Who wins the white house

[Tim Whitehead]

Hey, we have a parliamentary system where the highest number of votes doesn't always guarantee an election win. Its just funny that you think that majority rule, a fundamental principle of democracy, is a bad thing.

[Dr. Jason Stockton]

When they answer that question, I think that Hillary Clinton will be the victor in the election. Just don't hope for miracles, just hope for a turn in the right direction.

Don't you mean "hope for a turn in the left direction?"

[Sonny]

Good thing the population doesn't get to directly elect the president.

Yes, it would be a shame if the majority got what it wanted.

We are a nation of laws Wish, not majority (mob) rule.

Otherwise, women and minorities may still be a the back of the bus and drinking from different fountains.

[KnoxVegas]

We are a nation of laws...

When you start quoting Nixon, haven't you hit rock bottom? Well haven't you?

And for the record: we are a republic, not a democracy. As in "..to the republic for which it stands..." (That is from the Pledge of Allegiance for those left wondering. Ave gratis! Palms up!)

[FLAK]

Its just funny that you think that majority rule, a fundamental principle of democracy, is a bad thing.

But see, we don't think majority rule is a bad thing, the candidate that wins the majority of the electoral votes from the states wins the election. It's not like we throw all the votes into a big lottery turn-style and whoever cranks out the first 50 votes in their favor wins. Each citizen of a state votes for a candidate to win their state's electoral votes, which go towards the national election. Electoral votes as based upon the number of congressional representatives from the state plus two for their senators (so the minimum number is 3).

In this way, the millions upon millions of people who vote in say California only have an impact on whether a candidate can win their state and don't trump another state say Montana and negate their say in the national election.

[Sonny]

And for the record: we are a republic, not a democracy.

Absolutely.

I still can't find the word democracy in the Constitution.

[Tim Whitehead]

Its just funny that you think that majority rule, a fundamental principle of democracy, is a bad thing.

But see, we don't think majority rule is a bad thing, the candidate that wins the majority of the electoral votes from the states wins the election. It's not like we throw all the votes into a big lottery turn-style and whoever cranks out the first 50 votes in their favor wins. Each citizen of a state votes for a candidate to win their state's electoral votes, which go towards the national election. Electoral votes as based upon the number of congressional representatives from the state plus two for their senators (so the minimum number is 3).

In this way, the millions upon millions of people who vote in say California only have an impact on whether a candidate can win their state and don't trump another state say Montana and negate their say in the national election.

Thanks, I'm aware of the way your system works. Yes, its a good thing that California and New York can't control the election. Yes, I think people in Montana and Alaska should have a say. I also think there's a better way to have proportional representation. But whatever, the candidate that most people want almost always gets elected, so it seems to be working good enough I guess.

And Sonny, thank you for staying the same. It wouldn't be the same here if you didn't completely miss the point and just respond with some phrase from your "Replublican Quote" page-a-day calendar.

[Sonny]

And Sonny, thank you for staying the same. It wouldn't be the same here if you didn't completely miss the point and just respond with some phrase from your "Replublican Quote" page-a-day calendar.

Let's not make this personal Tim.

The name of the two main US political parties has nothing to do with the fact that the US form of government is a republic.

[Zeuslax]

Flax,

Zeuslax you need to leave your college campus and read an editorial other then the New York Times.

The truth hurts sometimes, I agree. No reason to try to apply false assertions or labels. Hopefully this eases your mind, but I actually worked for the NY Times and just received tenure at CMU prior to the spring semester.

It's easy to throw out typical tag lines about the NY times and college campuses. It is just as easy to say you need to stop watching Faux News and reading the editorial section of the Washington Post. Maybe you should do some independent research to find out that labeling the media liberal was a calculated strategy by the Republican leadership. Find out who Rich Bond is!!! Pst, the left dislikes the “mainstream” media just as much!

If you’re trying to induce debate is it not more appropriate to ask where the facts to support your statements are? What about how do you know that is true? Is it even more appropriate to discuss and debate your point of view?

Once that happens you will have a different perspective.

Where is this different viewpoint that is to be found? That Iraq is Disney world? That this president has been a disaster for this country and for many others in the world? That the economy may be headed to a down turn? Two contradictory perspectives often cancel each other out. Fortunately for this country and our immediate future most are aligning with the inverse of the course we’ve been on. Maybe you could offer all of us a conditional proposition to change all of our minds that don't agree with you?

Throwing out someone’s middle name to induce association as a major premise and as “point maker” is just not going to do it.

Iraq is polling further and further down importance every day. Why???? Because more people died on Americas highways in December then were killed by violence in Iraq from August - December 2007. We are the most power nation state in the world, and force is a necessary evil.

I think I get your point. Iraq is not as big of a focal point in the election at this time as it was? However, I definitely don’t agree with your analogy. I think that it is safe that implying the American public looks at the loss of American life in Iraq in this manner is false. Even though their are some that think an American life is worth more than any Iraqis, a vast majority of the American public are very concerned about the carnage and misery the Iraqi people are enduring.

the economy has not had a negative quarter in 6 1/2 years. Even with nay sayers talking recession ( 2 quarters of negative growth ) most of the worlds investment banks are still taking positions long on the US economy. Did you see initial corporate and private earnings over the last few weeks, down but still positive and growing. Just not the double digit growth we had gotten used to.

All things are cyclical. Unfortunately all of the signs are pointing to a downturn and have. Lord knows my 401k and baseline investments are feeling a pinch. Take a look at the latest news regarding the personal credit issues. We are a consuming country and this is supported by the vast availability to credit. Can you say cut-off? I don’t think anywhere in my post that I stated that the US economy is headed for total and utter collapse, or long term issues? I was referring to the near future and the added value that is provided to a sitting president with the support of a strong economy. Fortunately, I got me a sugar momma!

[Dan Wishengrad]

Good thing the population doesn't get to directly elect the president.

Yes, it would be a shame if the majority got what it wanted.

We are a nation of laws Wish, not majority (mob) rule.

LOL Sonny I realize you are accustomed to debating politics with me here, and perhaps the photo threw you off a little, too. But that was not MY post you were responding too!

[Sonny]

Good thing the population doesn't get to directly elect the president.

Yes, it would be a shame if the majority got what it wanted.

We are a nation of laws Wish, not majority (mob) rule.

LOL Sonny I realize you are accustomed to debating politics with me here, and perhaps the photo threw you off a little, too. But that was not MY post you were responding too!

My mistake. Sorry.

[Dr. Jason Stockton]

It's OK Sonny. . .that photo has left many of us permanently scarred and slightly off-kilter. . .

[Dan Wishengrad]

It's OK Sonny. . .that photo has left many of us permanently scarred and slightly off-kilter. . .

Speaking of photos -- the one of you on pg. 43 of the latest issue of the magazine, Jason -- was it taken after you had spent about three hours in the 19th hole after a round of golf? You look entirely too happy...

[Dr. Jason Stockton]

I'm pretty sure I shot a 75 that day. . .and maybe consumed a couple of adult beverages. . .I do look a little flushed. . .

But no purple mirrored shades to my credit. . .

[Jolly Roger]

In all fun Dan, the reflection in the shades reminds me of Cartman as the cop



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