I think that one of the reasons that so many people get turned off by politics is that most of the debate focuses on the shortcomings of the other side, rather than the good qualities of the different political figures. We always seem to get to the point where we think of an election as a choice between the lesser of two evils, because by the time we are voting, everyone has been so tainted by all the negativity. It's discouraging to have to think, "I don't like this person, but I'm gonna vote for him because at least he's not as bad as the other choice."

Even coming to these boards can be tiresome after awhile. Look at the threads --- most are negative comments of one kind or another about one politician or another. Even the positive ones are often a "Hooray for our side --- the other side did something stupid that's gonna hurt 'em!" Whenever I come here, I know I'm either going to get sucked into feeling I have to defend "my" side, or add my two-cents to a rant about the "other" side.

Exposing the failings of politicains is a valid part of politics, but it's not the only aspect. In this thread, try to find something good to say about one of the candidates or another political figure. It can be a personal quality or a policy. It can be someone you support, but it might be even more thought-provoking if you try to find something good about someone you do not agree with, even someone you may despise.

Pretend like your mother is watching, so "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all!"

Here are some smilies to get you in the mood:

I'll start it off:

• Obama is an inspiring speaker. He seems authentic and comes across as believing the things he says. He's not afraid to discuss controversial subjects that are politcally risky such as racism, and he doesn't take simpleminded pandering positions on these complex issues. He's willing to recognize the multiple sides of an issue. He brings a perspective and point of view to the table that represents a big part of America that doesn't often get a voice. He's brought a lot of people into the political process who have not been inspired to participate in the past.
  
• McCain is a decorated war hero. He served the country honorably and well in Vietnam, and displayed courage and integrity when offered an easy way out. He has been more willing to "reach across the aisle" to get things done than other more ideological politicians. He's been willing to tackle politically risky issues that get to the root of problems in our political system such as campaign finance, the influence of lobbyists, and curruption.
  
• Clinton is a tennacious and tough politician. She is a politician who actually studies policy and is very educated about the issues. She knows how to wear a pantsuit --- work it baby!
  
• Bush seems like a fun-loving guy. He is loyal to his people --- maybe TOO much like in the case of Rummy, but at least he doesn't throw them overboard at the first sign of trouble. His No child Left Behind and the money for AIDS in African were motivated by decent instincts.

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More of the same: Renger's Rantings

LMAO!

Bush- Did a hell of a job getting us through 9-11 and recognizing that an evil dictator had to go.

McCain- Spent his time in hell and recognizes that we are faced with a danger that has to be dealt with.

Clinton- Takes no shit. Put up with a lot of crap from her ol' man.

Obama-He's articulate.

That's the best your getting out of me. Back to rippin' some ass.

Have a good one!

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Welcome Back My Friends

Psycho_4_bud@yahoo.com

Ha ha! Now that wasn't so bad was it? Don't you feel just a bit better about life?

Ok, look out assclowns! Story time is over and P4B is comin' to getcha!

Anyone else have anything nice to say? Didn't Hillary's hair look nice today? Wasn't Obama entertaining bantering with Coop?

Here are a few more smilies to keep you going:

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More of the same: Renger's Rantings

Ok here goes....

Bush - .......

.....

No sorry I can't.

Oh now wait I thought of one!

Bush - He hasn't bombed my country yet.

Tony Blair - He seemed like a nice guy, a man with great integrity... way back in 1997.

Gordon Brown - At least he's not Tony Blair, well not exactly.

Small steps, McLeod. Small steps. You should be very proud of this effort. Maybe tomorrow something about Thatcher? Better late than never! (Or maybe not.)

Here is a smiley for you:

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More of the same: Renger's Rantings

I can think of one about Thatcher - She's still alive!

Anyone else? It seems like when you say, "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all!" it really shuts the place up. I'm hearing crickets.

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More of the same: Renger's Rantings

What do you mean? I didn't mean anything bad by that!

Ha ha! I wasn't talking about your post! I was just trying to get a few more people to chime in. Your compliment to Thatcher was very nice, and I could tell you had to dig deep for that --- good job.

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More of the same: Renger's Rantings

Are you daring to suggest that I was being disingenuous!

McCain - Does good over chips.

Al Gore - Would have made a great president.

Condoleeza Rice - probably a really nice person deep down.

...

You are right though, other people should get a turn in this thread, gets a bit boring when it's just me talking.

I encourage everyone to give this a try. Finding something nice to say about politicians, especially the ones you hate, gives you a warm feeling in your chest --- it's called a "warm fuzzy," and it comes from an expansive mood of generosity toward your fellow man, not bile and acid burning its way up your esophagus, like you might think. Of course, if your "warm fuzzy" get's too intense, you might want to take a few Tums or a Pepcid AC, and it will probably go away...

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More of the same: Renger's Rantings

Oh that, that's called love you fool. I can only do love after a gallon of ale, I'm having a week of beer vipasana, in preparation for the The Kills on saturday.

Put it this way, if Tony Blair or any of his cronies stood down from their soap boxes and begged for forvigeness, I'd probably grant it, right. By that I mean I'd probably refrain from pissing on their graves at some point in the far future, if the opportunity to do so ever came along. But while they are still there talking bollocks and restricting my freedom to live, I wont be taking any o' the diel's spunk up my ass for them.

Sorry but they will have to face the wrath of god on their own, I'm not getting caught out saying nice things about them.

Thatcher and Reagan made a good team. I know she kicked some ass in the Falklands.

Have a good one!

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Welcome Back My Friends

Psycho_4_bud@yahoo.com

McCain DOES know how to use a rifle!

YouTube Video

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We may be ready for the audacity of hope. Will we ever be ready for the audacity of reason?
Sam Harris

I'm ready for love after two pints. After a gallon I'm ready to be put to bed, and the love is optional, if it can be managed at all. And what the hell are "The Kills"?

Ooooooh. That's not nice at all. You next smiley will have to be a nasty one:

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More of the same: Renger's Rantings

Well, there you go. Something nice about Reagan and Thatcher --- they kicked ass together.

Here is a smiley for each of them in keeping with the theme:

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More of the same: Renger's Rantings

Damn, McCain is good with a rifle! We'll have to air-drop him into the Pakistani tribal regions to hunt down Bin Laden!

Here are some smilies for you in keeping with the rifle theme:

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More of the same: Renger's Rantings

So much love in the "lions den"! It must be mating season!

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NO UNAUTHORIZED HAPPINESS ALLOWED!!
WE WILL NOT TOLERATE IT!
Thank you for understanding.

Liberal - adj.:
favorable to progress or reform;
favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression;
free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant;
open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.