McCain to lose pilot vote block.

[DonVerita]

I'm not sure how we read the same web page and drew two totally different conclusions. I, too, was suspicious of the 5% figure Flickerfade quoted, and ended up on Wiki trying to verify it. There's more involved, and it's worth anyone's time to check the link out.

First, foreign ownership was 44% of public debt in 2006 (higher now). The US government itself owns a little more than half of the $9.3 trillion debt. You read a Japan/China figure of 47%, but that is the percentage of foreign debt only that is owned by those two countries. I looked, but could not find the exact percentage that China owns, but it is less than Japan. The trend, however, is for more Chinese ownership and less Japanese.

I was only quoting foreign debt held by China and Japan since the original point being made had to do with China.

Regardless of who holds how much, the bottom line is that we are in a world of hurt.

 

[Ben Dover]

He is a socialist. Obama believes that we should give our money to the government and let them distribute it as they see fit for the greater good. Where does personal responsibility come into play?

Since you're so down on socialism I suppose you don't plan on cashing your Social Security checks when you get old? Or don't plan on using Medicare when you turn 65? If you lost your job or became disabled, would you accept unemployment or disability, as those are socialist programs?

And naturally, if your house caught on fire. You have your own fire protection arrangements, right? I mean, you wouldn't let a socialist program that takes tax payer money and redistributes it for the greater good, put out the embers of your burning home?

 

[FlickerFade]

I was only quoting foreign debt held by China and Japan since the original point being made had to do with China.

Regardless of who holds how much, the bottom line is that we are in a world of hurt.

Go back and read your posts. You said that Foreign Debt owned was 47% or "half" of all US debt. You were/are wrong. Both your link and my detailed link show that foreign ownership is in fact about 25% and that owned by China is less than 5% of the total.

Judging by your posts you really have no concept of national monetary policy.

Class warfare doesn't work. Jimmy Carter jr. will find out.

I'm an ALPA pilot rejecting the politics of class warfare.

 

[FlickerFade]

Since you're so down on socialism I suppose you don't plan on cashing your Social Security checks when you get old? Or don't plan on using Medicare when you turn 65? If you lost your job or became disabled, would you accept unemployment or disability, as those are socialist programs?

And naturally, if your house caught on fire. You have your own fire protection arrangements, right? I mean, you wouldn't let a socialist program that takes tax payer money and redistributes it for the greater good, put out the embers of your burning home?

We already pay an ess load of taxes for these things! Please let me know what percentage of my check you feel that you own?! A great reason not to vote for a socialist for President.

 

[SDF2BUF2MCO]

When your job gets shipped overseas, I guess it's your fault since you didn't have enough "personal responsibility".

Pray tell, what are the Dems doing to "right it"? Hillary was spouting about 1,000,000 new jobs. No doubt high paying jobs like Walmart door greeters, casino workers, and TSA personnel.

The Dem supporters are saying their party is the answer and the Reps do the same. It is like arguing about who is better, Walmart or Target? At the end of the day, they both pedal Chinese made stuff and the Yankee worker stills loses.

 

[atrdriver]

Oh really?

This pilot will be voting for Obama!


Take a look around. Our country is falling apart and all Republicans have done for the last 8 years is preach fear, hate, and venom about anyone who is less fortunate than themselves.

Maybe you need to take a look at www.moveon.org. If you want to see the textbook definition of venom and hate that is.

 

[pilotyip]

Looks like a solid block of pilots voters NOT!

 

[shootr]

This military, well-paid, "prima-donna" will not vote for McCain no matter who runs against him. I'd prefer Obama but I'll vote for Hillary if I have to.

 

[pilotyip]

Too bad

This military, well-paid, "prima-donna" will not vote for McCain no matter who runs against him. I'd prefer Obama but I'll vote for Hillary if I have to.

John is the man, he will get a lot of pilot votes and most likely is your next president. You will have to get used to it.

 

[PCL_128]

John is the man, he will get a lot of pilot votes and most likely is your next president. You will have to get used to it.

If Obama is the Dem nominee, then I give McLame about a 10% chance of winning in November. Obama is likely your next President. You will have to get used to it.

 

[pilotyip]

No one believed me when

If Obama is the Dem nominee, then I give McLame about a 10% chance of winning in November. Obama is likely your next President. You will have to get used to it.

Hey I predicted the 2007 hiring boom back in 2003, everyone said I was crazy, Just watch if John doesn't die, he is the man. BTW pilots will not vote as a block, there are a lot of pilot who like John. If I am wrong get ready to open your wallet for the underprivledged.

 

[PCL_128]

Hey I predicted the 2007 hiring boom back in 2003, everyone said I was crazy

Actually, I agreed with you on that. Probably the only time I've agreed with you about anything.

Just watch if John doesn't die, he is the man.

He'll win if Hitlery is the nominee, but not if it's Obama.

BTW pilots will not vote as a block, there are a lot of pilot who like John.

Yes, you're right. Many pilots are uninformed dimwits.

 

[UALjan15]

Just watch if John doesn't die, he is the man. BTW pilots will not vote as a block, there are a lot of pilot who like John.

You kind of remind me of a battered spouse who is afraid to leave her abusive husband. John McCain has already raised his hand to strike me on numerous occasions, and I'm not stupid enough to hope that he'll change when he gets in office. Show me a pilot for McCain, and I'll show you a pilot that doesn't give a rat's a$$ about his career.

 

[SaturnPilot]

John is the man, he will get a lot of pilot votes...

John is the man who thinks you are paid too much and lazy. John is the man who tried to pass legislation making it virtually IMPOSSIBLE for pilots to improve their pay / working conditions. Here's what John McCain thinks about globilization, taken directly from HIS website:

Trade and Displaced Workers

• Lower Barriers to Trade: John McCain believes that globalization is an opportunity for American workers today and in the future. Ninety-five percent of the world's customers lie outside our borders and we need to be at the table when the rules for access to those markets are written. To do so, the U.S. should engage in multilateral, regional and bilateral efforts to reduce barriers to trade, level the global playing field and build effective enforcement of global trading rules.

• Competitive American Workers:John McCain understands that globalization will not automatically benefit every American. We must prepare the next generation of workers by making American education worthy of the promise we make to our children and ourselves. We must be a nation committed to competitiveness and opportunity. We must fight for the ability of all students to have access to any school of demonstrated excellence. We must place parents and children at the center of the education process, empowering parents by greatly expanding the ability of parents to choose among schools for their children.

What do you think is going to happen regarding Open Skies if this turd is elected??? Do you really want to have to compete with Aero-Mexico on a JFK-LAX route?

Seriously...I have never been pro-dem myself, but this pilot will be voting for anybody but McCain so that I don't have to find a new trade in order to feed my family. I CANNOT IMAGINE why ANY pilot could EVER vote for this guy.

 

[viper548]

As an airline pilot and as an air force reservist, I will not vote for McCain. I don't want to get activated AGAIN for a war that is total BS. I made more as a FO at a regional than I did as activated enlisted.

I voted for Bush, both times, although I'm regretting the second time. For the first time in my life I will vote democrat. I'd prefer Obama, but I'll vote for Clinton if I have to.

McCain has too much of a temper to be in that high of a position

 

[Ben Dover]

A great reason not to vote for a socialist for President.

That's the point. It doesn't matter which main stream candidate you vote for, you will be voting in favor of socialist government programs. Ron Paul is about the only choice for you anti-socialism types.

 

[TurboAWD]

I do not consider myself a democrat.

If you vote for McCain, you have nobody to blame but yourself for the incredible problems you are going to have when it becomes time to enter Section 6 and try to get back some of your concessions. Unless the dems take the marginal tax rate to over 50%, a vote for McCain is a vote against your own financial well being.

Turbo

 

[BigMeat]

Looks like a solid block of pilots voters NOT!

For years i have sat here and read your dribble. You are extremely anti-pilot, anti-union and anti-airline. You seem to oppose anything that is good that may come our way. Your a McCain lover and that is your right. The fact is that he is openly anti-pilot. There is not ifs, ands or buts about it. If you think McCain can end the conflict in Iraq then read and study up on Middle East history. No way no how. I think we have prepared and will further prepare the Iraqi's to take care of their own. They should be dying for their country not our American soldiers for a war that no one is sure why we are there. If they need our assistance after we leave then we can help from there. Occupation has never worked. Look at the U.S. (revolutionary war), Algeria etc. You are not fighting another army you are fighting terrorists. Diffrent game plan. Stop bashing pilots and the their pro-union democratic beliefs. im sure there are Republicans that are pro-union I just do not know any off the top of my head. McCain however is 100% anti-pilot.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

Anyone who thinks our "income taxes" go to pay for anything needs to do some research!!

Look at all the other taxes we pay!

Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
Social Security Tax
Medicare Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax
School Tax
Sales Taxes (State and Local)
Real Estate Tax
Property Tax
Building Permit Tax
Well Permit Tax
Septic Permit Tax
Utility Taxes
Severence Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Accounts Receivable Tax
Privilege Tax
Inventory Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel permit tax
Inheritance Tax
Interest Expense
Capital Gains Tax
IRS Penalties
IRS Interest Charges
Liquor Tax
Marriage License Tax
Service Charge Taxes
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax
Telephone state and local tax
Telephone usage charge tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Trailer registration tax
Road Toll Booth Taxes
Toll Bridge Taxes
Toll Tunnel Taxes
Watercraft registration Tax
Gasoline Tax
Road Usage Taxes (Truckers)
Dog License Tax
Fishing License Tax
Hunting License Tax
Cigarette Tax

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago and our nation was the most prosperous in the world, had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. What happened?

What happened is that both parties like keeping thier share of the "take".

You would've thought that with Republican control of the White House, the House and the Senate from 2001-2006, some of these taxes would've been reduced or eliminated.

I guess they all have to bring home some "pork" or they won't get re-elected.

I might vote for Obama for President...but will definently stay with Cornyn and Hutchison as my senators for their support of the Age 60 change and the Wright ( Wrong) Amendment.

 

[pilotyip]

Hang in there guys, we will know in the fall.

 

[JoeMerchant]

If Obama is the Dem nominee, then I give McLame about a 10% chance of winning in November. Obama is likely your next President. You will have to get used to it.

....and then WE will have to get used to higher taxes, more regulation, more gun control, liberal Supreme Court justices, and more foreign aid.....

 

[PCL_128]

....and then WE will have to get used to higher taxes, more regulation, more gun control, liberal Supreme Court justices, and more foreign aid.....

Someone's been listening to Glenn Beck and Neal Boortz too much.

 

[400ADude]

Mcain is not going to win. It's a Democrat thanks to the Bush administration.

 

[IdRtherBsailing]

Mcain is not going to win. It's a Democrat thanks to the Bush administration.

Thats what I thought back in 04. Unfortunately American Voters are idiots who vote on one issue.

"What? they wanna take my gun away? F*&$ em, I don't need to hear anymore. Bush you got my vote man." Comedian David Cross

 

[JoeMerchant]

Someone's been listening to Glenn Beck and Neal Boortz too much.

.....no just stating the truth....

Obama says he is going to raise taxes. He has a record of voting for higher taxes and an anti-gun legislation. We both know he won't appoint conservative judges to the Supreme Court. He supported a tax to help illiminate "world poverty".....

I like Boortz.....but I don't listen to Beck much.....

I admit to being a "Church of the Painful Truth" follower......

 

[pilotyip]

Not anti-union union realist

For years i have sat here and read your dribble. You are extremely anti-pilot, anti-union and anti-airline. You seem to oppose anything that is good that may come our way.

I am ex-union ALPA and Teamsters, both companies Transamerica and Zantop out of business. I have seen what unions can do and what they can not do. Unions are why we have many of he working rules at union and non-union airlines. At profitable companies, NJ and UPS, FedEx unions can ensure that management shares with its employees. At marginal companies unions can not make a silk purse out of a pig’s ear. Whenever I see the, militant union talk on this board I go back to my union companies that went out of business and inject a note caution.
As far as anti-pilot how could that be? My son's a pilot I taught him to fly, my grandson is a pilot I taught him to fly, and I will drink beer with any pilot who wants to meet me at the "Wedge". I hang around airports and fly airplanes in my free time. If I am any thing it is anti-whiner when there is so much to be happy about like being alive, seeing your kids and grandkids succeed and having a job you love. If you fly for other reasons you may be unhappy, what ya think?

 

[uba757]

Hey JoeMerchant if our deficit continues to grow the way it has under Republican control of everything and lets remember the Democrats have only controlled Congress for 1 year and 3 months and foreign governments keep buying that debt, we are the ones that are going to need foreign aid. Guns, give me a FU$$ING break with the guns, when you and the rest of your NRA buddies figure out that it is not only the right to BARE ARMS but that it is also the right to protect our citizens from those who choose to buy those weapons and kill a bunch of innocent students attending college, then you can tell me about your rights under the Constitution. uba757

 

[uba757]

Mr. Merchant let me continue, how many Conservative Supreme Court Justices are retiring in the next 9 years? The answer is none. So far you are 0 for 3, let me see whats next, TAXES, so how much have the Bush Tax breaks benefited you? They were no help to me, specially now that I pay twice as much for gas and food and insurance and I can go on and on. But people like you don't care about that because you are a Republican no matter what, your right to own an AK47 Supersedes the right of the rest of us to actually work and make a descent living that will actually pay our bills.

 

[DonVerita]

....and then WE will have to get used to higher taxes, more regulation, more gun control, liberal Supreme Court justices, and more foreign aid.....

You and your Republican fear mongerors have had almost 8 years to do things your way. You've been an absymal failure. Now it's time to let someone else bring new ideas and new ways of doing things to the table while at the same time trying to fix this mess.

Taxes: Explain to us how we are going to pay down the national debt if you neo-cons keep giving your rich friends and multi-national corporations tax break after tax break. If we the people ran our finances the way this government does, we'd all be in bankruptcy court. I pay my bills on-time every month and don't buy anything I can't afford to pay off right away nor do I live outside my means. Why is that standard so hard for the government to accept?

Regulation: You mean the kind that was missing for all these years in the lending industry? The kind of regulation that would have prevented the mortgage crisis. Perhaps you are referring to the type of regulation that is supposed to protect all of us from harmful contaminents in the air and water. What did Bush do? Allowed the maximum amount of arsenic in water to be raised...not lowered.

Liberal Supreme Court justices: If liberal means standing up for our Constitution, protecting the rule of law, doing what is right for the people, and protecting the environment that belongs to all of us...then YES, we absolutely need more liberal supreme court justices.

Gun Control: Go ahead and try to peddle your NRA nonsense to the families of the students who have been shot on campuses and malls over the last 12 months; and see if you walk out of there in one piece. We have the right to bear arms to protect ourselves, our familes, and our homes. You can do that without owning a Tec-9 or AK-47. Ban all weapons except for hunting rifles and shotguns. Only the police should be carrying firearms on the street.

Foreign Aid: I saved the best for last. Our "foreign aid" to Iraq has cost us thousands of our fellow citizens lives, permanent untold pain and suffering of the wounded, and billions upon billions of dollars...and for what? No WMD's ever found and Bin Laden is still on the loose. Spare us your Rush Limbaugh dribble.

 

[Donald]

Can anybody on this forum convince me that the Demoncrats aren't pushing the US closer to socialism?