Rhode Island Senator and former U.S. Attorney (appointed by Pres. Clinton) Sheldon Whitehouse endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Presidency yesterday.
to keep track of endorsements from within Congress, use this link
EDIT: for some reason thie link won't work, so if you search "Congressional endorsements" in the search box, it should be the first result.
Originally posted by Fishy
With the importance China is giving these Olympics it actually wouldn't be that bad a sign... They are treating it like it's there way into the modern world, their prove that they are just as good if not better then any other country. The refusal of the US to go would do a lot, especially if most other western country's would follow their example.It would be a disaster for China.
Originally posted by StrangeloveI always hate that whenever I try to post in this thread...my connection dies.
Wrong Wrong Wrong. Absolutely wrong. Mandatory service ruins the point of service. Chris Dodd and Dennis Kucinich were absolutely right. Americans have to want to part of something bigger than themselves. Mandatory service is the worst idea ever.
American kids need to be pushed out of thier comfy chairs and shown what service means. That doesn't destroy the meaning, it creates a common basis of understnading and experience among all citizens and mixes up the nation. It builds unity.
Certianly people who WANT to should be able to (for longer), but the ones that don't want are the ones that really need it.
its a great idea and Dodd and Kucinich dimish it.
Originally posted by AllianceWhile I understand your point about people needing to step up, I don't think making service mandatory is the way to go about it.
I always hate that whenever I try to post in this thread...my connection dies.American kids need to be pushed out of thier comfy chairs and shown what service means. That doesn't destroy the meaning, it creates a common basis of understnading and experience among all citizens and mixes up the nation. It builds unity.
Certianly people who WANT to should be able to (for longer), but the ones that don't want are the ones that really need it.
its a great idea and Dodd and Kucinich dimish it.
Like Chris Dodd said in the debate the other day, he joined the Peace Corps because he was asked by his President to be a part of something bigger than himself. And a sentiment like that inspires me. Americans have to want it. Hell, if I was President, I would make a point of trying to inspire people, young or old, to volunteer. Making service mandatory, in my view, ruins the distinction of service.
Like Kucinich and Gravel said, there should be incentives for service to our country. Not just the military, but other causes, like the Peace Corps, Habitat for Humanity, innumerable other organizations.
That is what America should stand for. And in fact, it does.
Originally posted by Fire
Thing is will the people except boycotting the olympics to persuade China into getting involved in Darfur?
Plus I doubt many western countries would follow the example.
It is unlikely... And yes I'm sure the people would accept it, just show them a few sad images of children dying in Darfur and you would likely convince all of them that something needs to happen at least for a few minutes. Then just announce the boycot in those few minutes and everybody will agree...
Originally posted by AllianceAgain, I understand where you're coming from, but I have to disagree
I think inspiriation is a really warm and fuzzy idea, but i don't think its good enough.Besides, if EVERY american actually served in the military, I'd imagine that a good portion of thier service would be doing aid work home and abroad...least it would in my vision.
Originally posted by Alliance
I always hate that whenever I try to post in this thread...my connection dies.American kids need to be pushed out of thier comfy chairs and shown what service means. That doesn't destroy the meaning, it creates a common basis of understnading and experience among all citizens and mixes up the nation. It builds unity.
Certianly people who WANT to should be able to (for longer), but the ones that don't want are the ones that really need it.
its a great idea and Dodd and Kucinich dimish it.
Originally posted by Strangelove
Again, I understand where you're coming from, but I have to disagree
Thats fine.
Originally posted by backdoorman
So all American citizens should be legally obligated to serve in the military because it will unify them? What gives the government the right to disregard the judgment of each citizen to make an individual choice on whether to enter the military or not? As long as people pay their taxes and follow the law, the government should stay the hell away from their personal choices.
I don't feel like writing my argument out everytime I post.
Citizens are unable to make personal choice in many instances. There are laws in this country that over-ride somone's individual choice. A nation is not a collective of individual decisions.
Paying taxes earns you citizenship. In my opinon, your franchisement should be dependant on service to the nation and a true understanding of what America is, why we have a democratic system, and how to maintain it. That experience comes through education, training, and service to the nation. Citizenship may be earned, but if you want to be able to direct the future of this nation, you need to that right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rZdAB4V_j8
Mike Gravel for 08! He will creepily stare at you for minutes and throw a rock in a pond. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Originally posted by Dr. Strangelovehysterical
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rZdAB4V_j8Mike Gravel for 08! He will creepily stare at you for minutes and throw a rock in a pond. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
I'm not sure what that's supposed to accomplish
A USA Today poll suggests that Hillary Clinton could put Texas in play in 2008. Think about it. As a Democrat, California and New York would be handed to her on a platter, but with Texas's 34 electoral votes, that would give her 120 electoral votes right off the bat 313
Is Texas Turning Blue? Poll shows Sen. Clinton faring well there