Below is an excerpt from an MSNBC intreview between Tim Russert, and Ralph Nader (when he announced he was entering his bid for the election). I think he has a number of excellent points, and I really like that he is so blatantly honest (or so it seems) The percentages of the people who are pleased with the way our country is run is absolutely staggering!

My problem is right now I can't select the least of all of the evils we have to choose from! It's really difficult to find a candidate that is truly believable, and just when you think you have they let you down in office...I'm tired of being lied to, but I have a hard time believing that there will be much turnaround and reform in my lifetime...it's going to take a radical, and many people won't like it!

MR. NADER: Let me put it in context, to make it a little more palatable to people who have closed minds. Twenty-four percent of the American people are satisfied with the state of the country, according to Gallup. That's about the lowest ranking ever. Sixty-one percent think both major parties are failing. And, according to Frank Luntz's poll, a Republican, 80 percent would consider voting for a independent this year. Now, you take that framework of people feeling locked out, shut, shut out, marginalized, disrespected and you go from Iraq to Palestine/Israel, from Enron to Wall Street, from Katrina to the bungling of the Bush administration, to the complicity of the Democrats in not stopping him on the war, stopping him on the tax cuts, getting a decent energy bill through, and you have to ask yourself, as a citizen, should we elaborate the issues that the two are not talking about? And the--all, all the candidates--McCain, Obama and Clinton--are against single payer health insurance, full Medicare for all. I'm for it, as well as millions of Americans and 59 percent of physicians in a forthcoming poll this April. People don't like Pentagon waste, a bloated military budget, all the reports in the press and in the GAO reports. A wasteful defense is a weak defense. It takes away taxpayer money that can go to the necessities of the American people. That's off the table to Obama and Clinton and McCain.

The issue of labor law reform, repealing the notorious Taft-Hartley Act that keeps workers who are now more defenseless than ever against corporate globalization from organizing to defend their interests. Cracking down on corporate crime. The media--the mainstream media repeatedly indicating how trillions of dollars have been drained and fleeced and looted from millions of workers and investors who don't have many rights these days, and pensioners. You know, when you see the paralysis of the government, when you see Washington, D.C., be corporate-occupied territory, every department agency controlled by overwhelming presence of corporate lobbyists, corporate executives in high government positions, turning the government against its own people, you--one feels an obligation, Tim, to try to open the doorways, to try to get better ballot access, to respect dissent in America in the terms of third parties and, and independent candidates; to recognize historically that great issues have come in our history against slavery and women rights to vote and worker and farmer progressives, through little parties that never ran--won any national election. Dissent is the mother of ascent. And in that context, I have decided to run for president.

MR. RUSSERT: As you know, Ralph Nader, they'll be Democrats all across the country who are going to find this very disturbing news, and they'll point again to 2000. This was the vote count. Al Gore winning the popular vote, but you've got 2.7 percent, nearly three million votes, in 2000. Then Florida, Florida, Florida. As you remember, George Bush won Florida by 537 votes. You've got 97,488. Democrat after Democrat says to this day, Ralph Nader, if your name had not been on that ballot, Al Gore would've carried Florida. Exit polls show he would've carried Nader voters 2-to-1. Gore would've been president and not George Bush. You, Ralph Nader are responsible for what has happened the last seven years.

MR. NADER: Not, not George Bush? Not the Democrats in Congress? Not the voters who voted for George Bush?

I dont want anyone to put their hand on something they dont believe in but if you are running for the president of the united states, which is founded on Christian beliefs, then at least have Christian values which he does not. And if you are running for president of this country then you have to patriotic in every aspect. Again something that he has not shown. Almost everything that he has said in speeches turned out not to be true. Working for the middle class...Wrong. Not taking money...Wrong. Thats all I can think of at this moment. As for Hilary....Roe vs Wade is not the only reason I am not voting for her but it is a main one. I am not going to argue beliefs on that situation. To each their own. I am just glad you get to fight and use your breath to keep that legal since you werent aborted and are alive to do so! Roe vs. Wade and Partial birth abortions are two different subjects. I would like to see Roe/Wade changed however Mr. Clinton legalized partial during his stay and Hilary believes the same. Partial birth is when they are in the third trimester and are delivered...then killed half way out. So good for you to want that legalized again! That should not be a choice

ctrum6414 said:

I know that we are all in the healthfield, however, that is not the only issues to consider. Obama is a terrible choice for President. He doesnt hold his hand over his heart or acknowledge the flag. He did not put his hand on the Bible..he put it on the Koran. Now I dont know about everyone else but if someone doesnt believe in the United States flag, doesnt use the Bible, and is associated with a radical Muslim group, Im pretty sure he would not be a good President for our great country. As for Hillary..her husband is the one who legalized partial birth abortions and she feels the same way. What kind of society is that? Who knows who she would elect for Supreme court justice, if elected. Then it would be back to the drawing board to keep partial birth abortions banned and possible turn on the Roe v. Wade. Not to mention her healthcare plan. I know I might be in the minority, but I will vote Rep. because of my moral beliefs and I will probably vote for Huckabee if able. The main thing is getting people to vote anyway. VOTE

Adolf Hitler said "How fortunate for governments that the people they administer to don't think"

And, as for Obama and the flag thing, personally I'm really sick of having chest-beating 'patriots' at the expense of sound American domestic and foreign policy. I'm a proud American who doesn't ever wear or even own a flag, because our ideals should speak for themselves, over the images. I'm also sick of having Christians pushing their ideology onto many unwilling participants in what is supposed to be, under the US Constituion (probably the most kick-ass document ever written!) a secular republic. The intrusion of Christianity into our government has actually dwindled my religious participation to nearly zero.

I don't know who I'm going to vote for. Maybe a write-in, so I can say that I participated in my government even though I don't think I've been given very good candidates.

margaritka said:

And, as for Obama and the flag thing, personally I'm really sick of having chest-beating 'patriots' at the expense of sound American domestic and foreign policy. I'm a proud American who doesn't ever wear or even own a flag, because our ideals should speak for themselves, over the images. I'm also sick of having Christians pushing their ideology onto many unwilling participants in what is supposed to be, under the US Constituion (probably the most kick-ass document ever written!) a secular republic. The intrusion of Christianity into our government has actually dwindled my religious participation to nearly zero.

I don't know who I'm going to vote for. Maybe a write-in, so I can say that I participated in my government even though I don't think I've been given very good candidates.

The Declaration was not meant to give a religious foundation to this nation, to its founding, its founding documents, its legal system or laws. It was not intended to give a theological discourse on the creation of mankind.

A "Christian Country and Christian People"

The first source of the Christian nation concept during the nineteenth century came from the notion that the American nation and its democratic system were based on Christian principles. This notion was derived from popular belief that the first settlers had been guided to the new land by the providential hand of God which had in turn protected and nurtured the colonies in their development into a nation. These providential influences guided the Founding Fathers in creating the new government and found their way into the nation's organic documents. Thus, central to this argument was the belief that Christian principles provided the foundation for the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and for American democracy itself. Because of these origins, the state had a special obligation to promote Christian principles as a way of preserving both democratic and religious institutions.
This view of America's Christian nationhood was widely shared in varying degrees throughout the nineteenth century, especially during the antebellum period, and is even espoused today. What is so remarkable about this perspective is that it was not generally shared by the founders and their contemporaries, but instead developed through a melding of America's religious heritage with evangelical aspirations for America's millennial role.

Source:
The Rhetoric and Reality of the "Christian Nation" Maxim in American Law, 1810-1920 by Steven Keith Green

I think that most people view the "Christian" belief thing as being pure, sincere, honest...we want a political candidate to exhibit those features, because we believe that those will be the ones who will best represent us in the government. I am proud to call myself a Christian, and although I think I am far from pious, and standing on a soapbox, I'd choose someone with a good upbrining and a solid Christian faith before I could bring myself to trusting someone who proudly professes atheism. This is a whole other can of worms though.

I have yet to see a candidate that I feel is appropriate for the postion we are electing him/her to - religious beliefs aside.

I am not pushing any Christian ideas onto anyone. They are mine and what I believe and cherish in my life. This is a forum for opinions and a difference of. I would vote for a President that is a "chest beating" patriot that is working with and for Americans than for someone who doesnt show patriotism and love for this country. That is their job to do so. DaMomb...that was a good reference.

ctrum6414 and Damomb sorry but i consulted with my history major and this country was founded on Puritanism and the freedom of religion not Christianity. We need to learn tolerance of all beliefs and that is what our Constitiution is about. Should we be more critical of someone not holding their hand over their heart than we were of someone committing adultery while in office? vote your conscience and try for tolerance of those that are different from us.

I guess it all depends on who you talk to!
Summer 2-4, 1776 - Declaration of Independence written and signed.
"We hold these truths ... that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights ... appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world ... And for the support of this Declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence..."
As the Declaration was being signed, Samuel Adams said: "We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven, and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let his kingdom come."
On the same day, Benjamin Franklin suggested that the national motto be: "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."
September 17, 1787 - The Constitution of the United States is finished.
At least 50 out of the 55 men who framed the Constitution of the United States were professing Christians. (M.E. Bradford, A Worthy Company, Plymouth Rock Foundation., 1982).
Eleven of the first 13 States required faith in Jesus Christ and the Bible as qualification for holding public office.
The Constitution of each of the 50 States acknowledges and calls upon the Providence of God for the blessings of freedom.
1787 - James Madison, the "architect" of the federal Constitution and fourth president:
"We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future .. upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to sustain ourselves, according to the Ten Commandments of God."
1891 - The U.S. Supreme Court restates that America is a "Christian Nation."
"Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian ... this is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making this affirmation ... we find everywhere a clear definition of the same truth ... this is a Christian nation." (Church of the Holy Trinity vs. United States, 143 US 457, 36 L ed 226, Justice Brewer)

Joe Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 a.m. While his coffee pot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA).

After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA) he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB. At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day, Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE) and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in.....AMERICA.....

Is this just someone's idea of a sick joke?  Of our delegates, who's going to change this around?

ctrum6414 says ...

Margaritka, I do find it funny that although you are sick of Christians pushing beliefs onto unwilling participants and find it an intrusion, you do have on your profile that "God willing" you get to take your NCLEX soon. Just an observation.

I find it amusing you think the only ones who say God Willing or maybe think only christians have the right to say God Willing. Other religious affiliations also believe and use the phrase.  In fact, the ones who do use it have been around far longer than christianity

how about "opened eyes to verbal stimulation, much to RN's delight"?  Great story

My opinion....Obama......Oh Momma! That guy is a nut case. McCain will have my vote.

It's the lesser of two evils. I don't like either one. ( I was rooting for Hiliary). But I don't want Obama more than I don't want McCain. (did that make sense?)

I have 2 sons in the service.  During election time the first think I ask them is "who do you want as Commander and Chief"  Really surprising this year, since they both tend to be Democrats (they came from a Republican family, where did I go wrong?) they both said McCain.  They feel that he will do more for the military, more for the economy and health.  They, like many of us feel that Obama doesn't have the experience and that he tends to say what the people that he is talking with want to hear.  Sounds like medical administration doesn't it.  Any way, I guess this year I get to vote Republican.  And those that think Republicans are the root of all evil, Maybe if Slick Willie had not tried the good old boy system, we wouldn't be in the messes that we are in now.  We might also need to be looking at the House of Representatives and the Senate.  They also need to take their share of the blame for the shape the country is in now.  Next time they vote their raise in, we should bombard them with letters that their raises should go to the health system and make it possible for everyone in this great nation to have the medical help that they need and deserve.