I just got my mail-in primary ballot, are Dems still weak on defense?

[theradicalmoderate]

I just got my mail-in primary ballot today and I'm starting to think of what party to vote for in the coming congressional elections: Democrats or Republicans.

I'm a typical moderate independent voter--the kind that lost the Democrats the last 2 elections. Pay attention.

I agree with almost all domestic Democratic positions: pro-choice, environmental protection, fair taxation, civil liberties, seperation of church and state.

I think Bush is the worst president we have ever had! But guess what: Bush isn't running! I think invading Iraq was a mistake, but we already did it! So unless you want to watch me and millions more drive to the polls with our "Bush sucks" bumper sticker and vote Republican, you'll have to answer one question:

What will Democrats do to protect the USA from Mohammaden terrorist attacks and the spread of Islamic oppression?

Specifically:

1. How will Democrats stop Iran from building the atomic weapons they are building in front of our very eyes?
2. What will you do to keep Iran from achieving their stated goal of destroying Israel (the "Little Satan" -- we're next as the "Big Satan")?
3. What will you do to stop individual terrorist plots such as the British plane bombings?
4. What will you do after pulling out of Iraq and the Iraqis vote in their Shi'ite theocracy and link up with Iran?
5. What will you do if a country poses a military threat to the USA but China and Russia block any action in the UN?

Now is your chance to present your alternative security strategy, if you have one. I can assure you on behalf of myself and most Americans that whatever the Democratic alternative is, we haven't heard it above the chants of "Bush sucks". Whatever tactical errors Bush has made (and there are so many), the Republicans don't confuse us with the enemy or blame ourselves for their hatred of us.

Now answer the 5 questions, and decide my vote--decide the election!

[bowens43]

1. we haven't heard it above the chants of "Bush sucks".

Yeah right. It's pretty obvious this isn't a sincere post.

If it is I apologize but all you have to do is turn on the freaking TV , EVERY DAY there are Democratic leaders explaining the Democratic positions on the important issues.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LaurenG]

24. First of all

you are buying in to the terror, terror, terror that republicans LOVE to dump on us.

Sure there are those who want to harm us but not for the reasons that we are being told.

Why are we trying to take over the world? Why is no country sovereign in bushco's eye. Why does most of the rest of the world think we suck? Could it be because of our foreign policy and aggressive play for power?

John Kerry spelled it out during the debates but Americans chose to quiver in their boots rather than think!

There is a plan but it is convoluted constantly by the talking points of the "dark sided" party in charge. Listen and you will learn exactly who is causing great danger to our country and our world.

[ClintonTyree]

27. Security is the only question mark in your mind?

Are you telling me you feel secure with the present administration in the White House? I take it you don't live on the Gulf Coast. If you did then there wouldn't be any question as to whether you feel safe or not.

If you're that terrified of Muslims and believe that they're all plotting to kill you in your sleep, then the Bush Administration has succeeded in their quest to keep you in a constant state of fear: a state that is necessary for them to stay in power because they have NOTHING else to run on OTHER than fear.

You're a scared little boy and want your government to "protect you" from the bogeyman. Grow up. Security is what's between your ears, it isn't going to come from Washington. And as you watch you civil liberties quickly erode away, remember, george bush is your friend and protector. What are a few civil liberties when you're SAFE, right? :eyes:

[Hav]

3. .

I was wondering about it, too. At first, I would have liked a reasonable discusssion about it until I read it again and these things sticked out:

"I just got my mail-in primary ballot, are Dems still weak on defense?"

"I'm a typical moderate independent voter--the kind that lost the Democrats the last 2 elections. Pay attention." (Pay attention??)

"What will Democrats do to protect the USA from Mohammaden terrorist attacks and the spread of Islamic oppression?"


If these are serious (and not series!!1) questions, then I apologize as well and hope for a good discussion.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[zcflint09]

4. Good try, Freeper.

Try, uh, I dunno, watching CNN, you'll probably find an answer to those questions. The tone of your post is very combative and it's obvious that you have no interest in voting Democrat.

And please read the rules of this board--it's specifically created to support Democrats for Democrats.

Have a nice day.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[zcflint09]

9. Then piss off. You're a lost case.

Next

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sandnsea]

6. Oh I'll play

1. What is Bush doing to stop Iran from building atomic weapons? Oh yeah, letting Europe plead with them not to. What would John Kerry have done? Direct negotiations, open communications with those in Iraq who oppose Islamic government, work with the IAEA on a plan to provide uranium for nuclear energy.

2. Laugh at ridiculous rants from lunatics.

3. Oh my gosh - it IS a law enforcement and intelligence gathering operation. OMFG, who said that again??

4. What do you think is happening in Iraq NOW?? Who said the problems in Iraq had to be solved politically and that we had to get all the factions to the table in order to keep the country from dissolving into chaos?

5. What Democrat ever said they wouldn't defend this country if it were under attack or real threat of an imminent attack? Name just one.

Now answer me, what is YOUR buttheaded plan to get this country off the collision course that 65% of the country and 99% of the world can see that it's on?

[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sandnsea]

15. If your solution is blowing shit up

and you think that's worked well in Iraq, then what a particular Democrat would do isn't the crux of your problem. You've got a thinking problem and for that I'd suggest therapy, not an election ballot.

Fighting terrorism is an intelligence gathering and police work operation. Bringing mainstream Muslims into the world community and getting them to help marginalize fundamentalists is the way to end the terrorist threat in the long run. You either get it or you don't.

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Hav]

19. .

Well, if that is your only concern...remember Clinton? The Kosovo-conflict or Iraq?
Bombing other nations is not a republican invention.

Btw What about North Korea?

[sandnsea]

20. Only way to know the truth

You know why I know that Bush lied about WMD in Iraq? Because you have to know WHERE weapons are in order to say they EXIST and if you know WHERE they are then you send in specops to secure those weapons and we didn't do that. If we don't know WHERE nuclear bomb facilities are in Iran, we can't say they exist at all. That requires intelligence. Intelligence and diplomacy is the only logical answer to the problems facing us, that and the kind of support we had on 9/11 that Bush chose to blow off when he blew up Iraq.

[izzybeans]

31. opps meant to reply to OP

The OP listed five failures of the Republican party.

The OP should ask these of herself/himself when considering voting for Republicans. Their defense is offensive and they weaken our nation and the world because of it.

Drop more bombs see where that gets you.

There was a plan in place to deal with Nuclear arms. It was working and the admin. abandoned it. Figure it out for yourself next time. Personal responsibility and all that...

Republicans aren't weak on national defense just stupid and dangerous. Democrats have published their plans and google is your friend. You can decide with minimal effort on your own. It just takes a bit of initiative on your part.

[zcflint09]

7. Here's a warning for everyone--guy is a major troll

Don't even waste the effort of responding to this troll. Other posts on DU include referring to AFrican Americans as "niggers", also support of possibliy invading Iran and various other backhanded insults to the Democratic Party. Gotta love Freepers...

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sandnsea]

12. Oh of course

But sometimes I just feel like a frisky little kitty it's fun to get in a few pounces on the mouse before the mods finish them off. :)

[FrenchieCat]

14. It is late at night, and I will get back to you on those answers......

and when I do, please have these questions answered for me - So please pay attention....

How will Republicans stop Iran from building the atomic weapons they are building in front of our very eyes...and why are the Iranians building bombs right in front of our very eyes?

How is it that the Republicans have allowed the situation to deteriorate like this? Prior to Republicans taking office, Iranians weren't building bombs. Could it have been the fact that they were included in the "Axis of Evil"?

Why don't the Republicans want to actually use real diplomacy to attempt and come to an understanding to avert a potential crisis? Why the heated Rethoric and the tom-tom beating of war drums from this administration when the results could be so devastating for do many human beings. Where are the real credible diplomats in this administration who should be using the art of persuasion which is known as diplomacy?

What will the Republicans do to keep Iran from achieving their stated goal of destroying Israel (the "Little Satan" -- we're next as the "Big Satan")? Will they bomb Iran out of existence? Is that supposed to be "National Security"? How is that security considering that Pakistan, the country in where Osama resides has nukes? How will targeting Iran stop Pakistan from doing what it wants to do, when it wants to do it. You think that Iran is more radical than Pakistan? Think again.

What will Republicans do to stop individual terrorist plots such as the 9/11 attack the next time? It's not like the Republicans had anything to do with the stopping any real plots. At least Clinton Twarted the L.A. Airport Millinium Plot. What did the Republicans ever stop? Even the British plane bombing wasn't stopped by the administration. Neither were Bali, and all of the other places hit since 9/11. Hell, sometimes I think they make up domestic half ass plots just to say they twarthed them....so they can seem to be on the job. Meanwhile our Homeland security stinks like shit. Our borders are not really secure; neither are our cargos in ports; neither are our Nuclear Plants; and neither are our airport security when it comes to checked baggage. Why is that, after 5 years?

What will Republicans do after spending trillions of dollars and more U.S. Soldiers dead than those killed on 9/11.....and yet still end up pulling out of Iraq and the Iraqis vote in their Shi'ite theocracy and link up with Iran? Why are we in Iraq to begin with? Why didn't we stay in Afghanistan if we wanted to "Build a Democracy" and show the ME "freedom on the March"? Why didn't we rebuild Afghanistan after bombing it, and build permanent air bases there? Why did we have to invade one of the country that didn't represent a threat to our National Security, while Bin Laden continues to cut more videos than Britney Spears? Why is that?

What will they do if a country poses a military threat to the USA but China and Russia block any action in the UN? And why is it that China and Russia would want to block any action that the US wants to take? China and Russia were potential allies about 5 years ago, and France, Italy and Germany were older Allies? Why aren't they anymore? Sure, China and Russia weren't our best friends, but a little less cowboy diplomacy and we'd be in better shape in attempting to get what we wanted from them. And why do the chinese own our economy, and could pull the plug whenever they felt like it? Now, why is that? And why is it that folks all around the world can't stand American Foreign policy, and in fact since 2001, AlQaeda has grown (not been destroyed) from 20,000 to 50,000 worldwide?

And why is it that the greatest leaders in the 20th century, in respect to wartime Presidents; who actually won wars were Democrats? How is it that Republicans think they can claim the mantle of Superiority in National Security when Woodrow Wilson, FDR, Truman, JFK were all Democrats who actually "won" wars and shit?

I'm on Pacific Time.....so you have a while.

Thanks!

And Welcome!

[skids]

16. If those are the issues you are voting on...

The terrorists have already won.

[liberal N proud]

17. Just answer the questions! - typical repuke rhetoric

I have debated enough of you people to know one when I see or hear one.

[ps1074]

21. GFY

Republicans need to address these 5 points, not democrats. If you're happy with what they're doing - vote republican. If you're not - vote democrat. Stop wasting yours and DUers time with stupid questions or GFY.

Nice try, freeper!

[ClintonTyree]

22. You're a very confused individual..........

if you don't know the difference between the Democrats position and the Republican's "business as usual" position you haven't been paying attention. I have a feeling your mind is already made up and your sole purpose for fielding these questions is to create dissension in the ranks.
"What will you do"?........ the questions are not asked as, "what what will WE do". You've already divided it into a 2 camp contest and have made it abundantly clear which side you're on.
Have a nice stay.

[bertha katzenengel]

23. You're demanding that others decide how you vote? Well, that's weak.

Decide for YOURSELF. That requires thinking.

If you think the GOP has the right answers, vote that ticket.

If you think any other party has, or any independents have, the right answers, vote that way.

Seems pretty simple. You're the first person I've ever seen on this MB who demands that people answer his answers the correct (i.e., his) way in order to get his vote.

Weak, weak, weak.

[Crazy Dave]

26. You were a little quicker than me bertha

Great minds not only think for themselves, but we think alike ;)

[Crazy Dave]

25. Nobody has to decide my vote for me

I take my vote seriously and it's my vote, nobody tells me or influences me as I'm not that confused or simple minded. Why don't you just vote the way the TV commercials tell you to. Easier for you and less waste of everyone else's time.

BTW - Welcome to DU theradicalmoderate :hi:

[BootinUp]

28. 5 strawmen

1. Stopping Iran from getting nukes is not something this country can do alone. THe ONLY way is with world pressure that must be built with diplomacy that is obviously beyond the abilities of the republican leadership at this time.

2. See number 1.

3. The Democrats would do far better on stopping the terrorists. We are not going to cut taxes on billionaires and launch adventurous and ill-advised wars overseas but we will spend time and money implementing the recommendations of the bi-partisan 911 commission.

4. Iraq and Iran are already linking up and the republicans don't have a clue how to stop it.

5. The Democrats have never not responded to a real threat, they gave Bush the power to invade as a threat for increased inspections to keep Saddam from restarting his weapons programs (which were completely shutdown we now know). My question to you, how do we stop the republicans from "pre-emptively" invading non threatening countries?

[Don1]

29. Dems are not weak on defense.

Republicans are weak on peace. Clinton's reign for example was much more peaceful than Bush's.

Note that all your questions have only become real urgencies when the world hates us and is not making social progress toward peace.

[acmejack]

30. If you want your children to end up drafted vote R

If you support endless war vote R. If you support Government by division, by all means vote R. Study the environmental record, the economic record, the erosion of your individual rights then make your decision. BTW, your odds of dying today by a lightning strike are much better than being killed by a "terrorist". I prefer a modicum of integrity in my Government.

Of course provoke a snake long enough, you will eventually get bitten.

Oh yeah, this disabled Veteran gets tired of being slurred for exercising his rights to dissent, which is just another right fast disappearing in the new improved America. The Republicans play into OBL's hands, if you want to surrender to Bin Laden, vote R.

[ACK]

32. Ok I will bite.

1. How will Democrats stop Iran from building the atomic weapons they are building in front of our very eyes?

Most of the Dem response on this has been direct negotiations as someone said before. You have to work through the UN but recognize that sanctions may be necessary even super-liberal Kennedy recognizes this. But you have to step off the pedastal, roll up your sleeves and address the issue probably directly in order to achieve results. The approach is diplomacy perhaps direct diplomacy and then sanctions if that does not work. You have to keep an eye on the goal of peace instead of reacting automatically with war.

2. What will you do to keep Iran from achieving their stated goal of destroying Israel (the "Little Satan" -- we're next as the "Big Satan")?

Support for Israel from either side of congress is a shoe-in.

The real key here is to steal fire from the extremists by working actively and full-time diplomatically on bringing the Palestinians and the Israelis to the peace table. Hopeless? They said the same thing about Northern Ireland. Neither the Democrats or the Republicans would ever stand for any direct threat to the state of Israel and there are a host of political reasons for this too numerous to go into fully in this forum. The Dems like every other administration since the start of the state of Israel would continue to support Israel both militarily and politically. Some very leftist folks here are not happy with our Israel right or wrong approach on this matter but we are talking about what real Democrats in real political office have always done and always will continue to do.

3. What will you do to stop individual terrorist plots such as the British plane bombings?

A lot more than the Republicans have. State-sponsored terrorism from Syria and Iran is an important military threat to the USA but the more direct and insidious threat is from a diffused threat of terrorist cells across the US and Europe. You have to increase the number of agents in the field tasked directly with infiltration and the destruction of such cells. Right now we are too focused on just the military and intelligence gathering even though the Homeland Security agency on a CBS special last night said specifically we do not have enough agents to actually sift through the data.

The real key is just because the Democrats support gathering the intelligence in a legal constitutional fashion does not mean they want to stop gathering intelligence on suspected terrorists on home. Expediated judicial approval of wiretaps for the NSA and the FBI is a far freaking cry from the illegal wiretap programs the administration continues to defend.

4. What will you do after pulling out of Iraq and the Iraqis vote in their Shi'ite theocracy and link up with Iran?

First it assumes that a Democrat would pull completely out of Iraq immediately as oppossed to a phased withdrawl. The vast majority of Democrats on the hill call for a phased withdrawl that includes provisions for fast reaction in the area.

Secondly, we wanted a democracy in Iraq? Right? Now we have to face up to what should have been its natural conclusion which is of course a Shi'ite controlled legislature friendly to Iran who has professed its undying hatred for us. Ain't freedom grand sometimes? Yes, and its messy as hell too. The real key is to help the Kurds and Sunnis ensure that any final constitution includes protections for minority religious views and then offers protection against the development of a full blown theocracy. The next step is to not forget about Iraq after we pull out. This would involve funding of a Marshall Plan of sorts to pump the Iraqi economy which is the best bullwark against extremism. This is something the Repubs suggested for Afghanistan and never went through with.

Finally a Shi'ite dominated government friendly to Iran but dependant on continued assistance from the US is a good thing and would offer a moderate voice in the ear of the extremist Iranian government.

5. What will you do if a country poses a military threat to the USA but China and Russia block any action in the UN?

Duh, we defend ourselves. This came up before but let me say it again. The Democrats much like Bush Sr did back in the day would work with the UN and NATO to address any national security threat hoping for wide support first from the UN but if that did not work out at least NATO support from a military threat. But Democratic candidates have said over and over and over again they would not be so begotten to the UN as to not defend the US from a direct national security risk.

[Vickers]

33. Assphincter says what?

:shrug:

[blm]

34. Guess you haven't heard that George Will has declared that Kerry was RIGHT

about fighting terrorism.

You obviously never paid attention to facts and the truth about fighting terrorism before, so why would you start now?

Try your search engine - BCCI Bush Bin Laden Pakistan Kerry. See what you come up with.

[The Magistrate]

35. Locking

The O.P. is no longer among us....