Election 2008

I have not followed the local debates but I hear the this lady Darcy Burner misrepresented her educational credentials in a speech. That border on stupidity and I find it rather amazing that she got away with that.

JK

 

I refuse to read this thread, I cant imagine anybody I like possible being a liberal or socialist.

 

The information about the legislative Bill regarding pensions was taken from the state "short summary" of the actual legislation. Not my words.

And I agree that Darcy Burner is an extremely weak candidate. The economics degree thing is rather goofy -- she has a "concentration" in it, rather than an "economics degree". Still, it is a pattern, as she previously claimed to be an "executive" with Microsoft, and was simply a middle manager. Unfortunately for people in this district, both candidates are poor choices. Reichert is a living example of the Peter Principle -- rising to just beyond his abilities. (Good guy, just not good at legislating.)

As for this whole socialism, liberal, communist thing -- this is something campaigns do to divide people to win elections. NOBODY -- even Bernie Sanders, who used to call himself a socialist, is a true socialist in the way of the feared Hugo Chavez. The fear of socialism has been nationalization of private assets, which is actually something the Bush Administration (with strongly conservative - free market republican advisors) did with the bailout. They also gave $25B to the auto industry for retooling. Lables are absolutely worthless, because plenty of repubs voted for (and architected) the bailout, and plenty of liberals voted with plenty of repubs against it. Heck, Alaska is statistically one of the most conservative states, but it is also the single most socialist. Any resident, whether working or not, gets money from the government that is taken from the oil companies doing business there. It's welfare -- milking the corporations and giving their money to people who have done nothing to deserve it. But does anyone call Palin or Ted Stevens or the Murkowski family socialists? No, because it's really pointless.

Everyone wants smaller government until they need money or to have something placed into law to protect or ban something that is in their self interest.

 

The Alaskan Permanent Fund Dividend i.e. APFC was established by a constitutional amendment which set aside 25% of the revenue from Mineral Lease royalties. This revenue is gladly paid by oil companies to Use the Alaska land to make their profits. The 1976 Alaska legislature was kind enough to allow the residents of Alaska to use this money to further their lives how they see fit instead of the Government using it for them; this certainly isn’t the State of Washington’s view on our Money!

The key here is; the Government isn’t milking corporations, these corporations are leasing property, much like you would rent an apartment from a landlord, only the landlord in this case is the State of Alaska, or the “Residents” of the state (The oil companies do not own the land they rent it). Oh, and the current government can’t do anything about the fund which was established in 1976, so not really a fair comparison bringing in Palin, Stevens or the Murkowski family into the discussion, but can see how that might be confusing. Is it socialistic? In this case, it’s a great legacy.

 

sammyb - No personal offense in the following;

But for you to early-on post that you're typically non-partisan voter, and beyond that consistently defend Gregoire and contradict Rossi doesn't look too non-partisan.

-Colin

 

Excuse that, it was unnecessary. Sorry.
-Colin

 

No worries -- - I have very thick skin. I also don't take politics personally.

I'm very equal opportunity. In fact, I voted for 9 Democrats and 5 Republicans BUT in two of the races here locally, there were no Republicans running, so I look at it as 7-vs-5. And as I said -- I really don't like Gregiore or Rossi. My logic was to go with the more critical thinker, since I didn't agree with either on many principles, and neither are impressive candidates (in my opinion). (I'm also glad I don't live in the 8th, otherwise I would have had a very hard time picking between Reichert and Burner, as neither are impressive.)

I might be opinionated -- but I've been described as a "raging centrist", because I love to dispell the half-truths and total bs spread by both sides. (Consequently, I'm not sure that I have a lot of friends! )

The good news is that I'm just as opinionated when it comes to cars. Don't get me started on Ford, GM, Chrysler, VW.........

 

I figured since I've never actually shaken your hand before, I'm not really in the place to "call you out" like that.

I think we all are... at least I am, but I'm a kid. I grew up wanting a "tricked-out" Accord and have ended up buying myself a Lexus LS in the end... I still have VWs though.

Anyway, again sorry, and thanks for the opinion(s). Hope you were satisfied with the results!

Take care,
Colin