Indian Interests in US Presidential Election Campaign 2012

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 15 Oct 2011 05:20

ramana wrote:He has been shouting from rootops about that goal and his actions or inactions support the goal.

He or his manasik successor will give the kick at right time to bring the rotten TSP house down.

Exactly. But you know I don't think he is very good at articulating his successes and reasons for his inactions. Public still largely clueless about the plans to send 120k troops to Afghanistan amongst other proposals.

But you know, he is a politician, why isn't he boasting of his foreign policy successes? Why does he not speak enough to the nation and articulate his quiet moves? That should be interesting to find out.

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 18 Oct 2011 01:05

Herman Cain - on Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and sharia Law.

Garooda · Post by **Garooda** » 19 Oct 2011 23:27

History repeats itself

http://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfe ... -blog.html

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 9823e1604c

Rony · Post by **Rony** » 28 Feb 2012 23:53

Indians in US support Romney, but would poll for Obama

An overwhelming Indian-Americans would vote for US President Barack Obama in the November presidential elections, while Mitt Romney has been named as favourite among the Republican presidential candidates, a latest opinion poll has said. “Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney leads his nearest rivals Ron Paul by 24.1 percentage points and former Senator Rick Santorum by 33.4 percentage points,” said the latest national opinion poll among Indian-Americans.

“But if the presidential elections were held today, an overwhelming 80 per cent of Asian Indians would vote for President Barack Obama,” said the first of its kind survey among Indian-Americans conducted by Boston-based INE Media Inc., the publisher of IndUS Business Journal and INDIA New England newspaper. The online survey was conducted on February 22-26 with respondents coming from across the country. “This is the first survey of Asian Indians during this presidential election season,” said Upendra Mishra, publisher of IndUS Business Journal and INDIA New England.

“Indians have been primarily known in the United States for their entrepreneurial skills with excellence in the academic, scientific and technology fields, but now they’re making their mark on both the local and national political scenes,” Mishra said. In the survey, Romney got the maximum support among the Republican candidates from the participants with 51.9 per cent. However, Obama got the commanding lead with 80 per cent when pitted against the Republican candidates with Romney securing 14.7 per cent support from the participants.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 28 Feb 2012 23:59

The above is a psy-ops poll*. Even if Ind-Ams support Deomcrats because of their fathers' ehsan to the visa regime of the LBJ, its the Republicans who have given them governorships right now: Lousiana and South Carolina.

* on-line survey in Survey Monkey ?

Hitesh · Post by **Hitesh** » 29 Feb 2012 05:28

subodh wrote:
A_Gupta wrote:One of the major parties in the USA consists of certifiably insane people.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/2 ... via=blog_1

The otehr consists of poverty pimps, redistributionist socialists and enviro-wacko leftists.

I will take the wackos over the current inhabitant of the WH and his commissars.

Your statement is something of the sort that I would expect from someone like, Dinesh D'Souza who can be charitably described as mentally challenged.

The actions I have seen from the Republicans are nothing short of infantile tantrum-throwing like Baby Newt "Grinch"

Virupaksha · Post by **Virupaksha** » 29 Feb 2012 05:36

Hitesh wrote:
The otehr consists of poverty pimps, redistributionist socialists and enviro-wacko leftists.

I will take the wackos over the current inhabitant of the WH and his commissars.
Your statement is something of the sort that I would expect from someone like, Dinesh D'Souza who can be charitably described as mentally challenged. The actions I have seen from the Republicans are nothing short of infantile tantrum-throwing like Baby Newt "Grinch"

even though both are true

, dont make this thread demo-repub thread.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 29 Feb 2012 08:18

Its time to revive this thread. Super Tuesday next week (March 5th) will anoint the Republican nominee. From the looks of it, its most likely Mitt Romney. He will chose a VP that can help consolidate the conservative support.

With the state of the economic recovery being in doldrums or skewed to some sectors and the lack of share in economic pie, its going to be a two or three state toss up election.

What will India's options/impact be for a Democratic win or Republican win?

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 29 Feb 2012 08:26

What did I tell you? The Mormons whose powerful memberhip includes figures like Ambassador Huntsmann (envoy to China),Sen.Kerry,head of the ultra powerful US For.Relations Committee and pres.pretender.Mitt Romney,have "baptised" Mahatama Gandhi! Apparently the Mahatama was formally inducted into the Mormon faith on Nov. 17th 2007 in Salt Lake City Utah,the Mormon world "capital".

Just imagine what would happen if Romney becomes US president and the Mormons baptise the entire world into Mormonism,whether we like it or not! Some conspiracy theorists say that this is the devious plot by the Mormons to usher in a one-world ruling establishment with the US taking the lead.Arun Gandhi,the Mahatama's grandson,was upset by the Mormon's action saying that his grandpa,"taught people to decide for themselves which religion they wanted to follow..."

Indian activists where are you? The next outrage from Mormonism will be the baptising of our Indian religious figures,just watch this space!

darshhan · Post by **darshhan** » 29 Feb 2012 20:26

ramana wrote:Its time to revive this thread. Super Tuesday next week (March 5th) will anoint the Republican nominee. From the looks of it, its most likely Mitt Romney. He will chose a VP that can help consolidate the conservative support.

With the state of the economic recovery being in doldrums or skewed to some sectors and the lack of share in economic pie, its going to be a two or three state toss up election.

What will India's options/impact be for a Democratic win or Republican win?

I have yet to analyse India's options wrt Democratic(BO) and republican candidates.But yes the candidate who will be most beneficial to India will be Ron Paul.Sadly it looks like he will not be able to able to win the republican nomination.Any republican voter who cares about India should vote for Dr.Paul in the remaining primaries.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 29 Feb 2012 23:05

Ben Bernanke also said that there is uneven economic recovery which is bad for incumbent. Despite the current snapshot, Nov is quite far and it could be a close fought election. Such being the case its better to understand the implications.

Democrats want to continue the geo-political and economic stalemate or stasis with PRC as their pit bull. They can abuse them and same time rely on them to keep consumers happy.

The contra is with Europe going down, and US companies invested so much in them the blowback will be felt in US too.

ShauryaT · Post by **ShauryaT** » 29 Feb 2012 23:08

ramana wrote: What will India's options/impact be for a Democratic win or Republican win?

From India's perspective a Republican win if New Delhi has the balls to work with a US administration to achieve some big things. A democratic win, if all we want to to is muddle along.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 29 Feb 2012 23:11

What big things?

Its not matter of anatomy or courage when its a matter of interests.

ShauryaT · Post by **ShauryaT** » 29 Feb 2012 23:49

ramana wrote:What big things?

Its not matter of anatomy or courage when its a matter of interests.

There are times when the interests are clear, however narrow mindedness and short term gains (mostly from the US side) and an inability to work for our long term interest and overcome some short term pains (mostly Indian side) require courage in the sense of a leadership.

There is potentially HUGE convergence of interests between the US and India on many matters be it TSP, Afghanistan, PRC, Iran, the general ME, the IOR region, India's role in world bodies, however both New Delhi and Washington will have to sacrifice some short term interests, in order to chart a course for the future. I do not think, either is ready.

KLNMurthy · Post by **KLNMurthy** » 29 Feb 2012 23:55

Philip wrote:What did I tell you? The Mormons whose powerful memberhip includes figures like Ambassador Huntsmann (envoy to China),Sen.Kerry,head of the ultra powerful US For.Relations Committee and pres.pretender.Mitt Romney,have "baptised" Mahatama Gandhi! Apparently the Mahatama was formally inducted into the Mormon faith on Nov. 17th 2007 in Salt Lake City Utah,the Mormon world "capital".

Just imagine what would happen if Romney becomes US president and the Mormons baptise the entire world into Mormonism,whether we like it or not! Some conspiracy theorists say that this is the devious plot by the Mormons to usher in a one-world ruling establishment with the US taking the lead.Arun Gandhi,the Mahatama's grandson,was upset by the Mormon's action saying that his grandpa,"taught people to decide for themselves which religion they wanted to follow..."

Indian activists where are you? The next outrage from Mormonism will be the baptising of our Indian religious figures,just watch this space!

We can always hope they will baptize the pbuh man. That will be entertaining.

negi · Post by **negi** » 29 Feb 2012 23:59

Unkil's furrin policy specially around the Indian subcontinent will hardly change irrespective of who comes to power . Ombaba despite all that pep talk and having received a Nopel in advance has delivered ghanta as far as Peace and other such BS is concerned.

subodh · Post by **subodh** » 01 Mar 2012 00:42

Philip wrote: Indian activists where are you? The next outrage from Mormonism will be the baptising of our Indian religious figures,just watch this space!

Philip-jee - while this issue has gotten a few folk worked up, most understand the crank value involved. As one of my officemates put it - 'So big ficking deal - my dog and I rebatised everyone back - and threw in a few mormons as well for good measure'.

This is a meaningless distraction.

subodh · Post by **subodh** » 01 Mar 2012 00:51

ramana wrote:.. Nov is quite far and it could be a close fought election. Such being the case its better to understand the implications.

Living here for years and actually folowing this cycle pretty closely - I do think the differences in foreign policy, etc are not going to be that material. Republicans in my opinion are a shade better than the democrats for India - but both still kiss up to the paki swine for their own reasons.

The major difference is domestic policy, especially fiscal issues. Obama has well and truely turned the system onto a leftward path - with the classic higher taxes, higher spendiing and more regulations framework. The fact is - played right, this is a self-perpetuating electoral strategy - as the pool of folk who benefit from this out number those who have to pay for it - but everyone gets one vote each.

Republicans have fielded a very weak slate (Romney is a north east liberal, ashamed of his own ability to make money, Gingrich is an amoral career politician who lacks any real rebulican convictions, Santoram is a religio-social freak who frightens folk with his wierd outlook and Ron Paul is an unmitigated crank) - so though the current state of the economy and unemployment should have made the incumbant weak, Obama stands a very good chance of being re-elected.

For Indians, who are in the higher income brackets for the most part - this is a disaster, financially. Also - as many Indians who worked in the finance industry are finding out - while higher taxes hurt if you have income - many are now being laid off thanks to regulations democrats passed and Obama signed.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 01 Mar 2012 01:22

Subodh, Yet that psy-ops survey claimed that Indian Americans will vote Democratic!

Recall even if not in the finance industry Indian-Americans are still one of the highest per-capita income folks.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 01 Mar 2012 01:26

ShauryaT, It takes two hands to clap or two to tango. So where was the question of Indian timidity?

There are times when the interests are clear, however narrow mindedness and short term gains (mostly from the US side) and an inability to work for our long term interest and overcome some short term pains (mostly Indian side) require courage in the sense of a leadership.

There is potentially HUGE convergence of interests between the US and India on many matters be it TSP, Afghanistan, PRC, Iran, the general ME, the IOR region, India's role in world bodies, however both New Delhi and Washington will have to sacrifice some short term interests, in order to chart a course for the future. I do not think, either is ready.

So what short term pains for India and for what gains?

Courage, leadership are all short term/temporary enablers. What are the long term enablers?

ShauryaT · Post by **ShauryaT** » 01 Mar 2012 01:43

ramana wrote:ShauryaT, It takes two hands to clap or two to tango. So where was the question of Indian timidity?

Indian timidity stems from an inability to build and/or use levers of hard power coupled with a lack of an ideological cohesion to the nation, which results in a confused state of paralysis to clearly demarcate Indian interests (save for narrow and obvious one's).

Courage, leadership are all short term/temporary enablers. What are the long term enablers?

Answer is same as above, IMO. Hard Power provides options to a leadership. But, hard power by itself is not enough. for this hard power to be influential and serve the long term interests of India, it has to be coupled with an ideological vision, worth propagating. It is this ideological vision that the nation is sure of and one on which the "nation" is willing to sacrifice its sweat and blood on that determines its relative power in the comity of nations.

India's ideological cohesion is brittle, its governing structures weak and its hard power projection capabilities severely limited. A timid and weak response to opportunities in Geo-politics is an understandable response of these characteristics.

subodh · Post by **subodh** » 01 Mar 2012 02:18

ramana wrote:Subodh, Yet that psy-ops survey claimed that Indian Americans will vote Democratic!

Recall even if not in the finance industry Indian-Americans are still one of the highest per-capita income folks.

That survey seemed bs as you rightly pointed out.

Having said that, a totally unscientific sampling of family and friends here continnues to show the dhimmi/plantation mentality of voting democratic amongst most Indians - based on a vague left-leaning attitude to life which is poorly articulated when confronted. Which i do often.

When thrown the usual cliches of 'friendly towards immigrants', 'but Clinton loved India', 'Rebulicans are EJ-freaks' - i have given up trying to argue back as many in my Indian circle dont have well articulated reasons for why they subscribe to these inane generalities - most of which are either patently false, or should be low on one's priority.

My counter is always around taxes - given all fam/friends are professionals and high income folk - this is one that hurts - the difference in attitude towards taxes is increasingly pretty clear - Obama has made sure the party line now is about redistribution of income by using gloss words like 'fairness' and 'income inequality', and thankfully due to some great work by the tea party folk, most republicans know that unless they speak about lowering taxes, they are unlikely to get their base out to vote for them.

Not that I have converted a lot - but hopefully as the election comes closer, the reality of Obama's insane healthcare mandate and the finance industry turmoil that he has unleashed open a few people's eyes.

As i mentioned earlier - the republican slate is depressing - so i do think Obama may squeak through this time. Unless Chris Christie, Jeb Bush or Mitch Daniels decide to come into the picture at the last minute during the convention.

subodh · Post by **subodh** » 01 Mar 2012 02:32

Hitesh wrote: Your statement is something of the sort that I would expect from someone like, Dinesh D'Souza who can be charitably described as mentally challenged. The actions I have seen from the Republicans are nothing short of infantile tantrum-throwing like Baby Newt "Grinch"

I live here, and am poorer because of Obama and his democratic cronies. That they are redistributionists is something Obama has himself proudly admitted to. If you know what successive democratic administrations have done to the inncer cities across America - calling them poverty pimps is being polite. As far as envirowackoness goes - I hope I dont have to explain -and I am sure you know about the suicidal and selfdestructive poltics around the KeyStone pipeline - and that is not even remotely the most egregious example.

I detest Gingrich - mostly because the man has no principles - from cozying up to the odious Pelosi over the Global Warming scam - to a whole host of bizzare ramblings on fiscal matters. Having said that, Gingrich would be a massive step in the right direction compared to Obama and his socialist craziness.

Also - do keep in mind that i was responding to flame bait by stooping to that level!

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 01 Mar 2012 04:27

Subodh, USINPAC feels our pain!!!

Focus: Campaign 2012

As the war between the republicans gets more and more aggressive by the day, USINPAC wants to know who you believe in and why? What do you think is ailing the land of the opportunities? Is it education or the Wall Street greed or perhaps the idea of war? We would like to hear from you, in whom you would put your faith: Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, New Gingrich or Ron Paul. Whom would you like to be the torch bearer of your future? Write to us and share your views at share@usninpac.com

Rudradev · Post by **Rudradev** » 01 Mar 2012 04:59

The trap too many Indians fall into is accepting Western Universalist paradigms of political Left vs. political Right. We assume that there is a universal "Left" and a universal "Right" which correspond to values-based definitions proffered by Western political systems; when in fact these definitions, as they apply to Western political parties, become meaningless from an Indian point of view.

The American "Left" and the American "Right" are BOTH equally hostile to any measure of Indian nationalism... and BOTH use the Indian "Left" (NGOs, Academics, FOIL, FOSA, "Civil Society" etc.) as their proxies in a continuous effort to sabotage the assertion of Indian interests.

Indian-Americans will vote either Republican or Democrat in the forthcoming election, based on their own individual and family interests as members of their American communities; influenced by candidates' positions on taxes, healthcare, education and so on. That is how it should be. They would be stupid to vote either Democrat or Republican in the hope that this will make any difference to American foreign policy as regards India. America will not align its interests any more or less closely with India's, based simply on whether there is a Republican or a Democratic President in Washington.

Najunamar · Post by **Najunamar** » 01 Mar 2012 05:55

I agree with the premise that Khanate is unlikely to change for the better as far as attitude toward Desh either way. But, I feel Dems are better for Desh as they'll more quickly bankrupt US while not adding too much in defense capabilities. Reps may be good for NRIs but not for Desh, paradoxically I am okay with things going far badly here as thats the only way US will change.

Rudradev · Post by **Rudradev** » 01 Mar 2012 11:14

I can't honestly believe that the USINPAC seriously considers Rick Santorum to be someone worth putting faith in.

This scumbag is a motivated anti-Hindu, very deeply involved with Gospel For Asia, Operation Mobilization India, the Dalit Freedom Network, World Vision and the Joshua Project. These organizations sponsor NGOs all over India as front organizations for predatory Evangelist missionary activity. They have pumped millions of dollars into Tamil Nadu over the last few years, and the fruits of their investment have become evident in the recent Church-driven Koodankulam "protests"; clearly, their agenda goes far beyond religious conversion, and includes the creation of fifth-column organizations tasked with undermining Indian interests from within.

Google the association between Rick Santorum and "Dalit Freedom Network": a Hindu-demonizing, ultra-Christist missionary organization masquerading as "Liberation Theology" for Dalits, whose primary demand is that SC/STs who convert to Christianity should continue to avail of reservations from the Government of India!

Here is a letter from Santorum to an opportunistic scoundrel named Joseph D'Souza, International President of the Dalit Freedom Network. In this letter, Santorum personally thanks D'Souza for taking on a "vital role" in an event hosted by Santorum, "Religious Freedom Day on the Hill."

http://www.dalitnetwork.org/eeimages/up ... om_Ltr.pdf

Apparently the entire purpose of "Religious Freedom Day on the Hill" was to publicly bash non-Christian nations (India prominent among them) who were accused of stifling the "religious freedom of minorities" because they did not allow rampant, unrestricted conversion activity by predatory Evanjihadi missionaries. It is important to recognize that Santorum used his office as a US Senator to enable this bashing to happen in a quasi-official setting, under the auspices of the United States Congress.

Santorum's intention in hosting such an event was clear; he was issuing an explicit threat to such countries that the power of the US legislature would be employed against them, on the pretext of "religious freedom", if they did not grant full and free access to the US-based Soul Harvesting Industry.

A press release from the event:

http://www.dalitnetwork.org/go?/dfn/news/C94/

DFN President Speaks at First Religious Freedom Day on the Hill

by Ben Marsh, Washington D.C. Co-ordinator, Dalit Freedom Network

Posted on: June 21, 2006

The Dalit Freedom Network’s International President, Joseph D’souza, spoke yesterday at the first Religious Freedom Day on the Hill. The event was hosted by Senator Rick Santorum, Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, and included speeches from House Majority Whip Roy Blunt, Senator Norm Coleman, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom John Hanford, Representative Todd Akin, Representative Trent Franks, Senator Sam Brownback, and Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton. Held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, the event was attended by more than a hundred notable international human rights advocates, religious leaders, Members of Congress, and Congressional staff.

Dr. D’souza spoke on a panel moderated by Nina Shea, Vice-Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, entitled “A Look Around the World.” In his speech, he outlined the challenges facing minority religions in India in the light of rising Hindu extremism. Highlighting the link between caste oppression and religious violence, he challenged the global community to investigate ongoing caste abuse and to protest the rise in anti-conversion legislation targeting minorities and low-caste people.

In addition to Dr. D’souza’s discussion about India, a few other notable speakers, including Dr. Paul Marshall, Senior Fellow at Freedom House’s Center for Religious Freedom, expressed concern about the rise in anti-Christian and anti-Muslim legislation passed in several Indian states. Dr. Marshall highlighted the inherent contradictions in such legislation as they go against international law in India’s constitution.

If Santorum is on the 2012 Republican ticket, even as VP candidate, then it is imperative from the viewpoint of Indian interests that the Republicans LOSE. I would take Obama any day over a White House that lets this filth within a mile of it.

Any Indian, in particular any Dharmic Indian who votes for a ticket that includes Rick Santorum deserves to be spat upon.

subodh · Post by **subodh** » 01 Mar 2012 17:11

Ramana - yes, Indians are finally getting serious and engaged in the process - long ways to go before we figure out how to actually influence things and look out for our self-interest in a cold and calculating way.

Rudradev - As American citizens of Indian origin, we balance our personal local lives with our ties to India. Obama is an absolute and complete disaster for everyone here, but especially damaging to the Indian community, thanks to our overall income bracket, as Ramana points out re where Indians stand in general on the scale. Santoram is an old style EJ-freak who is intensely hostile to not just Hinduism and Hindus, but equally to every other religion, and infact other flavours of christanity that dont fit his EJ views. As i said, he is a religio-freak who wierds people out. His surge in the polls is entirely thanks to the 'anyone but Romney' vote - and if by some miracle he gets the nomination, Obama will crush him in the election.

But overall - I have to admit, I will vote for Santorum over Obama. To be fair, i will vote for the average NY wino bum over Obama - so that is not saying much.

gunjur · Post by **gunjur** » 01 Mar 2012 20:31

Unlike India, one can see China,Iraq, Iran, Israel on agenda.
Hey even Cuba is there. Never thought cuba is still a concern.

Agnimitra · Post by **Agnimitra** » 01 Mar 2012 23:55

subodh wrote:Santoram is an old style EJ-freak who is intensely hostile to not just Hinduism and Hindus, but equally to every other religion, and infact other flavours of christanity that dont fit his EJ views. As i said, he is a religio-freak who wierds people out. His surge in the polls is entirely thanks to the 'anyone but Romney' vote - and if by some miracle he gets the nomination, Obama will crush him in the election.

Ron Paul beats Obama head-to-head in new poll

At the moment, Ron Paul bests President Obama in a head-to-head matchup by 43 to 41 percent, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll released Tuesday.

subodh · Post by **subodh** » 02 Mar 2012 00:43

Carl - Ron Paul is a crank and will not get the Republican nomination.

Agnimitra · Post by **Agnimitra** » 02 Mar 2012 00:45

subodh - possible, but what makes him a crank?

ShauryaT · Post by **ShauryaT** » 02 Mar 2012 00:51

I like Ron Paul. Closest to the Hindu models of governance that a national government should not matter and have a minimalistic role to play. He wants to roll back the 16th amendment. I simply love it.

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 02 Mar 2012 01:13

Santoromized
(Who is next?)

Members of the Mormon Church last year posthumously baptized Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter who was captured and killed by terrorists in Pakistan shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, according to records uncovered by a researcher in Utah.Helen Radkey, an excommunicated Mormon who combs through the church’s archives, said that records indicate Pearl, who was Jewish, was baptized by proxy on June 1, 2011, at a Mormon temple in Twin Falls, Idaho.Mormons baptize deceased Jews and members of other religions as part of a rite intended to give them access to salvation.But the practice has stirred outrage among some Jewish leaders. In 1995, the church, after meeting with Jewish leaders, agreed to stop baptizing Holocaust victims. Current church policy encourages members to baptize their ancestors, but does not explicitly forbid the baptism of deceased Jews and people of other faiths.
A former reporter at the Berkshire Eagle, Pearl was 38 when he was abducted while reporting in Karachi, four months after the Sept. 11 attacks.Pearl’s parents, Judea and Ruth, said it was “disturbing news’’ to learn that Mormons had baptized their son, in a rite that they understand was meant to offer him salvation.
“To them we say: We appreciate your good intentions but rest assured that Danny’s soul was redeemed through the life that he lived and the values that he upheld,’’ Judea and Ruth Pearl said in an e-mail. “He lived as a proud Jew, died as a proud Jew, and is currently facing his creator as a Jew, blessed, accepted and redeemed. For the record, let it be clear: Danny did not choose to be baptized, nor did his family consent to this un-called-for ritual.’’

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 02 Mar 2012 01:16

Have they started on the big fish? Or they worried about cartoon wars?

subodh · Post by **subodh** » 02 Mar 2012 01:18

Carl - the list is very long - but basically, he has views that are unrealistically far away from the mainstream - even of republican thought.

The Shaurya example above is a good one - I hate paying taxes at the level I have to pay, but to say the 16th ammendment has to be nullified is being a crank.

Saying the FED should be closed down - makes you a crank.

Expecting an economy like the US to move away from fiat money (to a gold standard, etc) is being a crank.

Expecting a complete disengagement from all international power projection is being a crank.

Essentially, Ron Paul is a purist, who would only pay for public goods (based on the classical definition of what a public good is). Unfortunately, American soceity is now too far gone to do that.

Some of his ideas, in isolation are not bad - but they need to be moderated a lot before they can be acceptable. He serves as a good marker for otehr republicans to base their agendas on - but on his own, he will not be anything but a sideshow.

subodh · Post by **subodh** » 02 Mar 2012 01:20

ramana wrote:Have they started on the big fish? Or they worried about cartoon wars?

They are cowards. They will go after the easy ones.

In any case, this issue is a distraction - doubt anyone is going to take it seriously, if anything - Romney's mormonism is slowly slipping off the stage as a topic of discussion.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 02 Mar 2012 01:22

Milestones were:
1960-JFK first Catholic
1980- Reagan first divorcee
2008- Barack Obama first non-White

Agnimitra · Post by **Agnimitra** » 02 Mar 2012 01:42

subodh,

True, but such a simplistic presentation of panaceas will resonate with a not-so-well-educated populace with a deeply troubled feeling across the nation. So even though the MSM has tried to sideline Ron Paul, he continues to hang around in the polls. Even more knowledgable voters will think that his radical and simplistic solutions are for presentation purposes, to bring the stark truth about problematic forces out into the open and say it out loud -- but that once he is in office his actual policy actions will be moderated by legislature and the system, thereby cutting back the gradient to a more sensible implementation of some of his proposals.

subodh · Post by **subodh** » 02 Mar 2012 01:57

ramana wrote:Milestones were:
1960-JFK first Catholic
1980- Reagan first divorcee
2008- Barack Obama first non-White

Exactly right.

I think Romney wins or loses based on his ideas (or lack thereof) and not specifically on his Mormonism.