DISQUS

lauralovesart · 1 year ago

here here! awesome and inspiring post robert! im proud of it...im a democrat...im voting for Obama!

vruz · 1 year ago

well said, Robert !

twistah · 1 year ago

Good points. But regards to 3); will taking away benefits attract more people into the workforce? Or do you have an alternative in mind?

Jeremiah Trnka · 1 year ago

Thanks for taking us all to task Robert!! Sure hope everyone, including Obama's campaign!! seriously considers what you've said. You've hit the nail on the head!

Kris · 1 year ago

Great post and I've been enjoying your election commentary and links on Twitter. But please don't lose heart, this election is definitely not lost yet!

polizeros · 1 year ago

Yes, we need to do whatever we can.

But the election is hardly lost. Obame, I've noticed, waits a while until he responds. He did it with Hillary. He's just now responding against McCain. In a calculated manner, with a plan. He doesn't shoot from the hip.

I think we'll see the results of that soon. But by all means, we need to do whatever we can.

mikemathews · 1 year ago

Thanks for speaking out, Robert. Earlier in this ridiculously long campaign season, Obama ran on pointing us toward the future, we all need to continue that direction and insist on that whatever the outcome. No more should we accept the mediocre, the shallow, the self-indulgent, the least effective answer to any public need.

docluv · 1 year ago

Good points Robert, but you are asking an inherently mean group of folks to be nice. All the points you make are solvable by real conservative principles. But to say Conservatives are anti-Technology and Science is absolutely wrong. We do look at at it differently than you do, we belive in free market driving discovery. You (liberals/socialist) believe it can only be driven by over taxing the market and redistributing the loot to what you decide is a worthy cause. Free markets work, yah you have occasions that take the headlines where a bad person or group of people do something bad, but you get that and at a higher rate by letting underpaid and underequalified goverment employees do it.
McCain and Palin offer a true conservative ticket, one that is inspiring like Regan was. And do not forget that Obama is campaigning on reimplementing the Carter policies of uber taxation and wimpy defense that will lead to more dependance on foriegn oil, agresive attacks by terrorist states and of course the misery index. I was a kid in the 70s and I remember it well and that is why I will never ever be a liberal/socialist. I believe in free markets and unbridled desire improving the state of the country and world.
You are a good guy and you want the same things I want, as an open liberal you just want things differently, through government control. I want it through freedom.

kenroy george · 1 year ago

nicely done.

Ripper · 1 year ago

Germans!, was Gorby a German?

anthropicOne · 1 year ago

I'll take point #1

"Our education system. Today’s CEOs say they aren’t seeing the quality of graduates that they need to make the next big scientific and technological breakthroughs."

Haaa! When a huge chunk of the population "believes" the earth is 6,000 years old and that dinosaurs and humans lived at the same time, what do you expect?

Look at the "teach the controversy" crowd, who arduously preach that ID/creationism should be pitted up against the theory of evolution by natural selection. The reality is that ID is NOT SCIENCE. Period. It makes no predictions and is not based on any evidence. Evolution by natural selection IS SCIENCE, and the evidence is clear and abundant.

The U.S. is in the dark ages with respect to science. So any candidate that is delusional with respect to rational thinking deserves to be ostracized, belittled, ridiculed, if they refuse to use their heads.

Unfortunately, the majority of Americans will probably vote the idiots into office. Take a guess why.

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

docluv: I was a kid in the 70s too and don't want to see a return to that, but there is a place for government and its ability to educate large numbers of people (private industry isn't going to do that, especially not when focused on next quarter's results), infrastructure like broadband (I interviewed the Cable and Telecommunications Association's CEO and he basically told me they can't invest that much in infrastructure without both government mandate as well as help), keeping costs down (health care costs won't be solved totally by a free market economy), and immigration policies (free markets tend to try to close up, rather than open up, so you need government there, too).

Oh, and we need to be inviting for the world's geeks. I'm a geek and I don't want to live in a religious-controlled state. Sorry, if that worked, we'd all wanting to live in Iran. I want a state with fewer religious controls. To me, that's true freedom.

uprightpr · 1 year ago

Totally right on so many levels. I've actually recently stopped talking about Palin, and have begun engaging my Repub friends in conversations about the issues. If they truly believe it is okay that my homosexual family members not have the same rights as other individuals, then they should vote Republican. If they believe that my two daughters should not receive equal pay for equal work when they enter the workforce, then yes, they should vote Republican. I ask them if it's okay with them that the billions of dollars being spent on the Iraq war is being borrowed from China, a communist state. If so, then by all means, vote Republican. I have many other examples, and have found that when drilled down to individual's lives and how it affects them DIRECTLY, they give it some more thought. May not change everyone's mind, but it sure gives them something to think about and takes the reality show competition (which this campaign has become) out of the discussion.

CMT · 1 year ago

But with a complete and admitted lack of experience, how will that happen Robert? Biden admits Hilary is the better VP choice and Obama himself admits his Lack of experience to run on a national ticket.

By your travels to these locations you been to should tell you how important knowing history is, Obama does not even know how many states there are! To want a party to win for the sake of winning is not in the best interest of the USA. A call to action is not enough without a leader with a record of action and experience.

I respect your technical views, but you are off on your candidates. Time to re-evaluate Robert.

Vicki Flaugher · 1 year ago

I love the sentiment expressed here, Scoble. I think my issue, that I now make a solemn promise to you to blog about until Nov. 2nd, is the need to fortify our personal health in all aspects -mental, physical, social, and psychological. As Obama, we are the ones we are waiting for.

Be each of us taking control of our health with great nutrition, exercise, and rest we gain strength of limb but we do more than that - we make an affordable health care system achievable. If we didn't get as sick as we do now, the overall costs would go down considerably.

By embracing the momentus crossroads in history we have here to combine technology and entrepreneurship with global reach, we can fortify our social (and financial) health. Entrepreneurs, especially women, are poised to revolutionize the world if we will just take the wheel and drive.

By fully embodying tolerance for others and commitment to food, shelter, water, and literacy for everyone worldwide, we gain psychological and physical security and health. Loving your neighbor and forgiving grievances is more than a cliche or church story - it's our duty, our responsibility - to each other as human beings.

These ideas are why I am a liberal Democrat and I don't think I have to put any lipstick on those ideas to make them strong. They stand on their own. And, I embrace and welcome anyone, of any political party, that joins me.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman
follow me at http://twitter.com/smartwoman

Mary Anne Davis · 1 year ago

Yes, thanks Robert, aside from Tina Fey's brilliant Palin impersonation on SNL last night and Maureen Dowd's NYT's oped today, I am totally over the Alaskan scary hockey mama. Let's get back to what matters!! Economy, energy, health care and education... oh, and the war in Iraq.

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

>CMT

Sorry, but experience is no longer on the table for national debate thanks to the choices that McCain has made.

Also, the last administration, a Republican one, was the most experienced in history and look at what they did with that experience: screwed up.

So, no, you don't get to play the experience card any longer.

Obama has plenty of experience calling on people to be better and smarter than they are.

I hope he gets back to that.

Dave Shaw · 1 year ago

You've made a great case for economic development from the Democrat perspective. Health care, immigration, advancement of science, education... these are issues we must pay attention to if America is going to compete in a 21st century economy. I'll add that foreign policy and economic policy are inextricably linked. We've spent hundreds of billions on the war in Iraq - what if we'd spent that money on developing innovations in energy?

randynobx · 1 year ago

@docluv Very well put! Couldn't have said it better myself!

Dane Deasy · 1 year ago

I really loved this article. So great! Really wonderfully written and you manage to express quite a few of the same sentiments I have had recently. Thank you!

Mike · 1 year ago

You have many great points, but have just a couple that I would like to comment on.

First thing, you should have addressed your points to My Fellow Americans. We should be asking all politicians to rise above, not just the Democrats, which when you do is actually fueling the horrible partisanship gripping our country.

Second, I want to add to your point on anti-tech/sci and religion debate. I think we need to stop making it an antagonistic debate but a starting point to concentrate of what is mutually agreed on. I personally belief in intelligent design and evolution, which surprisingly can be very much integrated. My belief is in God as creator is that he made such a wonderful mechanism for life by way of evolution. I guess a contemporary example is the game Spore. The main example you give though of stem cell research has one issue that will not be resolved. That is embryonic stem cell research. Discussing that will not be resolved as it mixes in a debate of what do you consider murder and life, which is not something you can convince someone either way. Most everyone believes in non-embryonic stem cells, such as skin.

Third, your immigration point is a little too general. Legal immigration by and large is very favorable and not as much part of people stealing our jobs. And again, the fence only applies to illegal aliens. We must separate the issues of attracting highly skilled immigrants by the likes of H1b visas from the fight against illegal immigrants willing to work for pennies on the dollar.

And lastly, I must say my biggest comment for you is quite cynical. Your tone and points are very admirable and should be considered on the POLICY level, unfortunately elections are won on the POLITICAL level. JFK, MLK Jr., Reagan all said those words while in office or not running a campaign. Taking the high road while campaigning does not win elections. That is not the fault of our political leaders, it is the fault of the American people who get affected by attack ads and extremely exaggerated out of context sound bites. Politics will not change until citizens change. It has start from the grassroots level, b/c above all, politicians will pander to their constituency.

Doug Quance · 1 year ago

While I am not a Democrat (I'm a Libertarian) allow me to make a few quick observations:

1. Our education system is held hostage by the NEA, a union that supports Democrats exclusively. Democrats want to maintain a government monopoly on primary education/indoctrination.

2. Our corporate taxes are much higher in the US than virtually all of the industrialized world. Democrats demonize corporate profits and want to raise taxes on them... including Obama.

2b. Our infrastructure does need improvement. I have not studied the issue to comment on this.

3. Our health care costs are high... and many of those costs go back to everything from the cost of liability insurance to the cost to educate our medical professionals. Democrats have not helped to reduce the cost of education nor have they helped with tort reform. In fact, they have prevented reform.

4. Leaving our borders open to gather votes have been the hallmark of many Democrats. I won't say that closing the border is a good idea - but securing the border IS.

5. Stem cell research is not being forced offshore. The federal govt. actually funds some of it. Government does not have to fund ALL research. Religious fanatics oppose federal funding of embryonic research. Big difference.

6. We do need a technology czar who can help to modernize the various levels and functions of government. The government needs an overhaul, and such a czar would help facilitate it.

What is unfortunate is the entrenched views of both the right and left that keep us from truly moving ahead. There are good ideas on both side to draw from.

Boris Popov · 1 year ago

Robert, Reagan didn't ask Germans to "tear down this wall", he asked Mr. Gorbachev.

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

Boris: fine. But his points were made in Berlin: to Germans. Gorbachev wasn't there. The implication was made clear to everyone that everyone possible should work to tear down the wall. When, a few years later, it was everyday citizens who tore it down (and no one officially made a proclimation to do so) that speech gave them some major encouragement to do just that.

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

>I think we need to stop making it an antagonistic debate but a starting point to concentrate of what is mutually agreed on.

Fair enough. I've been on both sides of that fence (I was a very conservative Christian attending a very fundamentalist/evangelical church for more than a decade).

I see the science/religion debate differently, because of that. Scientists have to be open to observation and things that run counter to their beliefs. They have to have an open mind. Most of the religious people I run into don't have the ability to open their minds. It's really tough when you buy into the worldview espoused by a book that can't be morphed, changed, or argued with.

It also makes debates over these things very frustrating for both sides. I don't see that getting better until a leader really steps up and asks us to knock it off and get back to doing what's best for our country.

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

Doug: I agree with many of your points, which is why it'd be a lot more satisfying talking about the issues rather than aiming at the knees of Palin.

But your last point I agree with too. We get the politicians we deserve. If we can't have open and civil debate about real issues without getting distracted by TV ads, then we're doomed.

Spencer Scott · 1 year ago

You have made some interesting points, but democrats have ruined another election by selecting someone who is just an empty suit. I would like to ask these same CEO's what their thoughts are on the taxes that Obama will use to pay for some of the things they are complaining about.

Now I don't care for McCain either, but to think that raising taxes and restricting regulations on business is going to better the economy is just crazy.

The anti-science and anti-technology comment is truly off the mark. Science itself has become a religion. We see that with the Global Warming crowd. Science and technology will be better off if we have a limited government, not another nanny state.

Cyndi · 1 year ago

This is all well and good but some of you, especially the ones who live in swing states, might want to think about taking off your blogger hats and going over to your local Obama office and work a few hours at a phone bank or hit the colleges to register new voters. There is so much you can do. For the most part the swing voters do not read blogs! Opinionated folks who made up their minds a long time ago are the ones reading and commenting. The link you should be forwarding is the one that goes to your local supervisor of elections office so they can register to receive an absentee ballot. There are many older people who are much more likely to vote if they can get the ballot sent to their home. I just spent the afternoon canvassing with my child and it was awesome and lots of fun. There are a lot of Republicans on the fence. Go get 'em!!!

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

Spencer: >>The anti-science and anti-technology comment is truly off the mark.

Actually, no, it's not. Which demonstrates the depth of the problem here when people can't even see that our debate has been turned into something nonsensical here.

Global warming is something that's observable. Not a religion. A religion is where you take things on "faith." The fact that we are even calling it a debate in this country shows how far down we've gone.

Skip · 1 year ago

So you think that because the Republicans nominated someone who has more experience than the guy at the top of the ticket for the number two spot, that that takes the experience card off of the table, Robert? It's a little late for that. And if you really think you can talk the left side of the blogosphere into cutting out the vileness and stop frothing at the mouth, well, I'd guess you haven't spent much time reading DU or dKos. It isn't going to happen.

"It also makes debates over these things very frustrating for both sides. I don’t see that getting better until a leader really steps up and asks us to knock it off and get back to doing what’s best for our country."

And therein lies the problem. There is a huge, fundamental disagreement as to what's best for the country. Should the government grow bigger, and do more for us, or should it shrink, and stay out of our way? Should we respect all of the bill of rights, or only those portions that the NY Times approves of? On these, and many other issues the country is polarized.

McCain was not my first choice for the Republican nomination. In fact, he wasn't in the top three or four. If the Democrats had chosen to nominate a moderate, rather than an ultra-liberal empty suit, I very well might have been able to vote for him. But that didn't happen, and as such, we have to choose between the options before us.

Mary K Weinhagen · 1 year ago

Excellent and most appreciated Call to Action here, Robert... THANKS!

I'd love to focus on a systematic revamping of each of the areas you mentioned - and YES... I've got plenty of ideas to share! ;-)

Frankly...I'm very confident that Obama intends to call on people to be better and smarter... that's been his proclivity up to know and despite powerful temptations to lower his standards... I don't see him succumbing to those temptations to any significant degree.

This will fare well IF most people... including mainstream MEDIA people... respond to the call to step up, be SMARTER and engage in conversation of the ISSUES... and fare poorly if the Republicans were truly successfully in the dumbing down of America that they've been working on these past 8 years...

Obama has definitely got the experience and record of demonstrating strong leadership abilities, charismatic communication skills and intelligent evaluation of issues... let's hope most people CARE about those things enough that they'll consider educating themselves about what IS going on... what they'd like to SEE going on... and which candidate most strongly evidences moving in a direction they desire!

daniel mcvicar · 1 year ago

it's time to do whatever it takes to win. With honor, with certainty.

thom singer · 1 year ago

You are right that we need to discuss issues. Not just the Democrats, but all Americans. We need to do so with respect. The divisive nature of politics make people different sides dig in their heels.

I was originally excited about McCain vs. Obama because both candidates spent the spring talking about wanting a "different type of campaign". I imagined an issues based discussion that would engage Americans in a new way that we had not seen before. WRONG.

Instead we have both sides now trying to take shots at each other and it is the same old thing from two people I thought could bring change. The lesson is that we cannot expect change from politicians who want the PRIZE.

If we want real change we are going to have to make it a grass roots effort. I love your suggestion about getting bloggers to blog about the issues. But not just Democrats. Republicans, Libertarians, Independents, etc... Americans!

If we want the rest of the world to respect us, we first must find ways to respect each other.

James Fuller · 1 year ago

While, I lean more towards right-wing politics, I am decisively pragmatic in making a decision for the leader(registered Republican, but have no problem voting the other side of the ticket). That's the biggest mistake of our environment we stigmatize our competitors on party lines, rather that on the values that they bring to the table. You have brought up all the points that we need to be inspecting our candidates on and as someone with a rather large influence, I thank you.

On another note, I would like to point out that most of these points are actually centrally connected to our education system. The education system is weakened by the giant subsidization provided by the government, on estimates I've made un-adjusted over the last 30 years $2.4 trillion dollars have been wasted; meanwhile, the higher educations system cost has been rising at 2-3 times that of inflation. Thus, the doctors and pharmacologists feel entitled to their $150,000 dollar a year salary, which we see repercussions in our Health Services. In subsidizing the elementary-high schools we have opened it up to public ownership allowing these people to insist on the Creationist Texts as a provision.

So who focuses heavily on subsidization of our primary economic structures?
If you look it's the Democrats that insist on equal provisions of wealth and services that allows these kind of situations to occur. If you really wanted them to change all of these things you need to focus on assisting the Republicans in having a capitalistic government. The Democrat's are the biggest enabler by there own socialistic behavior.

francinehardaway · 1 year ago

I have been "campaigning on the issues" on NGL all summer, or at least trying to, but Steve Gillmor keeps telling me people don't vote on the issues and that it's about character and values and context and I have to focus on microcommunities and their power. And I dare say he is right. So we continue to point out how McCain lies.

I wish I weren't so well-informed on the issues and could just take a pot shot at Sarah Palin, but i, too, keep asking Obama to aspire to something: rebuilding our national infrastructure, and I mean more than broadband, while encouraging alternative energy. Those are things he can actually DO things about. Health care costs are beyond him, except at the margins; the players are too entrenched. His best bet would be to create jobs that would allow people to AFFORD health insurance, however we decide to tweak the system. He can't do too much about education, either, because most control is local. He has to pick one national BHAG that the President can actually have some impact on.

Because of our (fantastic) system of checks and balances, many things are beyond the next President, no matter which party wins. So the only thing to do is build consensus between Congress and the Presidency again -- which has been destroyed by Bush.

I'm an Independent, but I wouldn't vote for McCain if they threatened me with death. Especially now that he has chosen Palin. I'm no dope. McCain can flip flop and shift to fit the political winds, but he is an old man with recurring melanoma, which is a very potentially deadly form of cancer, and I am terrified of the ignorance represented by Sarah Palin.

I want someone who earmarks every dollar of the budget to attack the infrastructure and energy problems of America: there is a place for earmarks if they actually do some good. We're tangled in semantics, rather than actions. Forgive the rant.

daniel mcvicar · 1 year ago

Obama is not an ultra-liberal empty suit, but the leader we need now, pragmatic, cool, compassionate. For those who usually support Republicans, and I know that many may read this column, just look at what has happened to our country and your party in the last few years. The same gang is pulling the strings again, and McCain has surrendered to them. The Maverick gave up his fight to big oil and the boys from Haliburton.

Palin is frightening, truly. A narcissist who hangs onto her ignorance with righteousness and pride. The Republican talking heads should be embarrassed when they try and hold up Alaska's proximity to Russia as a qualification, when they celebrate the small town values they are condescending to people in small towns.

So, I plead with my fellow Americans, my Republican friends. Look closely. When Bush Cheney said there were WMDs they lied. They played on our fears. McCain Palin are doing the same thing.

Obama is the antidote that the world needs for all the poison put out in the last 8 years. He is OUR opportunity to do ourselves and the world right.

Skip · 1 year ago

Yes, global warming is observable. That's not particularly in dispute, although recent trends have gone th other way. What is in dispute is to what extent various factors cause the warming, when it occurs.

The problem with the current anthropogenic global warming "science" is that it's not falsifiable. More hurricanes? Caused by climate change. Less hurricanes? The same. If you were to ask the major proponents what data would be acceptable as a refutation of the current theories and models, they don't have any.

This is exactly the problem with the "intelligent design" crowd, by the way. If your theories aren't falsifiable, they aren't science.

dgreenberg1492 · 1 year ago

Friends, you have to check out this great website, www.milfandmccain.com. It is fantastically funny!

netposer · 1 year ago

"Let's turn to the economy and Bush's allegedly failed economic policies. Under President Bush, the economic pie grew. Tax receipts grew by 20 percent, to the highest level in our nation's history. And remember, Bush inherited an economy going into a recession. On Sept. 11, 2001, America suffered the worst attack on its soil in its history. Spending increased for Homeland Security and the war in Iraq. And of the current economic sluggishness, most can be attributed to the slump in housing. Does anybody, except for the most ardent Bush-hater, blame the president for the housing downturn? Following 9/11, polls showed that Americans overwhelmingly expected another attack within six months to a year. We have not had another attack on American soil in the seven years since 9/11"
--Larry Elder

kensho · 1 year ago

the only thing i can say is, good luck with your next election, america. after 8 years of GWB, the USA has become the laughing stock of the world in so many ways.. it's not even funny anymore. believe me, NO COUNTRY on earth is taking the US seriously anymore. would you? looking from the outside?
the USA has declined to a hollow, corrupt, despotic war hungry country of idiots. and how can a country full of idiots vote for a new intelligent president? i'm afraid they wont.. goodbye USA. fix your own mess, before you come back and want "to lead the world" lol.

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

netposer: on Jan 21, 2001 you got €1.07 per US$; today you get €0.70 per US$ www.xe.com. So, whenever you travel you are getting hit with a sizeable tax that wasn't there. Oil was, what, about $20 a barrel when Bush took office? Now $100 or more? Yeah, our economy is healthy.

During Bush's reign the Republicans deregulated the mortgage industry. Bush might not have had anything personally to do with that, but that's a great example of what happens sometimes when you deregulate industries and open them up to profiteering and greed.

Spencer Scott · 1 year ago

"Global warming is something that’s observable. Not a religion. A religion is where you take things on “faith.” The fact that we are even calling it a debate in this country shows how far down we’ve gone."

Well Skip pretty much summed up what I was going to say. Global Warming is a fact, it's the causes that have made it some type of religion.

But regardless, Obama isn't going to wave his hand and solve global warming (although his followers probably believe this), his tax positions are more horrid than any jokes they can make about Palin.

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

Spencer: interesting. Do you make more than $250,000 a year? I guess for those people they might look pretty horrid. But, how many more years are we going to keep spending on our credit cards?

Jerry · 1 year ago

Sigh! Where to start?

okay, point by point

1) NOT the President's for the Federal Govt's problem to solve. Take this issue up with your local and state leaders. No where does the Fed Govt have authority to act in this area

2) I don't know what this means, but if you are a Democrat I'm assuming it means taking more of my money.

3) Hey, whaddya know? A Democrat advocating a socialist agenda. Again, neither the President's or the Fed Govt's problem to solve (and for the umpteenth time, the "General Welfare" clause in the Constitution has absolutely noting to do with welfare as we define it today.) Again, because it's not specifically granted to the Fed Govt, as per the 10th amendment, this is a state problem to solve. I will add and agree with what P.J. O'Rourke once wrote: "If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see how much it costs when it's free"

4) Agreed. But the simple solution here is to enforce the laws we have on the books. But the border states and the Fed Govt are afraid to do that for fear of appearing heavy handed. If you want to come here, come here legally. Pretty simple

5) Again, not the President's or the Federal Govt's problem to solve. This should be done at the private sector level. One of the major problems is that most politicians don't understand enough about the science they are trying to advocate. For example, Biden blasts the administration for not funding stem cell research by saying that doing so would reduce the number of birth defects. Nothing could be more inaccurate. But again, my Federal tax dollars are not to be spent on this type of thing. I'm not against your basic premise. I'm against the implication that the Fed Govt is on the hook to solve it. They aren't

6) I have no idea what point you are trying to make here. Again, seems like a private sector issue to resolve. The last thing we need is another Govt entity and another cabinet officer, or any govt official. I agree there needs to be more progress made in this area, but the Fed Govt is the LAST place you want to turn to.

Robert, and your fellow Dems would do well to remember the words of Thomas Paine:

"Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one"

And if you Dems really want Barry to win, someone needs to sit him down and tell him he is not running against Sarah Palin. Makes me wonder who is the one lacking experience. If Barry be so easily thrown off course and intimidated, no wonder "the rest of the world" wants him to be President. I gotta believe, Putin, Amadeenajad, Kim Jong-Ill, and the like can't wait to sit down have this dolt negotiate with them. They will quickly bat him around like a cat playing with a dead mouse.

@Cyndi: Since the nomination of Palin as VP, there are fewer Republicans on the fence than you likely think.

katrinah · 1 year ago

Hi Robert,

Awesome post, Robert. Thank you.

At a time when our economy is in the dumps, 1,000,000 Americans have lost their homes, 750,000 Americans have lost jobs (2007), and our image is so very tarnished around the world as a result of 8 years of poor foreign policy, we need so many changes to bring us back on track.

I agree, that we all need to use whatever influence we have to educate people. By changing the conversation, we have an opportunity to remind everyone of all that is at stake.

We must remind people that McCain endorsed Bush 90% of the time, and we cannot afford another four years of this. Can't afford even a day more.

Because I am especially concerned about what is being referred to as "the silent epidemic" - high school dropouts, I will take #1, our education system, to blog about.

"Every 29 seconds another student gives up on school, resulting in more than one MILLION American students who drop out every year." (The Silent Epidemic)

One million students. Every. Single. Year.

Imagine if we actually equipped students with modern-day skills to meet the challenges we face. Imagine if we created a school environment that engaged students and made them want to go to school to learn. Imagine -- if we provided an environment that helped students deal with the the many "social stresses" that come along with being an adolescent and that also cause them to fall behind. Imagine ... the national landscape and world we could live in if one million more students every year received the education they need to survive - and thrive - in Life and in society.

We need a president at this critical time who sincerely values education and is willing to "walk the talk" with concrete plans - and a commitment - to invest in teachers and education. This is the topic I will blog about.

I appreciate your post, Robert: thank you for your call to everyone to start talking about the many issues that are at stake.

Sincerely,
katrinah


P.S. For those who still need to register to vote, I believe the deadline is October 6th. This election, Obama is The Change we need. Please vote.

Jerry · 1 year ago

@kensho:
"the only thing i can say is, good luck with your next election, america. after 8 years of GWB, the USA has become the laughing stock of the world in so many ways.. it’s not even funny anymore. believe me, NO COUNTRY on earth is taking the US seriously anymore. would you? looking from the outside?"

Actually I'm pretty sure the majority of Americans couldn't give a crap what the rest of the world thinks of us. Yea, we are not taken seriously.... until some natural disaster occurs, genocide is happening in a country or some other evil being inflicted on people by a corrupt govt. I ask you, who does the rest of the world turn to whenever there is a crisis?

"If you can read this, thank a teacher. If' it's in English, thank a Soldier"

davemall · 1 year ago

Well stated but I have one question: How could any thinking person be a Democrat?

Monica Surfaro Spigelman · 1 year ago

Yes, please let's talk about what matters. With every smack at Palin the validity and rational discussion of Obama as President get more obscured, and a moderate voter on the fence turns away in annoyance. I can't even have a discussion here in Tucson with some Democrat friends, they are like angry zealots. Obama must talk more to his older audience (we ain't all 30-something urban professionals anymore). He can't continue to alienate those who still believe in some republican values (yes, that means wanting things like businesses to profit). Broaden the conversation, engage all, or risk earning the tag of effete snob talked about years ago. Thank you.

Lance Weatherby · 1 year ago

If you really want Obama to win the election change the title to "My Fellow Americans". The folks that decide the outcome have no strong political party leanings.

Grant D Griffiths · 1 year ago

Interesting post but you don't have your facts correct. Reagan did not tell the Germans to tear down the wall. That would have been hard with the Russian guns aimed at them. President Reagan told the Russians to tear down this wall. In fact his exact words were,

"We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall"

Fred Peters · 1 year ago

Robert,

I completely agree with you that American politics needs to move away from political fighting and instead discuss the issues. However, none of our candidates are truly discussing the issues. Instead, both McCain and Obama discuss goals.

It is easy to discuss goals. Both Republicans and Democrats want better education for our children, better and cheaper health care, and more high paying jobs. Let's be honest, it is so easy to say "I am for improving our education system. We need more affordable health care for all Americans. Let's bring our jobs back home!!" But both parties want these things. Neither Republicans nor Democrats want a worse education system, poorer health care or rising unemployment. But, that is all we hear from the media, and too often Obama and McCain.

So let's actually CHANGE the political discourse in the country. Let's not allow our politicians and media to fool us into discussing who wants these things more. Instead, let's focus on how each candidate, Party or political philosophy would handle each issue.

Let's look at each of the issues you highlighted. In order to actually discuss issues intelligently, I will focus on one issue at a time. Let's brainstorm on how to fix these problems, not fight over whether Obama or McCain is the right person to fix them. These issues are bigger than these two men. These problems are bigger than Washington. But, if Americans actually discuss the issues I am sure we can come up with the solutions and compromises needed to improve them.

1. Education. Again, let's acknowledge that each party wants to improve the education system. The real difference is in political philosophy. What will actually make our education system better? Let's face it, that is the real question.

I tend to be a conservative in my political leanings, but I try to always see others' points of view. Personally, I believe that there are two big problems with education in America.

The biggest problem is that some Americans don't value a good education. No matter how much we spend on these families, no matter how good of teachers they have, these American families will not take advantage of the resources that are already provided. This is a huge problem because there is nothing government can do to quickly fix this problem. You have to change hearts and minds of people and this can take generations.

The second biggest problem is that we can't fire bad teachers. We all had great teachers, average teachers and bad teachers. We cannot afford to waste a year of our child's education on a bad teacher. We must have a system that can fire bad teachers.

Despite there being no quick fixes to improve our education system, I have outline some things that I would like to see changed that would get us moving in the right direction. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and I hope that your other readers discuss my ideas and add their own.

a. Make Schools and Neighborhoods Safe - Kids can't learn if their biggest concern is for their safety.

b. Make Education a Priority - We need our community leaders, politicians, religious leaders and families to talk about the importance of education. Show kids how they can improve their lives if they study now. Many in our society believe that they will never improve their lives and therefore quit before trying.

Education spending in this country is at an all time high, but our graduates are not getting the most out of the resources that are being spent. If we are going to spend more on education, let's at least reevaluate what we are spending the money on.

c. Teach Our Children the Fundamentals - I believe that we are failing to teach the fundamentals to our children. Our school curriculums focus too much on "nice to knows" instead of the "must knows." Everyone must know how to read, how to write, how to research, mathematics and science. Our curriculums must always focus on these things.

d. Get rid of Bad Teachers - It is funny because I remember my sister who is seven years older than me complaining about certain teachers who were simply not very good or unmotivated. Seven years later, I had to suffer through these same bad teachers. Why? It was not because no one knew that they weren't any good. In fact, everyone knew that they weren't any good. The teachers knew it, the students knew it, and the parents knew it. Sadly, I bet that those bad teachers knew that they weren't very good too.

We cannot afford to keep paying these bad teachers. The real problem is not the money. Sure the $30,000+ salaries add up, but the real problem is that instead of learning algebra from a good teacher our kids waste a precious year of their lives trying to learn as much as they can from a bad teacher. The system needs to be able to weed these teachers out of the classroom.

If we are going to guarantee their salaries, well let them clean the parks, but don't saddle my children by leaving them in the classroom.

This means that the Teachers Union will need to put our children first and revise the tenure system for teachers. In my opinion, tenure should not exist. I don't have the luxury of tenure in my job and teachers shouldn't either. Let merit determine which teachers stay in the classroom and which do not.

As stated above, these four ideas will not magically make education better. But, if they would be focused on, I believe education would be significantly improved. I hope that you can tell from this comment my passion for helping our children to learn. I am sure that my conservative leanings are evident in each of my ideas, but that is just how I approach issues. What do you think would improve our education system?

Sincerely,
Fred Peters

Hunter · 1 year ago

I am so sad to see you drift your blog into politics. Does Seagate sponsor this post too?

Jeff · 1 year ago

Very interesting post, Scoble. McCain has certainly had to spin things since the campaign became out the economy instead of national security. I hope Obama can catch up to that shift.

Jeff · 1 year ago

also, Lance Weatherby makes a great point

Joe · 1 year ago

1.- For your words, I think you have more of a Republican than a Democrat.

2.- About the trilion dollar war: how about the costs of getting your buildings bombed apart? The U.S.A. has been doing the war for 100 years and it doesn't seem it has been that bad.

3.- Being a a religious person is not being anti-science. That is cheating. Cheating is not science.

4.- Focusing only on stem cell research is not science. Remember stem cell hasn't healed any of the illnesses we know.

5.- Blackmailing people is not science. "Let me research with stem cells or you are guilty of the unhealed illnesses" is blackmailing.

6.- Health costs? Talk to Hillary Clinton.

7.- Wacked Internet? Talk to its inventor: Al Gore

I see you are not interested in guns, the Carter-provoked-Clinton-augmented subprime crisis, energy supply or Global Colding (or was it Warming?)

Cheers!

Adria Richards, ButYoureAGirl. · 1 year ago

Agreed. Whenever someone starts in on Palin or the race, I redirect the subject back to what they can do in the moment to raise awareness and get people out to the polls. We must focus on the present moment. I share with them what I've done to contribute to show they can make a change through action, fundraising and voting. This year is the first time I've given towards a presidential primary. I've also staying involved with local events through the BarackObama.com website.

We have never had such an easy opportunity to participate and connect during an election. Through the use of technology, we are able to call voters (Skype), contact our neighbors (Print a list of your neighbors at my.barackobama.com) and stay in touch with volunteer opportunities through presidential websites and twitter.

I've been the to Holocaust musesum in NYC and I'm Jewish so I know what people before me fought for (and sacrificed). I'm taking up their cause in the moment because it's the right thing to do...

We're making history even if we can't see it.

Chris · 1 year ago

Reagan told Gorbachev - not the Germans - to tear down the wall.

Trust a democrat to get the facts wrong about Republicans.

You do know your history, I assume?

C

Jared · 1 year ago

I'm still voting for Mccain because he is "more" independent than Obama but you are 100% correct. Great post.

Eric · 1 year ago

Well, I won't get into the debate because nothing ever gets solved on the internet. (For the record, I'm a conservative.)

Bravo to you though, sir, for encouraging people to actually tell us a bit about what exactly it is they plan to do if they get elected. A person's conduct and lifestyle is clearly going to affect the way that they govern, but at the some point, talk a little about HOW it affects your beliefs, and how you plan on making them happen. A great number of people on my side of the aisle as well as yours would benefit from adopting this method.

aflac · 1 year ago

( : )< Aflac!

Mike Nikitin · 1 year ago

Obama is a radical socialist with anti-American friends, associates, confidants, religious leaders - and even his wife hates this country.

Democrats are liberals first! - everything else second.
This makes you blind to the truth.

For the majority of Democrats to get behind a 140-day senator for president of the United States, is glaring evidence that emotion is the liberal foundation - rather than facts and results.

This nation barely survived Carter, and survived Bill Clinton only because a Republican Congress gridlocked Hillary's destruction of our nation.

Now the Democrat Party has scraped the absolute bottom of the barrel for this community agitator as presidential material. How low can you degenerates sink?

Luckily for you, the Republicans have selected another domestic socialist as their presidential candidate - giving liberals who are not stricken with Bush Derangement Syndrome - hope that the exponential growth of socialism in this nation will not be stopped regardless of which one of these losers win the White House.

I'm doing what I can to wake up voters both in my state and across the country. Both main stream parties need to be brought back to our Constitution by defeating them first.

Mike Nikitin
US Senate Candidate - MI
US Taxpayers Party / Constitution Party
"Citizens Win With Nikitin"

Don · 1 year ago

Well, you've really gone down the dark road. Sorry to see a post about politics. If I wanted to see this kind of drivel, I'd go read Digg.

Zachary Bulacan · 1 year ago

First I would like to say that science and religion are not mutually exclusive. people will bash me and say I have no proof but fail to notice evolution is a THEORY and does not have proof either. Government was never meant to be the solver of all our problems. If you think the democrats can fix America you need to sit up and pay attention! Until the people force reforms and change the way things are going you are going to get the same old broken government whether it is democrat or republican.

Jeremy · 1 year ago

I can't wait for the election to be over. McCain/Palin may not be the best ticket to ever grace the political scene, but, Obama/Biden? Give me a break.

Obama is useless without a teleprompter, and Biden is so ultra-liberal and wasteful with taxpayer monies, that it's laughable.

The dems messed up, here, big time. Hillary would be better than either Obama or Biden.

Get ready for McCain/Palin, embrace them, and hope that the field gets better in the future...

MikeWas · 1 year ago

Unfortunately, politics is a zero-sum game, at least for the candidates, and that's the reason negative campaigns work. Want to debate about the proper role of government in our lives? Great - but it's not going to happen in a presidential campaign. As soon as one candidate or the other thinks they're slipping, all we hear about are pigs and Bill Ayers.

It would be nice to believe that an Obama presidency wouldn't be as bad as, say, Carter's. But he's Not the One. I know enough about Chicago politics to know this: Obama's just another a Chicago pol, backed by the machine, and any talk about reform is just to get him through the only really tough election he's ever had. His words may solund different and inspiring, but his policies are the same old stuff that's been peddled by politicians for at least the last 50 years.

Is McCain any better? I used to think so - now I'm not so sure. But real progress, true progress, isn't going to come from the government anyway. It's going to come from the people, the ones who get things done if they can only get their government out of the way. At least, that's what our founding fathers believed, and I'm still naïve enough to think they were right.

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

Chris: Reagan was in Germany talking to Germans. I stood where he gave that talk just a few days ago. Yes, he invoked Gorbachev's name, but he was definitely talking to Germans when he said that.

anthropicOne · 1 year ago

@Jeremy,

I'm tired of theocracy and ready for rational thinking to prevail. I'm tired of candidates who equate science with mumblings found in a book written by desert dwellers in the bronze age. Apart from western clothing and an attitude, how is the Republican part any different than the Taliban?

Let's see. Ban gays. Ban stem cell research. Dig for and burn more oil. Wage war. Aaaargh!

This is the 21st century and the country I love has become an embarrassment. Wake the hell up, will ya.

Christopher Coulter · 1 year ago

Rather, the East Germans, all the godless Commie Stasi. But being in the thick of the Cold War, Germany couldn't do squat without Moscow.

Nicely said (in parts), but no matter, it's game over, McCain/Palin have already won, anyone with any marketing sense can see that miles away. Maybe Obama can fire up the lawyers and go all Gore-Florida-hurricane whirlwind and try and steal it, while we have to listen to the history ignoramuses go on and on about how evil the Electoral System is.

Hey, will Microsoft make me download a 70 meg dictionary file to include Palin (and her crazy kid names) like they did for Obama? Only fair.

RoundSquare · 1 year ago

Great post, Robert. I'm a conservative, but I support anyone who calls on those around him to rise above what we allow ourselves to fall into as 'the norm'. Just a thought though, you referenced a fence, presumably along the US/Mexico border. I'm happy to forgo my support of the fence if we agree to tax only Dems (or those who choose to be taxed) for the costs of managing illegal aliens who come across. I'm happy to "rise above" and offer my tax dollars to people who come to this country through the legitimate processes already available to them, but never to those who do so by breaking the law and failing to respect our country from the moment they set foot on our soil. I'm not saying those people don't deserve a chance at success and happiness or that I wish anything other than their success and happiness. But I can't afford to have health insurance myself...why should I have dollars taken from me to pay for health services for people whose first action as participating consumers in the US economy is to break a most basic of laws. It's not about compassion here...it's about common sense.

grishick · 1 year ago

Great post! Many of us agree with you. Unfortunately, when I listen to both parties, I realize that the dudes up there are competing not for the chance to make any of the aforementioned changes. Therefore, no matter which one of them takes the office - most of these things are nto going to improve. Here is an example. Obama is going to make changes to the tax code and to immigration, but the changes that he is going to make will help people who struggle to make ends. It is a good thing to do, but he will impose more taxes on those 150K+ earning people, thus driving even more of them out of the US. He may create a sensible guest worker program, but again, it won't be for those 150K+ jobs. McCain, on the other had, may reduce the taxes for those who are making 150K, but he will also cut funding for education and science (unless it is for military), and he will worsen the immigration policies - so, once again, those 150K+ jobs will end up somewhere else, where stem cell research is not outlawed, and where the students will be forced to go back to after getting their degrees here. So, no matter whether you are a democrat or a republican, if you want the things that you wrote about to happen, your best shot is to start working on campaign 2012.

grishick · 1 year ago

docluv, you are right that these things align with conservative values. Unfortunately, McCain and Palin have nothing to do with.... well, "values" at all, let alone "conservative". The say what they are told to say now and they will do what they will be told to do by the people who give them money.

grishick · 1 year ago

All that said, I'll vote for Obama hoping that he will prosecute current administration, take the money they have pocketed through the war and spend it on what it should have been spent.

crunchy domestic goddess (amy) · 1 year ago

inspiring post. :) i don't usually read your blog, but hubby told me to chk it out today. glad i did.
i've been trying to figure out what i should write about re: the election and with this post you've helped me narrow it down. thanks!

Debi Jones · 1 year ago

Robert, I know you like to take part in events and lines, but for the rest of us showing up to the polls on November 2 when the election will be held on November 4 is not a good use of our time.

Make sure you call people to action on the right day. November 4th everyone.

Lincoln · 1 year ago

(I'm a Republican.)

Thanks for this Scoble! A call to take things seriously. If people heed this call, not only will they make the America better but it'll also raise the quality of BOTH parties.

CMT · 1 year ago

Robert, as I stated in my previous post, your own candidates admit the are not the right choice for the country.
http://twurl.nl/h51657
and
http://twurl.nl/2xj8jw
and last but not least:
http://twurl.nl/ezgmeo

This is your own candidates and your party speaking.
Hard to beat your own facts.

Impartial · 1 year ago

I seem to be in the minority here... I'm a true Independent who actually votes for what I perceive to be the candidates policies. I take the time to look at their record and compare it to their retoric to see if they actually do what they say/said they will do... It makes absolutely no difference to me what party they belong to.

Except for a couple of matters I won't waste your time or mine giving my opinions on all the important the issues raised here.

I believe the FEDERAL government should be involved in ONLY those things authorized in the Constitution... Nothing Else... Nada.

If you're not familiar with exactly what is allowed in the Constitution, I would suggest you take a few minutes to read it over several times... Especially if you are going to vote in the upcoming election... While you're at it give a quick read of the Bill Of Rights. I believe anyone who votes without a good understanding of what is contained in these documents is doing a disservice to their country.

While you are reading these documents keep asking the question: "Is what I want from my government even covered here"? If it isn't, maybe you should do some more thinking before you cast your vote.

When you are listening to your favorite candidate speak, tune in carefully... Ask the ol' "Who, What Where, When, Why and How" questions... Get the DETAILS, Not the DREAMS...!!! Much, if not Most, of what I've heard cannot and will not come to fruition for one reason or another.

Here's a tidbit to chew on: Both sides lie...!!! And both sides know they lie...!!! If they told the truth you would never vote for them... If one of them told you the tough measures that really have to be taken to save Social Security, Medicare and Medicade you'd run them outa town on a rail... If they told you how globalization is really going to affect the lower and middleclass lifestyle you'd shout em down... Bad News/Truth will not get them elected, so you get the "opposite".

Now this next comment is just my opinion, but I come to it honestly... I have owned my own business for almost three decades, and I can honestly say that everytime my taxes were raised or the minimum wage went up I immediately raised the price of my products/services to the consumer... In essence, the customers paid for those raises... Oh, by the way, that's what all business's do if they want to stay in business... They pass this cost on to the consumers... YOU... It's just basic math.

The bitter pill for you is to know that both sides know who is going to pay... And pay... And Pay... They both it's never the businesman or woman... They both know it's you, the public.

So when you hear either side telling you their new tax strategy or any of their "feel good" ideas; listen to them with an open mind (but not so open your brain falls out)... Use Your Common Sense...!!!

Well, I've rattled on longer than I anticipated... Remember: Use that lump sitting on your shoulders to think things through, and Don't swallow the BS without holdin' your sniffer...!!!

friarminor · 1 year ago

Oh, politics. I know there couldn't be a perfect person for the office but I do know that given the opportunities and the length of stay of an incumbent, it just makes sense to try another option given the unflattering rating the outgoing administration has gotten. Or was it all just mirage?

Strange.

best.
alain

James Sutherland · 1 year ago

Education, taxation, healthcare and immigration policy certainly all need work. Others have already pointed out that the Democrats are on the NEA's side in opposing education reform and are unlikely to cut healthcare costs or taxation. The real problem with immigration seems to me to be that it's too easy to get in illegally and too hard to do so legally: you don't start up successful software companies by sneaking across the border at night with fake papers, but you certainly can work as a cleaner that way.

What the first line misses, though, is that these aren't Democrat issues (or indeed ones Democrats tend to be willing to address effectively), they are issues which affect *everyone*. Scoble, you have your priorities backwards here: you seem to be aiming to use these issues as a platform for one side to win one election, rather than actually trying to get the issues resolved as a goal in itself. Ask yourself, if you were offered progress in these issues along with a Republican victory, or a Democrat victory without making progress, which would you choose? I want the former - but right now, your post reads as if you'd prefer the latter.

ABetterAmerica · 1 year ago

Robert,

I'm not sure what troubles me more, your fellow liberals thanking you for speaking your mind, or you calling for a Marxist (Obama) to build a better world. For you to address this post to your fellow Democrats, that was a slap in the face to readers who might actually know a thing or two about politics. Our next President should be concerned about building a better America. Fellow Americans should want to a strong, energy-independent nation. For you left-wing "global citizen" types, you're always more concerned about what other countries think of America than your fellow citizens. Unfortunately, you don't have the guts to leave America.

Proof that liberals are socialists: Conservatives are never afraid to speak their mind and say something against their own party. When do liberals ever speak out against a Democrat? Answer: Never. As a matter of fact, you usually have nice things to say about Chavez, Ahmadinejad, or some other lunatic.

What's with the magic number $150,000. You mention this number 4 times in your post. REALITY CHECK: Most Americans aren't making $150,000. Education: If the education stinks, blame it on liberals who control most of America's re-education. The whiny CEOs telling you there are better graduates coming out of other countries seem anti-American to me. They would probably like to out-source our Presidency as well. Maybe we should elect our next President from Iran to show how compassionate we are.

You obviously don't understand our immigration problem. Our best workers and ideas always came form people from other countries??? If that's not an anti-American statement, I don't know what is. Americans who love our nation and grasp the immigration problem know all of the problems associated with "illegal immigration". All the problems you're mentioning with education, healthcare, taxation can be tied to illegal immigration.

Liberals only deal with their emotions and not the facts. The Democratic Party has focused on preserving the license to kill the unborn rather than preserving life. The party of immorality, which is why Hollywood embraces your party. Do me a favor and stick to your soft-ball interviews....

Chris Howard · 1 year ago

from an Australian perspective, I'd just say that the world can't afford another 4 years of Republican's in the White House. The world needs healing, nut hunting. I believe that Obama is the man who can begin that healing. You've got to mobilize and unite Democrat voters behind him.

Scoble is right, politics of mud slinging doesn't move things forward, you just stay stuck in the mud. Whichever nominee stands up and leads, will win.

Yanik · 1 year ago

Yes!!! This is what I was waiting to hear. I was pretty discouraged when I thought you had already given up Robert. I'm a mother (and closet geek) from Quebec. I don't get a say in your elections but the outcome will have an impact on every living thing on this planet. It's incredibly frustrating for me to watch the Presidential campaign by the sidelines knowing I can't get in there and help out. But I'm rooting for you Dems! We all are. Thanks for having the courage to speak up Robert. Peace to you and yours!

Joe L. · 1 year ago

Robert - i'm with you 100%, except I hope you decide to come out and vote on November 4th, not 2nd!

Robert Scoble · 1 year ago

ABetterAmerica: I didn't say "all" ideas come from immigrants. But, now that you say it, aren't we all immigrants here unless you are a Native American? So, what's unAmerican about THAT?

What's up with my $150,000 figure? That's what a lot of R&D workers get paid. That's the new middle class. That's what you need to make in Silicon Valley, New York, or many other big cities to have a decent life. And, those jobs are where the future is, so if we let those R&D jobs go overseas THAT will be truly "anti-American."

As for Democrats attacking Democrats. Hmmm, I've seen lots of self-questioning behavior on people of both sides. And I'm not following a book that tells me what to believe, so I'm willing to look at the evidence and change my mind.

Don: I used the word "Democrats" for a very specific reason. Their focus on Palin is losing the election and I wanted them to wake up.

@JoeHobot · 1 year ago

Robert

You nailed it! Love this post.

Visitors

Listen to Robert he is right!

Bob · 1 year ago

Wow, So Mcain/Pallin are leading in the polls because they have re imaged themselves? Not because they offer something that Obama doesn't or can't. Sounds like typical media bias. But at least you come right out
and state who you want to win and not try to frame yourself as unbiased.

If Obama is not leading, its probably because of Obama. He has the media backing him and trying to elect him. Look at the interview with Stephanapolus versus Pallin's interview with Gibson on the same network. There was a clear attack on Pallin versus the love fest and assisting with Stephanapolus.

Looking at the Obama economic plan vs the Mcain, Mcain wants business' to
grow versus Obama wanting to create more gov't jobs. HUH? I saw this on CNN!!!
Gov't jobs? Obama wants to take us back to the 1930's with his economic plan.

Joe Coffey · 1 year ago

Why does no one bring up the point that the Democrats have controlled congress for four years and have done nothing? All those issues mentioned can be addressed via policy by the current majority power in congress. They can hold the feet of the president to the fire. They don't.

Joe Coffey · 1 year ago

Robert, there is debate over global warming - didn't the scientists that supported Kyoto in Canada backtrack on it upon further review? hasn't the president of the weather channel has called it a scam? There's also the petitionproject that has over 31K scientists signing it? Hasn't the temperature on Mars have the same kind of rise and fall as Earth? Is that all the Martians driving Hummers? BTW if you truly believe this why haven't you traded in the BMW for the Smart Car?

Joe Coffey · 1 year ago

And finally.. we are in the final days of the republic. Enjoy while you can.

Someone Affected by Immigratio · 1 year ago

I am that immigrant with decent education being affected by US's strange attitude toward well educated immigrants. I got into MIT and finished my bachelor in Computer Science a few years ago. And I am now working at a pretty decent giant company (not in the bay area but headquartered in the bay area) that treats me well.

But I'm looking for a small start up to join (since I believe the time to take risks is now -- when I am 26, not when I am 45 with kids) and it's much harder to find a quality start up that can sponsor H1 visa. They typically don't have the money or the legal experience to deal with it. Due to visa issues, many tend to shy away from a candidate they would love to have otherwise.

On the other hand, my parents won this lottery program called Diversity Visa. http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/t...
That program gives out green cards to any random person who applied, regardless of age or education. My parents barely speak English and they are over retirement age and not physically fit. They are now in US, not working and on Medicaid.

So make your own conclusions from this very ironic story within one family. I, an MIT graduate, who already paid more than 100K in taxes in the last 3 years, can't get a green card unless I stay at a giant corporate for multiple years and pay several thousand dollars in legal fees. My parents with not much ability to contribute to the economy got green cards the minute their flight landed in US.

I am sure Republicans think that's a great idea.

Joe B · 1 year ago

The best thing that could have happened for this country in this election would have been for Obama to have accepted McCain's call for weekly townhall meetings with the two of them back in June. But Obama was leading at the time and only agreed to have one, that one to be held the night of July 4th when the country is out watching fireworks.

It would still be good if they would start doing those from now until the election.

Ryan · 1 year ago

The last thing our country needs is another four years of Congress and the White House being controlled by the same party. I'd rather have a mixed party gridlock than let a single party (on either side) ram through all of its extreme views unopposed.

Monica Guzman · 1 year ago

Thank you, Robert, for making such an important call to action.

Too often we the media regurgitate distractions and drama. We get away from our mission to inform the public and chase the traffic.

We blame it on the public: They're the ones reading it! The public blames it on the campaigns: They're the ones starting it! And the campaigns blame it on the media: They're the ones writing it!

Someone needs to break this cycle. Every iteration is an embarrassment to America. We can do better.

geekmommy · 1 year ago

Great post Robert.
I'm not a Democrat - but I think you hit the nail on the head 100%...
When an election devolves to a mud-slinging war, no one votes on the ideas or ideals.

Sanford Dickert · 1 year ago

Robert -

Completely agree with your call-to-arms. And the challenge will be whether Obama can bring this back to the *vision* of the future, or the moderators will keep it grounded in the minutia of the gutter.

The difficulty lies in the fear of the front-runner and the Democrats belief in being correct - which everyone else will see.

On thing I would like to see is the discussion on his policies - not a website of posts and PDFs, but a collaborative, community-managed wiki that allows true discourse on the issues on how the issues are good and/or bad. Instead of soundbites - give us reasoned (by the crowd) analysis. Then POINT US TO IT. Stop speaking platitudes without engagement. And put some of the influencers there - not just campaign-approved, but true multi-partisan leaders that can reason this out.

Our country, our world needs a gathering of leaders and a leader who can rise above all of the crap to drive oyur vision - instead of wasting our time on selling on eBay and bridges to NoWhere.

Freeman · 1 year ago

I've voted third-party ever since I've been eligible to vote (1978). The two majors have never offered a ticket that appeals to me.

As a casual disinterested observer, I regularly see each party subvert their own stated platforms in cynical attempts to pander to one group or another in order to draw votes from the widest possible pool of voters. It's never about principle, it's always about winning.

Many will make the argument that one must first win before they can assert their principles politically. I say that if the most important principle is winning, the rest are worthless since they are always going to be subservient to winning and holding political power.

I've never seen a less-principled election campaign than this one. The nominees of both major parties have selected running-mates that are everything that they are not in order to broaden the appeal of the ticket. If they held to principles, they would select running mates according to principle, not appeal. Obama accuses McCain of being a Washington insider, then selects Biden. McCain accuses Obama of being inexperienced, then selects Palin. Talk about hypocrisy!

Most people I know tell me they know their party doesn't adhere well to it's stated principles, but the other party is worse, so they feel they need to vote for the "lesser of evils". To me, a vote for a lesser evil is still a vote for evil. If you're going to vote for evil, don't act surprised when that's what you get.

jimmy johnson · 1 year ago

Hey Robert,

I just finished reading this post using google reader. Nice Newt Gingrich banner ad at the bottom... ugh.

Didn't read thru all the comments to see if anyone else caught this.

-Jimmy

ABetterAmerica · 1 year ago

Robert,

As for immigration, we are a nation of "legal" immigrants, that's the point. The millions of illegal immigrants that are draining our resources is un-American and those that support illegal immigration are anti-American. You shouldn't be surprised about outsourcing for R&D when we've lost most of our manufacturing to outsourcing. McCain is really not a conservative, but compared to a community organizer who attended a church with a Black Liberation Theology philosophy, McCain/Palin is the logical choice not the emotional choice. Liberals rely on governments for change, conservatives rely on themselves....

marc duchesne · 1 year ago

Robert : I'm no American (unfortunately...), so I won't vote on Nov.2. However, being a so-called "Democrat" myself, I totally agree with you : the Obama Campaign should focus on the real problems, not on its opponent. Here in France, the Left Wing has lost the presidential elections for GWB' s best friend (joke) Sarkozy last year just because of the very same behavior all along the campaign.
The funny thing is that we face the same issues than America does - minus the war in Iraq, although we start facing big troubles in Afghanistan -, with most of our best brains and entrepreneurs going to or willing to move to... the US.
It's time to change the World...

El Pocho · 1 year ago

Socialist polices and agenda? Give me a break. Sure...let's trust our government to do what is right for the people. If we did that we would have never left England! America needs the populace to kick it's ass every now and again...and I gladly pay a bit extra if it means someone else can be healthy.

Scott Kindorf · 1 year ago

Robert - I hate to jump in here and correct you on this...but....

The Ronald W. Reagan quote is:

"Mr. Gorbachev - Tear down this wall!"

Hence, he was in fact directing that statement to Mr. Mikhail Gorbachev, before the break-up of the Soviet Union and before the Berlin Wall was torn down when East Germany (which was, if you'll remember, a Communist state under the control of the USSR) also collapsed.

Besides that, I think that your post here is absolutely excellent and should be read by every Democrat around. As for me, I'm a Republican who is hoping that the GOP also reads this article and learns something from it.

We will *never* get involved in technology & tech issues on a Govermental basis, because it will take ten times the amount of effort to get the Government to do anything unless there is a Presidential Mandate for it. The Red-Tape and bureaucracy these days - mechanisms to keep one or more parties from being sued - is the real stranglehold on innovation. We have become a very litigious society, and that is what causes the stagnant waters of innovation in the US. Historically, after the Kennedy Administration, the Democratic party - through Johnson's "Great Soceity" speech - has become one of the greatest source of bureaucracy in this nation, and the Republican party (for the most part) has always wanted "smaller" Government. That is what Pres. Bush's Administration ran on in 2000, but the events of 9/11 and the subsequent attack and War in Afghanistan and Iraq shifted focus away from their original goals. The Republican party has always had the "smaller government & less bureaucracy" in their platform and always will.

It comes down to a very simple choice: do you want more bureaucracy, more governmental interference and more wastefull "social experiments"? Vote Democrat!

Eric Susch · 1 year ago

Robert,

It was a pleasure meeting you at the New Media Expo last month.

Thanks for posting this on your blog. It's off topic but really important. It saddens me that many people have lost the ability to debate important topics, instead falling into the trap of canned talking points to "argue" their "side." Many I know avoid discussing important issues entirely because they are afraid of the divisiveness. They compartmentalize their lives so much that they never exchange ideas in public at all. I encourage everyone to speak out like Robert these last few weeks before the election on their blog, in person, wherever. And stick to the issues... avoid the freak show. It's the most patriotic thing an American can do.

See you on the other side on November 5th.

Martin · 1 year ago

Hi,
it often amazes me how different America is from the rest of the world. Both the Democrats and Republican parties are right of centre parties. I don't think either presidential candidate could be thought of as left wing. After the disasterous presidency of the last 8 years the last thing that America needs is a religous fundamentalist so close to the White House. It is difficult to have the moral authority to criticise fundamentalism elsewhere in the world when you have similar extremism views. How are things going to change is you have an active member of the NRA close to the president and some one who shares many of the views of Dick Cheney.
It will be appalling if the Democrats do not win and America will be increasingly thought of a country who has not have a clue. I agree push the real issues...including respect, moral leadership, universal healthcare and the end to the pointless war.

I just hope we don't have to wait another 4 years for Americans to wake up and vote for someone who can change their country for the better.

mal · 1 year ago

The superlinear growth rates also suggest
that a city can grow indefinitely. When the re-
searchers plugged the scaling exponents into an
urban growth equation, they found that cities
driven by economies of scale were destined to
plateau, whereas those driven by innovation or
wealth creation had the potential for unbounded
growth.

p.4 http://www.santafe.edu/research/publications/bu...

NCR · 1 year ago

Ok, I have a crazy idea. You all want change, right? That's what it's all about, change, right? Change, change, change, that's all we're hearing.

Ok, how about this. Now, remember, don't shoot the messenger, you all are looking for something different, right??? We'll, be a man (or woman) and stand for something different.

1. Drop both VP candidates
2. Give Obama and McCain 2 years each as President, and Vice-President taking turns.
3. Decide who goes 1st with a coin toss, or some other random event.

Yeah, ok, it's crazy and probably unconstitutional, but you guys want change, right?

Erwin Blonk · 1 year ago

The elections do seem to be toin cosses. It depends on a few votes here or there. Who claims victory first, will win, results be damned. 25% are for the winner, 25% against and 50% can't be bothered to go vote and who can really blame them?

So change has to come from somewhere else, it has to bypass elections and politics, considering it as one would the weather: you never know if it will be good or bad and you have to go on regardless, dealing with it and adapting strategy.

btw Ronald Reagan had little to do with the Sovjet Union c.s., it had to fall under its own weight and its ignoring of economic laws (like, say, modern day financial institutions and the goverments that are supposed to keep an eye on them). Claiming victory is like claiming victory over rain because it stops after you told it to go away.

JamesB · 1 year ago

Of course you knew this subject would get you tons of hits and even more comments but I have one question to ask you or any other support of either candidate and that is please spell out where your candidate stands on any of the points you made and what you think they will do to make any change about it?

Very specifically I would love for any Democrat to explain to me how they think the same Gov't that cannot run Medicare without there being 60 BILLION in Fraud or higher could run your Social Medicine and it be cheaper.

Explain to me how somebody who was running on "Change" picks a running mate that is part of those same old farts that are so entrenched at being politicians and can still stand there and say he is going to "change" anything.

Sam · 1 year ago

"Barry is not an ultra-liberal empty suit, but a leader"? Really. Take a look at his voting record (at least when he had the balls to show up and vote something other than "present")

As far as being a leader? Please! Somebody. Anybody. Tell me ONE executive decision Barry has had to make in his whole life? (head of Harvard Law Review does not count). Did he even have to make executive decisions when he was Jesus..er...I mean Community Leader?

I'll sit here and eat my waffle while you all search for an answer.

Sam · 1 year ago

@Blonk.
Actually Reagan was a major factor in the collapse of the Soviet Union. He made it clear through words and actions that the US easily could, and would outspend them on nuclear weapons and technology. The Soviets tried and realized they couldn't keep up.

sven · 1 year ago

Scoble For President!!!

Ever · 1 year ago

Robert,

You realize that most of the points you are making are in favor of the Republican Party, right? How in the world do you think that the Democrats are going to be better for the economy with their higher taxes and a forced health care plan that is going to force a lot of small and medium sized companies to look for cheaper alternatives when it comes to employees? Then you wonder why jobs are being outsourced.

If Obama is elected then we’re on the fast track to becoming a socialist country. You and your “geek” buddies won’t have the pleasure of earning $150k a year because somebody in China, India, and Israel is going to do it for a lot less.

Obama is scary and is bad not only for our national security but for business in general.

Doug Quance · 1 year ago

The world wants us to vote in Obama.

That, alone, should be enough to pinch your nose and vote for McCain.

Tim · 1 year ago

You really need to read this.. just did myself and it sheds some well needed light on where things are heading. I know this isnt a scifi blog or anything but bear with me on this. I promise you will be enlightened. Has everything to do with politics and technology.

http://marshallbrain.com/manna1.htm

Newt · 1 year ago

You've convinced me that McCain Palin is the only way to goto keep the Radicals out.

Joe Coffey · 1 year ago

This is just terrible situation all around. The media is horrific as well. Take Whoopee who when McCain said he wants judges to strictly interpret the Constitution, says something about being a slave if the Constitution is to be interpreted literally.. So lets follow the logic.. there is an admendment that outlaws slavery correct? so if the constitution is followed strictly, then there can never be slavery... however if we allow it be to a "living" document, open to any whim of interperation, then we can interpret it any way we want thereby allowing slavery in some circumstances.. And dopey McCain can't think quick on his feet to point this out to her. He's just taken aback and thinking he can't offend her. This is where people actually get there news and views from. Its utterly pathetic. And I am afraid our friend Robert is not thinking for himself.. He sounds an awful lot like Dave Winer here. He brings up education, but who spearheaded No Child Left Behind? Teddy Kennedy.. which union is a Democrat voting block.. teachers union.. which party is in power in Congress right now and could start up education reform... I don't see how a dem president helps vs. repub president. dems can make change now, they don't want to. .lowest congressional rating ever..

Joe Coffey · 1 year ago

@JamesB

you are 1000% correct. Robert/Dave know it or else there would be no need for this post.

testerus · 1 year ago

In the GDR, when we heard the speech of Ronald Reagen we thought he went crazy to ask to "Tear down this wall." At this time no one believed this could actually happen. Not this lifetime.
Even at the time when it happened, no one thought that it was for real. Probably that was the reason why so many people went to the border to see for themselves.
But also there is one thing for sure: the wall did not come down because someone from abroad asked us to.

Stephanie · 1 year ago

Glad to see it being said. The current level of political discourse bores me. There's nothing solid.

I want a leader who knows that we can make a positive difference in the world, rather than being afraid of all the "others". How many of our international problems are caused by our own arrogance?

Maddison · 1 year ago

McCain all the way !! Too bad I live in a state where my vote doesn't really matter anyways.

jshultz · 1 year ago

I wish both sides would read this article and take it to heart. Both sides work to tear each other down instead of build each other, including themselves, up. But, that doesn't sell commercials on tv. TV thrives on conflict.

Kooky Liberals · 1 year ago

Oh god... I guess I'll have to feature you next in our Kook profile section. In the meantime, to everyone out there who can't stand Obama, have fun warping his face here:

http://www.kookyliberals.com/funny-political-pi...

MXS · 1 year ago

Unsubscribed from your RSS feed. It is said that there is nothing worse than a former smoker. Well, appears that there is... a former Christian.

puls200 · 1 year ago

As a foreigner I do not quite understand the mechanics of this debate. If you talk about your (political) adversary you put him at the table. It'll be him in the news, not yourself. You have to proliferate yourself. Elections are lost if no one talks about you but instead of your enemy.
Somehow it's a little bit like asking your girlfriend about her ex-lover. Doesn't that instantly put him at the same table?

GPS Navigation · 1 year ago

Really inspiring post . very thought-provoking and insightful. I am a democrat and will vote for Obama.
GPS Navigation

Wendy · 1 year ago

Robert, positive campaigning never won a modern election. McNasty and Caribou Barbie have found the formula, and you're right...they're going to win. We're a sound bite society, and thoughtful, nuanced discussion of actual issues DO NOT MATTER anymore.

Bemoan that all you want...at your peril.

Poetslife - Bruce Curley · 1 year ago

Excellent points. Well said. Hope whoever is elected will listen read this. I predict McCain-Palin will win by 10. Ive done deep background research on all the candidates. Fred Thompson said it best: "It's pretty clear there are two questions we'll never have to ask ourselves: "Who is this man?" and "Can we trust this man with the presidency?"

Mika · 1 year ago

Robert,

Please stick to technology.

Brian · 1 year ago

Great job Scoble. I like the fact you brought up some solid issues and how Democrats will serve to further the agenda as opposed to Republicans who think we still live in 1776. We have to face the fact that almost any candidate is going to have to raise some taxes (or tax the rich) to pay for these changes, but in the end our children and theirs will be thankful.

The economy has proven to do better under Democratic leadership also.

Kooky Liberals · 1 year ago

I wonder if Barack HUSSEIN Obama will provide a $31,000 dinner plate for his half brother in Africa? "a beautiful boy with a round head".

An elitist snob, you are. Herh herh herh.

Dawn · 1 year ago

Regarding Robert's comment that "Global warming is something that’s observable. Not a religion. A religion is where you take things on 'faith.'":

Current observations are is that the globe is actually cooling, not warming. And the so-called "fact" that human activity is causing global warming is not a scientific fact at all but is accepted by the faithful despite lots of evidence to the contrary.

I'd also point out that when it comes to God, there have been countless observable miracles that science itself cannot explain away.

Jeff Berlin · 1 year ago

Obama just rolled out faith-based merchandise. Theocracy? Religion? You are woefully misinformed Mr. Scoble. The education point is right on, yet you don't know that democrats authored the no child left behind act. Please think for yourself. You are better than this.

Kooky Liberals · 1 year ago

Scoble, you're such a hypocrite. I'm going to do some research and find out how many times you've flown around the world to various conventions/vacations when you could have "saved the planet" instead of spewing out emissions from the jet you're flying on.

If YOU really want to save the planet, here are three simple steps you can start with to "save the earth".

1 - sell your cars, walk and ride a bike everywhere YOU go

2 - Quit going to conferences. You are the master of the Internet, so why not use Ustream? Why can't these conferences be virtual? Because you guys have double standards.

3 - Change the white on your blog to black. We all know how evil the color white is.

4 - Take virtual vacations. Have you heard of Google Earth? You can travel all over the globe from the comfort of your home - hopefully with the air conditioner off.

Anyway, I'll let you know when the post about your carbon footprint is up. In the meantime, shut up and lead by example. :)

Mike Chapman · 1 year ago

I don't mean this to be offensive, and somehow I doubt you'll even read my comment, but you're completely wrong to declare this race over and also doing a major disservice to the many, many of us who are actually working for Obama, when you do so.

I wish, instead, you would use your considerable network to help register people to vote and then get them out to vote, and not declare early defeat.

Please, if you actually read this, ask those who are really involved next time before making such pessimistic pronouncements. You've fallen for the McCain strategy hook, line and sinker.

Tim · 1 year ago

The germans on the streets in the fall of 1989 did it to transform the GDR from within. The wall fell from internal pressure not from external. And frankly help from the United States wasn't on anybodies mind that night. Afterwards, when the german unification was on the table, yes, and deep thanks to Bush the elder for that. But before Reagan was just an american politician scoring points for his constituents using foring countries as props.

Sam · 1 year ago

@Tim, don't know what country you are from but if is the US, your comments are another proof point of how horrible our public education system is.

Mike Chapman · 1 year ago

A friend on Twitter recently did this shout out, and I would urge you to do the same ... thanks for the heads up about http://www.voteforchange.com/ if you aren't registered to vote yet go there now and just do it!!!

Jeff Berlin · 1 year ago

Vote for Change.. a ticket with a guy that's been a senator for 35 years!

@KookyLiberal - you forgot to tell him to sell all his macs and camera's as well.

Karl Mueller · 1 year ago

Lest we all forget: When Bill Clinton left office, the economy was BOOMING, and not only was there no national debt, there was a SURPLUS! In fact, if you examine the history of our national debt, you will notice that it always SOARS during the tenure of Republican Presidents. To me the choice is simple this November: Those in favor of a second Great Depression, VOTE REPUBLICAN! Those in favor of having a pot to piss in, VOTE DEMOCRATIC! Personally, I'm not independently wealthy, so I'm certainly not voting for McCain/Palin, whose slogan should be: I beLIEve!!!!

Jeff Berlin · 1 year ago

@KookyLiberals

Also all those stickers on his cameras and macs wasted a lot of trees. How about all those pictures on flickr of food? He mentions health care cost but he has a ton of pics of lots of glutonous unhealthy meals he has consumed.

Suddenly Scoble cares about jobs going overseas.. as if this is new... isn't thomas friedman one his idols? I mean thomas friedman can tell someone has scored perfectly on their SAT's just by looking at them!!! (all u have to be is a well dressed person of Indian descent with glasses to pass his visual litmus test). Isn't that protectionism/isolationism? Pat Buchanan anybody? Scoble talks about california's tax system, meanwhile california is the most liberal state in the union, that's why its so screwed up... meanwhile he thinks a liberal is going to fix it.

Woefully misinformed.. Can someone tell him that prayers are being outlawed everywhere..(except in the case of islam).. where does he get religion is winning? Merry Xmas anyone? Honestly I never thought he was this easy to manipulate.. it seems to me someone has pumped him full of nonsense.

Jeff Berlin · 1 year ago

Just to be clear for myself - I don't believe McCain/Palin will fix anything either.. Like Bush they will talk small goverment etc.. but not do a damn thing. But there is a better chance then the other guys. It's the lesser of 2 evils. As far as protecting america, the choice is not even close. Obama has already promised deep cuts in defense spending (its on youtube - search for obama defense cuts)... he doesn't even know that the missile defense tests have been succesful. This is the true reason the rest of the world wants him. Like someone here said.. pinch your nose and vote.

Sam · 1 year ago

Because you appear to be a Barry supporter, I can certainly see why you want people to vote on Nov 2 and not the 4th. Follow Richard Daly's urging to "vote early and vote often". I'm not sure how you post can be taken as credible and well thought out when you don't even know when election day is.

Tim · 1 year ago

@Sam: Germany

Jeff Berlin · 1 year ago

Well I am done here. Hopefully Scoble looks at these comments and researches some of things mentioned here.. Hopefully he will no longer allow Winers rabid partisin diatribe cut off his own thought process. Just look at the news today, Pelosi says her party is not to blame at all for the current financial woes.. yet they've been the majority party for a long time...and I can't recall Bush vetoing a dem-backed bill for finance industry regulation. At least give us the 'everyone in goverment shares some responsibility' line Nancy!.

Before you label anyone as anti-anything Robert, take a look in the mirror.

Michael · 1 year ago

I have never seen anything like this. The smoke is not clearing yet, but one thing is unmistakable. The concentration of financial power is stunning. There are now only two investment banks left on Wall Street. Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. Also two major banks. B of A and Citicorp. Giants have certainly fallen, but even bigger giants remain.

Both are not in good shape though.

Abroad, the war is spreading towards Pakistan. A dangerous, but understandable escalation. But Pakistan has nukes.

I'm not really sure now it matters who becomes president.

This current situation is bigger than any single person.

But Obama will probably handle it better.

He had my vote long ago.

As far as global warming goes the issues I just mentioned will be top priority for any incoming administration. Green issues will take a back seat even though they are critical.

Somehow, I was disappointed when attending the Web.2 EXPO in SF this year that a serious disconnect seemed to exist between the geeks obsessed with high tech and people understanding these other issues I have just mentioned.

The digital third wave is still embedded in the second industrial wave from which it sprung.

A bigger intergrated picture is needed.


M

Borlock · 1 year ago

Dawn, can you share some links to your scientific study on global cooling? (Statements from Marc Morano or any other politicial (including Al Gore) doesn't count). Is this global cooling man made? Should I be turning off my fridge?

I would ask for a study on your countless observable miracles as well, but I realize that's a pointless question.

J.D. Meier · 1 year ago

Are high tech jobs really leaving or is it a maturity cycle and the jobs are moving up the stack? The ebb and flow of a connected world.

T Vander Kooi · 1 year ago

The problem with the Democrats answer to issue #3 is that they don't look at what caused the problem in the first place. If you look at what has caused the sky rocketing cost of health care in the United States, it is NOT the insurance companies, but rather it is the extremely liberal judicial system that we have had now for decades in our country. The answer to lowering health care costs (thereby making it available to more people at lower income levels) is to shut down all of the frivolous lawsuits that occur and cost both the medical system and the insurance company billions in legal fees every year. This solution would not only lower costs, but would result in a much more open selection ability when it comes to picking medical options for the average American.

Champ Summers · 1 year ago

When John Kennedy asked us to go to the moon, we did. When Martin Luther King said he has a dream we’ve made his dream happen. When Ronald Reagan told the Germans to “tear down this wall” they did.

* John Kennedy would have been thrown out of the MoveOn-controlled Democratic Party for his pro-war, pro-freedom agenda. Look at Joe Lieberman for an example.

* MLK was, of course, a Republican

* Reagan was, of course, a Republican who was _pilloried_ in the press and by Democrats for that particular statement, SDI (which turns out to be a blessing for Israel and our European allies), and pro-growth strategies.

Please don't equate Barack Obama with any of those three great figures. Obama has affiliated solely with communists, terrorists and Islamists his entire career... during which I can't find a single noteworthy accomplishment (other than his wonderful speech-making).

Though his brownshirts have been good at intimidating WGN in Chicago for daring to discuss his Annenberg Challenge failures and links to Bill Ayers.

But, if Obama wins, perhaps he could name Democrat Jamie Gorelick his AG. There's a reason she's called the "Mistress of Disaster": she played key roles in both 9/11 and the raping and pillaging of Fannie Mae.

Jerry · 1 year ago

@Tim. Well, then I'll go back to my point they we really don't care what the rest of the world thinks. Because at the end of the day we know who they will come to for help. I mean, good luck trying to get the French to help you. The British, maybe. So, go on thinking we are an embarrassment, and we'll keep running the world as we please, because...well, we can.

Some Guy · 1 year ago

Let me toss out a wild idea here.. Our problem isn't that our government doesn't do enough, it's that the government does far too much.

We have this document called the Constitution of the United States. It's not perfect, but it's a damn sight better than what we have now. Nearly every problem we have today can be traced directly to government expanding its power beyond those granted by the constitution, from the war, to our failing schools, to our ridiculously expensive health care system.

Some Guy · 1 year ago

"The concentration of financial power is stunning. There are now only two investment banks left on Wall Street. Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs"

Yep. The effect of government interference in markets is always to drive consolidation into larger organizations. The bigger a company is, the better it's able to cope with the absurd regulations imposed upon it.

That's why most of us are one of millions of customers of a behemoth like Kaiser, instead of one of a couple hundred customers of a family medical practice. Regulation forces consolidation, and never forget that government is the ultimate monopoly.

I've been involved with a couple of startups in my career, and even before we made our first dollar in revenues, we easily spent a third of our capital and half of our senior management's time on complying with regulation and taxation.

Chris · 1 year ago

"My issue is that I’m seeing high tech jobs leaving America for a variety of reasons."

Scoble, this is Chris, banned from Channel 9 Chris. When I left Canada, I had business expenses that exceed the business revenue. The situation with programmers was absolutely aweful. I had fired over 10 employees. The Canadian dollar was worth more than the US dollar and yet gas was $7-8 a gallon while it was $3-4 here.

Now that I'm in LA, I make almost as much as you do, and I have a great job.

Just take a look at Craigslist. There is plenty of opportunity in California and the USA.

"But in today’s America we’re angry about immigrants who come to America to take our jobs. "

The programmers I was with in Canada would literally kill somebody almost to have jobs like the jobs that are available in SF and LA. If we simply let them all in, it will drive our salaries down..

If their government let them down, let them wrestle with their own politics over where they are.

California is so much better than Canada and every other country it's not even funny. It's like California is a plateau, and you look down on the rest of the world.

At any rate, the USA is the best country in the world, and frankly it should be the best country in the world for us.

Throw your bottles and cans now. I'm voting McCain. Not that it matters who you vote for. The day after the election, it will be the same sh1t on a different day no matter who's coming into office.

Chris · 1 year ago

"I had business expenses that exceed the business revenue." Exceed should be exceeded. Typo

Some Guy · 1 year ago

"it is NOT the insurance companies, but rather it is the extremely liberal judicial system that we have had now for decades in our country. "

Vander,

Liability costs are a major factor, but they pale in comparison to the procedural costs imposed by the FDA and other regulatory agencies. Look up what it costs to get a drug, device, or treatment through the FDA approval process. It will turn your hair white.

Jonathan · 1 year ago

Robert, great post, it's about taking the high road, which seems to be out of vogue these days.

Two things, you should take a look at this video of Barack Obama that David Weinberger posted -- I wish more of these ads would be shown on TV.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1...


Second, I have to respond to this obsession people had with Reagan. People think he was great and he WAS charismatic. He also drove the country's budget into the gutter like W has done. Spend tons on defense and then use the deficit as an excuse to cut social programs.

Andy Freeman · 1 year ago

Through various programs, govt already provides health care to about half of Americans. If you believe that govt health care will be cheaper for all Americans, shouldn't you first explain why govt health care for half of americans costs about the same as private health care for a comparable number of people?

Better yet, make govt health care cheaper than private and make it available as a choice.

If you can't make govt health care cheaper for half of Americans, why should anyone believe that you can make it cheaper for all?

Maurice · 1 year ago

good post Robert

Mike Obama is a radical socialist lol more a very wet one nation tory or a rightwing Limb dem or a nu labour type.

This is my take on the us political scene.

I think part of the problem the USA has is its political structure is set up for a bunch of landowning enlightenment types who wanted to keep power in their hands. The other problem is that the religious right captured the republican party like the trots tried and failed to do in the 80’s to the labour party.

There is a good theory that the reason why the USA doesn’t play cricket is that the gentlemen (posh types think Boris Johnson) didn’t want to play with the players (lower class labourers and servants)

Also the scary part for the rest of the world is the way such inexperienced people can get to such a powerful position with out pervious experience why did McCain not get Condi as his VP.

It would almost be like if an old flame of mine suddenly got picked be David Cameron’s deputy (she’s a local conservative councillor at the moment)

Jeff Berlin · 1 year ago

I wasn't going to post again but today I am truly embarrassed for my country. I really am. Our candidates for the highest office in the land have proved themselves to be, well, downright awful. On the one hand you have McCain's assinine fundamentals quote. Maybe you could stretch it and say "well he's just trying to be reassuring in this troubled time" but he backed it up with such lame-ass reason. Then you have Obama with his "get in their face" street rhetoric. This is really pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. On top of that he wants his followers (it sounded like to me) to be antagonistic to their neighbors and maybe out and out lie - you see he says to argue that he's not going raise taxes (didn't he say he'd role back the bush tax cuts... that would raise taxes since you'd be paying more but I don't have the patience to look it up right now, I am so fuming), meanwhile his VP is out talking about how it is patriotic to give more to government! To a bunch of people that have shown almost zero ability to or willingness to peek around corners and solve problems. Pelosi and Reid are absolutely pathetic. I don't how anyone can ask me to vote for a guy that asks me to get in my neighbors face.

Like the old legend, we are all Nero, and Rome is burning.

Charlie Daniels · 1 year ago

Robert:
An excellent post, and one that I think a true believing Republican could post as well. I would offer a couple of other things to think about:

First of all, when we have elections, we generally accept the outcomes, settle down, and go about our business. We do not man the barricades and storm the White House. This type of nasty discourse is a part of our political and societal nature. Please remember the vicious stories and attacks against a president that many consider to be out best -- Abe Lincoln! He was often portrayed in the press as an Ape!

Secondly, when someone run on the issues, they get about 5% of the vote. Witness the lack of success of issued minded candidates such as Ron Paul and Ralph Nadar.

Finally, Pogo said it best " I have seen the enemy and he is us!" If enough people are disgusted by this type of campaign, they will vote for something different. However, the prurient pleasure must outweigh the disgust because campaigns are getting worse.

Charlie Daniels · 1 year ago

Netposer: In response to part of your blog, the fact is that George W. Bush never, let me repeat, never lowered taxes for the rich. He lowered marginal tax rates for everyone and as a result, the rich are now paying a higher percentage of income tax than at any time under President Clinton.

Nick Savides · 1 year ago

Hello Robert,
You raise some interesting points. I don't agree with you about everything, but I appreciate your call to a renewed civility in political discourse.

I should mention that I'm an independent who tends to lean right, but I am interested in what both sides have to say. You are right to imply that the more time that the Democrats spend attacking Palin, with mean-spirited and snobbish attacks in my opinion, the less likely I will be to consider their ideas. But then, as a person of faith, I am also less inclined to consider someone's ideas when I sense that I'm being pandered to or talked down to because of my beliefs.

That being said, I remain unconvinced that simply throwing more tax dollars at big problems is the way to encourage the innovation and risk-taking needed to solve those problems. I have dealt with a wide range of companies in my life, some of them awful but many of them great, useful, and magnificent. On the other hand, I have had very few barely- acceptable experiences with government, many bad experiences, but never great and magnificent ones.

Typically, my frustrating experiences at the DMV come to mind when I think of government services: long lines, poor service, and unnecessarily bureaucratic policies. The DMV can get away with that because they know that I have no alternatives. I can't take my business elsewhere.

But, the tech companies that you cover know that they have to be consistently excellent to keep me coming back. Are there still bad tech companies? Of course. But the status quo doesn't encourage their complacency in the way that it does for too many government services. So why does it make sense to give government even more responsibilities, when it has failed, for the most part, to be exceptional in what it already does?

If the Democrats positioned themselves as the party that embraces entrepreneurs and encourages people to take risks and if they didn't campaign so heavily on taxing (punishing) the rich for their success, then I would be more inclined to vote for them.

In other words, your fellow Democrats should spend less time talking down to people of faith and mocking likable, unpretentious people like Palin, and you should spend more time convincing people like me that you have good ideas to spark innovation and growth. Maybe then I would listen. Otherwise, I might just cling to my guns and my religion and vote for the other guys.

Jerry · 1 year ago

@Jonathan. Reagan..."Spend tons on defense and then use the deficit as an excuse to cut social programs."

You say that as if it were a bad thing. Spending tons on defense? Well, excuse Reagan for actually spending tax dollars as The Constitution outlines. For shame!!!!.

Cut social programs? Again, excuse Mr. Reagan for trying to get rid of programs that, Constitutionally, should never have been set up by the Federal Government in the first place. Boy, it really sucks when you have a President that takes seriously his oath to "PRESERVE, PROTECT, and DEFEND the Constitution of the United States". Unfortunately, few Presidents in recent memory have even understood what that oath means. Not to mention the majority of the left.