I'm curious to see what people dislike about our country. I know that with election coming up, everyone has a platform... so if you were in charge what would your plan be?? What is important to you to improve our country? In no particular order...
I would allow gay marriage, I haven't seen a good argument yet not to. The main argument I see is an "It's not the way it's done" type of thing. Then again why have marriage at all? The only reason I want to be legally married is to have the rights of a spouse. Why don't committed gays deserve that respect?
I'm pro-choice, which we'll leave to a whole other debate.
An education plan to make a difference. We need to look at foreign education, and why it works. They spend more time in school, with a stricter curriculum. Too many Americans can't read or write, can't add or subtract. That's pathetic! Teachers are underpaid, and without them we have nothing. And in France, my understanding of their University is that they take a test after HS, and are admitted. No 1,000's in tuition fees. I was looking at a forecast of college costs for my kids. We need to make school MUCH more affordable to those persuing a higher education.
Health care. We need it for ALL of our citizens.
Military~ Our soldiers need better care. We have soldiers walking around with serious emotional issues that are refused treatment. This chaps me!! Only as strong as your weakest link...
Foreign aid is out of control. We need to focus on US! I don't mean to sound selfish, but we are in no position to help everyone else while there are hungry children in our country. Why are other country's poor people more important than our own.
Welfare needs to be re-evaluated. People who really need help, and deserve it, can't get it. Others who don't make an effort, and take advantage of the system are getting a free ride.
That's all I can think of for right now. What's important to you?

By Tink on Friday, July 9, 2004 - 02:23 am:

Crystal, after reading your posts here and on the debate thread regarding Kerry vs. Bush, I applaud everything you have said. I believe in the same issues as you and couldn't have said it any better. I'm sick of people abusing the system. And by that I mean, the people on welfare using and abusing those of us that work our tails off and those that are financially well-off using their money to take advantage of those that don't have as much.
I think that money has become more important than people and that is sickening! If our soldiers are ready to give their lives for this country, our country should be willing to support them in every way possible. While I think that the military and defense are neccessary and important, I think they have become more important to politicians than they are to much of the public. I don't think that the military is the only thing that makes a country important.
The biggest way we will be able to make a change in this country on a permanent basis is to educate our future leaders and the best leaders are likely to be the ones that want most to learn. Our teachers are paid a pittance and they give so much of themselves. It is a common practice in several other countries to allow anyone to go to university if you score well on the entrance exams.
Gay marriage is a non-issue for me. My aunt has a partner that she has been with for 15 years and they have stood the test of time much better than many marriages. If you can find someone that makes you a better person you deserve to be married. I have a friend who is gay and he and his best female friend are married so that they can get the benefits offered to married couples. I think the deceit is wrong but with no alternative...
Abortion is better left for another time but I don't think that it should be a decision maker for the job of President.
Honestly, I've gotten a lot more carried away than I thought I would and I don't have anything else to add.

By Ladypeacek on Friday, July 9, 2004 - 04:44 am:

I agree with both of you...
I think so much money is put into campaining for gay rights, abortion rights, things that really shouldn't be what decides the president! That money could be used for the teachers, the police, military, all those who exhasut their lives for others and don't make near what abortion doctors make!
I don't feel that anyone should have the right to decide on someones life altering decisions, abortion...i think its wrong and cruel but that doesn't mean it is for someone else, i don't live in their shoes..i don't know their personal consequences... gay rights...there are straight couples that practice things that appaul me but that doesn't mean i have a right to stop it...these issues to me are small compared to the real problems that we can worry about, we can fix, problems we all agree on what should happen....welfare for those in need not the ones who are better at scamming... better education for our children... more support for those that give their lives to protect ours, not just military but cops, firemen, city health workers, ect....
I say these are small because in the end whatever their decision is, it has no bearing on my life. I am not affected personally more than just being irritated....But the other issues..eduacation. pay for teachers and protectors.. welfare..taxes..
THESE AFFECT ME...MY FAMILY...MY FRIENDS
I hear the talk but i haven't seen the walk yet on these issues. So many promises and what they THINK should happen but never any real action. I know that some things take time but someone needs to start it rolling.