Interesting that you favor Edwards as I genuinely like this guys attitude
***No, I do NOT support Edwards. Sorry if my comments made it seem that way.
On international issues I knew Middle East would spark an issue. Was great article you had years back. I, as you,will leave that issue alone but will say that with your previous work backround you have had lots of hands on experience in that area which is more prudent than what most of us only read about--so will give you the nod

***I'll bounce back the other way now and say that there are MANY. MANY people with tons more experience that I on this matter, who happen to support Israel. So my limited credentials mean very little here. Furthermore, if someone can make a convincing argument about anything, I don't care if he's a truck driver or a PhD -- there are a lot of people with no formal education who are "street" smart and developed intellectual capacity, while many Ivy League types are completely clueless. My point is -- no one deserves "the nod" because of a resume or other paper credentials. But thanks you anyway.
I do think that Bush raising fear is "good" and necessary in many instances. It is only recourse with some countries such as Iran,Syria ect. Knowing that there could be reprecussions for their actions seems to be working much better than previous idle threats--aka Lybia.
***Yes, you make a good case here. There is certainly historical precendent for the policy of standing up to bullies.
Could not agree more with you on ilegal aliens--but who will stop them. We the people say no---but both political parties are more concerned about minority votes than the will of the people.
***Glad you agree. This new proposed immigration policy is CRIMINAL and is going to cause havoc in this nation. I don't understand why people aren't furious about this issue -- especially lower middle class workers, urban Blacks, and others who will be ruined by this new law. EVERYONE should care because for political and economic stability it is critical that people at the low end of the economic scale have OPPORTUNITY. Those opportinies wil be lost in a swarm of NINE million illegals now competing for limited jobs. It's like having enough food to feed 10 people, and inviting another NINE to the dinner table. Absolutely insane. And THIS PRESIDENT is the one who is proposing it!
on jobs issue I still can see no solutions--I agree with you that Bush is definately pro business and especially small business---where we disagree is does this make him anti worker??
Who supplys the jobs and writes the checks--not the unions or those against business. If companys can not make a profit they will go under or move where they can--simple economics.
I do see abuses up the corporate ladder though and can see no justification for exorbant corporate pay.Would like to see law passed where corporate salaries and bonuses ect could be no more than certain percentage of workers pay--of course that won't happen.
***We agree here for the most part. But the key here is the undercalss of workers -- those in the $5.15 to $10 an hour range, who make barely livable incomes. First, most companies are cutting back on benefits, including health insurance. That is going to create a massive health crisis, especially for the working poor (as opposed to the poor -- who qualify for some government health benefits). Second, companies want a large cheap source of labor, so they can pay slave wages. They want unions crushed (and are succeeding). Third, these free trade agreements are costing the US economy MILLION of jobs. We have a trillion dollar trade defiticit (PROOF THAT THESE AGREEMENTS ARE NOT BALANCED) -- and worst of all, many of the best high tech jobs are being outsourced overseas. Our manufacturing base is in steep decline. As far as security -- Thousands of trucks roll over the US border with Mexico every day, and no one knows what is in the cargo. It's a ticking time bomb. My position -- one of "economic nationalism" works very well in many modern economies. Switzerland and most of the Scandanavian countries have very tight controls on immigration and trade, yet they continue to be the most properous nations per capita. Go to Zurich or Bern -- there are no slums. There are no unemployment offices filled with thousands of outcast workers. I'll get off the soapbox now.
----and thank you for discussion Nolan--certainly enjoyed your input. [/B]