[QUOTE=Dr_BuzzCzar;773477]1. Please cite your source for stating what is in the majority of all college history textbooks, thanks. There is no doubt that our entry into WW II was a tremendous boost to the U.S. economy through deficit spending (about 140% of GDP in 1943, as I recall but not certain on the precise amount) by necessity instead of by choice. That doesn't mean FDR's policies had not stopped the slide and headed the economy in the right direction prior to 12/7/41. I agree that the horrible state of our current manufacturing sector would not allow it to be utilized to pull us up by our boot straps. I've worked in manufacturing all of my adult life (post-Army service, that is) and the short-sighted actions by management and labor that I have witnessed enrage me still.

Oh indeed I was exagerating to some degree, alltough it is not only from my own observations I have heard this said by many a Proffessor in the lounge (and come accross it numerous times while doing other reaserch ) during our various discussions on history. Though it is not the war itself but what happened imediatey after in combination with it that brought us out ( all of FDR's efforts were more likened by my constituents and mentors to be likened to that of the dutch boy with his finger in the dam). I am not about to do a term paper to satify your curiousity on the issue however , you can look yourself if you dont believe me, I reccomend doing a boolean search as wiki is rather unreliable for its scource material.

2. The Democratic party has not been unified in my lifetime and probably never will. There are significant differences between the fiscally conservative "Blue Dog" Dems and the much more liberal "Yellow Dog" Dems. They get together in varying degrees to fight Republicans but that's about it. Personally, I think that adding Sen. Clinton to the ticket as VP candidate would have played directly into the right-wing's hands. They have been salivating since 2000 for a chance at going after her. I think Pres-Elect Obama made a smart, political decision in how he's using Sen. Clinton.

He was affriad to have her as his VP plain and simple. I aggree democrates just like republicans and other political parties are much more fluid on the inside than most people think.

3. I would love to have seen Sen McCain as Sec Def for instance, but doubt it would have been accepted or offered. He's a good man that I respect a great deal. I wish him well and much success. Offer a cabinet post to Gov Palin... that might be the single funniest thing I've read on these forums yet. Wow, that is truly mind-boggling.

I see Palin is to be somehow demonized or made to be silly?

As silly perhaps as putting ones wife in charge of health care?

It still doesnt change the fact the Obama is adhearing to "politics as ussuall" instead of following through with any really bold changes that would re-define how our two party system opperates.[/QUOTE]