I missed out on the attacks from http://mingle2.com/topic/show/339744 (I'm glad I did) but by seeing the mods step in it reminds me of the point being made to "work together" and not against.

When I look at this thread I see great ideas being brought to the table. Some question the people in rooms behind the scenes, some for small gov, some for moderate gov, the free enterprise system being long over due and other ideas that to me would be the types of talks (if I were in office or on a committee) I would love to have.

America is built on figuring it out. I think we underestimate how diverse we really are and how much power we really have over the situation. The future is going to play out no matter what we talk about, but do we know that our voice can be heard or do we just talk? Guys and Gals I am a nobody but yet I have met 5 presidents around the world and that includes 2 of our own. And I have actually sat down and talked with 2 vice presidents and 1 prime minister. No I'm not a socialite lol, just happened that in my biz and at that time being a sound engineer for TBS and others the oppertunity for behind the scene (green room and other) encounters happened. Maybe I was young and blind but these people were regular folks. None of them (to me at least) were holier than thou or treated me as if I was under them in any way. In fact when it came to their microphone or acoustics I was the boss. So even though I didn't see them on a regular basis or plan world issues with them I could at least see that folks are folks. I can not even (and neither can you) imagine how many ideas come across their desk. After a day of this I'm sure I would crumble up and blow away, but these folks are strong enough to actually be world leaders and in our case world leaders who get their ideas from us. They have their own ideas just like you and me and are no more dictatorial than you and me.

The whole idea of us living here together is to work together under peace an understanding of each other. It's about a huge group of people from tons of places with tons of views living life in the freest society ever created. You don't think it's free, go travel, I did and I can tell you this, you have more opportunity here to be heard than anywhere else in the world. Let me tell you something else. If you are a peace maker, expect this country to be at peace. If a war maker, the same and an arguer stuck in gridlock the same. If we are asleep at the wheel it shows in Washington. If you have a voice it also shows cause I guarantee you your thoughts are nothing new and have been talked about before. But if you think that your ideas are going to happen by chance your blowing wind. If you think that the government is reading you here on mingle a making changes because of it your barking up your own tree.

I don't remember a time when your voice is being hear more than right now in politics and I've been listening and talking since the late 70's. Your hearing language in our government right this second that tells us that if they don't get off their butts and do a few things our way we are not going to stand for it. At the same time we can't just complain, fight and imagine that our ideas are going to be telepathically transmitted. I truly believe that the US is what it eats, and if people can't keep from flaming on the everyday social level we have no right to blame people when they do it at the top of an elected pyramid. We have a responsibility to ourselves and each other to be civil and to reason together as neighbors.

For myself, I think ideas are great and believe in "where two or more are gathered", but that's the key, where two or more are gathered, not where two or more are dictating not able to open their ears as much as their mouths. In my business you have to "do" to create harmony. Engineers can talk all they want, but if you can't make the sound your no more than tinkling chimes. Maybe now that I think about it I met those folks because I was good enough at what I did and was easy going enough to do it with others. I see two ways of getting known, fight and have people hate you, or get along and do the best you can do for the sake of it being the best you can do, because you have peace in the fact that you are making a positive difference. Some may still hate you, but that's because they have not yet found peace within themselves and has nothing to do with you.

Again I go back to Sing's question, will we work together? You are someone who counts and believe me you are being counted, either as someone who has the potential of moving together or someone who is causing discord and disruption for the ones who do wish to move forward.

Thank you.

I think there are radicals and extremists on both sides of the political spectrum...Extremists just want to "win" and gain their own "way" and hold power and control over the masses...It's a "my way or the highway" mentality that kids take at times...There is no sense of looking at "bigger pictures." No examination of consequences on a larger "scale."...Basically there are "flip-sides" (and even multi "sides") to each and every issue...It's human nature to focus on our own personal wants and needs and "causes." But what happens if we "win?" How will our "win" affect others? ...Is there a way to work-out a few compromises so that other people will get a little of what they want too?...Or is this being stupid? Should we just forget about others and focus entirely on ourselves in a "dog-eat-dog" kind of way? Without regard for anyone else? Me, me, me...Nobody else counts or matters except me and what I want!

Yes, "work together". Obama is president whether We like him are not.

Make Marijuana legal in Washington D.C.