[betsylindsey]

Calling all U.S. Democrats living in HK! It's time to get the public discourse going. The China for Obama - Hong Kong invites those Obama supporters serious about debating the issues to participate in a lively discussion. Listeners also welcome. This is not a fundraising event. The work product of the round table will go to the campaign headquarters. The following website links will serve as a foundation list of issues to be discussed:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=24391

What: China for Obama: Discuss the Issues round table

When: August 19th at 7-9pm

Who: Space is limited to 12 discussion participants who must all be U.S. Citizens, Obama supporters.

Cost: Free. Food and drink will be available at your own expense or bring something to share.

RSVP Required by August 10th to betsylindsey@email.com

[Sleuth]

I am not so sure "China For Obama" is a vote-winner in the USA. Especially his party, in the current climate.

[NickN]

It doesn't really seem to be in the best interests of "public discourse" to restrict this "debate" to existing Obama supporters.

Also, why limit the discussion to the issues addressed in the web links provided? Neither list addresses the issue of fighting global poverty or America's important contribution to helping achieve the Millennium Development Goals (http://www.undp.org/mdg/). These are the top issues for me as a citizen.

By the way, though neither a democrat or republican, I do like Obama. Either him or Edwards are the most likely candidates to get my vote.

[Sleuth]

The Economist had a good article on Edwards. It says he won't win the primary, but he is dragging all the other candidates in his direction because he has the most detailed platform.
P.S. When was the last time a political get-together wanted the other side(s) involved?

[betsylindsey]

In response to the comments regarding the event:

The purpose of the event is to draft a platform of policies that matter most to U.S. citizens.

To have an effective debate, we have to limit attendance, so we will most likely have room for Obama supporters.

The websites are just a foundation....meaning that other issues can be discussed.

Please RSVP, if you are interested in attending.

Thanks.

[Sleuth]

Originally Posted by betsylindsey

To have an effective debate, we have to limit attendance, so we will most likely have room for Obama supporters.

Wow, that sounds like it is straight out of Orwell.

[climber07]

Originally Posted by Sleuth

Wow, that sounds like it is straight out of Orwell.

"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - Orwell

No kidding.... but hey at least limiting the debate to a single-minded group will make the "China for Obama" slogan more meaningful.

Sample of a "debate" by Obama supporters:

A: I think Obama will win because he sounds intelligent and has a Harvard education. Who could be better after Bush?

B: No, you couldn't be more wrong!! Obama will win because he appeals to global community focusing on solving global problems by cooperation...

C: You're both idiots! Obama will win because he has my homegirl Oprah on his side and Hillary just looks like a man...

Wow....this should be one hell of a intellectually stimulating discussion.

Here is an idea....How about a meeting to discuss what's wrong with America today and why the two party system isn't working? Why not discuss the corruption of both Democrats and Republicans and the completely inept Congress which represents only the will of lobbyist groups and not of the people. Let's discuss what happened to the Separation of Church and State...the Education system...Healthcare.....hell... The CIA (they can't even assassinate people quietly these days....pathetic!)...but most importantly lets talk about Freedom....does it exist in America? Are people really free to change their government which isn't working...or are they just free to talk about it?

Stalin once said...."American democracy is a way of doing a lot while accomplishing nothing." I'm beginning to believe him.

[Boris]

Originally Posted by climber07

Stalin once said...."American democracy is a way of doing a lot while accomplishing nothing." I'm beginning to believe him.

Expect a letter in the mail revoking your citizenship !

As Chris Rock has mentioned - Obama for VP then the Pres has got no assassination problems.

[climber07]

Originally Posted by Boris

Expect a letter in the mail revoking your citizenship !

Would that mean no US taxes?

Hey, I'm one of the few patriots that country has left.....it's just a shame it's ran by morons.

[Sleuth]

I am not so sure the 2 party system is at fault. I would put more blame on the two party primary system. The primaries force middle-of-the-road candidates out. And most of America is middle-of-the-road. Since those candidates are gone, most Americans could care less about the shrill yelling from the lunatic fringes and stay home on election day.
But didn't someone (Churchill?) say something like, "democracy is the worst form of government ever conceived, except for all the others".