tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34286346.post5135258675855356132..comments2023-05-05T06:35:54.350-04:00Comments on The Best Way to Have a Good Idea is to Have Lots: Friday Political RantJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540465146418344229noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34286346.post-50504093231899475682008-04-18T17:17:00.000-04:002008-04-18T17:17:00.000-04:00Ah, I gotcha! Did I ever tell you that the campus ...Ah, I gotcha! Did I ever tell you that the campus police use Segways here? It's awesome!Venicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09942914639293844444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34286346.post-20507197189930258592008-04-18T17:06:00.000-04:002008-04-18T17:06:00.000-04:00I heard loud and clear that you weren't saying Oba...I heard loud and clear that you weren't saying Obama was unprincipled.<BR/><BR/>In fact, I was saying it's sad that it's so remarkable when any politician is. I do think it's a hopeful sign that, in my opinion, we might have presidential candidates from each of the major parties who actually seem principled relative to other politicians (which might be a completely worthless compliment).<BR/><BR/>As for blogging, it is fun. After your ipod, you'll have to get a Segway!Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07540465146418344229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34286346.post-63582444991788499452008-04-18T16:38:00.000-04:002008-04-18T16:38:00.000-04:00Hey thanks for the kind words! just to clarify, I'...Hey thanks for the kind words! just to clarify, I'm not saying that Obama isn't principled, only that he has been pandering to very anti-trade sentiments lately. I can't really fault him for it, since everybody panders at some point. (McCain certainly does, especially recently) I also give Obama serious free-trade props for opposing the awful sanctions against Cuba! These have been going on for decades now and made no difference. Does anyone think they will start now? Anyway, I'm really getting addicted to this bloging thing. It's almost as if I live in the 21st century now! Next I will have to pick up an iPod!Venicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09942914639293844444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34286346.post-78379134343060801252008-04-18T16:16:00.000-04:002008-04-18T16:16:00.000-04:00Wow, my friend... so first, I'm so glad you're blo...Wow, my friend... so first, I'm so glad you're blogging here. I love the thoughtfulness that you bring to issues, and it's such a happy part of my week, this getting to sit down and chew over what's on your mind.<BR/><BR/>The connection between subsidies, tariffs, and the social/economic justice issue is clear and yet complex, is it not?<BR/><BR/>I have to say that it's disheartening to think it is unusual or remarkable when a politician like McCain takes a principled stand on an issue like this. Inspiring to think we might have two relatively principled guys running, once Obama takes his inevitable victory, he said, knocking on wood.<BR/><BR/>Still, I suppose a question I come away with is this: if the subsidies and tariffs we have right now are part of a broken system that hurts the poorest in the world, what would work better? While I think it's noble that McCain is willing to take the unpopular stance of saying he's against the subsidies, does he offer ideas around alternatives? I don't have time for research now, but I must say that you've piqued my interest. I hope to learn more soon!Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07540465146418344229noreply@blogger.com