Story Photos
 Kelso High School senior James Ison turns 18 on Monday, just in time to vote Tuesday. Bill Wagner / The Daily News
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Five local first-time voters describe their feelings
Sunday, November 2, 2008 10:41 PM PST
By Tony Lystra
Printable version
E-mail this articleMuch has been made of the increased interest in this year’s presidential election, with the U.S. fighting two wars, facing a recession and, long a superpower, wondering about its place in the world.
States are predicting record turnout among voters Tuesday — including more participation from younger voters. The Cowlitz County elections office registered 5,168 new voters in the last year. (That number includes people who have moved here from other counties, not just first-time voters.)
The Daily News spoke with five first-time voters this week about what finally casting a ballot means to them and what they believe is at stake in Tuesday’s election.
James Ison, 17, Senior, Kelso High School
Ison will only have been eligible to vote for a matter of hours when he casts his ballot Tuesday. He turns 18 on Monday, but was able to register in October.
"It felt great to finally have a voice in government and have a say," he said.
Ison, who will join the Air Force after high school and is considering a career in law enforcement, said his politics are driven, in large part, by his faith, and that he will vote for McCain.
"I’m a very strong Christian," said Ison, who opposes abortion and gay marriage. "I just agreed with a lot of his stances on stuff.... His choice for vice president, who is a strong, devout Christian."
Ison said he also likes that McCain is a veteran and a former Vietnam war prisoner. "That just made me feel real comfortable with him being commander in chief."
By contrast, he said, "I just feel if Obama takes office, there will be too many riots against the things that he proposes ... Our country is so racist in some parts. I really don’t see it going well if a black takes office ... I come from Kentucky. I lived in an area where my neighbors flew the confederate flag proudly."
He quickly added: "If it seems like I’m racist, I’m not. I’m really not."
Ison also said he’s worried about Obama’s policy for Iraq, where his father served.
"If we completely withdrawal from Iraq now, it will be Vietnam, where they came home in shame, where they were spat upon," he said.
Jack Hayes, 63, Kalama
Hayes, a heavy equipment instructor, never bothered to vote after he returned from the war in Vietnam in 1968.
Nobody seemed to care what he’d been through, he said. A man even spit on him after he stepped off a plane at a California airport. The experience, and others, he said, left him feeling cut off from the political process.
"That’s basically one reason why I never voted," Hayes said. "I never figured my one vote was good enough after going through what I went through for my country."
But Hayes decided to vote for the first time this year, because he’s fed up with the direction the U.S. is heading.
"I feel this is on of the most important elections that I’ve seen in my life," he said. "I want to see the country do something different and better."
Hayes declined to say who he’d vote for. He also didn’t discuss specific policies that worry him. But, he said, he is frustrated by "some of our foreign polices" and the "political nonsense that these guys pull on us that we’re supposed to enjoy."
"I look at things a lot differently than the new breed does," he said.
McKenzie Sager, 18, Senior, Mark Morris High School
Sager said her generation appears to be more politically aware than those before it.
Among her friends, Sager said, half favor Obama, half favor McCain. Vigorous political discussions are common among the group, she said. And the debates have become more intense as the election nears.
"It definitely leads to tensions in friendships," she said. "People’s emotions just get so involved. You definitely have to walk away and let it cool off."
In fact, Sager said, she didn’t want to say in the paper who she’d vote for or even discuss the issues that matter most to her because the discussions have become so heated.
Still, Sager said she’s eager to vote for the first time Tuesday.
"I’m having an influence on what goes on in the world," she said.
Nick Buccola, 18, Senior, Mark Morris High School
Buccola said he’s excited for Tuesday, "just because my vote will count, and that may help the world.
The election, he said, is especially important because the next president is "going to come straight into a war that we have been fighting since 200 ... His decisions will be the only thing that matters."
Buccola said he’ll most likely vote for Obama. "I just like his views on everything — what he plans to do. Some people think that he may not be right because he doesn’t really have that big of a background in politics. But I think he’ll be able to come through and surprise us all in the end."
Samantha Warring, 18, Senior, Mark Morris High School
Warring said she’s worried the U.S. will withdrawal from Iraq precipitously and that the consequences will be "not good."
In fact, Warring said the war will be the primary issue driving her decision Tuesday. She also said she plans to vote for McCain because "he supports the war."
Warring said she’s been interested in politics since she was 14. That’s when her eighth-grade history teacher brought world affairs — particularly World War II — to life for her.
Now, she says she’s eager to cast her first ballot because "I get a say in what happens in the future."
Billy Hill wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:52 AM:
" I too was shocked to learn the depth of black peoples hatred for me just because I am white, shocked I tell you. I was raise to believe all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights which are the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE said 1 bad thing to a black person.....ever! Why do they hate me so much? I will be writing more on this subject in the future. I have found out that in Chicago, the nations murder capital of the world, Obamas home town that health care is also considered a right. Crimes are allowed to continue unabated with out impunity. It was with horror that my family watched in shock at Obamas preacher scream at the top of his lungs "god damn America" and say the most hateful things aimed at god, man and county and everybody in attendance agreed. Horrifying! I never dreamed these things happened church in America! Obama was right in the middle of all of this complete societal break down which is almost anarchy. What in the world does he know about normal Americans an the vision we have for the country we dearly love? This man and his life long associates scare me to death. I fear that at some point should they and their UN-American values and associate gain power they will be taken down with extreme prejudice. History repeats itself so I guess its unavoidable. Even in Paradise. "
novoselic wrote on Nov 2, 2008 2:35 AM:
" James Ison is voting for McCain so racists in Kentucky won't riot! Maybe Republicans will get lucky and win because enough racism will surface on election day where whites won't actually pick the black in the privacy of the voting booth. Even though they had no intention of doing so, these voters told pollsters they'd vote for Obama because racism looks bad. This way they can tell themselves - "If it seems like Im racist, Im not. Im really not." "
Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Nov 2, 2008 6:39 AM:
" Our forefathers insisted on the separation of church and state. This was both then and now, a very wise position to take and uphold. I don't agree with voting along your party lines, and I certainly believe that a person should not allow their religious beliefs to sway their vote. Also, as I am addressing the first young mans comments here...I hope he understands that Kentucky fought on the side of the Union. I appreciate the zealousness some of the American youth has shown during this election. I've had a few spirited debates with my own daughter. However, I worry about their lack of practical political knowledge. Savvy is one thing...experience, will always be better. With the Government set up as it is, no one man will make the major differences both candidates are espousing with such vigor. "King George" skewered the public view on how the office of President really works. As for McCains service record? Well, I have serious concerns about a man with a Vietnam Mentality, leading our country in two very "vietnamesque" wars. That train of thought didn't work so well the first time around. My ballot is filled out, with the glaring exception of the Presidential race. I urge all voting to vote their conscience...and not their religious belief or party line. The two party system is a failed experiment on the scale of Communism. Think, people! "
Small Town Girl wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:30 AM:
" To "Amazed by Ignorance:" In all areas of our life, including when we vote, our core values should guide us in choosing candidates that mirror our beliefs. If you are religious, it would seem that those values would be foundational. They do not go away in the voting booth. They shouldn't. Perhaps you are not aware that our forefather's belief in Judeo-Christian values helped them to envision this extraordinary experiment in democracy. Separation of church and state was to protect the People's right to religion (or no religion at all), not to protect the voting booth from the religious. "
KyLady wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:34 AM:
" I am very proud that Mr Ison stuck to his belief's and spoke honestly. I do not believe his comments about KY were racist, just realistic. Sad as it may be, he is all to aware of how racist the country overall is, especially the South still. Don't confuse acknowledging the sad truth with being racist. Mr Ison is a civil war re-enactor and extremely knowledgeable of who fought on what side and what the FULL reasons of the Civil War were. Most people don't. As for voting based on faith only, since you don't know him you can make that assumption, but believe me, he's done more research on ALL candidates which is more than most people do. He's been watching and tracking all possible candidates for years, not just the last couple weeks/months. I trust his judgement better than many who is voting the way they always have or based on race like I've heard many say they would. Everyone out there is entitled to disagree with him, but I appreciate him having the courage to speak up and say who he's voting for and be able to speak intelligently as to why. Not all 5 interviewed would even say who they're voting for. Those are the ones I worry about. Whether I agree with you or not, have the courage and conviction to speak up. Just saying you;re voting isn't enough. Fall out or not, James spoke the truth. "
KyLady wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:04 AM:
" First off you all need to realize that speaking and acknowledging the truth isn't the same as being a racist. James most certainly does not condone racism, but since unlike many of you, he's lived in the south and not just in this po-dunk backward county, he knows what other parts of this grand country really thinks. As for not being "politically knowledgeable". James has done LOTS of research. In school he is only being taught liberalism. He isn't voting one way because his family always has like the majority of voters will do. If I hear one more person say they're voting for Obama because they've always voted Democratic and just can't go against that, I'll scream!!! James has spent hours watching debates, researching this government and the candidates. Everyone voting should do half the work. As for KY fighting for the Union. Again, be educated before you speak. James is a seasoned Civil War Re-Enactor, he knows who fought for who. KY fought on both sides and the town he comes from in KY still has underground access. Maybe what he said bothers you because you're taking the easy way out and just casting a thoughtless vote. Shame on you and Horray for James. "
Blogger Jogger wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:07 AM:
" Before I add this message, I want everybody to know that it is not meant sarcastically. If a person begins her sentence, "Ok, please don't take offense..." it generally means that something offensive is about to be said. If a person has to say, "If it seems like Im racist, Im not. Im really not" that person might need to self reflect a bit more on equality and what equality really is. "
mole wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:16 AM:
" RELIGION: never should be the only factor,and just because gay marriage is against your values,doesnot make your values more important.The gays, will do what thier values tell them, and they value thier,relationships, just as much as non-gays.It has no place in politics,as well as religion!!!!the 18 year old girl who believes in war,has never been in a fire fight!!! war should be last resort!!! STOP KILLING FOR OIL!!!!!!OBAMA AT LEAST WANTS TO TALK FIRST,BEFORE HE SENDS THE YOUNG TO DIE!!!! "
mole wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:19 AM:
" AMAZED,NOT VOTING FOR EITHER CANDIDATE.NOW THAT IS IGNORANT, MAKE UP YOUR MIND, "VOTE" FOR ONE OR THE OTHER!!! "
'94MonarchHasBeen wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:22 AM:
" I have a feeling if you asked that Ison kid what specific "things Obama proposes" are going to cause riots, he'd draw a blank. Once this kid quits spending his time playing dungeons and dragons in mom's basement and gets out in the real world, he may learn that just because someone's a racial minority doesn't mean they have some ultra-radical agenda. But I do realize some states with problems in the gene pool (Kentucky) may be a little slower to come around. "
mhmltn wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:31 AM:
" To Billy Hill,I to was surprised by the hate for whites in some of the blacks I know too.They all justify it by saying, now you know how we all feel.I told them they are lucky to live in this country and that somewhere in history almost all races of people were a slave and this is the only country that had the brains and will to stop it . Also that hatred they show for whites will restart the hatred in whites for them .Biggotry needs to go from everyone.Anyone that spreads hate for any race needs to be kicked out of this country. It is a cancer. "
KyLady wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:37 AM:
" 94MonarchHasBeen must really be a has been. Making the ignorant assumption the James hasn't been in the real world proves it. He's lived on 2 countries and lived in many states. That's right, he's a military brat. Both of his parent served in both wars. And his Dad served a year in the hot zone of this current war. He doesn't live in his parents basement playing stupid games, sighting an old game such as D&D tells us how out of touch you are. James has been to the state capital several times protesting and petitioning for what he believes in to make changes. He's very active and educated in the community happening and church. Your baseless ignorant comment tells me you are the uninformed ignorant one here, not James. "
KyLady wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:42 AM:
" Oh and if 94MonarchHasBeen was intelligent enough to handle the conversation, James could sit and tell him specifically what "things Obama proposes" scare him. I for one just want Obama to produce his birth certificate and to explain to me how the Aunt he claimed to be such an important part of his life and that he's so close to, lived in this country for over 4 years illegally and he wasn't aware of it. If he can't keep better track of his so called close family members, how can we depend on him to keep track of our government. "
Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:59 AM:
" Since KyLady doesn't adhere to her own beliefs, I'll not address her commentary until she chooses a side. Mole? When did I say I wasn't going to? I am going to cast My vote, but...last time I looked I still have two days to make a decision. Also, there are many other candidates besides the "big two". "
DW wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:04 AM:
" '94MonarchHasBeen, read what KyLady wrote before you go spewing. Sounds like she might actually BE the mom of James Ison. I actually have hope for this country when a young man like James isn't indoctrinated by the lefties in the school system. And Mole, I don't even know where to start with people like you. I canceled out your vote for one. And if it was all about the "oil", why haven't we made Iraq pay us back for all the money we've spent, or why haven't we captured the oil fields and had Halliburton and Cheney build a pipe line from Iraq straight to George Bush's house in Texas. You "oil for war" nuts make me take way to much Ibuprophen. I still think this election will be closer than the pollsters say. That is why they have the election. Kind of like #1 Texas or #1 USC getting beat by a lesser football team. As for religion, the separation of church and state was intended to keep the state out of the church, not so much the church out of the state. This country has most of it's basic principles founded by what christians believe. It is a shame that in just over 230 years we've somehow got to a point that people like Obama want to "change" what this country was founded on. "Spreading the wealth around" is not one of them. "
sleepless wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:23 AM:
" I respect everyone's choice wether it is McCain or Obama and that is the beauty of this country..but I have some issues here...
Ky is not a good reflection of what all america really is..Ky is just a small part and if people in Ky and some rural Mississippi did not get past race it is because they have a very local and narrow sighted thinking...it helps to travel every now and then and see the rest of america...New York, Boston, California, Seattle , Chicago..these are america too..and in these places there are the big well respected universities and institiutions..scholars from all over the world...and they are ready for non-white president "I couldn't care less" and if Ky is not ready for a black president well they should because in 2 days they have to deal with it.... "
Ky is not a good reflection of what all america really is..Ky is just a small part and if people in Ky and some rural Mississippi did not get past race it is because they have a very local and narrow sighted thinking...it helps to travel every now and then and see the rest of america...New York, Boston, California, Seattle , Chicago..these are america too..and in these places there are the big well respected universities and institiutions..scholars from all over the world...and they are ready for non-white president "I couldn't care less" and if Ky is not ready for a black president well they should because in 2 days they have to deal with it.... "
owlcreekcats wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:28 AM:
" the young mr. ison, who says "i'm not really a racist,is really a racist. why else would he feel the need to defend himself? "
turkeyhunterman wrote on Nov 2, 2008 11:14 AM:
" Amazed by ignorance needs to find out why our founding fathers penned into existence the need for separation of church and state. There is an obvious lack of knowledge on their part. It's not ok to revise history to make it say what we want it to say. Those who created the Constitution wrote an incredible document with very clear intentions. Over the years those intentions have been diminished to nothing more than a political ploy to keep the church from being influential in our society. Look around. How's that been working since the '60s? Good job to those people who have done their homework before making a mark on their ballot. "
ab wrote on Nov 2, 2008 11:51 AM:
" Here is a challenge for you. Review the U.S. Constitution and try and find the phrase "Separation of Church and State". It is not there. The phrase did not appear in print until nearly a decade later and only in a letter written by Thomas Jefferson. You will find however that this country was founded on the Judeo-Christian values and that is not disputable. So if you say something false and say it enough times you begin to believe it, and maybe you can convince some uninformed person, but you are only spreading a lie. "
Buford McGee wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:01 PM:
" What a crock. Daily news selected young votes that favored republicans. It is well known fact that most young voters support democrats. How long did it take you Daily News to find voters that agreed with you? This paper is not worthy of lining the bird cage. "
Blogger Jogger wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:21 PM:
" That's just down right embarrasin'. "KYLady"... hmmm, any chance that stands for Kentucky Lade and you just might be James's mom. I doubt seriously that even one person has told you that they are voting for Obama because they, "...just always vote democrat." You know, with the delightful dimwit Bush in office, there is a much better argument that republicans are more likely to vote republican just because they always have. Frankly, there just isn't any other way that he could have actually been elected the 2nd time, since we all know clearly that he wasn't actually elected the 1st time. "
Ann Onamous wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:31 PM:
" I'm beginning to understand why the white supremacists were targeting this area to recruit. I am saddened and ashamed by the ignorance and intolerance that has been perpetuated in this electoral season. "
CowlitzSounding wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:35 PM:
" TDN chose more young McCain voters. More in fact will vote Obama. Tomorrow you will see TDN support McCain. No surprize there. TDN = Kentucky (backwater) politics. "
Kalama Dude wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:46 PM:
" The depth of ignorance and influence that a parent can have is truly frightening. Sure you are not a racist but for some odd reason you sure sound like one. Go join the military, that is what it is for and you will be a model soldier I am sure not matter who is President. How did we get so lucky to have that family move here? "
Mr. Bastinado wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:51 PM:
" I've got just one comment for the younger voters out there. Be wise how you cast your vote. One guy doesn't care if we ever get outta there, and if you're of draft age, well, hope you don't mind having an M-4 in your hands and sand in all the wrong places, cause it ain't gonna be the old b*stards like me over there...it's gonna be you, and there ain't gonna be no one happy if you come back home in a box. "
Mr. Bastinado wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:21 PM:
" One observation; no RA Long students made this article. As the school with the greater percentage of socio-economically deprived students, they would most likely be the ones(statistically speaking) winding up in Iraq. Maybe TDN couldn't find a sympathetic voice to their viewpoint there... "
2cents wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:54 PM:
" This Christian and her Christian 18 year old son who is voting for the first time are not in support of McCain and his non-Christian values of greed in politics. Taking away our freedoms, using young Americans as slaves in Iraq for more oil, trying to enforce unecessary immunizations on pregnant women and infants to gain profits in Gilead Company and on and on. Think freedom people, please, not religion. "
turkeyhunterman wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:56 PM:
" That's what I'm talking about AB. Although the term "Separation of Church and State" in not found in the constitution there was an underlying intent that the state (government) should not be dictating to the church what they should be doing. People have revised history and write their opinions in comments like this and influence those who don't do their homework and actually believe what they say. Young voters need to listen to Mr. Bastinado and be very careful how their vote is cast. The best predicter of future behavior is past behavior. Do you really want a non committing senator who generally votes "present" to make decisions for our country. His past behavior shows he is not ready to lead. "
spete98611 wrote on Nov 2, 2008 2:56 PM:
" Racism and religion....That seems to be the bulk of comments regarding a story written on the perception of five first-time voters. It's interesting that those two subjects are brought up in comments on almost every other subject out there. It would appear that when someone disagrees with another they call the person a racist or want to throw a quip to the other about religion. I don't have a problem with it at all. For all of you are the ones creating an environment for neo-nazi skinheads to breed. It's funny hearing white people call other white people racists and then listening to each of them having to justify why it is they aren't. Especially when none of them have ever busted out with the "N" word in a mean way, owned a slave, burned a cross in someone's yard or lived in West Virginia (sorry WV). It's like hearing one person calling another person the "N" word. It's thrown around a lot but doesn't really mean anything. Actually, I think the "N" word and the word "racist" have the same meaning. Ignorance....hmm....that would describe most of you pretty well. For when you don't have a valid rebuttal to another person's argument you just throw that "R" word out there. Lets keep breeding ignorant people to put out on the streets. Their easy to manipulate and control. "
mole wrote on Nov 2, 2008 3:07 PM:
" to: amazed,my ballot is filled out,with the glaring exception of the "PRESIDENTIAL RACE".you wrote that,not saying you still had 2 days to vote.I am glad you will vote,who ever for.and as all americans we will stand behind who ever wins !!! "
Kelso Gringo wrote on Nov 2, 2008 3:19 PM:
" James Ison would choose Obama if he understood how this choice will affect his near future.
The only people in their right mind that would vote republican are the super rich. The elite top 5% wealthy. Everyone else benefits most with Obama as president.
I hope James Ison someday learns to make up his own mind and not base his choice on advice of ignorant hillbillies. "
The only people in their right mind that would vote republican are the super rich. The elite top 5% wealthy. Everyone else benefits most with Obama as president.
I hope James Ison someday learns to make up his own mind and not base his choice on advice of ignorant hillbillies. "
dylan wrote on Nov 2, 2008 3:26 PM:
" i dont think this people know what is going on in the world today... they have the right to vote for who they want.. but McCain is not the person i would vote for a 100 year war, is not going to help any one at this point in time. i think you all should read what is going on with the WHOLE USA. and keep you faith out of it. that is why there should be no chirch and state.. there is alot going on with this presidential election. the war, economy,gay rights. that just some of them.. but no matter who win's we need to work on the whole USA no where else but are home land.. there going to be alot of people that wont have the money bc of what is going on here. "
Louie wrote on Nov 2, 2008 4:03 PM:
" TDN endorsed GWB if that tells you anything.
I do not consider myself a religious person but I went to Sunday School every Sunday as a child. There are certain beliefs we carry in our heart and we know when a candidate matches those beliefs or not. That is how we should vote...from the heart. It shouldn't matter if a candidate is a Rep. or Dem. we should vote for the person who is a reflection of our beliefs. Just because we don't attend church doesn't mean we don't lead a spiritual life. So forget the party affiliation and vote your heart...vote for the person you think will help us all bring this great country back together once again. "
I do not consider myself a religious person but I went to Sunday School every Sunday as a child. There are certain beliefs we carry in our heart and we know when a candidate matches those beliefs or not. That is how we should vote...from the heart. It shouldn't matter if a candidate is a Rep. or Dem. we should vote for the person who is a reflection of our beliefs. Just because we don't attend church doesn't mean we don't lead a spiritual life. So forget the party affiliation and vote your heart...vote for the person you think will help us all bring this great country back together once again. "
owlcreekcats wrote on Nov 2, 2008 4:04 PM:
" DW...yes...obama did say he would like to spread the wealth around to the middle class. thank God for that!! maybe it's because his wife is a millionaire many times over that he wants to continue spreading the wealth around to those top 5% who are millionaires and billionaires? it's time we have a president who really appreciates how the other half lives and that would be obama. "
problemsolver wrote on Nov 2, 2008 4:51 PM:
" Lay off the Kentucky kid and his mom. At least they had the courage to intelligently articulate their positions without slinging heated insults and sarcasm. "
cheney119 wrote on Nov 2, 2008 5:05 PM:
" The poor kid is from Kentucky, his father is in the service and he's fix'n to join (but the Air Force isn't realy the military, it's a psuedo service). Give him a break, he doesn't have an opinion, he's echoing an opinion. Hell I voted for Ronald Reagan twice when I was in the Navy, do you'll know anyone more liberal than me? You are not free to choose in his stifled environment, and neither was I. I wouldn't do it again! "
Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Nov 2, 2008 5:24 PM:
" It's amusing how some people can read into things presented in black and white. When did I say that separation of church and state is written into the Constitution? I didn't. "Insisted", is the word I used. Perhaps people should just read what is written by others...before trying to put words and thoughts into their mouths. It only deteriorates any point they might have to make. "
El Gabilon wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:04 PM:
" Our troops did not come home "in shame" after the Vietnam War. It is true that they were spit upon by ignorant Americans who were suckered into believing that we were attacked. History shows that this as Iraq was a planned, pre-emptive war begun by President Lyndon Johnson who received ill advised information from his advisors who after the war admitted they were wrong, but still wrote books about it all filling their wallets on the bodies of dead Americans who should not have been their in the first place. Still Americans did not learn anything and were sucker punched again by George W. Bush our current president into a war that we started, again by ill advised information which proved to be wrong. It is true that voting is an important part of being a citizen of the US, but it is not enough. Americans have been sitting on their duffs turning to their politicians to do what is right for the nation, but doing nothing to stop their abuse of office once they are in. They sat idly by when President Ford pardoned Richard Nixon who should have been brought to trial. Again they sat idly by when impreachment proceedures were tabled by the democratic majority leader against George W. Bush who should have also been impeached. Statements such as "impeachment would tear the country apart" were propaganda messages. Impeachment was essential not because people wanted revenge, but because the law called for it "
ab wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:07 PM:
" I am in my right mind, I am not rich by any means and I will not benefit from an Obama presidency. My vote will be for the only one qualified for the position and that is John McCain. He wants people to have the opportunity to work for themselves and not have another government handout. Also, I believe he is dedicated to killing terrorists and not palling around with them. The only people Obama wants to kill are unborn babies. Obama is a great orator, but so was Hitler, and he will not be and is not a good leader. Vote to save America and elect John McCain. "
El Gabilon wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:20 PM:
" Impeachment in order to show future presidents that your not going to get away with criminal activity as president. American troops could never have won the Vietnam war because it was unwinnable, and a civil war between the north and south. Nor can we win the Iraq war. It was not American troops who failed, rather American politicians. Thousands of Americans have died in these two unjust, pre-emptive wars and no one has paid for what they have done. One must do more than vote, one must keep an eagle eye on every politician and when they step out of line come down upon them with the iron fist of the law. The only war that was just was the Afghanistan war and the republicians blundered that as well. Our troops are the finest in the world, but without adequate leadership, are helpless. Thank Them, don't insult them. We consider this election the biggest farse to have come down the pike in a century since nothing of imortance was discussed in detail. It was nothing but rhetoric on both sides, a Barnum & Bailey side show, and the fault lies on the shoulders of every American who let it happen. Rah..Rah..Rah was not the way to go. "What are you going to do specifically on a hundred issues" was and it didn't happen. Instead fraud, lies, inuendoes, etc., even one who attacked a fellow Christian by saying her opponent was an atheist. THAT IS WHERE THE SHAME LIES. "
JD Hogg wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:40 PM:
" Ever notice how most comments coming from Republicans seem like intelligent and fair, while the Democrat comments seem to be angry, silly, and downright idiotic? When it comes down to the choice of right or wrong, good or evil...Democrats are on the wrong side of everything! There is a clear choice in this coming election, and anyone who votes for Obama is simply uninformed or completely ignorant. Leave these kids alone for crying out loud...we know that if Obama wins you Dems will pass laws to make it illegal to have good christian values...you love forcing others to think and live the way YOU want them to...well, this is America...and for now we still have the right to think and speak how we please! "
grrrowl wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:43 PM:
" KYlady, Barack Obama's birth certificate is available on his website http://fightthesmears.com/articles/5/birthcertificate . "
Simple Man wrote on Nov 2, 2008 11:09 PM:
" Your right JD Hogg. I myself claim to be independent, but Obama is crazy and anyone that votes for him is crazy. He is inexperienced.He wants to take away guns, if he voted for that which other amendment of the constitution does he want to breach. His economic plan is awful, hes not fit to be Commander in Chief and I do question his and his wife's patriotism. And there are some things on this web site said by die hard Dems that make me wonder if they are just messing with people for the fun of it. "
mole wrote on Nov 2, 2008 11:41 PM:
" seems like this thread,is wound[sp]a little tight!!! IN A FEW DAYS YOU CAN ALL CALM DOWN,who ever wins,will have a rough go.LET'S HOPE EACH PERSONS CHOICE,DOES WHAT IS EXPECTED,OF THIER PROMISES!!!we all know,the political arena is full of truth and wisdom !!!! "
Simple Man wrote on Nov 3, 2008 1:07 AM:
" And for everyone saying that whites wont pick Obama because he is black that is garbage. Obama has 98% of Black votes, he wouldnt be there in the first place if he wasnt black. "
wsugrad2005 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 1:45 AM:
" Without discussing which candidate I supported with my vote, I want to commend each of these first time voters for exercising their civic duty. Hopefully they have done enough research to know which candidate most represents their views.
Unfortunately, it seems that this country is deeply divided with little hope of reconciling. I do not believe either candidate's victory will change that reality. I think both sides have some things right and some things wrong, but the problem is the art of compromise is gone. Both parties are too busy pointing fingers and calling each other names to be effective leaders. The rancid, almost rabid debates on TDN and other places leave both parties looking undesirable. There is plenty of blame to go around, but assigning it will not change reality. Only when we can lay aside party labels and find common ground will we ever really fix what is wrong with America these days. If we cannot do so, we are doomed to repeat history's hard lessons. The average life span of a democracy is only about 200 years. We are on borrowed time. "
Unfortunately, it seems that this country is deeply divided with little hope of reconciling. I do not believe either candidate's victory will change that reality. I think both sides have some things right and some things wrong, but the problem is the art of compromise is gone. Both parties are too busy pointing fingers and calling each other names to be effective leaders. The rancid, almost rabid debates on TDN and other places leave both parties looking undesirable. There is plenty of blame to go around, but assigning it will not change reality. Only when we can lay aside party labels and find common ground will we ever really fix what is wrong with America these days. If we cannot do so, we are doomed to repeat history's hard lessons. The average life span of a democracy is only about 200 years. We are on borrowed time. "
starfire wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:07 AM:
" I am glad to see young people interested in politics and sharing their views. "
Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:59 AM:
" JD Hogg...I see anger and idiocy coming from the mouths of both democrats and republicans. Ironic, as a campaign that promises change on both parts...has only served to divide the country more than it has been for quite some time. We already have that promised "change" and it's not for the better. Welcome back 1950's...goodbye 21st century. "
Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:06 AM:
" Simple Man...the second amendment made sense back in the beginnings of America. There was a need for a ready militia, and also the need for a man to be able to provide food for his family. Now, we have the National Gaurd, and supermarkets. It is an archaic, out dated tool, and needs to be either removed, or seriously rewritten. If hunters wish to hunt? Register your weapons with the local police force. Pick them up when you go out, and return them when you are done. As for guns in the home? Studies have shown that in many cases...that gun for "protection" is used against the home owner. Most people, even though they will say otherwise...do not have the pyschological make up to commit murder. Even soldiers in combat have not fired their weapons. Many free countries have banned private gun ownership, and they're getting by just fine. "
turkeyhunterman wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:09 AM:
" Grrrowl, either you know nothing about our founding fathers or you have no idea what deism is. Our founding fathers were men who prayed to the God that according to your comment abandoned the earth. They daily read the bible and sought direction for our contry through prayer. Their faith was the foundation and building block that our country was built on. Don't ever minimize that. Please do your homework before making inaccurate comments like that. "
Woodsmen4 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:02 AM:
" To Simple man, the statement that Obama will take our guns away is just a republican scare tactic that has been around for a long time. Unless government wants another civil war then they won't try to take them. To amazed by ignorance, you must be out of your mind if you think I'm gonna go check out my own gun before I go hunting. Also, the studies that you site, I wouldn't say 7% of the incidents that invovle a gun for protection being turned on the owner is a good argument for removing them from homes. I think that I will keep my guns and if you want them, your gonna have to come and get them! "
mole wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:38 AM:
" woodsman4:right on the money!!! simpleman,!!!! he would not be there in the first place.BECAUSE HE IS BLACK,is the reason he is there.YOU ARE A CLOSET RACIST!!!!! that just came out. "
grrrowl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:39 AM:
" turkeyhunterman - Perhaps you should do your homework. Remember "It's not ok to revise history to make it say what we want it to say." Many of the founding fathers were deists. Google it. The treaty of Tripoli states that the government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion. "
SIMPLE MAN wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:51 AM:
" Obama has 98% of black votes. If McCain had 98% of white votes reverand Jackson would be knocking down doors and taking names. And woodsman, I read many times that Obama voted to ban guns in DC. Is that bunk info? "
biasmedia wrote on Nov 3, 2008 1:28 PM:
" well Kelso Gringo and other that think the top 5% are not taxed but the truth is they are taxes at 63% thats higher then Europe and when you tax them more and they charge you more for that product to make up difference and lay off worker you will have the change that you ask for and too and too Woodsmen4 obama taking our guns is a republican a scare tactic you calm but you might want to do some research before you speak as a state senator he voted gun bans and he also said he support the handgun ban in D.C and too the comment a bought a 100 year war well we are still in Korea and Germany after 50 years so whats the different i ask? and to wrap it up who cares how or why people vote as long as they vote and voice there option in the matter thats better then the normal 70+% staying at home not voting "
LviewLocal wrote on Nov 3, 2008 2:00 PM:
" Simple Man, here is a question/answer with Obama on gun control during the primary: Q: You said recently, "I have no intention of taking away folks' guns." But you support the D.C. handgun ban, and you've said that it's constitutional. How do you reconcile those two positions?
A: Because I think we have two conflicting traditions in this country. I think it's important for us to recognize that we've got a tradition of handgun ownership and gun ownership generally. And a lot of law-abiding citizens use it for hunting, for sportsmanship, and for protecting their families. We also have a violence on the streets that is the result of illegal handgun usage. And so I think there is nothing wrong with a community saying we are going to take those illegal handguns off the streets. And cracking down on the various loopholes that exist in terms of background checks for children, the mentally ill. We can have reasonable, thoughtful gun control measure that I think respect the Second Amendment and people's traditions. My husband is a hunter and we have handguns at home and I think what Obama is saying makes total sense. So yes, saying he's going to ban guns is bunk info, it oversimplifies the information; many, many people support a crackdown on illegal weapons. Not to mention that the whole "Democrats are going to take your guns" is used EVERY election to scare people into voting on that one issue. "
A: Because I think we have two conflicting traditions in this country. I think it's important for us to recognize that we've got a tradition of handgun ownership and gun ownership generally. And a lot of law-abiding citizens use it for hunting, for sportsmanship, and for protecting their families. We also have a violence on the streets that is the result of illegal handgun usage. And so I think there is nothing wrong with a community saying we are going to take those illegal handguns off the streets. And cracking down on the various loopholes that exist in terms of background checks for children, the mentally ill. We can have reasonable, thoughtful gun control measure that I think respect the Second Amendment and people's traditions. My husband is a hunter and we have handguns at home and I think what Obama is saying makes total sense. So yes, saying he's going to ban guns is bunk info, it oversimplifies the information; many, many people support a crackdown on illegal weapons. Not to mention that the whole "Democrats are going to take your guns" is used EVERY election to scare people into voting on that one issue. "
grrrowl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 2:18 PM:
" biasmedia - Families with net incomes of $250k or more currently pay 33% in taxes. Barack Obama want's to raise them back to what they were in the Clinton days, which is 36%. Here's a non partisan website that estimates how much your taxes would change under McCain or Obama http://womeninbusiness.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=womeninbusiness&cdn=money&tm=13&gps=325_604_913_587&f=00&su=p560.7.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//alchemytoday.com/obamataxcut/ . "
mole wrote on Nov 3, 2008 2:54 PM:
" LVWLOCAL: well put,I also am an avid hunter/gun owner, and am not worried in the least,with OBAMA and "gun control".Just recently, an 8 year old boy, shot himself accidently,in the head!!!! IT WAS THE FIRST TIME HE SHOT A "FULLY AUTO" FIRE ARM[MACHINE GUN].The guns recoil,made the gun hop out of control and the barrel rose until it killed him!!!! SO FAST,HE COULD NOT LET GO,I HAVE NO NEED AND NIETHER DO MOST HUNTERS!!! to use those type of weapons,the police and that's all. "
greenbean wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:19 PM:
" I a majority of black voters vote for Obama because he is black, isn't that just as "racist" as a white person NOT voting for him because he is black. We all know this is the case.. "
biasmedia wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:55 PM:
" grrrowl im not talking a bought family income im talking a bought net income and 1099 income "
westykelso wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:41 PM:
" And to think I am voting for Obama because he is half white... "
longviewtransplant wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:01 PM:
" it still amazes me to see how many people are pinning their hopes and dreams for america, and their well being on one person. whoever takes office is going to have some major headaches to deal with. and let me clue you, folks, it wasn't the guy in office now who led us to the economic fallout we're currently experiencing. where do you think the REAL power comes from in our governmental setup?? CONGRESS, of course! as for me, being under a democratically controlled congress has not resulted in the positive elements i think everyone expected. cast the blame where blame is due - sorry, but it's on the democratic policies inundating our government. the whole THING is messed up - until we reach a point where people see the value in TERM LIMITS for our congressional office holders, and actually vote in senators that will LISTEN to the will of the people, then this country is just continuing its spiral. vote in people who have actually worked in the private sector, understand what it takes to pay the bills, and don't just sit there year after year taking money from private interest groups and lobbyists to get initiatives passed.
the one thing that DOES scare me about obama is his ideas on foreign policies, and who he would place into the judicial system. we'd have a screamingly liberal bench at the supreme court, and then where does true "judging" come to? nowhere. "
the one thing that DOES scare me about obama is his ideas on foreign policies, and who he would place into the judicial system. we'd have a screamingly liberal bench at the supreme court, and then where does true "judging" come to? nowhere. "
1209 wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:31 AM:
" At least TDN had the sense to use the face and voice of someone from Kentucky to identify the first time voters of Longview and Kelso. Way to have your hand on the pulse. "
klb65 wrote on Nov 4, 2008 10:57 AM:
" Billy Hill..you're shocked about the hatred of the white folks by the black folks? What rock did you crawl out from under?? I've many friends who happen to be black and they don't hate me for the color of my skin; however, they do hate ignorance, just like I do. They hate interolance, just like I do. Have you never heard of the lenghts they had to go to earn rights in this country? Rights we white folks were born with and take for granted.. For gosh sakes, to go to church or ride the bus, or sit at the lunch counter, they put their lives on the line..would us white folks have done the same? The election should have nothing to do with Kentucky, race or religion. It should only be about the best "person" for the job. Get your head out of your racist #$% and get a grip. This is the new reality..one day whites could very well be a minority in this country and you'll be crying your head off because everyone "hates" me because I'm white. Shame on you for spreading this kind of trash! "
klb65 wrote on Nov 4, 2008 11:10 AM:
" By the way, James Ison and all other brand new voters! Let your voice be heard and don't let anything anyone says discourage you from expressing your opinion and casting your vote.
And Mr.Hayes, thank you for believing that it is finally time for casting your vote. I lost two of my very best friends in Viet Nam and have many friends and family who served there and I'm so very sorry how you were treated when you returned from Viet Nam. I only wished that I could have told you how proud I am of the sacrifice you made by serving and how if you were drafted, you didn't have much of a choice. People today have forgotten about the draft and that soldiers often had no choice of whether they went to Nam or not. From the experience of my friends and family who did make it back, it has been a very difficult life for the veterans. Thank you for all you did and as far as I'm concerned there were no winners in Viet Nam or in Iraq...just a whole lot of folks who lost so very much. Thank you sir, for your service to your country. "
And Mr.Hayes, thank you for believing that it is finally time for casting your vote. I lost two of my very best friends in Viet Nam and have many friends and family who served there and I'm so very sorry how you were treated when you returned from Viet Nam. I only wished that I could have told you how proud I am of the sacrifice you made by serving and how if you were drafted, you didn't have much of a choice. People today have forgotten about the draft and that soldiers often had no choice of whether they went to Nam or not. From the experience of my friends and family who did make it back, it has been a very difficult life for the veterans. Thank you for all you did and as far as I'm concerned there were no winners in Viet Nam or in Iraq...just a whole lot of folks who lost so very much. Thank you sir, for your service to your country. "
jackal wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:09 PM:
" I would like to see the proof that most young voters support Obama. It makes me smile to see how upset people are getting because their beliefs aren't shared by everyone in the area. OBVIOUSLY since you feel Obama is the better candidate, and McCain is so old, the young voters hate him. It couldn't have been random chance that an entire three out of five people confirmed they support McCain, especially when you consider how close the race is! TDN is obviously white supremacist! Honestly though, thanks for the laughs, guys. "
jackal wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:13 PM:
" Also, I must say, playing the race card by accusing others of playing the race card is pretty amusing as well. Seriously, why can't we just accept that fact that MAYBE somebody prefers the white candidate over the black candidate for reasons other than their skin color? "
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