Correct. The problem is us! We can vote until we're blue in the face. It won't make much difference as politicians are all cut from the same cloth, they just have different "colors" on display. It's a matter of are we raising up leaders that are going to step into these roles in politics. We've been educated to vote for people who tell us what we want to hear and not the one's who tell us what we need to hear and then, actually follow through with it! There's a huge difference between politicians and leaders.....sorry fact is, too many don't know the difference.

good post. i will say though that as a rule most will not change their song...but i have seen numerous people post, or email me, and tell me that my posts have got them to reconsider their position on recreation and medical marijuana. of course, all the numbers are on my side:) oh, and that little thing called individual freedom!!

on a side note...keep on keepin on ron paul!!!!!

Yeah, I get it. But here's my take on things. People who are so diametrically opposed in their thinking aren't likely going to change the other's point of view, no matter what the supporting evidence. Statistics can usually be interpreted to support either viewpoint, and if you're of one viewpoint it's frustrating and difficult to understand why the other doesn't see it your way. I'll give an example: death penalty. Many would say it's not a deterrent or there wouldn't be violent crimes, which can obviously be supported using statistics. Yet during the period of abolition, murder rates skyrocketed on a constant rise annually. Then when it was reinstated the national rise virtually flatlined with the only glaring exception being a spike in 2001 due to the 9/11 attacks. One could easily use the same statistics to make the argument that reinstating capital punishment brought the murder rates back under control. Whether it's a deterrent or not, I say not having it is an enabler, and either way I'm of the opinion that it is appropriate punishment for the crime(s) committed.

tis ok;) ive got the time. i hope my point wasnt lost tho that its NOT about singing the same tune. cuz i know i do. what i dont do is think that my way is the only way and theres no room for compromise. the thoughts came cuz iriss was blasting sarahb for having blinders on when...well read any of iriss' post an you can see the hypocrisy in that.

Sorry, I'm not that ambitious of a writer. And unless it's got a rock beat going I surely won't be exchanging poetry. I just got a chuckle out of your reference to people singing the same tune.

well played jaf but if a war of rhymes you want,
well then sir a war of rhymes we shall try.
i appreciate your reply but i think you missed the point.
allow me a retort and ill kindly explain to you why.

im not blasting iriss for the song they sing,
or even how often they carry the tune,
cuz as you point out the song that i sing,
ive been singing for many a moon.

be stong behind everyone of your thoughts,
be proud of everyone of your words,
but to blast someone on the opposite side,
as if your 100% right, is slightly absurd.

sing your song there mr or miss iriss,
sing it for young, for old, for all to hear.
but when you start insulting someone elses song,
well then it may as well come from your rear.

neither side is ever 100% right in their thought,
nor is either side ever 100% wrong,
we need to find compromise in everything,
we are adults after all with the same goal all along.

i hope you read this and give it some thought,
im not one to label or try to silence a voice,
anyone who claims the set of an american adult,
has earned the right to make their own choice.

Congratulations to the Kid
who wrote so many words, he did
calling those who sing the same tunes
as wearing blinders, or as loons

whether Obama, Bush, or "Save the Tropics"
ain't it he who changes topics
to sing the same old tune to make his point
trying in vain to legalize the joint?

darn...missed the spacing;)

good poetry iriss...let me try

hardly do we see a valid point in your posts,
cuz you come here to rave and to rant,
not sure if its lack of intelligence,
or simply because you cant.

you cant see anothers perspective,
worse, its as if you dont even try,
if youre not here to learn something,
if its just to spew youre venom, i gotta ask why??

you say the other side is always wrong,
and of course your side is always right
yet the possibility that thats not correct,
does not cross your mind or is even in sight.

i know you sit comfortably on the far right,
and i know the far left is littered with loons,
because of your blinders and ear muffs,
you dont even know your team sings the same tunes.

i got no prob with anyone believing what they do,
ive no prob with anyone saying what they say,
i do have a problem withe juvenile discussions,
so we should end this, and ill bid you a good day.

OBAMA IS RIGHT. Those of us who actually look to get all of the facts know that no one is listening to us only their extreme party lines. Let's put an equal amount of dems repubs and independants in and make them do what is best for ALL, not just the privelegded few.

did anyone else see the picture of the electric hand dryer? it's got a sign on it that says "push button for a message from the president".

that's all i got today. nothin but crime stories today, and they never let us comment on that.

I love youtube! Everytime Obama lies it's on the internet for me to refer to and boy did he lie alot. You can't get around vidio no matter how much to the left you are.

sure raf. when someone else makes a silly statement like that you call them out to provide facts to back it up. i dont think either of us need to look at your previous posts to confirm that. when you do it, its i who missed the sarcasm.

Thank you
Raf
On
Line
Lately??

IRISS - Your hot air continues to wilt your flowers - please stop. I would put my money on SARAH because all I hear from you is a goofy rhetoric that is off the wall. The comments you continue to share on the forum are interesting fiction. You thoughtlessly accused Mr. Eyster on Aug. 10th of being: "the master of Wiscon-SPIN" - You continue to call the hard working public employees, union leaders, etc "union thugs" - You have called GARY PRIMER the "King of Krap" and you have had MANY of your comments removed by the Gazette staff. I would recommend a short drive on hwy 51 and meet with a member of the crisis intervention team to get the help you need. Hopefully you are not a tea party member also.

Thank you Captain Obvious. That is about the most intelligent thing he's said to date!!!!!!!

SarahB1: if you want to know Ryan's schedule, hook up with his on-line page. Simple.

Kid so sorry the sarcasm went over your head. To be honest I would be extremely happy had he followed some of his own promises from the beginning...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyrlMr0Be...

Obama has failed!
The worst president ever.
Jimmy Carter smiles.

When there is divided government in the House and Senate ... it becomes that more critical that the President be a true leader. President Obama has a lot of nerve trying to align himself with the general public and sharing our frustration. He is part of the problem along with the elitists in both parties in Washington. Leaders of several countries in Europe have cancelled vacations and returned to work on the financial crisis or the British riots. They might not be able to do a lot on their own but, as the main figurehead of their country, they are trying to at least calm their citizens by showing they are on the job. President Obama leaves for Camp David last weekend after a major hit to the market and is off this week holding fundraisers at up to $35,800 a plate. Unbelievable. He can be his own worse enemy at times. No wonder he is referred to as Campaigner in Chief.

iriss you are as blinded by the right as you accuse sarahb of being by the left. neither side has it 100% correct for everyone. they cant. its not possible. you are as much a part of the partisan politics problem as anyone.

I actually agree with Obama's statement. Too bad he doesn't agree with it himself. It sounded good though didn't it?

'NOTHING is wrong with US politics, except YOU, OBAMA'

really?? you are blind

'How could there be anything wrong, he declared he was going to fix all the problems'

id love to see that quote

Duh!!!! The rich become politicians to protect their own interests, investments, or whatever they can get to better themselves or their peers. It is very difficult for a person to run against them and win because of this reason. We need to cap financial campaign to a dollar amount so that lobbist and private partys can not skew the information the public gets for each candidate.

How could there be anything wrong, he declared he was going to fix all the problems.

I think the President missed an opportunity last night to win reelection. Had he announced, " I'm going to have my team invest this 1.79 million you are giving me tonight, in the stock market, and we believe we can double your money (that you give me) for my campaign next year." THAT could have been a historic event, had he said it. If he loses the 1.79 mil, he can have another fund raiser.

Who and where are the leaders? I'm not impressed with any of the GOP candidates for Pres. I wish Chris Christie would run.

He's right! Let's start at the top and get some good leaders in office.

The only recourse the American people have is at the voting booth.

Stop listening to the people pushing a product or agenda and start listening to the public and then the politics would change.

Get the people right and you get the politics right! Our problem isn't our country's politics, it's our country's THINKING! The politicians are products of our collective lack of leadership in this country, starting right at home! Our political leaders are increasingly sourced from a pool of self-perpetuating elitists whose main concern is to distance themselves from the masses. When Constitutional law stands in their way, they ignore it. We are not being shepherded by altruistic wise men, but, rather, herded by megalomaniacal desperadoes!

I mentioned this before but there is a really good article written by David Gergen on CNN website (CNN Opinion) about what Obama needs to do as a leader to get the country back on track. Some good stuff.

Obama 2012-End Of An Error

Obama has finally realized that there is something wrong with our politics - he will be disappointed when he figures out that it's HIS administration that is the 'something' that is wrong.

What a guy! See how "bipartisan" he wants to be now that election season is here? It's too late for you and your failed policies Mr. Obama.
Rick Perry is in on Saturday and it's on!

Ya think! Control is spread around too much nothing can be accomplished so everything is at a gridlock. I knew this would happen when I saw results of last election. Its childish whenever one party gains control of house and other gains next nothing gets done when they're set in ways.

This is where Obama needed to be at least a year ago. He needs to start challenging certain congressionals about their love for party and ideology over country. Maybe it's not too late for hope.

Only took us 235 years to realize this!!

Yes, that IS stating the obvious.

Even Gov. Walker got it right the other day (much to my surprise) when he said voters want more bipartisanism. Too bad he didn't think of that earlier,,,,,,

In any case, we're simply too polarized these days. Too many are insistent on having their own way, without compromise.

We are not a monolithic society. Whatever party is in power may have won the majority of the votes in the last election, but they cannot totally ignore the very significant portion of the populace who thinks - and voted - otherwise. They have to represent us all - like it or not - not just those who voted for them.

What I'm suggesting is that if, for example, those in power have a 55/45 advantage in voter support, then they should realize that they have an advantage but not a mandate to pursue a single agenda. Under such circumstances, whatever comes out of the legislature should be an amalgam that reflects the views of both sides in similar proportions.

I believe that most ordinary people in Wisconsin, and in the nation too, do not support the political extremes. On average, they believe in, and want from their representatives, well-reasoned decisions that are near the middle.

Stop. Think (it's not yet illegal). Compromise.

That's where the bulk of voter's hearts are.

This is news because 50 people shelled out $35,800 each. The president left his tax the rich class warfare speech at home.

You are correct. That is the only reason factsplease. But I too agree fully with the President. Where are the moderate Reagan and McCain Republicans?

Well, that's stating the obvious. But why is this posted in the "latest news" section, other than to invite Obama bashing?