Which leg of the “three legged stool” is most important to you?
Mitt liked to use the term “three legged stool” a lot during the campaign. Which of these three legs are the most importance to you? Do you look at them equally? Does one stick out more than the other two? For me it’s the economic side that matters the most to me. I’m less of a conservative on the “social” aspect of the stool, and while I might seem complacent here I believe that the national security part is under control right now. We as a nation and government though need to get the business side straight because otherwise we’re not going to ever get ahold of the economy. I’d like to hear what you have to say on this though.
P.S. We’ve had a few live chats since Mitt dropped from the race, would this be something that you would be interested in participating in in the future? It’s a lot of fun, and we still get to connect with one another.
February 23rd, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Hi Ann Marie,
#1 National Security and #2 Economy, and I see them as closely tied (remember what 9-11 cost us!).
Live chats! I have weird computers that don’t play well with others (in order to post on this site I have to go on my ancient 1999 PC)…I guess still being dial-up doesn’t help!
Alex
February 23rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Ann Marie,
Funny you mentioned that you said you had a few live chats with Mitt after he dropped out. I was wondering what he has been doing. What are his future plans? And of course I want to know if he plan to run in 2012.
February 23rd, 2008 at 9:06 pm
The economy is the thing that affects me most directly and immediately. I believe that a strong economy is necessary for national security. A weak economy is a great target for our enemies. I’m socially conservative as well, but I can live by my own principles even if the federal government doesn’t represent them well. We do need the federal government to be fiscally conservative, and to help maintain a strong national defense.
February 23rd, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I would enjoy live chats to stay on top of how things are going.
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Obviously we have to have all three legs or the stool collapses, however I agree the economy leg seems most wobbly right now and the future really looks ominous.
My only venture into a chat room ended up with special language skills necessary to be able to understand or communicate. Five minutes and I was gone. I may have been at the wrong place or the wrong time but it looked more like an ego trip for people creating their own language short cuts rather than a discussion of a topic.
Maybe a short primer for those of us who are chat room challenged ??? Thanks - P
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Anyone who is a capitalist knows that the economy will fix itself sooner or later, and knows that a presidents only tool is tax polisy, which is relatively inneffective in the short term. So for me, that’s number 3
I struggle between Social and Military legs. Social includes SCOTUS appointments. And this may be the best reason to elect McCain. He’d nominate better SCOTUS justices than any democrat. Since Marbury, the SC had become the all powerful, constitutionality determianting branch.
The rub is, that if we are all dead, or worse living under Islamic law, then the rest is irrelevant. So like Mitt says, my most important right is my right to stay alive. A close second for me is the social leg. Specifically abortion and marriage–in that order. McCain should do will against terriorism, if he can get it throught his brain-damaged head that terriorists can get across the border as easily and any other illegal.
So while McCain diesn’t know beans about the economy, he should be better at the other two legs than either BO or HRC.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Yeah, yeah, I know my typing is horrible. So sue me.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:09 am
If we haven’t got bread on the table, it’s hard to give much thought to anything else. So to me, the economy is number one, followed by social issues. Families need the support of a government that values cultural traditions of marriage, fidelity, love of children, and the importance of hard work, responsibility, honesty, etc.; and then respects all religious practices that support these traditions. When the economy is sound and families are secure, people will be much more capable of confronting the difficult issue of how to keep our great country secure.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:11 am
I am most worried about the economy. The difference is I beleive that the economy is closely tied to the social side of things. The social policies in this country right now are killing our economy. Am I messed up and confused about this point? Marriage is no longer necessary before having sex or children. Children are born to children who then turn to the government expecting to be taken care of without ever putting back in. The welfare programs require NOTHING in return, (other than being poor) to get help. Medical, food, housing! If they try to get out, get educated, get better jobs, then they are penalized and lose everything that the government was giving them. Why try!!
It is all closely related, though no one wants to put 2 and 2 together. The more people on welfare, the less money in taxes and revenue and more people on welfare. All of that spills over $ by $ into the national economy. I can’t afford health insurance because it is so expensive…because so many people come for free health care that I am paying for with my tax dollars!! (run on sentence, but you get my point!) I think Romney has it nailed when he talks about health care for everyone, but in the private sector. It needs to be competitive!! But the companies need to be able to compete for everyone’s business. If the government is handing out free health care (that I am still paying for from my taxes) then the prices will never be competitive for those of us who make too much to be on welfare. This is only a very small drop in the bucket…but it is one we can all understand. The economy and social policy are so completely tied together that it will be nearly impossible to fix the economy without the social policy to go along with it. I agree that the military is basically under control and we need Mitt Romney to come in and do what he sees needs to be done!! I beleived him when he said “I can’t wait to get my hands on Washington” He sees it!! I wish more Americans did!
February 24th, 2008 at 1:32 am
Why would I want a lop-sided stool? All three! Maybe one takes more prominence at different times, but certainly we need a president that can bring his full intelligence and experience to bear on all three as the season requires. The key is someone who can read the tea leaves and adjust appropriately and accordingly.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:20 am
As usual Frozone, you have condensed and presented well (and you’re right). Thank you.
Questions people: Where are all the neat things we buy now made? Does that matter? Will it matter in the future?
Economic problems are not just welfare and bad home loans.
I know. You already knew that. I just wanted you to know that I knew that you knew that. - P
February 27th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Frozone, for once we agree (I think). Military and Economic only debases our soul, Gulianni-style. Economic and Social only leaves us vulnerable by shutting our eyes to world events, the way the US ignored Hitler in the 30s. Military and Social only spends us into economic bankruptcy. All three together restore America’s greatness by preserving the core social structures that built this country, gives opportunity for families and businesses to succeed, and protects our nation’s borders and intimidates potential enemies.