Do you think it is about ABB?

KKGator comments on Dec 1, 2019:

I am completely sick to death of old, white men. Especially the uber-weathly ones. They can ALL go the fuck away. Including Bernie. I have no use for any of them, I don't care which party they're representing. They do NOT represent the people. Not even a little bit, regardless of what they ...

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@KKGator Old white men have been causing a lot of misery around the world for a very long time, there is no doubt. But you said it yourself, there are exceptions. If you look at at Bernie Sanders' record, you will see that he is most definitely an exception. The man stood up in the civil rights movement and he has been fighting for the working class and the marginalized ever since. Also, pointing out that old white men have done bad things is one thing. No problem there. But you are judging people on race, gender, and age. That is problematic and it is the quintessential example of identity politics. You are allowing your anger to put you in denial.

Do you think it is about ABB?

1of5 comments on Dec 1, 2019:

No. Not everything is about Bernie.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@1of5 The best chance the dems have of winning is to nominate a candidate who will actually make changes which will have positive effects on their lives. That's what will get people motivated to vote, not more status quo. Many dems want to raise taxes on the wealthy but what will they do with it? Feed it to the military industrial complex? Give out more corporate welfare? We need someone who will finally solve the healthcare issue.

Do you think it is about ABB?

KKGator comments on Dec 1, 2019:

I am completely sick to death of old, white men. Especially the uber-weathly ones. They can ALL go the fuck away. Including Bernie. I have no use for any of them, I don't care which party they're representing. They do NOT represent the people. Not even a little bit, regardless of what they ...

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@KKGator Allowing the identity of candidates to determine who you plan to vote for is exactly what identity politics is and that is what you are doing. There have been some pretty terrible old, white men. I see where you are coming from and why you would think the way you do but keep in mind that Einstein was an old white man. Steven Hawking, Richard Dawkins, Noam Chomsky... There are lots of examples of old, white men doing very good things as well. To be so negative about people based on characteristics that are out of their control is ignorant.

Do you think it is about ABB?

KKGator comments on Dec 1, 2019:

I am completely sick to death of old, white men. Especially the uber-weathly ones. They can ALL go the fuck away. Including Bernie. I have no use for any of them, I don't care which party they're representing. They do NOT represent the people. Not even a little bit, regardless of what they ...

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@MarkiusMahamius I'm not sure that I understand your question. I'm just saying that it's best to judge candidates by their accomplishments, not by things that are out of their control like being old, male, and white.

Do you think it is about ABB?

Sierra4 comments on Dec 1, 2019:

Every election cycle voters complain there are never enough people running. In 2016 The GOP had around 16-17 people running. They picked Trump. In my opinion the Dems in 2020 have the best choices. Men, women, white, black, hispanic, and asian. Straight and Gay. Far left, center/left, and ...

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

Glad to hear that you are open to Bernie. Please don't vote for a billionaire, it's the last thing we need.

Do you think it is about ABB?

Channeler1 comments on Dec 1, 2019:

The anti Bernie movement is totally media and corporate fueled! They don't want to live in a world where they can "only" make reasonable money.... They want all the money at any cost... So REAL change Bernie is now looking like a real possibility as the corporate Dems look more and more like ...

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@MarkiusMahamius He doesn't give a damn about playing the the establishment's rules. He is smart enough to realize that the only way to get in the White House is to take control of one of the major parties like Trump did. And that is what he will do.

Do you think it is about ABB?

KKGator comments on Dec 1, 2019:

I am completely sick to death of old, white men. Especially the uber-weathly ones. They can ALL go the fuck away. Including Bernie. I have no use for any of them, I don't care which party they're representing. They do NOT represent the people. Not even a little bit, regardless of what they ...

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

This identity politics nonsense is exactly what's wrong with the democratic party. Don't judge people by race, gender, age etc. Judge them on policy, integrity, consistency, and leadership ability.

Do you think it is about ABB?

bigpawbullets comments on Dec 1, 2019:

It doesn't matter. Trump will be reelected.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@bigpawbullets He would like to transform the republic into a theocracy and he isn't buffoon like Trump. He could do some real damage.

Do you think it is about ABB?

bigpawbullets comments on Dec 1, 2019:

It doesn't matter. Trump will be reelected.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@MarkiusMahamius That's a truly scary thought.

Do you think it is about ABB?

1of5 comments on Dec 1, 2019:

No. Not everything is about Bernie.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@1of5 Ego and the fear that a left wing populist might win and then reverse this upside down system of trickle down economics that made it possible for him to become so obscenely wealthy in the first place.

Do you think it is about ABB?

MarkiusMahamius comments on Dec 1, 2019:

Whats ABB? Ive met plentry of people who like Harris here, even a few Biden apologists. A few Buttigieg too. Bernie Bots are like vegans... "how can you tell you've met one? Dont worry, they'll tell you"

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@MarkiusMahamius That's a good point. And when you already have a very large sum of money, it's easy to use that money to get more money even though you aren't actually producing any goods or services or adding to the common good. And when your wealth gets really enormous, you can use it to buy influence and rig the game in your favor which will make you even wealthier and then you can use that wealth to get more wealth and buy more influence... Which is why it makes sense to tax the obscenely wealthy elites and use the money to fund social programs that improve the society as a whole.

The only practical solution to school shootings. [oann.com]

azzow2 comments on Nov 28, 2019:

I half heartedly agree with this the down side is not all that have a weapon are confident enough to actually employ it when necessary.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@Trajan61 How do you ensure that only the truly capable teachers get armed? How will these teachers have the time and money to go through all the training and ammunition it will take to get good enough for this to work? Teachers are busy people who have low incomes and I doubt the school board would be willing to provide adequate funding. If they did provide the funding that's got to mean some other aspect of the education system is getting cut. How do we know that all this focus on transforming teachers into warriors won't distract from the education process? What we would most likely end up with is some mostly poorly trained teachers who don't have the time to practice, carry guns and in the event that a shooting does happen, they wouldn't be much more capable than to just add to the number of bullets flying around in crowded spaces.

The only practical solution to school shootings. [oann.com]

RoboGraham comments on Nov 30, 2019:

Any determined school shooter will workout which teacher is carrying and he will be the first casualty.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@ArtemisDivine Arming teachers has not yet been put into practice so the only thing there is to go on is to think through the scenario as logically as possible. And for the same reason, there are no reliable sources to prove that arming teachers will work. If you were going to attack a school, wouldn't your first target be the person who is armed and a threat? I got that idea from Beau in the video below, he is much more knowledgeable on this subject than we are.

Do you think it is about ABB?

MarkiusMahamius comments on Dec 1, 2019:

Whats ABB? Ive met plentry of people who like Harris here, even a few Biden apologists. A few Buttigieg too. Bernie Bots are like vegans... "how can you tell you've met one? Dont worry, they'll tell you"

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@ToolGuy I think Bloomberg is going to waste more money on this fools errand than he would lose under a Bernie tax structure.

Do you think it is about ABB?

1of5 comments on Dec 1, 2019:

No. Not everything is about Bernie.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

What do you think is motivating him to run?

I don't care who you are, this shit is funny.

RoboGraham comments on Dec 1, 2019:

Imagine if a US city became dominated by communists and then went into revolt. And China began passing laws and sanctions in order to support the rogue city. We would see it as an act of war. I'd prefer to see our government stay out of internal conflicts of other sovereign nations.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@Captain_Feelgood Yeah act of war is a bit much but I bet war would be the result of that situation.

Do you think it is about ABB?

MarkiusMahamius comments on Dec 1, 2019:

Whats ABB? Ive met plentry of people who like Harris here, even a few Biden apologists. A few Buttigieg too. Bernie Bots are like vegans... "how can you tell you've met one? Dont worry, they'll tell you"

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

That's spot on. Bernie people are like vegans, improving the world and vocal about it.

Barack Obama 2008 Hope and Change Barack Obama 2019 Stop hoping for change!

St-Sinner comments on Nov 30, 2019:

If you meant the change proposed by Bernie Sanders, I have to agree with Obama. It is a ridiculous change.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@St-Sinner Your incrementalism is very inspiring.

Barack Obama 2008 Hope and Change Barack Obama 2019 Stop hoping for change!

St-Sinner comments on Nov 30, 2019:

If you meant the change proposed by Bernie Sanders, I have to agree with Obama. It is a ridiculous change.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

What would appropriate hope and change look like to you?

Welcome new member Robograham!

ArtemisDivine comments on Nov 12, 2019:

He's a troll

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@Trajan61 My understanding is that they can purchase their service weapon when leaving but not full auto. Could be wrong there though.

House votes to reauthorize The Patriot Act.

Lucy_Fehr comments on Dec 1, 2019:

They're thinking of the future when they're in charge

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

That is the kind of thing that will make it more difficult for them to get back in charge.

House votes to reauthorize The Patriot Act.

Daco2007 comments on Dec 1, 2019:

Good point. However, just because they call themselves "Democrats," we shouldn't take that at face value. The party, just like the GOP, is FULL of #CorporateWhores, and anti-democracy CLOWNS! And the DNC has been working desperately to KEEP it that way! So sad. #JustFollowTheMoney

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

I couldn't have said it better myself.

The only practical solution to school shootings. [oann.com]

RoboGraham comments on Nov 30, 2019:

Any determined school shooter will workout which teacher is carrying and he will be the first casualty.

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

@ArtemisDivine You have any reliable sources with hard evidence showing that this armed teacher idea would work? It's common sense, you shoot the person who is the biggest threat to you first.

House votes to reauthorize The Patriot Act.

FearlessFly comments on Dec 1, 2019:

"This is bazaar" ? ? : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bazaar

RoboGraham replies on Dec 1, 2019:

Bazaars are bizarre.

Medicare for all seems like the best plan. Why not? [facebook.com]

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

They scare people with the word socialism and make them think that their freedoms will be taken away. The only thing that will be taken away will be the enormous profits of the insurance pirates.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 30, 2019:

@ToolGuy That's such a good point. The USA has wealth in abundance. The idea that we must tax people to death to pay for healthcare is absurd. We could stop feeding our military industrial complex and divert that money to healthcare. We could stop allowing giant corporations and the ultra-wealthy to shirk their duty to pay their fair share of taxes. We could stop this corrupt corporate welfare system we have in place and use the money for healthcare rather than handing it oil companies. And even if taxes have to be raised to pay for medicare for all, it will still be massively more efficient and a much better deal for the average person.

Welcome new member Robograham!

ArtemisDivine comments on Nov 12, 2019:

He's a troll

RoboGraham replies on Nov 30, 2019:

@Trajan61 I'm in favor of the way that the Swiss do things. They have a thriving gun culture and are very proud of it. All young men are trained in the use of firearms, serve in militias, and are expected to grab their guns and fight if there ever is a need to. The government has programs that encourage youngans to safely get involved in firearm sportsmanship and despite there being a large gun to people ratio, gun violence in Switzerland is very low. Though they encourage their citizens to be gun active, they are pretty strict about their gun laws. All guns are registered, no one who has addiction issues or has displayed violent tendencies is allowed to own a gun, fully-auto weapons and high capacity loading devices are prohibited and a person must be approved for a permit before buying a gun. All that I'm sure is annoying to deal with, it is a lot of hoops to jump through but it seems to work. They have found a way to balance gun rights and gun safety so that a thriving gun culture exists but there is very little gun violence. I'm not sure how much of what they do would actually work here. We have far to many guns already in circulation to register them all, for example. Ultimately, I think the secret to their success has more to do with their positive gun culture than their strict gun control laws. It seems to me that doing things like providing mental health treatment to desperate angry people before they decide to shoot up a school would do a lot more good than prohibition.

freshly minted ex-facebooger: I just deactivated my Facebook account.

Heartbroke comments on Nov 30, 2019:

by the way, if I don't think anybody can relate to me, I'll be deleting the post. I do that a lot because I'm not kidding about being pretty sure everyone hates me. I'll leave it up until the sick to my stomach feeling is too much and I want to puke, then I'll delete it because it's better to have ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 30, 2019:

We don't hate you. Quite the opposite. If you don't mind me asking, what has happened that made you feel that people here dislike you? I find that most people here are warm and inviting. Unless you talk politics with the other side.

Medicare for all seems like the best plan. Why not? [facebook.com]

Flowerwall comments on Nov 20, 2019:

Putting the federal government in charge of what is currently one-fifth of our national domestic expenditures. The federal government CAN take a role that makes health insurance accessible to all and affordable, but do we want the federal government to have THAT MUCH control of the entire sector of ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 30, 2019:

@Flowerwall Take all the time you need. Look into it further and if you keep an open mind, I bet that you will find that medicare for all is the best option.

Pete Buttigieg tops new Iowa pool of Democrat presidential hopefuls

Mitch07102 comments on Nov 17, 2019:

Extreme left-wingers? They favor health care as a human right, fair taxation, reform election finance laws, etc., and you call this extreme? Hello? LH, did you actually write this or were you hacked?

RoboGraham replies on Nov 30, 2019:

@Bobby9 Yes everyone should have free healthcare because it is a right and therefore everyone should have access to it equally. This argument of yours that a right cannot be a right if it is economic is bazaar. If you are a writer, or reporter, or youtuber, your right to free speech is your livelihood. Every time you pick up a newspaper or a book or watch the news you are consuming media created by the use of someones free speech right. The right to freedom of religion allows priests and other spiritual charlatans to earn a living. The right of freedom of the press allows everyone involved in the information industry to earn their living. Where did you get this idea that rights cannot be economic in nature? Lets say hypothetically that you are correct and rights cannot be economic. Well under a universal healthcare system, there are no transactions involved in regard to people receiving healthcare. You have the right to access the services of he police when you are in danger and the fire department when your house is burning and there are no transactions. These are services provided to citizens by the society. Let's make healthcare like that, uneconomic.

Mayor Pete opposes free tuition because it will alienate half the country.

RoboGraham comments on Nov 29, 2019:

You know, I think it's ridiculous that the children of millionaires get to go to public schools for free. We should abolish the pubic education system.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 29, 2019:

@dare2dream I was saying that sarcastically to show what a poor argument it is to say that free college is a bad idea because rich kids will get to go for free.

Despite us both being atheists, my roommate and I had a disagreement on the usage of the word ...

wordywalt comments on Sep 1, 2019:

Babies are born without beliefs of any kind. That does not make them atheists. Being an atheist is a conscious choice.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

Atheism is a lack of religious belief. Whether you are informed about religion and made the choice to reject it or are totally oblivious to it as babies are, you lack religious belief and are therefore an atheist.

Obama Privately Considering ‘Stop-Bernie Campaign’: Report [truthdig.com]

St-Sinner comments on Nov 27, 2019:

If Bernie is strong, the Bernie camp has nothing to worry about it. When Obama was running, attempts were made by Hillary campaign and some by the Bernie campaign in 2008. But Obama was caching fire wherever he went. He was unstoppable. I have heard this whining from Bernie supporters often. One ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

@St-Sinner Who are you planning to vote for?

Obama Privately Considering ‘Stop-Bernie Campaign’: Report [truthdig.com]

St-Sinner comments on Nov 27, 2019:

If Bernie is strong, the Bernie camp has nothing to worry about it. When Obama was running, attempts were made by Hillary campaign and some by the Bernie campaign in 2008. But Obama was caching fire wherever he went. He was unstoppable. I have heard this whining from Bernie supporters often. One ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

@St-Sinner Bernie "faltered" because of super delegates. Not because he isn't a good messenger. He is a very good messenger. That's why many of his policies are now in the mainstream.

How we're brainwashed to believe socialism is a dirty word. [youtube.com]

St-Sinner comments on Nov 26, 2019:

The magic is in how it is implemented, not envisioned. Uncontrolled capitalism, uncontrolled socialism - both are bad. We have the Uncontrolled Capitalism problem. You can have great programs without uttering the word socialism. Articulating your message is very important in the modern world of ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

It's true that calling a policy socialism brings toxicity to it. But it's changing, the younger generation is embracing socialism. Both the ideology and the word.

NOT WANTED: Another Bygone Bro-gressive Who Thinks He’s The Future Of America

ToolGuy comments on Nov 26, 2019:

This is ageism. I usually agree with many of your comments and posts but this crosses a line. As a septuagenarian, I find that the younger folks are still trying to catch up to my thinking, morality, knowledge and political-economic ethics which like Sanders’ was shaped decades ago. And many ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

@LiterateHiker Choosing a leader has nothing to do with likability. You are not selecting a friend, you are deciding who is best to correctly identify the multiple problem the country is facing and implementing effective solutions. This is what Sanders has been doing all his life. If you had been fighting as hard as he has all this time, you'd probably be grumpy too.

Obama Privately Considering ‘Stop-Bernie Campaign’: Report [truthdig.com]

AnonySchmoose comments on Nov 27, 2019:

It would be horrible if Obama decides to oppose Bernie.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

@AnonySchmoose Same here. He has really shown his true colors. I should have realized it when he bailed out the banks and failed to deliver on single payer healthcare when his party had a super majority.

Obama Privately Considering ‘Stop-Bernie Campaign’: Report [truthdig.com]

St-Sinner comments on Nov 27, 2019:

If Bernie is strong, the Bernie camp has nothing to worry about it. When Obama was running, attempts were made by Hillary campaign and some by the Bernie campaign in 2008. But Obama was caching fire wherever he went. He was unstoppable. I have heard this whining from Bernie supporters often. One ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

Bernie is not strong. But he does have the most donors, has raised the most money, and is holding the largest campaign rallies. He is in the best position to hit that elephant.

Medicare for all seems like the best plan. Why not? [facebook.com]

Flowerwall comments on Nov 20, 2019:

Putting the federal government in charge of what is currently one-fifth of our national domestic expenditures. The federal government CAN take a role that makes health insurance accessible to all and affordable, but do we want the federal government to have THAT MUCH control of the entire sector of ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

@Flowerwall Can they get healthcare now? No, the affordable care act explicitly excludes undocumented immigrants from gaining access to health insurance. Immigration is a separate issue. Just because medicare for all doesn't provide healthcare to that large population of poor people, doesn't mean it's a bad idea. It would change nothing for them but do tremendous good for the rest of us. I notice that you didn't address my point that med4all will be worth it even if it doesn't save money because everyone is covered and a healthier population leads to economic prosperity. Have you any thoughts on this?

Medicare for all seems like the best plan. Why not? [facebook.com]

Flowerwall comments on Nov 20, 2019:

Putting the federal government in charge of what is currently one-fifth of our national domestic expenditures. The federal government CAN take a role that makes health insurance accessible to all and affordable, but do we want the federal government to have THAT MUCH control of the entire sector of ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

Illegal immigrants avoid using public services because doing so will reveal their illegal status which is very dangerous for them. Medicare for all will be no different concerning illegal immigrants than any of the other public services offered to citizens. Illegals mostly won't pay in and mostly won't use it either. Even if you are correct about the cost, which you aren't, medicare for all will COVER EVERYONE FULLY. So even if the cost of the healthcare system decreases a small amount or none at all, it is abundantly obvious that we will be getting more for our money. The entire society will be healthier because EVERYONE will be FULLY covered. A healthier population means more productivity which will cause economic growth.

Medicare for all seems like the best plan. Why not? [facebook.com]

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

They scare people with the word socialism and make them think that their freedoms will be taken away. The only thing that will be taken away will be the enormous profits of the insurance pirates.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 28, 2019:

@Flowerwall Oh so the profits that health insurers can make have been capped. That's wonderful, and yet, they are still obscenely wealthy. Why are they allowed to make any profit at all? The money that we put into our healthcare system should be used for HEALTHCARE, not to make rich people richer. We don't allow law enforcement insurers or fire fighter insurers to churn a profit because it is disgusting to force people who are desperate and in danger to be forced to do business with for profit businesses in order to save themselves. Healthcare should be no different. I paint the entire system as bad because it is bad. We have a chaotic patchwork of insurers who all offer different plans and have separate networks. It's all very complicated and it is meant to be, they design it that way because it allows them to avoid paying as much as possible. This is why hospitals and doctors have to hire billing specialists to try and master this confusing mess which makes healthcare more expensive. It also limits your freedom to choose where to be treated because you must stay in network. Medicare for all will unite all of the doctors and healthcare facilities into a single network making things more efficient and will allow you more freedom in your healthcare. Does this mean that taxes will be increased, yes of course. You will see a slight increase in your taxes but you will be spared from the squeeze of the for profit insurance market. Unless you are very wealthy or choosing to abstain from buying insurance, you will be saving a lot of money. We will have a system that covers everyone, is much more efficient and allows for greater freedom, and because it it is funded by tax dollars, paying for it will fall more heavily on those who are very wealthy which will help to reduce wealth inequality. This idea that government funded programs are incapable of running things effectively is just a scare tactic. Did NASA put a man on the moon? Does the military not control most of the world? The healthcare apparatus will be the same as it is now, the only difference will be in how it is payed for. The for profit middle man will be removed and the average person will have a large financial burden lifted. I do think you are correct that jobs will be lost and this could have some effect on the economy. All the people who work for the insurance companies who's job it is to sit on the phone all day long trying to calm down angry people who have been denied medical procedures that they need, all the health insurance advertisers who waste money trying to get you to get ripped of by their company rather than a competitor, all the billing specialist who have to fight to get the insurers to pay what is owed... These jobs will be obsolete. But the economy will not suffer ...

From our side of the Pond - our General Election takes pace on the 12th of next month.

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

I wish I could come to the UK and tell all of you about my extremely frustrating, infuriating, and nearly fatal dealings with the great american, private, for profit, healthcare system. If all of you lucky Englishmen understood what it's like to exist under this corrupt bullshit, there would be no ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 20, 2019:

@MarkRussell Do any of their criticisms of the NHS actually hold water? Do you have any complaints about it?

My favorite thought provoking film is I Heart Huckabees.

whiskywoman comments on Nov 20, 2019:

wow how cool see I hated that movie but it shows that our personal take on any move is unique and I love that you love it and get a message from it we need to appreciate the lessons I may watch it again to check out that theory thanks

RoboGraham replies on Nov 20, 2019:

That's awesome. Way to keep an open mind. Yeah do give it another watch. I didn't care for it the first time. It is confusing and weird. My friend forced me to watch again and so glad he did.

Adolph Reed Jr. responds to Obama, warns Establishment won't let Bernie win - YouTube

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

Most people said Trump couldn't win either and look where we are now. Don't underestimate a populist with a large enthusiastic base. This media blackout can't go on forever. Once he wins the nomination, they will have to start actually covering him. And the internet is a very powerful tool of ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 20, 2019:

@jniece yes, it's dangerous to be successful at beating the establishment.

Desperate For Liberal Support, Democratic Nominee Tulsi Gabbard Meets With Wall Street Money Men At ...

AlPastor comments on Oct 29, 2019:

Wacky far right-wingers will claim she's a centrist while (because?) she parrots GOP talking points and defends Putin.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

Which talking points has she repeated and how did she defend Putin?

Should Election Day be made a National Holiday?

Geoffrey51 comments on Nov 19, 2019:

That would be a good idea. In Australia we have a public holiday for the queen’s birthday who no one gives a shit about, a horse race, The Melbourne Cup which everyone gives a shit about and in Victoria we have a public holiday on Friday before the AFL Grand Final. That’s all on top of the...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@Geoffrey51 Well that's wonderful. Good on ya mate.

The view on Bolivia from the other side - [revolutionarycommunist.org]

AnonySchmoose comments on Nov 17, 2019:

Shameful are the violence and lies the right wing in Bolivia perpetrated against a progressive government that was working wonders for Bolivia's indigenous poor population. And to think US right wing politicians facilitated this violent racism.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@AnonySchmoose Right. This is why we need to elect leaders who will stop meddling in the affairs of foreign governments.

Pete Buttigieg tops new Iowa pool of Democrat presidential hopefuls

Mitch07102 comments on Nov 17, 2019:

Extreme left-wingers? They favor health care as a human right, fair taxation, reform election finance laws, etc., and you call this extreme? Hello? LH, did you actually write this or were you hacked?

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@Bobby9 Are you not in favor of everyone having equal access to healthcare? Do you not consider the right to education to be a right?

Pete Buttigieg tops new Iowa pool of Democrat presidential hopefuls

Haemish1 comments on Nov 17, 2019:

While I admire Pete’s intellect (it'd be amazing to have to have a leader that can string together coherent thoughts in five languages). I haven’t seen policies from him that would deal effectively with climate change, income inequality, an economy controlled by multinational corporations or a ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

That's an excellent point. We ran a centrist last time and lost. The only way to win is to give people the opportunity to vote for someone who will actually make significant changes that will improve their lives. So many voters are disillusioned with the neoliberal party and the moderate neoliberal party.

The view on Bolivia from the other side - [revolutionarycommunist.org]

AnonySchmoose comments on Nov 17, 2019:

Shameful are the violence and lies the right wing in Bolivia perpetrated against a progressive government that was working wonders for Bolivia's indigenous poor population. And to think US right wing politicians facilitated this violent racism.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

Unfortunately, the US undermining stable left-wing Latin American governments is not out of the ordinary.

Joe Biden claims marijuana might be gateway drug, despite research - Business Insider

mcgeo52 comments on Nov 18, 2019:

Even as a boomer, born in 1952, I feel that this deserves an "OK, boomer."

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

It's a great thing when a boomer says ok boomer to another boomer. Thanks for that.

Does anybody else wonder why "believer" is an option on an agnostic dating site?

CallMeDave comments on Nov 19, 2019:

That is for the Beatles fans

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@CallMeDave Everybody likes the Beatles.

Does anybody else wonder why "believer" is an option on an agnostic dating site?

CallMeDave comments on Nov 19, 2019:

That is for the Beatles fans

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

Do you mean The Monkeys?

Should Election Day be made a National Holiday?

Geoffrey51 comments on Nov 19, 2019:

That would be a good idea. In Australia we have a public holiday for the queen’s birthday who no one gives a shit about, a horse race, The Melbourne Cup which everyone gives a shit about and in Victoria we have a public holiday on Friday before the AFL Grand Final. That’s all on top of the...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@Geoffrey51 Meaning no offense, it is insane to me that people view the question of who is leader of a sports game as more important than who is leader of the country with the largest and most destructive military on the planet. I guess that's the sort of mentality that develops for a people who are living on a continent in the middle of an ocean far removed from everything else. Sounds like a wonderful place to be. Is it difficult to become an Australian? Does one need to be a cricket fanatic to get in? What is cricket? Some sort of weird baseball right?

Just out of curiosity, who's got y'all's vote in 2020?

Sticks48 comments on Nov 18, 2019:

Whoever I think will beat trump, not might beat trump, and then whoever gets the Dem's nomination.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

I used to have that vote blue no matter who mentality but no longer. If we don't make it clear to the democratic establishment that we won't blindly support whichever corporatist warmonger they choose for us, they will continue to ignore our voices. I will vote for Sanders no matter what. I'm not concerned about throwing away my vote, I live in Maryland. My state will go blue no matter what I do.

Should Election Day be made a National Holiday?

Geoffrey51 comments on Nov 19, 2019:

That would be a good idea. In Australia we have a public holiday for the queen’s birthday who no one gives a shit about, a horse race, The Melbourne Cup which everyone gives a shit about and in Victoria we have a public holiday on Friday before the AFL Grand Final. That’s all on top of the...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@Geoffrey51 I wish I lived in such a laid back society where politics is no big deal. For us, being the worlds superpower, the repercussions of who we select to represent us are just so significant. And we have to be worried about these crazy evangelicals who want to turn our world upside down. I like those two phrases better than our national phrase, "git er done". I'm curious, how do Australians feel about our great president, the man who has all the best words, donald trump?

Welcome new member Robograham!

ArtemisDivine comments on Nov 12, 2019:

He's a troll

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@Trajan61 My intention is not to be a troll. I'm an enthusiastic gun rights supporter who believes in sensible restrictions. Guns are dangerous objects, we need to find a middle ground. I hope you guys will be open minded enough to accept someone who may not have the same beliefs as your own. If you do decide that I don't belong, I'll leave you alone. It's your group and you can manage it as you see fit.

Should Election Day be made a National Holiday?

St-Sinner comments on Nov 19, 2019:

I believe it should be a holiday and be mandatory. Elections have consequences for everyone in a Democracy and the leaders we choose, the policies they make and things they don't do affect all of us. many politicians are happy that all voters don't come out to vote so that they own motivated base ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@St-Sinner Yeah good point. I like that. So in the absence of the ability to make voting mandatory in order to get more people to the polls, the next best thing is to nominate candidates who represent very popular ideas and who are in support of fundamental changes to our current corrupt system. Give the disillusioned a reason to vote, that's how we win.

Should Election Day be made a National Holiday?

1of5 comments on Nov 19, 2019:

Vote by mail.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

I like that idea.

Should Election Day be made a National Holiday?

St-Sinner comments on Nov 19, 2019:

I believe it should be a holiday and be mandatory. Elections have consequences for everyone in a Democracy and the leaders we choose, the policies they make and things they don't do affect all of us. many politicians are happy that all voters don't come out to vote so that they own motivated base ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@St-Sinner Perhaps, but the discussion is moot because the conservatives know that more people voting is disastrous for them politically so they will never allow it to happen.

Should Election Day be made a National Holiday?

Geoffrey51 comments on Nov 19, 2019:

That would be a good idea. In Australia we have a public holiday for the queen’s birthday who no one gives a shit about, a horse race, The Melbourne Cup which everyone gives a shit about and in Victoria we have a public holiday on Friday before the AFL Grand Final. That’s all on top of the...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

@Geoffrey51 Oh wow, I assumed Australia was a republic. So weird that an entire continent is politically subordinate to an island. Canada is in the same position I think? How do Australians feel about this? Is there love and loyalty to the crown or does it just seem like an irrelevant holdover from the past? As an American, I don't care for King George III. I think you guys should drop the monarch celebration holiday and replace it with election day. I heard that voting is mandatory in Australia and many Australians use the occasion to do some very heavy drinking, is this true?

Should Election Day be made a National Holiday?

Geoffrey51 comments on Nov 19, 2019:

That would be a good idea. In Australia we have a public holiday for the queen’s birthday who no one gives a shit about, a horse race, The Melbourne Cup which everyone gives a shit about and in Victoria we have a public holiday on Friday before the AFL Grand Final. That’s all on top of the...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

When the Queen dies, will you still have her birthday celebration holiday or will it switch to whoever the next monarch will be? Is she even your Queen? I thought you Ozzie separated from the UK and all that royal nonsense long ago.

Should Election Day be made a National Holiday?

St-Sinner comments on Nov 19, 2019:

I believe it should be a holiday and be mandatory. Elections have consequences for everyone in a Democracy and the leaders we choose, the policies they make and things they don't do affect all of us. many politicians are happy that all voters don't come out to vote so that they own motivated base ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 19, 2019:

I totally agree except for it being mandatory. I also take voting very seriously and do it every election cycle but if the government were forcing me to, I'd tell them to fuck off and stay home. I think a lot of other Americans would feel the same way especially those who don't bother to vote as it is. I don't think it's possible to force Americans to do something they don't want to do and I think it's unamerican to force them. I'm all for increasing voter turnout but I don't think mandatory voting is the way to do it.

The national debt jumped to $800B in October.

LiterateHiker comments on Nov 14, 2019:

Vote Republicans out of office! They always raise the national debt.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 14, 2019:

@Happy_Killbot Obama was a neoliberal just like the rest of them since Regan. He bailed out the banks and corporations, fed the military industrial complex, expanded our foreign wars, and kept the tax rates low. He didn't even manage to get a single payer healthcare system through a Congress ruled by a super majority of his own party.

The national debt jumped to $800B in October.

RoboGraham comments on Nov 14, 2019:

Where are the communities conservatives on this post? They are notably absent. I'd like to hear their insights on this subject. All I heard from them during Obama's years was "WE CAN'T DO THAT BECAUSE OF THE DEFICIT!!!!"

RoboGraham replies on Nov 14, 2019:

@EdEarl It's an enormous tragedy that both parties have embraced neoliberalism. both waste huge amounts of money on corporate welfare and feeding the military industrial complex. This is why we need Bernie Sanders.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Athena comments on Nov 12, 2019:

What does Buttigeig stand for... I mean, what are his policies? Please tell me, because absolutely NO one seems to know.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 14, 2019:

@St-Sinner Yeah I'd say Trump was once a handsome guy. I think the women he attracted were more interested in his money though.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Athena comments on Nov 12, 2019:

What does Buttigeig stand for... I mean, what are his policies? Please tell me, because absolutely NO one seems to know.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 14, 2019:

@Athena Well that's an accurate assessment. St-sinner is concerned with the superficial things like having a perfectly straight spine and a good haircut. If the presidency was a looks contest, Tulsi Gabbard is the winner by leaps and bounds. She has decent policy as well. The other thing about @St-Sinner is that he won't commit to anyone. He put this post up to show how Bernie is falling and clearly he is in favor of Buttigeig but he plays it safe by saying "I admire how he is well put together but know he will not be elected." He starts to defend his policies but then says that he is just reporting on the polls. Come on dude, if you are going to start this conversation, tell us who you support and why. Don't just shit on our guy and step back into the safety of neutrality. Grow a pair.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Athena comments on Nov 12, 2019:

What does Buttigeig stand for... I mean, what are his policies? Please tell me, because absolutely NO one seems to know.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 13, 2019:

@Athena Glad to see that there is someone here who can see which candidate actually represents the people and will stand up for our interests in opposition to wall street.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Athena comments on Nov 12, 2019:

What does Buttigeig stand for... I mean, what are his policies? Please tell me, because absolutely NO one seems to know.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 13, 2019:

@St-Sinner Biden started out on top because of name recognition and his association with Obama. He is falling because he is not a good candidate and the more exposure he gets, the people realize it. Sanders' support has fallen because Warren is putting forward a very similar platform but people feel more comfortable with her because she doesn't call herself socialist. Buttigeig is raising because the media is continuously putting out headlines that say that he is climbing and this they are propping him up. One thing to note is that the most underrepresented group in polls is young people and they overwhelmingly support Bernie.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Davesnothere comments on Nov 12, 2019:

"the truth is that Buttiigieg and Bernie cannot elected in the general election in 2020" Hmmmmm Did they not say the very same thing about Trump? Personally I dont care whom they select to run, my vote is #NotTrump, and a LOT of people tare thinking that way.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 13, 2019:

@St-Sinner 1) You are correct that those ingredients are necessary for a revolution to take place. Thing is, Bernie is not calling for that sort of revolution. He is creating a political revolution. Have you heard of the Regan Revolution? Was the society desperate and angry then? A political revolution is just a big shift in policy, a change in ideological direction, not a violent take over. He want to make systemic change and there is enough discontent with the current system for that to occur. 2) He is not attempting to destroy the rich and give everything out for free. He is not a communist. What he is attempting to implement is called social democracy and it very possible. It is in place and thriving in many major European countries. 3) He is the right messenger, that's why he has the largest number of individual donors and is beating all the others in grass roots organizing. He is the only candidate who has been consistently fighting for the working class for a very long and distinguished career. 4) He will get things done by harnessing the discontent of the working class. People who can't make ends meet, people who can't afford healthcare, people drowning in debt, people pissed off that the banks and corporations got a bailout but they did not, people who want the minimum wage increased, people who want increased family leave, people who want universal preschool because day care is so expensive, people who want rent controls... Bernie will fight to get this stuff passed by going into the states and districts of Senators and Representatives who are holding out and holding rallies. When they see that the President is calling them out in their own districts and their own constituents are going to his rallies, they will get with the program. As for his lack of accomplishments, He has been an independent for the vast majority of his career and in this country, it's hard to get anything done if you don't have a party behind you, however, he has succeeded in moving the democratic party to the left. Many candidates are now championing his policies. Medicare for All, student debt relief, legalizing marijuana, ending foreign wars and reducing the military industrial complex... There are loads of things that Bernie has going on about for decades that are no in the mainstream. 5) People said we wouldn't elect a black president and then Obama came along. He isn't much older than Trump and is the same age as Biden. People said we wouldn't elect a play boy game show host until Trump. How can that clown be representing us on the world stage? But he is. He isn't absent minded, he is very sharp and he has the perfect personality for what needs to be done. He is a no nonsense guy who some see as angry and mean but he has a great deal of compassion. That's...

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Athena comments on Nov 12, 2019:

What does Buttigeig stand for... I mean, what are his policies? Please tell me, because absolutely NO one seems to know.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 13, 2019:

@St-Sinner Alright let's focus on how they are faring. You are referencing a single poll. Let's look at the average of polls in Iowa. The top tier candidates are Warren- 20% Butteigeig- 19.7% Biden- 17% Sanders- 16.3%. Things look a bit different when you look at the whole picture.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Athena comments on Nov 12, 2019:

What does Buttigeig stand for... I mean, what are his policies? Please tell me, because absolutely NO one seems to know.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 13, 2019:

@St-Sinner But we are discussing his policies. This thread started when Athena asked "What does Buttigeig stand for... I mean, what are his policies?" You gave a lackluster answer to that question and then I told you what he is really all about. Why do you not want to debate his policies? Could it be that his platform is weak compared to actually good candidates like Sanders and Warren? I mean you created a post about how Buttigieg is doing well, I would think that, if you truly believe in him, you would jump at any opportunity to spread the word about his great policy proposals. You know a candidate is weak when his supporters try to change the subject when we start talking policy.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Davesnothere comments on Nov 12, 2019:

"the truth is that Buttiigieg and Bernie cannot elected in the general election in 2020" Hmmmmm Did they not say the very same thing about Trump? Personally I dont care whom they select to run, my vote is #NotTrump, and a LOT of people tare thinking that way.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 12, 2019:

@Varn If he had been running rather than Clinton, he would have energized the people. Democrats would have been in a better position in Congress because they would have won more elections due to him influencing a higher voter turn out. But maybe your right, maybe it would have been a guy with bold ideas ahead of their time and an establishment that would have dug in it's heels and allowed nothing. Maybe it's better that he get it this time around when people are turned off by Trump's corruption and there is much more energy in the democratic party. With the way that the dems have been winning off year elections and judging by how they did in the midterms, this could be the cycle that a true progressive gets in there with a cooperative Congress behind him.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Davesnothere comments on Nov 12, 2019:

"the truth is that Buttiigieg and Bernie cannot elected in the general election in 2020" Hmmmmm Did they not say the very same thing about Trump? Personally I dont care whom they select to run, my vote is #NotTrump, and a LOT of people tare thinking that way.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 12, 2019:

@Varn You think that popular policies that help the working class and reduce wealth inequality will hurt the democratic brand? We are supposed to be pro-working class, we are the party of the New Deal. The problem is that we have hurt our brand by attempting to imitate the republican's neoliberal brand. Not sure where you come up with the assumption that Sander's would be a do nothing president who would be a let down. He is the one leader advocating for systemic change.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

EdEarl comments on Nov 12, 2019:

Buttigieg is IMO a sociopath, like Trump.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 12, 2019:

@EdEarl Yeah I would prefer him over trump but I'd still have a hard time voting for him.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Athena comments on Nov 12, 2019:

What does Buttigeig stand for... I mean, what are his policies? Please tell me, because absolutely NO one seems to know.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 12, 2019:

His policies are to be the darling of the corporate media, keep the status quo so that the rich can continue to profit and the poor can work harder to make ends meet, and make sure that an actual single payer universal healthcare system never gets implemented so the insurance companies can continue to fuck us and the politicians who have been bought by them can continue to get paid.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Davesnothere comments on Nov 12, 2019:

"the truth is that Buttiigieg and Bernie cannot elected in the general election in 2020" Hmmmmm Did they not say the very same thing about Trump? Personally I dont care whom they select to run, my vote is #NotTrump, and a LOT of people tare thinking that way.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 12, 2019:

@St-Sinner What? Our mistake in 2016 was allowing a corproratist warmonger to take the nomination from the candidate who actually had popular policy positions and a large energetic following in the working class.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

EdEarl comments on Nov 12, 2019:

Buttigieg is IMO a sociopath, like Trump.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 12, 2019:

I'm no fan of Buttigieg but to claim he is a sociopath because he didn't seem to show enough empathy over some police violence is a stretch. He could just be a selfish asshole who cares more about his own rise to power than the people he is governing like the rest of the democratic centrists.

BUTTIGIEG JOINS THE TOP TIER IN IOWA [cnn.

Davesnothere comments on Nov 12, 2019:

"the truth is that Buttiigieg and Bernie cannot elected in the general election in 2020" Hmmmmm Did they not say the very same thing about Trump? Personally I dont care whom they select to run, my vote is #NotTrump, and a LOT of people tare thinking that way.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 12, 2019:

@St-Sinner With the working class hurting economically as they are and Bernie's policies being as popular as they are, whatever hangups people have about him will mostly fade away when they realize that he is the one candidate who has been relentlessly fighting for them for the entirety of his long career.

An older video of Gov. Matt Bevin speaking on gun control.Still very relevant today. [youtu.be]

RoboGraham comments on Nov 12, 2019:

This is a weak argument he is using. People have been doing bad things for a long time therefore there is nothing to be done about it? That's some inspiring leadership there. Sorry dozens of people are dead, what can you do? Sure laws against murder didn't stop this but laws preventing people from ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 12, 2019:

@ArtemisDivine The man who killed all of those people in Los Vegas had no criminal record. He was a law abiding citizen up until the point when he started massacring people. The first amendment gives us the right to free speech but that doesn't mean you can you can shout fire in a crowded theater, it gives us freedom of religion but that doesn't mean you can offer human sacrifices to Thor, it gives us freedom of the press but that doesn't mean you can print top secret information. Point is, there are reasonable limitations to the rights granted to us by the Bill of Rights. Reasonable limitations to gun ownership doesn't infringe upon our right to bear arms. I've got a shotgun, a lever action rifle, a muzzle loader, and a revolver and I'm satisfied with that. Those guns meet my needs.

What's your stance on healthcare in the United States?

Sticks48 comments on Nov 10, 2019:

I believe we should have a national health care system. I also know there is no quick way to get there unless all of the businesses all at once said in 5 or 10 years we are through being health care providers. This was a stupid, stupid plan to begin with. Medicare for all sounds good, but unless the...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 11, 2019:

@bingst Also, with a single payer system, there is much less need to pay billing experts. Hospitals must employ people simply to wrap their heads around the tangled mess of all the different companies and the varied plans, who covers what and how much. And the insurance companies take full advantage of this confusing situation to wriggle their way out of paying as much as possible. Having one sane single payer network would eliminate an extraordinary amount of administrative costs.

What's your stance on healthcare in the United States?

Rignor comments on Nov 11, 2019:

I like the idea of Medicare for All, to a certain point. Hospitalization and emergency care needs to be removed from the fee for service model of financing. As much as most people complain about the costs of a hospital stay, an ER visit, or an ambulance ride, keep this in mind: Most of those ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 11, 2019:

@Rignor Imagine having to pay army insurance to keep you safe from insurgents. "Well Sir, we'd like to kill those bastards for you but you're late on your premiums."

'Trump basically turned me into a Democrat': Working-class white women drifting away from the ...

RoboGraham comments on Nov 10, 2019:

Yup and some people actually want Clinton to run again next year. I can't think of anything more naive than that.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 11, 2019:

@IAJO163 She is not a viable answer. That has already been proven. And even if she did, her leadership would be terrible for the country.

What's your stance on healthcare in the United States?

Leetx comments on Nov 11, 2019:

I am just glad some billionaire that owns hundreds of thousands of shares of Aetna gets to make money off my diabetes.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 11, 2019:

I'm glad that those billionaires might not be able to do that for much longer.

What's your stance on healthcare in the United States?

Rignor comments on Nov 11, 2019:

I like the idea of Medicare for All, to a certain point. Hospitalization and emergency care needs to be removed from the fee for service model of financing. As much as most people complain about the costs of a hospital stay, an ER visit, or an ambulance ride, keep this in mind: Most of those ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 11, 2019:

Good points. We don't pay the military out of pocket to keep us safe from threats, why would we pay the healthcare system to keep us safe from disease and injury?

What's your stance on healthcare in the United States?

bingst comments on Nov 10, 2019:

Not all Medicare for All proposals are the same. I have considered the idea of mandating that all health insurance companies be nonprofit, but... this doesn't actually get at pricing. Such a nonprofit mandate would have to extend to healthcare providers as well. This too is a problem with ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 10, 2019:

Even if both the insurance and the providers were nonprofit, healthcare is still very expensive and there would be many people unable to afford it.

It’s the DNC, Stupid: Democratic Party, Not Russia, Has Delegitimized the Democratic Process – ...

sassygirl3869 comments on Nov 8, 2019:

You obviously have an agenda here - anti-Democratic party. I am a progressive myself but I am not buying it. Tearing down the Dem party will re-elect criminal Trump. What's your real goal of this post? What do my Leftists feel about this post? BitFlipper is that a Russian response?

RoboGraham replies on Nov 10, 2019:

@sassygirl3869 We tried running a centrist against trump the last time and we lost. Those same old moderate policies don't motivate people to vote. We shouldn't be worried about losing moderate voters when the progressive ideas that Bernie runs on are some of the most popular in the country. The largest group of potential voters in America are the nonvoters. They are disillusioned with the status quo and the way to get them to the polls is to offer them something that will actually improve their lives, not the same old neoliberal policies that have been screwing them for decades. We need to energize people with bold ideas, not worry that some conservative leaning dems might be scared off. I'm not sure what you mean about someone taking away your mom's healthcare from her doctors. I'm guessing that you think a single payer system will mean government will be getting between you and your doctor but this is an old republican talking point. The only thing that will change in healthcare is how it's paid for. Rather than a for profit insurance company paying, it will be medicare funded through taxation. And you will have more freedom to see whatever doctor and get whichever treatment you want because medicare for all will make all healthcare professionals and facilities linked together into one single network rather than the patchy system we have now that determines which doctors and facilities and procedures are available to you based on your insurer and your plan. It will be cheaper, more efficient, more comprehensive, and available to all citizens. Also, Medicare for All is not reinventing the wheel. Medicare already exist. Medicare for all is simply to extend what is already there to everyone. If every other developed country in the world is able to do this, we can too. We are the wealthiest nation on earth, providing comprehensive healthcare for all of us is far from being out of reach. The only thing stopping it is the big money donations from elites who benefit off of the current for profit system.

It’s the DNC, Stupid: Democratic Party, Not Russia, Has Delegitimized the Democratic Process – ...

sassygirl3869 comments on Nov 8, 2019:

You obviously have an agenda here - anti-Democratic party. I am a progressive myself but I am not buying it. Tearing down the Dem party will re-elect criminal Trump. What's your real goal of this post? What do my Leftists feel about this post? BitFlipper is that a Russian response?

RoboGraham replies on Nov 10, 2019:

It's not about tearing down the democratic party but reforming it. Currently, the dem party is bought by corporations and wealthy donors and therefore, their loyalty lies with the elites, not the working class people as they claim. We need to expose their hypocrisy and vote in Sanders to take over the party.

Should we implement ranked choice voting?

moxy comments on Nov 18, 2018:

Beats voting between one socialist whore or the other

RoboGraham replies on Nov 18, 2018:

Socialist whores are the best kind of whores.

Ocasio-Cortez asks why US pays for 'unlimited war' but not Medicare-for-all - CNNPolitics

PhoebeCat comments on Nov 18, 2018:

Rich people make money off of war.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 18, 2018:

And poor people fight them.

Should we implement ranked choice voting?

PBuck0145 comments on Nov 18, 2018:

Proportional representation would be a much better choice.

RoboGraham replies on Nov 18, 2018:

How's that work?

Should we implement ranked choice voting?

chucklesIII comments on Nov 18, 2018:

How about a three digit IQ be required to vote?

RoboGraham replies on Nov 18, 2018:

@thislife It's too easy to abuse a system that requires a test be passed before voting. It would result in voter suppression. Partisans will get a hold of the tests and design them in ways that make it easier for their supporters to pass more difficult for their opponents.

Should we implement ranked choice voting?

mordant comments on Nov 18, 2018:

Honestly I was only just introduced to this concept today. My wife and I are thinking of targeting our support to election reform of various kinds (automatic voter registration, open primaries, anti-gerrymandering, etc.) and we ran across ranked choice voting. On first read it sounds like a good ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 18, 2018:

@mordant I don't follow

Should we implement ranked choice voting?

mordant comments on Nov 18, 2018:

Honestly I was only just introduced to this concept today. My wife and I are thinking of targeting our support to election reform of various kinds (automatic voter registration, open primaries, anti-gerrymandering, etc.) and we ran across ranked choice voting. On first read it sounds like a good ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 18, 2018:

I don't think it's too complicated for most people to understand. It's pretty simple, select your favorite, select your second favorite, and select a third favorite. Children can do that. And if some people don't get it, the mistake they are most likely to make would be to make only one selection. Which would still give them just as much of a vote as they have now.

Should we implement ranked choice voting?

sfvpool comments on Nov 18, 2018:

In Ranked Choice Voting, doesn't the recount only happen when no first choice candidate gets over 50% of the votes? https://www.fairvote.org/rcv#how_rcv_works

RoboGraham replies on Nov 18, 2018:

Yeah i think you're right about that. I left that out.

DC Considering Lowering The Voting Age To 16. Do you think this is a good idea?

SkotlandSkye comments on Nov 18, 2018:

I'm more for restricting voting to people who have either served in the military and/or graduated from college and/or been in the work for and steadily employed for at least 5 years. You want to vote? Then you should have to earn the right and not just reach a magical age. But, then, I'm annoyed ...

RoboGraham replies on Nov 18, 2018:

What about stay at home parents who didn't finish college? What about disabled people who are unable to work? How do you define steadily employed? Would an artist who earns enough money to live on but only works one month out of twelve be considered steadily employed and eligible to vote? This would amount to taxation without representation for a lot of people.

Should prostitution be illegal?

jondspen comments on Aug 23, 2018:

I voted other b/c I don't think the government has a right to stick their nose into a relationship between two people, be they a woman and her john, an inter-racial married couple, a hetro-couple, gay couple, etc. IMHO saying the government should legalize it is implying they have a right to ...

RoboGraham replies on Aug 23, 2018:

If it's not legalized it can't be regulated. If it can't be regulated, prostitutes get abused and taken advantage of. Having no stance does not help the situation.

Should prostitution be illegal?

Normanbites comments on Jul 26, 2018:

The biggest problem is extortion and traffiking of the workers. Legalizing it would be good, but I propose even more .... Unionize it, provide benefits for the workers, including protection from abuse, legal aid, health care, etc.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2018:

Yes, that would be ideal.

Should prostitution be illegal?

Ellatynemouth comments on May 14, 2018:

Prostitution is not sex. It's the hiring of a body for sexual gratification by another. It's glorified masturbation. This in turn debases the prostitute to an object which is degrading. Prostitution also commodifies sex which is extremely toxic for society. On a fundamental, philosophical ...

RoboGraham replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@PontifexMarximus So are you saying that people should just stop performing unpleasant tasks?

Should prostitution be illegal?

misstuffy comments on Apr 16, 2018:

Unfortunately until we get the religiously comtrolled lawmakers out of office it is unlikely to be legalized as the norm.

RoboGraham replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@djalicex Ellatynemouth thinks that the spiegel article is absolute proof that legal prostitution cannot work. She has been posting it everywhere. She doesn't seem to realize that it is focused on one example of a legal system and that there are many other countries that have legal systems of prostitution that function much better.

Should prostitution be illegal?

Ellatynemouth comments on May 14, 2018:

Prostitution is not sex. It's the hiring of a body for sexual gratification by another. It's glorified masturbation. This in turn debases the prostitute to an object which is degrading. Prostitution also commodifies sex which is extremely toxic for society. On a fundamental, philosophical ...

RoboGraham replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth, @PontifexMarximus So are you saying that self employed prostitutes are not debased?