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Hi, my name is Timothy (aka FFC) and I think we're screwed no matter who wins.

I can be considered a conservative liberal or a liberal conservative...and agree with FFC. I'll throw another no-no into the mix and say I am agnostic.

Speaking of Pomeranians - have you seen how expensive pomegranite juice is? Ouch!

I'm a progressive, which basically means I am farther to the left than the Dems but vote for them hopefully every time. It's hard to imagine a genuine progressive being elected at the presidential level, given the unbelievable expense of running a campaign, which means the candidates end up in hock to corporate interests...but there are some exciting Senate races happening this year. It'll be a doozy of an election day.

Bringing it back to the topic - it's disappointing that neither major candidate has expressed a clear plan for reforming our food system, despite the increasing public interest in such reform.

Also, too tired to type coherently this morning.

Speaking of Pomeranians - have you seen how expensive pomegranite juice is? Ouch!

Cassaendra at 7:18AM on 10/14/08

The only thing to do is to grow your own. Pomeranians and pomegranites.
Or at the least buy locally.

Braising is best.

Hi I'm Katie from Ohio and neither a Democrat or a Republican but I never vote Republican because I don't support their basic Party platform. I suppose it would have a little something to do with that whole Women's Rights thing.

To link this to food, I'm thinking of throwing myself an election night party. Chicago dogs and maybe some Goose Island! Anyone else?

Hi I'm izatryt and I also agree with FFC. That said, what would you vote for? A Burger? or A Dog?

I am a registered Democrat and I strongly support Obama. I'm really enthusiastic about his election and I really don't like the sort of reflexive 'oh we're all screwed' mentality, which seems to foster inaction--basically the more hopeless you talk and the less you act, the more corrupt politicians get, feeding off of our cynicism and lack of political mobilization.

Hi! My name's Laurel and so far I've voted Democratic, as I will be this election. And you people make me sad talking about how screwed we are.

On that note, I was thinking of an election party, too-- champagne if things go one way, lots of champagne if things go another.

@izatryt, I'd vote for the burger. Obviously a higher quality piece of meat, and that's what I base all of my votes on. Meat quality.

Proud member of "the vast right winged conspiracy"... that being said, I'm doing my absolute best trying to save the earth (except Tuscaloosa, AL.....blow tide ) by eating one black angus at a time. Now let's get back to food!

Hi. This is Josdean, aka Jocelyn. I totally agree with FFC. And to those of you who are dissing our gloomy gus attitude, I think the point we're trying to make is that with all of the educated, economically savy individuals in this country, how in the world has this pool been whittled down to these two candidates? When I vote (and I will), I more than likely will be voting AGAINST one person as oppossed to voting FOR the other.

@Iz - Definitely the burger, but let's make it good old AMERICAN kobe beef!

I have to add to my previous brief comment. Having a realistic understanding that we're screwed either way does not necessarily imply apathy or a "do nothing" attitude. Wrong assumption. Josdean said it well.

Hi, I'm Tokyo Rosa and I live in a swing state. I don't cook so much as I zap things in the microwave to eat while I peruse food porn websites like this one.

I'm registered Independent, but have never, ever voted republican. Of course I voted (early) for Obama, but in a better world, I'd've cast my vote for Hillary Clinton. If Sarah Palin gets into office, I'm leaving the planet with Tina Fey.

My name is Maureen, and I'm Canadian - so we cut you to the chase - I just came back from voting in our 40th federal election.......

And I voted Green because I'm heartily tired of the Conservatives and Liberals passing the torch back and forth!

I'm sorry if the "cynical " tude bothers some ppl but in what i have observed through the years, you can vote for someone that is honest and hold high morals, has a great platform etc, but like the joke, its a whole other kind of hell after you vote. Maybe we should fund a study on the air and water in Washington DC, maybe thats what turns otherwise decent human beings into politicians (in other words lying cheating ********bags)
I'll shut up now ;-)

I'm with Joyy, I've always been a "lesser of two evils" kind of gal. I'm registered independent, have NEVER voted republican, and think that Sarah Palin is the most terrifying thing that's ever happened to American politics, second only to George Bush.

As a rule I don't trust politicians and tend to vote on social issues, but I've been paying more attention lately because I think this is an incredibly important election. We might be screwed either way, but I fully think we'll collapse if that woman is put in any position of power.

That being said, Obama seems like more of a foodie, doesn't he? Mccain is kind of pot roast and pruney, if you ask me.

I am labled in the same camp of joyyy... the raging hippy liberal camp, earthy crunchy birkenstock wearer...
I recently moved to small town vermont from Minneapolis and am defiinitely voting democrat... I think I would be blacklisted from my family if I ever voted replulican... I come from a long line of southern democrats.

Hi, I'm Deb Schiff.

What a great topic, albeit off-topic for Serious Eats. I'm surprised no one's discussing what each of the parties offer folks like us in terms of food policy (imports, exports, safety, labeling, food for fuel, etc.)

I was an Independent for many years, but felt I was losing out by not participating in the primaries, especially back when Bill Bradley was running. So, I registered Democrat so I could vote for Bill. What a disappointment when he bailed. Oh well.

As some others have said, no matter what happens, I think we'll all be hard pressed (as opposed to cold pressed) to escape continued increased food prices and taxes. On the other hand, I hope that the person who wins puts into place policies that make organic foods less expensive than those not grown organically. We shouldn't have to pay so much more to eat healthier and have less impact on our groundwater.

Getting off my soapbox now.

My blogs are: Altered Plates and Here and There.

Obama. Obama. Obama.

Gobama, without question. It's the only way this country is going to move forward.

Down with apathy! Please vote, whatever your political flavor - - nothing changes (except the stock market) without the will of the people. It's supposed to be what life in a democracy is about.

-eleeb, Brooklyn, NY

P.S. @izatryt, I'd vote for the burger. Extra bacon and fatty mayonnaise.

I got my feet wet (or wrapped in concrete?) in local politics in South Jersey and I saw, heard and learned a lot that shocked me to the core. If local is so crooked I don't dare even imagine what happens on a national level. We had Mafia influences and I was advised to hide my family elsewhere if the teachers went on strike. Scary stuff. I am on the fence, but will definitely vote.

One thing I just learned - Tina Fey graduated from Upper Darby High School (suburb of Philadelphia). FYI for those from this area. How 'bout that! I think I'll go make some baked Alaska. I can see Russia from my house! *wink*

I'm Michele, and if McCain and Palin get elected, I already told my husband we are moving to Canada. Palin scares me!!!!

@PeanutButter ~ I got to tour the Prime Minister's residence Gorffwysfa, when I was a tweenager. My mother's cousin was his chauffeur. I remember the gardens and the guards more than the house. From the time frame it would have been Diefenbaker or Pearson. I remember flirting with the guard on an extremely hot summer day and trying to get some reaction (it totally looked like he had my grandfather's shaving brush in his hat). Anyway, he totally ignored us, until I piped up with, "Wouldn't a Dow go good now?" That was the tag line in a beer commercial. I swear he glanced at me and the faintest of smiles crossed his face. It was a highlight of the summer and my sister and brother still remember it, too.

So, are you saying that Barry O'Bamma (made him Irish....hehe) is Canadian?.

I'm a registered republican who votes for dems (maybe 30% of the time) when I feel they are better for the job. I don't care for Obama's socialism but I think he'd be a great neighbor. I don't care for McCain's personality but I think he would be better for overall leadership. * sigh *

@izatryt - I thiink I'll just have a burger.

Matt here....a.k.a. onepercent99 a.k.a. mattthebutcher.....I think they're ALL friggin crooks.

One-time Hillary supporter now going full steam ahead with my vote for Obama!

Palin/McCain=Pain

I'm registered independent. I feel both parties are too free with our tax money, too greedy in taking away our rights, and too lenient on crime. I could be libertarian in that I believe in the individual's right to privacy, and the right to carry on in one's house as they please, so long as it doesn't harm anyone. I'm a financial conservative, in that I believe both parties have mistaken us, the taxpayers, for a credit card wit no limit. I'm with FFC in that we will be screwed either way, just in different ways.

@izatryt ~ I think you need to set up your grill with kobe burgers and all the fixin's, including mushrooms, cheese, onions, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, ketchup, BROWN mustard (haha LPC), mayo, relish, (what did I forget Adam?) lobster or crab for me haha, fresh rolls or grilled cheese donut panini and serve them to citizens (especially SEers) after we vote. I'll gladly help. We need to get rid of nonchalance and realize we have the freedoms we have because we have the right and exercise it. If you are eligible and don't vote, try a long trip to Cuba or North Korea for a few years. Everything is rough right now, but we are still a blessed nation. Let's keep it that way - VOTE and enjoy a hamburger, too!

I'm Jackie aka jbeach. Registered Dem.
Here's my little piece:
So many talking heads on tv and radio make our ears bleed daily and the words in newspapers and magazines go around and around ('spin' is so accurate a term for it), but reading pieces like The">http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2008/10/13/081013taco_talk_editors">The New Yorker essay endorsing Barack Obama made me feel validated -- my thoughts and feelings and perceptions are not unjustified -- there are intelligent, well-connected, savvy political people in the biz who feel exactly as we do.

I am a humanitarian. I am a liberal. I will not be ashamed of it. I know that the world isn't going to miraculously turn on its axis and deliver fairness and equality. I believe many systems and mechanisms and most of all, perceptions, are completely backwards and I have no clue how these issues can be fixed, how to ask people to care more about one another, about everyone, all of our brothers and sisters across this breathtakingly beautiful planet that we call home, yet are hellbent on destroying. But I also know that I want to look forward and see some light ahead. My knowledge of political matters is pretty meager, but I know enough to ascertain that while politicians are of a certain breed, they can't all be bad people. I'll never be one to say voting doesn't matter and the world's going to sh*t anyway so who cares. I'm not saying Barack Obama and Joe Biden are saints who are going to save the world. I'm just saying that I care about the future and I believe these 2 people are more aligned with my values.

Sorry, messed up link in my post.
Here's The New Yorker article, if you're interested.

@izzy's mama - thank you for pointing that out! I didn't know that was an interest of hers, though it makes perfect sense. I spent a week as a culinary volunteer in New Orleans last year (with this amazing organization) and one of our days was spent with Edible Schoolyard children there. It is an incredibly worthy program, one that every community could benefit from. There were children who had zero concept of where their food came from, but who knew what all the numbers of the McDonald's "value menu" represented. Those kids were learning how to grow vegetables, how to cook simple but healthy meals -- all in a completely participatory, hands-on way -- immeasurably valuable information they'll have for the rest of their lives.

First, @FFC nailed it. Pathetic as voter turnout is, it's a wonder more haven't given up on it.

In addition, it's pretty clear to me that this poll will indicate the political leanings of Serious Eaters, but not those of foodies as a group. In general, I find Internet forum participants to be disproportionately young(er than I am), and, taken as a whole, young people certainly tend to be much more liberal.

There are so many kinds of foodies. In my world, foodies are those who have the resources to travel, dine in high-end restaurants, enjoy premium wines, entertain a lot, and buy and experiment with expensive specialty ingredients. They are more likely to be a bit older, much more moderate, and generally have somewhat conservative leanings. And most of the people I know are way too busy to play on Internet forums! So, I guess it depends a lot on what type of foodie you're talking to.

Me? Well, I'm non-partisan, registered as such, and have been since my first election. I've never found a party with a platform that properly reflects my position on all the issues. Of course, I also feel that many of the so-called issues really have no place in politics. Furthermore, I've never seen a candidate who really toes his/her party line. So parties strike me as pointless and irrelevant.

Sadly, on the rare occasion I see a candidate I'd actually support, it is impossible to vote for him/her as our two-party system means 99.9% of votes for non-major candidates will be wasted votes. Such a shame.

I don't think I have ever voted FOR anybody in my life. My vote is ALWAYS against somebody. I.e., spend a lot of time figuring out whose agenda I think is most harmful to our nation, then try to cast a vote that is most likely to keep that candidate out of office. I've definitely voted for candidates from both parties, but Republicans have probably gotten my vote more frequently.

I'm definitely firmly planted in the moderate camp. I have decidedly conservative leanings on governmental and fiscal matters, but not so much on social and individual issues. Although I do not consider myself a Libertarian, my beliefs most closely mirror that philosophy -- I want less nanny-state big government, more individual accountability and personal ownership, little or no socialism, an overhauled tax code that lets Americans keep more of their own hard-earned money so they can spend it as they see fit, etc. I'm a huge Founding Fathers groupie, and strongly believe we need to get back to the governmental fundamentals they put forth.

No hot dogs for me. On election day, after I vote against Obama, I'll be enjoying a cheeseburger, about 1/3 to 1/2 pound, medium-rare to medium, with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles with just a hint of mayo and mustard. And to do my part for the economy, I think it'll be a $16-burger from Houston's!

I think if we had a candidate who was a foodie, it sure couldn't hurt!

I am very new to Serious Eats. I have been reading this thread and feel comfortable enough to post my first comment.

I come from a large family of conservative minds. I have travelled the country and met wonderful people of like minds and wonderful people who's views are the polar opposite of mine. I have looked extensively at both candidates with an open mind. I have even vacillated at times. At the end of the day, I truly believe our government has forgotten the goals of our Founding Fathers and I am disgusted with the lack of personal responsibility on the part of so many Americans. Like LoCo, who so eloquently stated a position I can not help but agree with, I will be voting against Obama on November 2.

Also, It will be a juicy Medium cooked burger with aged English cheddar, caramelized red onions, a big fat slice of beefsteak tomato, Romaine lettuce and a bit of dijon mustard. Because it is election day, I will treat myself to a side of sweet potato fries with a vanilla bourbon dipping sauce. If I have any room after that, I will consider something swarthy from the dessert tray.

My name is Leah and I approved this message. Get out and vote! It is your Voice and your Choice.

@Perky ~ I shall fire up my beloved WeberQ and prepare a proper post election spread. Yellow mustard? Who uses Yellow mustard? The only mustard to grace my non-partisan burgers will be Gulden's, thank you very much!

McCain acting in the best interests of our country??? You have got to be kidding right? McCain has always acted and will always act, given the opportunity, in the best interests of his lobbyist buddies and the top tier wealthy elites. This whole sub-prime mortgage mess is directly related to McCain and his buddy, and campaign advisor Phil Gramm Just the other day he added another lobbyist to his staff, a certain William Timmons who in 1992 was a lobbyist for Saddam Hussein. Yes, THAT Saddam Hussein.

And his VP Sarah Palin actively campaigned for the Alaskan Independence Party, an armed militia that advocates the use of violence and whose leader Joe Vogler openly professed his hatred for the US. He was murdered while trying to buy plastic explosives from an ex-con. She is a racist who quoted Westbrook Pegler at the GOP convention. My favorite Pegler quote is:

“[It is] clearly the bounden duty of all intelligent Americans to proclaim and practice bigotry.”

I could keep going on but seriously, this all pretty much common knowledge. This is really who you want in charge of our country?

Vote for McCain thinking you're representing the best interests of your country, and you are just fooling yourselves.

I am an independent that never sees too many Democrats to vote for.

I wanted Fred Thompson to be president but he wasn't up to the garbage required to run. I love Sarah Palin.

Obama is the candidate of High Taxes (change) and Wishful Thinking (hope)
McCain is the last defense against socialism and terrorists so I will vote for him.

If you think Obama is so cool I am not going to change your mind. I do not want what he is really going to give us.

Add me to the list of people who can't believe the civility of this discussion. Call Guinness. And add two expat Americans to the Obama vote tally.

I'm shocked at the number of foodies who say they are voting for McCain, especially after Cindy plagiarized all those recipes, not once, but did it again even after she got caught. The McCains strike me as a deeply dysfunctional family--angry father, anorexic, face-lifted mother, overweight daughters. It would be so refreshing to see the Obama family in the White House.

And I'm deeply impatient with folks who say they're not voting or throwing away their vote on a third party candidate because "they're all crooks". To me that's just a sign of intellectual laziness.

I haven't been so excited about a candidate since I was a college student in the 70s as I am about Obama, to the point that I'm volunteering for the campaign, donating money, and have been hosting out of state campaign workers in my home since April.

Hi, my name is Jean (expat39520), I love to cook, and I'm a Barak Obama fan. Well, not initially. I voted for Hil in the primaries, was undecided for a time after she lost, but returned to the Democratic fold when McCain (his skin has the color and texture of the Pillsbury Doughboy's, doesn't it?) chose that ridiculous woman as his running mate. Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama cinched it for me this weekend.

to make it short and sweet , i am a democrat..

I'm a liberal, but I settle for voting Democrat.

Obama is the perfect example that through hard work, dedication and higher education you can realize the American dream of owning a lovely home in an upscale neighborhood and run for the President of the United States. I have to worry about his "spread the wealth" position. It conflicts with the American dream. This election reminds me of our food recipes and our personal recipes for life...."if you send a ship out expect one to come in" and the food is only as good as the ingredients you put in. We should all be held accountable for the choices we make for ourselves. The sub-prime mortgages are an excellent example of making bad choices. Many of us did not get into a sub-prime mortgage and there was a very good reason why...it would've been a bad choice. Yet, as taxpayers we now have to take responsibility for those who did. Each candidate will make big promises that they will never keep. It reminds me of being given an old family recipe only to discover that a few ingredients were left out....key ingredients...necessary to making it work. When you go out and vote keep in mind that neither candidate is going to make a noticeable change in your life. Maintaining a strong military force is vital to our continued safety against terrorism and holding our strong position as a world leader. If we don't maintain that now we will put our children and grandchildren in a place of constant uncertainty. We still live in the best country in the world. We have our problems but they, in no way, compare to what other countries are experiencing with socialized medicine and a "spreading of the wealth" mentality. Everyone wants to live in America and we all need to remember why that is. It is our responsibility to vote for the candidate who will not take the American dream away from us and give it to others. I'll vote on November 4th for the candidate who will protect us across the board. I will vote for John McCain. He has the permanet injuries to remind him of what a great country he was fighting for. And....he is still fighting to make it better and stronger.

I guess I can take back what I said earlier about the tone of this thread...

Since when has Obama said he doesn't want to maintain a well trained military force? Obama has shown himself to be a person who learns from his mistakes and grows as a person. McCain keeps making the same ones over and over again. I am someone who takes character very seriously and if you analyze the campaigns it's very clear which candidate has exhibited more character and which one has betrayed whatever principles he ever had in order to win the election.

Your opinion has been noted.

The trouble is that the two topics are so entwined in the Republican party that quite frankly I'm even more frightened by the American Taliban as represented by Sarah Palin than I am by the Taliban in the middle east. I am one who does not want anyone else's religion in my bedroom, doctor's office, or kids' school. I am even uncomfortable with all this "God bless America!" that we hear in the speeches of all the candidates, as if they're all trying to prove who is the better Christian. I say religion is, and should be, a private business.

Sad that this thread has gotten so vile with name calling from the left (go back and look at who is doing it) the left is neither progressive nor liberal they preach tolerance but just can't seem to practice it . I was around when Saul Alinski, William Ayres and the rest of the hardline communists attempting to spread their doctrine and now this democratic candidate supports their doctrine of marxism and wants to impose it on the "FREE" tax-paying citizens of this country. And put an end to the American Dream.
I am PROUD TO BE A REPUBLICAN
I am proud to be an American (for now)

shipwreck, please explain in what way Obama is a Marxist. Is Warren Buffet a Marxist? Do you even know what a Marxist is? And who exactly is name-calling?

PS: Even "Joe the Plumber" (whose real name is Sam, is not an independent but is a registered Republican, is not licensed to be a plumber in Ohio, only makes about $45k and never intended to buy that business he was talking about, AND also owes about $3000 in back taxes) had to admit that under Obama's plan, he would be paying less taxes than under McCain's... Just a few more facts for yo to ignore.

Good work! At least McCain has a voting history. Obama voted "present" didn't he?

dianeb, do you have a point?

I would love to talk about sex, but again, the politicians just won't stay out of my sex life! I happen to have a gay son...

dianeb, until you really understand what voting "present" means I don't think you're qualified to comment on it; Obama was there and involved, whereas McCain has been absent more often than present in Washington, too busy hosting his barbecues, I guess.

I understand perfectly what voting "present" means. Obama will be completing his first year as a senator soon. Now THAT requires a barbecue!

There is no difference between Dems and Repubs. They all serve the same agenda - stay in power and get richer. Abortion, gun control, the enviroment, and gay marriage are just shiney objects they use to distract us while they steal us blind. Rather than fixing the country they make under the table deals with Big Oil and Wall Street that ensure when the country colapses they will be taken care of. Neither party truly cares about anything but power. I do a lot of write in votes. To look at my absentee ballot for this year you would think Charles Barkley filled it out. I can't help it, I like the guy.

Unless you are already wealthy (making more than $250,000/year, in which case you really shouldn't be complaining) Obama will be giving you a better a tax break than McCain will. McCain is only after helping out his rich buddies.

If you are rich, then I have no sympathy for you, you haven't been paying your fair share. You've had your eight years of free ride, now it's time for you to behave like a responsible member of society again, especially since my guess is you are fond of wars. Wars are very, very expensive in case you haven't already noticed.

It's late, I'm not going to get into asking you specifically what it is you agree with Palin about so fervently. Other than the obvious of course: you think all muslims are terrorists, you hate gays, and think anyone who isn't categorically anti-abortion takes pleasure in killing babies. We can resume this elevating discussion tomorrow. Oh, and for the umpteenth time, "Joe the Plumber" is a phony.

Gosh, I hope everyone chills after this is all over and mellows out with a lot of carbohydrates over Thanksgiving and remembers all the things we have to be grateful for.
Thank you, Simon, for all of your efforts.
I am 67 years old and my husband is ten years older. We have no children. We had a lot of fun in the 60' and 70's. He also worked hard at a job he loved, trying to make this a more just society. I worked hard at supporting him and our life together. We have been lucky in material terms. We've inherited little except china. WE HAVE NEVER MINDED PAYING TAXES. We owe it in return for our good fortune. The next generation has to be educated. Road and bridges have to be built and maintained. (I actually remember when all of these things happened). We must care for all of the gravely injured from this most recent war and the ones before. We have obligations. And there is no refuge in saying it was government who did it, not me.

Um, is anyone really deluded enough to think that after the bailout bill either candidate is going to be able to keep taxes down? Mccain might talk big, but he won't have a choice, it's a moot point.

@haglered - I'm sure you're a great cook, but the fact that you wholeheartedly support a woman who believes women should be forced to carry a fetus to term, EVEN in cases of rape or incest, AND that rape victims should be made to PAY for their own rape kits, and wants to lower gun control laws in a country where toddlers are shooting themselves with unlocked guns almost every week? Makes me really sad for you. If your daughter were raped, I'm sure you'd think twice about forcing her to carry and give birth to her rapist's child. Sarah Palin wouldn't.

LoCo, oh my lord, you are sooo right. How could I have been so rash. $250K after taxes is such an injustice. How can one possibly live on such a meager amount. I mean, that's only FIVE TIMES the average US income. Truly demeaning. And yes, you are right, the amount of income is directly proportional to the amount of work you put in. Those people working double shifts making $50k (before taxes) are such lazy bastards. They didn't pick their parents (or husbands) right, that's for sure.

Ok, sarcasm aside, let's look at your statement, shall we? How much money does that poor person making half a million dollars a year pay in Federal income taxes? Are you talking about the adjusted, taxable income? If so, you pay $154,074 in taxes if you are single, about $5k less if you're married. NOT $250k. The tax rate is 35%, not 50%. If you are paying another $100k in state taxes in CA, that's an issue you need to bring up with the Governator. Who happens to be a Republican, last time I checked... And again, that's on adjusted taxable income. If you're liable for $500k, that means your gross income is much much more. Making that kind of money, I'm sure you can afford a good accountant who gets your tax liability down as far as possible. Cry me a river, LoCo. A river of caviar.

Here are some interesting numbers:

War in Iraq: $1,000,000,000,000. There's no mistake there, all those zeroes are where they should be. That's what one trillion dollars looks like. For one trillion dollars, we could have had a pretty damn nice healthcare system, without having to raise LoCo's (or her husband's) taxes. One trillion dollars fixes lots of roads and bridges, builds schools, pays for teachers, develops new oil free energy technologies...

Finacial System Bailout: $1,800,000,000,000. Yup. One point eight trillion dollars. For those hard working top tier earners who don't expect a handout from the government. It's not a handout, it's a bailout. Rich people don't expect handouts from the government, right LoCo? Remind me again how that is capitalism, and not socialism for the privileged few who qualify? In capitalism, you are rewarded when you succeed, and punished when you fail. One point eight trillion dollars seems like one hell of a punishment. Please, punish me!

Welfare for poor (read: lazy?) people is unconscionable, but we sure as hell need corporate welfare for CEOs (and their wives) when their unchecked greed brings the world's financial system to it's knees, preventing people from getting car loans because the credit system is shot, and people's retirement accounts lose 50% in a month... We must keep these vital members of society flush, they have lots of expensive restaurants, vacations, wines, foods and kitchen gadgets and cars and houses to buy. Oh yeah, and after that, they'll donate some to soup kitchens and stuff. It helps bring their tax liability down...

simon, YOU WILL NEVER SEE THE BIG PICTURE,this was a one answer blog question not a platform for your distorted political beliefs . you really love to hear yourself but thats good because no-one else, except your little clic, is listening ! you need to turn off your computer and go stuff your piehole and get a life.
what was once a fun site to go to is now disgusting , thanks for the ill-well simon,embolin,beckyleeprice and the rest of you lowbrows please drink the purple koolaide next time.
how long will your trusts fund last?
I've repaired the minnow and am sailing away after a great meal I'm cooking now and I'm sure you wish me ill as your ilk would ! sorry no bones in breaky to choke on for you. CAST OFF!

Please don't hate me for being rich.

@shipwreck, first of all, YOU'RE the one that made this personal. I won't sink so low as to follow suit, but please, keep your hatred to yourself - political debates are one thing, but chill the fuck out.

Second of all, have you actually been reading any of these posts, and/or are you aware that it's republicans that are traditionally wealthy? If you find a trust fund for me, please, let me know, because I was raised by immigrants on a small family farm, and I've never seen a dime I didn't earn myself.

@night ~ Why, am I breaking some sort of rule?

@Alaina ~ I was trying to keep everyone focused on burgers and dogs. Looks like that was lost somehow.....

Well Owly ~ Here is the problem; I have the perfect life, a wonderful husband, a great family, even greater grandchildren, we make lots of money, we pay lots of taxes, we vote, we volunteer, we donate beaucoup bucks every year, we clean up after our dogs, we recycle, we use environmentally friendly cleaning products, we take reusable bags to the market, we support our local food banks, we are open-minded, non-judgemental, we NEVER take offense to another's social or political position. We have wonderful friends, we look out for our elderly neighbors and we live to eat!

So you see the problem, right?

Well, there's that, but the real problem is I am not pissed off about anything, so I don't see how I could possibly make any legitimate points on this thread. I have been sitting back with my bowl of popcorn and watching the thrilled packed action. Every once in a while I drunk type. I'll try to restrain myself.

Please recycle your beer bottles!!

I used to recycle, got a lot of fun making pocket change by recycling aluminum cans. But now I live in New Orleans, and to be completely honest, I don't know where or how I would go about recycling. But I will try, inspired by your example!

@nighty ~ You could Google recycling in New Orleans?

Democrat; Berkeley, 1963-66, Ph.D. and tear gas. Wisconsin faculty and more tear gas. Still happy and cooking.

Well, the wine bottle is empty (going to the recycle bin) and the popcorn is all gone. This has been delightful. simon fell in love, nightowl is going to recycle beer bottles, Perky's heart is singing. As I said, I have the perfect life!

On November 2nd, you get to choose. Vote.

Oh Damn! I did it again......