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Barack Obama Test

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  • chriscarltonchriscarlton Raw Newbie

    Firstly, I am glad there is only ‘one’ problem with my ideal. I must be making headway!

    Secondly, I am so glad that I don’t share your world view. We have a lot of innate senses, and ‘ownership’ would hardly top the list. Many cultures have existed without even a term for property or ownership. If you mean our survival instinct then yes your are right that is very strong. Unfortunately we have been convinced that ‘there is not enough to go around’ and ‘I have to do better than others or I might not get my fair share’. These ideas are old and tired and happily no longer true in any way. There is plenty of abundance for everyone. We no longer need to win in order to survive. Welcome to the 21st Century!

    “If someone flipping burgers wanted to become a lawyer they too could achieve that.”

    Are you saying that any human alive could pass the bar exam? Some people never make it through 8th grade.???

    “one of the things that is wonderful about our country”

    No matter what state the rest of the world ends up in, I am sure we can keep a few countries doing well. Aren’t you lucky that right now in history it’s the USA that is on top. Even so, some American citizens still suffer daily and sometimes in great numbers. (Katrina for New Orleans)

    “if there is no competition, then there is no advancement and humanity would slump. There wouldn’t scientific discoveries or technological progression.”

    Wow that is grim! So the only reason I would ever seek to improve is so I can beat the other guy. That sucks! I have never had this type of mentality. I like seeing others enjoy life. I like to share and work together with others to achieve a common goal.

    In our current system people reject automation replacing humans and Scientific discoveries are purposely kept from us so profits can be maintained. How is this advancement or progression?

    “there would be no incentive to work”

    I don’t need an incentive to work. I like to stay busy. You are protecting work like it is sacred. It is not. This ideal was sold to you by someone else. Someone who wants ‘you’ to do ‘all’ the work. Someone who is also suffering from fear of lack!

  • troublesjustabubbletroublesjustabubble Raw Newbie

    aspire-I can’t watch the videos you’ve posted since I’m at work(I’ll try to remember to watch them when I get home).

    I ‘get’ the idea but I just think that we as humans and as a society will never be able to go there. There is to much need for things like status, comfort, and ease that so many people will not want give up. In fact they revel in it continuously. With new unnecessary phones, big houses, multiple cars and big screen tv’s.

  • chriscarltonchriscarlton Raw Newbie

    Hey aspire: Thanks. I was starting to feel like a candle on the moors.

    tjab: your user name says it all. It’s just a bubble! Pop it!

    “so many people will not want give up. In fact they revel in it continuously. With new unnecessary phones, big houses, multiple cars and big screen tv’s.”

    It might not be up to them. Someday someone else may decide for them. Remember in a win/lose world the winners are often overthrown, executed or exiled. The scales will balance.

  • TJAB- I didn’t mean to come across as talking down by saying “getting it,” I just couldn’t think of a better term at the moment. :)

    Lungold’s videos are a bit long, but quite worth it, imho.

    • The mentality that there is not enough necessary resources for us all to live in abundance (and still comfort, too) is the concept we have been living under for thousands of years now… not just since the Industrial Revolution, but much much longer. It has led us to this point now (and consistently and constant throughout the ages) of fighting with each other over who gets what and how much, who controls what, and who has to work and who gets to control the workers and reap the benefits of those workers’ labor. If we change our way of thinking- our perceptions – and expand them out to recognize the truth that there is enough creativity, desire, and capability within our human brains, human spirit, and human physical and mental capabilities to come up with ways to use the abundant natural resources of our amazing and generous Earth along with our own innate abilities AND use the gift of compassion we are blessed to have, we would realize there is enough for all of us to live… and to live in comfort, too. We would not have to give up all of our comfort either, in order to have abundance and equality for all. What we have to give up is an outdated, narrow- minded, limited way of seeing things which is what we have been taught from birth for thousands of years now- whether intentionally or not. We have, now, the chance to evolve our antiqued, archaic, grade -school level way of thinking into a higher graduated level of thinking and achieving. We are so much better than what we have accomplished as of yet. We have it in ourselves to accomplish so much more, and by working not only WITH the Earth, but with each other, despite the superficial differences we think we may have right now. :)
    • In the new way of being, people will want to accomplish things because they will feel inpsired to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. We need all kinds of things to be done by people -from computer and new technological advances to working outside with nature, to devoloping new ideas, or working with chidlren, people, helping, teaching, etc, and so forth – and when you do do something because you feel the desire, the call, the inner need for self fulfillment, and the inspiration to do it… that is far more compelling a reason to be driven to accomplish things and do your best than by the shallow and temporary feeling of needing to “work” at something because of having to pay a bill because of someone else’s control and monolpoly over us and our resources in our lives and society.

    Hope that made sense. ;)

    (And that wasn’t directed at you, TJAB. I think you are great. Just me sharing my thoughts out to whomever cares to read them.)

  • troublesjustabubbletroublesjustabubble Raw Newbie

    chris-haha good one. But I’m just saying, though I am all for it, some people are really really into their lifestyles.

    Maybe with the economic times things will change but with out something drastic I don’t see many people out there willing.

    I plan on utilizing that ideology this next summer though when I have massive amounts of produce I can’t use before it goes bad….I’ll trade with people I can trade with. I’ve identified a few already:)

    I can’t provide internet to myself though…...

  • drgonflydrgonfly Raw Newbie

    Regarding the test. It has some misleading information, which I’m sure some of you pointed out. I went thru part of it & stopped when it got to the sub chapter s corps paying 35% taxes, that is bull. I am an accountant who does taxes & that income is passed onto the shareholder at their tax rate. So yeah, I agree with those who say it has incorrect statements, and I’m sure on more than that one point.

  • CalebCaleb Raw Newbie

    I am not sure how accurate this is, especially about how high his tax rates are, but based on this I voted for the wrong guy. I honestly don’t like either candidate, but saw Obama as helping somebody like me in the lower income bracket, but more recently I have seen on how his plans could also hurt me, especially if this survey is accurate in how much he wants to tax.

    One of my main reasons for voting for him was his health care plan. I currently can’t get health care because of pre-existing conditions, thus I can’t start my own business, but now it seems if I am able to start my own business he will tax the hell out of me, thus negating why I voted for him in the first place.

    Thought I may have voted wrong, I believe God is in control anyway, and ultimately there is nothing to worry about. No need for fear mongering.

  • JoyceHJoyceH Raw Newbie

    Caleb, if you’re pulling in $250,0000 or more, you’ll see a 3% increase on the top tier of the $250K (basically an extra $800-$900 in taxes) under Obama. Are you making that kind of $$?? If not, then you don’t have to worry about an increase in taxes, especially if you’re starting your own business. With your own business, you get to write off so many expenses which reduces your taxable net income (whether you incorporate or not.) Actually under Obama, you’ll do better starting your own business in regards to paying income taxes. Check this out:

    http://taxcut.barackobama.com/

    Here’s they way I see it. I think Obama is our only hope at the moment for turning this country around. He’s not the second coming or a miracle worker. But I’d like to give him a chance at making a dent in the mess this country is in right now. If the economy improves under Obama, your business will probably do much better and thrive. And if you’re super successful down the road and taking a net income of $250+ (after expenses and deductions -btw), well you might have to pay a little bit more in taxes. But if Obama holds true to his promises, the economy turns around, and your business flourishes, doesn’t that seem a tiny bit fair?

    Drgonfly is totally correct. S Corps are certainly NOT taxed at 35%. I used to prepare taxes a long time ago but still remember the basics. Most small businesses file for S Corporation status (means you are a small corp basically). You’re net income gets reported on a K-1. The numbers on this K-1 flow through to your personal tax return (1040) and this income is taxed at the personal tax rates, NOT 35%. that test has a lot of bogus numbers and I wouldn’t pay any attention to it

    Caleb – I feel pretty darn confident you will not be taxed unfairly under Obama for starting your own business. Heck, if Obama wins, I may start thinking about pursuing some of my own dreams a bit more seriously. Right now I’m just waiting to see what happens….my fingers are crossed :-)

    PS – remember when McCain said twice in the debates about how businesses in Ireland are only taxed at 11%. I almost fell off my chair laughing. I used to live and work in Ireland as a cost accountant. OMG…where the heck did he get that figure??!! It’s totally bogus!! And you can’t compare the US to a country like Ireland which has completely different tax laws on just about everything that can be taxed. Ireland is a hybrid of capitalism and socialism and things work very differently over there….

  • Thank you, Joyce. You are a voice of reason and I’m with you all the way on this one. And you are absolutely right about how small businesses are taxed. I own my speech pathology practice and am incorporated as a PLLC. It’s a small practice that doesn’t make anywhere near $250k. But if it eventually does, I would be okay paying more in taxes – particularly if it was for a government that was giving the wealth to education, health care, etc. I think your view is extremely clear-eyed and compassionate. And like you, I believe Obama is the best chance in this election. No one is perfect, but if anything, the man can listen. And we need that.

  • JoyceHJoyceH Raw Newbie

    Thanks for you kind words Mon46. Very cool you have your own practice!

  • CalebCaleb Raw Newbie

    Joyce, I’m hoping for the best. Being turned down by SEVERAL different private health insurance providers has been extremely discouraging. I can’t even get in under group pools for organizations I am a member of. It’s pretty much the main reason why I am not doing freelance work full time. I somewhat gave up hope in it, but if stuff changes with Obama I may be able to pursue that again.

  • troublesjustabubbletroublesjustabubble Raw Newbie

    aspire-thanks! I really enjoy your posts. I didn’t feel talked down to, I just wanted to make sure you didn’t think that I was against what you were talking about. I’m very much for it. I just think our society isn’t. haha.

  • I’ve decided to vote Nader dspite understanding it may take a vote away from Obama, giving one to McCain/Palin whom I absolutely despise. After Obama easily voted for the Banker/Wallstreet Bailout I was disgusted with him and realized he, too, is corrupted and selfishly looking out for himself despite what he preaches. His quick endorsement of the false Bailout just proves to me how same our two main parties really are.

    Even though I am less R than D, I am also voting for a Republican candidate over my Democrat Senator here in our ovewhelmingly red state because my Dem Senator voted for the Bailout depsite numerous calls not to by his constituents, and being the only Kansas Congressperson to vote for it, and whom recieved almost $100,000 in campaign contributions within 48 hours of voting for the it from the big corporations who benefited from the Bailout. Check out your own candidates’ records and contributors after the Bailout vote, too. I am voting some Reform party, too. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see more Green Party people on the candidate lists in the future as I REALLY like what they stand for on a lot of issues!

  • worleyhimself2worleyhimself2 Raw Newbie

    a vote for nader is a vote for nader. Just because you didn’t choose what was chosen for you. Doesn’t take away from one and give to another.

    The whole point of voting is to choose who represents you.

  • pianissimapianissima Raw Newbie

    do any of you get the impression that politics is a completely antiquated system. if you watch the mayan calendar, it makes total sense that the “POWER” age is reaching it’s close. and the people that troublesjustabubble are talking about are resisting evolution. as chris says, it’s not really up to them. things evolve. those that cannot adapt get OUT-evolved.

    this whole election seems like a blown up version of just what needs to (and is) changing about our society: people not understanding the cause and effect of their own choices.

    the question is not “how can Obama change my life?” or “how can McCain change my life?” YOU are the only person that truly affects your life. we create our world, and continuing to uphold the myth that the political structure is what TRULY shapes our existence is like living in Plato’s cave, only seeing the shadows on the wall.

    let’s take ownership of our own lives. when you decide that YOU create your world, it takes you out of that fatalistic worldview. it changes YOU, which changes your life.

    the whole election IS however a REFLECTION of changing times. look at how many people are being empowered to VOTE. and even if it’s for an antiquated system… that antiquated system counted on a certain level of apathy from its constituents to keep the status quo… it’s not getting that this time. a black man, a woman. these are signs that human consciousness if shifting!

    i will vote for obama, only because i want OUT of this war.

  • worleyhimself2worleyhimself2 Raw Newbie

    a vote for obama to end the war is an oxymoron.

  • troublesjustabubbletroublesjustabubble Raw Newbie

    hey worley, thanks for saying what you said about voting. It’s nice to hear that since all I hear these days is that I’m throwing my vote away by voting libertarian. I feel that I’m just attempting to vote with my true values and I can’t find it anywhere else.

  • worleyhimself2worleyhimself2 Raw Newbie

    John Quincy Adams said, “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”

    abolishing slavery wasnt very popular when proposed. neither was womans rights. and like today neither is ending all the wars, living wage, and solar power.

  • troublesjustabubbletroublesjustabubble Raw Newbie

    I so agree with that. Thanks for posting that quote. It’s encouraging to hear that when so many people have political quarrels.

  • worleyhimself2worleyhimself2 Raw Newbie

    i just thought of this.

    “Voting lesser of the 2 evils” is like choosing white bread vs. wheat bread. Both terrible choices. But wheat bread is better, or is it? lol.

  • schmoopeeschmoopee Raw Newbie

    tjab, If you don’t want people to accuse you of throwing away your vote you should stop saying your “sacrificing” your vote as if you’re some kind of martyr. Just vote for what you believe in, like the rest of us. Sometimes it’s not 100% in sync -but you choose as close as you can get to similar principles.

  • troublesjustabubbletroublesjustabubble Raw Newbie

    Well, what I meant by ‘sacrifice’ was that my vote won’t go for someone that has the possibility of becoming a president.

    Probably should have used different wording though. I really don’t mean to act like a martyr.

    Thanks for making me aware:)

  • pianissimapianissima Raw Newbie

    worley—i disagree.

    1) Nader isn’t going to win. In your wheat bread analogy, it’s choosing the bread the store doesn’t carry. It just doesn’t make any sense if you HAVE to buy bread. (Whether we like it or not, someone will be president… you can’t vote “abolish politics” on the ballot…)

    2) SUPERFICIALLY, having an African-American president will make a difference in terms of the USA’s image in the world. I think it would empower African-Americans here in the US to take back their lives.

    Like I said, I don’t think politicians are the hope of the future… BUT our candidates are a reflection of our times… that we have have moved beyond white male candidates. It changes peoples minds about what is possible, and THAT changes reality.

  • worleyhimself2worleyhimself2 Raw Newbie

    Your right Nader isn’t going to win and neither are you. I do not know exactly what you want in life but I am sure you don’t want war. I doubt you like nuclear energy. You probably agree with organic local farming. I could go on. You wont get that. voting superficially.

    For my analogy, If you want some thing in life whether it be in the store, that they dont carry. You ask for it. Thats why we have organic foods, thats why we all have the foods that us healthy individuals want in our local stores. because we asked for it.

    That is why I am asking for Nader. Not just to be president but to be acknowledge. Whether you agree with Nader or not it is wrong to keep him off the debates. The more votes he gets the more say he has in DC to protect us. Obama is not going to protect you neither is mccain. they dont work for you. if they did. the bailout would have been very different then bailing out crooked banksters.

    I would love to vote for the first African-American president, but he has to be more then African-American for me to vote for him. Your right superficially an African American president did empower a lot of people. How about a candidate that empowers with demands for us. To vote superficially still lacks substance. A shallow vote is not ok with me. We deserve better. “If a billion people believe in a stupid idea, its still stupid.” Just like when the world was flat. Anyone who said such nonsense was discredited.

    What do these candidates have to do to lose your vote?

  • worleyhimself2 I have to admit the whole bail out thing made me sick. One candidate saying is the Change we need and the other one claiming to be a Maverick. Spare me. When big business called crying, neither one of them wanted to bite the hand that fed them and came running with checkbooks in hand funded by draining ours of course. Ugh! You almost have me convinced. Whether Obama or McCain wins, we all still lose.

  • carrie6292carrie6292 Raw Newbie

    so, it’s the night before election day and i’m still undecided. All of these “tests” online say that Obama is the right candidate for me, but i just don’t “feel it”... I’m actually finding myself being drawn towards Nader as well – mostly for his environmental standpoint. This election is a tough one for me. Last election was an easy choice… this time, i just hope the right person “wins”.

    I was in the gym today and read a quote by Chavez who said something about his countried change if Obama wins (it sounded like he and Obama have some sort of prior agreement)... sounded really odd to me! Did anyone else read this?

    I’m seriously torn, still!

  • pianissimapianissima Raw Newbie

    worley—i totally agree with the super market theory and how we got organics… but look at how corporate organics have become. people are getting OUT of the supermarket, finding new ways to get their food… growing it themselves, or reaching out to local farms.

    to me, asking a politician (even Nader) to get the bread FOR YOU isn’t going to solve anything in the long run. to continue the analogy: i believe the future is not trying to change the current structure of the supermarket, getting a better manager or a new product on the shelves… it’s YOU going to the bread source, or ordering it online!

    by the way, i’m not saying hip hip hurray for a two party system… we don’t even have two parties (in terms of how most other countries divide their parties).

    i’m not saying “don’t vote for Nader,” i just thought you were overlooking how one candidate versus the other will affect the IMAGE of our country. image isn’t shallow if it’s the first part in affectin other things… i.e. a lot of us start raw to look better, but then we end up feeling better, thinking better, acting better. i don’t think that should be discredited as “shallow.”

  • worleyhimself2worleyhimself2 Raw Newbie

    Its defined shallow because you said so aka superficial. Your words are great. I am enjoying this alot. Conversing without getting out of control. IMAGE- A lot of people voted for Clinton for image, and how could they not compared to a dead horse like bob dole. Image isn’t everything. I agree, it can be something but it wont be, its corporate politics. That beautiful face works for corporations, which are defined as people.

    Thank you for furthering my analogy with super market your right the answer is looking else where and taking things in your own hands. “going to the source”, “ordering it online” the same as going to your congress, the same as getting your news online instead of tv or the radio (and that doesnt mean cnn.com or fox.com lol). such as voting for independent. since you like imagery. imagine this. Nader president, the people getting involved. I know its not very popular now but the more people who wake up and realize they have more choices. The more we will have a diverse system and better each other. Just like you and me right now. we are able to talk and not get all huffy and puffy. It will result in people taking issues in there own hands and not relying on puppets. who have very little say to begin with. Thats the biggest check/ balance that we dont have. The people on the government.

    I heard good song this morning, The rebelution- Courage to grow. I cant wait to jam to it at work.

    We can go back and forth I am sure for a long time. We will both take each others words and turn them around. even on ourselves. but in reality “if you put a mustache on a pig, its still a pig” as corny as that is since both candidates quoted that phrase. It is true. You can put whatever face on it it is still only a face. Image is good for sprinting. Wouldnt you say? But in the long haul you start to see the true health.

  • chriscarltonchriscarlton Raw Newbie

    Hey Worley,

    “if you put a mustache on a pig, its still a pig”

    You People!!! This is exactly the problem we have with this country! Have a little common sense. If you put a mustache on a pig, it will still be a mustache. It will never be a pig. You can’t just magically change a mustache into a pig anytime you want. And certainly not just by placing it on a pig. Also, then it would be a pig wearing a pig, which is just plain wrong.

    What about the pigs rights? Does the pig even want to be involved in your crazy mustache alchemy in the first place? I can’t wait ‘till PETA shuts you people down!!!

    LOL – just a little word twisting & turning

    Lovebows, Chris

  • Voted! I voted Nader, voted my conscience and it feels good! :)

    Painissima- Thank you for speaking up about how important it is to envision the change in the world we need to see. And how we each must become our own savior and not expect it from an outside source (ie: another person to come along and make everything ok)! Changing one by one, individually, will bring the real change to the entire world and as a few people envision and act differently, it will spread faster and faster exponentially— just like Ian Lungold points out in his Mayan Calendar unlocking. And by 100th Monkey Phenom as Chris pointed out earlier – the Universal Consciousness Grid. :) I think that whomever wins today- we are on a path to changing for the better. We “regular” people will demand it eventually, no matter who is or isn’t in office- we will learn it is up to us each, not giving our power away to a few.

    Worley- Couldn’t agree with you more!

    Hope you all feel great voting your voice today and all have a beautiful day!

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