Remarkably, you might be very surprised that we do not seriously agree here. You didn't have a heart attack over that, did you?
XO: I want an end to the stupid war in Iraq and an expos? of the profiteering that resulted from it, and an end to the oligarchy making foreign policy forever.
Prof: I concur that this debacle needs to end, quickly.
XO: I want a government that will work toward more equitable incomes, and less disparity between the mega-rich and everyone else.
Prof: I again concur.
XO: I want a government that does not lie, cheat and steal.
Prof: Totally concur here as well.
XO: I want a fair assessment of what is happening with Medicare and Social Security and a sincere attempt to keep benefits from slipping.
Prof: Concur. One example is that if you lifted the cap, there would be NO money problems here.
XO: I want my country to stop borrowing from China ( and others) and squandering on military and secretive plotting, dirty tricks and meddling in the affairs of other countries.
Prof: I concur and I postulate UP would as well.
XO: I want government funded research in sustainable energy and resource management. Solar, Tidal, Wind, Geothermal, Biomass energy should be amply funded and even subsidized until it can compete. Alcohol from corn is silly, and everyone knows this.
Prof: Totally concur even if tax cuts are needed. Gimme a serious tax break for solar energy and I will pursue this, tomorrow.
XO: I want a stable dollar, not one that constantly spirals down in value against the Euro, Pound and Yen.
Prof: Agreed.
XO: I want decent medical care for all Americans, I am tired of hearing that we can't afford to fund cures for drugs, treatments and diseases while they piss away millions per minute in Iraq. Amei=ricans deserve the benefits of their own taxes.
Prof: Yes, something really needs to be done in this arena.
XO: I want equal treatment for Israel and the Palestinians. Israel is NOT our best ally, it is an annoying embarrassment the way he Israeli lobby steals our money to harass Palestinians, which in turn makes the rest of the world loathe us. We should realize that Israel is no more important than any other country with 4,000,000 people, and does not deserve an annual subsidy of $1,000 per head. I am not for subsidizing any other country in this amount, either.
Prof: Sorry, this one we disagree on.
XO: I want a government that encourages children to learn, to be intellectually curious and to have questioning minds. More government-funded TV and radio stations could do this at a minimal cost, and DVD's and such could be distributed to those who pay a minimal fee and show promise in learning beyond the curriculum.
Prof: I concur with the first statement here. We do not promote education well enough. It should begin early and be continuing.
XO: I want it to be easier for students from abroad to come to the US and study. We need more scientists, researchers and engineers and the post-9-11 laws are making it too hard for them to come here.
Prof: Hmm, perhaps. I would say we also need to promote the sciences to US-born more intently than we currently do instead of having to rely on non-native born students.
XO: We need to do something to intellectualize the culture, which is being constantly dumbed down by the media.
Prof: Agree.
XO: That's a start. A good president could figure out how to get most of this done within the Constitution.
Prof: Totally concur; who wouldn't?
XO: Also, Dick Cheney behind bars if there is any way to convict him, just to show that we aren't going to put up with assholes like him any more.
Prof: No, only make him take lessons on how to properly take aim.
I will admit I have little respect for whatever skills he may possess.