#23: Our Roles at their Polls

THREAD BEGAN: December 10th, 2004
BOB: Well, it seems everyone at the Blog is hoping for a positive outcome in the Iraqi National Election (while some are more optimistic than others). The real question though is:

---How hands-on should the U.S. be in the Iraqi Election?---

The CANDIDATES on the BALLOT:
Should the U.S. bar certain elements from running? Who exactly?
What about religious fundamentalists, radical anti-American candidates, former Baathist Party members, and Muqtada al-Sadr?

The AIR WAVES:
Should the pre-election media be censored / manipulated? How?
Should the airwaves be open to radical candidates?
Should the U.S. shut down papers that preach anti-Americanism, destabilization or lies?

The GOLDEN BOY:
Should the U.S. back a candidate... Openly? Financially? How?

ALSO:
Will this U.S. intervention backfire? Now is the time to make any last minute predictions about the election outcome or update your last one. (See Thread #4 for a refresher, details and previous predictions).

The Format Poll results are in (10 to 3): So, we will stick with this format, and not allow anonymous posts.

Welcome, to all new participants.

#22: Our Parties & Our Guns

THREAD BEGAN: December 2nd, 2004
Well 50+ posts in 4 days...not bad.
But now it is time to put together a coherent thread.

---The Topics---

FROM THE LEFT:
After this devastating election, it is time for us to stop pouting and start talking about what changes need to be made within The Democratic Party. What kind of leadership changes do we need to make, what adjustments need to be made to the platform or the message or the delivery?
(Feel free to talk about 3rd party alternatives as well.)

FROM THE RIGHT:
To continue to talk about the 2nd Amendment we need a strong pro-gun voice. Explain your case.
(Also feel free to address changes that you feel need to be made within The Republican Party.)

ALSO:
The Left should address Pete’s concerns about the Oil for Food Scandal and the relevance of the UN.
The Right should address Chuck’s concerns about Bush’s non-implementation of the 9-11 recommendations.

More self-reflection, less finger-pointing. Good luck. -Bob