[scuzdriver]

Rubber, I get your point. I'm not sure that the Moral Majority would have agreed with this way of thinking back in the day.

[LUconn]

Why are "the government can't do anything right" conservatives for the government executing people anyway?

Those people would be loosely called Anarchists. A more accurate view of conservatism is that 'limited government' is preferable. They feel there are a FEW things government can do well. The debate comes over the interpretation of the words LIMITED and FEW. Punishing criminals is a role of government, otherwise you would just have groups of vigilantes in the street. Sure there are private entities that run some prisons, but they are regulated by the state/local/federal guidelines for prison management. Therefore your argument is not valid.
Next.

I wasn't even trying to debate capital punishment because I'm fine with it but I'm getting sucked in. You took a long route around to come to the conclusion that my "argument is not valid", yet there is an obvious disconnect between limiting government to necessary functions and putting people to death. Why is limited government preferable? Because it's inefficient, most often biased, and obtrusive among probably many more things. I just think there's a contradiction to put these 2 thoughts together. And that was my point. Not being for or against capital punishment.

[jbock13]

[youtube]

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[ALUmnus]

I completely understand why people get tired and sick of politics. I have to unplug all the time, it just wears on you. But to then convince yourself that it doesn't matter? To stick your fingers in your ears and close your eyes may bring you some immediate peace of mind, but politics will go on without you, and decisions made will have increasing influence on more and more aspects of your life (including how you run your family). When you're asking "what happened?", just tell yourself again that it doesn't matter.

[LUconn]

I completely understand why people get tired and sick of politics. I have to unplug all the time, it just wears on you. But to then convince yourself that it doesn't matter? To stick your fingers in your ears and close your eyes may bring you some immediate peace of mind, but politics will go on without you, and decisions made will have increasing influence on more and more aspects of your life (including how you run your family). When you're asking "what happened?", just tell yourself again that it doesn't matter.

But does it's intrusion matter? I guess I'm wanting you to convince me. If I am living my life how Christ wants me to, should I care that a bunch of reds are running things? I would say that our form of government is probably the best man can do, but it is still not how God intended us to be governed. I can see how oppressive governments would certainly be miserable to live under, but in things that actually matter (glorifying God) why should I worry about who's running what? I'm seriously just thinking out loud so I'm open to what everybody has to say.

[PAmedic]

Yes, I do know my rights. They are rights, and they are given to me BY GOD, not by the state.

cool. Next time you get pulled over- be sure to mention that. I'll even post bail money for ya.

[ALUmnus]

God holds individuals accountable. He holds families accountable. He also holds nations accountable. We are to respect authority, but unlike the Romans, we actually have a say in who governs us in this nation. Seems like a heavy responsibility to me. I think there are too many in this newest generation who feel that our influence as Christians on this world stops short of the political realm. Why? Is that Biblical?

Is it glorifying to God to ignore such a heavy hand in the lives of an entire nation? Is it glorifying to God to allow my own children to be forced to learn what they should not? Is it glorifying to God to see an evil happening and ignore it? To me looking the other way is inexcusable, yet there are some Christians out there who try to use some nebulous-spiritual argument to do just that. People like to make fun of the "slippery-slope" argument, but it happens, look at Canada, look at Greece, and it's been happening here for too long.

[RubberMallet]

Rubber, I get your point. I'm not sure that the Moral Majority would have agreed with this way of thinking back in the day.

my views on abortion are simple. its all about when you think a baby is actually another person. for me at the point it has its own unique dna, its a person and hands should be off. its a disaster morality wise. nevermind its impact from a socioeconomical standpoint. look at china and inda. the boy:girl born ratio is trending downward.

pot, gays, all that crap for me is an attempt at legislating morality. not murder. do i think people should be smoking dope or being gay? not particularly but our insane perceived hatred of gay people has turned away many more people from christianity than brought them closer. I'm almost certain most don't handle it in any way shape or form, the way Christ would.

i just want the gvt out of my business. and out of tom and steve's business. and duey the potheads business.

[Purple Haize]

LU. I am fairly certain opponents and propenents of the death penalty would agree that it is not an efficient process. In fact, I'm sure some people feel the more inefficient the better. "efficiency" is more of an industrial term than a moral one. Cars and businesses are efficient. Running motions are efficient. Justice does not need, some would argue to be efficient.
As for caring who runs things you are spot on from a macro level. It's that whole Jesus wins in the end, so who cares mentality. However, on a micro level it is important who runs the country. Ask the Christians living in China, N Korea and the Gaza Strip if it's important. Does it matter whether it was Jerry Ford or Jimmy Carter when it comes to freedom? No. Same can be said for most elections. One of the reasons I liked W early on was the Faith Based Initiatives. I know for a fact local churches can do a better job reaching the poor and needy then the Fed Govt. At the end of the day you should vote for who most closely resembles your views.
Finally a case can be made that God expects us to chose our leaders wisely, just ask the Israelites how that works!

[Purple Haize]

We are the Israelites...

So THAT'S why I wear Levi Strauss!

[jmdickens]

Guys, I am glowing right now. More LU alumni speaking out how we are used for the republicans and that God is in control and not our elected officials. Thank you guys!!!

[jbock13]

Why do people feel so powerless? We are the ones who vote these people in.

In my opinion, we could stop it, but we never will. We are typical Americans who like to whine and complain and blame others.

[thepostman]

Why do people feel so powerless? We are the ones who vote these people in.

In my opinion, we could stop it, but we never will. We are typical Americans who like to whine and complain and blame others.

Money is a powerful thing that makes even the best of men/women do awful things. That is why we will never truly have any true power because money talks. Its really the plain and simple to me.

But I am much more jaded by the political process then you, so maybe my view is slightly skewed. I do like your faith, I just cant muster up that kind of faith in any people, good or bad, anymore.

[Purple Haize]

Watching the Google Debate.
Is it just me or does Herman Cain have a better grasp on foreign affairs than Rick Perry? Perry's answers on foreign policy are shaky.....at best.
For you Ron Pulers you do know he is polling 2nd in New Hampshire?
And who is this Gary Johnson and why is he on the stage? He sounds like an effeminate stoner

[LibertyJoe]

Is Rick Perry that bad at debates

[RubberMallet]

well folks, these are the circus clown we get to choose from.

[ALUmnus]

I thought this was pretty good. And Ron Paul fans, don't get your panties in a twist, this guy's obviously not a fan, but not everyone has to be.

http://www.redstate.com/aglanon/2011/09 ... ed-a-hero/

And now Perry is losing me. In spite of what people think, I only battled what I considered silly vetting because i wanted to see what he was made of on my own, without beinf distracted by “true conservative” screams that he’s a commie who wants to strap kids to tables and forcibly inject them with a dose of mental retardation. Now that he’s been in a few debates, I feel that I’ve seen what he’s made of, and it makes me sad. He seems to have the debate skills of a mute foreign exchange student with all the wit of John Kerry. Meanwhile he uses lefty tactics like telling people that disagree with him that they “don’t have a heart.” When you have the highest job creation in the country during a recession that many blame on the incumbent, and you can’t get a Luntz panel to remember that because you spoke with all of the coherence of a dental patient with a numbed mouth, you may have issues in the generals.

[jbock13]

I personally thought Ron Paul was great, and everybody else sucked.

[Purple Haize]

Early read on tonites debate:
Herman Cain wears the mantle of Contender slot better than Perry.
Mitt Romney looks engaged and like the true front runner
Perry is this years Fred Thompson or Rudy
Newt and Paul need to stick around and I hope both get a role in the next administration
Bachman, Santorum and huntsman need to bow out gracefully.
I never understood the perception of Huntsman as a legitimate nominee anyways.
With Cain surging, Bachman and Santorum bring nothing to the table.
Christy's and Pawlenty's endorsement of Romney will give Tea Partiers cover to support him
Mayor Bloomberg in an idiot!
Also, I really like how Mitt is ALWAYS talking up America and it's greatness. That is something sorely lacking recently. Being positive can get you further then being negative!
LOVE the format of this debate

[jbock13]

lol did anybody see those Ron Paul posters on those bridges yesterday? Let's see, one on Wards Rd., one on 460... I'm gonna venture to say an LU kid obviously did it.

I love Ron Paul supporters

I know. Everybody loves Ron Paul. Everyone supports Ron Paul. All 5% of you. And Ron Paul's awesome. And if you don't think Ron Paul's awesome, you're stupid.

Okay joking aside here I don't mind the man, and I don't mind much of the the RP fans on here as you are thoughtful, intelligent people. I mean that sincerely. But good grief some of these nutballs...

[Purple Haize]

At the debate tonite it looked like he was wearing fake eyelashes and one of them was falling off!
Romney may have tipped his hand by asking Bachman a softball question. On the other hand, it did appear classy as he was letting someone expand on their position without attacking.
Huntsman hand the line off the night when he told Romney "Relax, I'm not going to ask you a question about your religion.". But he did himself in by embracing China, not that he has a shot in shoot anyways.
Cain did great and IMO, is clearly Mitts new challenger. Even though a Romney / Bachman ticket would be easy on the eyes, I would still love to see a Romney/Cain ticket. Plus think of all the conspiracy theories! A Morman and a man named Cain whose economic policy if played backwards is 666! Oh the fun!

[Purple Haize]

Tonites debate
Ron Paul said he is the Champion of Liberty. Did he get our endorsement?
Michelle Bachman looks like she a Navy USO volunteer from the 40's Waiting for her to break out into song. This is the first time I thought she looked in over her head. And in case you didnt know it, she's a tax attorney
Santorum is whiny
Perry trying to hard and coming across as arrogant. He called Cain Brother several times. And we are still waiting for his plan

Who knew Newt would be the peace maker. I could see him passing Perry making this a 3 person race. Sort of warming to a Cain/Gingrich ticket. Newt would give him help in negotiating the halls of the Capitol
LOVE Mitts suit. Still like Romney/Cain.

[jbock13]

Haize quit slobbering over Newt that's a terrible picture in my mind

I just have problems with Newt. He says all the right things, but his actions tell a different story. Anyone who sits on a couch with Pelosi talking about global warming will never get my vote. I'm not saying don't be respectful to Pelosi. I'm just saying don't sit on a couch talking about global warming with her.

[Purple Haize]

Ha ha. Mitt is cleaning Perrys and Santorums clock. Killing them with a smile and common sense
Cain is getting hammered on state taxes and his 999 plan. All he needs to say is go down the line and say in everyone of the others plans state taxes stay the same. In mine FEDERAL taxes are what change.....just like you.
Until Michelle Bachman reminds us she is a tax attorney which nullifies every one else's tax plan. I knew she was tiny, but she is only 5 2. Wow! t least she raises her hand to ask questions

[Purple Haize]

Yes. That was a Wayne Newton sighting. Perfect for Vegas!