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Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012 | 2:01 a.m.
Another view?
View more of the Las Vegas Sun's opinion section:
• Editorials - the Sun's viewpoint.
• Columnists - local and syndicated writers.
• Letters to the editor - readers' views.
Have your own opinion? Write a letter to the editor.
I read J. Patrick Coolican’s column for the first time in the Sun on Nov. 16: “Steve Wynn much better suited to casinos than politics.”
I have to agree with every word he wrote about Steve Wynn.
Money can’t buy love, it can’t buy immortality, and most of all, what the Republican PACs found out the hard way, it can’t buy presidential elections.
People in business should keep their political views to themselves because it’s good for business.
They should save it for the voting booth.
Mitt Romney is proving with his big mouth what a disaster he would have been if he became president. He and the Tea Party should use more sugar and less lemon.
Good job, Mr. Coolican; I will read your column from now on. I pray that the Republican Party comes to its senses and becomes a party not only for the chosen few.
A good start would be to get rid of the Tea Party.
If this happens, I might become an independent voter.
Money can buy elections.
It is taxpayer money thrown by Obama to his base like Caesar throwing bread into the crowds in Rome.
Truth be told money did buy the White House election. It's called the money of the incumbency. It is virtually impossible now for a candidate, ragardless of their merits, to unseat a sitting president despite how bad that incumbent may be. Americans have given a lock to sitting presidents for a second term. It's a guarantee from the voters. We may just as well make the presidential term 8 years and forget the presidential elections every 4 years.
CarmineD
And money doesn't fix stupid either.
Tominsky will never become an "independent" voter. I grew up around guys like him and they were, pure and simple, leftists. They were, as I was, told by their parents that the Republican Party was "the party of the rich" and the Democratic Party was for the "working class." Well, I grew up and out of that ignorant mindset. Look around you and see the havoc the Dumbocrats have created with their drive to create a "dependency" class in the United States of America and it has happened. Success is routinely denigrated by the green-eyed parasites who make up the greater part of the Dumbocrats constituency. Functional illiteracy is the norm for those graduating from a public school system which prefers to indoctrinate rather than educate. Dumbocrats ring the bell for their Pavlovic dogs who drool at the thought of all the "Free Stuff" they'll be getting, never giving any thought to the consequences on future generations, even if it means their own rug-rats get cheated. But, then, their rug-rats will grow up to be just like them - indolent parasites - living off welfare and loving it. Yeah, I remember well the Tominsky's I grew up with. Most were hard core Socialists or Communists. They lived in the wrong country then and they live in the wrong country now.
The world of gaming is quit different. Steve Wynn, as a private citizen is ok to be out front. As a major casino owner, you don't do or say what Steve Wynn has done lately.
Casino companies or owners normally run silent during local and national elections. Openly involved in politics is not a tradition in the casino business. Not good for business, not good for the industry!
"Money can't buy love, it can't buy immortality, and most of all, what the Republican PACs found out the hard way, it can't buy presidential elections."
Tominsky -- evidently it can, does and has. The Democrats just put on a better show for their cash.
"Truth be told money did buy the White House election."
CarmineD -- I agree
"Functional illiteracy is the norm for those graduating from a public school system which prefers to indoctrinate rather than educate"
lvfacts101 -- nothing new, at least since the 70s. It's frightening how many high school graduates aren't literate enough to put together a coherent paragraph. Some friendly advice -- tone down the labels. It detracts from your reasoning which is actually occasionally sound.
"As a major casino owner, you don't do or say what Steve Wynn has done lately."
Longtimevegan -- really? Repeat after me: "Being a billionaire means never having to say you're sorry"
"An election is a moral horror. . ." -- George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright, 1925 Nobel Prize winner
It's just plain ridiculous to listen to phony, hypocritical Democrats whining about all the "Republican PAC Money" as if Obama was running on the nickels and dimes he was pulling from beneath his couch cushions. And it isn't up to the Republicans to "get rid" of the Tea Party, as much as the Democrats would love to ban all political opposition, for the time being these people have a right to participate in this supposed Democracy.
Carmine,
"Americans have given a lock on sitting Presidents for a second term."
I will have to disagree with you on this one. In the past 30 years former Pres.Jimmy Carter lost a second term to Gov.Ronald Reagan in 1980.In 1992 former Pres.George H.Bush lost a second term to Gov.Bill Clinton.I'm sure if we dig a little deeper we will find other Pres.of the past who also lost second terms. Nothing in politics is guaranteed.
Besides the millions that republicans flushed down the election toilet, a second failed strategy used to "win" the White House was a tactic well known to all communist regimes and banana republics -- voter suppression. The move backfired as blacks, Hispanics and young voters waited in lines for hours to exercise their most sacred right as American citizens.
Conservatives are in desperation mode as they watch their voters growing old and dying off. It might be time GOPers studied how dinosaurs became extinct because that's their own doomed future.
Oh wait, republicans, beholden to their anti-science, anti-reality wing, believe the earth is just 6000 years old like the bible says. Never mind.
This past election, many votes were lost because of money. The repugnants, a good many of them belong in jail for voter suppression. I'd say misrepresentation of the facts also, but both sides are guilty of that. The list goes on and on and on. Just think of the good that could've been done if all this money was spent constructively. Let's say by updating the casino's and putting people to work. I'm a leftist, who believes Carl Rove belongs in a jail cell, and that voting for a repugnant will send me straight to he!!
Apparently it doesn't occur to some of you that the country no longer leans right. People today tend to be more tolerant than in the past and the GOP is far too restrictive for many. Money didn't win the election for Obama although the economy is growing slowly. The GOP stance on new voter fraud laws, taxes, abortions, contraception and immigration were in the equation when voters turned out to cast their votes.
Looks like Jerry Fink is living a joyous life and Carmine is wrong again. So what else is new?
"I will have to disagree with you on this one. In the past 30 years former Pres.Jimmy Carter "
@ Sam Speaks
You missed the operative word: "now." I said uif you reread my post:
"It is virtually impossible now for a candidate, ragardless of their merits, to unseat a sitting president despite how bad that incumbent may be."
CarmineD
Carmine,
Your logic lacks any logic.
VernosB,
Collectively, the new power voting block is Hispanics, Asians, and Blacks.
The Republicans are too far right on the issues, they must move to center just to get a glimpse of anyone from the groups above. The Republicans are doubling down in States with Republican governors in pushing for Abortion laws, repealing Obamacare, and passing voter restriction laws.
The party will change after 2016. This will allow the America People time to elect reasonable people in the Senate and House. Starting in 2014.
I certainly agree with John Tominsky in his wish that the Republican Party comes to its senses, but I'm not hopeful -- just look at the responses in this forum. It is a coarse and sharp-fanged party of anger and exclusion. Conservatism's very principles depend on the inequitable, illiberal treatment of those who do not share its narrow economic, social and religious values. It is intolerant by definition.
Democrats should be cautious about the lessons in this election. Just because corporate magnates and rightwing extremists did not sway the election toward the right, doesn't guarantee the same outcome in future elections. It is tempting to think that Obama's win was the reflection of some universal truth corroborating the triumph of justice over money, but it is foolish. The dangerous influence of money in politics has not been subdued.
Deluded GOPers actually believed they'd win based on "unskewed polls" (you can't make this stuff up, LOL) -- and nowhere was the self-deception more prevalent than in Michigan, a solidly blue state that loony wingnuts poured millions into during the final weeks of the campaign. So what did they get for their 15.5 million conservative Super PAC dollars in Romney's home state? This:
Crossroads (Karl Rove): $4,713,810
Restore our Future (Romney PAC): $9,506,938
Americans for Prosperity (Koch Bros): $1,210,845
(The Obama campaign spent $461,008 in the state, for the hell of it.)
Final results:
Obama: 54.3
Romney: 44.78
Diff: O+9.62
Republicans may be irrational, uninformed knuckleheads but they're our irrational, uninformed knuckleheads.
Comment removed by moderator. Inappropriate
Carmine,
"Truth be told money did buy the white house election".
Are you saying that Gov. Mitt Romney didn't get enough money from Rich people with billions? As an example of some of Gov.Romney's rich friends Sheldon Adelson said he is willing to spend 100 MILLION DOLLARS to beat Pres.Obama.This is just one of many billionaires who pledged to the Romney campaign.
I believe it was the everyday people who re-elected Pres.Obama. The numbers speak for themselves,Pres. Obama 332 electoral votes with 50.6% of the popular vote,Gov.Romney 204 electoral vote,and 47% of the popular vote.Truth be told it was the regular folks who tipped the scales on this election.
John Tominsky writes; "A good start would be to get rid of the Tea Party. If this happens, I might become an independent voter."
No thanks Mr. Tominsky, stay where you are at; on the extreme left of the political forum.
"One, who is not ready, shouldn't leave their niche."
>B. Chapline<
On another note, I'd like to see the TEA Party evaporate too. However, no Independent would ever say what you did;
"People in business should keep their political views to themselves because it's good for business. They should save it for the voting booth."
And, you know what's good for business, Mr. Tominsky? I'm sure commentator Jerry Fink is rolling on the floor laughing at that comment!
All the advertising in the world can't sell a really bad product..and Romney was a really bad product. However, we still need to be careful and institute controls on super PAC money because it is the antithesis of free speach.
I have a slight correction to make regards this letter. Romney's money didn't win the election, Obama's money did. The reason Romney lost was because he is not now, nor was he ever a politician. Obama was born and raised as a politician. Politicians always tell you what you want to hear. Sometimes they even tell you what you want to hear in your own dialect or your own idioms. They are all polished liars and charlatans. they doublespeak all the time. Romney is a businessman. He speaks harsh truths. He is used to people believing facts and not theories. The American public chose Obama over Romney by a vote of 52 to 49. Close but no cigar. just as Paul Newman said " we wear the chains we forge in life".
Rough........
Romney,you or any other republican never gave us
any facts on why we should vote for him.
All of the facts are on Obama's side.
That's why he's in the White House, right now.
John......
The republicans will still keep the crazy
teabaggers.
Don't hold your breath.
The good thing is that we are now a firm center-
left country.
And the republican teabaggers will never run it.
LIVE BETTER/WORK UNION!
"I believe it was the everyday people who re-elected Pres.Obama." @Sam Speaks
The 10 wealthiest counties in the USA voted for Obama, not Romney.
Here's an excerpt from Ralph Reed on the election:
"According to a post-election survey by Public Opinion Strategies, self-identified conservative evangelicals made up 27 percent of voters in 2012, voting 80 percent for Governor Romney compared with 19 percentt for Obama. This represented a net swing of 14 points toward the GOP ticket since 2008 and made up 48 percent of the entire Romney vote. Governor Romney, a lifelong Mormon, actually received more evangelical votes than George W. Bush did in 2004."
"White Catholic voters, meanwhile went to Romney by 19 points, the largest margin among the constituency for a GOP presidential candidate since Richard Nixon in 1972. This was no doubt due in large part to their revulsion over the Obama administration's harsh mandate on religious charities to pay for health services, such as contraception, that assault their conscience and compel them to violate their faith. Catholics who attend Mass frequently (about 1 in 10 voters) broke 2-to-1 for Romney."
"Contrary to prevailing stereotype, evangelicals and Catholics aren't single issue voters. They care about jobs, taxes and the deficit, and their support for Israel rivals that of the Jewish community. They played an indespensable role in relecting the republican House majority, and electing 30 Republican governors and hundreds of state legislators and local office holders in recent years."
If you want the entire article, too lengthy to post here, let me know. I'll send it privately to you or you can google: Round Up the Usual Social Conservative Suspects, Wall Street Journal Monday Nov 26, 2012.
CarmineD
Sam:
I tried to post the link but it's not available yet. The Journal waits several days before making it availble to the general public probably due to preference for its paid subscribers. It should be available in a day or two. It's worth the read. I think, my opinion, it shatters your belief that the everyday person voted for Obama. But again, it depends on how you define everyday person. Certainly, women and latinos went with Obama. But, if you read the article, not by the numbers that the media and the Obama staff would have you believe. And married women went with Governor Romney over Obama.
Enjoy.
CarmineD
Carmine,The numbers speak for themselves,no matter who says what.A win is still a win.The majority of voters decided to re-elect Pres.Obama.
"On 10-22-12 7:14 am in your post you predicated a Romney-Ryan win with 310 electoral votes,all the swing states,and 53% of the popular vote. Start planning for 2016".
These are your predications and words on your post that day.
Point being people say all kinds of things,the end results are what counts.
Sam:
You digress and divert. Predictions are just that: predictions. They are not always right. If they were, they would be called facts, as I quoted from the article I excerpted.
CarmineD
Carmine,
You still have not answered my question I posted on Nov.27,2012 at 12:08 pm.
"Are you saying that Gov.Mitt Romney didn't get enough money from rich people with billions?".
(costing Romney the election)
I asked this guestion in response to your post (nov.27,2012 4 am) that,"Truth be told money did buy the white house election".
Here's one you forgot Sam:
By CarmineD (Carmine DiFazio) Oct 27, 2012 5:09 AM
"If all the veterans in Nevada vote for Shirley Berkley, a fine woman with terrible political judgment, it won't change the outcome of the election: Dean Heller wins."
CarmineD
By samspeaks (sam pizzo) Oct. 27, 2012 7:46 a.m. Flag
"Shelly Berkley will win re-election in her district.Ms. Berkley's help in getting the new Veterans hospital,and the Kidney Dialysis ctn. are just two things that she has done for our great state.Without her help we would still be needing both of these new facilities that we currently have in place."
See Sam, predictions. Not facts. Not to worry. LVSun predicted Berkley would win too. You both were wrong.
CarmineD
Sam:
It's a fact that President Obama as the incumbent had money to spend on negative campaigns long before Governor Romney. The Obama campaign spent hundreds of millions of dollars on negative ads about Governor Romney long before Romney won the party nomination and had party funds so he could respond. In fact, 7 months before. I said here several times, and will again, in August 2011, the White House issued a memo that stated the strategy to defeat Romney, who wasn't even the GOP presidential nominee yet, was to "kill" him personally and professionally. The White House proceeded to do just that.
By the time Governor Romney was nominated and had funds to respond to the negative ads, it was too late.
That is the power AND MONEY of the incumbency.
CarmineD
Carmine,
"By the time Gov.Romney was nominated and had funds to respond to negative ads,it was to late".
If that were the case why did you and others make all those predictions that Gov.Romney would win in a landslide.
If he felt(Gov.Romney) it was to late he should have backed out, and let someone else run who felt more confident about winning.
Sam:
Hind sight is 20-20.
CarmineD
Carmine,
Sam: Hind sight is 20 20.
So is everything else.
Sam:
Romney's mistake, one of many during his campaign, was not to respond to the Obama negative TV ads with his own money until the party nominated him and he had access to its funds.
BTW, 85 percent of the Obama ads about Romney were anti-Romney personally and professionally, not on policy. It's a fact that negative ads accomplish their objectives despite people saying that they abhor them.
Take a clean clear glass of water. Add a drop of food coloring to it. Then try to get the food coloring out and the water crystal clear again. Can't do it. Once it mixes, it's contaminated. Same with negative political ads.
Well Sam, Romney will go back to private life and recoup the $2 BILLION [plus more] in personal wealth that is estimated he lost from bowing out of Bain to be a public servant.
CarmineD