Introduce Yourself Here

Introduce yourself here to everybody and tell us which presidential candidate you will vote for whatever country you live in.  We will see if some of us will change our mind and vote for another perhaps as we enlighten each other on who might be the best candidate as time pasts.  Please respect other people's choices and respect the candidates as well.  Feel free to post any new topics you would like others to comment on whether you are political or not.  Thank you all for joining and posting.
zen

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Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi Everyone! I'm Zach, the founder of a youth-lead organization called Youth for Change International, the Youth Campaign for a Better World. I also work with many numberous youth organizations as well.

As I am not old enough to vote, I will be supporting Barack Obama (so far).


Thanks,
Zach

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Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi everyone,

My name is Marc, and I'm the Cultivator of the Pod “The Law of Attraction / Change here on the Zaadz site.

I've been on this planet long enough to remember the last “good” president the U.S. had (John F. Kennedy), and watched the NEXT good president be assassinated on TV before he was elected ( Robert F. Kennedy).

Can we as voters effect the outcome of elections enough to get someone in office that REALLY gives a dam about ” WE the People”?? Personally, i don't think it is possible as long as we have an “Electoral College”. The “popular vote” doesn't necessarily mean the winning candidate will be their winner as long as the Electoral College is still here.

Can we tell if the candidate is a good , just, and MORAL man based on his campaign promises ? Hardly. Especially if we depend on personality contests, mud slinging, and well crafted political sound bytes.

”Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

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I'm Karen and even though I've voted in every election since 1976, I admit to being disgusted with politics in recent years. However, I have a new attitude in part because the it looks like the last several months have seen a turn about in American politics. I hope so anyway. Right now, I'm supporting Dennis Kucinich ( a long shot for sure ) but he's most in line with my beliefs. I like Obama and Edwards as well. I need to do more research.
karen

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Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hi guys, I’m Being, currently residing as this personality known as Simon.

I have one or two thoughts about presidential candidates and politics. In no particular order.

I experience the US process of choosing a president as an ‘auction’, not an election. I think the experience needs to change so that candidates are free to project their unique passions and not answer to their sponsors.

I experience political leadership worldwide as a reflection of the frequency vibration of the collective. Although some individuals may be vibrating at ‘higher’ levels, our politicians are only as ‘enlightened’ as we are collectively. I think the more we evolve and purify - dissolving our own dishonesties and duplicities in the process, the more our politicians will begin to exemplify and demonstrate the evolution.

On a personal note. Denis Kucinich I believe is in the vanguard of political thinking in the US. I believe that he is running as a presidential candidate, not because he thinks he will win, but because he knows that just by Being present in the conversation he is helping our evolution. Based on my personal experience of him I can say that he is a Mystic.

And finally …. how fun to watch the Obama phenomenon!

Namaste to you all
Simon

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Thank you Simon, great post.

I checked out Dennis Kucinich, and remember his advocacy for a cabinet level Peace Department, to “make non-violence an organizing principle within our society.”

I will be watching him!

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I'm Lauren and new to politics, however, I am now president of the Green Party at my university and try to remain an informed citizen. I've been hearing of Obama's brilliance for the past few years and although I like what I hear and realize I should do more research, I almost have given up on American politics. I no longer see elections (presidential or local) as legitimate. I felt that in a democracy, the people should have the power. But as Orwell said, “some are more equal than others” leading me to believe the people with the most money who have no reason to change anything, are those who control what happens to the rest of us.
There's my rant…more to come I'm sure.

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Hello all. My name is Daniel and I am relatively new into politics also. Up until about five or six years ago, I was one of those apathetic voters, who just couldn't care less, just knew it was my civic duty (which too many people don't even realize that). But, since then, I entered university and finishing up a degree in Public Affairs.
I have not done enough research in these preliminary days to see where the candidates stand. 
I will say that I agree with everyone else here that our elections have been trivialized. Serious reform is needed on all levels. I know here in my state, we have the archaic government of township, which I think personally is useless, but I can also see the old point. Just in modern society, it should be done away with. *steps off soapbox*
There are so many ways in which to reclaim our democracy, and unfortunately, it takes those same “representatives” to change the rules for how our country operates. I have mainly voted Democratic in the past, but I identify more with a Green / Socialist bent. So, it'll be interesting to see who will first of all, win my vote, but more importantly, win the whole horserace.
I am also very interested in foreign elections also because of the interconnectedness of modern society. So, hopefully we will get more than just Americans on this thread for a real rawkus time! :D
Anyway - I've said more than my bit for an intro… good to meet you all.

Peace,
Daniel

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Hello.  I'm Cathy.  I am going to probably stay in the USA for a while, even though about four years ago I thought I wouldn't be able to live in the country of my birth for another week.  Since November 2000 I have felt that everything I was taught to believe about my country, its founding principles and its “checks and balances” was all a lie.
It might be.  In order to proceed, however, I need to believe in those principles and in the ability of the American people to effect desperately needed changes in how our country is run, especially the person we choose to occupy the highest office in the land.
I don't have wealth; I have no fame.  But I need to do everything in my power to never allow what has happened over these past several years to happen again.
Anyway!  It's grand to have a pod where we can discuss the candidates (my current favorite is Barack Obama, but like others, I will see what happens as I learn more about all the candidates, including Mr. Obama), discuss the electoral process, and hopefully grow together in understanding and hope.
All the bes to all.

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Stuff

Hi my name is codee. I live in the united states an I will be voting for Maynard James Keenan and supporting the us peace government.

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Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hey everyone, I'm Leeda (fishlegs) I have never been really politically motivated because I have never met a politician that motivated me.  I am still hesitant to hand authority to any human that is holding a gun.  But I also realize that it is no longer an issue of protecting a certain life style, or ideology…. our whole planet is at stake and change is not just desirable, it is inevitable if we are to survive as humans here on this earth.  I am in this group, not to take a position for or against any candidate, but to take a stand for what is needed and to be educated by others about the qualities they see in the various candidates.  I think we need to drop all the political posturing and start evaluating each candidate, not by their party or even their chance of winning…  but by their vision.

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Hello,
My name is Farzad.
I will vote for anyone who would use logic and diplomacy instead of war.
Obama seems like a nice person, but he has no chance, niether does Hillary.
My guess is that Giuliani would win the elections (big support from lobbyists), but I would never vote for him as he  has already supported the idea of attacking Iran.

Peace.

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Hi, everyone. My name is Dan Shafer and I've been a political activist and commentator for more than 40 years, so I guess that makes me (so far at least) unique in this pod. Like most of you, I am a citizen of the United States.

I could easily become discouraged by the observations of several early pod-members who have expressed the view that voting doesn't and can't matter, that the process is fundamentally broken, that we can never get to know the political candidates at a national level anyway. But I want to suggest gently that it is the holding of such views that lends that energy to the planetary and national consciousnesses that ultimately determine who will lead us. I want to encourage us in this pod to hold a higher vision, a higher consciousness about both the process and its outcome. If enough of us put real energy behind a belief system that runs in the direction of positivity and change…if, indeed, we will be the change we want to see, I believe we can alter the fabric and foundation of the process by which our leaders are elected.

In the last presidential election, I put much energy and support behind Rep. Dennis Kucinich, whose views very closely echo my own. As a long-time activist, I dared to hope he could win the nomination but I knew that, at a minimum, he would influence the party and the process positively. I believe he did that.

I am intrigued by Sen. Barack Obama and I don't believe his relative inexperience will be a handicap this time around. This may in fact be a unique chance in American history to elect a non-white President. I am watching him closely because we know so lilttle about him due to his relative newness on the national political stage.

Sen. John Edwards offers much to admire as well. He is more experienced and convincing than any other of the Democratic candidates. I think he has a real chance of winning the nomination.

Sen. HIllary Clinton will not get my support; her waffling on the primary issue of world peace disqualifies her from my perspective. I wish that weren't the case because historically a matriarchy is inherently more peaceful than a patriarchy and I would have loved to support wholeheartedly a woman for President of the United States.

Two more quick points by way of introduction.

First, I disagree with the sentiment that JFK was our last good President Jimmy Carter was awesome and will be judged so by history.

Second, I think that it is essential that we do, in fact, take into account the issue of winnability as we decide where to place our political energies. That doesn't mean it should trump other more important considerations but it is important that we at the very least believe in the electability of the candidate we back.

I look forward to many positive, clean and uplifting discussions here in the next year or so.

Peace to all peoples.

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Hi Dan,
I also think Jimmy Carter will be judged to be an exceptional president.
karen

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Hi guys,
I'm very excited about the opportunity to share with all of you in this endeavor.  I do believe that we can make a difference, sometimes almost wholeheartedly I believe!  It's difficult I know.  I am very interested in the discussions about this topic and participating when I can.  I also felt like leaving the USA after the last election, I woke up the next morning wondering what the heck?  (Actually, I used stronger thoughts than that!)  Could it be true that even 49% of the voting public actually feel this way?  Heartbreaking.  And the heartbreak turned out to be warranted in my opinion.

I am hoping that our country will find a way to get a bit more peace this next time around more than anything.  I'm not into bashing these folks who make a run for this job, they're in many ways admired by me for caring enough (even if misguided in my view) to give a whole lot of themselves for our country/world. 

I am here to help where I can, and look forward to all of the wonderful discussions you guys are no doubt, gonna bring!

As far as Jimmy Carter goes, he gets my vote in so many ways I love this guy.  Always have.  I just had some boiled peanuts tonite! 

warmest regards.
bobJuan.

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my name is dougo, originally from the us (ny/nj) and have been living in singapore for the past 14 years and travelling around quite a bit.     for now, the us elections still create a considerable impact around the world, so i am still very interested. 

of the main candidates at this time, the only one i could see myslf supporting would be obama….i like his energy and ideas and the freshness he would bring to the role.

i sometimes get discouraged about the political  “system” that seems to have emerged in the us at this time, and want to be hopeful that a higher order system will emerge and want to be part of that in some way.

i look forward to seeing what unfolds on the big stage and in this group.

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Hello All,

I am open to llstening to all opinions. I have not started my decision making process, just research. I LOVE Jimmy Carter!!

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Thanks for the invitation to join this pod and broaden my perspective. I must say that I am not one who keeps up on current events as I got burned out on the media many years ago after the Gulf War. Politics is not an area that I pay much attention to, but felt drawn to be here today.

The few times that I have voted in the US where I now reside, I really made an attempt to learn something about the candidates, so that I could make an informed decision.

Reading everyone’s post so far, I am familiar with and like Dennis Kucinich who I first became aware of through Marianne Williamson’s work.

Thanks to you guys, I now have another name to go check out - Barack Obama.

Looking forward to learning so much more from everybody here.

Nicola

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     I am 55, I always vote, and like many here have found myself in the minority more often than not. I feel things are truly turning. However I remember that amazing change when Clinton won and two years later watched in dismay. I really didn't like Reagan and the culture of the 80's!
     I hope the Democrats emphasize 'internation law' as the foreign policy issue.
     I believe in democracy and believe we are ultimately to blame for the problems that have arisen. I believe we can learn great lessons from mistaken directions.    Scott

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Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Do you guys really think it matters?  Look deeper, behind the scenes, the presidents are puppets to the richest bankers in the world but of course they are well compensated for this.  This country was founded in an effort to get away from them (the controlling bankers) but they followed and finally got what they wanted in 1913, control of our money system.

Think about it, Bush Jr is finishing up what his father wanted or is a part of, the New World Order.  The US will cease to exist as we know it as we evolve in to a Global Community.

See FreedomForceInternational.org to learn more.

I don't know that voting for any candidate in particular will make anything better in the long run, what we need to do is explore taking back our money system so we cannot be controlled by it.

Jefferson warned about what's occuring and of course he is one of our founding fathers.

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Yes, I think it can matter. It doesn't always. It hasn't always. But it can. What we need, though, at least in the context of this conversation, is more emphasis on positive possibility and less on bemoaning problems and finding conspiracies.

In every society there come turning points when major change can be embraced by many, perhaps most, of the people who comprise that society. I believe we are on the verge of such a turning point in our society.

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Re: Introduce Yourself Here

Hello Onemind,

I absolutely agree with you that a major turning point is occuring.  For instance the level of awakening that is occurring will create a huge turning point.   As you you chose the term, “positive possibility”, I am more apt to say something like “progress” is taking back our money system because it is so powerful.  Can you explain inflation and how the monetary system really works?  There's plenty of information out there on it that suggests you're money becomes worth less and less everyday and while you have to work more for less.  Why is this happening?  Because the more money our government creates the less your money is worth and this has been happening for decades now.  There is no secret about it.  He who controls the money system controls quite a bit.  A free system is preferred on my end.  One that is not manipulated by people in government.  The economy will create it self with the laws of supply and demand.

As more and more people wake up and realize they can create their own reality and they can make a difference, they do have power, the more we can take action as a cohesive unit on this “positive possibility.”  I personally see all of it (the “conspiracy” and this “turning point”) as the next phase of evolution.  For me, there really is no judgement of it being evil or good, it just IS. 

Perhaps voting can work but I still see this turning point in society as a turning point in Global society.  I don't believe we need borders and the powers that be are removing them.  (Ie. we are protected from terrorists but there are tons of Mexican individuals crossing the border in droves both here in AZ and CA?)  I am all for it personally!  No need for us to have borders unless they are simply borders initiated upon agreement because it is best for each community but there is an inconsistency.  What we are being told and what is really going on regarding our borders is very inconsistent.  We are not “protected” and I'm not sure we need to be.

As a matter of fact, FreedomForceInternational.org does reflect ideas about positive possiblity.  But they don't just dialogue about it or send letters to government.  They actually are focusing on “doing” something about it which is a good thing.  Their focus is to have the people take back the power centers vs. the corporations and government.   My only concerns with it and the reason I haven't joined personally is because it appears they are often motivating by fear theirselves, the very thing they suggest “the banking cartel” is doing through our political leaders.  If you haven't checked it out, I encourage you too.  I am curious to hear what other educated inviduals would have to say about it although I've taken quite a bit of time to study FreedomForceInternational.org and Griffin's book, “The Creature From Jekyll Island.” 

As far as conspiracies are concerned, it is said the “bankers” believe they are doing what is best for society.  Additionally, a conspiracy is when people joing forces in secret to create something evil.  I suppose evil is in the eye of the beholder.  Collectivists supposedly believe in taking individuals rights away for the benefit of the mass number.  I don't know if I would consider that evil.  Onemind, have you studied any of the “conspiracy theories”?  Or are you simply labeling things as a conspiracy?  If I know you've studied the possibilities of alterior motives for 9/11 and he Fed Reserve and you still aren't convinced I'll value your opinion much more.  Personally it is not something I want to believe.

Thanks for stimulating my mind Onemind.  :O)

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Joshua, I am loving your input, thanks for sharing your ideas. I don't know exactly how I would like to see things evolve from here, but I am definitely aware of the bigger picture you speak of.

Everyone……. I'm listening intently to your thoughts. I'm Canadian, so I can't vote in the US election. However, my interest in its progress is keen–it affects my country and the world. This pod is exciting. Thank goodness we're not all saying the same things : )  We need many voices. Vive la difference.

What I discover by studying the huge canvas of US politics informs my decisions regarding my own country's concerns. The two have close ties and share many issues.
 
bows,
crow

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One Mind….I like your posts.  I have been reading the posts at this pod, hoping to gather more information about the presidential candidates.  We all could probably say many negative things about government in general, but the words don't create postive change.  You are right I think.  If we want positive change, we think positive change…we create positive change.  “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”  Negativity infects…….

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I agree with you that international law should be part of the discussion in foreign policy. But being the sole hegemon in the world, we have turned into a bit of a bully, and I don't know how many politicians believe in the rule of international law.
International law, since it is relatively a new concept, doesn't sit well with a semi-nationalistic country like the US. We have problems with our own rules and laws that to submit ourselves to the scrutiny of international law is almost unfathomable. 
But I agree… that international law needs to have its place in our political culture.  

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The American economy is certainly an important aspect of almost any discussion lately and how it affects our foreign policy certainly plays into politics. The K Street PAC's and the notorious lobbying is awful, as is Haliburton and all the no-bid contracts in Iraq. Think what that money could do for Katrina victims! For health insurance! pitiful!!!

I believe we have to start somewhere if we're going to see any change - I would personally like to candidates argue issues and present plans, instead of the awful mud-slinging sound bite commercials we've seen over the last several years.

For right now, and it's nearly two years out and that's a long time to listen to politicians and pollsters, I'm encouraged by many of the candidates and what they're bringing to the table. There were many elections when I thought all the candidates so much like alike that there would be no real difference if any of the field were elected.

Ohio's economy has been totally ruined, jobs beyong the service industry have fled, our state government riddled with corruption and scandal - reaching to the national level. We just elected the first Democratic Governer in (i believe) 12 years because people were sick of the business as usual attitude. There were some nasty ads and big business as well as special interest groups were out in force, but too many people have been “burned” here and enough got out and voted for change. We'll see how well that change works. I 'm hoping that it will also work on a national level.

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There is something about Obama.  He seems to have a magnetism to him that brings hope.  I just “hope” it's valid.  I think one way to recognize if this man is for real is to see if he does anything different then the other candidates in the past.  For instance as Karen mentioned, will he mudsling or simply defend himself and express his plan.  It's likely that any candidate that maintained his dignity in the election process would get my vote.

Karen,  congratulations on the new life in Ohio.  Make it happen!  :O)

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                          I wil vote for peace

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Hi,

I'm Ernie, I walked down Pennsylvania Avenue saying” Nixon Eats___.  Anyway, let's home for a more evolved president int he future and let's make it happen.  E.

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It's too soon for me to know which candiate to choose.

I wonder if anyone is going to give Hillary Clinton a chance. As a woman running for President in this crucial election, it seems that Obama has stolen her thunder. Or are people just not taking her seriously? I would never vote for her just because she is of my gender, but I do want her to be given just as much consideration as the rest will get.

Well, that's where I am at this point.

Love.

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Hi

My name is Wolf.  I am an Internet Security Success guru in the Atlanta area.  I do not yet have a favourite candidate yet, but I am pretty-much locking Hillary out because she appears to be a product of the RNC political machine. Bill had very tight connections to HRH George Bush and the family.  It is hard to see how Hillary could be untouched by that connection.

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Hi Wolf,

What does RNC stand for?

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RNC = Republican National Convention?

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rnc

republican national convention. yes

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hard to argue with a guru of any sort, but color me stupid, I have never heard of this crossbreeding between the RNC (republican nat'l committee?) and the Clintons. Do you have any references to enlighten me?

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Hi Mary,

Take a look at FreedomForceInternational.org

I don't neccessarily endorse them but they will introduce you to the idea of collectivism here in the states and they suggest both democrats and republicans are the puppets of the most powerful familys in the world suchs as The JP Morgan Chase family and the Rockefellars.

Just like when people were ruled by the Rosthschilds accept now it is kept hidden (was kepd hidden)

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Always argue with gurus.  IT makes them soggy and hard to light.

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/02/12/18361704.php

I want to write history-based science-fiction and whenever I come up with a really good plotline with legs strong enough to make it into a novel, I find in my research that the governments of the world are already there, have been doing (whatever) since 1967 and it is not “fiction” per se.

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Hello everyone,
I feel it is too soon to make a decision yet - although I am leaning toward Hillary. I think she will garner more votes than Obama - but I am not sure she can defeat Rudy. This should be an interesting election year.

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I am hearing a big NO to Hillary Clinton in the Tampa Bay area.

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Re: Introduce Yourself Here

hello! thank you for providing this forum.

I am politically alert, wary of information, wary of agreements and causes.

like simon says (I like that!), the unenlightened tend to wield the weighted hammer in this pseudo-democracy.

I am not judgmental. Just awake and a little weary of superficial arguments supporting the visceral ego-agendas of the fear-mongering jackals we tend to elect.

I am heartened by the way peace-lovers almost won in 2004, and the recent victory in November. I am hoping for a good, clean discussion here that helps us to make the complex observations and subtle distinctions necesasry for a good decisions, and befitting an enlightened society.

- I like Hillary so far, she is intelligent, hard-working and knows her shit, but she is awfully good as a politician. Can we trust that?
- I like Obama, but he has little experience with the jackals and hyenas in the rough and tumble of Washington politics. Personally, I like my ideas, too. But could I survive in that pit? Could you?
- I like Joe Biden, he has been consistent and strong since very early after 9/11. Very complex thinker and strong personality. Vulnerable to the criticism of those who dislike ambiguity.

And there are so many others. I have nowhere near enough information for a decision. I am hoping that we will help each other, there. And I haven't the energy to begin speculating and betting on them like horses, which I feel cheapens the exercise, trivializes the fact that many, many gallons of blood are hanging in the balance. No fun day at the races for me.

May we all find what we need…

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