20 historical and political questions (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed?

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861?

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States?

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war?

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States?

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War?

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000?

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001?

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision?

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision?

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy?

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance?

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps?

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment?

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment?

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution?

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism?

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel?

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution?

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens?

 

[timschochet]

Here are my own answers; I might expand on them later:

1. No

2. No

3. Yes

4. Yes

5. No

6. No

7. Yes

8. No

9. No

10. No

11. Yes

12. Yes

13. Yes

14. Yes

15. No

16. No

17. Yes

18. Yes

19. Yes

20. Yes

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed? Yes.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861? I'm on the fence on this one.

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States? Also on the fence. Not a fan of the New Deal, but it arguably headed off something worse.

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war? Yes.

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States? No.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War? Yes. He gets to share some credit along with a bunch of other people.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000? Of course.

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001? Of course not.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision? No. Clearly an error in hindsight.

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision? Yes.

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy? These made the ensuing recession not as bad as it might have been otherwise. The economy still would have recovered eventually. I think that's a "yes" but this question isn't worded well.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance? No.

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps? No.

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment? No. I support gay marriage but I don't consider it a constitutional right. I expect that the Supreme Court will disagree with me.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 14th Amendment? No. Did you mean the 2nd amendment? (Still no btw).

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution? No. Also, I don't think Roe is the correct reference case any more --- that would be Casey. Which still isn't a correct constitutional interpretation IMO.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? "Mostly?" No.

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel? Yes.

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution? Yes. If the 4th amendment doesn't forbid mass fishing trips, then I have no idea what it does forbid.

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens? Yes.

 

[shader]

4. Genocide is never justifiable

 

[timschochet]

Thanks Ivan, I did mean the 2nd, and I've corrected it.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Tim, aren't many of these already threads?

 

[timschochet]

4. Genocide is never justifiable

Genocide is defined as systematic destruction of a race, religion, ethnic group. Why do you believe this applies to Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

 

[timschochet]

Tim, aren't many of these already threads?

they've all been discussed. I'm hoping that when presented as yes no questions, they will give insight into people's overall thinking, and also perhaps cause some who are either intimidated by or simply not interested in lengthier discussions to offer up their opinions as well.

 

[joffer]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed? No

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861? Yes, but I'm certainly not a legal or constitutional expert

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States? Overall, yes

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war? Yes

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States? Yes

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War? Yes

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000? Yes

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001? No

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision? No

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision? Yes

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy? No

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance? Relative to what? What they pay now? No

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps? No

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment? No

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment? No

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution? Yes

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? No

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel? Yes

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution? No

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens? Yes

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

Virtually all of these questions are too difficult to answer with a simple yes or no.

 

[shader]

4. Genocide is never justifiable

Genocide is defined as systematic destruction of a race, religion, ethnic group. Why do you believe this applies to Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

They systematically obliterated two cities. How could that NOT be genocide?

 

[timschochet]

Joffer, I'm interested in why you think Vietnam was a winnable war for us. What should we have done?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

4. Genocide is never justifiable

Genocide is defined as systematic destruction of a race, religion, ethnic group. Why do you believe this applies to Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

They systematically obliterated two cities. How could that NOT be genocide?

How that's different from war? I think the 3 nations lost something like a million men, killed or wounded, at the Somme alone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_day_on_the_Somme

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Somme

 

[timschochet]

4. Genocide is never justifiable

Genocide is defined as systematic destruction of a race, religion, ethnic group. Why do you believe this applies to Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

They systematically obliterated two cities. How could that NOT be genocide?

well, the argument is that overall Japanese lives were saved- more would have been lost in an invasion.

 

[Plorfu]

This is going to be a political thread for the ADD.

"Hiroshima was a justified means to a....hang on one second! Secession was the only natural recourse after, crap, hold on! Without the New Deal, there would have been a massive...oh man, sit tight. I'll be back! Illegal immigrants offer a wealth of benefits that get lost in the bumper sticker politics of "they took our jobs!" and I'm sick and tired of...shoot, let me get back to that..."

 

[jon_mx]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed?

Not inevitable, but typical of the mindset in 1700's and 1800's.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861?

The Constiution does not address the issue.

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States?

FDR meant it as a temporary solution to a terrible situation, not a permanant dependancy.

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war?

It was justifiable act of war, but inhumane.

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States?

We had the war won, but we lost our will to win it.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War?

Second only to Gorbachev.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000?

Yes. The Florida Supreme Court ignored all laws and were the real problem in trying to rewrite election law after the fact.

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001?

Yes, bureaucracy got in the way.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision?

The invasion was not the mistake. It was the nation building afterwards that screwed it up.

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision?

We were there way too long and that decision was made long before then.

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy?

TARP saved us. Stimulus made it less painful for the lower class, but drug out the recession longer than a stimulus which was more geared towards growing business.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance?

They always have.

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps?

More than what? More than they already do and always have?

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment?

Under the 14th, yes.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment?

Under a strict reading, yes. But the court makes exceptions.

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution?

At least at the time, there was consideration for a viable fetus. It was a questionable ruling which has expanded to an extremely bad and over-reaching one.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism?

In the minds of African-Americans it is, and that is their biggest downfall today. As long as they stay in victimhood, they will be.

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel?

Of course.

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution?

Yes.....ETA, misread the question

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens?

We need more open door ways for people to enter this country. But we also need to stop the walfare for the ones who are here illegally. We should make the current ones all apply and we should accept the vast majority of them. But we should deport the trouble-makers.

 

[joffer]

Joffer, I'm interested in why you think Vietnam was a winnable war for us. What should we have done?

Of course it was winnable, it's just the cost. You don't think if we completely discounted the number of casualties, we couldn't have put together a large enough force to completely conquer the whole country?

 

[NCCommish]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed? No I don't think it was. I think we could have negotiated around all that.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861? I believe it was both. The states had already walked away from several such compacts and were assured they still could.

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States? Yes.

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war? IMO no. They were blockaded and were no longer a threat to anyone. We could have waited them out just as easily as displaying our new toys for the Russians.

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States? As fought? No.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War? Some but not as much as he gets.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000? The Supremes should have stayed out and let the state do the recount.

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001? The pieces were there but no one put them together. So I guess maybe with a little luck.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision? Absolutely not and we are reaping what we sowed in the region as I type.

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision? It was the Iraqis decision. They are either sovereign or they aren't.

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy? Yes. The stimulus was too small though.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance? Yes

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps? Yes

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment? It's a human right.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment? No.

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution? It should have been decided by Congress but they are spineless so here we are. It is what it is.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? Somewhat

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel? Not if they are going to interfere in our politics. Not if all criticism is antisemitism. Not if they are going to use our weapons to kill children. But otherwise sure.

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution? Yes plainly.

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens? Yes

 

[Josie Maran]

4. Genocide is never justifiable

Genocide is defined as systematic destruction of a race, religion, ethnic group. Why do you believe this applies to Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

They systematically obliterated two cities. How could that NOT be genocide?

Because words have meanings, and doesn't just mean "killing a lot of people."

 

[timschochet]

Joffer, I'm interested in why you think Vietnam was a winnable war for us. What should we have done?

Of course it was winnable, it's just the cost. You don't think if we completely discounted the number of casualties, we couldn't have put together a large enough force to completely conquer the whole country?

I think the issue over that was not the cost, but that China would have intervened as we approached their border, as they did in Korea.

 

[kentric]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed? Yes. Without the land space which was taken from the NAs, the US would not have become the nation it was today. That is not saying that what was done was justified, but if the land was not developed and vast stretches of area was left to the quasi-nomadic (at least out West) NAs, there would be no U.S. as we know it.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861? No.

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States? Yes

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war? Unfortunately, the Japanese did not appear to be ready to surrender any time soon. The bombs could have been dropped on less populated areas though IMO, with the same results.

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States? Yes. But the cost would have been too high.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War? Of course. It would have happened eventually, but he helped facilitate it.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000? Yes

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001? Could have, yes. But not doing so is understandable.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision? No

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision? Yes

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy? No.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance? Yes. I believe in a progressive tax, but more weight should be placed on the wealthy than the middle class.

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps? Yes, see above.

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment? Yes.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment? No

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution? For what it was, when it was, yes.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? It is more a socio-economic issue but there is lingering racism.

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel? Yes, with limitations.

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution? Not sure.

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens? Yes.

 

[timschochet]

I should probably define winning the war in Vietnam as maintaining the independence of South Vietnam. Unlike the Korean War, conquering North Vietnam was never our war aim; we just wanted them to leave the south alone.

 

[kentric]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed? No I don't think it was. I think we could have negotiated around all that.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861? I believe it was both. The states had already walked away from several such compacts and were assured they still could.

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States? Yes.

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war? IMO no. They were blockaded and were no longer a threat to anyone. We could have waited them out just as easily as displaying our new toys for the Russians.

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States? As fought? No.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War? Some but not as much as he gets.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000? The Supremes should have stayed out and let the state do the recount.

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001? The pieces were there but no one put them together. So I guess maybe with a little luck.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision? Absolutely not and we are reaping what we sowed in the region as I type.

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision? It was the Iraqis decision. They are either sovereign or they aren't.

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy? Yes. The stimulus was too small though.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance? Yes

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps? Yes

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment? It's a human right.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment? No.

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution? It should have been decided by Congress but they are spineless so here we are. It is what it is.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? Somewhat

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel? Not if they are going to interfere in our politics. Not if all criticism is antisemitism. Not if they are going to use our weapons to kill children. But otherwise sure.

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution? Yes plainly.

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens? Yes

1. How could the U.S. as it was, have negotiated around taking the land from the Indians and still become the nation we are today. The indians would never have agreed to the extraction of gold from the Black Hills for instance as it was sacred land. There were tons of examples like that. While some indian nations would agree to co-exist and/or sell lands, in no way would negotiations provide for the massive land grab which was required to support the growth required for the U.S. to become the power it is today.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Yeah, I think people who say "No" on question 1 are responding to a question that wasn't asked ("Did the US treat the various Indian tribes well?"). I think I have a pretty good imagination, but I can't imagine the US existing in anything like its current form with vast portions of it controlled by a patchwork of other nations.

 

[NCCommish]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed? No I don't think it was. I think we could have negotiated around all that.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861? I believe it was both. The states had already walked away from several such compacts and were assured they still could.

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States? Yes.

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war? IMO no. They were blockaded and were no longer a threat to anyone. We could have waited them out just as easily as displaying our new toys for the Russians.

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States? As fought? No.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War? Some but not as much as he gets.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000? The Supremes should have stayed out and let the state do the recount.

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001? The pieces were there but no one put them together. So I guess maybe with a little luck.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision? Absolutely not and we are reaping what we sowed in the region as I type.

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision? It was the Iraqis decision. They are either sovereign or they aren't.

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy? Yes. The stimulus was too small though.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance? Yes

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps? Yes

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment? It's a human right.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment? No.

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution? It should have been decided by Congress but they are spineless so here we are. It is what it is.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? Somewhat

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel? Not if they are going to interfere in our politics. Not if all criticism is antisemitism. Not if they are going to use our weapons to kill children. But otherwise sure.

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution? Yes plainly.

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens? Yes

1. How could the U.S. as it was, have negotiated around taking the land from the Indians and still become the nation we are today. The indians would never have agreed to the extraction of gold from the Black Hills for instance as it was sacred land. There were tons of examples like that. While some indian nations would agree to co-exist and/or sell lands, in no way would negotiations provide for the massive land grab which was required to support the growth required for the U.S. to become the power it is today.

Those lands are pretty much empty. In fact the US is really pretty much empty. Plains Indian land especially is just open prairie in the main. So this whole we needed every acre to become what we are is a bit silly. As far as the Black Hills go allegedly the Sioux, whose land it was, were taking gold from it. I am pretty sure a fair deal could have been struck. But instead we sent in the Army and once again proved the treaties we signed were pretty much useless.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed? Yes

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861? Probably

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States? Yes, it saved capitalism, blunted the effects of the financier-driven Depression, and restored middle/lower class faith in government.

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war? Morally dodgy, but from the best-guess cost-benefit standpoint at the time maybe so.

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States? No.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War? Absolutely, yes.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000? Why not -- there was no winner and someone had to be President.

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001? I think so.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision? No -- arguably the worst foreign policy mistake in US history. An outright waste of $$ trillions and has left us with no good options for the foreseeable future.

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision? Yes.

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy? Obviously not, since both were badly bungled and the economy was still saved by the FED stimulus. It would have helped though.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance? Yes.

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps? Yes.

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment? Civil unions are guaranteed IMO, but 'marriage' is an issue for churches to decide.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment? No -- this is a terribly stupid argument.

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution? No. There's no 'right' answer and it should have been left to the states. It's good public policy to have fewer unwanted babies born though.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? Not 'lingering' racism -- but the cultural artifacts of 400 years of legalized, institutional racism.

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel? Honestly don't understand the tradeoffs well enough to say.

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution? Yes.

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens? Not sure, but it's probably good public policy to do it.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

There is no possible way that these questions can be answered with just a yes/no - especially questions that have more than 1 part, so forgive me if I break the rules....

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed?

Yes. I don't think their culture could sustain itself with how ours would grow around them. Having said that there are probably massively large areas of land in the west that could be ignored by us collectively as a country where they could have lived - but I don't know if they would have thrived or just ended up being akin to political refugees inside our empire.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861?

No.

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States?

No. Although the definition of good here is a massive black hole.

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war?

Yes.

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States?

Yes - if by winning you mean the protection of South Vietnam and not the invasion of the North - an invasion would have never held. Which actually means no, in the end, because the North was always going to end up being what it became and even with a Korean style demilitarized zone I doubt many find that to be a 'win.' Having said all of that and going in circles - the interesting question on Vietnam and Korea is more global - was the fight itself simply necessary to be a shield against a growing communist movement and the result of us spending so much blood and treasure trying to stop it even in the midst of political upheaval here ended up being one of the many things that ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union? I always enjoyed that question more.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War?

Yes.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000?

Yes.

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001?

I don't know. I doubt it. For as much as I am not a fan of what our federal government has become I do not subscribe to the theory at all that our leaders - whoever they are - would allow it to happen without trying everything they could to stop it.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision?

Yes - good being a black hold a definition fight.

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision?

No. Again - good being a black hole of a definition fight.

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy?

No. Necessary is a loaded word though.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance?

What taxes? This is always the problem with these questions - what taxes are you talking about and what do you mean by more? Because they do pay more. Unless you want to use a specific metric to define more. In my pie in the sky wonderworld of a FairTax that eliminates much of the funding structure of the federal government, the answer is yes in so far as those with more money to spend are going to spend more and thus pay more. And the state tax structures would still be in place and lead to the same result.

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps?

Same as above - and again continuing my pie in the sky wonderworld - I am eliminating much of the social safety programs in favor of a Flat Tax and BIG.

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment?

Yeah I guess. I'd rather the federal government not recognize marraige at all though.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment?

No.

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution?

No, it was one of the worst written decisions by the court whether you agree with its outcome or not - but it's not the controlling abortion holding by the Court anymore anyway. If you want to couch an abortion question in Supreme Court terms get the case right.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism?

No.

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel?

Yes.

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution?

Yes - to me. But I believe in an inherent right to privacy that some still fight within the confines of the Constitutional framework.

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens?

Yes.

 

[kentric]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed? No I don't think it was. I think we could have negotiated around all that.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861? I believe it was both. The states had already walked away from several such compacts and were assured they still could.

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States? Yes.

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war? IMO no. They were blockaded and were no longer a threat to anyone. We could have waited them out just as easily as displaying our new toys for the Russians.

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States? As fought? No.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War? Some but not as much as he gets.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000? The Supremes should have stayed out and let the state do the recount.

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001? The pieces were there but no one put them together. So I guess maybe with a little luck.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision? Absolutely not and we are reaping what we sowed in the region as I type.

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision? It was the Iraqis decision. They are either sovereign or they aren't.

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy? Yes. The stimulus was too small though.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance? Yes

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps? Yes

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment? It's a human right.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment? No.

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution? It should have been decided by Congress but they are spineless so here we are. It is what it is.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? Somewhat

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel? Not if they are going to interfere in our politics. Not if all criticism is antisemitism. Not if they are going to use our weapons to kill children. But otherwise sure.

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution? Yes plainly.

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens? Yes

1. How could the U.S. as it was, have negotiated around taking the land from the Indians and still become the nation we are today. The indians would never have agreed to the extraction of gold from the Black Hills for instance as it was sacred land. There were tons of examples like that. While some indian nations would agree to co-exist and/or sell lands, in no way would negotiations provide for the massive land grab which was required to support the growth required for the U.S. to become the power it is today.

Those lands are pretty much empty. In fact the US is really pretty much empty. Plains Indian land especially is just open prairie in the main. So this whole we needed every acre to become what we are is a bit silly. As far as the Black Hills go allegedly the Sioux, whose land it was, were taking gold from it. I am pretty sure a fair deal could have been struck. But instead we sent in the Army and once again proved the treaties we signed were pretty much useless.

So you're saying the Plains Indians would allow for the development of their land to be used for the production of wheat/corn or the Shoshone would allow the same? There are vast tracts of land in the breadbasket of the U.S. which were once covered with American Bison. Even assuming that the Indians would allow for the use of their land for farming, coal mining, oil extraction, gold mining, it is difficult to imagine the indians in the now populated areas of the East selling/giving their lands up to the pioneers/settlers which took their land.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Tim, aren't many of these already threads?

they've all been discussed. I'm hoping that when presented as yes no questions, they will give insight into people's overall thinking, and also perhaps cause some who are either intimidated by or simply not interested in lengthier discussions to offer up their opinions as well.

Virtually all of these questions are too difficult to answer with a simple yes or no.

I think almost all are inherently needing lengthy discussion in their own threads.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Tim, aren't many of these already threads?

they've all been discussed. I'm hoping that when presented as yes no questions, they will give insight into people's overall thinking, and also perhaps cause some who are either intimidated by or simply not interested in lengthier discussions to offer up their opinions as well.

Virtually all of these questions are too difficult to answer with a simple yes or no.

I think almost all are inherently needing lengthy discussion in their own threads.

PSst... That's his plan. There will be enough of this kind of stuff - I am guilty too - and he will start 20 threads, maybe 2 at a time, and go from there.

 

[jon_mx]

Tim, aren't many of these already threads?

they've all been discussed. I'm hoping that when presented as yes no questions, they will give insight into people's overall thinking, and also perhaps cause some who are either intimidated by or simply not interested in lengthier discussions to offer up their opinions as well.

Virtually all of these questions are too difficult to answer with a simple yes or no.

I think almost all are inherently needing lengthy discussion in their own threads.

No, this is a better idea. We can have many competeting conversations where no one is listening to any of them anyways.

 

[FUBAR]

1. Yes

2. Yes

3. No

4. Yes

5. No

6. Yes

7. Yes

8. No

9. No

10. Yes

11. No

12. Yes

13. Yes

14. Yes

15. No

16. Yes

17. Yes

18. Yes

19. No

20. Yes

 

[NCCommish]

So you're saying the Plains Indians would allow for the development of their land to be used for the production of wheat/corn or the Shoshone would allow the same? There are vast tracts of land in the breadbasket of the U.S. which were once covered with American Bison. Even assuming that the Indians would allow for the use of their land for farming, coal mining, oil extraction, gold mining, it is difficult to imagine the indians in the now populated areas of the East selling/giving their lands up to the pioneers/settlers which took their land.

I'm not sure what might have happened if we treated them as equals and not savages. We do know that the Indians continued to enter into treaties even after we showed they were worthless. So I think they would have made deals to survive versus being genocided.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Tim, aren't many of these already threads?

they've all been discussed. I'm hoping that when presented as yes no questions, they will give insight into people's overall thinking, and also perhaps cause some who are either intimidated by or simply not interested in lengthier discussions to offer up their opinions as well.

Virtually all of these questions are too difficult to answer with a simple yes or no.

I think almost all are inherently needing lengthy discussion in their own threads.

PSst... That's his plan. There will be enough of this kind of stuff - I am guilty too - and he will start 20 threads, maybe 2 at a time, and go from there.

So in other words, this is like the Lawyer Thread?

Ok.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Tim, aren't many of these already threads?

they've all been discussed. I'm hoping that when presented as yes no questions, they will give insight into people's overall thinking, and also perhaps cause some who are either intimidated by or simply not interested in lengthier discussions to offer up their opinions as well.

Virtually all of these questions are too difficult to answer with a simple yes or no.

I think almost all are inherently needing lengthy discussion in their own threads.

PSst... That's his plan. There will be enough of this kind of stuff - I am guilty too - and he will start 20 threads, maybe 2 at a time, and go from there.

So in other words, this is like the Lawyer Thread?

Ok.

We're better.

 

[jon_mx]

1. Yes

2. Yes

3. No

4. Yes

5. No

6. Yes

7. Yes

8. No

9. No

10. Yes

11. No

12. Yes

13. Yes

14. Yes

15. No

16. Yes

17. Yes

18. Yes

19. No

20. Yes

65%. Better luck next time.

 

[Fennis]

Tim, aren't many of these already threads?

they've all been discussed. I'm hoping that when presented as yes no questions, they will give insight into people's overall thinking, and also perhaps cause some who are either intimidated by or simply not interested in lengthier discussions to offer up their opinions as well.

Virtually all of these questions are too difficult to answer with a simple yes or no.

I think almost all are inherently needing lengthy discussion in their own threads.

PSst... That's his plan. There will be enough of this kind of stuff - I am guilty too - and he will start 20 threads, maybe 2 at a time, and go from there.

So in other words, this is like the Lawyer Thread?

Ok.

We're better.

"Lawyers - We might be soulless ambulance chasing SOB's, but at least were not Tim"

 

[igbomb]

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? Not 'lingering' racism -- but the cultural artifacts of 400 years of legalized, institutional racism.

Best answer I've seen to this question.

 

[McGarnicle]

1. Yes

2. Yes

3. No

4. No

5. Yes

6. Yes

7. No

8. Yes

9. Yes

10. Yes

11. No

12. No

13. No

14. No

15. Yes

16. Yes

17. No

18. No

19. No

20. No

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Here are my own answers; I might expand on them later:

...8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001?

8. No

...

Yes - by taking the AQ declaration of war on the US in 1996 or so seriously and taking out OBL and Zawahiri for starters.

 

[toshiba]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed?

Yes, we are a nation of corporate thievery, if it wasn't done in the 1800s it would be done today.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861?

No, per supreme court

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States?

Yes

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war?

No

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States?

Yes, see #4

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War?

Yes, he helped

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000?

Yes, see Supreme Court (but it was a bad decision)

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001?

Yes we created the groups that carried it out

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision?

No

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision?

Yes

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy?

No, but it helped

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance?

Yes

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps?

Yes

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment?

Yes

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment?

No

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution?

Yes

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism?

No, mostly due to previous generational racism

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel?

No

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution?

Yes

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens?

Unsure

 

[jon_mx]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed?

Yes, we are a nation of corporate thievery, if it wasn't done in the 1800s it would be done today.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861?

No, per supreme court

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States?

Yes

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war?

No

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States?

Yes, see #4

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War?

Yes, he helped

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000?

Yes, see Supreme Court (but it was a bad decision)

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001?

Yes we created the groups that carried it out

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision?

No

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision?

Yes

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy?

No, but it helped

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance?

Yes

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps?

Yes

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment?

Yes

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment?

No

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution?

Yes

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism?

No, mostly due to previous generational racism

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel?

No

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution?

Yes

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens?

Unsure

I am not sure how anyone can fault the US Supreme Court for the 2000 election. It wasn't a great legal decision, but the Florida Supreme Court was creating the biggest cluster#### of all-time which would have ultimately sent the Presdential Election to the House and Senate. It was an absolute neccessary decision because the Florida Court was ignoring all US and state laws which ultimately would have led to a Constitutional crisis. Even if the proposed illegal recount were to go forward as the Florida Supremes cooked up, Constitutional deadlines for submitting electors would have passed and the results would have been meaningless.

 

[toshiba]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed?

Yes, we are a nation of corporate thievery, if it wasn't done in the 1800s it would be done today.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861?

No, per supreme court

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States?

Yes

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war?

No

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States?

Yes, see #4

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War?

Yes, he helped

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000?

Yes, see Supreme Court (but it was a bad decision)

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001?

Yes we created the groups that carried it out

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision?

No

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision?

Yes

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy?

No, but it helped

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance?

Yes

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps?

Yes

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment?

Yes

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment?

No

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution?

Yes

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism?

No, mostly due to previous generational racism

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel?

No

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution?

Yes

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens?

Unsure

I am not sure how anyone can fault the US Supreme Court for the 2000 election. It wasn't a great legal decision, but the Florida Supreme Court was creating the biggest cluster#### of all-time which would have ultimately sent the Presdential Election to the House and Senate. It was an absolute neccessary decision because the Florida Court was ignoring all US and state laws which ultimately would have led to a Constitutional crisis. Even if the proposed illegal recount were to go forward as the Florida Supremes cooked up, Constitutional deadlines for submitting electors would have passed and the results would have been meaningless.

Why would it have been bad to follow the process? If Florida couldn't figure their stuff out then it would have gone to congress.

 

[jon_mx]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed?

Yes, we are a nation of corporate thievery, if it wasn't done in the 1800s it would be done today.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861?

No, per supreme court

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States?

Yes

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war?

No

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States?

Yes, see #4

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War?

Yes, he helped

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000?

Yes, see Supreme Court (but it was a bad decision)

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001?

Yes we created the groups that carried it out

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision?

No

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision?

Yes

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy?

No, but it helped

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance?

Yes

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps?

Yes

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment?

Yes

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment?

No

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution?

Yes

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism?

No, mostly due to previous generational racism

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel?

No

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution?

Yes

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens?

Unsure

I am not sure how anyone can fault the US Supreme Court for the 2000 election. It wasn't a great legal decision, but the Florida Supreme Court was creating the biggest cluster#### of all-time which would have ultimately sent the Presdential Election to the House and Senate. It was an absolute neccessary decision because the Florida Court was ignoring all US and state laws which ultimately would have led to a Constitutional crisis. Even if the proposed illegal recount were to go forward as the Florida Supremes cooked up, Constitutional deadlines for submitting electors would have passed and the results would have been meaningless.

Why would it have been bad to follow the process? If Florida couldn't figure their stuff out then it would have gone to congress.

The rheotric from both sides would have been unbareable. We would have had Republicans in Florida trying to submit a set of electors ignoring all the legal process and recounts the courts were doing. After much bickering, the election would probably not get certified. Then we would have had massive fights in the house and senate over procedures. The Senate would likely have been tied for the VP, with Gore being the 'tie-breaker'. The GOP should of owned enough states in the House to win the Presidency for Bush. Could have ended up with Lieberman as the VP. The whole election would have been considered more illegitimate than it was because the all votes would have been completely ignored. The public would have been more confused and disenchanted with the process than ever. Would have been an uncivil war between the parties, probably the low point since 1865.

 

[Apple Jack]

Please frame questions in a manner that can be answered on a scan tron please and thank you.

 

[Apple Jack]

They should have just acknowledged the race was too close to call and flipped for it.

 

[Foosball God]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed? Yes, I don't see how this is different than the destruction of Germanic tribes in Europe, it just happened at a later point in history.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861? I don't think so, but I'm a damn yankee

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States? In the short term yes, but the long term led to many issues.

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war? No, it was too indiscriminate killing too many non-combatants

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States? Could it have been winnable, yes. It needed more support and less media coverage. It would have also needed to take a harder line against Chinese interference.

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War? No one person was responsible, he played a large role though.

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000? Of course.

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001? That specific event, probably if they had taken the Osama Bin Laden threat more seriously, but there is no reasonable way to stop an event like that from happening at all.

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision? No

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision? Yes

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy? I don't know that it was necessary, but I believe it alleviated a lot of pain.

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance? imo taxes should be applied as services are used. It shouldn't be tied strictly to income

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps? See above.

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment? Marriage is just a name, a union of two people of the same gender should be afforded the same rights as a marriage of two people of opposite gender.

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment? No

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution? To my understanding yes.

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism? Mostly? No, but there is a large part of racial stigma that unfairly target black people.

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel? Yes

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution? No

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens? Too broad of a statement, certainly some should.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I have comprised a list of 20 historical and political questions which I would like people, if they're interested, to answer. You're welcome to answer all 20, or whichever ones interest you. These are all "yes/no" questions, and they are all subjective; there are no right or wrong answers. You're free to answer them yes or no, but I would also love it if you would expand on the answers if you want to.

1. For the United States to develop into the nation we are today, was it inevitable that native Americans had to be subjugated, their lands taken away, and their culture destroyed?

Yes, we are a nation of corporate thievery, if it wasn't done in the 1800s it would be done today.

2. Was it legal and Constitutional for the southern states to secede from the United States in 1860 and 1861?

No, per supreme court

3. Was FDR's New Deal good for the United States?

Yes

4. Were the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki a justifiable act of war?

No

5. Was the Vietnam War winnable for the United States?

Yes, see #4

6. Do you give President Reagan credit for helping to win the Cold War?

Yes, he helped

7. Did George W. Bush fairly win the Presidential election of 2000?

Yes, see Supreme Court (but it was a bad decision)

8. Could our government reasonably have prevented the events of September 11, 2001?

Yes we created the groups that carried it out

9. Was the invasion of Iraq in 2003 a good decision?

No

10. Was the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in 2009/10 a good decision?

Yes

11. Was TARP and the stimulus package necessary for saving our economy?

No, but it helped

12. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have better access to health insurance?

Yes

13. Should the middle class and wealthy pay more in taxes so that poor people have access to welfare and food stamps?

Yes

14. Is gay marriage a federal right under the 14th Amendment?

Yes

15. Would universal background checks on gun purchases or universal gun registration violate the 2nd Amendment?

No

16. Was Roe vs. Wade good law, in terms of it's interpretation of the Constitution?

Yes

17. Are the employment and legal woes of so many African-Americans in this country, today, due mostly to lingering racism?

No, mostly due to previous generational racism

18. Should the United States continue it's close relationship with the State of Israel?

No

19. Is the mass collection of private emails and phone records, justified by collective warrants, a violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution?

Yes

20. Should illegal immigrants already living in this country eventually be given legal status and a means to become citizens?

Unsure

I am not sure how anyone can fault the US Supreme Court for the 2000 election. It wasn't a great legal decision, but the Florida Supreme Court was creating the biggest cluster#### of all-time which would have ultimately sent the Presdential Election to the House and Senate. It was an absolute neccessary decision because the Florida Court was ignoring all US and state laws which ultimately would have led to a Constitutional crisis. Even if the proposed illegal recount were to go forward as the Florida Supremes cooked up, Constitutional deadlines for submitting electors would have passed and the results would have been meaningless.

Why would it have been bad to follow the process? If Florida couldn't figure their stuff out then it would have gone to congress.

The rheotric from both sides would have been unbareable. We would have had Republicans in Florida trying to submit a set of electors ignoring all the legal process and recounts the courts were doing. After much bickering, the election would probably not get certified. Then we would have had massive fights in the house and senate over procedures. The Senate would likely have been tied for the VP, with Gore being the 'tie-breaker'. The GOP should of owned enough states in the House to win the Presidency for Bush. Could have ended up with Lieberman as the VP. The whole election would have been considered more illegitimate than it was because the all votes would have been completely ignored. The public would have been more confused and disenchanted with the process than ever. Would have been an uncivil war between the parties, probably the low point since 1865.

And actually see the 1877 dispute along the same lines with the same parties in the same state. The country had been here before which is why there was a federal statute created which we followed albeit its being imperfect but it did the job.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Maybe Gore could have just taken the loss like a man, like Nixon did. If anybody is to blame for the 2000 election fiasco, it's Gore. Anything that anybody else did during that episode is just part of the predictable aftermath that he created.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Maybe Gore could have just taken the loss like a man, like Nixon did. If anybody is to blame for the 2000 election fiasco, it's Gore. Anything that anybody else did during that episode is just part of the predictable aftermath that he created.

You had to do that, didn't you? It's been a 14 year itch that you just had to scratch again. We didn't do this enough 14 years ago...

... holy hell, I've been posting here (well, Ole'Yellow) for 14 years? Holy effmylife. 14 years. It's been an interesting 14 years. Billy Joel can do a sequel to We Didn't Start the Fire just in that span.