Southern_Man 0 #51 November 7, 2012 Quote I learned that I will never bet against Nate Silver. oh and by the way...he got his start learning and crushing online poker. just another reason to regulate and legalize it in this country. That is hardly a surprise, since gambling was pretty much the basis for development of probability theory and a lot of statistics. He did nail it though."What if there were no hypothetical questions?" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #52 November 7, 2012 QuoteAs it is, just pointing the HYPOCRISY of people in states that receive federal welfare who want government out of their lives. Sorry John, the hypocrisy is trying to paint the states red or blue. There is so much more to it. And, if you do the red state vs. blue state map since 2000 it's the blue states that are receiving the lion's share of fed money.Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #53 November 7, 2012 You bring up a good "red state" versus "blue state" thing. Example? Here's a blue state from yesterday. http://media.cleveland.com/politics_impact/photo/11831938-large.jpg Things can be a BIT more complicated that simply "red state/blue state" My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,107 #54 November 7, 2012 >Sorry John, the hypocrisy is trying to paint the states red or blue. There is so much more to it. Airdvr, 2010: "40 years? Only blue state pea brains would be so fucking arrogant to think they have that much effect on things." >And, if you do the red state vs. blue state map since 2000 it's the blue states that are >receiving the lion's share of fed money. Well let's look at the state of things as of 2005 (per the Tax Foundation) then: Top receiver of federal money per capita: Alaska (red) Lowest receiver of federal money per capita: New Jersey (blue) Top 10 welfare states (i.e. who get more than they give) MI,NM,AK,LA,WV,ND,SD,VA,KY Bottom 10 welfare states (i.e. who contribute more than they receive) NJ,NV CT,NH,MN,IL,DE,CA,NY,CO. Overall, the top 10 welfare states: 7 red, 3 blue (per the 2012 election) Bottom 10 welfare states: all blue So actually it is the opposite of your claim. The blue states are the most likely to be giving the federal government far more than they receive. In other words, the blue states are supporting the red states when it comes to federal spending. It's no wonder many red states are doing well during the recession; they're not paying their own way. However, to your original point, this only becomes hypocrisy when those red welfare states start complaining about federal welfare and how they want to end it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yoink 321 #55 November 7, 2012 This is my first election living in the US and I've learnt one thing, It's not about policies. It's a personality contest that's run via advertising. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #56 November 7, 2012 QuoteThis is my first election living in the US and I've learnt one thing, It's not about policies. It's a personality contest that's run via advertising. Then you've learned nothing whatsoever. Just look at the demographic analysis of the election. That should be your lesson.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yoink 321 #57 November 7, 2012 Quote Quote This is my first election living in the US and I've learnt one thing, It's not about policies. It's a personality contest that's run via advertising. Then you've learned nothing whatsoever. Just look at the demographic analysis of the election. That should be your lesson. Thanks for your opinion on what I've learnt or what I should take away. I'll be sure to ask you next time I want to have an opinion of my own... I've rarely seen such an arrogant and pompous statement - and I'm English! Almost none of the TV or radio advertising I've heard over the last several months were detailed unbiased discussions about policies of either party. I'm sure that information was available, but the signal to noise ratio was MASSIVELY outweighed by both parties slagging each other off or talking about why the other guy is wrong - not why theirs is the RIGHT way. That's a juvenile way to win an argument. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,107 #58 November 7, 2012 >>It's a personality contest that's run via advertising. >Then you've learned nothing whatsoever. I think he's largely right. It's a personality contest, and he who has the best spin doctor wins. Take the first Presidential debate. Obama was cordial, clear, and stated his position succinctly without any histrionics and without a lot of attacks on Romney - and lost miserably. Why? He was uninspiring. He was boring. He was laid back. He was, according to many pundits, "asleep." There was nary a sound bite to be had from his speech, while Romney was energetic, biting and aggressive. He simply made better press. A week or so later Obama was back at another debate. He said basically the same thing, but this time he was on the attack. He went after Romney, made him a bit defensive. His content didn't change but his delivery definitely did. And this time he "won" the debate. So I think yes, it is largely a personality contest. Romney lost in large part because he seemed to be an elite snob who had trouble seeing out of his limousine windows. Never mind that Obama's limousine windows are currently a lot thicker than Romney's - that was the public perception and it was spun well by Obama's team. Romney's team tried the same thing but did not do as well, since Obama does not come across as elitist as Romney. That's not to say that people did not pay attention to the issues; many did. The Romney camp's refusal to articulate their budget plans hurt them, for example. But if you have to have one factor that will win you an election, go with personality and on-screen presence. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #59 November 7, 2012 QuoteHowever, to your original point, this only becomes hypocrisy when those red welfare states start complaining about federal welfare and how they want to end it. Are you talking about people in red welfare states complaining about it? Or the state itself talking about it? I find no hypocrisy in people seeking to end welfare. Indeed, even if they are on it. Hypocrisy is expecting everybody else to end welfare but keep it for yourself (i.e., teabaggers who don't want Medicare or Social Security touched). But for a welfare recipient to advocate against welfare would be like a felon renouncing crime. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #60 November 8, 2012 QuoteQuoteThis is my first election living in the US and I've learnt one thing, It's not about policies. It's a personality contest that's run via advertising. Then you've learned nothing whatsoever. Just look at the demographic analysis of the election. That should be your lesson. I think quade makes a good point. California revealed it: (1) the race card is powerful (blacks and latinos voted in droves for the dark candidate - a good friend of mine who is an attorney for La Raza spent many keystrokes advocating for a "Brown Room" in the White House); (2) the religion card works well (a religious person shouldn't get elected unless, well, um...); and (3) more for me from them (California's Prop 30 - increase income taxes on the wealthy was voted in but Prop 38 - to increase taxes on everyone - was voted down). We are remarkably polarized in the US. Politics feeds on that. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,107 #61 November 8, 2012 >Hypocrisy is expecting everybody else to end welfare but keep it for yourself. Agreed. Thus I would be a lot more impressed by red state members who demanded their own states stop accepting federal dollars than red state members who brag about the bridges they build with Federal dollars while asking all the _other_ states to stop accepting such money. A simple example would be the perennial example Sarah Palin, who railed against earmarks while accepting them to benefit her state. (Indeed, her state leads the nation in earmarks per capita - over $200 per person.) Think about how much progress we could make if the Sarah Palins of the country just refused to accept that money, rather than insisting that others stop theirs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LyraM45 0 #62 November 8, 2012 QuoteWe also learned that there is a major decline in morality, ethics and civility in this country. How so?Apologies for the spelling (and grammar).... I got a B.S, not a B.A. :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #63 November 8, 2012 QuoteThus I would be a lot more impressed by red state members who demanded their own states stop accepting federal dollars than red state members who brag about the bridges they build with Federal dollars while asking all the _other_ states to stop accepting such money. Even as a Libertarian, roads are an issue where I think federal government SHOULD be involved. That's interstate commerce. Quotehink about how much progress we could make if the Sarah Palins of the country just refused to accept that money, rather than insisting that others stop theirs. Agreed. But that's the problem with politicians. Robert Byrd couldn't waste the opportunity to have buildings named after him. Nor can any politician. It takes a restructuring to limit the federal government and its power. Which may be a pipe dream, but it's something I think is worth striving for. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #64 November 8, 2012 QuoteYou bring up a good "red state" versus "blue state" thing. Example? Here's a blue state from yesterday. http://media.cleveland.com/politics_impact/photo/11831938-large.jpg Things can be a BIT more complicated that simply "red state/blue state" The alternative would be to suggest that a couple of people who own thousands of acres each should have more say in an election than hundreds of people living in an apartment complex. I don't know anyone who would make that argument, or at least not in mixed company. Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #65 November 8, 2012 Quote the signal to noise ratio was MASSIVELY outweighed by both parties slagging each other off or talking about why the other guy is wrong - not why theirs is the RIGHT way. first post that tells it true you might try to change your style and note that only one party was slagging it out and that YOUR party was all perfection and wonder - else no one here will take you comment seriously I don't see how anyone can keep a straight face and say that the ads were one sided in the ridiculousness and slams ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #66 November 8, 2012 Quotethe race card is powerful (blacks and latinos voted in droves for the dark candidate And whites voted in droves for the white candidate. Love the undertone of racism. Let the posts of, but I have black friends begin..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #67 November 8, 2012 You do realize that's satire, right?Performance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #68 November 8, 2012 Quote We learned that overseas military continue to have their votes not counted. http://www.duffelblog.com/...election-for-romney/ Holy fuck that's funny... Hey buddy, I'll give you a little hint, you should have read the box at the bottom, which is about the author: Drew is a four year Navy vet who hasn't quite got the hang of civilian life yet. Occasionally he wakes up in the middle of the night and stares at a blank screen with the lights off. He tries stand up comedy every once in a while and is a huge nerd. Please tell me that you also emailed people and posted this on Facebook Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #69 November 8, 2012 QuoteYou do realize that's satire, right? Shhhhhh!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #70 November 8, 2012 QuoteQuoteQuoteThis is my first election living in the US and I've learnt one thing, It's not about policies. It's a personality contest that's run via advertising. Then you've learned nothing whatsoever. Just look at the demographic analysis of the election. That should be your lesson. I think quade makes a good point. California revealed it: (1) the race card is powerful (blacks and latinos voted in droves for the dark candidate - a good friend of mine who is an attorney for La Raza spent many keystrokes advocating for a "Brown Room" in the White House); (2) the religion card works well (a religious person shouldn't get elected unless, well, um...); and (3) more for me from them (California's Prop 30 - increase income taxes on the wealthy was voted in but Prop 38 - to increase taxes on everyone - was voted down). We are remarkably polarized in the US. Politics feeds on that. My point is it's not 1955. A bunch of old white men can't insult women, blacks and latinos and expect to still win an election. While Romney himself may be an honorable guy, he surrounded himself with incredibly vocal idiots who spouted things that scared the bejesus out of the non old white men voters.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ianmdrennan 2 #71 November 8, 2012 Quote Quote We learned that overseas military continue to have their votes not counted. http://www.duffelblog.com/...election-for-romney/ Holy fuck that's funny... Hey buddy, I'll give you a little hint, you should have read the box at the bottom, which is about the author: Drew is a four year Navy vet who hasn't quite got the hang of civilian life yet. Occasionally he wakes up in the middle of the night and stares at a blank screen with the lights off. He tries stand up comedy every once in a while and is a huge nerd. Please tell me that you also emailed people and posted this on Facebook Oh yeah, it's already on facebook. "It's on the internet and supports my beliefs, it MUST be true!"Performance Designs Factory Team Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #72 November 8, 2012 Quote300 million. How many can vote out of that, when you remove immigrants who aren't citizens, and kids? About 200 million. That's not a great turnout, but its not 120/300. I was wrong, I will admit this. I thought the number of eligible voters would be much higher than 200 million. Must be all those H-1B and TN-1 workers. By the way are you still on a TN-1 (were you ever on a TN-1?) or do you have something more long term now? I know when I had TN-1s, INS was nice to me for the first few years. But as the years progressed they turn into total assholes to the point where it wasn't worth the effort dealing with their BS. From a skydiving point of view I sure miss Colorado. I had a great time in my 8 years in that great state. But from an economic point of view, I am glad to be back in the land where people's heads split in two when they talk. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #73 November 8, 2012 Snopes says 100% true. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterblaster72 0 #74 November 8, 2012 Another thing we learned is that Florida is still a clusterfuck when it comes to the presidential election. Be humble, ask questions, listen, learn, follow the golden rule, talk when necessary, and know when to shut the fuck up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BikerBabe 0 #75 November 8, 2012 I also learned that if people actually voted for the candidate they agreed with most, the two people in a deadlock wouldn't have been Obama and Romney... www.isidewith.com Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
