Large Scale Central

Selling My Vote: Do I Hear Any Better Offers?

General Discussion
#1

I saw on the TV news yesterday that Barak Obama will pay $1000 to every family in America if we will vote for him! This morning’s newspaper confirmed that offer, along with the further information that he will tax the oil companies ill-gotten (I think the term they used is “windfall tax”) profits to get the money to pay for his generous offer. I’m certain this will result in many switch voters as everyone wants to put it to the oil companies and $1000 of oil company money is lots better than Bush’s recent and comparatively puny refund of my taxes.

Neither the newspaper article nor Obama addressed the small problem that the oil companies will want to recover any new or additional taxes, probably through increased prices at the pump, but some of our politicians are talking about putting price controls on gasoline, so that might not be the problem it would seem. If so, I would suggest putting the price at something like fifty cents / gallon. That will show those money grubbing oilmen and it should certainly stimulate the economy for at least a few days!

I was previously under the assumption that buying and selling votes was illegal and punishable by law, but I was obviously wrong, as a U.S. Senator has now made the offer. Now that I understand the cash value of Barbara’s and my votes, I’m wondering if there is anyone willing to pay more? Do I hear $2000? How about $2000 for each of our votes? I would like to purchase some new equipment for my RR. Any trade offers? As for those who would condemn me for suggesting my vote is for sale, I would suggest they see Obama about it, as he thinks it is perfectly okay.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

ps: I obviously wrote the above ‘tongue in cheek,’ as I am totally outraged by this guy’s vote purchasing plan and needed to have a laugh before I had a stroke!

Jerry

#2

Jerry,
I’m a little confused. All I have heard about $1000 is that he is calling for another stimulus check, which he would like to see approved right away. Several Republicans and many others are also calling for a second stimulus check.
So, not trying to buy votes from what I can see.
At this point I don’t support either of the Senators running for President.
But, as always, a supporter of the truth.
Ralph

#3

When a person running for office (in this case, Obama for President) offers something of significant value (". . . a $1000 ‘energy rebate’ for low and middle income families that would be paid for by a windfall profits tax on oil companies . . ."), that is vote buying.

Note that he didn’t draft a bill to be vetted by Senate committee and then voted by the assembled Senate. I’m also relatively certain he couldn’t get it passed if he did, but that aside, he made this payment proposal during a campaign speech where he is telling folks what he will do if elected. In my world, that is buying votes.

That is the truth.

Of course he’s not the first and certainly will not be the last. That is the unfortunate nature of politics where no one can get elected on the basis of not doing something for the voters. And just as unfortunately, that’s the direction much of our national, state and local politics seem to have gone.

Still looking for better offers.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#4

What about promising to lower taxes? Healthcare? Those are money into the pocket of every citizen, too, just indirectly. Is that vote buying?

#5

Yep, in my thinking it is!

And they (politicians) all do it to some degree, but significant numbers of folks will be opposed to specific give aways like healthcare, welfare, and similar programs based on their political leanings, financial situation or revenue source. That sort of limits the response to any given item.

The major difference is that this is a direct cash offer to most families in America. Virtually everyone wants cash, even if they grouse about the concept. Almost everyone that is paying something north of $4.00 / gallon at the pump will agree with sticking it to the oil companies. I truly think Obama has identified a winning strategy.

None of the above makes it right.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#6

it’s hard for me to imagine a circumstance where I would vote for a candidate whose proposals were against my interests. In that sense, they are all “buying our votes” by offering us something we want.

“Vote for me, and things will be better:” this is what they all say. I suppose you are imagining voting for someone who says “I will make your and the life of your fellow citizens harder, and you will have less .” It’s true that politician would not be buying your vote, unless you are a masochist.

More interesting to me is the fact that after McCain came out in favor of offshore drilling, he received nearly a million dollars from oil companies.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/26/AR2008072601891.html

Is that vote buying, Jerry? I have no personal problem with offshore drilling, but it seems far more problematic when you buy the vote of a single politician by giving him huge chunks of cash–far more troubling than generalized programs like, say medicare, which “buy the votes” of millions of people. Obama, of course, also receives donations from large corporations. That’s a different probem, it seems to me, than the “problem” of politicians offering to improve your lives and the lives of your fellow citizens

#7

Anybody old enuff to remember “a chicken in every pot”?

My daughter has this DVD with ancient cartoons. One is a GREAT election spoof. In it Popeye and Bluto are running against each other for president, They both promise everybody all kinds of stuff, and the election comes down to ONE vote (guess who) so they both race to do all these chores for farmer Olive Oyl.

Anymore the pollies are all pretty much alike, promise you the goldmine till they get in, then give you the shaft. Only naive people actually believe any of them are really “different”. Just hold your nose and vote for the one who offends you the least.

#8

So who was buying my vote with the first stimulus check? Of course the money was just added to the already HUGE national debt. I hope the kids get good jobs, they’ve got a lot of bills to pay.

#9

I hear Paris has a few bucks. Try hitting her up (if you know what I mean :wink: )!

(http://images.askmen.com/galleries/model/paris-hilton/pictures/paris-hilton-picture-1.jpg)

-Brian

#10

Now that Paris is running, I might reconsider my voting choices.

On the other hand, I really don’t like clothes that have been worn by lots of other people . . . Especially when they have been worn in public!

Happy RRing,

Jerry