tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251755.post3638231061586463407..comments2023-08-10T02:35:48.311-07:00Comments on My Sandmen: A Republican Votes for ObamaMr.Atoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11531644043944267693noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8251755.post-75336794485109420902008-11-03T15:08:00.000-08:002008-11-03T15:08:00.000-08:00Your comments generally seem quite reasonable and ...Your comments generally seem quite reasonable and well-thought-out, but you have an interesting understanding of what does, and doesn't, fit within our "constitutional framework."<BR/><BR/>Take, for instance, your first example, "spreading the wealth around." We've been doing that at least since we made the income tax permanent, and we did that in 1913 with a constitutional amendment, so it's certainly part of our constitutional framework.<BR/><BR/>Obama only wants to change very slightly the percentages at which Americans are currently taxed or receive financial benefits (and his plans call for reducing taxes on most Americans).<BR/><BR/>These tax plans differ from McCain's only by a few percentage points. Are McCain's tax plans, then, redistributionist? Do they not fall within our constitutional framework?<BR/><BR/>And what about your final example, reparations for slavery? There are a host of arguments against providing financial compensation to the descendants of slaves for the wrongs done by this great country to their ancestors. But what, exactly, would be unconstitutional about such a plan?<BR/><BR/>You also argue, apparently, that Obama believes government should "make decisions on behalf of individuals" by default, while McCain "understands the importance of individual liberty from first-hand experience."<BR/><BR/>Do you really think the candidates are that black-and-white (if you'll pardon the pun)?<BR/><BR/>McCain, for instance, strongly believes in government making a wide range of decision for individuals, from personal choices (on abortion or education, for instance) to environmental and energy choices.<BR/><BR/>Meanwhile, Obama has experienced life as a black American. While racism is much less of a problem than it used to be, surely he understands, at a gut level, the vital importance of individual liberty.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for listening to this feedback. Again, I've really enjoyed your thoughtful discussion.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03180927671866095059noreply@blogger.com