Get out and Vote!!!

[mek]

If you are an American
I dont care who you vote for

but get out and Vote!

[SLDROFHLA]

thank you, everyone should do this. important. mccain 08!

[Oliver]

Well, we'll see :)

As far as the Sonic Lighter tells us, the whole word is blue, with the exception of the US, where it's 60/40.

[moopf]

Not being a US citizen, I can't vote (obviously!) but I can tell you I will be watching our live broadcast of the election results starting to come in just before midnight our time. It has been a remarkable "show" (if you can call it that, I can't quite think of another word to use at the moment!) and it will be really interesting to see what America decides - there seem to be genuinely polar opposites to choose from, which is something that is increasingly less frequent in western politics, as everybody fights for the center. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the apathy in western elections wanes after this, so whatever way it goes it looks to be setting a good example to motivate the electorate all over the world for their own elections.

Anyway, off my soap box now :D

[BrettArchibald]

And if you're not American, you just sit back and pray for the well-being of the world, hoping that "he" doesn't get elected!
You know who I mean... ;)

[SLDROFHLA]

And if you're not American, you just sit back and pray for the well-being of the world, hoping that "he" doesn't get elected!
You know who I mean... ;)

I know who you mean, OBAMA!

nobama

[mek]

i just voted

and i got a lil sticker that i can wear to boot, proclaiming that i voted, but when i voted the second time, they wouldn't give me a second sticker...prudes

im just kidding, i only voted once...there was def. a tension in the town hall..a lot of security..a lot of emotions...its going to be a long night, hopefully not a long week though..like the last two elections

[BrettArchibald]

And if you're not American, you just sit back and pray for the well-being of the world, hoping that "he" doesn't get elected!
You know who I mean... ;)

I know who you mean, OBAMA!

nobama

Uh, nope, I meant the other one... :rolleyes:

[BATTLE BORN]

done and done.

The local sheriff is running for re-election and has a TON of hot young girls holding signs on street corners this morning.

needless to say... it was a sweet drive to work this morning.

.....and I voted for him.:cool:

[lynch]

done and done.

The local sheriff is running for re-election and has a TON of hot young girls holding signs on street corners this morning.

needless to say... it was a sweet drive to work this morning.

.....and I voted for him.:cool:

Brilliant
I love American Politics

i just voted as well

[mrholder]

Yes. Get out and vote, especially if you're voting for "the other one" (McCain).

[super6ft7]

vote for obama!

[SLDROFHLA]

vote nobama!

[kwigbo]

I just voted for a person I didn't want to vote for just to avoid voting for a socialist. Hasn't history taught us that socialism just doesn't work?

[mek]

Starbucks: Giving away a free tall coffee to people with proof of voting (or a pledge of having voted)

Krispy Kreme: Giving away free star-shaped donuts with red, white and blue sprinkles (while supplies last) to people with an "I voted" sticker all day

Ben & Jerry's: Giving away a free scoop in any flavor from 5pm to 8pm to anyone who says they voted.

but thats not all

# Todd Conner's, a bar in Baltimore, will give voters a free beer. (I'm guessing 18-20 year-old voters are disqualifed.)

# Selected Chick-fil-A locations will be offering free chicken sandwiches on Election Day to anyone with an "I Voted" sticker, and also giving away items on Nov. 5 for those who bring in lawn signs, but check first, to see if your local store is in on the deal.

# Rock the Vote is offering free song downloads to anyone who pledges to vote

# To its first 300 customers at each location, Shane's Rib Shack will give away a free "Vote America meal," which are chicken tenders and a beverage.

# Anaheim White House, a restaurant in California, are giving voters a free bottle of champagne. The catch seems to be that you have to order the $44 meal that comes with it.

# At Zov's, a three-restaurant chain, also in California, they're giving away a free slice of apple pie to anyone who votes.

# The Atlanta Zoo are cutting admission prices to half price on November 4 for voters and their families.

# In Chicago, at the restuarant Park 52, guests showing a receipt for voting will receive a free red, white and blue dessert--as in, red velvet cake with white cream cheese frosting and fresh blueberries.

# In Troy, Michigian, the Hot Spot Coffee Company will be giving out free 12-ounce cups of coffee to customers on November 4.

# And Babeland, an adult sex toy store in New York, Los Angeles and Seattle, is giving away, um, some free toys to anyone who says that they're voting.

# A Dallas tattoo-removal specialist is offering a free consultation to getting a tattoo removed.

[SLDROFHLA]

I just voted for a person I didn't want to vote for just to avoid voting for a socialist. Hasn't history taught us that socialism just doesn't work?

thank you, I do not like mccain either, too liberal for me, but I hate obama. rather have voted for romney

[NotYou]

Not being a US citizen, I can't vote (obviously!) but I can tell you I will be watching our live broadcast of the election results starting to come in just before midnight our time. It has been a remarkable "show" (if you can call it that, I can't quite think of another word to use at the moment!) and it will be really interesting to see what America decides - there seem to be genuinely polar opposites to choose from, which is something that is increasingly less frequent in western politics, as everybody fights for the center. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the apathy in western elections wanes after this, so whatever way it goes it looks to be setting a good example to motivate the electorate all over the world for their own elections.

Anyway, off my soap box now :D

That's one of interesting things about America. No matter what's going on, we always put on a show.

Edit: BTW, OBAMA!!!

[fusionXdevelopment]

Go OBAMA "YES WE CAN"

[BlueGenome]

If you make 250k or above obama will mess up your income to give some of your money to lazy people. Any family with college graduates can make 250k a year so yeah. McCain all the way !

[BATTLE BORN]

If you make 250k or above obama will mess up your income to give some of your money to lazy people. Any family with college graduates can make 250k a year so yeah. McCain all the way !

and anybody who works for a small business (like myself). you'd better believe there will be some changes around here if half of our hard earned profits are now taken from us. someday I'd like to own a small business myself, and I don't think it's right.

take Trism's developer for example... he would automatically have to kiss 100,000 of his initial 250,000 goodbye... seems fair right? not in my book...

[tunawrap]

these are good points.....obama isnt that great, but mcpain..is just...MCPAIN!

[lynch]

and anybody who works for a small business (like myself). you'd better believe there will be some changes around here if half of our hard earned profits are now taken from us. someday I'd like to own a small business myself, and I don't think it's right.

take Trism's developer for example... he would automatically have to kiss 100,000 of his initial 250,000 goodbye... seems fair right? not in my book...

im not taking sides here
but couldn't the trism developer, with 250k in his pocket, just give to charity 1k and then it would have declared 249k and not gotten the tax increase
but considering that the 250k was only earned in 2 months, and he probably can't collect on some of the regions, he may initially make more than that

but he def. should max out his 401k to reduce his taxable income, then donate to charity to get tax write offs that would also lower his taxable income...he may not get bumped into the next tax bracket if he plays it right

[NotYou]

If you make 250k or above

BAAAHHAHAAAAHAAA. Not even close!

Seriously, though, I work my @$$ off for the little money I make. I have my priorities elsewhere. High profits aren't everything. To be completely honest, that's kind of low on my list.

[arn]

and anybody who works for a small business (like myself). you'd better believe there will be some changes around here if half of our hard earned profits are now taken from us. someday I'd like to own a small business myself, and I don't think it's right.

take Trism's developer for example... he would automatically have to kiss 100,000 of his initial 250,000 goodbye... seems fair right? not in my book...

I don't generally like to get into politics. But Trism guy will pay lots of taxes on his initial 250,000 no matter who becomes president.

but couldn't the trism developer, with 250k in his pocket, just give to charity 1k and then it would have declared 249k and not gotten the tax increase


Um... I think there's confusion about how taxes work.

You only get taxed at the higher rate for the amount ABOVE the cut-off, not on all of it retroactively.

For example:

Someone who makes $250,000 pays X% amount of tax on that amount
Someone who makes $250,001 pays the same X% amount of tax on the $250,000 and then Y% (higher) rate just on the $1 he made above $250,000.

Here are current tax rates for someone who is single:
http://taxes.about.com/od/2008taxes/qt/2008_tax_rates.htm

10% on income between $0 and $8,025
15% on the income between $8,025 and $32,550; plus $802.50
25% on the income between $32,550 and $78,850; plus $4,481.25
28% on the income between $78,850 and $164,550; plus $16,056.25
33% on the income between $164,550 and $357,700; plus $40,052.25
35% on the income over $357,700; plus $103,791.75

So you still are making more money if you make $357,700 vs $357,699

arn

[SLDROFHLA]

oh, and by the way, obama has lowered the tax cutoff to 150 grand, or 120, depending on which speech you quote. your taxes will be raised

[BATTLE BORN]

BAAAHHAHAAAAHAAA. Not even close!


I don't make close to 250k either, but someday I hope to.
I want to work hard and create a better life for myself and my family.

and though Trism's dev will pay lots of taxes regardless, Obama's 40% seems like a low blow to me. Not all businesses are mega corporations, these are people trying to keep a decent roof over their heads

anyways, those are just my thoughts. everyone's got their own.

[arn]

I don't make close to 250k either, but someday I hope to.
I want to work hard and create a better life for myself and my family.

and though Trism's dev will pay lots of taxes regardless, Obama's 40% seems like a low blow to me.

Just to be clear. It would be 40% on the amount earned ABOVE $250,000. Not on the amount up to $250,000. So, it's not $100,000 (40% on $250,000).

You only get taxed at the higher rate for the amount ABOVE the cut-off, not on all of it retroactively.

I'm not necessarily advocating one candidate or the other... but it's not clear to me that you understand how tax tiers work (see my previous post), and think that's an important detail no matter who you support.

arn

[NotYou]

I don't make close to 250k either, but someday I hope to.
I want to work hard and create a better life for myself and my family.

and though Trism's dev will pay lots of taxes regardless, Obama's 40% seems like a low blow to me. Not all businesses are mega corporations, these are people trying to keep a decent roof over their heads

anyways, those are just my thoughts. everyone's got their own.

I definitely agree. The way things have been going, I may end up in the higher brackets before long. I don't think we should spread around money like that either. I still voted for Obama, though.

Usually I wouldn't go democrat, but I think he's the person we need right now. If the world was now the it was four years ago, I would be voting for McCain. I think either president is a compromise, in one way or another.

[morscata12]

There are very few of us who would benefit from McCain's tax plan over Obama's. According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_income_in_the_United_States), only 15.73% of Americans make $100,000 or more. 1.5% make over $250,000 - not sure how Obama's tax plan will be negatively affecting more than that 1.5%.

Also, anyone know what specific policies Obama discussed that fall under Socialism? :confused: Socialism is when the government controls the means of production and distribution.

[SLDROFHLA]

actually, mccain would make over a million more jobs than obama would.

[BATTLE BORN]

thanks for clearing that up arn.

ok I'm tired of talking about politics now lol (it's never fun, but still we do it lol)

P.S.
Hey NotYou, you should post some pics of your custom axe builds in the other instrument thread!

[BrettArchibald]

Just to be clear. It would be 40% on the amount earned ABOVE $250,000. Not on the amount up to $250,000. So, it's not $100,000 (40% on $250,000).

You only get taxed at the higher rate for the amount ABOVE the cut-off, not on all of it retroactively.

I'm not necessarily advocating one candidate or the other... but it's not clear to me that you understand how tax tiers work (see my previous post), and think that's an important detail no matter who you support.

arn

Yeah, letting people vote is a dangerous thing, if they have no idea what they are voting for.
They should make people take a test before they can vote, so their decisions which are not based on reality don't ruin everything for the rest of us...

[Oliver]

Well, that's how it works here, so nothing new for me ;). But of course we also have a bunch of stuff back like health insurance or money we get if we lose our jobs etc.

[Frand]

"Hasn't history taught us that socialism doesn't work?"

Uhh... no? Socialist policies when applied properly and in moderation are actually beneficial for a society. Look at Norway, Sweden and Finland for example. Better yet, go for a visit before making a judgment.

Pretty much any policies when applied to the extreme will fail in the long run: communism (the way they implemented it) didn't work for Russia, and the US is now learning the ugly side of uncontrolled capitalism.

"Lazy people taking my money" is a narrow-minded way of describing socialist policies and totally disregarding, for example, the relationship between crime rate and welfare.

If you want a sarcastic view, I'd rather pay taxes so the poor are reasonably content and drunk, rather than hoard my money, leaving them hungry and desperate.

[SLDROFHLA]

actually, I have a friend who just became a citizen and emigrated for the netherlands. he hates obama, because he knows what socialism is, hates it, hates it, hates it, and can tell that it goes against everything america stands for. dont elect obama

[sdragon]

10% on income between $0 and $8,025
15% on the income between $8,025 and $32,550; plus $802.50
25% on the income between $32,550 and $78,850; plus $4,481.25
28% on the income between $78,850 and $164,550; plus $16,056.25
33% on the income between $164,550 and $357,700; plus $40,052.25
35% on the income over $357,700; plus $103,791.75
These are not really reflective of what tax rates they'd pay -- you'd need to include FICA (15.3% for SE) and state taxes (0-10%).

There are self-employed developers in places like California that pay more than 40% in taxes and might not have even broken the 100K mark.

For reference, I do believe App store income is considered self-employment income.

[BATTLE BORN]

Yeah, letting people vote is a dangerous thing, if they have no idea what they are voting for.
They should make people take a test before they can vote, so their decisions which are not based on reality don't ruin everything for the rest of us...

regardless, my company makes well over 250,000 and people do stand to lose their jobs if we can't maintain after the tax increases. that's a fact. maybe I don't know the fine print, but I get the big picture.

this is exactly why I don't typically get into politics. you're not going to change anyone's mind. you're most likely just going to offend somebody or another.

[arn]

These are not really reflective of what tax rates they'd pay -- you'd need to include FICA (15.3% for SE) and state taxes (0-10%).


I was just using it as an example of how the tiers work.

arn

[arn]

regardless, my company makes well over 250,000 and people do stand to lose their jobs if we can't maintain after the tax increases. that's a fact. maybe I don't know the fine print, but I get the big picture.

this is exactly why I don't typically get into politics. you're not going to change anyone's mind. you're most likely just going to offend somebody or another.

I agree about politics. debates rarely lead to much productive.

just to reassure you a little, if your company is taxed more, it usually only taxes profits. i don't believe it's going to directly affect their ability to make payroll. It gets more complicated with corporate taxation and stuff, and I don't even know what the candidate's stands are on that. But corporate tax stuff is different from income tax.

arn

[break5]

If you make 250k or above obama will mess up your income to give some of your money to lazy people. Any family with college graduates can make 250k a year so yeah. McCain all the way !

Uh... so if someone doesn't make 250k, they're lazy? Really? Just in case you didn't know yet, not everyone's rich, or even in the middle...

[super6ft7]

I like the way its done here in the UK free mediacal services for everyone! But we are overly generous to some lazy b*****s who don't want jobs, just money.

[BATTLE BORN]

Uh... so if someone doesn't make 250k, they're lazy? Really? Just in case you didn't know yet, not everyone's rich, or even in the middle...

he's probably referring to lazy people like my aunt who will do anything in her power to scam some more money from the govt.
she actually enrolled her kids in special ed growing up because she got more money from welfare that way, not because they actually should be there.
not only is she a drain on society, but raised her kids to be the same way.
(and also raised them to believe they are stupid by doing so)

it's odd, she shares the same parents, and same upbringing as my mother (who's the younger sister, and has worked hard all her life, like my grandparents), yet between her and her nearly 40 year old son, they still can't make ends meet. I've got no sympathy for grown adults who can't hold a job when they've got every reason in the world that they could. family or not, they're just lazy.

P.S. I'm not saying that's the case with every person on welfare. I'm sure that it does a lot of good for many families. but in my own experience, I've seen it exploited by people who have no business being on welfare in the first place.

anyways, too much info I know, but that is probably what he meant by lazy people

[vandy1997]

Obama is declared the winner. Now let's hope that the next four years will bring better times for all.

[SLDROFHLA]

yeah right, businesses are already planning layoffs because of higher taxes, that's a fact. read this story

Dear Fellow Business Owner,

As a business owner who employs 30 people, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barack Obama will be our next President, and that my taxes and fees will go up in a BIG way.

To compensate for these increases, I figure that our customers will have to see an increase in my fees of about 8%. I will also have to lay off six of my employees. This really bothered me as I believe we are family here and didn't know how to choose who will have to go. So, this is what I did. I strolled thru the parking lot and found eight Obama bumper stickers on my employees cars. I have decided these folks will be the first to be laid
off.

I can't think of more fair way to approach this problem. If you have a
better idea, let me know. I am sending this letter to all business owners that I know.

Sincerely,
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
(A Small Business Owner)

[NotYou]

yeah right, businesses are already planning layoffs because of higher taxes, that's a fact. read this story

Dear Fellow Business Owner,

As a business owner who employs 30 people, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barack Obama will be our next President, and that my taxes and fees will go up in a BIG way.

To compensate for these increases, I figure that our customers will have to see an increase in my fees of about 8%. I will also have to lay off six of my employees. This really bothered me as I believe we are family here and didn't know how to choose who will have to go. So, this is what I did. I strolled thru the parking lot and found eight Obama bumper stickers on my employees cars. I have decided these folks will be the first to be laid
off.

I can't think of more fair way to approach this problem. If you have a
better idea, let me know. I am sending this letter to all business owners that I know.

Sincerely,
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
(A Small Business Owner)

Self employed FTW!

[vandy1997]

You're being way too extreme in your points. I tend to vote Republican, but McCain made a huge blunder by choosing a runningmate who is utterly incompetent. I can't believe that so many people are blind to that fact. Just as Bush was incompetent, as history will definitely show. I can't believe that neither of these parties can find more qualified candidates. I would have gladly voted for McCain if he had chosen a qualified runningmate - and there are plenty of Republicans who would fit the bill.

With respect to the economy, Bill Clinton led the nation during a period of prosperity, and George W. Bush has helped to create nothing but a disaster in the economy by taking quite a few missteps due to his stubborn nature and lack of integrity - he's the guy who could not remember ONE mistake that he made. Let's get real, now.

This socialism crap that is being thrown around is akin to McCarthyism. It's no different than the current administration essentially buying out a portion of the nation's largest banks - why isn't anybody calling that policy as socialist in nature? Maybe the government should have allowed those banks to fail - that is pure laissez faire, right?

The Democrats will not have 60 Senators in the Senate, so gridlock will continue with respect to most laws. It will be business as usual. The positive aspect is that Obama is much more intelligent than George W. Bush will even be, and Joe Biden is a competent politician. It's the best choice out of the two options.


yeah right, businesses are already planning layoffs because of higher taxes, that's a fact. read this story

Dear Fellow Business Owner,

As a business owner who employs 30 people, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barack Obama will be our next President, and that my taxes and fees will go up in a BIG way.

To compensate for these increases, I figure that our customers will have to see an increase in my fees of about 8%. I will also have to lay off six of my employees. This really bothered me as I believe we are family here and didn't know how to choose who will have to go. So, this is what I did. I strolled thru the parking lot and found eight Obama bumper stickers on my employees cars. I have decided these folks will be the first to be laid
off.

I can't think of more fair way to approach this problem. If you have a
better idea, let me know. I am sending this letter to all business owners that I know.

Sincerely,
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
(A Small Business Owner)

[Everydaynormalguy]

but McCain made a huge blunder by choosing a runningmate who is utterly incompetent. I can't believe that so many people are blind to that fact.

Dude, Bidden is a bigger idiot than Palin. He has no idea of what he's saying half the time. This election was merely a novelty. However, i think the right man won tonight. Let's give Obama a chance to unite this country.

[vandy1997]

We'll agree to disagree on that point. I hope that somebody sent Palin a memo explaining to her what the "Bush Doctrine" is. That was the most embarrassing thing that I have ever seen! You can't run a nation by "winging it", and that's probably what she has done in Alaska. Also, the comments relating to Obama being pals with terrorists was really pathetic. It's like the comments that Obama will create a socialist nation. That is really ludicrous.

Dude, Bidden is a bigger idiot than Palin. He has no idea of what he's saying half the time. This election was merely a novelty. However, i think the right man won tonight. Let's give Obama a chance to unite this country.

[Everydaynormalguy]

We'll agree to disagree on that point. I hope that somebody sent Palin a memo explaining to her what the "Bush Doctrine" is. That was the most embarrassing thing that I have ever seen! You can't run a nation by "winging it", and that's probably what she has done in Alaska. Also, the comments relating to Obama being pals with terrorists was really pathetic. It's like the comments that Obama will create a socialist nation. That is really ludicrous.

Like i said, this election was based merely a popularity contest. All eyes were set on Palin and Obama. Everyone seemed to ignore the stupid sh@t Bidden said about "Obama getting tested early by other countries" and focused on how much money Palin spent on clothes. I'm not saying Palin is a good politician, hell, i thought McCain had the presidency assured until i found out he chose a VILF (a GILF at that point, no, not THAT GILF i.e. a Governor I'd Lik...).

[vandy1997]

I definitely agree with you on those points. That was definitely stupid on his part. The words that you use can come back to bite you - haha!! I just think that McCain should have chosen somebody else. I was ready to vote for him until I heard who his choice would be and found out more about Governor Palin. I found it scary that she would be running this nation if something happened to him. I have no issues with him at all. There are plenty of bright Republican women who would have made great runningmates. I just don't understand McCain's thinking. I found that to be bad judgment on his part; so I felt that I couldn't vote for him. And that cost him, in my opinion (along with the economy going down the tubes - haha). I work in Manhattan, and I know tons of people who lost their jobs, so it hit hard for me. Change is good. The Democrats won't have 60 senators in the Senate, so their power will be limited anyhow.

EDIT: I thought that McCain's speech was very classy. He is a good guy and a true patriot, in my opinion.
Now we can get back to gaming - haha!! :o)


Like i said, this election was based merely a popularity contest. All eyes were set on Palin and Obama. Everyone seemed to ignore the stupid sh@t Bidden said about "Obama getting tested early by other countries" and focused on how much money Palin spent on clothes. I'm not saying Palin is a good politician, hell, i thought McCain had the presidency assured until i found out he chose a VILF (a GILF at that point, no, not THAT GILF i.e. a Governor I'd Lik...).

[Everydaynormalguy]

I definitely agree with you on those points. That was definitely stupid on his part. The words that you use can come back to bite you - haha!! I just think that McCain should have chosen somebody else. I was ready to vote for him until I heard who his choice would be and found out more about Governor Palin. I found it scary that she would be running this nation if something happened to him. I have no issues with him at all. There are plenty of bright Republican women who would have made great runningmates. I just don't understand McCain's thinking. I found that to be bad judgment on his part; so I felt that I couldn't vote for him. And that cost him, in my opinion (along with the economy going down the tubes - haha). I work in Manhattan, and I know tons of people who lost their jobs, so it hit hard for me. Change is good. The Democrats won't have 60 senators in the Senate, so their power will be limited anyhow.

Let's see what happens next. A new era is upon us and we're lucky to live in a time where history is made...

[Eric5h5]

I can't think of more fair way to approach this problem. If you have a better idea, let me know.

How about you lay off people who are doing the worst job, assuming you actually have to do that at all? Seriously, that is the most immature thing I've heard all day.

--Eric

[sdragon]

Self employed FTW!
You do realize that there's the possibility FICA/SE tax will increase?
(Enjoy that.)

Dude, Bidden is a bigger idiot than Palin. He has no idea of what he's saying half the time.
Obama kind of got ignored by the media (for better or for worse) compared to Palin. Probably better for him, he really does say crazy stuff a lot. (http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=186018&title=Joe-Versus-the-Volcano)