Everwood - Everwood Melting Pot (OT3) #2: Cultural Exchange and International Talk - Page 4

Wilpen · 05-04-2008, 05:48 PM

LOL. Wright definitely has been a constant ache for Obama and yes, I think he's taken a punch in the gut over Wright's ridiculous, inflammatory statements but overall I don't think it's going to hurt him in a serious way.

**everwoodfan52** · 05-06-2008, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilpen (View Post)

LOL. Wright definitely has been a constant ache for Obama and yes, I think he's taken a punch in the gut over Wright's ridiculous, inflammatory statements but overall I don't think it's going to hurt him in a serious way.

How many of you really feel that Obama was never aware of Wright'a inflammatory style of rhetoric until now?

Wilpen · 05-06-2008, 01:38 PM

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Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

How many of you really feel that Obama was never aware of Wright'a inflammatory style of rhetoric until now?

Not I.

I don't think he realized it was going to surface so strongly and when it did he knew he needed to finally say something the second time around. I think overall in Obama's mind, Wright was a good pastor, a good friend, as he, I believe, married Obama and his wife (I think), and definitely baptized their children... so there's a history there and Obama found it difficult to say anything in a blunt way at first against him. However, I don't believe for one second Obama was unaware of Wright's ideas and thoughts on government, etc. I think he was always aware of this, though I don't believe Obama agreed with him either. He just bypassed it and agreed to disagree, that kind of thing. So I believe Obama when he says he's against what Wright's saying, but I think he also should have said that the first time around, not the second time whenever it got way out of control but I think the history they have together caused the delay with Obama speaking out.

What do you think?

**everwoodfan52** · 05-06-2008, 07:10 PM

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What do you think?

Well, Michelle, I have hesitated to get involved in this thread because I really feel that sometimes it's better to avoid discussing politics in order to stay friends!
Plus the fact that when you guys were talking about the primaries- I was really a new board member, and I'm sure you know how new people sometimes feel- try to stay low key and not make any waves!
I must tell you, Michelle, I am really impressed with your knowledge of our political process. I was really proud of the way you explained everything. I learned a lot, also.

About Obama and the upcoming election: I envy all of you who are sure of whom to back and know who you like. I am not sure whom I like. There are things I like about each candidate and there are things that I don't like.
I think Obama has great charisma, he's a good motivator of people, he wants to change things (which is great), but I really don't know what these changes will be -the only specific thing I remember him saying is that he's going to bring the troops home immediately.
As far as his association with Reverend Wright, that is upsetting to me. You know that I'm patriotic (I made that very clear in the sports thread). I can't imagine sitting in a church for 20 years, hearing someone speak about my country like that, allowing that person to marry me and baptize my children. I'm not sure that I want someone that would do that become my president.

Hillary is brilliant. She is more than capable of being our leader. I often feel, however, that she's not always honest. She seems to change her opinions and stances to fit the occasion. If I thought that she was really sincere, I would not hesitate to vote for her.

McCain is a veteran, his father was an admiral. He's dying to be commander in chief. I'm just afraid that he will not hesitate to prolong the war indefinitely. That's something that I really don't want.
But, I also don't like Obama's idea of immediate withdrawal. We can't do that to the Iraqi people. They are now in more of a mess than when we first entered this stupid war. They will not be able to handle the situation on their own if we leave. It's like throwing a child into the ocean who can hardly swim and just saying goodbye and then leaving. And what about all of those military men around the world and in the US, and all of the civilians who lost their lives in Iraq- what does that say to them if we just leave? That all of their deaths were for nothing? How heartbreaking for their families!

I have a real dilemma election day. I probably won't decide whom to vote for until I get into the voting booth.
My political leaning is moderate. If Guliani were in the running, I would probably vote for him, although he's not perfect either. I agree with his social stances- even though I'm a Catholic, I believe in a woman's right to choose. I, like him, believe in gay rights, and gay marriage. I, like him, believe in law and order, a strong military and a strong continual fight against terrorism(lost a couple of people that I know in 911). But he was really in favor of this war, and probably would not end it in the forseeable future. I don't want to just abandon Iraq, but I do want to end this war as soon as possible. It was a huge mistake.

So, I hope that I haven't antagonized anyone with my feelings. I have to see who the democratic nominee will be, and play it from there!

BepperGirl · 05-07-2008, 10:14 AM

I think this is the appropriate OT thread for this: Everyone should read this post.

Wilpen · 05-07-2008, 11:56 AM

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Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

I must tell you, Michelle, I am really impressed with your knowledge of our political process. I was really proud of the way you explained everything. I learned a lot, also.

You're so sweet, thank you.

Which brings me to how I just felt while reading your post. Wow, thanks for sharing your views and thoughts. What a wonderful post.

I agree with so much of what you said and this part really intrigues me:

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My political leaning is moderate. If Guliani were in the running, I would probably vote for him, although he's not perfect either. I agree with his social stances- even though I'm a Catholic, I believe in a woman's right to choose. I, like him, believe in gay rights, and gay marriage. I, like him, believe in law and order, a strong military and a strong continual fight against terrorism.(lost a couple of people that I know in 911).

First of all, I'm sorry you lost a couple people in 911.

And secondly, regarding Guliani, whenever I heard he was running I remember telling a few people even as a democrat I really liked his views and capabililty because I'm totally down with his social stances, and I know he would have handled the war situation fairly well but like you said with the possibility of maybe staying in too long but overall I thought he could have handled it properly.

But yes, for me, in all true honesty the main reason why I lean liberal is because of healthcare (which I think should be more easily available to every American) and the economy scares me whenever someone like Bush is in there as we see just how badly the economy can get whenever it's not handled properly. And social stances as well. But I think there have been candidates who have the right combo that are liberal in some areas, conservative in others, who I could jump on board with. Guliani is definitely one of those people that had this unique combo.

Anyway, wonderful post! I loved reading your thoughts.

Gaby my computer at home as you know is slow and sucks a lot, LOL, so when I try to open the link my computer basically makes all kinds of noises and freezes so I can't read it but I told Alex to, and maybe if you guys could summarize, that would be great.

ETA: Alex copy/pasted for me, saw it. Powerful stuff.

buffyannAlex · 05-07-2008, 12:08 PM

Thanks for this link Gaby, I've read it all. Reminded me of when I met an Aushwitz survivor who told my class her story. It marked me for life. for real.

Betty, I loved reading your thoughts. it's very itneresting. I think it mirrors the fact that there's rarely "One answer" but just "an answer". whatever happens , there's gonna be right and wrong. It's never easy to make a choice.

BepperGirl · 05-07-2008, 01:01 PM

It really is powerful stuff. We know these facts to be true... or do we? It's really sad that the poster couldn't find any stuff about what happened really in Block 24

The Holocaust must never happen again. I've always been interested in reading stuff about the Holocaust. I'm not sure why. I always preferred math, computers, science, etc in school. While I did well in history in high school and I grew up in the oldest house in my hometown and my mom's the historian (she's got a PhD in history), I haven't really had any history classes in college (except for History of Cinema) because it doesn't really interest me that much. Except for the Holocaust. I've always been fascinated with it for some reason. Got a lot of books on the subject, actually.

buffyannAlex · 05-07-2008, 02:11 PM

In such things, never the whole truth is uncovered, IMO. But I believe those things cause it was just a complete horror, what happened. We do study this a lot in france obviously, even if I'm not a fan of history, meeting someone who went there and hearing her story totally shook me in a way that I can't properly explain. It wasn't facts anymore. it was real. And I think it's important to remember this. Of course, it's even strike me more now because tomorrow is the "victory in europe" day, a rememberance day of this war and what it cost.
It is horrific, but it is somethiing I'd like generations ahead to remember because they say history never learns, but I don't wanna believe that. I want to believe this can't happen again. Though massacre are happening right now in other places of the world...

**everwoodfan52** · 05-07-2008, 02:32 PM

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It really is powerful stuff. We know these facts to be true... or do we? It's really sad that the poster couldn't find any stuff about what happened really in Block 24 The Holocaust must never happen again. I've always been interested in reading stuff about the Holocaust. I'm not sure why. I always preferred math, computers, science, etc in school. While I did well in history in high school and I grew up in the oldest house in my hometown and my mom's the historian (she's got a PhD in history), I haven't really had any history classes in college (except for History of Cinema) because it doesn't really interest me that much. Except for the Holocaust. I've always been fascinated with it for some reason. Got a lot of books on the subject, actually.

The subject of the Holocaust is covered in the curriculum in the middle school that I teach. Each year the 8th graders go on a three day trip to Washington DC and the Holocaust museum is definitely on the agenda.

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Betty, I loved reading your thoughts. it's very itneresting. I think it mirrors the fact that there's rarely "One answer" but just "an answer". whatever happens , there's gonna be right and wrong. It's never easy to make a choice.

Thanks, Alex.. You're right. There are so many issues and it's so hard to find the right candidate that can handle all of them!
We really could use Superman to run for President, but he's not available!

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But yes, for me, in all true honesty the main reason why I lean liberal is because of healthcare (which I think should be more easily available to every American) and the economy scares me whenever someone like Bush is in there as we see just how badly the economy can get whenever it's not handled properly.

Yes, you are absolutely correct about the healthcare issue. I happen to be fortunate to have a good job that provides good health and prescription plans. Most others don't...... and if you're between jobs and need to provide yourself with insurance, the cost is obscene. Hospitals, doctors, have unbelievable fees......and medicine! Everytime I'm in the pharmacy filling my prescription, I am so grateful for my prescription plan. I see others being charged hundreds of dollars or one prescription!! How can anyone afford that? especially if it's a medicine that someone has to take for the rest of his life.

The Economy- that's really a scary thing. It seems that everyday, we hear of a new large company that is in trouble. Our dollar keeps losing value everyday! Last time I checked, the Euro was worth more than one and a half times the dollar. What is going on?

Did you hear the latest with the airlines. They're going to charge everyone who has more than one piece of luggage $25 extra because they're losing money.

Yes, Michelle, these are scary times. I hope we elect someone who has the answers.

Wilpen · 05-07-2008, 04:27 PM

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my mom's the historian (she's got a PhD in history), I haven't really had any history classes in college (except for History of Cinema) because it doesn't really interest me that much. Except for the Holocaust. I've always been fascinated with it for some reason. Got a lot of books on the subject, actually.

Dude, I'm sure you told me as much but it's like I'm hearing it brand new about your mom being a historian. LOL. That's so awesome.

Pertaining to your interest in the Holocaust, do you have any electives in college to spare where you could take a class on this? That would be pretty neat.

Sadly I either slept through or I was leaving for soccer or basketball games in high school during history courses. I'm serious, too. For some reason my history classes always ended up being later in the day and so many times I was leaving early to get on a bus for an away game or I was too tired to focus enough to really concentrate. That's one thing I wish I could take back during my high school career... how I was so lazy in my history courses because now it's like all I do is crave learning about history. I have such an interest in Canadian history so I'm constantly asking Angela questions about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

The subject of the Holocaust is covered in the curriculum in the middle school that I teach. Each year the 8th graders go on a three day trip to Washington DC and the Holocaust museum is definitely on the agenda.

That is SO awesome! What classes do you teach?

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Thanks, Alex.. You're right. There are so many issues and it's so hard to find the right candidate that can handle all of them!
We really could use Superman to run for President, but he's not available!

LOL! So true. Hee.

Quote:

Yes, you are absolutely correct about the healthcare issue. I happen to be fortunate to have a good job that provides good health and prescription plans. Most others don't...... and if you're between jobs and need to provide yourself with insurance, the cost is obscene. Hospitals, doctors, have unbelievable fees......and medicine! Everytime I'm in the pharmacy filling my prescription, I am so grateful for my prescription plan. I see others being charged hundreds of dollars or one prescription!! How can anyone afford that? especially if it's a medicine that someone has to take for the rest of his life.

Amen. Couldn't have said it better. Absolutely. I'm fortunate as well, I have good healthcare, and so do those around me but like you said, so many others do not... and it's so costly! It's not just doctors visits, it's prescriptions, hospital stays, just everything! To families that do not have a good plan or any plan that can be so devastating. I know a guy who was diagnosed with cancer and didn't have health insurance. None whatsoever. He had surgery and endless treatments and now he's in major debt because he owes so much money that he couldn't possibly ever pay back in a timely manner. The poor guy's working two jobs right now doing everything in his power to get back on his feet. It's so sad. Not only did he have to deal with a lifethreatening illness but he had to worry about how to pay for it, that's just so sad.

No American should be left behind, everyone should have access to healthcare, it's just not right.

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The Economy- that's really a scary thing. It seems that everyday, we hear of a new large company that is in trouble.

That's totally right... this always happens in a pattern, too. Democrats do know how to handle the economy overall, republicans do not. Just like it's a fact that republicans better handle the terrorism issues, and democrats aren't known to have as much knowledge in this area. But if you take a look at the economy... when Bill Clinton was in office the economy was never better... we lived the best 8 years, economy-wise, in US history. Then Bush came in and what happened? Dipped drastically, it's as low as low can be. It's like a back and forth... now if a democrat gets back in there? Economy goes back to a normal level. It's weird how that works.

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Our dollar keeps losing value everyday! Last time I checked, the Euro was worth more than one and a half times the dollar. What is going on?

Indeed. I know a Canadian in the Toronto area who comes here to shop because she's saves so much money due to our dollar. She constantly jokes that she feels richer after shopping in NYC. LOL.

I don't get why nothing is being done about our dollar. It's ironic given how we're such a rich country to begin with which is proof that technically we do know how to handle finances historically, so fixing this dollar situation should be rather easy you would think. LOL.

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Did you hear the latest with the airlines. They're going to charge everyone who has more than one piece of luggage $25 extra because they're losing money.

Totally insane, I know. Unreal.

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Yes, Michelle, these are scary times. I hope we elect someone who has the answers.

Exactly. I guess we have to have faith that Americans are going to be smart and whoever gets in was meant to get in and not only that, will be a great president and help us out in areas that certainly need it.

**everwoodfan52** · 05-07-2008, 05:33 PM

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Originally Posted by Wilpen (View Post)

That is SO awesome! What classes do you teach?

I teach sixth grade Science.

You, Michelle, are definitely qualified to teach Social Studies. (Smiley face)

(for some reason my smilies are not working!!)

BepperGirl · 05-07-2008, 07:33 PM

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Pertaining to your interest in the Holocaust, do you have any electives in college to spare where you could take a class on this?

I wish, but my schedule is pretty packed through to graduation. I really don't want to take any 18 credit semesters since I seem to do marvelous with 15. I got my grades for the spring semester today and it was two A's (my computer classes), two B+'s (one in Calc 4, one in the Cinema class), and one B (Prob and Stats). So my semester GPA was 3.52, my year GPA was 3.7, and my cumulative is 2.6255

One more year to go and that includes two summer courses that start up on the 19th.

Wilpen · 05-08-2008, 05:27 AM

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Originally Posted by everwoodfan52 (View Post)

I teach sixth grade Science.

That's so great! In the NJ or NY area?

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You, Michelle, are definitely qualified to teach Social Studies. (Smiley face)

(for some reason my smilies are not working!!)

LOL. Awe you're so sweet.

Gaby, that's tremendous! Congrats!

**everwoodfan52** · 05-08-2008, 05:36 AM

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Originally Posted by Wilpen (View Post)

That's so great! In the NJ or NY area?

!

In a nice middle school in suburban, Bucolic (as Harold said on Everwood) New Jersey.