Is Obama a Socialist?

[TantricSoul]

I believe this is a wide-ranging, well-informed (myself only excluded) discussion on many and various aspects of Mr Obama's political experience, and of relevant issues raised thereby. Each diversion was because of some remark made for or against the main proposition, and when it is finished with, the argument returns to that proposition.

I hate it when we are told to "KEEP TO THE TOPIC" - capitals seems to be necessary so that we can be cowed into submission. The "topic" is whatever we happen to be talking about as a result of previous posts and the replies we are considering. So long as we are not flaming, who can object?

With such strict controls over what can or cannot be said, the threads will become sterile. Do you want me to absent myself from these boards again ... so soon???

Every once in a while as moderator I do post a "KEEP TO THE TOPIC" message, usually if a thread goes tangential before the OP has been thoroughly discussed. Once the regular contributors have chimed in I will tend to let the thread drift wherever it wants to go, (and like this one sometimes even contribute to off topic remarks) .

I honestly don't feel I weigh these boards down with heavy handed, oppressive actions, and I consciously use a light touch when here.

Frankly I spend almost all my time here playing peacemaker. Yes I volunteered for this and am not complaining, however there are times when I would rather post a koan or write in my blog or visit the chat room or The Fit Club or any number of other activities instead of once again, acting as members brain-to-fingers filter.

The answer is NO, I for one don't want you to vacate these boards again MMI, I enjoy reading your opinions even if sometimes they make extra work for me

So do me a favor people, pretty please, go have your brain-to-fingers filters checked and replaced if worn.

Respectfully,
Tantric

[blacqcobra]

Ms. Steelish I owe you an apology for certain reponses to your post. I do get carried away at times. But it is no excuse for my rude behaviour. Now, I wil say President Obama is not turning this country into a socialist state. He is trying to undo the terrible ravage this country has been put through by the past administration and it's party. I wrote another Op-ed but unfortunately I did not sign in thus I can't remember everything I said to rebute your argument. God I'm getting Old! I do remember saying this. The reasons this country is in this state today is due to the conservatives failure to uphold it's word and spend less for 12 yrs Thus the reason we are where we are... I gotta go I'm a lawyer they're calling us back in!!!! Oh, yeah I am Center of center, not right nor left one would say I'm an independent...Okay I'll accept that!