Barack Obama vs Mitt Romney on the issues of the 2012 Presidential election
Issues they side on...
Foreign Policy
Should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?
Barack Obama: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community
Mitt Romney: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security
Should the U.S. end the war in Afghanistan?
Their answers: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
Their answers: Yes
How should the U.S. deal with Iran?
Their answers: Isolate through trade embargoes
How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?
Their answers: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military
Should the U.S. maintain a presence at the United Nations?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: Scale back our current involvement
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
Barack Obama: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture
Mitt Romney: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods
Should the U.S. military fly unmanned drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists?
Their answers: Yes, the U.S. needs to use all means necessary to combat terrorism
Domestic Policy
Do you support the Patriot act?
Barack Obama: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers
Mitt Romney: Yes
Do you support affirmative action programs?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: No
Do you support increased gun control?
Barack Obama: No, only for assault weapons
Mitt Romney: No
Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?
Their answers: No
Should the federal government regulate the internet to deter online piracy?
Their answers: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet
Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund broadcast advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?
Their answers: Yes
the Economy
Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?
Their answers: Yes
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Barack Obama: No
Mitt Romney: Leave it up to the states to decide
Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work
Social
Should the federal government allow the death penalty?
Their answers: Yes
Healthcare
Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects
Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?
Their answers: No
the Environment
Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?
Their answers: Yes
Immigration
Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?
Barack Obama: No, but their children should have access
Mitt Romney: No
Science
Should the federal government fund stem cell research?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: No
Issues they do not side on...
Science
Do you believe the theory of Evolution?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism
Should the United States increase our space exploration efforts and budget?
Barack Obama: No
Mitt Romney: Yes
Foreign Policy
Should the United States end its trade embargo and travel ban on Cuba?
Barack Obama: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place
Mitt Romney: No
Should the government cut military spending?
Barack Obama: Do not change current military budget
Mitt Romney: Increase the military budget
Immigration
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?
Barack Obama: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship
Mitt Romney: No
Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: No
the Environment
Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control
Should U.S. National Parks and Forests continue to be preserved and protected by the federal government?
Barack Obama: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more land
Mitt Romney: No
Should the federal government continue to give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?
Barack Obama: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas
Mitt Romney: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come
Social
What is your stance on abortion?
Barack Obama: Pro-choice
Mitt Romney: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health
Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman
Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?
Barack Obama: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities
Mitt Romney: No
Domestic Policy
Should we limit federal funds to public schools that do not meet performance standards?
Barack Obama: No
Mitt Romney: Yes
the Economy
Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?
Barack Obama: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall
Mitt Romney: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer
Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?
Barack Obama: Yes
Mitt Romney: No
Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?
Barack Obama: Extend only for those making less than $250,000
Mitt Romney: Yes
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Barack Obama: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending
Mitt Romney: No
Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?
Barack Obama: Yes, but with more restrictions
Mitt Romney: No
Healthcare
Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?
Barack Obama: Expand
Mitt Romney: Reform
We don't want our lenessminds Fettered but simple reason is understood. Marriage is very important man was made man and women was made women, we have that life, all other personality comes from perception, and if one thinks that he is born to be attracted to other males well that is his perception but doesn't make it reality, thier are to many reasons why we are made for man and women, if one lives in bias or unreasonableness that is a disorder but e isto try and make laws that are unreasonable then let that be a disorder, well good luck to the future as well as present life.
Dave Byrne
I feel that I am attracted to people of the opposite sex, but that's just my perception too? That doesn't make it reality? What if I'm gay and I didn't know it?
Brad Ross
Dave Byrne, what is your point exactly? You're post seemed pretty nonsensical. The poor grammar and language skills made it pretty challenging to interpret.
Travis Ashley
The similarity of their responses and the fact Romney's responses designed to appease conservatives contradict what he did in MA (abortion, gay marriage--he ordered it!) lead me to believe Romney is just a white version of Obama. The whole election will therefore simply be decided by racist preferences. This is an all time low for America.
Donald E. Horace
look at where they stand and not the color because these are two different people and unless your part of the 3% romney is not for you everything President Obama wants is to build our country he is for college students the young people the old people jobs staying in our country reducing spending statistically he has spent less than the last 4 presidents. look at what they are doing or have done in the past not what they saying now because Romney is a flipflopper he says what he thinks we as the public want to hear but his record says sometthing different
Iesha Blanding Thomas
While Ohbama (yes, OH Bama) has succeeded in the past two years to pass laws for those of the younger generation and college students, knowing the upcoming election depends highly on them, he has failed the general person in my eyes. While it's true that I don't agree with part of Romney's arguments, I doubt the US can survive another 4 years under Ohbama. If you take into consideration the 'targeted' voters in which support he must win, you can see he has done just that. Our younger population which is ever growing and women who still outnumber men 3:1. Give them what they want in the year following re-election and everything else he promised in the previous election is ignored. How is that war in Afghanistan going by the way? It's so nice to have all those troops home by 2011! Ohbama did his years to help the US, I just think it's time to put in new blood to finish what was done. Romney may not be the best choice, but I believe he has a more liberal mind to pull us out of the slums. We have so many issues right now residing in the US to start lifting embargo's with Cuba and allowing 'incentives' to illegal immigrants and their children. While I don't have anything against gay people and their lifestyles and agree there should be a 'role' for them as a couple, but to call it a marriage is not something I can personally agree on either. If you are among the 80% of the Christian religion, you can justify this with a marriage is between a man and a woman. If we are throwing out the bible, you might as well throw out everything we are as the base foundation to every part of our government and federal system was based off it's principles. I agree with Romney that our Medicaid service needs a huge reform. Implementation some of the 'Ohbamacare' regulation to allow for preventive health care (which was NOT a question asked) and such and do away with the 'Ohbamacare' supplement that every state has thrown out the window anyways. While Romney may be against birth control, there is a political standing there. Those companies are around to make money. It's not our government's place to say those products should be freely available. How many of those companies would call it quits if that continued? 80% of them taking losses due to the markdowns due to medicaid only paying so much. How many people would actually get them and put the items to use? The poor horder down the road with a million rubbers in their closet. Who has to pay for those? I suppose as this writer above has quoted Romney's 3%, I'll be among them. Just my opinions and hopes for a better economy and lifestyle for them and myself. For me it was proven as to what Ohbama has done over the past 4 years and I only hope for something better.
Richard Fletcher
I agree in a sense, Donald. However, I would say that Obama never truly changed his political stances between 2004-2008. The big difference is between 2008 and what he has been able to propose/enact. Obama was either bought by the corporations that funded him in '08 or compromised, or both...I haven't figured out exactly how much of each. Richard, you can say we may not survive another 4 years under Obama, but I'm not sure we can survive 2 under Romney. You really think that because this website used the example of Cuba, that it's of vital importance to the president? Yeah, it's a fun answer, but the last time I heard anyone mention that question is when I saw a communist newspaper at my old college. And no, Obama is NOT a communist. Yes, 80% of the country is Christian, but a majority of people think gays should have the right to marry. I'm pretty sure being christian is no longer a justification. Also, for your claim that he is losing sight of independents/general person (they are larger than dems or republicans now), they support this on almost a 2/1 margin. Yes, let's throw out the bible and along with throwing out the one place they mention gay marriage, let's also throw out the part where they stone someone for going into the tabernacle of the lord in their underpants, or the part where it's a women's fault for being raped in a city b/c she didn't yell loud enough. And yeah, our base foundation was based off of John Locke and the greek principles of governing, NOT the bible. Wait...so because they are out there to make money, lower-income people should just not have access to birth control? I hope you realize that this highly increases pregnancy rate at a young age, whether or not abstinence is taught. Teen pregnancy/young adult pregnancy robs hundreds of millions of dollars in tax dollars due to lost income of the mother. It's keeping the perpetuating cycle to trap these people in destitution. The idea isn't to throw out birth control like they do candy at the memorial day parade, but help those who can't afford it have access to it, or at least subsidize it. Yes, the danger of this plan is that someone will hoard a million rubbers. God, why is it that people with republican ideas always find the craziest hypothetical outlier, pretend it is a real threat, and de-legitimize any rational legislation? Look at what happened when Florida started drug testing welfare recipients? They found so few cases that the program cost the government more $ than they saved by denying those people welfare. Stop watching Fox News, because it is propaganda of the oppressor. Anytime they cry wolf on an issue like that, it turns out that they are blowing smoke and all it does is cost the government more $ and make the destitute jump through more loops and put a social stigma on getting welfare, which does not stop them from needing to rely on it, but just makes them feel dirty.
Brad Ross
romney just wants to repel obamacare he does not have an alternative. his wife made a comment that having 30 million dollars she does not feel rich what does that tell you. those rubbers that you speak of thats crazey and i know you just said that for shock value but if it stops one person from aids or an unwwanted pregnancy thats one less person the system has to take care of
Iesha Blanding Thomas
Richard Fletcher - Truth: Women make up 51% of the population, Men 49%. Also, our country has survived for over 230 years, so I'm certain it can survive another 4 with Obama. Also, about spending, if you look at the numbers, our public debt/gross domestic product ratio (which is the true measure of national debt, not the actual dollar amount) is about the same as it was in 1955. So we are not nearly as bad off as the Rush Limbaugh's of the world would like everyone to think.
Neil Myrick
you just sound racist to me richard oh bama really you are very unaware of all the promises he made he could not do it alone and thats what he was. The war in afghanistan was necessary. im not gonna debate anymore with people that wont research his record and Romneys record if your crazeey enough to think romney has your interest at heart then vote for him but if you want to make a informed decision on who the best man to run this country for the people not just big business do some research and not just want romeny because hes white.
Iesha Blanding Thomas
Richard Fletcher -You actually think this country is 80% Christian? You need to read a little more and watch a little less Fox News.
Phil Piaski
Iesha Blanding, I don't know if you realize this, but Obama modeled his healthcare plan after Romney's healthcare plan. The two are almost identical. It amazes me that people still think Obama has our best interests at hand. Obama broke his promises and turned out to be just as big a friend to big business and corporation as Bush was. As a matter of fact, if you actually look at his policies, he essentially served Bush's third term. I can't even take someone seriously when they say they hated Bush, then turn around and praise Obama. I honestly don't know whether to laugh or cry when I hear it. Between the wars, foreign policy, civil rights, and the corporate/bank bailouts, they two my as well have been one person. Obviously, Romney is no solution... He's too much like Obama to make any real difference. But if we're going to call him out on being an enemy of the people and friend to corporation's and big business, let's be fair and honest about Obama too.
Travis Ashley
Richard Fletcher the war on afghanistan isnt dictated by the president, its dictacted by what going on in country and on the ground. If you have ever served in the military you would know that you cant just up and leave because of public perception. We must leave the country in better shape than when we entered. who fills the vacuum that is left behind.
Derek Alexander
Don, you crack me up but I have to agree with you. There's very little difference between the two candidates. My advice? Let's wait until 2016 to get behind a Conservative and thus prevent a President Romney from destroying the country with Amnesty which he and the RINOs want to ram thru (For many years, he was in favor of "the touchback green card Amnesty" scheme right up till January of this year and only changed when he needed Conservative support in the primaries).
Dave Levine
Or we can wait until NOW and line up behind Gary Johnson. Getting a three way debate started is the only way to get the platforms to start changing from being the same as both parties will be forced to evolve their stances on issues to keep their bases strong.
David Lee Moreno
EXACTLY.
Jared Irvin
We can NOT do that, 2016 will be too late.
Loretta Doc Gee Gilmore
If people weren't lied to by the partison media Johnson would win. Leave Obama out of this. Most Johnson supports wouldn't have given Romney their vote anyway. Stop listening to Fox's fear mongering.
Jared Irvin
David Lee Moreno I'm not a fan of Romney, but I'm voting for him anyway because we cannot afford four more years of Obama.
Jonathan Broadus
Jonathan, four years of Romney will be too similar to four more years of Obama. That's why we're sticking to our beliefs and not giving in to the lie that the Republicans can fix the Democrat's problems and vice versa.
Jared Irvin
Jonathan, four more years of Obama, four more years of Bush er, Romney, what's the difference - that's what we're saying. It is not likely Romney will win. If you don't like him, you can vote what you believe in (3rd party choice) rather than keep that inertia going. The cycle has to break sometime, or we're done as a nation.
Daniel Kosack
Dick Detroit : That so-called "law" is no law at all. It is an unconstitutional statute. In addition, Romney's presence in the race only helps Obama's POLICIES remain in effect. Thus, even if Romney wins, you only get rid of Obama, himself, NOT Obama's policies. Romney will still give you socialized medicine.
John Francis Russo
Jonathan Broadus : Sir, what makes you think that we can afford 4 years of Romney ? If Romney wins; you still get Obama's policies from Romney. It is not enough to rid ourselves only of Obama, himself. We must also abandon Obama's policies.
John Francis Russo
Pee-Wee Herman could be running against Obama, if he vows to repeal "Obama-care" and cut spending (aggregiously obscene spending in this case), he gets my vote!
Chad Smial
Haha!!
Michele Achey Smial
I'd even vote for you!
John Clark
i see you have children in your picture do you realize without President Obama Healthcare if you or your spouse lost thier job and acquired a new one if your child had any health issues you would have to pay for them due to preexisting clause is most insurances most people dont want to hear the truth but president obama is for the people and he has spent less than the last 4 presidents p
Iesha Blanding Thomas
These statements are among the dumbest things I have ever heard.
Brian C Pierce
Hopefully you realize Obamacare is just Romneycare. It's the EXACT same thing that Romney passed in massachusets except a couple provisions (such as the child coverage until they are 26) that are good were added. The healthcare mandate was thought up by a conservative think tank. Why? So they could get everyone to buy into corporate-owned healthcare. If you think that Romney truly believes a bill he passed 6 years ago is so bad and he would definitely repeal it, you are fooling yourself. I can't say for certain whether or not he will repeal it, but that's because he's a flip-flopper who has supported both sides on the issue.
Brad Ross
Awe, that's so sweet! Iesha, Obamacare IS Romneycare. And it's you that doesn't seem to want to hear the truth... Obama continued all of Bush's policies. He continued Bush's wars, hell... he IS Bush. Now granted, none of this makes Romney better... but anybody backing one of these two clowns is really just putting their stamp of approval on both of them.
Travis Ashley
"Obama is the kind of politician who puts promises on the record, and then calls that the record" - Vice President Ryan
Chad Smial
Quoting stupidity makes you well..stupid. It takes literally 2 secs to look up Barack's record. Lots of his campaign promises have been fulfilled.
Marvin L Eason
Barack Obama made over 500 promises while campaigning in 2008. "I want you to hold me accountable" — Barack Obama. Promises kept: 175 Promises not kept: 331. I'd fire any coach with a record like that, so why not the leader of the free world? Source: http://obamawatch.wikidot.com
Chad Smial
Most of his bigger promises have not been fulfilled at all. and he is absolutely the worst civil liberties president in American history. That's well documented and not even disputed... and we're about to give him 4 more years. I guess we didn't learn our lesson with Bush after all.
Travis Ashley
It's interesting that Romney wants to build the biggest military force in the world...how much money is he talking about? I thought Republicans wanted less spending, less government interference. Does he plan to do away with Medicare and Social Security to finance it? How does his desire to build the biggest military in the world affect the public debt? I'd like a good, clear-cut and honest answer.
Vic Murray
Vic, That's the tragedy of the Republican party; They DON'T want less government or spending. They essentially want the same things the Democratic party wants (minus gay marriage and abortion.) We all thought Obama was going to save us some money with his military and foreign policy but as it turned out, he was more iron-fisted in his military leadership and decisions than Bush was. It's really quite an amazing matter of social commentary... We are both more divided AND more similar than ever before. I'm paraphrasing here but Sun Tzu said something along the lines of... "the best way to defeat an enemy is to cause division among them... if they are doing battle against each other, they will not see us coming." And thus "We the People" fell.
Travis Ashley
As a registered republican and self-proclaimed conservative, I find the politics of neo-conservatives offensive at best. The driving force is regressive and self-entitled. Today's GOP stands for itself, and the elected republicans represent this organization more than the ideals of their party. Of course, I have my own personal bias towards how things should be, and perhaps that's not a representation of republican ideals. That said, if the republicans are intent on representing the ideals of Rove, then so be it (and therefore I'm not a republican). If they want to try to co-op the ideals of conservatism, isolationism, strong separation of church and state, individual liberty, and responsibility... I cry foul. The tactics of this organization are obnoxiously deceptive and hypocritical, and I can't be alone in wanting to oppose them.
loodwigx
You give me hope
Marvin L Eason
Obama doesn't want less military spending either. Both sides are pointing fingers and shielding your eyes from their own doings. www.GaryJohnson2012.com Do your homework. Times are changing. With the internet and an ever awaking country... 3rd party has a chance.
Alexander Gopoian
Ronald Reagan wanted a strong military, the libs laughed at him....and turned it the best offense is a strong defense which went to hell in a hand basket with Clinton.
Loretta Doc Gee Gilmore
I'm a strict "Constitutionalists". Both parties have shredded that document. Our rights have been subjugated with their consent and dilution of the laws by the courts. The will of the people has been and will be negated as long as these same parties are in power
Michael Smith
A weak military guarantees stability and access to markets. A strong military will pay for itself for those reasons. Witness Jimmy Carter versus Ronald Reagan's terms. 18% -25% inflationary spiral during Caters years versus less than 4% During Reagan's. No one wants to pay for a fire Dept. until you have a fire...
Michael Smith
Travis Ashley for president
Michelle Francis
I've seen the North Koreans with their military might, and the deprivations of the citizens. It is not helping them to have such a force. Are we supposed to go back to the days when we had an armed race...first one side then another and another. Is another big war the only way to win?
Vic Murray
I don't see any discussions on getting our jobs back from China. Our economy is in the toilet and we need work but so much of our manufacturing has been sent to China for super cheap labor. I try to buy U.S. goods but it is really, really hard. A tariff needs to be put on the commodities returning from China and force these companies to return to the U.S.
Joanne Freeman
I think our trade policies should be based on other countries labor conditions, pay standards, and human rights. Simply put, we should award free trade to countries who have similar or better labor conditions, pay standards, and human rights policies, and place tariffs and/or some kind of import restrictions on those who don't.
Neil Myrick
Neil Myrick-And what kind of car do you drive?
Phil Piaski
You make it sound like the people who run these companies CARE about who does the labor (conditions and pay). Remember if you treat people as numbers and statistics you do not have to care about them
Kyle Scott
The federal government has done a pitiful job in supporting schools for the past twenty five years. I know as I spent my career tracking funding for a school district in Washington State. Turning over our schools to the federal government would be like putting our kids on life rafts in the ocean. Wow, can't believe Romney would even entertain this idea. Our states have done a fine job educating our children without as much as a blip of funding from the feds.
Joanne Freeman
He isn't going to do that. His plan was to give it back educational funding to the states.
Josh Hirsch
Obama would exempt religious organizations from being required to provide free birth control? No, that's wrong.
Ben Plummer
cause religious organizations are usually against contraceptives and pro abstinence so if you force them to provide birth control that's going against there policy.
Alisa Murray
Whatever happened to separation of church and state? Religious institutions should have nothing to do with the government and vice versa.
Nathaniel Ulysses Black
For what I understand, obama is adding more jobs to the market compare to some of previous president. Romney so busy want to sending jobs to other countries , and not taking the time to think about the needs of others. I like how obama is balancing the tax and using health care.
Reginald W Bostic
But factor in the amount of jobs that have been lost and there is no comparison.
Joann DeCoster
Obama claims he added more jobs than Reagan. Outright lie. In Reagan's last two years, he added 7 million jobs in the private sector. in 3 3/4 years, Obama has added 4 million. In Reagan's 8 years he added 12 million jobs. At his current rate, Obama will be lucky to add 8 million if he is re-elected.
Mark Stephens
Quite the accomplishment given the obstructionist Republican Congress that ran 2 years ago on a promise of jobs, jobs, jobs and instead focused on filibusters, filibusters, filibusters. Mitch McConnell said it 4 years ago - "our #1 priority is to make Barack Obama a 1 term president" - and to that they have put all their energy
Scott Schuff
Mark Stephens -Reagan slept his last two years. He was the worst president, besides George Bush, we've ever had. More business went under when Reagan was president than any other time since the depression. It didn't bother him a bit cause Nancy's astrologer said it was ok.
Phil Piaski
Agreed. And Mr. Romney will be no more successful if Democrats do the same thing.
Karrie Wallen
...Are you forgetting that Obama's party had a super majority in both houses for a full two years and squandered every advantage during that time, accomplishing nothing but increasing the national debt, with nothing to show for it? The federal govt. has not had a budget in place for the last three years due to the Democrats refusal to negotiate at all with the Republicans. They choose instead to try to dictate. Their way or no way..
Michael Smith
Reagan tripled the deficit.
Wendy L. Temple
Mark Stephens - Source of that claim please?
Lisa Smith Wright
hey obama had the whole congress for 2 yrs and did nothing that he said he was going to do...
Keith Coleman
BOTH Romney and Obama are terrible. VOTE LIBERTARIAN !!!
John Francis Russo
If you break the law, you should go to jail. Since the very fact that you are in our country without our knowing is breaking the law, you should go to jail. Since we do not want to overcrowd our jail, how about you go back where you came from and come into our country legally...Simple...
Catherine Morris
You go, daughter o' mine! Totally agree! It should be that simple!
Vicki Harrold
Oh Keith posted this :)
Catherine Morris
Well Keith is smart too :)
Becky Reitmeyer
If immigration were as arduous and backwards in the past as it is today, none of our ancestors would have come. http://www.justice.gov/eoir/vll/benchbook/resources/Fundamentals_of_Immigration_Law.pdf
Colin Stahl
Catherine - unfortunately, it is not that simple to come here legally. The people who are coming here illegally are mostly poor who live in poverty and don't have the money to pad the pockets of all of the people they would have to pay in their country for them to come here legally. They are coming here to try to provide a better life for their children without the severe poverty they have in their country. Is that a crime? Here is the quote from The Statue of Liberty. Do we not live by these principles any more in this country? After all, the only ones here who are not descendants of immigrants are the Native Americans. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_quote_under_the_Statue_of_Liberty#ixzz22HVv2325
Neil Myrick
Myself, I am a descendant of an immigrant named William Merrick who came over during the second settlement of Jamestown, VA. in 1636. Immigrants weren't welcome then either, by the true Americans (Native Americans), but we came anyway. What is your immigrant history, and how welcome were they when they came?
Neil Myrick
You don't know about immigration quotas?
Phil Piaski
You don't know about the "high-tech" fence Romney wants to build and more security he wants to put along the Mexican border? Watch out for T-Rex.
Joy Ward
The waiting list to get into the US legally if you are a Mexican with a high school diploma is over 100 years. That is why they come here illegally, our immigration laws are impossible to get through for poor Mexican families looking for a better life. Some laws are unjust and are immoral to uphold. Such as the Jim Crow laws that mandated segregation.
Spencer Smith
Come legally or not at all!
Denise Mandeville Scruggs
The difference is Mitt wants to tell you who you can marry. Mitt wants to tell women what they can do with their bodies. Mitt thinks that only those who can afford it should have health care. They couldn't be more different. Mitt wants to help those who make the most money and support him by giving more tax breaks. This includes him by the way. He doesn't care about you! If you think he does, you are delusional.
Jim Pennington
Actually, Obama modeled his healthcare plan after Romney's design, they agree on most issues including healthcare. The two are so similar that there's no real purpose in voting at all (unless of course you have race preference.) Of course Romney doesn't care about you, but if you think Obama does, you're just as delusional.
Travis Ashley
Right on, Jim! One of the biggest scams in politics is how the Romneys get poor rednecks to vote for them. And sorry, Travis, if you think they agree on taxes, you are the one that is delusional.
Phil Piaski
Phil Piaski Obama extended Bush's tax cuts as well as other Bush policies. Feel free to get the facts straight... especially when Gary Johnson is the best on taxes. As governor of New Mexico he never raised taxes for 8 years and had several tax cuts. Was able to cut state spending without firing a single state worker, increased employment by 11.8%, and left the state with a BILLION DOLLAR SURPLUS. Obama and Romney are the same in the worst ways... the differences are so small that one over the other will only choose the speed at which we go down this destructive path... nothing more. The "lesser of two evils" mentality is what's gotten us to keep both democrats and republicans that are both equally responsible for this mess in complete power of the government. We need to try something different... and with the power of the internet... things are definetly changing. 3rd Party Gary Johnson actually has a chance. Do your homework and look at his record as 2 term governor of New Mexico. He has more proven executive experience in government than BOTH Obama AND Romney! www.GaryJohnson2012.com
Alexander Gopoian
The problem with libertarian isn't the person. it's the party... We need to get rid of the party system!!!
Joy Ward
The only way to get rid of the party system is to show how both parties in power have ruined us with the same failed policies so they can both be tossed away. Whether Johnson was running on the LP ticket or not... libertarianism extends past party lines. Before our own personal beliefs and agendas... we're all libertarian.
Alexander Gopoian
Do a little bit more research before such bold statements in regards to taxes. Have a look: http://www.marketwatch.com/Story/Story/?guid=%7BF6974C66-F6D5-11E1-A4AB-002128049AD6%7D&link=SM_tax_tp_res
Clark Wells
@Alexander Gopoian - Obama had to extend the Bush tax cuts. The repubs were holding the issue hostage in the negotiations over whether to extend unemployment benefits (or it might have been the negotiations to raise the debt ceiling).
Susan Schuler
If the president were an honest man, he would stand his ground rather than give his opposition ammo. In the end, bad things would happen, but he wouldn't be at fault. Instead he traded on bad thing for another. Good intentions is not a valid justification... or as it really is... excuse.
Alexander Gopoian
The difference lies within the social issues. Romney is only a pawn for the uber rich. The republican party has clearly become owned by the Koch brothers and others like them. The greed is palpable in each and every statement. Romney continues to yell foul at every truth found and stated about him. He is the most blatent of liars that has ever stepped foot on this stage. You should do your home work and look at the history of what he has done and the damage he caused in so many ways as Governor of Maas. The economy is such a small part of the picture.
Jim Pennington
Romney isn't trying to tell people who to marry. He just has good sense about that ridiculous issue. Men can't marry men and women can't marry women. Except in their own confused minds of course.
Nancy Quanah Kaminski
I'm a big fan of hot dogs with cheese inside them.
Smith Erichg
To find out where ANY POLITICIAN stands on ANY ISSUE go to www.OnTheIssues.org. The site based on facts & their voting record on all issues<3.
Rhonda Zchico
Somebody care about the enviorment, if the enviorment fails, we wont have a country to govern eventually.
Chad Cortez
The environment is not important when tax breaks for the wealthy are weighing in the balance. Nor are the National Parks, the Arts, Public Television, alternate forms of energy, etc. A much more important thing to concentrate on is how gay marriage goes against what the bible says.
Phil Piaski
there is no point in discussing any of that if the world is gone, which at this rate, it will be
Chad Cortez
I hope you are being sarcastic Phil.
Jonathan Stark
It might be interesting for Phil to do some research into the bible.....this takes some courage. for instance - how, when and who chose the books of the bible and why? Time to expand consciousness to a more truthful level.
Karrie Wallen
Of course he's being sarcastic! Aren't you? LOL
Lisa Smith Wright
I tried to start a petition to legalize the growth of hemp in the US. Hemp is omigod extremely unnecessary if we ever plan on stopping global warming. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/845/738/934/legalize-the-growth-of-hemp-in-the-united-states/
Hailee Howard
Agreed Chad, but it is the "head in the sand, if I don't talk about it it will go away" mentality that has added to the natural cycle of the earth. Over population, carbon emissions, overflowing landfills, increased fossil fuel use.... on and on. And Phil, and I feel sure you are being sarcastic.Money rules the world, always has. I am afraid for our country, our world, our children and grandchildren and humanity as a whole. We need to pull together, black, white, Christian, Muslim, Agnostic,gay, straight, Liberal, Conservative, purple, green or blue. We are fleas on a dog. We will need one another sooner than later and I am fearful that we won't "get it" until it is far too late.
Fran Cooper van Allen
(Sigh)I hate it when people can be insanely ignorant
Chad Cortez
yes, the world is going to be gone someday....and there is only ONE that controls that. if you "environmentalist" don't give, we won't be able to support ourselves to stay here...open up. might as well support ourselves as long as it's here.
Sheila Baker
Hopefully others have the common sense before its too late
Chad Cortez
I'm not sure there is much of a difference between Obama and Romney. One wants to control how you spend your personal life, the other wants to control how you spend your money. I'm even confused as to which one wants to control those two aspects of our lives. Both are for the Federal Reserve. Both are for the bailouts. Both are for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both support the Patriot Act. Both are for farm subsidies. Both are pro-choice. Both are financially backed by Goldman Sachs. Both are for crony-capitalism. So what's the difference between these two again? Only Gary Johnson is for liberty.
Rich Hersey
How great would a Johnson/Paul ticket be?
Shane Driscoll
Romney isn't pro-choice. You need to check a lot of what you posted, BEFORE posting it.
Tara Cherry Schroeder
Romney isn't pro-choice... today. What will he be tomorrow when the wind blows the other direction? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_w9pquznG4
Rich Hersey
Romney is multiple-choice :)
Joy Ward
Gary Johnson is pro choice too.
David Bartlett
There is no way Gary Johnson is going to win anything and this election is the MOST important of our lifetimes, perhaps since the 1860's so until we get what will please all of us, then let's go with the MOST conservative of the two. Twenty sixteen will be too late, the tide will have irrevocably shifted.
Loretta Doc Gee Gilmore
http://www.examiner.com/article/why-this-is-not-the-most-important-election-of-our-lifetime
Matthew Reece
It's amazing how you people interpret facts to fit your views! FOR WAR? Obama isn't "FOR WAR" he did inherit two wars that he has to manage to get us out of.....big difference.
Lisa Smith Wright
Loretta Doc Gee Gilmore - that was a strange argument. LOL But I respect it...don't understand it. :)
Lisa Smith Wright
@Lisa Smith Wright, if Obama isn't "for war" why is he drone attacking Pakistan, and bombing areas in Egypt and Libya? A real, cough..cough, peace candidate. A real peace candidate would have a military policy of defense, not intervention or nation building.
Rich Hersey
By the choice of questions this survey was intended to make Obama look acceptable. Compare to what he has done and what he plans on doing and NO, my vote is for Romney/Ryan.
Jack Schatzley
A like for what you wrote. :)
Brenda A Kerns DeLauro
That is an interesting perspective. By virtue of my replies my results were all adamantly opposed to Obama. Maybe there was a flaw with the answers and not the questions?
Shane Driscoll
Questions about the constitution and the rule of law were conspicuously absent. Any answer by OBAMA on those topics would be a lie standing in stark contrast to the actions of DOJ on F&F, Immigration, Voter ID, Property Rights, etc. Sorry the quiz is stacked for Obama.
Stephen Lomax
The test seemed fine to me. It recommended Stein and also gave percentages of who I agreed with.
Leigh Kilby
What happens when Romney changes his mind tomorrow? lol. Then who will you support? Romney is a tool.
Joy Ward
A vote for Romney is a vote for Obama. Let's be honest, if you're voting for Romney there's no sense in getting upset if he loses because Obama supports essentially all the same things. Policy-wise, Obama was just an extension of Bush's presidency. If Mitt wins, he'll just be more of the same.
Travis Ashley
Thanks old white guy.
Phil Piaski
yea thanks to scott walker, a pretty vocal supporter of Romney, a little under half of my teachers got laid off. that by itself is despicable.but then this? unthinkable, criminal "Now, more than ever, we need reformers: leaders who think more about the next generation than just the next election. That's what you get from Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan." - Gov. Scott Walker
Alex Krzecki
Mitt Romney only cares about being elected. Look at his track record, his platform every time he has ran for an office. Johnson 2012.
Jared Irvin
Brenda A Kerns DeLauro NO. It is intended to show how they are similar and different. You know what any rational person sees when they look at those results? That they are the same candidate. A vote for Romney is a vote for Obama. They both just care about getting elected. Johnson cares about making the nation worth being a part of again.
Jared Irvin
Yeah very little difference. Gary Johnson :)
Casey Crispy
Me too. No wonder that the Lamestream media is excluding the Libertarian Party from the debates. They want to pretend that the American public is limited to only two choices.
John Francis Russo
wow... it almost looks like Obama and Romney could run on the same ticket. Wouldn't it be interesting to see an Obama/Romney vs. Paul/Jouhnson? I predict that would be a massive landslide for liberty!
Shane Driscoll
I have to ask. What is it with Paul? He has no chance of winning, ever, and won't be in any national position of power. It almost seems masochistic to keep following him.
Jeremy Schumacher
That's a great point! I hadn't thought of it. I should probably just set my principles to the side and give up. I need to accept that the US constitution is irrelevant, and that socialism is the answer. OR... maybe I won't do that?
Shane Driscoll
Uh...socialism? Prove that America is socialist.
Jeremy Schumacher
I guess I just miss the whole point. In the absence of a violent revolution, the changes you advocate are based in fantasy. And I agree with some. Legalize drugs...YES. Will it happen in the next 50 years? 100? No.
Jeremy Schumacher
Yeah, great points again. Let's just quit. Giving up seems like the most logical thing to do.
Shane Driscoll
As for "proving" that America is becoming socialist, just because we haven't attained the leftest utopia socialism promises doesn't mean we ignore that America is trending in that direction. Education, healthcare, social security, minimum wage, affirmative action, etc... all socialist in nature.
Shane Driscoll
Social security. And your problem with it is...what?
Jeremy Schumacher
Wouldn't the libertarian's be advocating a right utopia? I read Atlas Shrugged. Seemed like a utopian wet dream to me.
Jeremy Schumacher
Problem(s) with it. You don't have to pay in to get something out. You're not investing in yourself, but in the generation before you. The ROI is horrible compared to even a simple Roth IRA. It isn't voluntary. It is bankrupt. It is run by the federal government. It is socialist.
Shane Driscoll
Crap, we should take it down ASAP. And discount that it has kept 10s of millions of vulnerable people out of abject poverty. But hey, call it socialist and suddenly its BAD. On a side note, I do like our political discussions
Jeremy Schumacher
I can't see how anyone could say there's very little difference between these candidates IF they read the questions. And if they didn't, of what use are their opinions?
Lee Sterne
Romney and Obama both like farm subsidies Romney and Obama both support the War on Drugs Romney and Obama both support Tarp Obama likes war, Romney likes even more war Both support foreign aid Both support the Fed Obama supports Obamacare, Romney supports Obamacare minus the individual mandate Obama supports stimulus, Romney supports a little less stimulus Both support Medicare/Medicaid Both support Social Security
Spencer Smith
Spence, Um, at least a third of the things you listed are otherwise known as "common sense" and "the very fabric of our society." Things such as: medicare/medicaid, social security, farm subsidies, a central bank, and economic stimulus during a recession. Some of the rest are BS though, I agree.
Justin Colletti
Those things are common sense........unless you understand economics.
Spencer Smith
I take it you're into the exaggerated version of the Milton Friedman playbook that got us into this mess to begin with? Actually, as you can tell, I do understand economics. And, like many economists, I believe that there is still a lot of value in the tried and true Keynesian economics. Stimulus actually can and does help, and austerity can and actually does hurt. That's been proven many times in practice, throughout history. I respect your right to support Mr. Johnson and this unique take on economic policy, and I hope you respect my right to honestly disagree with his stance on the issue.
Justin Colletti
Of course I respect your right to disagree. I don't believe Keynesian economics addresses the fact that resources do have have a way in which they can be best used, and that when stimulus happens they aren't being used where they are most effective.This slows the ability of the market to correct itself. If the market needs more accountants and stimulus is spent to create jobs for construction workers then no one is really helped but the construction workers.
Spencer Smith
I hear you Spencer, and I agree that your hypothetical example would be an unfortunate one. However, there is the easy counter-argument of the Scandinavian nations, in which independent business and popular government cooperate with one another to identify and train for the jobs that the economy needs. In that model, the businesses have the ability to hire and fire in order to innovate and stay competitive; the workers are supported by a strong safety net; and the government helps allocate resources to train those who are out-of-work for the positions for which companies are hiring. It seems to work quite well! And, it is an advanced and effective form of Keynesian economics solving a real-world problem that all nations face. It's worth considering, at the very least.
Justin Colletti
I'm sure that works better than normal stimulus, but that is not how it works in the US.
Spencer Smith
Spencer Smith - you're interpretation of what you read. Interesting. Everything isn't cut and dry and that's not how it was stated, it was YOUR take on the answers.
Lisa Smith Wright
Lee Sterne : Don't listen to their words (answers on a quiz); WATCH THEIR ACTIONS !!! They are BOTH owned by Goldman Sachs. VOTE LIBERTARIAN !!! Elect Gary Johnson.
John Francis Russo
Justin Colletti : Rather than "common sense" and "the very fabric of our society" the things you name (social security, farm subsidies, etc. etc.) are SOCIALISM and are destroying our nation.
John Francis Russo
Obama is going to win! http://www.formvote.com/discuss.php?postid=421773443000110
Ghostly.Creations
Where is the large tax break for the super ricch that Obama talks about? Is he saying that since Romney favors extension of the Bush tax cuts he is effectively granting a tax break to the rich. Maybe he could be a little more clear about this. I think there is a difference between extending an existing tax law and enacting a new one. I think the best way to do this is to end the tax cuts for the super rich but grant them a significant tax deduction for every new job they create and every illegal alien they replace with a citizen worker.
Linus Rawlins
The tax break for the super-rich is the elimination of capital gains, interest, and dividend taxes that Romney is favoring... Which is the vast majority of the income for the super-rich. They don't make much money from salary, but from other sources not available to the vast majority. With the elimination of these taxes, Romney would effectively pay less than 1% tax. The Bush Tax cuts help the super-rich more in their current incarnation to begin with (percentage wise, not just dollar wise), and a while back there was a measure suggested to repeal them but only for the lower income in order for the rich to continue investing, but from what I understand, it was shot down. Also, as a note, rich people do not make jobs. Companies and corporations make jobs.
Edward Cheng
Obama extended the bush tax cuts himself. He's being a hypocrite. Gary Johnson has a MUCH better tax plan that benefits all of us and the economy.
Alexander Gopoian
He had to extend them. The repubs were holding the issue hostage in the negotiations over whether to extend unemployment benefits (or it might have been the negotiations to raise the debt ceiling).
Susan Schuler
Edward, you first say super rich earn a vast majority from capital gains and dividends. Then you say the rich don't create jobs, corporations do. But if you combine your contradictory statements, you'll realize the rich as you call them are the owners and financiers of the corporations that go up in value, pay dividends and hire workers, and so by investing in corporations or buying their bonds,the rich are responsible for growing companies which in urn hire people. Get it?
Scott Siegel
I see you support Gary Johnson, and his tax plan, but what about the safety of the USA? He is for decriminalizing all illegal drugs and he does not think we need to worry about Iran developing nuclear weapons. These are two issues I cannot accept. What do you think about those issues Alex?
Lisa Thi Davis Flemming
1. You have your facts wrong. He's only for the decriminalization of marijuana. 2. Iran is allowed to have nuclear power via international law. Many other countries do and we don't threaten to bomb them or hold sanctions against them. Experts within the CIA, Israel's own government, and many others have said that they aren't a threat. This is exactly the same FEAR MONGERING that the Bush administration and many politicians from BOTH parties used to get the nation to rally around going after IRAQ for the same exact reason... WMD's that didn't exist. They are choosing to ignore facts and pander on their own willfully created ignorance onto you in order to scare you into allowing them to go to war. Ever notice that the US only imposes itself on countries it wishes to that DON'T have nuclear power? Iran, even if they were developing weaponized plutonium would most likely be doing it as a defense of our all too accepted intrusion of other countries. If you were a small country that was surrounded on all sides... would you really start a war by randomly attacking someone with a nuclear weapon? They would be committing suicide and destroying their own country in the process. Some common sense needs to be used here. Think of it like this... they're the kid that get's picked on in school... eventually... the bullying WILL make them come to school with a gun blasting away. Do we really want to keep bullying them around when all they're trying to do is to deter us from invading them? Washington has been able to go to war completely unfounded except for financial gain plenty of times in the past... what makes you think this is any different? Lobbyists for oil companies, weapon, machinery, and battle ready vehicle contractors convince politicians, politicians convince the mainstream media, and the mainstream convinces you... all them them exaggerating more and more as it goes on. "It's easier to fool someone than convince them that they've been fooled" - Mark Twain
Alexander Gopoian
Lisa Thi Davis Flemming And also regarding the drugs... other countries that have had drug problems have decriminalized a decade ago... and they're doing a MILLION times better. We shouldn't be imprisoning people for drug use where the only "victim" was themselves. The drug war will NEVER be won and it in itself produces more violence and crime... the same exact way the prohibition did with alcohol.
Alexander Gopoian
Alexander Gopoian You really don't understand the Madhists if you think the Iranian leaders just want nuclear weapons for self-defense. Common sense requires that you understand when your opponent is not operating on the basis of common sense. If common sense controlled everyone, you'd never see a suicide bomber. Think of Ahmadinejad as a suicide bomber wrapping the vest around his whole country instead of just himself, and you'll understand what you're dealing with. Make that vest nuclear and the casualty figures go way up. Ordinary Iranians don't desire to commit national suicide, for the most part, but when you've got a would-be martyr with his hand on the nuclear button, the rules change.
Jonathan Broadus
Scott Siegel - That is not necessarily true. Many people inherit their wealth as well. If tax cuts are imperative to creating jobs then where are the jobs that extending the Bush tax cuts should have brought. Oh right, because they don't invest in our country they ship out our jobs.
Lisa Smith Wright
care to explain his stances or give me a non partisan website the lays his plans out in the open
Keith Coleman
I favor a more liberal policy toward illegals brought to this countriy. But I would stregthen the eligibilty requirements to include a 4 year enlistment in the armed forces before any application can be accepted. Two years of college or military service is not enough. Additionally, applicants must be excluded from any provision of law that would permit them to sponsor other family members for permanent residency or citizenship. More obviously, all applicants must demonstrate true fluency in written and spoken English. Finally, there must be a comprehensive audit program based statistically sound samples of applications to determine the extent of fraud.. Anyone submitting a fraudulent application should be subject to immediate deportation without recourse. It goes without saying that successful applicants must renounce any dual citizenship or allegiance to a foreign government.
Linus Rawlins
The best way to improve border security is to quickly apprehend all illegals, sentence them to 6 months working border infrastructure, then photograph, DNA and fingerprint them for a national data base, then deport them with the admonition that if they return they will do hard time on an escalating scale. Also apply fines on an escalating scale to their employers and leave then on the payroll while they are working on the border. Any other costs of apprehesion and deportation should be shared by the illegals and their employers.
Linus Rawlins
Obama's tax plan isn't all that bad provided it doen't fall on real job creators. He should be looking to narrowing the scope to hedge fund managers and other unproductive millionaires.
Linus Rawlins
Job Creators? Is this really Frank Lutz??
Phil Piaski