[Elvish]

Well, backing up a bit, the reason we ought care at least a little what other countries think of us is that we are the world's only remaining superpower. What our government does, and much of what we do as a society, well, it affects to some degree millions of others around the world. THAT is why I think we should care what others think of us.

I do not say that to say we should make all our individual and collective decisions solely based on what others home and abroad will think of us; but there should at least be a consideration as to how other people will be affected by what we do. I'm not saying I'm perfect or I make all the right decisions. And my bleeding heart is probably showing, but I just can't imagine making decisions any other way.

And you still can't convince me that the war in Iraq is going 'well.' Great that troops are being withdrawn, possibly to pre-surge levels. But what would really make me happy is if they were withdrawn to pre-invasion levels. Quite frankly, the thought of my brother being sent over there (he will be before the year's out) to fight and kill and possibly die for a country whose government members don't feel they're obligated to show up for work on any given day really makes me .

Oh, and I read somewhere that 40% of all statistics are wrong. Really, I did.

[CHATSDALE]

i know that we all share the same planet but so many of these other countries take money with one hand and shoots the bird at us with the other
i don't mind offering help to places like burma/china when they are in such turmoil from ravages of nature
in africa where they are under seige from aids and malaria we must help or see generations wiped out but too much of foreign aid is wasted or diverted into the pockets of the crooked leaders

what do you do with a household budget when your outgo is exceeding your income, you step back evaluate and make corrections

[Elvish]

I completely understand where you're coming from, Dale.

I just think that there's something really out of balance when people in the richest country in the world (that would be us) have more food in our pantry than people in these poorest countries see in a whole month. Most of us take our clean water for granted. Most of us take for granted that our kids are guaranteed a free education for 12 years (though would be nice if it were more than that). We take for granted that we will have something to eat for breakfast in the morning. We know that we will not have to mix mud, oil, and salt and make a cookie of sorts out of it to eat.

And I know that many many countries would be doing way better than they are were it not for their crooked leaders and officials. Remember, my husband comes from Mexico, prime example right there. Drug cartels pretty much control the police force right now.

This is why I think Bono's DATA program is really great. You get fairer trade policies, you get foreign aid, you get help with HIV/AIDS but you only get it by playing fair with your citizens.

I am American (and grateful) but before I am American I am a human being.

[bluesky]

Originally Posted by Spidey's mom

I did read a poll where Obama is NOT leading McCain . . just the opposite . . . . . there are lots of polls out there ...

steph

Please do share the source of your pole.

[BBFRN]

Originally Posted by bluesky

Please do share the source of your pole.

Bluesky- Steph said she saw it on Yahoo. I did see a similar poll on Fox News myself, though.

[VivaLasViejas]

Well..........a lot of things can happen between now and November, no matter who's conducting polls right now. I don't think anyone ought to get too excited about them when there's a long hot summer and two conventions ahead of us. But, that's just me.

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by bluesky

Please do share the source of your pole.

The poll was on Yahoo yesterday and I just looked and can't find it.


steph

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by VivaLasViejas

Well..........a lot of things can happen between now and November, no matter who's conducting polls right now. I don't think anyone ought to get too excited about them when there's a long hot summer and two conventions ahead of us. But, that's just me.

That is the truth . . . . McCain and Obama are so darn close it probably changes minute by minute.


steph

[ingelein]

Originally Posted by Spidey's mom

That is the truth . . . . McCain and Obama are so darn close it probably changes minute by minute.


steph

Will make for a EXCITING race until Nov. I dont know if I can take anymore excitement , Im gettin' pooped.

[VivaLasViejas]

Polls are really just a snapshot of what's going on in the country at a given minute......they're kind of like the weather, if you don't like what one says, wait five minutes!