sociocanuck's Comments (1463)

“While I agree on the suggestion that Biden might be better off in some other capacity (United States Ambassador to the United Nations comes to mind, as I think it would be a great fit given his tendency to think more globally than locally), I'm not sure I understand why Hillary should even be considered for a reward of the stature of VP.

I have yet to be convinced that she has done anything of substance in her current position, either meassured qualitatively (at least Biden and Obama are aiming for some pretty high-level paradigm shifts, never mind the as-yet undecided fate of those ideals) or quanitiatively.

Plus, I'd rather bet on Sebilius if this in any way has an undertone of gender politicking.”

“Oh no. More liberal shenanigans from Sesame Street.

I'm glad we still have programming of this caliber around to keep kids entertained - while providing an early childhood educational platform that really has few equals in terms of measurable positive impact on developing minds.

...regardl­ess of potential for indoctrination. ;)”

“Urine test?

Though maybe not in his younger days.”

“More weird logic from pollsters and the like: if Republicans succeed in preventing real reform, everyone will blame the Democratic Party instead.

I like to think at least some subset of the American population (even if they are moderates) is smart enough to recognize the contradiction inherent in that scenario. All the polls show is that those who conducted them may have inadvertantly visited more or less of those particular households on any given polling day.”

“The Big Tent collapsed ages ago.

This is just trying to hide the tent-pins so no "misguided" moderates can try to put it back up.”

“That must include this post.

Hi Mrs. Palin. ^_^”

“I'm glad I could.”

“These kids really have their fingers on the pulse of reality.

I feel warm and fuzzy just reading their thoughts, never mind that a few mirror my own means of coping.”

“I'm not a parent myself, but I do have a technically degenerative congenital neurological condition. An impairment. It's not Downs Syndrome, but I was expected to have serious developmental difficulties nonetheless. 25 years of high achievement in educational pursuit later, including four post-secondary degrees (one post-Graduate) I think I've proved that very wrong.

My parents (liberals) certainly allowed me to "happen", and grow, and defy early expectations.

And I (an avowed progressive, never mind the lesser 'liberal' label) would personally never ever pre-judge my offspring based on a perceived biological disadvantage, as consequence.

That anyone would dare make a generalization of that sort is, in my mind, intensely offensive.”

“Because being fixated on little boys might raise too many questions from 'conspiracy theorists' from the lefty fringe he so clearly fears is endangering his America.”

“It takes quite a crowd to make Catholics seem fair and balanced (pun probably intended) by comparison.”

“Palin/Prejean

Ouch”

“I can draw a crowd, as long as I have a pencil.”

“Soulfly - Paranoia

Sabbath would have been too obvious.”

“I would so like to see that reality. But consider here in Canada for counterpoint. We DO have a three party system (essentially conservative, centrist, left-of-center). Four if you count the Bloc, though they only run candidates in one Province. Five if you count the Green Party.

You'd probably have to ask AmandaBC for more details about the Green Party of Canada and how they differ from the Green Parties of the U.S. (hint: more progressive) and Europe (hint: far less progressive). I'm sure she won't be quite as disillusioned - probably unfairly - with them as I am, so can give you another perspective.

Anyway, my point is we DO have a Three (-Plus) party system, and our Progressive parties only manage to ride waves of support from "really Far" to "Very Far" away from ever forming a government. Mainly due to spoiling one another in virtually every riding, or being easily smeared with unfair labels that drive moderate voters to the Big Two.

This doesn't keep me from voting though, and always for that left-of-center option noted above. It's not the progressive force it was in its early years, but it's better than giving in to the temptation to just vote for the Winning Team, as chosen from the Big Two, despite the ideological chasm between them and me.”

“As a Canadian with a chronic condition of sorts I think I can very much identify with your state of mind. And I agree that our systems are not 'perfect', but a heck of a lot better than wholly Class and Status based alternatives.

The thing holding us back is a modality: with respect to most social constructs Canada and the U.K. are, like America, fundamentally Liberal Welfare States ('liberal' in the economic sense of the term, not the smear you see coming from dissenters on this site) - which is only one step down from Corporatist. We have a more progressive healthcare system, indeed, but it is hindered by the overall sociopolitical system in which it lies.

Truly Social Democratic Welfare States, on the other hand (Scandinavian nations, mostly) can have their Universal Healthcare cakes and eat them too; because the system on which they stand is far more focused on socialization and social justice across almost every political issue.”

“I think you might have insulted Ghengis Khan, there.”

“Asian drivers did it.”

“Congress needs more guys like Kucinich and Weiner (and Alan Grayson and senators like Bernie Sanders) to lead the way on how to do things right. The scare tactics, conspiracy theories, and neo-McCarthyites should be treated as distractions and diversions, not as legitimate threats or reasons to seek common ground that will never really be found.

As much as I respect that Pelosi is trying to do her best within the confines of an absurdly contentious issue (though way more progressive, I'm not in the same category as progressives antagonizing her, for sure) I'm not sure she's listening to the right people to find the best possible outcome. Especially if she thinks Dennis's amendment breaks Obama's promise, where if anything it supports it, advances it, and goes above and beyond.”

“You mention party discipline and Canada. I think it's worth noting that in the Canadian system a party leadership can effectively insist that the party vote on certain issues unanimously.

The following is a bit of an oversimplification, but effectively a 'pre-vote' among the party decides which position the party will take and those who dissent at that time are free to vote any way they wish on issues where unanimity isn't required later on. Just not where it is required.

Party discipline is also very much evident in the fact that the Conservative Party of Canada are actually technically just a colation of former conservative parties with a true "Big Tent" far different from the current Republican trend and its increasingly inaccurate claim on that terminology. I don't trust or approve of the Cons any more than I would right-wing pols anywhere else but I do recognize there's a 'Progressive Conservative' (both a former party and a real Canadian ideology despite the seeming contradiction) contingent somewhere in its midst.”

“Carville was right about the collapse of the Republican 'big tent'.

It can't be big and limited, simultaneously.”

“Why are my bills never this interesting?”

“Health Informatics student here.

I was laying the sarcasm on as thickly as text will allow. ;)”

“I feel sorry for the microscopic organisms inhaled in the air they wasted on this non-apology.

Ulmer's was worse, mind you.”

“Electronic Medical Records are just so scary.

I'm glad my physician still keeps everything in paper files in a closet.

(No, I really wouldn't be...)”