[new_haven_fan]

Originally Posted by flavorPacket

And I'd love to see how you connect Cheney and our current economic state. Most of the problems we're seeing are from a weak dollar coupled with deficit spending. Vice Presidents don't really control either of those things.

You'd love it? You got it! It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to realize that hundreds of billions of dollars of the deficit spending you identify as part of the problem are directly a result of something Cheney has had great control over- The Iraq war fiasco.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by JViello

Lets also not forget the economy took a big dive and gas prices shot up hard after the dems took over congress in 06.

You're kidding, right?

When Bush took office the average price of gasoline was under $1.50. Prices JUMPED after Katrina in 2005. It has nothing to do with the "dems." (And no, I'm not a liberal).

[flavorPacket]

Originally Posted by new_haven_fan

You'd love it? You got it! It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to realize that hundreds of billions of dollars of the deficit spending you identify as part of the problem are directly a result of something Cheney has had great control over- The Iraq war fiasco.

right.

not the 650 billion handed out to banks who purposely LIED about their assets, an act of the Fed THAT ISNT ALLOWED UNDER US LAW.
not 150 billion of 'stimulus'.
not 300 billion for a 'farm bill'.

And please be kind enough to explain to us how Dick Cheney is in control of US foreign policy. That's Congress' and Bush's job. Yes, he certainly has 'influence', but so does everyone in DC.

[new_haven_fan]

flavorpacket you said you'd love to hear how Cheney was connected to the current economic situation which you attributed in part to deficit spending.

I pointed out that the mind boggling costs of Bush and Cheney's war in Iraq undeniably contributed to that deficit spending. I did not deny nor did I need to deny that ALL spending contributes to deficit spending, so your listing of other costs of government really doesn't address my point. You simply asked how Cheney could be connected and I answered that spending billions to prevent non-existent WMDs from being used against us was a costly blunder that was championed to a great extent by the VP. To say that his influence was the same as "everyone in DC" is of course absurd. I believe most people would agree Cheney was a driving force behind the rush to war in Iraq.

As has been pointed out earlier in this thread it is a fact that he has personally profited from the costs of war via his interest in Halliburton. Is it unethical or immoral for an individual to profit from an unnecessary war that that individual promoted? My Yankee sensibilities say probably. We can't know for sure without the benefit of knowing his true motives. Is it a conflict of interest for a politician to be in a position to profit greatly from guiding a nation to war? My Yankee sensibilities say absolutely.

There, now I've brought this thread back it's topic! Common sense ethics and morality are core values that I think many would identify with Connecticut people. Thanks for getting me thinking!

[flavorPacket]

Show me the bill Cheney signed to get us into this mess in Iraq. You can't, because he never did: he's the Vice President! Congress votes for wars, not Dick Cheney. Congress approves deficit spending, not Dick Cheney.

Agreed on the conflict of interest, but that happens more than most think.In fact, to bring the thread back, take a look at Chris Dodd's (head of senate banking committee) top campaign contributors. They're all investment banks or hedge funds...

Forget national leaders, CT itself has enough intrigue!

[IntoTheMystic]

Originally Posted by JViello

P.S. Studies show that conservatives (Religous ones at that!) tend to outgive those "compassionate liberals" by a "country mile". I mean, "I'm just saying."

Actually, studies show the opposite

[volleyballer]

Darn. I was having fun reading the CT stereotypes. What the heck happened on this page? Passionate about politics... check.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Saw the thread on the Massachusetts forum- titled 'Stereotypes of New Englanders' --- any thoughts?
What are some stereotypes of us here in Connecticut?

Martha Stewart Actually, I like Connecticut; have some family there.

[BigHouse9]

Originally Posted by IntoTheMystic

Actually, studies show the opposite

I believe JViello is correct - many studies have shown that conservatives give much more than liberals. (read “Who Really Cares” by Syracuse University professor Arthur Brooks)

But to get the thread back on topic - I was back up in CT last week and just saw so many wonderful nice people. Maybe that is the stereotype.

[reason180]

Originally Posted by flavorPacket

Tell that to the cancer patients Cheney's millions paid to help, or the kids he sent to college. Philanthropy is real and effective.

It's petty to hate rich people just because they sometimes act in their best interest. They're just as human as everyone else.

And I'd love to see how you connect Cheney and our current economic state. Most of the problems we're seeing are from a weak dollar coupled with deficit spending. Vice Presidents don't really control either of those things.

Why start to hold Cheney accountable for his actions at this point in his life????? He was never held accountable before! Dick had five draft deferments during the Vietnam War. He told the Washington Post, "I had other priorities in the '60s than military service." Hmmmmmmmm He was busted twice during the 60's for DUI, I guess his priorities were to have a good time. Of course that isn't as bad as our president who can't remember if he did cocaine or not!


Bush/Cheney have been in power since 2000 and their policies have run this country into the ground. It is time for a change.