Many of you will vote for the Republicans no matter what they do or don't do. That is not an insult, just an observation.

Many others will vote for the Republicans no matter what because no matter what they do you are confident that the Demorats will do even worse. This isn't exactly an idea without a track record.

And others WANT to support the Republicans but are frequently disillusioned by their actions (which are those we've come to expect of Democrats) and as a result have reservations about supporting them.

I'm probably in the last category. I haven't been a Republican since the Reagan Administration. I'm philosophically Libertarian but usually vote Republican because I'd rather have them than the Democrats. Although they do blur that line from time to time much to my personal dismay.

But rather than bitch about it and post yet another laundry list of GOP betrayals I am looking to the future and hoping for genuine representation.

So what do you need to see to make you vote Republican in 2008?

For me the list is as follows:

1. The Border Problem - I don't expect anyone to solve the problem of illegal immigration. I think it will always exist. But I want to see them end their encouragement of illegal immigrants. I want to see the end of liberal crap like Bush's Immigration Proposals and I want to see a Republican candidate address the border as the threat to US security that it actually is. Perhaps they could give it at least the attention they give the war on drugs.

2. The Iraqi War - I don't expect the Republicans to wave a magic wand and make everyone in the Middle East stop hating America. That won't happen. And I'm not in favor of the Democratic solution of walking away (brilliant exit strategy) and letting the terrorist claim a victory that will embolden them. But I think we are all pretty sick of seeing US soldiers killed while trying to make Iraq a better place. Most of us would like Iraq to be a peaceful country but we don't want to pay the cost in US blood to build power plants for an ungrateful population. I can't say I have a simple solution but I hope we can come up with something better than what we are doing.

3. Guns - We've done pretty good in the last 8 years. Most importantly we BEAT the renewal. But the Feinsteins and Bradys have NOT been taught it is a dead issue. Also ATF continues it's crap like the parts kit ban. I need a Republican President who will say "enough of this crap already." I want a Republican candidate who will put the ATF "on notice" in the same way Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter made them an "attack dog." I want anti gun members of Congress to know anti gun legislation is political suicide. And I want the Brady Bunch to find that anti gun issues are a bottomless money pit. If the Republicans are REALLY behind us as gun owners that isn't too much to ask IMO.

Those are really my Big Three. Everything else is either being done to what I consider a satisfactory level or isn't a huge issue with me.

Not be Democrats.

Quoted: Not be Democrats.

+1 though some are pretty close

I'm voting for Mrs. Clinton.

Congressionally, I'll vote Republican pretty much without a doubt.

President?  Border border border border border border...

Quoted: I'm voting for Mrs. Clinton.

I need your address. So I can get in some batting practice. With your face. Ahem.

Wall off the border

Bring manufacturing back to the US

Encourage folks to live responsibly, ie within their means $$$ wise, instead of buying chinese [and other] crap [that we don't need] on credit so the chinese can in turn finance our country's debt, then turn around and hamstring us for energy [oil].

Energy. We need more research, new tech [both drilling-wise and alternative] and incentives nation-wide for people and businesses that go green.

Nationwide CCW

Get corporations out of politics

Just a few off the top of my head.

Quoted: Quoted: I'm voting for Mrs. Clinton. I need your address. So I can get in some batting practice. With your face. Ahem.

I just want some of this free health care I keep hearing about.

Kick the asses of whoever tried to destroy this country
Seal the fucking boarder
Leave me the hell alone (decrease taxes, regulation, guns etc.)

I look at a candidates position on several issues.  2nd amendment, Roe v Wade, Fiscal policy/record, etc.

I am a registered republican but I will not vote for someone just because they are on the ticket if I disagree with their position/record on issues.

I will add that I have yet to find a democrat (at least where I am living), who shares my views on the issues that are important to me.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I'm voting for Mrs. Clinton. I need your address. So I can get in some batting practice. With your face. Ahem. I just want some of this free health care I keep hearing about.

Sounds like Swindle is offering free health care as well.  Along with a couple others here that would like offer the same.

language - borders - culture

Keep the language english.
Close the borders (Crack down big time on hiring illegals)
Recognize that we have a culture and that people from other countries need to assimilate it. NOT us to them!

Keep yer mits off my 2nd Amendment.

Also, a bullet in the head of Diane Feinswine would just be ducky.

Anyone but The Beast.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I'm voting for Mrs. Clinton. I need your address. So I can get in some batting practice. With your face. Ahem. I just want some of this free health care I keep hearing about. Sounds like Swindle is offering free health care as well.  Along with a couple others here that would like offer the same.

I was kidding.  She scares me, as do most politicians.

Close the borders and no more spanglish.

Not nominate John McCain.

Quoted: Wall off the border Bring manufacturing back to the US Encourage folks to live responsibly, ie within their means $$$ wise, instead of buying chinese [and other] crap [that we don't need] on credit so the chinese can in turn finance our country's debt, then turn around and hamstring us for energy [oil]. Energy. We need more research, new tech [both drilling-wise and alternative] and incentives nation-wide for people and businesses that go green. Nationwide CCW Get corporations out of politics Just a few off the top of my head.

+1 million


National CCW:  We need this to fix those states that have out of control crime (Illinois) and tell the criminals that we are tired of them.  Criminals are terrorist and thiefs.  They are the reason why we are not safe and they steal our hard earned money and the work we did in order to earn the money.


America needs more manufacturing back in AMERICA.  Our economy is still in a slump and we need some serous income.  The american dollar ammount in decreasing and 'Made In America' is either a good thing or a joke.


Adding

Enforcing OK firearm control laws.

Removing the fat and crap that hurts the 2nd amendment, and what our fore-fathers fought for.

Increasing the education funds.  Debt is a big problem

Teaching money management in schools.  

Classifying gangs (orginizations that control through fear and violence) as terrorist and treating them as so.

Cutting the revolving door prisons


Basically make all of america a nice place to live.



to bad that's not going to happen.

Quoted: Bring manufacturing back to the US Get corporations out of politics

Interesting.

Curious as to how to get manufacturing "back to the US."

Any proposals?  As long as we live in a global society, and have free trade routes through Mexico and Canada, manufacturing will go to where the jobs can be performed cheaper.

Now making unions illegal might solve it.  

Quoted: Not be Democrats.

This was going to be my response before I clicked the thread.

I guess I am a Yellow Dog Republican.

Quoted: Not be Democrats.

+1

no real choice, and the Democrat / liberals are flat out Traitors. I'll continue to Vote, and Vote AGAINST them, for the rest of my days.

Quoted: Many of you will vote for the Republicans no matter what they do or don't do. That is not an insult, just an observation. Many others will vote for the Republicans no matter what because no matter what they do you are confident that the Demorats will do even worse. This isn't exactly an idea without a track record. And others WANT to support the Republicans but are frequently disillusioned by their actions (which are those we've come to expect of Democrats) and as a result have reservations about supporting them. I'm probably in the last category. I haven't been a Republican since the Reagan Administration. I'm philosophically Libertarian but usually vote Republican because I'd rather have them than the Democrats. Although they do blur that line from time to time much to my personal dismay. But rather than bitch about it and post yet another laundry list of GOP betrayals I am looking to the future and hoping for genuine representation. So what do you need to see to make you vote Republican in 2008? For me the list is as follows: 1. The Border Problem - I don't expect anyone to solve the problem of illegal immigration. I think it will always exist. But I want to see them end their encouragement of illegal immigrants. I want to see the end of liberal crap like Bush's Immigration Proposals and I want to see a Republican candidate address the border as the threat to US security that it actually is. Perhaps they could give it at least the attention they give the war on drugs. 2. The Iraqi War - I don't expect the Republicans to wave a magic wand and make everyone in the Middle East stop hating America. That won't happen. And I'm not in favor of the Democratic solution of walking away (brilliant exit strategy) and letting the terrorist claim a victory that will embolden them. But I think we are all pretty sick of seeing US soldiers killed while trying to make Iraq a better place. Most of us would like Iraq to be a peaceful country but we don't want to pay the cost in US blood to build power plants for an ungrateful population. I can't say I have a simple solution but I hope we can come up with something better than what we are doing. 3. Guns - We've done pretty good in the last 8 years. Most importantly we BEAT the renewal. But the Feinsteins and Bradys have NOT been taught it is a dead issue. Also ATF continues it's crap like the parts kit ban. I need a Republican President who will say "enough of this crap already." I want a Republican candidate who will put the ATF "on notice" in the same way Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter made them an "attack dog." I want anti gun members of Congress to know anti gun legislation is political suicide. And I want the Brady Bunch to find that anti gun issues are a bottomless money pit. If the Republicans are REALLY behind us as gun owners that isn't too much to ask IMO. Those are really my Big Three. Everything else is either being done to what I consider a satisfactory level or isn't a huge issue with me.

1) Iraq: Continue to fight for the 'big picture' objective: to make Iraq an example for the rest of the Middle East, to prove that representative, federal government CAN work over there, and that it's possible for a government to work on something more than graft, corruption and thuggery. Fight to WIN, not to please foreign interests or look good on TV.

2) Stand up to 'The World' when it comes to American issues... Play a little bit harder ball with OPEC, and use our 'perminant veto' to maximum effectiveness to reign in the UN (eg pull a France and veto everything that we don't like, untill we get what we want)...

3) Tax Reform -> move the discussion from 'Rates' to 'Code', and start working on a tax code that doesn't spend huge chunks of revenue collecting revenue. Some ideas: No deductions (Income = Reciepts - Business Expenses (defined explicitly to prevent abuse), multiply by rate and pay), adjusted rates, and (just to put the last nails in the coffin) make the first article clearly state that federal income tax is owed by all persons, on all income generated in the United States (thus eliminating the waste of $$$ from fighting out B.S. claims in tax court). Also, eliminate multiple-taxation of corporate income -> Corporations should be taxed on retained earnings only, at the individual rate. Dividends should be taxed as a part of regular personal income, and special taxes should be eliminated (if you must tax estates, tax the value as income for that year, not 'estate tax'. Capital gains should be taxed as regular income).

I dont always vote Republicam but thats usually the party that gets my vote. Most politicians suck but at least teh Repubs are not frightnened of an Armed populace. They may not be the forefathers we started out with but they certainly arenot the enemy like the Democrats.

The Dems have slipped too far off the map to even be considered.

I would hope for a Constitutionalist / Republican choice. If I had to I would prefer the looney libertarians over the Dummycrats, but unfortunately most of their platform comes from emotion and tin foil hat rhetoric. they are just Liberals with guns imho.

Secure my vote?  Cash talks, right?

The only republican that's secured my vote next election is the one running against our (D) Governor.

The rest of them including whoever is running for the White House better be pretty fucking dazzling if they want my vote.  I'm talking plate spinning, card tricks, and maybe a little mind reading (but with a wholesome, Christian slant).

Whatever happens, I'm sure the Arfcom will conduct itself with more dignity than the DU did 11/03/2004 (though freerepublic should be pretty entertaining).

Quoted: Quoted: Bring manufacturing back to the US Get corporations out of politics Interesting. Curious as to how to get manufacturing "back to the US." Any proposals?  As long as we live in a global society, and have free trade routes through Mexico and Canada, manufacturing will go to where the jobs can be performed cheaper. Now making unions illegal might solve it.

I wish I had a solution. If I did, I'd be running for POTUS.

But what do I know? I'm just a dipshit bass-player.  

Quoted: I wish I had a solution. If I did, I'd be running for POTUS. But what do I know? I'm just a dipshit bass-player.

Explains a-lot dipshit.  

The president can really only set policy to encourage business growth, but that is evil water to tread.  The president can not force companies to higher and start producing; if he did, it would be nothing more than a planned economy which is nothing more than socialism.

We could set tarriffs so high that it would be cheaper to produce here in the states, but that would irk China and the EU and all hell would break loose with the WTO.

We could give tax breaks to corporations if they start manufacturing here.  Tax incentives like lower tax rates on profits and abaitment from property tax.

Places like Europe have pretty much doomed themselves from any new businesses starting manufacturing options there.  France requires no more than a 37 hour work week, and Germans get 14 weeks vacation (if I remember correctly).

The american worker is one of the most productive in the world.  Unfortunately, a dozen chinese laborers can be hired to work at about 1/5 of the american worker and put out the same output.

Manufacturing will continue to move towards automation as China industrializes and sources of cheap labor become scarce.

Africa will never be a place for manfacturers.  Nobody wants that hell hole.

1.) Get back to spending control.  They have done NOTHING but piss me off on that front.  Getting close to the line on it too.  A little punishment may be nessisary to get it across.

2.) Deal with the border.  A serious attempt at it or at least a workable plan to get there.  This seems to be starting to sink in.

3.) They are mostly where I want them to be on gun issues, but I'd like to see some forward progress.  We all know the pendulem will swing again someday.  We need to make some gains.

Some winding down of the costs in Iraq would be good or a serious slash to social spending to fund it.  It's not ok to just bleed the cost and lump that on the backs of my next three generations.

I'd actually like to see the Dems give them stiffer competetion.  The current "who ya gonna vote fer, Kerry" climate is not condusive to having you voice heard by them.  I don't see it going that way though.  The Dems seem determined to go off the edge of the cliff entirely.

Close the damn borders!

Quoted: Quoted: ? I'm just a dipshit bass-player. Explains a-lot dipshit.

GFY!
I need the following.


1) Border

2) Budget (or at least control spending)

3) Guns (repeal the import ban, nationwide CCW, added protection for self defense rights, make sure the ATF knows they don't make the law)

4) Energy problem (only use gas where it NEEDS to be used, meaning vehicles for the most part, new refineries, more drilling, more alternitive energy power plants, IE. nuke, wind solar)

Quoted: Quoted: I wish I had a solution. If I did, I'd be running for POTUS. But what do I know? I'm just a dipshit bass-player. Explains a-lot dipshit.   T.

At least I'm ruggedly handsome!

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I wish I had a solution. If I did, I'd be running for POTUS. But what do I know? I'm just a dipshit bass-player. Explains a-lot dipshit.   T. At least I'm ruggedly handsome!

SHHHHH!!! TRG might be listening....

Secure the borders.

Anything less is treason.

I'll stay home otherwise.

I'm sure it's been said 20 times ion this thread, but...

SEAL THE FRIGGIN BORDER

Close the border.

Massive State dept. overhaul

Evict the UN. (No more US taxpayer funding)

Eliminate Affirmative Action.

Divorce Vicent Fox.

Divorce the Saudis.

Promote home schooling.

Geesh, I'll get back with ya' later.

GAS PRICES !!!!!!

Exxon / Mobile making record profits while we pay record prices.  I always voted republican, but I must admit that this really pisses me off.

I wish they would seal the border, but I doubt they will.

But, as long as the Beast is running as a Demoncrat, I will vote for just about anyone else to try to beat her.

And, sad to say, the Republicans know that.

I will vote based on their record. I support Libertarians over RINO's.

And I thank the Republicans for doing a great  job sunsetting the AWB and allowing civvies to carry concealed.

Quoted: GAS PRICES !!!!!! Exxon / Mobile making record profits while we pay record prices.  I always voted republican, but I must admit that this really pisses me off.

And just what should the Federal Gooberment do about that?

Do you really know what you are saying?

Throw asshat McCain out of the Party. He's nothing but a Democrat in drag!

You mean there is a choice not to vote Repub?Whats the alternative some liberal pussy complaining about how the poor gitmo detainees are being mistreated.

Republican all the way!!!

I have always voted against the Democrats. I will no longer waste the time or gas.

I want to see the republicans win a no-holds-bared battle royal!  Get in the ring and fight for my vote!  Last man standing gets the belt and a seat in congress!

Of course, it wouldn't work, because Democrats despise victory.  They can't help but vote for the loser every time.  

Quoted: Quoted: GAS PRICES !!!!!! Exxon / Mobile making record profits while we pay record prices.  I always voted republican, but I must admit that this really pisses me off. And just what should the Federal Gooberment do about that? Do you really know what you are saying?

I guess the government didn't just give them a huge amount of cash for "oil exploration research" when they are making record profits.  Instead of putting pressure on them to help drop prices at the pump.  Is this news to you?  

Quoted: Quoted: GAS PRICES !!!!!! Exxon / Mobile making record profits while we pay record prices.  I always voted republican, but I must admit that this really pisses me off. And just what should the Federal Gooberment do about that? Do you really know what you are saying?

How dare a corporation make money!! Those bastards.....I am sure they don't have kids to put through college.  I might be mistaken but it was only 8 years ago when the energy companies were loosing money.

First off, they need to get someone that I would vote for.
People  Iwould not vote for: Rudy Guliani, John McCain, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and so on...
Second: The yneed to have a good plan to institute and excocute an immigration policy that INCLUDES stepping up physical boarder security through the use of walls and concertina wire at a minimum, preferably a double or triple wall setup, with various obsticals between each wall.
Third: Tighten up on the issuing of student visas, and increased enforcement of said visas. If you are here as a student, it is only good WHILE ATTENDING SCHOOL. it EXPIRES AT THE END OF EACH SCHOOL YEAR, AND THEY MUST REAPPLY AND GOOD GRADES ARE REQUIRED TO CONTINUE. YOU CANNOT DROP CLASSES< AND IF YOU GET AN EQUIVILANT OF A D, YOU ARE BOOTED OUT.
Fourth: increased tracking of visa holders from known terrorist hotbeds (Ie: Any middle eastern country, any individual who is muslim, and so on).
Fourth: As a requirement to get a visa, they are required to inform both the federal governemnt AND STATE AND LOCAL LE of any change of address. A failure to do so is an immediate trip to the nearest federal building for detainment and deportation.

THat would be a good start..

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: GAS PRICES !!!!!! Exxon / Mobile making record profits while we pay record prices.  I always voted republican, but I must admit that this really pisses me off. And just what should the Federal Gooberment do about that? Do you really know what you are saying? I guess the government didn't just give them a huge amount of cash for "oil exploration research" when they are making record profits.  Instead of putting pressure on them to help drop prices at the pump.  Is this news to you?

Yep, that's news to me.

When did the government "give them a huge amount of cash for "oil exploration research"?

And, just how does the Federal Gooberment "put pressure on them to help drop prices at the pump"?

Quoted: Not be Democrats.

+1

I'd like to see someone who is not a politician run.  

Someone who cares and believes in the Constitution,   ALL of it.

Someone who believes in this country.

Someone who is not self serving.

Someone like our Founding Fathers.

I know, I know,  wish in one hand and shit in the other,  see what I get first.

Quoted: Quoted: GAS PRICES !!!!!! Exxon / Mobile making record profits while we pay record prices.  I always voted republican, but I must admit that this really pisses me off. And just what should the Federal Gooberment do about that? Do you really know what you are saying?

O_P bringin' the truth.

The number of closet commies on this board is amusing.

force the dims into a true "talk non-stop 24/7" fillabuster next time they get uppity
actually repeal some laws, preferably gun laws
CUT SPENDING, after all they claim to be the party of small gov't and balanced budgets

The dems are going to nominate Hitlary.  The better question would be what must the repubs do to make me NOT vote for them.

ETA:  Don't even bother wasting your time listening to anyone's promises about healthcare.  It will never happen until the civil courts grow some balls and tell those bloodsucking malpractice lawyers to shut the fck up.

Oh, and forget about promises to lower taxes.  If you want lower taxes, than you can forget about increasing border security.  Oh, and we might as well pull out of Iraq.  Oh yeah, we could just pull more money from education spending.