Reply #24: Very true.

[H2O Man]

Any time two people think just alike on everything, it means that only one of them is thinking. And that's why democrats, unlike republicans, usually recognize that they aren't going to agree with any one candidate on every issue. We do best when we keep an open mind, and focus on finding which candidates are taking positions we favor on the issues that are most important to us.

There are a number of issues that are very important to me. I recognize that none of them are going to get proper funding, however, if the Bush/neoconservative policies continue in the Middle East. It is no different than in the days of LBJ: while progressive democrats endorsed the Great Society, it was not possible when the country was investing its treasure -- including people and money -- in an immoral war in Southeast Asia.

When we examine the nature of the neoconservatives, we should recognize that they have allies that we can accurately describe as neoliberals. While those neoliberals may sincerely believe in the basic Great Society values, if they support the Bush madness in the Iraq, they are in fact draining the resources this country requires to reach that higher level. More, they are investing in an immoral war.

Again, it is worth our openly discussing where different candidates are getting their funding. Do they take large contributions from, for example, an organization that is associated with advocating expanding the military conflict in the Middle East? These are important issues, and will play a role in my determining which candidates I will consider donating time and/or money to.