response 271 of 536:

Nov 3 21:34 UTC 2003

The idea of multiple states was originally that each state would for the most
part run its own show, and that there'd be competing systems of government
and sets of laws. People were supposed to be free to, collectively, make
whatever rules they want, and individually, "vote with their feet" for
whatever society they like best. Having "larger votes per person" was to give
some protection to the smaller states from being overrun in the Federal
legislatures by the more populous states. Thus a section of Congress based
on constant number of votes per state as well as one based on individual
representation.

The Electoral College system is an attempt to reflect this compromise in
presidential elections.

response 273 of 536:

Nov 3 21:39 UTC 2003

Re #268: they don't - but each *State* gets two additional votes by virtue
of being a member of a federation of states. This is called "State's
Rights", which are protected by the Constitution. 

There are many institutions in our nation in which the votes are of the
States, not of the individual citizens. The votes in the Senate are a
prime example. Are you opposed to the existence of the US Senate because
it does not give representational voting in accord with the populations of
each State (as in the House of Representatives)? 

response 279 of 536:

Nov 4 14:43 UTC 2003

We're all just killing time until we get old enough to score a cushy job as
a Wal-Mart greeter. ;>

response 281 of 536:

Nov 4 18:39 UTC 2003

(Since no real conservative would argue party-line points with such dogged
idiocy, you *must* be a liberal.)

response 283 of 536:

Nov 5 03:57 UTC 2003

(Anyone around here know the definition of "liberal"?)

response 285 of 536:

Nov 5 06:13 UTC 2003

liberal (adj).  1. Possessing or manifesting a free and generous heart; 
bountiful. 2. Appropriate or fitting for a broad and enlightened mind. 3.
Free from narrowness, bigotry, or bondage to authority or creed, as in
religion; inclined to democratic or republican ideas, as opposed to
monarchical or aristocratic, as in politics; broad, popular, progressive. 

illiberal (adj.). 1. Not liberal; not generous in giving; parsimonious. 2.
Narrow-minded. 3. Lacking breadth of culture; hence, vulgar. 

response 287 of 536:

Nov 5 17:10 UTC 2003

(It appears that the "enlightened mind" "generosity heart" stuff 
doesn't apply when it's Iraqis who're being slaughtered by the 1000s, 
huh.  Must be only us narrow minded bigots who care about that.  Oh, 
well.)

response 289 of 536:

Nov 5 17:31 UTC 2003

Re 287:  Ah, so that's why you're constantly agitating for a liberation of
the Congolese people, who are suffering from continuing civil war, with
atrocities including torture and gang rape?

response 291 of 536:

Nov 5 20:23 UTC 2003

(Hey.  Just found out that was our job.  We previously thought that's 
what the liberals are for.  Who knew?)

response 293 of 536:

Nov 6 03:00 UTC 2003

Read How-weird's Lips:

"Before he was so flush with cash, Howard Dean was an ardent and 
passionate supporter of the matching-fund system," said Jim Jordan, 
manager of Kerry's campaign.  "Now that his situation has changed, of 
course, so have his views on that system.  More flip-flops, more 
politics of convenience, more politics as usual."  (Mark Z. Barabak, 
"Dean Taking Poll On Funding Question," Los Angeles Times, 11/5/03)

WAS SO COMMITTED TO PUBLIC FINANCING, WARNED OTHER DEMS NOT TO BACK OUT

March 03: Let There Be No Doubt.  "Howard Dean committed Friday to 
taking taxpayer dollars to finance his presidential campaign   Former 
Vermont Gov. Dean said he has already met the requirement." (Sharon 
Theimer, "Dean To Take Public Financing For Presidential Campaign," The 
Associated Press, 3/7/03)

March 03: Watch Yourself, Dean Tells Dems.  "He promised to make it an 
issue in the Democratic primaries if any of his rivals decide to skip 
public financing  "It will be a huge issue," Dean said.  "I think most 
Democrats believe in campaign finance reform."  (Sharon Theimer, "Dean 
To Take Public Financing For Presidential Campaign,"  The Associated 
Press, 3/7/03)

June: 03:  And If You Don't Believe Me, Read My Letter. "As a candidate 
seeking to become eligible to receive Presidential primary matching 
funds, I certify and agree to the following provisions  [I] will not 
incur qualified campaign expenditures in connection with my campaign for 
nomination in excess of the expenditure limitations "(FEC Website, 
www.fec.gov/finance/2004matching/dean_docs_001.pdf, Accessed 11/5/03)

"Howard Dean is planning to poll his supporters in an unusual online 
survey this week about whether he should become the first Democratic 
presidential candidate ever to abandon the 30-year-old public-financing 
system in the primaries.  While Dr. Dean^ s aides said his campaign 
would abide by the vote, a draft of his Wednesday speech all but urges 
supporters to vote to opt out." (Jodi Wilgoren, "Dean Considers A Plan 
To Forgo Public Financing," The New York Times, 11/5/03)