Is Obama a Socialist?

[steelish]

Oh, my god!!!! Stop, Stop, Stop it! You're killing me I"m ROFLMAO!! Steelish we must have a friendly debate. Your source materials you've listed is bias....Period. They come from a very right wing conservative ideology. Who right now even as we speak is asking the gov't to step in and take over the Oil spill fiasco.....Whaaa????

EPA:

Our Mission

The mission of EPA is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment -- air, water and land -- upon which life depends.

EPA's purpose is to ensure that:

• all Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work;
• national efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific information;
• federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively;
• environmental protection is an integral consideration in U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy;
• all parts of society -- communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments -- have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks;
• environmental protection contributes to making our communities and ecosystems diverse, sustainable and economically productive; and
• the United States plays a leadership role in working with other nations to protect the global environment.

I'm not sure who you're referring to as the "right winger" who is asking for the government to step in, but the mere existence of the EPA suggests that the government SHOULD step in to ensure that BP does clean up the mess...COMPLETELY. No one (well, at the very least, I'm not) is asking for the government to do the "cleaning up".

is that not the responsibility of BP and not GOV'T intervention...i.e socialism.

I agree with you. It is BP's responsibility. But that being said, I find it ironic that the government wants to get involved with our daily lives and regulate our fat intake, yet they didn't impose regulations - such as make the $500,000 protective pressure valve gauge - a requirement on offshore rigs.

(This quote edited by moderator )And the same people screaming at the top of their lungs about taxes.

Um, first, I am a mother. And yes, I know the educational system sucks - that's why I paid for private school. No it wasn't easy, my husband worked two jobs and I worked full time as well.

Second, I'm NOT a right winger...I'm slightly right of the center and am part of the Conservative movement. It's not about cutting taxes. (not unless the government is going to cut out all the fat) It's not about seeing people starve in the streets. It's about bringing back decent humanity to each individual. It's about values. It's about compassion, charity, hope, faith (however you interpret faith).

Third, my husband is a police officer. So no, I am not against them getting a raise. Oh, and btw - he too is a Conservative.

Oh, I know all we have to do is cut the waste and the fat ...righhhhhhht! Been there done that, Remember the Bush Tax cuts. Supposed to help grow the economy ....Ahh! but what did it really do??

Nothing. Because Bush cut taxes but didn't cut spending. (FYI - I didn't like Bush either. Oh, and I am a registered Democrat)

It is possible to cut spending without doing the things you mentioned (cutting raises from teachers, police, firemen, etc) but the government would have you think otherwise. Oh and btw - the federal government doesn't pay the wages of firemen and police. Those wages are paid at the city government level.

( also edited by moderator )Under funded our regulatory agencies. Thus you have Wall steet, Insurance co's Banks, Reale state, healthcare, and let's not forget the most important thing Unemployment. In trouble! Which happened under the Bush/Cheney and Newt Gingrich Republican Watch. Remember Contract with America, 1994-2006....But you know what?? Don't believe me or the liberals. You know how I guage this fiasco now. This way, I know a few professional dommes they are having trouble making ends meet. Their once flourishing business has tanked they are now forced to enter the work force and yes go to trade schools. You know why Their clients discretionary allowance is no longer theirs! So what if we have a little socialism to go with Capitalism Nobodies saying don't make money. But hey there is a price to pay to make money in this country...Taxes! ...Put some back not all of it. just some!! My God!!! Have we become a nation of greed and selfishness. Is this what our soldiers are dying for and those who died in other wars! I can't tell you as a corpporate lawyer how many large businesses come in here and want me to find loop holes in the tax laws. So they can have some play money.

Unemployment is a government-run agency. It's not covered by a regulatory agency. Where were the regulatory agencies with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Oh yeah, those were government agencies as well. But they're not greedy, are they?????

Now you're calling ME greedy selfish because I want capable individuals to be responsible for their own actions. heh. I've never exhibited the qualities you're accusing me of. But I guess your post won't be considered inflammatory.