Questions we'll probably never hear in the Debates

What Gore and Bush Should Really Debate David Corn, AlterNet ~~~ The Commission has not invited me to join the panel of questioners. Still, I've decided to draft a list of queries that might -- and I emphasize might -- force Gore and Bush out of their rhetorical boxes. Gore won the imaginary coin toss -- he's on a lucky streak these days -- so let's start with him. Mr Gore *In your best-selling book, Earth in the Balance, you wrote, "we must take bold and unequivocal action: we must make the rescue of the environment the central organizing principle for civilization." But you also noted, "I have become very impatient with my own tendency to put a finger to the political winds and proceed cautiously." Can you tell us three instances when you acted in such a fashion? * During your acceptance speech at the Democratic convention, you vowed to fight the "powerful interests" on behalf of "the people." Why are so many of your intimates and campaign advisers employed as lobbyists and consultants for powerful corporate interests, including HMOs, the telecom industry, and Big Tobacco? * You have accepted $67 million in public financing for your presidential campaign. As you know, the theory behind the law that provides for this funding is that presidential candidates should receive taxpayer money during the general election so they do not have to engage in the never-pretty practice of fundraising. Before you launch into a speech about your position on campaign finance reform, please answer this question: Haven't both you and Governor Bush made an absolute mockery of the campaign finance system? * You are a supporter of the War on Drugs. But you also say that the Beatles -- who were quite notorious in their use of drugs -- are your favorite musical act. Is it hypocritical of you to celebrate music that was, in part, a product of the 1960s drug culture and then call for zero-tolerance regarding drug use? You even opposed medicinal marijuana after first saying you were not against it[ah, an overwrite]. Moreover, do you believe the music of the Beatles would have been better had John, Paul, George and Ringo not engaged in recreational drug use? * In retaliation for terrorist attacks on two US embassies in Africa, President Clinton ordered the bombing of terrorist camps in Afghanistan and a pharmaceutical factory in Sudan, which, he said, was engaged in the production of chemical weapons. It turned out that there was no solid proof this facility was manufacturing such weapons. Didn't the President lie to the public? Why shouldn't the attack on the Sudan plant be viewed as an unconstitutional and excessive use of presidential power? Now let's turn to Governor Bush. Mr Bush * Earlier in the campaign, you were cagey in addressing questions about your own use of drugs. Let's cut to the chase: Have you ever done anything illegal? For example, have you ever sold drugs? * You call for banning most abortions. Put another way, you favor compelling women to give birth to children they would rather not have. To demonstrate that there are homes for such children -- and to lead by example -- why have you not adopted a child? * During the Republican convention, your nephew, George P. Bush, said that since the death of Cesar Chavez, the legendary Latino organizer, the Latino community has needed a new leader and "that person is my uncle." Did he go too far? Do you believe Latinos see you as the heir to Cesar Chavez? * You have dismissed critics who charge your success in life is attributable to your name and family connections. With your mediocre prep school grades, do you believe that you would have been accepted at Yale University had your father not been a prominent graduate of the school? Aren't such legacy admissions a form of affirmative action? And will you share with us your thoughts on whether America is a meritocracy? * You set a world record in terms of political fundraising. Do you expect voters to believe that no contributor to your presidential or gubernatorial campaigns has ever -- not even once -- sought a political favor from you? Of Course NOT! ...and the final question for the candidates: * Has there ever been a time in your years as a politician when you were not fully honest in public? ~~~ :0) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ a dead president is an honest president ~G Ford __________________ Are you a gnome in a big suit? Are you a mind control slave subject to CIA whim? Do you support won world wombats? Did you ever have the last two drops go in your pants? Do you read or just look at the pictures in playboy? Can you read? When you are in Austin what sclub do you like to frequent most? Do you ever experience delusions of grandeur? what is the currency of Oman? Do you subscribe to howard stern's two wipe theory? Do you ever watch prison fliks and go to yourself 'gee, that really sucks'? Could you survive without a prescription drug benefit? Do you have willie's black book? Did your daddy ever 'terminate with extreme prejudice'? Would you be the same person if you wore an aluminum hat? ;0) __________________ Definitely questions that need to be asked and answered. 80) <---with glasses __________________ If you support a clean environment why do you do you not support the legalization of Hemp? Are you a UNICOR shareholder?Do you know UNICOR shareholders? Do you support alternative energy use? Do you think the federal government is holding back too many secrets and advanced technology processes? What secrets would these be? Do you think jesus would have worn a tie and suit if he was around today? Do you know what an MP3 is? Did you enjoy the X-men movie? Who was your favorite character? How much does 2000 kilos of cocaine get on the street in New York City? Between Nikola Tesla and Rasputin who would you trust to rewire your wife's closet? How would you complete this phrase,"Federal government needs to..."? have you ever had strange voices in your head that told you to do things that would sadden the buddha? Do you think the Apollo footage was well shot? Are you now or have you ever made pacts with evil aliens to subvert the constitutional rights of Americans? Between partying and working , what would you rather be doing? ;0) __________________ Do you actually KNOW anything about the Republican Party? (No, no, Dubya, we mean the philosophy, not that they have coke and hot chicks in the backroom) Since most people agree that Lieberman would make the better President, doesn't that make it MORE likely that you will be assassinated and the Secret Service will let it happen (the opposite of Dubya's dad and Dan Quayle) __________________ WHY?!? Mavi forum