have considered the "greater good" and voted republican even if I thought they weren't the best.

In 2000(???) I voted for Perot because of NAFTA and other things. In hindsight I guess his "sucking sound" wasn't far off. And digitally enhanced pics that looked real?? That's absurd. Well maybe it wasn't huh. Maybe he was more sane than most thought.

After Clinton got elected I felt like I wasted my vote. I felt badly.

Now I don't care. I voted Bush for re election because of the War on Terrror.

I hated doing it because of the massive spending initiatives he incurred under his administration. He is about as republican as a man on the moon.But I couldn't see Kerry commanding our troops.I wouldn't do that to our boys.

Newt Gingrich and the "contract for America" that was the republican party I was in. Ronald Regan outspending the Russians to end the cold war was a proud moment for me. Regan rolling back taxes and jump starting the economy. That was a proud memory.

Now I will gladly vote libertarian (if the situation arises) with the rest of my conservative friends.I want to send the message that I am conservative and not maried to any party.

I am sad that now Bush's guest worker program will sail through the House. But I guess the silver lining is that the people who did vote Libertarian sent a message.Had they voted Dem it would have gone unnoticed.But when the Republican Party looks at the Libertarian count they will see that those are the people who cost them the election.

Just my nickels worth

Scott

[Jeff 232]

...If they'd have done their jobs well in the mind of a sound Republican, all they'd be able to carry is the true 25-30% base. Iraq would be a wasteland, but we'd have saved troops. Snipers would patrol the border. The economy would be scary it would be so powerful because we wouldn't have Special Interest Liberals to hold us back, and there'd be bounties on the heads of abortion doctors.

But instead, they have to walk this pandering line because of spineless moderates and socialist dems.

Jon, now who's extreme and when does extreme ever lead to good. Maybe the way you think isnt what most republicans wwould call being a sound republican. America voted and it sounds like they want to be goverened from the middle, they difinitly wanted change. Once again your blaming everybody but the republicans who have had total control for quite some time.

I just dont get you and I probably never will, but thats whats great about america and freedom of speach,. It takes all kinds to be The USA. I just hope some things get done and I hope Bush putting Casey in charge of the petagon will help to make the troops safer and help solve some of whats going on in Iraq.

[racechaser 64]

America voted and it sounds like they want to be goverened from the middle, they difinitly wanted change. Once again your blaming everybody but the republicans who have had total control for quite some time.

This administration was as left as you can get except on pro life and pro war issues.

America is conservative. look at the state ballot initiatives. It proves it. Republicans lost this election because conservatives want change.They want CONSERVATIVE LEADERS. Not morally bankrupt heathens. The Foley cover up was the SINGLE catalyst that turned the tide in the election in my opinion.

Conservatives could have waited till the next presidential election had this not happened. But with Foley, enough was enough with the Independent conservative base. These brave free minded people finally stood up and voted their conscience. Had my congressman not been a 100% stand up guy I would have followed suit.

Scott

[Jeff 232]

This administration was as left as you can get except on pro life and pro war issues.

America is conservative. look at the state ballot initiatives. It proves it. Republicans lost this election because conservatives want change.They want CONSERVATIVE LEADERS. Not morally bankrupt heathens. The Foley cover up was the SINGLE catalyst that turned the tide in the election in my opinion.

Conservatives could have waited till the next presidential election had this not happened. But with Foley, enough was enough with the Independent conservative base. These brave free minded people finally stood up and voted their conscience. Had my congressman not been a 100% stand up guy I would have followed suit.

Scott

Scott, I think your right to some extent. Conservitive but not totally. Min Wage laws passed in many states. I'm thinking the country is sort of 50/50. It is at least close to 50/50 as many of the past elections have proven with the close votes each election. Theres nothing wrong with anything in moderation, moderation means to me, we can find common ground, not perfect always, just the best that can be done to help all. Dems & Republicans really could work together if they wanted to and we forced them to

My views aside. I think its even, many are against abortion, many are for leaving it a womens choice, many are for tax cuts, but who gets the cuts is different with each party, I really think both parties are for business but how they make laws are different, such as tax cuts regulations etc. I think most want better morals in our country. I think now that we are in Iraq we wouild like to win, but just dont know if we can do a clean win. It may be impossible to get a clear cut win.

I know we all want better/perfect ethics in goverment, I think that was the major message sent this past election. I dont think its going to happen, there is just to much special interests / lobbiest. Corruption and lying is a major problem in congress. I think laws need to be put in place, our reps work 5 days a week for us, not like it is now they work 2 days for us and 3 days trying to get reelected

Things have to change every once in a while, its how our fore fathers wanted it, they did not want one party to have complete control for to long, they were a smart bunch of guys, they were amazing. I hope we can get a congress & senate thats amazing someday

Congrats to all that voted

[RyanH 14]

Heard this morning that one of the first "significant" things dems will do will be to raise minimum wage by $2. As a business owner, don't you see a significant flaw in that? Consider how your pricing structure is calculated....labor cost is one factor. If a company's labor cost goes up, one of two things must happen: reduce labor required or increase the cost to the consumer. Historically, businesses have opted to reduce the labor required...I can remember in HS when I bagged groceries...we had 2 bagboys PER register. Now, in any of the grocery stores / walmart /etc. I visit, there are typically 3 baggers on shift floating between 5 - 7 registers, and 90% of the time the cashiers are bagging themselves.

But there is only so much you can cut before you have to raise costs, and $2 per hour is signficant. I predict a rise in every consumer's cost to purchase goods. Then in a few years we'll need another increase to compensate.

[Jeff 232]

Heard this morning that one of the first "significant" things dems will do will be to raise minimum wage by $2. As a business owner, don't you see a significant flaw in that? Consider how your pricing structure is calculated....labor cost is one factor. If a company's labor cost goes up, one of two things must happen: reduce labor required or increase the cost to the consumer. Historically, businesses have opted to reduce the labor required...I can remember in HS when I bagged groceries...we had 2 bagboys PER register. Now, in any of the grocery stores / walmart /etc. I visit, there are typically 3 baggers on shift floating between 5 - 7 registers, and 90% of the time the cashiers are bagging themselves.

But there is only so much you can cut before you have to raise costs, and $2 per hour is signficant. I predict a rise in every consumer's cost to purchase goods. Then in a few years we'll need another increase to compensate.

That $2 raise will be over 3-5 years and it shouldnt have taken until now to raise the min wage. When it was raised several years ago during the Clinton admin the republicans and business said it would hurt. It didnt hurt at all, actually business did very well and still put people to work

When I was in young they had people pump your gas too, we had milk men come to our house, doctors made house calls, we had 2 trash pick ups a week and bread was $.25 , you could get a breakfast special for $.99 ( coffee, 2 eggs, potatos, meat & toast) A Big Mac used to be big, SO WHAT TIMES CHANGE. Walmart sure could afford baggers at the min rate now, they choose not to, to make billions

I pay my guys now $14 & $15 an hour and Im giving the $.50 raise every six months now as I told them you make me $$$, I'll take care of you , $10 to start and a $1 raise in 30 days if they are good. Thats a real good wage for here. I know electricians that dont make that much. I dont have to charge that much more over time and Im still making a killing because I train my workers well.

So that min wage over say 3-5 years isnt really going to hurt anything, its just cost of living and cost to do biz

Most businesses now pay over the min wage and the ones that dont are just trying to cut cost at the expense of the american worker and they wonder why the worker doesnt care or why they cant keep anybody, I've known many worker that leave one job to go to another just for a 25 cent raise. Now if they just paid more to begin with they might keep workers and it would cost biz less in training people all the time

Cost of living raises many get, why not the ones on the bottom of the economic ladder?

Its about time they raise the min wage, gives people more to spend YAYYYYYY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just my $.2 1/2 cents

[timbertramp 14]

Rep. Den. I do not care, but we need to do what is best for the country and never forget our troops around the world. Whatever the plan, lets do it right and protect our troops and country.