Better For Investors - McCain/Palin or Obama/Biden?
NOTE: The amount of activity on this page has been astounding, so thank you. I did have to make some comments to set one person straight who came here with the intent of making this discussion a “race war” even though nobody brought up race other than this specific individual. I will not tolerate such foolishness. Other than that, I’ve approved and published every single comment and will continue to allow for the free flow of discussion on the issue of whether John McCain or Barrack Obama will be better for real estate investors. Thank you! — Bryan Ellis
Who will be better for real estate investors? John McCain or Barack Obama?
If you’re wondering, yes I have a definite opinion. I will vote for John McCain as the lesser of two evils. I will not be happy to do so, nor will I look forward to it. But I will vote for McCain, and I have some very specific reasons for it.
However, this page is not about my opinions, it’s about yours. And I’m going to do my best to stay out of your way here as you express your opinions.
Even if your comment is only to say “I support McCain” or “I support Obama” or “I am undecided” please tell us what you think! Also - if you have specific questions about where the candidates stand on a particular issue, please bring it up.
(If you have a substantive comment that you think deserves a separate post of your own, let me know - I’ll seriously consider it as I’m interested in having additional authors here at FreeRealEstateTraining.com.)
I will approve virtually all comments made on this page, unless they’re simply inflammatory with no relevant content. Feel free to express your opinions, and if you want to be really helpful, express the basis for your opinions and the facts that back you up.
One more thing - if you see this page soon after it’s been posted, there may be only a few comments here. I strongly encourage you to bookmark this page and check back frequently, as there will doubtlessly be a lot of commentary here that will be informative and entertaining for you.
I thank you for reading FreeRealEstateTraining.com!
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- To Undecided Voters
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- Two Weeks From Election: Who Is Your Choice?
Obama is scary. The guy is totally incompetent and inexperienced, but he’s being presented like he’s the second coming of Christ. I’m voting for mccain.
McCain has voted with Bush 95% of the time. Voting for McCain is like just getting 95% of Bush for the next 4 years. What could be worse than that?
I will vote for McCain as the lesser of two evils.
I don’t agree with what Bush has done even though I voted for him. I will be voting for McCain which I think is also the lessor of 2 evils. I am not happy with the choice we have. Obama is just not seasoned enough for me. I know McCain has voted with Bush 95% of the time but I think any candidate will vote with his party a high % of the time. I live in AZ and didn’t vote for McCain in the last Senatorial election so that tells what I think of McCain but like I said, given the choice, McCain.
MCcain has the chops for the job and will make great changes. Also all should take into consideration that Mcain had the opportunity to leave that Prisoner of war camp in Vietnam,because his father pulled some strings Mcain chose to stay with the other U.S. soldiers. MCcain has guts ,courage and can not be compromised. Obama has some deep dark roots(do your research) that are severeley questionable. I happen to beleive he is the on ramp for terrorism into our great country. Also look at what countries are donating money to his campaign via pay pal. It is terrifying!
I vote for McCain! Obama has too many strikes against him. He says he’ll bring change! What change? This is scary! I believe that he is not qualified to be the President of our great country! We cannot take a chance on him!
I support Obama.
Look at the tax increases Obama wants so he can buy votes! I do not want a second Carter term with 16% home interest rates, & the USA held Hostage by terrorist, Obama has no snickers, words just words, I’ll vote McCain.
We definitely do NOT want America to be an “OBAMA-NATION”.
Not only will he increase Big Government (TAKE from the industrious to GIVE to the irresponsible… bad for investors); but the moral climate will suffer seriously with his support of Programs and Practices that promote immoral, lewd-and-against-nature activity, and death to the innocent unborn.
McCain is the better, higher choice.
Ask the typical Obama supporter and they will not know what he stands for other than change. I am hoping McCain picks Mitt as VP but whoever he picks should strengthen the ticket. I think the bulk of the negative feelings about Bush are due to the negative press. But look at the Congress - they are way lower than Bush. While mistakes have been made in the war I believe that history will show we did the right thing.
First of all enough of this party crap. It’s the best person for the job no matter republican or democrat. If you vote just because the candidate is a party affiliate then you are totally unAMERICAN.
Also, you need to vote not because it’s going to be good for you yourself, it helps, but what is good for the country as a whole.
The idiot in office now has ruined our country and no matter who gets in office it will be a challenge.
This country cannont take another 4 yrs. of Bush antics.
For instance, McCain wants to open drilling in the Gulf; what about the Bekkan Reserve field in the northwest and central US up to Canada. Reports show that there are more reserves there than Alaska, etc.
Why give the oil companies what they want?
This country is, in case you forgot, “FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE” not the oil companies and lobbyists.
VOTE “OBAMA”.
I also agree that Obama will support programs that promote immoral and lewd non ethical. If you look closeley he is also getting money from those types of groups. Folks there is an agenda here and Guess who is the puppet (totally fabricated) OBAMA. Big Government creates big dependency ,High taxes etc. Nobody had even heard of the guy a year ago . He was a city planner in Chicago or something and the area he was in charge of is no better now than it was then. I do not want my children or myself to go where Obama wants to take this great country. I want the pledge of allegance and morals and ethical behavior. The nail in the coffin for me about Obama was the church he attended for twenty years. The vial hatred for this country that came out of the pastors mouth. Obama was well aware of this trash and continued down that road until he got busted. Obama is not Presidential material. He is however Scary. I emplore any one to just do your research.
I agree, the lesser of two evils. Gov. hasn’t a clue to begin
with, so we don’t need someone with little to no experience…
Democrat for McCain!
No offense to the conservatives who have commented but I finally found something that I can’t stand to read on my favorite real estate investing blog of all places and that’s what some mistaken liberal thinks about the election.
Less government, lower taxes, more freedom, more liberty for all.
I cannot vote for Obama. He’s a socialist.
I am not happy with McCain nor the Republican party for their massive screw-ups. I don’t want Obama elected, so I must vote for McCain. If I vote for some 3rd party candidate, that will just fragment the votes and give Obama a chance to win (remember the year 2000 election how the Democrat vote was split?).
I certainly hope that McCain will choose a Reagan-type vice president to keep him true to conservative values, unlike Pres Bush who abandoned conservative values when he was sworn into office (I mean *both* Pres Bush — father and son).
I am voting for John McCain
Obama intends to increas the capital gains tax and other taxes which I believe will take money for all investors
There are no good choices. However, I consider Obama to be the worst choice and none of the third party candidates have a chance so, McCain gets the vote.
Obama=raising taxes on the successful risk-takers that fuel the economy, create jobs and improve the standard of living (that would be us, folks), to pay for increasing entitlements; slashing our defense capability; preventing oil drilling, more gun control, socialized medicine, bigger government, etc.
People can’t name one major thing he has ever accomplished in office, but like him because he is for “Change”. Exactly what change? Who IS Barrack Hussein Obama?
I recommend doing some homework. Well documented book about Obama: Obama Nation, by Jerome Corsi, Ph.D.
No presidential candidate should have the knids of friends and mentors that Obama has. Unbelievable.
Obama in his own words:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl32Y7wDVDs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LNqBS5OyqM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzZNP4tTfV0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifEg1aq6Emo&feature=related
The best people for the job aren’t in the running, but there is no comparison between Obama and McCain, the choice must be McCain for now.
As an investor in the middle of a development project, I am fearful that Obama’s economic policies will flatten the economy, raise interest rates, and make it impossible for people to buy the product I will have on the market after the election. I guess the bright side would be all the socialist programs he will have in place, so I won’t have to worry about health care, food, and shelter, after I and my fellow investors go bankrupt.
But right now, I have to go inflate my tires and tune up my engine to solve the oil crisis. Why didn’t we all think of that sooner? I would have bought stock in compressed air and spark plugs.
Based on experience alone and who has the best overall qualifications to hold the position of President, McCain has my vote.
Based on character and integrity, in my opinion Obama has a shady past and has surrounded himself with shady anti-American people. McCain put his life on the line for our country.
If the records in the news are true, Obama will increase taxes across the board. I believe we need to pay taxes, these funds pay for national security, infrastructure, etc. But to increase our taxes exponentially? Our congress needs to cut back on spending, thin out the number of politicians on the payroll, reduce their life long benefits that the average Joe and Jane in the USA has to pay for out of pocket, etc. We don’t need a President that will promote killing our incomes with excessive taxes. We already pay excessive taxes.
I’m voting for McCain. All of those people considering Obama should really do their research and see what detrimental effect he would have on our country overall.
I am supporting Obama, but my reasons have very little to do with politics. The primary reason is that I hear so many people saying they have been inspired by Obama to take charge of their lives. He has given people faith that change is possible– regardless of what that “change” may represent. May of us have become entrepreneurs and taken a leap of faith.
My journey as a real estate investor has given me a new lease on life. It has very little to do with real estate, but I am in support of anyone who gives people back their ability to dream again. Brian, I am definately interested in taking you up on the offer of writing an article about this because I can feel my self getting long-winded already. In fact, I think I will head off to my own blog and continue my thoughts there…
This is really comical. Most people here say that Obama scares them? Really? Why? Because he didn’t grow up in the suburbs of America? Because he doesn’t look like you? Obama has a diverse background, which is one of the things that makes him an excellent candidate to run this country. He has the unique fortune of having seen the world through different perspectives. Our country is no longer a field of white lilies, but rather a cornucopia of different colors and hues.
There is also some crazy idea that McCain has more experience than Obama. My question is: experience doing what? He definitely has more experience at being a politician, but the last thing we need in the White House right now is another good-old boy politician. Somebody please tell me what McCain has done with all of his years of experience. What differences has he made? Whose lives has he changed for the better? I don’t care about experience, I care about results. I believe that’s the reason why there is no experience qualification for the job of President. Being an experienced politician, does not mean you will be a good President. Just look at our past Presidents as proof.
Lastly, please stop saying that McCain will be tougher on terrorism because he served in the military. I really don’t see the coorelation. Especially since McCain spent most of his time in a POW camp. Why do we celebrate him for getting captured by the enemy? Isn’t the idea of war to not get captured? Sounds like he screwed up to me.
I’ve refrained from commenting thus far today, but that last paragraph makes it clear you have a complete lack of understanding of war and a disregard for the soldiers who protect your freedoms. I’ll say no more presently than it is a shameful thing to mock this type of experience. Shame on you. — Bryan Ellis
I think Obama understands that the reason the rest of the world wants to fly our planes into our own towers is because of our politics. We are despised by the rest of the world because we force our ideals and policies on lesser countries, all because of money. The only reason I believe we blew up Iraq, is so that Bush could send all of his boys over there to rebuild it. Do your research on that, and look up “no-bid contracts” and Halliburton while you’re at it. Those guys are making billions rebuilding that country, while our soldiers are dying. It’s truly criminal.
So vote for who you want. That’s your right. But don’t try and make me think that you’re afraid of Barack Obama. Bush is the real terrorist. His terrorism is well documented, so if you weren’t afraid of him, than Barack certainly shouldn’t strike any fear into your hearts.
Im admittedly still on the fence as far as President goes , but I have to comment on the continual thread on here about how if Obama becomes Pres. then he will expand big government . Folks do your research and you will see that during the current administration the federal government has grown more than in any other 8 yr period in the history of this country . This is the same administration that John McCain has voted with 95% of the time . We the citizens of the United States have also lost more of our personal freedoms during the same 8 yr period than at any other time during our history , and if privatizing profits and then socializing losses for the jackass bankers is not socialism under the current govt then Im not for sure what is. I dont even want to get started on this ridiculous bank bailout that was recently signed into law under the guise of helping the poor cash strapped over housed homeowner. John McCain is definately not the answer but unfortunately Im not real sure Obama is either.
Shame on me, Bryan? What is shameful is to call a man a terrorist simply because his skin is brown, and his middle name is Hussien. What is shameful is to suggest that people not vote for a candidate simply because he might cost you a few more percentage points in taxes, and possibly upset your comforatable way of life.
Yes, absolutely shame on you, Anthony. You’ve continued to make your own ignorance abundantly clear. This has nothing to do with your political affiliation, because as you can see, I’ve gladly allowed everyone to express their opinions. My only commentary has been on you, and it’s because you’re acting like a fool. The above paragraph is a perfect example. Nobody has called Obama a terrorist because his skin is brown and his middle name is Hussein. The reality is that you WISH that someone had said. I think it’s quite telling that the word “race”, nor any references to race, happened until you made your post. Don’t be so sensitive about race. The rest of us aren’t. — Bryan Ellis
Is that all you care about…how much money you can keep in your pockets? Do you care about all of the people that are losing thier homes, or the people without health care? Do you really care about the soldiers dying in Iraq, or about the thousands of workers that are being laid off every month?
I apologize if I offended anyone with my comment about John McCain’s service history. I admit that it may have been over-the-top. But I won’t apologize for stating the facts that McCain’s military service does not make him more qualified to defend this country than Obama. Being a POW does not make you a superior military strategist. It just doesn’t. Being a politician for 30 years also doesn’t make you qualified to be President. It just doesn’t.
I’m still waiting for someone to tell me what John McCain has actually done in Washington in the last 30 years. Is the country a better place because of his Senatorial service? Is the world a better place? Hell, is Arizone or Washington, DC a better place?
Service without positive results is just service. Give him a gold watch and a pension, and tell him to go sit down somewhere. This country needs a new direction, and a new vision. You may not think that Obama offers those things, but you certainly can’t believe that McCain does. He’s just more of the same old same old.
Bush lowered taxes and now Obama is going to reverse everything. My vote is for McCain. I pay enough taxes already.
If you go back to 1913 with the passing of the Federal Tax System, come forward through the 1930’s, 1960’s and the 1990’s you will find that every devistating social and economic program that has been enacted is a result of Liberal (Socialistic) politics. If you have a knowledge of economics, history, The Constitution and politics in general, you do not want a Liberal in the White House.
The thing that is scary about Obama is he is the most Liberal politician to ever be nominated by the Democratic Party. The Democrats are all pretty scary if you study their history. Socialists like Obama are in direct opposition to the free enterprise system we as RE investors work under. If youi want an end to Capitalism, just keep voting for Democrats.
For the love of God, do you Republicans ever talk about anything other than taxes? If Obama, or even McCain for that matter, raises taxes, is it really going to put any of us in the poor house? I think not. We’ll keep doing deals, and we’ll keep making money. In the mean time, people will still be dying and starving. But hey, at least I saved $3000 in taxes. Whoopeee!
Stand up and be men for Christ’s sake, and stop whining over pennies. There are worse things in this world that people are dealing with that are more important than taxes.
Bill, I actually know a good deal about history, But the only history I need to study is the last 8 years. If that’s what Republicans have to offer this country, than I’ll take a pass. If all I have to worry about from the Dems is them raising my taxes, I don’t have to tell you which way I’m going to vote.
That’s comical. Nobody who is truly knowledgeable about history would ever say “the only history I need to study is the last 8 years.” Come on Anthony. Hopefully you can do better. — Bryan Ellis
As I read all of these entries I notice one thing in common, it seems more or less everyone is “scared” of Obama and would rather “play it safe” with McCain. I can not say definitely one way or the other but I can say this, you should never vote for someone in spite of the other candidate. Look at what the individual will do for our country, not your bank account.
1980 - “Fiscal Conservative” Ronald Reagan - $200+ Billion Deficit
1988 - “Fiscal Conservative” Bush Sr. - $300 Billion Deficit
1992 - “Tax & Spend Liberal” Bill Clinton - $200+ Billion Surplus
2000 - “Fiscal Conservative” Bush Jr. - $482 Billion Deficit
2008 - “Fiscal Conservative” John McCain??? - Yeah, that makes me feel better!!!
Glad I can’t be drafted.You McCain voters must like the COLD of Russia. I hope you adore fighting in World War III. McCain, Russ, Lavinn, Hannity will send you fools to War but will not lead the troops. I guess with their millions they can go to a netural country and enjoy their money while YOU die for their foolishness. Owning real estate after a nuclear explosion? I’m sure it will be worth a lot? You guys keep following these jerks…Don’t think for yourselves. That’s too diffcult.
As usual the liberals base thier beliefs on what the media says. It is not within them to think that there might be more to the story then then they have been told or can find out for that matter. My professional life apart from real estate deals with watching what people really do when they think no one is watching,confronting them, and then listening to all the fabrications they come up with before they learn that I personally observed the whole thing. And then later, while out in the community hear people who profess to know the facts of the situation (who were not there) spouting off to anyone who will listen as the only one who knows the real truth. Bush may not ever be remembered as one of our great Presidents but I bet as years pass more will be known about what we do not now know.At that point “change” may not look so good. Go set in on a district court arraignment some day and do a gut check on the people you see there and use your common sense as you listen to the stories concocted first as an excuse for the behavior that got them there and second for the reasons they cannot afford to pay!! More liberal programs will only make it worse.
With 143 days served in Congress I don’t think Obama would have found the washroom yet.
While neither has earned my vote, knowing who Obama is and what he stands for scares the hell out of me. This guy is Jimmy Carter’s second term; maybe worse. This guy is not just bad for America, but dangerously so. I don’t vote lesser of evils, but Obama needs to be thrown on the heap of \also rans\.
Yes, Anthony taxes are a big part of what matters to me. I’m an RE investor wannabe. I bust my tail delivering food for a major food distributor. Quite frankly I would love to be able to take home my WHOLE paycheck. I could probably make ends meet a lot better. When you say “Is raising taxes really going to put any of us in the poor house” I would offer that yes it could. Today we are overtaxed in my opinion. Between Federal Income, State Income, Sales Taxes FICA Social Security (that we are not guarenteed to get back at retirement) Medicare/Medicaid. That’s just what is withheld from peoples paychecks. Then we have Gift tax, Real Estate taxes, Inheritence taxes, Marriage penalty, Personal Property Tax, Fuel taxes. That’s just a short list. How many more taxes do we need? I’ll tell you we don’t need anymore. Any candidate that will work to lower these or better yet reform the tax system i.e. The Fair Tax. will get my vote. This candidate most likely be McCain (The Lesser of the evils) Sorry for stepping on anyone’s toes but I take Great offense to anyone suggesting that we don’t pay enough taxes.
Greg, I care about taxes too. It just doesn’t consume me the way it does most Republicans. I’d love to take home my whole paycheck as well, but it’s not ever going to happen.
I just think it is extremely selfish to whine about paying taxes, when there are people in this country that are truly suffering. Why would you pick a President based on how much money he is going to save you in taxes? I just can’t get my mind around that one. It goes against everything that I stand for as an American, as a Christian, and as a man.
I consider it my duty to shoulder some of the burden for those that are less fortunate. I believe it is also my (actually all of our) duty to try and help those that are struggling, to achieve some level of the American dream. Why can’t everyone have a job with decent pay? Why can’t everyone live in a decent home? Why can’t everyone’s child go to a decent school. Oh, that’s right…we might have to pay a little more in taxes to make that happen. So let’s just keep the down-trodden down, while the rest of us keep making more and more money.
I’m far from rich, but I would gladly pay a little more in taxes to make the country a better place for EVERYONE. That’s the problem that I have with the Republican party. They are all so self-centered. All we ever hear is “someone’s going to take my job”, or “someone’s going to raise my taxes”. Or the one that really irks me, “my kid can’t go to that good school, because they gave his slot to that kid that didn’t deserve it”. Who said all of the jobs belong to you? Who said your kid has the right to go to the best schools?
What REALLY scares Republicans about Obama, is they feel that he threatens their priviledged lifestyle. They are so afraid that he’s going to make things better for everybody (ie. Black people), that their piece of the pie is going to shrink. Well it’s about time that everybody got a piece of that pie.
The whole “Obama is going to raise my taxes” thing is just a smoke screen. What they really mean is that “Obama is not one of us, and he’s not going to try and protect my way of life”. Not to mention that millions of people in this country simply cringe at the thought of a Black man running America. That’s what really scares people. The thought of a Black man being the most powerful person in the world.
Anthony, you’re a small-minded fool. You are the only one making an issue of race here. You’re an idiot. And when you get mad at me for saying so and choose to stop reading my blog because of it, I really just couldn’t care less. You’re not an idiot because you support a different candidate than I do, you’re an idiot because you just won’t get past the fact that the rest of us just don’t care about race, while it’s the only thing you can see - yet you blame everyone else for having your narrow mindedness. I don’t care about Obama’s race. Virtually nobody does - except you and Obama. — Bryan Ellis
So vote for McCain, and hopefully he won’t raise your taxes. But make that decision knowing that he’ll do nothing for health care, nothing for education, and nothing for the have-nots. Just as his predecessor did nothing before him. If you can live with that, than may God have mercy on your soul. Have a good night everyone.
I have researched Obama’s qualifications, and find that he has none. His past is not just scary, but anti-American. I don’t get how you all future investors, who believe in the free enterprize system can ignore all of the socialist changes planned by the Democratic Party and Obama, and see that such changes will be helpful to any entreprenuer.
I am not a big McCain fan, but I don’t see how I can continue to have success as an investor with the current plans of Obama and his party.
I have been reading these all day and it has turned pretty bad. I wasn’t going to comment anymore but the last one that Anthony put up was enough. No one brought up race except you. It is not about a black man running the country. I am white and I have no problem with a black man running the country if I think he can do a good job. In fact I would love to see Alan Keyes win. I am a big fan of Alan Keyes. But Obama. No way. Why did you bring up race. No one was saying he is unqualified because he is black. I am tired of people playing the race card when they have nothing else. I don’t like the Democratic party because of what they stand for. They want to control they way we live by putting everyone on programs. You say your a christian? The democrats are pro choice as is Obama. It is not about taxes. don’t put us all in the same group because we choose to vote for McCain. I think playing the race card was uncalled for.
Toby,
1992 Surplus….
A President that can achieve a Budget Surplus A YEAR BEFORE he becomes President is surely what we need! Clinton was a good one wasn’t he?
George Bush Senior (1989-1993)
Bill Clinton (1993-2001)
Great Historian! I’m sure you can tell us where you got your Stats? I’m sure they are completely accurate. Why would we doubt?
Maybe Obama could go ahead and do some Liberal magic like that before he hopes to be elected!
I enjoy a spirited discussion as much as the next guy, and I appreciate the constructive comments made by those on each side of this issue.
That said, I take issue with numerous of the comments made by Anthony. First and foremost, the suggestion that he or anyone else is somehow a better Christian/American/Man, because he’s willing to pay more taxes is ridiculous. I agree it would be great to have this idealic nation where there is no crime, suffering, hunger etc etc.
Secondly, your comments concerning what McCain’s stay in the Hanoi Hilton suggests about his proficiency as a professional soldier. This idea is offensive to anyone who has/is or will wear the a military uniform. The idea that because someone was captured somehow suggests how good they were at being a member of the military. I dare you to make that suggestion to SSgt Maupin’s family who had to wait over a year for Matt’s brutalized remains to be found and returned to them.
Anthony you repeatedly state that you don’t understand why the only thing being discussed is taxes. My reply is to look at the title of this thread “Better for Investors - Obama or McCain.” I would submit that taxes is an important aspect of the investment business. Less taxes for investors and small business owners is definitely better for business. Raising taxes and the subsequent rise in interest rates is bad for business and hence bad for the economy… A strong economy equals more income is being made and hence more taxes can be collected and more money available for fund raisers etc etc… its economics 101.
The point that taxes shouldn’t be the only issue used to decide ones vote is well received and I think most here would agree. In fact many have offered other anti-Obama reasons that you evidently dismissed.
Like many of you, I personally don’t like the prospect of having either of these individuals as my Commander and Chief. Nor, do I like the prospect of having to vote for the lesser evil. However, until Obama clearly defines for me how and why he’s the candidate of change my vote goes to McCain.
** He has given people faith that change is possible– regardless of what that “change” may represent. **
Yeah, who cares what “change” takes place…as long as change occurs. What a riot!
** Especially since McCain spent most of his time in a POW camp. Why do we celebrate him for getting captured by the enemy? Isn’t the idea of war to not get captured? Sounds like he screwed up to me. **
I, too, am repulsed by this comment. Anthony, my suggestion to you is that you walk the path John McCain has walked and then make that statement again. If Obama wins, you may get the chance because terrorists may soon be on our shores. Obama’s an appeaser.
I agree with Anthony that internment in a POW camp doesn’t necessarily qualify someone to be President of the United States except that the experience does give him a unique understanding of what it means to lose one’s freedom, a principal for which he will fight long and hard and that created who we need at the head of government. Government’s first responsibility is to protect its citizenry from enemies foreign and domestic. I do not believe Obama when he says he will fight terrorism. In fact, I think Obama has ties to terrorism, however unwittingly. Time will tell, but I’m not willing to take the risk, so I’m not voting for him.
I agree with Anthony on this one. I don’t think he was trying to play the race card as much as he was trying to point out that there are still a lot of people scared of Obama just because of the superficial things: the flag lapin…his former church…his middle name…his race.
I’ve read all of the comments thus far and still haven’t seen a very good reason to put McCain in the White House. No one answered Anthony’s question: what exactly has he done in the past 30 years that gives him an edge over Obama? Just saying that he’s been in the Senate for 30 years is not enough to convince me that he would make a great President. Experience only counts for so much when you have a country in a desperate state b/c of the idiot in it right now.
I don’t think McCain has distanced himself from Bush enough to garner my support; he got funding from him, supports the war, and keeps harping on the Republican motto of lowering taxes.
The fact of the matter is: no matter who gets the Oval Office, taxes are going to have to go up! The economic state we are in right now cannot afford us a tax break. I think the real issue is that we, as Americans, have a crippling fear of tax. If I had to choose between a President that will raise taxes and spend them properly as opposed to a President that will lower taxes and mispend the revenue they already have, I’m choosing the former. Taxes can hurt in the short run (Lord knows I don’t want to spend any more), but if spent properly, can really help in the long run.
I also don’t think the media is covering McCain’s new idea of staying in Iraq and “winning” this ridiculous war. He almost sounds like a petulant child when he keeps saying, “we won’t surrender”. Am I the only one who wants out? Or is there anyone else that would like to start withdrawing troops in the next two years?
I support Obama because I think he has a clear view of this nation’s current state, I believe he has personal experience of both the struggling Americans (through his childhood) and living the American dream (through adulthood) to give him perspective of the different types of Americans in this nation, he also understands the challenges that face him as a potential Commander-in-Chief and is mature enough to tell Americans that a.) this war needs to end and b.) taxes need to go up.
I even like the idea of this country having a President that is more genuine and not as slick in the White House because he hasn’t been in politics that long.
I love political discussions, but the trouble with them is most people only focus on the NOW. You need to go back 70 or 80 years to get the full flavor of a Political Party. Remember all candidates are in their party because they more closely believe in their party philosophy than the other.
If you study the philosophy of Liberals, it WILL scare the hell out of you. Liberals believe Socialism is the answer to everything. They want the government to control all aspects of your life, which is good for the politicians, but very bad for the people.
Unfortunately some people have bought into the Liberal philosophy, and we are slowly selling this country down the path of:
Capitalism to Socialism to Communism…
Read the “Communist Manifesto” and you will discover the Liberal Playbook.
Keith,
I haven’t played any card, race or othewise. I’m simply stating what many Americans have already stated. They will never vote for a Black man for President. Check the polls. It’s documented.
The word “documented” has a specific meaning. Would you point to the documentation to which you refer? I’ve certainly not heard anyone say that they wouldn’t vote for Obama because he’s Black, and I certainly haven’t heard “many Americans” saying it as you suggest. What is your source? — Bryan Ellis
Everytime someone brings up race as an issue, Republicans always shout, “Foul, he’s playing the race card!”. Why do Republicans never want to talk about race? Is it because you have a poor history of dealing with people of other races? Or is it because if you address it, then you may have to deal with it?
Racism is alive and well in America, folks. Things are better than they were 40 years ago, but they still have a long way to go. Simply not talking about race and racism, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
My being a Christian has nothing to do with my voting Democratic. I don’t actually identify myself as a Democrat. I vote for who I feel will do the most for this country. In my life time, that’s primarily been Democrats. Just look at all of the responses on this blog. The common concern among Republicans is protecting their money and their way of life. I’m sorry, I just don’t think that way. I’m no missionary, but I was taught that there are more important things in life besides money. I want to make as much money as the next person, but not at the expense of someone elses happiness.
Let’s put this way I live in AZ where mccain is our senator, and if you look come to Az, you will find out how bad the school systems are, how bad pay is, you know that AZ is the worst paying job market in the unite states, are you aware of that bryan? have you lived in AZ? If you haven’t then you need to take a real good look at mccain and just as the gentleman has ask what has Mccain done, I will tell you when it comes to Az A Big Nothing, Also keep in mind AZ has on of the worst housing markets in the united states, and also my Wife works for the school system in AZ, and we are last when it comes to education, and the only reason Mccain got in the senate here is because this is a snow bird state and for you that don’t know what that is that is a place in the past and also still today where people of retirement age would go to stay in a better climate becasue of the health problems, and when the season ended then they would go on there marry way. Before you think mccain is the best of the worst evils you need to come on down to AZ and see what it is like which is a state that he is a sentor in.
Caitlin and anyone else in this thread could you please explain why in the world you think Obama has ties to terrorism ? Do you think that there are secret terror training camps in Kansas where he grew up ? Or perhaps you think he went to school in one of the many madrassas that dot the landscape in the midwest . Ive spent some time in Kansas as I grew up in Oklahoma and believe me its hard to hide anything in what might be the flattest place on earth. Spreading innuendo and lies about Obama does nothing to further this discussion it only shows fear and ignorance of someone that has a funny name and doesnt look like you. As I stated before Im not sure I can vote for the guy because I just dont know enough about him , but I am impressed with anyone that comes from a humble background and a broken home and rises to the level he has .
Doug,
The years listed are the years that the gentleman were elected to office. The dollar amount listed represents the deficit/surplus at the end of their terms.
If you can only make accusations and rant about “Liberal magic”, then you must not have a good argument for electing McCain…
I know that this is about real estate and reasons why we would vote for one or the other.
BOTTOM LINE for me is their MORAL viewpoint.
Anthony,
**** “I haven’t played any card, race or otherwise.”
What do you mean by “they” in your next few lines ?
**** “They will (NEVER) vote for a Black man for President. Check the polls.”
I may be “they” (I haven’t seen you) and I WOULD definitely vote for a genuine conservative of the likes of J.C. Watts (he is black by the way) if he himself didn’t waffle on his conservative resolve SOLELY based on his excitement about “CHANGE” to a black candidate who, BTW, stands for completely opposite values J. C. stands (stood) for!
I’d LOVE to see a candidate of color run who stood for conservative moral values on his voting record. (Not just voting “present” *Obama* either when he doesn’t want to be documented.)
http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=5133
Doug,
My comment was self-explanatory. By “they”, I meant the many of Americans that stated they would not vote for a Black man as President. “They” could be white, black, brown or whatever. Their color doesn’t really matter. What matters is that in this day and age, many people don’t think a man of color is capable of being President of the United States of America.
And what morals are you speaking about? When I look for moral role models, I don’t look to Washington to find them. There are example after example of many cases of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual abuse, sexual perversity, money laundering, stealing, lying, bribing, and the list could go on forever. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Democrat or Republican. The people we have representing us in Washington, should not be used as morality guidelines.
If you want to compare the morality of the two candidates, I’m guessing Obama would come out on top. They both seem like fine people to me, but McCain appears to have a more sorted past. He had extra-marital affairs while married to his first wife, one being his current wife Cindy. His wife Cindy has also struggled with drug addiction. I’m sure that Obama has been no saint, and he’s indicated as much. I just don’t think that you judge a candidate on morality, because we never really know what a person is involved in. Just look at what Newt Gingrich went though, and what John Edwards is going through now.
Usually when Republicans speak of morality, they’re often referring to two things: abortion and homosexuality. As a Christian, it is not my responsiblity to force morality on the rest of the world. Am I against abortion? Yes. Do I support the right for a woman to do what she wants with her body? Yes.
All we can do is to educate people so that they hopefully will make intelligent decisions. Not regulate their choices, based on our own codes that we live by. We have been doing that in America for many years, and the world hates us for it.
Very Romantic, Kalimah F. Ayele…. I may like to meet you.
How “inspired” are you willing to be?
“leap of faith”
–Maybe we could jump off a cliff together. (Ladies first)
“regardless of what that “change” may represent”
–The above leap will truly CHANGE our lives.
–Some “unborn” human beings have had their lives changed,… more real estate for us.
“(ANYONE)who gives people back their ability to dream again”
–Dreaming in America has now become illegal? Oops… I didn’t know, sorry, don’t tell.
–Let’s get Tinker Bell to run. She wouldn’t take away our dreams.
Looking forward to your Romantic Blog
All I know is that all the changes that I hear him talk about will crash the economy and weaken the country. If elected the day he proposes his capital gains tax increase, what do you think will happen to the stock market?
I will vote for McCain!
Although the Media has done everything they can to promote Obama and he is been proclaimed as the new Messiah that will bring the “change” to this nation, I think that the American voters are smarter than that and they will elect John McCain as the next president of this great Nation. I hope that they also clean the Congress and Senate of many members that need replacing for their lact of action and not doing the job they were elected for.
How Long Does USA Have?
Who want’s to go into business then have the profits taxed away to pay for demo-craps votes?
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:
“A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.”
Pa. was lost to the demo-craps because of Philadelphia & Pittsburg. What big giveaway city in your state gave the demo-craps a win?
Though I’m certainly not one of them, I’m going to have to insist you give more respect to our Democrat friends than to refer to them as you have. — Bryan Ellis
It’s so much fun to see prejudices and talking points instead of facts. It show intellectual laziness and and the tendency to follow rather than think for yourself. Go do some research. The economic facts are easy to find and they are very clear. I’ll give you just 2. Over the entire 20th century (so we won’t count the last 8 years) when a Democratic President was in office the stock market as measured by the S & P 500 did 40% better then when Republican was in office. Would you vote to increase you profits by 40%? But wait you may say. Stocks don’t measure total econmic activity, GDP does. Since that has been measured (1930) under Democratic Presidents it has grown 5.4 % on an annual basis, while under Republicans it has grown 1.6%.
Can you answer which President did the following?
1. The highest growth in the gross domestic product?2. The highest growth in jobs?
3. The biggest increase in personal disposable income after taxes?
4. The highest growth in industrial production?
5. The highest growth in hourly wages?
6. The lowest misery index (inflation plus unemployment)?
7. The lowest inflation?
8. The largest reduction in the deficit?
They were ALL Democratic Presidents.
Actually every economic measure except for raise in income for the top 1% of the population is “won” by the Democratic Presidents. That is if you look at the entire 20th century, or break it down fro 1945 to 1960, or 1945 to 2000. or 1960 to 2000, or 1980 to 2000.
Please don’t trust me. Go look it up. The US government, or the Wall Street Journal, or Fortune Magazine, or Slate magazine if you prefer summaries. Just don’t listen to “common knowledge” of talking points.
That’s reasonable, Larry. But generally when one is trying to prove a point, one provides the data themselves, much as I did when I provided a video of Obama saying he wants to raise capital gains taxes (exactly the opposite of what you claimed). So please, give us your citations for the information, and we can have a reasonable discussion about it. — Bryan Ellis
I was just giving them the kind or respect that they give to our PRESIDENT!
Well it has been a very spirited debate the last couple of days hasn’t it? Again I will vote for McCain though not happy about it. I follow both parties closely and I still feel the Republicans have more of my values than the Dems do. i don’t agree 100% with either one of them. I have seen some people post things like tell me what McCain has done in the Senate. What has people like Ted Kennedy done and John Kerry and Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. There are also Republicans that hasn’t done much either. As far as I’m concerned neither one has our best interest in mind. they are more worried about themselves and winning.
I feel this country is on its last leg anyway. We are letting illegals take over the country and becoming a nation divided because we have catered to spanish speaking people and bending over backwards to speak their language instead of making them learn ours. don’t get me wrong I feel that everyone has a right to come here legally and work and live here. We have laws also and they want to disregard them saying they have rights. My grandfather came through Ellis Island. He did it legally and learned our language. Stop putting signs and everything in spanish. Again our government is bending over backwards to cater to them and neither candidate seems to want to do much about it. No one can beat our country militarily but we are being eroded from within and our politicians is letting it happen. The one big mistake I think Ronald Reagan made in his presidency is giving amnesty to the illegals in this country. We are on the verge of going under as a country. History has proven that a multi-cultural country that tries to have 2 languages and tries to live with different competing cultures will not survive. Neither candidate has a good plan to deal with this nor does either party. I love this country but I don’t see anyone out there that has an answer.
I was invited to comment on this blog by Bryan Ellis himself, and now he has the nerve to call me a fool and an idiot. What a helluva host you’ve turned out to be, Bryan.
Anyway, I’ve already apologized for the McCain POW comment, so I’m not going into that again. I will say that my comment is no more foolish than the other comments on here stating that Obama is scary, anti-American and a terrorist. I didn’t see you call any of those people fools, Bryan. I guess the only people that are fools in your eyes, are the ones that don’t agree with you.
Wrong-o, mi amigo. I’ve not responded to anything on this page that I disagreed with, save only your unprovoked foray into racist accusations. I’m very specific when I choose to be insulting. — Bryan Ellis
I also didn’t call anyone on this board a racist, Mr. Ellis. That would be a lie on your part. What I said was that racism still exist in America, and there is no denying that fact. Racism may not exist in your suburb, because probably everyone there looks like you do. But trust me, in other more diverse parts of the country, racism is alive and kicking.
If you guys want to vote for McCain, go right ahead. If memory serves me correctly, in 2000 you chose Bush over McCain then. We all know how that turned out. If McCain wasn’t your 1st choice then, what makes him so qualified now?
Republicans aren’t really voting FOR McCain. They’re actually just voting AGAINST Obama. Nobody really wants McCain to be President. But if he wants to protect their comfortable way of life, than Republicans are all for it. After all, Democrats just want to raise taxes and give all your money to those lazy people in the projects, right?
The greedy & selfish views on this board disgust me. Bush said that we went to Iraq to enforce democracy and liberate a people. He indicated that those people deserved a better way of life. So we can spend trillions to help people in another country, but we can’t pay a few more points in taxes to help our own people right here?
Bryan, what do you actually stand for? Really, what do you stand for? You seem more interested in protecting your wallet, than you are about protecting this country. I may be a fool buy you’re a coward.
The word “coward” has a meaning, Anthony. Would you like to define how it is that I’m cowardly? — Bryan Ellis
Bryan, I dont comment on a regular basis, but… I had to say something this time. First, I spent 10 years with the Marines, and 10 years in the army. I served on a Special Forces team in afghanistan and I am still in the Army Reserves, run a ranch and operate my Real Estate Investing business and TRY to find time to spend with my family. People that dont have the ability (or the guts) to serve this country, should keep their mouths shut and not insult those who have. You know who you are. Kudos to Bryan for his support to the soldiers who put their lives on the line for your freedom. Why do I favor McCain? I may hurt some feelings here, but I have never been politically correct anyway. I have served with people of every race and religion “down range” where it really matters, and I call these men my brothers. McCain served his country in wartime, was a POW, and refused to leave his men behind when he had the opportunity. That shows character. What character has Obama shown so far? Hmmmmm. Now, the issue of raising taxes. What happens when a democrat comes in and raises taxes. Those who work hard, have to support all those who are too lazy to work. And dont tell me I am wrong about this, I have personally seen my tax dollars going to people on welfare and food stamps, who then sell the foodstamps for 50 cents on the dollar to make their cadillac payments.
Okay, I see some talk about Deficits, GDP and the two major parties. Not much substance or demonstration of knowledge about any of it by some of the writers.
To all that think the Dems have done such a good job with the economy-take a class in Macro-economics and monetary history. You will be totally surprised. When you correlate the position of the President and the congress with spending you find a very disturbing trend, no totally frightening trend. One good example was Reagan, signed the biggest tax reduction in history. The Dem congress then implemented one of the largest increases in spending to make up for that. The same thing has happened over and over through the modern history of this country.
It isn’t the President that submits the budget!!!! It is congress!!!!
IF YOU WANT TO CONTROL SPENDING CONTROL CONGRESS!!! They are the ones responsible for the deficit. The president has very limited control over this.
I don’t have enough time or space to really go into this here, it would take several pages and numerous supporting documents. I also don’t think it is going to change anyone’s mind unfortunately, facts seldom do.
So bottom line I will go McCain for one obscure reason. He does not support Pork Barrel spending nor is he a fan of entitlements. Obama hasn’t seen one he doesn’t support, take and give it all away is his plan of change. Add up his spending proposals and be prepared to be poor no matter how wealthy you might have been.
Pelosi and Reid keep lowering the definition of wealthy and it won’t be very much longer till the lower economic class will considered wealthy by their standards. Don’t believe me look at adjusted for inflation cost of living, wages and spending power since the 60’s. It will paint an interesting picture that isn’t very pleasant. The main reason we are so prosperous in this country and much of the world is because we have made so many thing extremely cheap to buy. Guess what has made much of this cheaper, energy. Take away the low priced energy and our economy will collapse over night.
So if you want to spend hours learning how all this works and what is going on behind closed doors, don’t go to a college and think you will learn this go to the library and get a lot of books and start reading. Read history, economics and political corruption books. Also read about histories dictators, facists, and marxists. The speaches will shock you out of your socks. Bottom line be prepared to be sad.
So I will support McCain and will work against Obama, Pelose, Reid and the other Socialist running for power and more power.
Chris
What about Liberty? Everyone talks about wht government can do for them. Government has only one power and that’s to take away liberty. We the people, in our wisdom, created the government to take away our liberty to kill, to steal etc. When government endeavors to do something it’s only by taking away our lilberty. We have lost our way because we have ignored the Constitution. We have come so far we actively and ignorantly advocate against the constitution. The promises candidates make are Links in our chains of capivity. “Congress Shall Make No Law abriding the freedom of speech, yet we restrict campaign speech. Congress Shall Make No Law abridging the freedom of worshilp, yet the federal government spends billions on institutions the Supreme Court says cannot allow prayer. We had a local state candidate her in Waqshington State who, upon taking office, advertised for ideas for laws he could pass. I remember thinking “why not ask for laws to repeal”. I know a woman who thinks their should be a federal law against leaving your pet in the car alone. What has become of us?
guess we will have a tough decision.. two candidates who are not ideal for running this country again..! IMO I would not vote for either of these truth hiding comealeons ( excuse spelling )color changers.. I would be voting for RON PAUL i think he tells it the way it is.!! and thats whet we need.. Cant wait till the people realize what we need is the one who tells the most truth and lets the people decide whats right for the country.. not what they want or false promises.. or changing their tune when the wind blows.. Come Back Ron Paul!! we wait for you!! 4 yrs to go..
What happened to Ross Perot..? cant he just bail us out and give him a tax break!! - id rather chosse him at this point!!!
Looks like itll have to be McCain tho this time around!!! after all he served our country like no other!! But
if we want to get Osama Bin Laden, maybe we should get OBAMA - so once he’s in he can call out in the mountains, Osama this is Obama.. you can come out now!! Im President.. NOT!!!!
Guess I’ll vote McCain!!
Hey Jim, God Bless you for serving our country first of all,second I am a republican and agree that the congress is at fault, I do not agree with alot of Bush’s antics but he is not alone in his decisions. I feel we need better choices to choose from. People are in charge of their decicions in life and for everyone to say that the poor are poor because of what the goverment has done is wrong. when people stop wanting things to be handed to them and start pushing forward in a positive direction for themselves, then they will be deserving of more things to come to them. Granted there are many things that are not free to them, but the library is free and education is free, and between these two things a person could and will change there situation with action. I get tired of having to support this mindset of poor and rich I am where I am because of taking action and education no one made me do what I do I chose to have a better life. STOP COUNTING ON THE GOVERMENT TO CHANGE IT FOR YOU. I will go for Mccain because rasing my taxes will slow my process but if Obama gets elected I will still work with whatever the circumstances deals me and will still come out ahead because action is what we all need to take to create change POSSITVE ACTION
I’m another one of those people that almost never posts, but I just have to put in my two cents.
I’m consistently astounded by seemingly smart people who continue to pass judgment and make decisions based on mis-information, hearsay, and unfounded “facts”.
I like Bills comment about political parties. Bill, Obama is not the Democrat of 70 years ago just as McCain is not the Republican of 70 years ago. Each has values that tend to favor one party or the other, but they also split on many issues. That is why no one seems to wholly agree with either.
Obama has ties to terrorism? I’m sorry, more than the USA already does? We’ve certainly funded more than our share of terrorists and “bad” dictators through cash and arms deals, drugs, oil, and US as well as international companies that do business with them - hello, Osama bin Laden anyone?
Republican “Tax Relief”? I don’t need to restate Larry’s post (who I absolutely agree with) - and Bryan, I think that people should look things up themselves instead of relying on blog comments. I’m pleased that you cite where your information comes from, but why didn’t you jump on all the other people who posted their comments and “facts” to give their citations?
That’s a fair question. The honest answer is two-fold: (1) I only work on this blog for a small percentage of my time, so I can’t always get to it immediately; and (2) This particular post has gotten so much attention that I’ve had difficulty keeping up with the comments. But I’ll try to do better
— Bryan Ellis
Do you realize we pay less taxes than in Europe and Canada?
Canada, by the way Keith, has 2 languages and may not be perfect, but certainly hasn’t failed.
I would rather pay more for taxes and see it used correctly, than less taxes and have it spent on “pork”. How quickly we forget about $1500 army toilets, bridges in Alaska, Haliburton, etc, etc. And the trillions of dollars spent, and the lives lost for other countries and wars while Americans suffer here at home…
I agree, I hate to see my hard earned money pay for “lazy” people to live. But that’s a failure of our government programs and those who run them. They need to be restuctured, but people still need aid and hope. Not everyone can pull themselves up by the bootstraps all themselves - no man is an island.
Our government needs to be revamped and streamlined - it is a bloated pig that gives itself raises, it’s friends no-bid inflated contracts, and lots of time off. We are lied to and have bad policies re framed so that we will nod our heads in agreement and follow like sheep. The Iraq War, The War on Terrorism, Clean Air Act, No Child Left Behind, Tax Relief.
We pay less for gas than in any industrialized nation.
Japan has more stringent emission standards and MPG requirements than the US.
We already have the capabilities to move forward and improve on how we use our resources. But that wouldn’t be good for the automobile companies and the gas companies that fund our government.
Talk about job growth - what if businesses were actually building wind farms, ocean current farms, etc. There is lots of opportunity in ecco friendly solutions.
Our children have steadily fallen behind in educational scores compared to Asian countries, European countries, and India? - thanks “No Child Left Behind”. But who wants to pay for education with higher taxes… I’ll just pay $35K per child, per year for private school.
We lead the world with our pollution and greenhouse gases - although China sure is giving us a run for our money.
As far as experience goes… Who cares? Bush Jr. has lots of experience failing companies. It’s not necessarily what YOU know, but surrounding yourself with people who DO know. Another thing Bush was good at NOT doing. Now he can add the USA to his roster.
I want to see results. Maybe I should say, “good results”. ROI. I haven’t seen any from McCain. I expect more of the same. You can’t keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results.
I really want someone like McCain who doesn’t know who we’re at war with and admits he has no experience with the economy. Plus, just because he fought in a war doesn’t mean he has any idea about military strategy or leading for that matter.
As far as Capitol Gains Taxes go… There are always loopholes, shelters, 1031 exchanges, and oh yeah, paying your fair share. Maybe the problem is the people and businesses that manage to get out of paying what they owe makes it so that working people who don’t have tax shelters and CPA’s and doctored books need to make up for them.
The economy and real estate are in a correction. It needs to happen. Let it happen. Rip the band-aid off. The more it’s prolonged by bail outs and interest rate cuts the longer it will take. Everything looks up when you’re at the bottom.
So who is better for investors? Well McCain. I mean screw the people, the environment, the economy… we need lower taxes(for the rich). Who will pay for our deficit? Will we have a habitable planet? Will we have food and clean water? I dunno. I guess my kids will have to worry about that.
Hey Patricia, that was well said. I have long believed in the philosophy of “if you give someone a fish they eat that day (government handouts) however teach someone to fish they eat forever”. People need to be motivated enough to get out and learn to advance themselves and not expect others to just support them.
The government has many programs to send people to college for free. In the past I have always seen the democratic government want to give people fish for the day, and the republicans wanting people to get off their butts and do something. McCain is my choice.
I live in a state that votes largely Democrat. I am not espoused to either party but lean to and have largely (not wholly) voted for Republicans. My spouse is a licensed professional union member who is unemployed 9 months now.
If we are going to talk about stimulating the economy - specifically encouraging the Real Estate market, how about this train of thought? (I am referencing the largest portion of the population here):
1. We increase dependency programs for people - no matter what party is in office when the programs are made active.
2. People use the programs out of at least temporary need, and may become dependent on them making it unrealistic for them to be eneded (if there wasn’t a sunset on them to start which is uncommon)without major impact to the economy and the constituent using them. Examples: CPR farm program, welfare and unemployment, social security not to mention current so-called “bailouts”. At least 3 out of 5 of these encourage dependency and keeping them active long-term - social security [which likely won't be there when I reach "retirement" age] even before it is used.
3. The programs are supported with taxes paid by the people (I think some people actually forget this) who work, hopefully keeping enough for themselves to feel they have reaped the benefits of having worked.
4. Tax increases make both more dependent people on the system, and support the programs to be dependent on.
5. All people groups pay more taxes and all have less disposable income.
6. People with “not enough income” to live the dream and no one educating them how to break out and step off of the treadmill are in a constant struggle and may have one or both of the following happen: Have expected (tax increases), and unexpected life events happen (who doesn’t have these and thus the term “unexpected”) they can’t compensate enough financially for and they fall behind on payments for a home or for rent.
7. (These) People are renters who will be moving, or they are homeowners who will be renters or people in the market for a new (smaller) home (moving).
8. Result: Unending opportunity for Real Estate Entreprenuers.
All of these people keep Entrepreneurial and Professional Real Estate people in business.
The difference between the “independently wealthy” and the “treadmill” wage earner is not courage or determination, but exposure to opportunity, specific education (including to recognize opportunity) and choices. You can’t legislate this. To join all people to a similar financial and social group with programs, we have socialism which just plain doesn’t work in reality. I don’t see our entire population getting off the treadmill, so the Real Estate Entrepreneur and Professional will always have an income source.
Having said all this, it seems the democrats always talk about being pro-worker, and not raising taxes on the campaign trail while they tout government helped programs for people (one of which our family is using now) while they are (very much) endorsed by the labor unions. These things don’t seem compatible do they? Side-note: The extension on unemployment in our current national situation came fast and during this republican presidential term.
The republicans are NOT typically endorsed by the labor-unions and therefore NOT the labor-union worker (doing what they are told), and are attributed with supporting (big) businesses who give the wage-earner his job. The Real Estate Professionals (Agents, Mortgage Brokers etc.) are either working for a business or are a business (RE Brokers, Mortgage Brokers, Investors and others).
The knowledgeable will pay fewer taxes no matter what where that is possible.
The going thought is that Obama will be impacting the taxes that close the gap more - which is socialism which again, just doesn’t work. I am for stimulation of businesses (and entrepreneurialism) to provide less unemployment for those who want to work for a wage. I suppose encouraging more programs, and raising taxes could have the effect of making it so hard for the wage-earner that s/he is forced to consider entrepreneurialism en masse but then who will do the adminstrative and labor-intensive work?
There will always be a business in Real Estate and enough income to go around for the creative. This coming from someone who ran hard out of the gates, and has been beat up by more than 4 hardships in under 2 years including the down-turned real esate market. I lost some of my courage and determination for the independently wealthy path (in Real Estate) as an under-educated and under-mentored person with some major (*unexpected) punches, but am gaining it back because there is hope in Real Estate and Entrepreneurial efforts in general. *Mike Tyson - “You always have a plan until someone punches you.”
To not fractionalize by voting for a 3rd party, I will be voting McCain.
Anthony has made this topic into a race thing and then started name calling. Anthony you never directly called someone a racisit but your comments have. No one ever said they wouldn’t vote against Obama because he didn’t look like us as you have repeatedly stated. That is the furthest thing from the truth. Is there still racisim in today’s society? Yes and there always will be but it is not to the extent that you claim or people like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton claim. That is what keeps people like that alive and millions of dollars coming into their pockets. I don’t see things like white hsitory month or the white awards like the naacp awrds or the Latino awards. If white people would have their own month or own award shows or even their own college fund like the black people do, they would be up in arms. Ethnic groups in this society has more rights then wite people do so do tell me about racism. I am all for a job going to the most qualified person whether he is white, brown, black, yellow or whatever. I am for our government staying out of the free enterprise system and stop the handouts and train people to get jobs not support them. The dems want to support everyone so they can control them. That’s why I won’t vote democratic. So stop playing the race issue everytime someone doesn’t agree with you.
While the flood of opinions and ensuing debates on this topic doesn’t surprise me, the reaction of Bryan Ellis does. I know your initial question was who will be better for RE investors, but you should have anticipated it would become much more.
How irresponsible of you to first open up a political debate that extends far beyond relevance of the site, but then you get emotionally pulled in yourself! We all have an opinion, but in your position as site moderator/advisor, don’t you think you should exude a bit more objectivity, professionalism, reserve and couth? I mean really…name-calling? I’m all for a healthy debate…until it turns childlike, personal, and petty.
I certainly don’t agree with everything Anthony posted, but many of the posts are border-line, if not blatantly, blasphemous. Yet you’ve allowed them, half-heartedly chastising some so you don’t appear biased.
Really? What gives you the opinion that I’m trying to appear unbiased? I made it very clear in the post at the top of this page where I stand, and I did it before everybody else. I’ll be voting for McCain, period. If you take offense at the fact that I require those who comment to refer to Democrats using their proper name, that’s unfortunate for you because I do think everyone should get a basic level of presumed respect. — Bryan Ellis
For the record, I’m leaning toward McCain, but my vote will not be based on any ONE aspect of a candidate’s platform, but rather a cumulative appraisal. If only there were more posts like those from Bev and Matt, this forum could actually be constructive.
Thanks for your comments, Candace. Just for the record, I’ve never claimed to be objective. I’m a “benevolent dictator” :-). But you’ve got to admit - I’ve totally steered clear of getting involved in this discussion, except for the utterly ridiculous comments of one person. Nevertheless, thanks for letting
Well said Keith, Matt as far as the no child left behind act you were incorrect. This enactment allowed my child to have the benefits he now has in the school system my child went from being lost to getting A’s with the help of this program in force. Do not place all situations in the same catagory. Any person who chooses to do well has the opportunity to do so. We as adults in the know should educate the people to think differently, my mother certainly wasn’t rich, but I was always taught that I could have anything I wanted in life go for it, and I do everyday, everyone can do better poor or not, money does not create happiness is a choice. Democrats seem to take this choice away from people and clump everyone together. I choose free will and the information is all around you poor or rich ask and you shall recieve, take action, vote republican
I believe the children are our future teach them well and they will lead the way. we certainly haven’t done well. the world is a hot mess, and it ism’t all the presidents fault. He is one person, it takes everyone to make a difference. when something goes wrong stop blamming the goverment. the people at fault are those who are in the world doing nothing about it. we need to start taking resposibility for our actions, including the president, who is most responsible, who has the most influential ways of getting things done. we the people need to stop writting on the blogs and start getting out there and doing something about it, write letters to the congress, standing together as a nation and fighting for what we want. What if the world stood there and said we don’t like our choices that have been given, and no one voted would they give us more choices?????this will not happen just a thought I feel the same thing happened when clinton got elected. no other choice. Why is it that we have them to choose from??? can anybody honestly if their heart say either one of these people are perfect for the job?
probably not from what I’ve been reading, Black white indifferent it really doesn’t matter at this point. if people are so for obama because he is a democrat then why didn’t they vote for Hillary, she has experience running the country, more then either of these canidates, I fell she ran it when clinton was there,my thoughts, she is democrat, anything great happen? healthcare reform some think this is great others not so great? anything else? is there still homeless people, is there still people out there on drugs we need to educate educate,educate…….like I said it all starts with the children who knows one of them may be able to pull us out someday
I think Obama will be better for us Investors.
I do not think that by voting for the less of the two evils will be better. I do not agree that continue mediocre is better.
I’m voting for Obama - If Obama wins and lets the country down will not vote for him again.
Bryan,
I guess I pissed you off when I called you a coward, huh? Well it’s good to see that you’re passionate about something other than your money. Oh yeah, did you see that comment from Jim about food stamps and Cadillacs? I bet you liked that one didn’t you?
Sure Anthony, your ability to call me a coward is something I’ve long feared. And now my worst fears have come to fruition: Anthony has called me a coward. What ever will I do? Please, oh please, oh please Anthony: Never call me a coward again, for I hate this feeling of dread that surrounds it.
By the way Anthony, one thing that makes you an idiot is your presumption that you know anything at all about other people. For example: You “knew” that I live in a suburb where everyone looks just like me (WRONG!), you purport to “know” my passions, you seem to “know” that Jim was wrong/misleading/etc about his “food stamps and Cadillacs” comment. By the way - you know none of those things. But as always, I continue to welcome you to post here. — Bryan Ellis
keith - I didn’t start the name calling; our host did. Not sure if I started it, but I did engage in name calling, albeit in a very focused way. No apology forthcoming. — Bryan EllisYou really can’t be serious about your comments about Black people having their own month, award shows or college funds, can you? Does that really bother you? Does it also bother you that the Italian-Americans, Irish-Americans, Polish-Americans, and many other ethnic groups also have all of those same things? Or is it just Black History Month that irritates you so much?
And since you brought up Affirmative Action, are you aware of who has been the #1 benefactor of affirmative action? Caucasian women. Not Blacks or Hispanics, as Rush would have you believe. Black people only make up 12% of the population in the US, but they seem to take the majority of the blame for what’s wrong in this country.
Like you keith, I would also like to see the most qualifed person get the job. The problem was this wasn’t happening. White business owners were giving the jobs to white applicants, regardless of their qualifications. So the government stepped in, and basically forced employers to hire minorities and women. Is this fair? Not really. But neither were the hiring practices of most employers.
Don’t blame minorities and Democrats for Affirmative Action. Blame the employers and universites that refused to judge a person on their qualifications alone.
Jim, I’d like to Thank You for your service to our country. I think your comments are right on target. In fact I think there are a lot of good points made by most of the bloggers on here. Anthony, I can appreciate your point of view. I can also say that I too do not like the way we have “Class Divisions” in America, and I actually share your view that we need to do a better job in the U.S.A to “take care of our own” so to speak. But to say that we need to pay more in taxes to pay for those who do not want to work for it quite frankly worries me. I realize there are people who are actually in need of assistence, and should get it. I to am a Christian, and if I had the wealth, I sure would spread it around on my own. But I am repulsed by the Robin Hood Mentality. Just because Donald Trump & Bill Gates are worth billions does not mean that I expect them to give me any of it. (Although I would appreciate it greatly)lol. And I don’t like the government taking it from me either to spend how they choose whether constructively or not. The person I would have liked to see nominated was Mike Huckabee Strictly for his stance on “The Fair Tax”. I think that tax reform should be a high priority in the campaign. The Fair Tax might be a good solution. Like anything else I’m sure it would have bugs to be worked out. This may shock you but as I figure it I would be psying more under The Fair Tax than I do now. Why then you ask would I be willing to do that? Well under that system EVERYONE is treated FAIRLY. There would be no more “Underground Economy” and The “Rich” would pay pay effectively more tax because they could buy more. And with the Prebate checks coming to those in poverty they should be able to afford the new way of taxation. If you want to do the research go to fairtax.org. Bryan you don’t have to post this if you don’t want to. I know it’s kinda off subject. Just wanted to explain myself better.
P.S. Under the fair tax their would be no loopholes as Matt has pointed out. The entire tax system as we know would be gone and replaced with an effctive rate 23% of everything NEW that we buy.
Candace and others,
I ask you to please not take any offense at what I am going to say as I think your comments are well meant and measured. I just want to comment on them and in general about this topic.
First and foremost there is no such thing as a political post ever staying on topic. It doesn’t stay on topic for the moderator, the participants nor the subject. It doesn’t stay on topic no matter who it is about nor where it is held.
I worked for the DNC many years ago and I can say even when you are in the heart of it nothing stays on topic for long. I left after a number of years completely disgusted with what I saw. The RNC is no better for those who think I might be prejudiced to one side or the other. They both suck!!
Now my point of this is no one is immune. All political discussions turn into a morass of drama, that is the nature of politics. While it is annoying and sometimes scary, it has always been this way and always will be. Too much emotion and never enough thought or education to moderate what happens, I saw it from the inside and opted out.
If a person wants to not have a heated discussion the only way to have it is by allowing no comments. Just have a poll with mutiple choice or yes-no answers. Not what Bryan is really looking for here.
So unfortunately there is never a constructive discussion when it comes to politics and most likely never will be one. I never saw one with the DNC, never heard of one with the RNC and of the events I have attended involving some of the less attended political parties, there certainly is no hope for an intelligent discussion there either.
Forums are fundamentally flawed by their very nature and will stay that way as long as people are free to say what they want. There will always be little constructive action taken in one but we should all rejoice that we still have this very important freedom to express ourselves.
Back to the original question; McCain will be better for investors, because he has a more hands off approach, Obama will always answer first to his handlers, they are very hands in the cookie jar.
Yes they all have handlers and always will have, first hand experience. So don’t think I speak from anything on this but experience. I gave up my axe to grind a long time ago. Now I mostly comment from loyalty to my country and not so much any more.
Wow! LOT of comments on this one. Imagine that!
I will vote for Obama. He has the intelligence, insight and foresight, diplomatic tendency and therefore capacity we so desperately need after eight years of what I call the Marlboro man diplomacy and antics of our commander-in-chief. The last thing we need is McBush, who has no shame in stating his continued support of a war in which we have no fight. And, considering the state of our economy, the last thing we need is a long term commitment to spend what was 7.4 million dollars per hour in 2004 (http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-08-26-iraq-war-clock_x.htm).
Anyone but Bush should have worked in 2004. I am foolishly optimistic it will, this time.
Chris, well said. That is one of the best comments on this blog today.
N.L Villanueva, there is NO SHAME in supporting the war. Although I myself do not like war, heck I don’t even like to fight, I just know that you can not turn your tail and run away from this war. You can not give a specific timetable for a pullout. If Obama does get elected He will have no clue what’s going on. And if he decides to pull the troops he better do it at the recomendation of the troops. We need to win this war and stand up for our FREEDOMS. It seems all we ever do is fight for our freedom. This is something that we should not have to constantly do. McCain will hopefully get the job done. I have nothing against Obama personally, I’m just not sure this is the change we need.
Anthony, that’s the first I’ve heard that Caucasion women are #1 benefactor of Affirmative Action. I have no reason to doubt it though. I totally understand the reason behind Affirmative Action, but you have to admit there may be a little reverse discrimination going on. You know as well as I do why we see more tension between Blacks and Whites than with any of the other ethnicites you mentioned. It all stems back to slavery. Just because my ancestors may have had slaves does not mean I approve of such a ridiculous notion and for some reason that tension is kept alive although that took place generations ago. Why does this generation get the blame for something we had no part of. I can only partially blame that on the media. And maybe the Rev. Jackson & Al Sharpton. Now I only brought that up because of the Affirmative Action comments. And as far as Bryan’s reactions, He is totally in his right to do so on his own blog. And besides it seems to be working. All of us on here just keep reading.
Historical note, back in 1991 after the civil war in Somalia, over 300,000 people died of starvation due to mainly to a warlord named Aidid who used food as a weapon to control the people. 1st Bush sent in troops with the UN as peacekeepers to help distribute food to the starving masses and stop the fighting. Aidid was continually attacking UN troops because they were threatening his power, and massacred 24 pakistani troops. Aidid was now the target of a UN manhunt for “those responsible”. Former president Carter, attemps unsuccessfully to negotiate with aidid, and later during an attempt to apprehend him, US troops are engaged in mogadishu in a 17 hour battle. 18 US soldiers are killed and 84 injured. Over 300 Somalis are killed. President Clinton decides to cut his losses and pull out completely and abandon the search for Aidid. Here is a critical point that some will argue. When we got hurt, even though we won this battle, we pulled out. This one event, by Clinton, showed the world that we had no stomach when we got a bloody nose and directly insulted those who had won that very tough battle by pulling out. Afterwards, Aidid realizing our weakness, was implicated in many terrorist attacks, some against US embassies, at one time killing 253 civilians and wounding over 4000. Although Aidid died later, the area still had a major involvement in terrorist activities up until recently. My point is, Clinton had no guts and only took action against terrorism to get the spotlight off the Lewinsky affair, after whitewater had settled down. We need somebody in the office of President, that can make the tough choices. The soldiers dont want to be over there fighting, we would prefer to be home with our families, but we also know that to show that we have no stomach for a fight, only brings the fight closer to us and puts our families more at risk.
Back to the original question:
“Who will be better for real estate investors? John McCain or Barack Obama?”
The answer from this group is clear, with many including their reasons for their conclusion, so we understand their position….
..except not much in the way of reasons from most of the Obama supporters, to whom I ask, what are your reasons for deciding to vote for Obama?
I would guess that you have researched his character, intentions, and proposed policies and concluded he will be good for real estate investors. This seems to be an excellent place to clear this up and, who knows, maybe sway some more votes your way. As we have read, most of the voters are not thrilled with the choices, but have real concerns. It seems as though they will vote for the candidate most likely to not hurt business over the next four years. They could be swayed in Obama’s direction, perhaps, with compelling factual information that conclusively makes a case for Obama.
Maybe if you can quote the factual sources of the knowledge acquired and used as a solid basis for a decision to vote Obama and improve the lot of REI’s, everyone else might better understand that position. I think everyone would find the response to this question very enlightening, inquiring minds want to know:
Which policy of Obama’s is going to better things for investors? How? Why?
…………..
For the most part, this discussion has been very interesting, and thanks to Bryan for creating the opportunity for everyone to participate in this discussion. It definitely reminds one that we are fortunate beyond expression to live in the USA where we can freely express any opinion we like, no matter how, uh, ‘unreasoned’ it may be.
As Mark Twain said, “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”
Well, it’s unfortunate that neither party will nominate the best candidate for President. There were better choices on both sides. Therefore I’ll have to vote for the most conservative candidate (McCain) as the history of the Democratic party is Socialism and the history of the Republicans is mostly Capitalism.
The individual who becomes President is not as important as the philosophy of the party. If some of you have Socialistic tendencies, Cuba is looking for some extra people.
I vote for McCain.Obama isn’t the second coming of Jesus Christ, like the liberals think. He’s the second coming of Jimmy Carter! However, we the people need to take back our country.
Well put, Anthony.
I will never forget in a previous life as a phone technician when I entered a very nice family’s home to service their trouble ticket. They were soooo white family that so was their dog…pure (not New York City) snow white. And not that it matters, except that they were small business owners and hanging on their basement wall was a SBA 8(a) certificate. For those of you who don’t know, this is a government set aside program for “disadvantaged” businesses. Many of you would ignorantly call this “Affirmative Action”. Now, the husband was white so he wouldn’t qualify. Their dog was white and he can’t vote 8-)~. So who did that leave as the qualifying factor? DING DING DING DING. The white wife. And there I was, a “blue collar” Latino, veteran and small business owner servicing them. So, it seems that many on this forum, much like the masses, need a little primer on Affirmative Action. You may benefit from the following: http://www.apa.org/pubinfo/affirmaction.html , http://www.understandingprejudice.org/readroom/articles/affirm.htm , and http://aapf.org/focus/episodes/oct30.php. There are more.
But I thought we were discussing the merits of McCain vs Obama? How silly am I? Reality check…regardless of what anyone says, this presidential race is a culmination of 400 years of racial oppression gone sour. Willie Lynch defeated. And I have always believed that this business of liberalism versus conservatism often happens along the lines of race, because so many associate Democrats with social programs like welfare, for which the notion of generations of blacks and latinos milking society is so prevalent. For example, I have never understood the “hillbilly” backwoods, grease monkey white dude diehard Republican mentality. They don’t care about you, man!
Greg, there is NO SHAME in supporting a just war. And, as a veteran of the U.S. Navy, I am one of the few (excluding Bush and Cheney) who has put their life on the line for the freedoms so many take for granted, including that used to invade a country in which history has now shown was of no immediate threat to us. Face it, people, there were no weapons of mass destruction and Al-Qaeda was not based in Iraq. They are, however, stronger there now. Good job, you zealoous patriots, you. But McVeigh and his ilk are a much greater threat to this country than Saddam and his regime were! Sure…Saddam’s evil regime…”he tortured his peeeeople”…so do most of the police forces in this country…Rodney King, Amadou Dialo…oh well, huh. Oh, and Cuba is a COMMUNIST country. Looks like a primer on civics is needed as well. Here ya go… http://www.romm.org/soc_com.html
Good point on Affirmative Action, Anthony. I will never forget when, as a phone technician I arrived for a service call to a white, middle class family’s home in Suburbia, USA. They were soooo white (how white were they!?)