Thursday, October 14, 2004

It's Debatable! (the final Presidential Debate)

BASEBALL TOPICS

     Yankees/Red Sox (Yankees 3, Red Sox 1)

     Cardinals/Astros (Cardinals 10, Astros 7)

     Good Bye (Ventura and Larkin Leave)

BASKETBALL/WOLVES THOUGHTS (Wolves Fall)

VIKINGS THOUGHTS (Hoag Added to Roster)

NHL LOCKOUT (Opening Night Passes)

Discussion Question (Your Thoughts on the Twins)

Random Ramblings

Well, the Twins season is over and as I mentioned, in the offseason, I will be touching on a number of topics. Today will be a good example of that, of what you may see on this site throughout the winter months. I will be discussing last night’s Presidential debate, the Timberwolves, the Vikings and also the two League Championship Series games that were played. Also, don't forget to e-mail me your thoughts on this week's discussion question today so your thoughts will appear on tomorrow's entry.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of these topics, whether you agree or disagree with me. Sometimes, I’ll even post responses I get, to show both sides of a topic better. I’m also curious as to which topics interest you, or whether my randomness is a positive thing. So please, feel free to share your thoughts on anything with me. E-mail me.

It’s Debatable!
I try not to get too political on this site, but the election is now less than three weeks away. So, even I watched the final debate last night. I am really sick of hearing about the things that these guys did or didn’t do 30 years ago. That’s not important to me. I also am sick of hearing all of their thoughts on the war and fight against terrorism. We all know their opinions from just watching the news and other media outlets. Tonight, they were to discuss the other topics, things that may be more likely to affect me and to affect the future of this country.

Now I have to admit a couple of things, so you know where my mind was heading into watching the debate. First, I consider myself a moderate, who leans to the side of conservative. Of the two parties, I tend to agree more with the Republican side. Now, before I lose a lot of readers, I am certainly not set in my ways in anyway. Partisanship bothers me more than pretty much everything else. I wish that politicians would think for themselves more, regardless of their party. On most issues, I lean to the Republican side with my beliefs, on other topics, I am more moderate. I can’t think of any, but there may even be some ideas I have that would tend to be more like a Democrat. And you know what? I don’t think that’s a bad thing. And I certainly won’t apologize for it.

So, knowing that, I jotted down the topics and some of the candidate’s responses to the questions. Then thought about which I was closer to leaning toward.

Bob Schieffer was the moderator of the debate. He of course works for CBS News, which instantly made me laugh. I wonder if it was ironic that when the candidates were announced, George Bush came out from the right and John Kerry came out from the left? Anyway, let’s get to the topics. I will mention the topic, summaries of Kerry’s and Bush’s responses, and where I stand on the topic (as if anyone cares, right? Ha!).

Topic 1: Will we ever be as secure as we were when we grew up?
Kerry: Blamed Bush a lot. Mentioned plans on staying secure in our homeland. Also mentioned that maintaining strong alliances and having great intelligence.
Bush: Believes in a more comprehensive approach. Homeland secure (which his administration initiated and led) as well as staying on the offensive abroad. Wants to spread freedom around the world.
Seth: Agree with Bush. We have to look long term at what is good for this country and the world. I think we should protect people’s freedoms.

Topic: Flu-Vaccination Shortage
Bush: received contaminated vaccine from England. Certainly weren’t going to use that. So, now we’re working with Canada to get more.
Kerry: He spent the majority of the time bashing Bush.
Seth: I have no opinion. I agree with Bush. If you are young and/or healthy, don’t get a shot. I know I won’t.

Topic: Economic Security
Kerry: More Bush bashing, primarily about giving the rich a tax break.
Bush: Mentioned that Kerry voted to increase taxes 98% of the time.
Seth: I think that it is important to remember that the market had its huge drop in 2000, during the Clinton administration. So the recession in America was something that Bush inherited and I believe has done a good job of bringing us slowly out of.

Topic: What would they say to an individual who loses a job to someone overseas?
Bush: Says its all about education, raising standards. No child left behind.
Kerry: He whined about how the President was lecturing him, comparing himself to Tony Soprano.
Seth: Honestly, I didn’t think either candidate really answered the question at all. Just blamed each other.

Topic: Asked Kerry if the current administration was to blame (CBS question, huh?)
Kerry: Says that it is because of the President and his administration. But when he talks to people he does tell them that there will be outsourcing.
Bush: Talked about how people have more money because of his tax relief. That it is America’s money. How he’s given child credits and reduced the marriage tax.
Seth: I agree with Bush on what he was talking about, just not sure what it had to do with the question.

Topic: Gay Marriage, and specifically Is Homosexuality a choice?
Bush: He doesn’t know if it’s a choice. Respects everyone’s basic rights, but against gay marriage.
Kerry: Same.
Seth: I personally do believe it is a choice. I don’t buy the whole chromosome thing, but what do I know. I’m not a doctor. Do think that rights should be protected in this country.

Topic: Abortion and unlimited stem-cell research
Kerry: simply a woman’s choice.
Bush: believes in the rights of everyone, including the unborn child’s right to life. Definitely supported the ban on partial-birth abortion, and encourages other alternatives like adoption and abstinence.
Seth: Completely against abortion in any way. To me, there is no other "right" choice here. A fetus is a life, life should be protected. Killing. Murder. Abortion. Call it what you will. (I am pretty strong on that belief. However, recently I read something that said, "Isn’t it funny that the Pro-Life people are generally in favor of the death penalty?" That kind of made me think about my stance on that topic! I may have to change my thoughts on the death penalty, but there is nothing that will alter my thinking on abortion.

Topic: Health-Care Costs have increased by more than 36%. Who is responsible?
Bush: Most health-care is provided by a 3rd party. Wants to encourage a health-savings account and medical liability reform
Kerry: Favors allowing seniors to import drugs from Canada, a bill that was vetoed.
Seth: I actually believe that we need to do what is best for the consumer, and if costs are down (making it more available for more people) by importing, it should be available. It’s simple economics. Competition is good.

Topic: Where do we get money for more health-care?
Kerry: mentioned that two major media outlets supported his programs.
Bush: Through a Lewen (?) report, they found that Kerry’s programs would cost about $1.2 trillion. Bush doesn’t believe in government health care. There needs to be more controls.
Seth: I don’t know. I guess I pay for my health insurance and health care and I think it is fair for others to as well. If people really can’t afford it, then some form of government should help out.

Topic: Social Security
Bush: Stressed that people will get their checks. The problems arise for the youngsters (his word!). Thinks that an individual, especially young, should have the ability to have more control of their own money and be able to take some of their social security and invest it as they see fit. Cost of doing nothing is what will hurt in the future.
Kerry: didn’t say much. Just that benefits should not be cut. Thinks that congress did something to fix all these problems.
Seth: As a younger American who throws money each week into Social Security and have for a dozen years or so, I would love to have the right to have more control of my money. I would love to be able to invest my money in ways I see as beneficial. Now, I think that there should be some controls on this project too, to protect idiots who would be dumb with their money. For instance, I have a 401(K) plan at work. In it, I have the choice of about a dozen funds that I can invest in. Each has a varying degree of risk and reward, and I can transfer money from fund to fund as I get older.

Topic: I wrote "No Changes," not sure what that meant
Kerry: Blames the President’s tax cut. Shouldn’t care about the rich. Says that the "American Middle Class is not making it."
Bush: Mentions that the market dropped so dramatically before the Bush administration took over.
Seth: I have always wondered why President Bush takes so much blame for the recession and the economic situation. I started an E-Trade account on the day when the NASDAQ was at its all-time high. It was early in 2000. Over the next six to eight months, the economy took a major tumble downward. That all happened before the 2000 election, during the Clinton Administration. It’s funny how the media never mentions that, isn’t it?
Also, there is another situation that I just don’t understand. Here is my opinion. Everyone should be taxed the same! I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. If you make $10,000 a year, you should pay 25% to taxes. If you make $35,000 a year, you should be paying 25%. If you make $10 million a year, you should pay 25% (25% is just an arbitrary number). I have never understoond why a person should be penalized for being rich. Think about it this way. You receive a pay check every week for a certain amount of money. Well, let’s say that you put in 4 hours of overtime in a week. Suddenly, you’re up in the next tax bracket and you end up making less money for working the same amount. Well, what is the incentive to get rich? What is the incentive to work hard and better your financial self? Using my three above examples, the first person would pay $2,500, the second $8,750, the third would pay $2.5 million. Each pays a different amount, and contributes to the country varying amounts, but it is most fair.
OK, enough of my little rant.

Topic: Illegal Immigration
Bush: increase border patrol with man-power and equipment. Give temporary work cards so people can cross safely and also go home. They should be treated humanely. However, these people should not be rewarded for their illegal activity.
Kerry: need to be tougher on employers. Believes in earned legalization. If an immigrant stays out of trouble and pays taxes, they should be able to earn citizenship.
Seth: does the term "Illegal" mean anything? There is a reason that this country has an immigration process, right? I mean, there are a lot of good people from around the world going through the proper channels to become a US citizen. They are waiting and waiting and all along, 8,000 people enter illegally every day. Is there not something wrong with this? I think there should be penalties for illegal activities. And yes, that can certainly be done humanely.

Topic: Gap between rich and poor… should minimum wage be increased from $5.15.
Kerry: says he tried on numerous occasions to get this increased to $7. Then he talked to the women, maybe a good strategy, but it really didn’t help make a point on the topic. And then he talked about the middle class’s value system and how they obey the rules.
Bush: Went into some discussion about education again. I assume he did this to say that if more people finish high school and college, more people will be above that minimum wage mark. I agree with that. However, he definitely talked about his education programs too much.
Seth: First on Kerry’s talk; I think a minimum wage increase would help more than just the women he talks about. I also think that it is completely unfair for him to make the comments he does about the middle class values and how they obey the rules. Do people in the upper class not have morals? Do they not obey the rules? That kind of bothered me.
Secondly, on Bush’s 2 minute talk, I was just really disappointed in what he said. Had he simply said that further education will help people get above the minimum wage and left it at that, fine. But he didn’t address minimum wage itself. Also, I was reading BrentNet last week, and he commented on Bush’s "No Child Left Behind" program. I hate to put words in Brent’s mouth, but I think that he had some good, fair thoughts on the program. Personally, I like the idea that no child should be given up on. I like that everyone should be held to certain standards. But that’s not enough. A school’s purpose should not simply be to meet standards, but it should be to challenge those on the opposite end of the spectrum. It should take the gifted students and offer advanced classes to encourage their continued improvement as well. It should not hold these kids back.

Topic: Overturn Roe vs Wade?
Bush: No litmus test for judge appointments.
Kerry: Won’t appoint a judge who will take away rights.
Seth: I want someone to overturn Roe vs Wade.

Topic: Are we holding National Guard and Reservists too long?
Kerry: Military is overextended. Wants two new forces, combat and support forces.
Bush: Believes we need to train Iraqis so that they can eventually police themselves. From people he’s seen and talked to, he has found that the troops are very happy for the opportunity to serve their country. Believes we should work with allies, but won’t trust our national security to another country, or waiting for International approval.
Seth: Agree with Bush. We shouldn’t have to wait for approval. And, let’s not forget that the UN set certain rules for Iraq to follow, and they certainly didn’t. The fact that the UN isn’t enforcing its own rules does not mean that the United States should wait for them.

Topic: Ban on Assault Weapons
Bush: People should be able to own guns. There should be background checks. Prosecute criminals who use guns.
Kerry: Believes in right to bear arms.
Seth: I’m all for a person’s right to bear arms. I am ok with people owning guns for hunting or for collecting. I think for the most part, gun-owners are safe. However, I see absolutely no domestic purpose for assault weapons. They can’t be used to hunt. So, why do people need them, and why are they available? This is something I’ll never agree with unless someone can tell me why I should.

Topic: Affirmative Action
Kerry: We have not moved far enough along. Blocked by the current administration. Oppose quotas. Says the Bush hasn’t met with minority groups.
Bush: Bush insists that he has met with such groups like the Black Caucus. Also doesn’t believe in quotas. Then he talked about education yet again. I’m sure he meant that if everyone is educated, then everyone will be on the same level for certain jobs, in which case affirmative action would not be necessary. Commented that minority ownership of homes and small business are up in recent years.
Seth: I definitely don’t believe in quotas. I think that the best candidate for a job should get it, regardless of gender or race or anything else.

Topic: What affect does faith have in decision-making
Bush: Faith is a big part of his life. He prays a lot. His faith is personal to him, and helps him ‘calm the storms.’ He makes many decisions based on his faith. God wants everyone to be free, and he believes that and incorporates it into his foreign policy.
Kerry: We ‘have a big more loving of our neighbors to do.’ Too much difference between the haves and the have-nots.
Seth: Faith should play a factor in any decisions. A President is elected to make decisions for the betterment of their country and humankind. I would hope that this person would have a higher power to help develop a right-wrong pattern. I am completely in agreement with separation of church and state, but on an individual level, a President would be wise to use his or her moral or ethical thoughts in their decision-making.

Topic: On 9/11, the Congress was very together, and now it is so polarized, can we come together as a nation?
Bush: He had a record of working with both sides as a governor. Fears the entrenched special interest groups.
Kerry: We had common ground, now very divided. Need to get back together.
Seth: Again, I’m so against partisanship, so this polarity is completely annoying. Bush at least seems willing to use common sense. Kerry is so far to the left that he does not seem very adaptable.

Topic: Most important thing learned from the strong women in their lives.
Bush: He was quite funny and talked very highly of the first lady and his daughters (who we like!)
Kerry: Tried to be funny and talked about his mother, who told him "Integrity. Integrity. Integrity."

Overall Summary
I thought it was a good debate. It took 90 minutes, but didn’t seem that long. The moderator, despite being from CBS, did a fair job of asking questions. He put both on the spot a couple of times with more direct questions.

I went into the debate siding toward George Bush and saying there is no way I would ever consider voting for John Kerry. I am more certain now that I would not consider voting for John Kerry, and now I am much more confident in my decision to vote for George Bush. In recent weeks, I have been thinking of exercising my right to NOT vote. But I really do believe the George Bush is the right person to be the President of the United States for the next four years. No, I don’t agree with 100% of what he believes in, and that’s OK. I do agree with him on the topics that I feel are most important to me. Those are the war on terror, his views on abortion, and other topics. I just know that I could not, in my right mind, cast a vote for John Kerry.

So what did you think of the debate? Did you watch it? What are your thoughts? I’d love to exchange ideas. Send me and e-mail (also, let me know if you would be ok with me posting your thoughts).

BASEBALL THOUGHTS
YANKEES 3, RED SOX 1
Jon Lieber was the story for the Yankees. He continues to pitch well at Yankees Stadium, holding the Red Sox scoreless through the first seven innings. The Yankees got a first inning run, but the big blow was a two-run homer by John Olerud. Again, Olerud is no longer the hitter that he used to be, but he’s such a professional hitter and he had a big hit last night! Again, Mariano Rivera came in and dominated for another save. Pedro Martinez actually did not pitch poorly. But the chants of "Who’s Your Daddy?" were hilarious! Boy, Doug Mientkiewicz sure is playing a lot, huh? Oh wait, no he isn’t!! Ha!
These teams now have an off day today to travel the long-distance from New York to Boston!
Curt Schilling’s ankle is bad and it is unknown whether he will be able to pitch in Game 4 or even Game 5. If not, the Red Sox have no chance.
Then again, I don’t really think that they have a real good chance anyway!

CARDINALS 10, ASTROS 7
Is anyone hitting better than Carlos Beltran? Man! He gave the Astros a 2-0 lead with a first inning home run off Woody Williams. Oh, maybe Albert Pujols who drilled a homer in the bottom of the first to tie it up. Then again, Jeff Kent has been hitting well, and hit a two run homer in the fourth to put the Astros up 4-2. But the Cardinals got a little production from everyone in the middle innings when they scored two in the 5th and 6 in the sixth inning to jump out to a big lead. The Astros tried to come back but Jason Isringhausen closed the door in the ninth to give the Cardinals a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 is tomorrow. The Cardinals will throw Matt Morris against the Astros Peter Munro. Doesn’t sound like much of a matchup, does it?!

GOOD-BYE
We learned this week that a couple of classy baseball veterans are saying good bye to their teams.
First, Robin Ventura announced his retirement following the Dodgers loss to the Cardinals. Ventura is one of the best college baseball players ever from his days at Oklahoma State. He was a star on the 1988 US Olympic team. He was a top draft pick by the Chicago White Sox and came to the majors in a hurry. Since then, he has played for a few teams, including the Yankees and Dodgers. He was always a good hitter with some power. He may not have been as great as some may have projected, but anyone who lasts in the major leagues for over 15 seasons was pretty good!

The other player that I would like to mention has not retired yet. Barry Larkin was told by the Cincinnati Reds that they would not be signing him for next year. Larkin was a star at Moeller High in Cincinnati before starring at Michigan and played on the 1984 USA Olympic team. He was a top pick in the 1985 baseball draft. He was called up to the Reds in 1986 and spent the next 19 seasons with the team. It is unfortunate when a guy that has given so much to a city and franchise. He is a borderline Hall of Famer with very solid numbers. It would be interesting to know what his career stats would look like if not for all his injuries.

Now, I mentioned that Larkin has not yet retired. So, of course, my thinking turns to: Could the Twins sign him? Well, I do believe that Larkin would be available for about $1 million. If that is the case, I would like the Twins to let Cristian Guzman go and bring Barry Larkin in. I think that he could be a solid contributor still anywhere in the Twins lineup. But I also believe that he could contribute a lot to the Twins, especially to the young players like Jason Bartlett and Nick Punto.

But, that said, I would prefer Larkin just retire. He has been one of my favorite players since he came to the big leagues. I appreciate players who spend their entire career with one franchise. So, it would be weird to see him in any other uniform. But of course, if he feels he can contribute still and there is a team that wants him, I can’t blame him for continuing his career.

What do you think? E-mail me.

BASKETBALL THOUGHTS
The Timberwolves played their first exhibition game of the year last night at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks won the game 89-84, but of course, that means absolutely nothing. It has to be good for the team just to get back onto the court and play competitively against another team. Kevin Garnett led the way by playing 30 minutes. He scored 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Wally Szczerbiak scored 12 points. Sam Cassell had 10. Mark Madsen had 10 rebounds.

I think that the Wolves roster for this season is pretty well set, with just one exception. There are three power forwards for one remaining roster spot. Former Gophers Rick Rickert and John Thomas are two options. But the choice based on talent and skill has to be Eddie Griffin. He was a huge high school prospect and the 7th overall pick in the NBA Draft just a couple of years ago. He has been troubled in his young life. He has been in fights with teammates, and charged with some domestic disputes as well. Basically, this is a high risk, very high reward possibility for the Wolves. If he can stay out of trouble, the Wolves got a steal. If not, they can cut ties with him and not lose too much money. But his upside is way up there, and he’s still young. (Last night, Griffin scored 11 points in 12 minutes. John Thomas also played 12 minutes and scored four points. Rickert got the old DNP-CD!)

You have to assume the Ndudi Ebi will be on the active roster as the 12th man. Either than, or he’ll develop some fake injury again. Troy Hudson won’t play much, if at all, in the preseason, still rehabbing. The Wolves signed Anthony Carter, a point guard with a lot of NBA experience, to be their third point guard. Should Sam Cassell or T-Hud get hurt, he can step in and contribute a lot. Certainly a better option than Darrick Martin!

VIKINGS THOUGHTS
The Vikings put Keenan Howry on the injured list yesterday and put WR Ryan Hoag on the active roster. You remember that Hoag graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College two years ago and was Mr. Irrelevant in that April’s NFL Draft when the Oakland Raiders took him with the last pick of the draft. He was on the Vikings practice squad earlier in the season. I think that Nate Burleson will return punts. Hoag would be another option. He could also return kicks, along with Mewelde Moore.

NHL LOCKOUT
Last night was supposed to be the opening night of the NHL season. Guess not. Because of the owner’s lockout, there is no NHL in the near future. And you know what is the worst thing right now? No one is talking about it. Watching SportsCenter or in the newspapers or other media, have you seen or heard anything on this situation? I really haven’t. That is not good because it tells me that no one really cares that there isn’t any NHL hockey. There is the baseball playoffs, the NFL season, the NBA is getting started. There are other sports in this country to watch. There are probably a few hockey people who miss the NHL, but I have talked to a couple big hockey fans who say that even they don’t miss it.
And I don’t think that the two sides are even talking yet. I think it will be a long time before we see an NHL season!
 

And on that note, I am going to call it a day. Again, I would really appreciate some input from you on what you would like to read. Just baseball. A little bit of a bunch of things? If you have any questions or comments, or any ideas for future topics, please e-mail me.

 

Have a great day!