Debate-Able

Last night's debate got me fired up. It got me more fired up than normal and I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because O'Bama didn't actually answer ANY questions. Maybe it's because McCain was focusing so hard on moving his body to look animated and personable that he couldn't get words out smoothly. Maybe it's because I'm at the point (again) where I just want the election to be over because I'm sick of hearing ignorant people comment on the candidates.
At 33 (almost - might as well be), I am bummed that I am already so cynical. It bothers me that stupid people are allowed to vote and procreate. I wouldn't want it any other way, really. But it still bothers me. There are a couple stances in politics that I just cannot understand how a smart person can take. (I avoid the word "educated" because I know too many people who've been given degrees that aren't smart. I also know many smart people without anything more than a H.S. degree)  I think this may be what really gets me going. So, I'll address them (duh!):

1. Taxing "rich" a higher % than "non-rich"
How can this make sense? I make more, I pay more in taxes relatively. O.K., I still don't buy that one completely, but I can live with it. But if my household makes more than 250,000 (I wish) why should I have to give more pennies on my dollar than you? This doesn't work even if you do agree that I should pay a higher %. Because if I pay more taxes, I spend and save less (both very essential to the economy). If corporations pay more taxes (Corporations are made up of human beings by the way. This seems to be very conveniently forgotten.), they have to find a way to pay those extra dollars. Do you think they are going to pay with their profits? Really? No way!!! They will pay those extra taxes by doing two things: 1. Increasing prices (you and I take that hit) 2. Lowering wages / laying off workers (you and I take that hit too).
After making this point, the typical democrat response is (I swear they are given response flow charts like a telemarketer because they all respond the same way on things. My favorite is when you just completely have them on something and they say "Hmm, I'll have to check the facts on that"), "Well then, how is the government going to pay for everything?" This is where I start my belief that the person cannot be smart. The gov't is going to pay for "everything" because they must become responsible spenders (which I am not claiming Bush has been) and get rid of a ton of crap that makes up "everything". Does this mean some people may not be able to buy houses... YES!!! If you really want to buy a house, get a job that pays more!! If you can't... read a book or something and then apply again. We are in this credit crisis because Dem's wanted their voters, who they make their living off of (underachievers), to be able to get home loans. So, how can they do that? Sub-prime, no-documentation loans!! What a joke!!
Taxing the rich more and making it easy for lower income earners to buy houses and other luxury items gives no financial incentive to move up and out of a low income situation. That's doing the poor a dis-service. How about this: Tax the poor more and the rich less!! Holy crap, that would make me want to earn more. If I knew that earning 10,000 a year more meant I got to keep an extra 1,000 a year?
2. Pro-Choice
This means you think it should not be illegal for an expecting mother (and a medical staff) to murder their unborn child. I honestly just got sick to my stomach typing the last half of that sentence. It's murder.
The typical "pro-choice" response, "Do you understand what kind of burden that would put on society?" Yes, life if full of burdens. We deal with them as best as we can and I was taught that it's not to be done by murdering the person who's creating the burden. But, if you must, how about this: Let's at least give the kid a chance. Maybe until he or she is about 10 or so. If it seems like they really are going to end up being a burden on society, then whack 'em.  (stomach just got sick again typing that because it's just as ridiculous as abortion).
3. Peace Hippies
I can understand people being against certain wars and reasons behind why we entered into them. However, the people with the bumper stickers that say "War doesn't solve anything"... stupid. It sure does!! Solved the problem of Sadam Husein running his country like a madman. Solved Hitler's rule.  I'm not sure (at least I'd like to believe this) anyone is "pro-war". People who claim to be "anti-war" seem to think that if you are not against a certain war, then you are a cruel gladiator. I'm not "pro-killing animals", but I like to eat meat because it's delicious. So...

Well, that's it for now. Those are the big three for me in terms of not understanding how you can have a different viewpoint and still be smart. Oh, wait, and people who hate Wal-Mart because of their business practices. If you hate Wal-Mart because it's dirty, I'm not with you but I understand. This actually reminds me of a quote my buddy (republican) Chris said to another buddy (democrat) of ours while he was going off about how much he hated Wal-Mart. Chris interrupted him and simply said, "Pete, why do you hate saving money?" EXACTLY!?!?!?