Not sure; I'm generally a democrat, but I know McCain will butt heads with the RNC eventually, and now he doesn't feel alone with his VP pick.  Small businesses will be more a focus that during the Bush/Cheney era for big, big business, and was by far the most intellectually challenged president, maybe ever, so you couldn't expect much but that.  Lets face it, that is why they placed Bush, he could be manipulated toward big business.  I'm afraid of Obama in that he will owe so many debts to the far liberal left for getting him elected.

Long winded way of saying McCain would be a better choice.

Really it all boils down to this. Our main concern is our "American Spirit" reputation and as it is we are tarnishing that reputation all over the world now. If McCain is elected it will become worse and i fear another war will be among us with no help this time. I know through research that the world is counting on us to elect Obama. And at this point, it's got nothing to do with experience because Bush had none and still is incapable. Our Country is in chaos. People are hurting and losing their mind. Random killings are all over the news. It is time for a new leader. It is a tough job for whomever wins as the Presedential Candidate whether it is McCain or Obama. But, I think McCain honestly nominated Palin as VP because she is a woman and it is sad because if she was smart she would know it and turn it down. I would have more respect for her. He is only after votes and frankly it is quite insulting to woman again to be used by a man in such a way.

I completely agree with Jerry. Obama rocketted to the presidential nomination for his party so quickly, and based on what? It certainly wasn't for his actions taken, or what he stands for. In Palin's speach, one of the great points she made was that he is using the prospect of change to move him forward. But at the same time, how is he changing anything? All he has done is talk about how he plans to change things, and then when he has a little opportunity to do his current job of voting for making changes... he doesn't? Seems like he will owe somebody something for getting him as far as he has without doing anything other than talking.

McCain and Palin have both gotten to where they are because of their actions. Their are a lot of polititians that don't like them because of the fact that they want to clean things up and work for the citizens of the US, not to help bolster the "do nothing" congress we have now.

I was co-owner of a very small software business for 11 years  -  until Bush rolled in and killed off everything.  His tax cuts only benefited the very wealthy and they basically stuffed the proceeds in their private "mattresses"  -  jobs went down and what was left has been offshored to death.  We need a single-payer health care set-up (maybe bid for by competing private companies) to alleviate the costs to businesses.  Then US businesses could compete fairly.  Who needs McCain's tax credits when there is no income left to be taxed?  Poor people get Earned Income Credit and the very wealthy get loopholes and tax abatement deals  - the middle gets squeezed into oblivion.

Please tell me what part of Palin's speech spelled out ANY actual action she would take.  The swing voters polled on CSpan indicated that they need more specifics   -  at least Obama has provided some at his website.  And McCain's approach to everything is either a tax credit or a referral to his POW days - NO specifics at all.  

The tax burden that will be put on all Americans if, in fact, Senator Obama is elected will be bad for all business. He cannot pay for all his programs by additional taxes on the rich only. That means that either everyone's taxes (even the poor) will have to go up or he won't be able to enact his plans. It's easy to talk, harder to walk.

I agree completely with Danelona from Pasedena.  I can not believe Americans (particularly women)can buy this crap.  Palin's speach last night insulted my intelligence.  My God, Pit bull and lipstick!!  If I were Hilary, or any other capable woman, I would be livid.  Their Karl Rove tactics are not going to work this time around.  If they do, we all deserve what we get...4 years of what we have suffered for the last 8.        

Well, Mary Jo, its a good thing that you are not a capable woman, we wouldn't want to to get angry. All in all neither canidate has a good business plan. Obama will hit businesses with a 6% penality if they do not provide health insurance to their employees. I have not found what the 6% penality is bases as of yet, but in any respct that's pretty harsh. I deal with small business owners every day and most would not be able to handle suppling insurance to their employees let along paying a penality for not doing so. Mccain wishes to make employer paid insurance taxable and give a $5000 credit. That would mean my taxable income would increase about $2200 a year. I have not had a chance to look at the charts to see what that would come to in addition tax I would have to pay. As a business owner I would rather go to McCain that Obama at this time.

Let's give Palin some credit instead of jumping to it that she is being used by a man. She was overwhelmingly elected by Alaska, and has the highest approval rating of ANY governor. She obviously handles herself well even under intense scrutiny for both her personal and political records. She is not one of the career politicians that seek office for themselves. She stated her intentions clearly... she wants to do what she can to stand up for Americans. She wanted to better her children’s schools, then her community, then her state. Her actions were noticed and then she was asked to be part of a team that has the same goal as her, to put the country before everything else, and to fix Washington. Unfortunately people here have started relying on the government to take care of them, which is not the way capitalism works or the way our country was founded to thrive upon. If you want the government to take care of your every need, move to Europe.

Obama's campaign is targeting McCain’s campaign for it being the same as Bush's? Yet the main point McCain is making is that he wants to do things differently and clean things up. As far as saying he voted with Bush 90% of the time... I wasn't aware that the President had a vote in Congress? Remember here that there is a system of checks and balances. The President can lay out whatever they want but without Congress siding with them they can do very little. That is why specifics don't really mean much, but ideals do. When was the last time that any president did exactly what they specifically said they would do? Who has a stronger backbone to stand for what is right for America… not just what is best for themselves or their fellow politicians?

I wonder how many completely unbiased responses there are here when most of the previous posts seem like party line propaganda recycled. The real issues with small business starts and ends with the huge portion of overhead that goes to acquiring and keeping good employee's vis a vis quality healthcare,benefits AND the enormously fragile state of the economy.  It should be the biggest issue but were being forcefed Sarah Palin's having been a mayor & Governor of a small state & of course the media frenzy over her kids & Joe Biden, whos been the democractic stalwart on Meet the Press for it seems like 50 years.  This sideshow is something substantive? The candidates on both sides are extremely inexperienced with economic matters including their running mates! So were supposed to vote on continued republican leadership??? The past 8 years are an indicator there.
Or the Democratic leadership which wants  to DO something with healthcare on a broad scale. But WHAT??   Wheres the details?  How will we pay for it??
I think the lesser of two evils is to try a new path. Until I hear some "meat",  I'm looking at voting for Obama. At least he wants to reform healthcare, address the economy. He is talking to the middle class of which all small business owners WILL lucky to be  in IF we dont get some changes in this country ASAP.

I'm the owner of a small one person sign painting business. I'm also employed full time at another company, purely for the benefits.
I would easily be making enough on my own business to support myself if it wasn't for the cost of health care. Instead of being able to devote my full attention to my own business and possibly provide jobs to others by growing it, I'm forced to spend 40 hours a week working for someone else solely to get the health insurance. Our lack of the universal health care that the rest of the civilized world enjoys is putting a damper on the ability of small businesses to grow in this country. This criminal control of our health care system by the insurance companies and lobbyists is costing us a great deal that we are not putting into the equation.

I choose McCain/Palin.
I am in a small family business; and they have the far better plan. Be Realists.

To Jim, Hays, KS
While you are bashing Mary Jo for not being a capable women, you should learn how to spell and write first. I completely agree with Mary Jo.  If the Republicans get in the average worker will be paying alot more in income taxes.  The only ones who will benefit are the ones who can already afford it.  If my insurance benefits get taxed as income, I will be paying an additional $2500.00 in taxes.  I make less than $40,000.00 and haven't had a raise in 3 years.  The company I work for is in the housing business, so you know there won't be any raises for at least the next 18 months or until houses start to sell again.  So tell me how I am supposed to pay for these extra taxes?  

Just the thought that a lady Gov who just received her passport last year might just be given the controls of the free world. We have been in a trememdous downturn for years now and it is getting worse everyday. We are actually sitting here and allowing these folks to dismantle everything that was passed on to us by our forefathers. People please wakeup. This is AMERICA we are talking about not some developing country.

Senator Obama is mandating a national public insurance program to allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health care similar to that available to federal employees. No one will be turned way or charged more due to illness and everyone who needs it will receive a subsidy for his or her premiums. As a Democrat and a retired Federal worker, I have a concern how middle class working people can possibly afford the approximately 110 Billion dollars a year it will cost to pay for the Health Care proposal. Senator Obama proposes a Federal Income Tax increase of 10 to 15 percent for anyone making more than 50,000 per years and the tax increase rises as the income increases. My Federal Health Insurance premiums are 1100 dollars a month, so who and how will we afford to pay for 40 million people without Health Care. I am not sure that the Federal Government has the responsibility to pay for our insurance costs.  

Anything the government mandates, has to be paid for.   Guess who pays?   I know that Democrats say that they will tax the rich and not the poor but the math just doesn't work for that approach.   Most of the tax base is middle class and when you tax Corporations, that tax gets passed to consumers.

I don't vote based upon my own best interest.   I vote on candidates that have a view of our country that I share.  I vote for candidates that share my philosophy of government, not based upon who is most likely to give me the most handouts paid for by someone else.  

The government should not be in the business of distributing wealth. Those that make money should be able to keep it. Those that don't make enough money to support themselves should a) work harder, or b) get help from those in their communities through charities. It is not the governments responsibility to look after individuals, but rather "establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" No where does that say take money from those who earn it to those who do not.

I was a part owner of a small business while in high school. We ended up selling because we could not make it through our off season. I don't put blame on the government for not helping us out. But, had we been taxed more or forced to make decisions that we could never afford, we would never have stood a chance. I am now in college paying my own way through and I pay for my own healthcare since I do not get any benefits from the company I work for. I work hard to get what I have and I wouldn't expect anything else. I know that I have earned everything and have not taken any handouts. What I find frustrating is those that don't put nearly as much effort into making something for themselves, getting things handed to them using my tax dollars.

Bill your afraid Oama isn't going to be able to pay for his proposal?

Well suprise, surprise!!! Neither is McCain going to be able to pay for his. That is part the process of how we expand the National Debt. Our lame poitcians from both party's have been doing this for years. How do you think we are paying for the Iraq War?

Including interest costs, the Tax Policy Center a tax research group says, Obama’s tax plan would boost the national debt by $3.5 trillion by 2018; McCain’s plan would increase the debt by $5 trillion.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26513554/page/2/

Money isn't a problem Bill. If they don't have enough, the US Treasury simply prints more. Only problem with that is the money in your bank account becomes worth less, or should I say worthless. You should be numbed to this process by now though, after all the Bush administration has been busy printing hundreds of billions of dollars to bail his buddies out over at the banks. Who do you think is paying for that? They didn't raise taxs did they? No they just devalued your dollar. You do realize that, right???

The money for the programs is a non issue!!! As long as they still have ink and a printing press, they have the money!!!

Whoever is elected, make no mistake about it--taxes will be raised.  We can't help but do anything else given the deficit--unless the government wants to default on its loans.  

No thanks to Bush, and his give-aways to BIG biz., and nothing to help small businesses...the GOP has lost sight of small businesses, minorities (how many African Americans were at the conference in St Paul?)

It's time to wrestle back our country from corruption and big business degradation.

MCS-M- Great point about the crowds in Minn.  Not only didn't I see many african americans in the crowd, It was the least diverse crowd of 10-15K folks I could imagine. The average age was 55-60,white mostly male. Same old GOP base. Back to the BASIS of this blog though & the issue of small business! Jarod of Michigan posts above :"The government should not be in the business of distributing wealth. Those that make money should be able to keep it." I couldnt agree MORE!   Funny how you mention this as the largest redistribution of wealth in our history HAS been taking place during the BUSH/GOP administration through the oil cartel manipulation of gas pricing. The government has already allowed this to happen and you have the audacity to the GOP is NOT the party of BIG BUSINESS? I am also confused by your post as you speak about your high school small business experience and now your in college paying your own way through yet you work  and pay for your own healthcare? You obviously DO wark hard given the rigors of that schedule. Many americans cant find the time to further their education due to the falling economy & working additional hours to pay for energy,rising food costs & helping their children families with THEIR education.   But please dont think you can ASSimilate with the notion that our government is based on "whats mine is mine & whats your is mine" mentality that George W & Big business has been doing. The tired, old divisive Rove tactics wont work anymore. The liberties we fight for are based upon helping one another and being inclusive, consensus building & NOT reducing the burden on those who aren't burdened in the first place! Can we get back to a discussion on helping small business not party line Rush Limbaugh quotes?

In response to your comments Ken, a agree with what you are saying. However, I was not stating which candidate I would back as I am still undecided. I have severe issues with both candidates and their respective VP's. I was pointing only some of the negatives in Obama's views, and saying that Palin should get some credit for what she has done rather than being "used by a man." I haven't pointed out the flaws I see in the McCain plan as enough people are doing that.

To MCS-M's comments, taxes will most likely be raised by both candidates unfortunately. However it is how they are raised that is the differnce here. One plan is to tax those that make over $250,000 a year heavily, while taking all taxes away from those that are over 50. Who really get taxed heavier hear? Those that make 250,000 or more are those that are in their own business or are high up in big business. This means that they have control over the prices that people who buy from them pay, or... they will pay those that work for them less in order to keep making the same for themselves. At the same time that they want to tax the owners of businesses, they want to make business more expensive for them by forcing them to paying for health insurance for their employees and pay them more. Again... what happens now? In order to keep functioning many places would have to cut jobs to keep their overhead down. Less people working (and in turn spending, or contributing to social security through paing taxes) and more people that receive social security benifits or are close to it (while making them not pay any taxes)... who is going to pay for the government overspending then? Not the rich, as have enabled themselves to be able to pass these down, not the poor, they are recieve money rather than contributing to society, but ahhh that's it... middle-class that is being courted so hard by the one that stands up for them. The only thing that can help the middle-class is less reliance on them to support the (not less fortunate) but the less productive.

I don't have a problem with helping the less fortunate, I donate my time to charities and give donations when I can. BUT... I don't like the government deciding who and how to help them.

Is the GOP out of touch, probably... are the democrates out of touch, probably... all I know is I want more freedom to do as I choose, not as I'm told. Especially in regards to how to run a business like I'm currently trying to start.

Also, in regards to the crowd. I though I did see a lot of young delegates, especially female, as well as many minorities. It didn't appear to be out of line with the proportions of the United States. Isn't the reason that they are called minorites because their are less? Wouldn't their be less in the crowd? What is the demographics of Minneapolis St. Paul?

First of all, Peggy from New Jersey, what kind of benefits do you have that you'll have to pay $2500 more in taxes.  I'm sure you meant what Jim Hays from KS wrote that your taxable amount will increase by $2500, quick numbers $600 more a year or $50 a month more, not bad.  As for Obama's plan, taxing small businesses 6% for not providing health care means small businesses or hard-working middle class will once again pay for all the government programs Democrats love.  Big Biz can afford to provide benefits so they will escape the tax hit.......way to go after big biz Obama.  At least McCain's plan is more moderate, we all chip in and those who make more, chip in more, thats fine.  Personally, government loses or "misplaces" money all the time, billions every year.  Financial resposibility is what we need and money will be there without coming up with creative ways to generate more money.  Obama and democrats just want to throw more money at the problem which will come from the middle class........as always no matter what they say.  Big government means more programs equals more taxes from everyone to pay for it.  

Jarod, Perhaps you were watching Ron Paul's convention.  GOP land was definitely not occupied by alot of young females OR minorities and in case it hasn't yet occurred in Michigan(outside of Detroit) our country is rapidly more diverse every day & within the next two generations WASP's will be a minority. Note that I did not use the word Minority- you did.The demographics of St Paul are not as diverse as most of the east , south or west but then again the convention crowd is from ALL of these area's not made up of St paul natives like a baseball game would be.
Orlando, I am  a small business owner who DOES pay for my employees Healthcare benefits. IT IS quality care, it costs me two arms and a leg but to keep the type employee's I need I feel, I owe it to them. Big BIZ is nickle and diming its employee's and not being taxed in anyones plan.  Big Biz doesnt give its unskilled labor Healthcare or does everything they can to avoid it- They cut hours and sub out labor to circumvent it more everyday. You watch big business jump in and lobby to be exempt from any and all taxes based on definitions of what fulltime employee is,etc. IT's precisely the type of Pork Mccain throws tirades about and republicans are famous for when it comes to BIG BIZ. You should review Mccain's plan again and show me where he states where "we all chip in and those who make more, chip in more". From what I read on his website, He's going to "give" tax credits so we can choose If you dont have employee based healthcare. Thats not paying for or reducing the costs, its INCREASING them. His website indentifies problems, mentions tax credits and doesnt offer any meat on how he's paying for this. It's fairly amusing that at the bottom of the page theres a link for more specific information but it just esnds ou back to the same page! Smoke and mirrors.

Jarod, from Michigan:  First of all, the delegates at the RNC were from all over the country - not from Minnesota.  They represent the Republican party as it stands today.  Secondly, according to ABC News, the count was as follows:  93% white, 5% hispanic, 2% black.  That is very far from correlating to the population in the U.S., in which minorities are on target to surpass 'whites' quickly, and already have done so in some areas.  Finally, and even without knowing the demographics or statistics, I can't even imagine anyone in this country watching the RNC 2008 convention and not being stunned by the sea of anglo faces, one after another, with a total absence of diversity.  It is a rare thing to see, unless you watch 1950's reruns or movies.   There is a new series on cable TV, that is a fine example.  If you can watch it without being equally stunned (and distracted or even bothered), by the all-white, mostly-male cast (and the constant, all-occasion cigarette smoking), then you may not have noticed the lack of diversity at the 2008 RNC.

I have read through a number of the comments and th thing that bothers me the most is that not many are looking at what is really being said by our politicians. The whole Republican party has FLIP-FLOPPED in the past week to try and support McCain's selection for VP. In reviewing the possible VP selections for Obama before he selected Joe Biden, Karl Rove stated that Tim Kaine of Virginia was not qualified because he had only been the Mayor of Richmond, Lt. Governor and now Governor of Virginia. He stated that he was not offending the people of Virginia, but Mr. Kaine just did not have enough administrative experience. Yet, now all that we hear is that Mrs. Palin has more administrative experience that any of the candidates. In fact, if you listen to Mike Huchabee she should be the presidential candidate. McCain boast how she hs been the governor of the largest state in the union, yes in size it is, but in population it is the 47th state. Mrs. Palin talks about change, but as mayor of Wasulla she hired a lobbyist and traveled each year to Washington to help her city receive $27 million dollars in earmarks. In her time as Governor, Alaska has requested $750 million in special federal spending, which is the largest per-capita request in the nation. She rejected the $398 million bridge only after it was ridiculed nationally as the "bridge to nowhere." McCain wants to spout off about country first, but his selection of Palin for VP shows that he is obviously more concerned about his personal ego to be president then he is about serving the people of this country. The Republicans want you to think that they are going to change things, but the Republicans are the ones who have been in control over the last eight years and have gotten us into this mess, if they were going to change something why haven't they done it already! It is time for a real change and the people of America need to demand that politics as usual be out lawed and that our representatives do what they are hired to do and work together to create a better world for all Americans, not just the elite few. Republicans are the ones who have taken care of the elite few while middle Americans have suffered the brunt of the cost. Everybody talks about that Palin is the most popular governor in the country, and yet prior to being selected by McCain how many people had ever heard of her. She is so popular that ih her elections for mayoe she received 616 votes in 1996 and 909 in 1999. This out of a population of 8,000. Doesn't seem too popular to me. If you are perfectly happy with the way things are and have been for the last four years then vote for McCain. Oh! by the way, Obama has been for a safe timed withdrawal from Iraq, and the Republicans have critized it, but all of a sudden Bush is trying to come up with a plan and Iraq wants us out too. I gwess Obama might know something after all. By the way, what are we going to win in Iraq anyway? Are they going to give out a big trophy or something, and who decides if we win or not? Just a few questions to think about.

Peggy from New Jersey – If you’re going to cite someone for poor spelling, you should really be proficient yourself.  “Alot” is not a word.

Bruce - thats a bit of plagiarism, yep I've seen those smear e-mails too and the banner at last nights convention that you reference in your "what are we going to win" comment.  What's your take/in-put regarding small business?  I think that's what this whole forum was about to begin with??  Me a struggling small business owner deciding if we can afford to offer our employees the same, cadillac health plan we always have.  Leaning towards McCain.

Mike- Thanks for your political opinion.  This is a prime example of why it's SO important to vote.  

Jarod...you are so naive. Get you facts first before you post like Ken and kathy did. Bruce also researched to get the facts and if you would like to do the same go to www.barackobama.com

   

Kathy and Lolita, thanks for calling me out on the participants at the convention. I did check the facts more in order to convey what I was trying to say in a better manner. I wasn't very clear. While I was watching the convention, the audience wasn't really what my attention was on. I did notice that there were of whites, but that didn't really stand out to me much. I don't really think in black and white. I went from a small town with 2 Black American families, to Flint, MI were whites are definitely a minority. I don't pay attention to race or sex when making my feelings towards someone. It plays no issue with me. However, I did look back on the campaign and agree is was more white than I initially thought.

What is the reason though? Is it because they are the "good ol' boys" we have heard so much about lately? Or is it because of something that was in the same article that as the percentages, "Barack Obama is capturing 90% of the African-American vote; he is outperforming 2004 Democratic nominee John Kerry among Hispanics and he is cleaning up with young voters. In short, his support comes from the part of the population that is fastest growing. John McCain's support comes largely from white voters and in particular older Americans." So if 90% of blacks support Obama, that would only leave 10% that are undecided or favoring McCain. Another point... Republicans tend to be more popular in rural area, whereas urban area tend to be more democratic and more diverse.

This is not what this debate was about however, and I would like to get back to reading about peoples feelings on small businesses.

As a small business owner I certainly worry about company health care and tax issues; that being said I cannot vote based more on my business sense that my moral sense. I think Obama's economic plan will do a 180 on Bush's "tax the poor, let the rich slide" plan. Morally I know where my vote must be - nearly everything Bush has done has embarrassed me, to be an American and simply a human being.

Barack Obama is this country's only hope of turning this crap train around! McCain thinks "Middle Class" means making less the $5 million a year! Yea, our small business is a hell of a lot smaller than that. How can we even consider electing someone THAT removed from the real world to represent our interests??

How long will the public be fooled by Republican talking points. Forever I guess. When they say "We don't want government to stand in your way." it means don't expect any help from the government. I don't like handouts, but there are things only the government can do like universal health care. Wake up and wise up America!

"The government should not be in the business of distributing wealth."  What hypocracy.  The govt HAS distbuted wealth by allowing companies and the wealthy not to pay their own way for years. The corporate business form by definition allows an entity to shield itself from the financial harm and consequences of its actions.  We are so used to letting corporations and the wealthy off the hook we don't even notice it is going on.  It is just wrong.  I don't understand how the Rep party fools so many people not to see their own economic self interest is with the Dem party.  You are not making it under Rep rule.  WAKE UP.  The statements about Obama raising taxes for anyone making less than $400,000 is a lie!  Where did you get the idea your health insurance would be taxed?  Also untrue.  The Rep party is about big business and their interests, raping the environment, the heck with student loans, VA benefits, and the heck with the constitution.  Don't you remember the last 8 years?  Dare to expect something better from your govt.  Obama/Biden 2008

As a small business owner for 17 years, I have realized that the current health care system essentially taxes me and my employees to a degree that it makes it nearly impossible to grow.  With current health care costs it is simply too risky to grow.  Even after providing health care, the system is still a crap shoot.  I have had two employees forced into bankruptcy despite having health insurance because of unbelievable interpretations of the policy language.  Health care is he de facto tax that we are all paying and receiving a roll of the dice return on the investment.  I do not know the answer but realize that something has to be done.  While my entire family and I have historically voted Republican because of their historically conservative fiscal responsibility, their recent performance warrants a change.  I like some of Ron Paul's ideas but, in my opinion, he is a bit of wild card and his plan for modifying health care is vague.  Frankly, I was leaning McCain because he has always been a favorite of mine. I supported him in 2000.  Though recently undecided, after the appointment of Palin, I have decided to vote Obama.  Palin is an obvious plant... I honestly don't think McCain has had a thing to do with his campaign.  I don't want to hear my D friends beating me up with "I told you so's" like they have been doing for the past 4 years after the Bush debacle.  Frankly, I don't think anybody is going to be able to fix it; but, if Obama doesn't fix it after four years, the D's can't complain anymore. This country is a mess... morale is low, the economy is in the toilet, people are losing their homes, we are in a silly way costing billions of dollars.  I read today that our federal road budget is empty.  Let's give the D's a chance to fix it.  Good luck!

This story was about a HAMBURGER, a hamburger! Yeah, my fellow American and citizens alike: Sorry that Delaware was made out to be a State with "low esteem". Ironic because this has it's largest Military Defense there! So... getting back to the burger, what next? If you want "cheese" on it ask for "The McBideBama", should be interesting.

Keith:  I don't think you did support McCain in 2000. You are a liberal Wolf in sheeps clothing. If you want you taxes to triple, then vote the D's into office. Not me!  We need a change, and McCain and Palin will bring it to us. The old ways of Bush will be over. Count on it.

I am new to this blogging, but I must add my thoughts to this conversation.  Obama has documented many ways to pay for health care and other programs for the nation.  No one has said anything about how he plans to intoduce the energy programs and how it will add jobs and income into the system.  Taxing the wealthy was just one way.  Once the people get back to work we will be able to receive taxable income from the working people.  The Democrats always jump start the economy remember the Clinton days.  Obama need the chance to make it better.  The way I see it he is the closes candidate to having the intelligence and the business capibilities to run a business.      

McCain lies too much about everything. He is not a straight talker and if he really loves to help hurting americans, then why was he and bush celebrating his birthday together while bush was badly needed in Louisana after hurricane Katrina hit? That is McCains fault too, you ought to know that? Bush has been our maverick go it alone president with whatever stupid ideas he has had,,, not too much common sense,, McCain is our Maverick senator and Palin is our maverick governor,,, they are all mavericks, not mainstream not honest and not interested in the country as a whole, just in their own problematic ideas, this is why they are mavericks. Wake up american people,, a maverick is not a good thing. a Maverick marches to his own drum and forgets about everyone else,,, just look at what our maverick pres. bush has done for us,,, say one thing and then later do as he wishes after he is in power. McCain is the same,, fat on talk and eager to fill his pockes with more money as though he doesn't already have enough. the subject here was about business and this all ties into business very well. the first thing you consider with business is honesty and McCain lies too much. the second thing you consider about business is co-operation,, McCain is not that type either. So for business I don't think he even deserves an interview for the job. I think his qualifications for job as president are very lacking, starting with integrity,, I think he is just like bush, a con artist who will say anything to get elected and won't do anything he said if he were to be president. I think most people aren't paying attention too much,, I have observed McCain lying a lot ,,, many lies and the public and media are having a hard time figuring it out.

Eve,
I am so dizzy from all the spin on both sides, that I can't even remember who is for what. The bottom line is that when the dust settles, and reality hits either candidate when they start their work in the Oval Office, they will have to do what they feel is right for all of us small business owners. Well, I HOPE they do what is right for us...
Joel Libava
Cleveland

Small business is a tough way to make a living right now, especially in real estate. The GOP has had many years, I think it started with Reagan? for "trickle down" economics to work,resulting in runaway corporate profits, ever increasing record deficits, massive increases in government size, healthcare and insurance costs, and now an attempt to dismantle the Constitution's separation of powers. True conservatives, starting with Barry Goldwater, stood for smaller, less intrusive government, balanced budgets, reduced intervention in foreign affairs and a strict adherence to the Constitution. We are a nation of laws and all of us need to obey them. I for one am demanding change, away from this so called conservative movement that has failed the American people miserably. We need the GOP and conservative thought as a check and balance in government, but if a company is run miserably for 8 or more years by managers with defective goals and capabilities and few visible responsibilities to the shareholders you must change the management, and find new goals and capabilities. I'm a lifelong Republican, but I cannot vote for anyone who claims to be "conservative" (I don't think most people know what a true conservative stands for)and clings to defective policies to be the leader of the free world. We need major, radical changes in our government, economic and foreign policies, or we will no longer be members of the free world.

If you choose McCain because you own a small business be prepared to kiss your business goodbye.  McCain does not care about the small business owner. Unless your business can generate puts you in the five million dollar club.  If you are than you have nothing to worry about, if not you will have to join the unemployment line like the rest of us, collect govt cheese if there is any, and live on food stamps if they offer any after AIG bills get paid. Face it if you spent must of your career  voting for the current president ideas 90% of the time than you don't know the meaning of change.  So vote for McCain and the only change you will have every have is pocket change providing you have a pocket to put it in.

If you choose McCain because you own a small business be prepared to kiss your business goodbye.  McCain does not care about the small business owner. Unless your business puts you in the five million dollar club.  If you are than you have nothing to worry about, if not you will have to join the unemployment line like the rest of us, collect govt cheese if there is any, and live on food stamps if they offer any after AIG bills get paid. Face it if you spent must of your career  voting for the current president ideas 90% of the time than you don't know the meaning of change.  So vote for McCain and the only change you will have ever have is pocket change providing you have a pocket to put it in.

Talk about Obama and his meteoric rise in the Democratic party.  There was a guy a few years ago that used the coattails of his sponsors to climb up the ladder. Then, when he got to the Presidency, he S__t all over them. His name was Truman. Unfortunately, Obama is not a Truman. He owes people, and he'll pay them back in spades..no pun intended!
First bill introduced, Mandatory second language- Farsi!

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