Edwards home and lifestyle - where do you stand?

[LSK]

[Raydawg1234]

1. stop posting these threads, nobody cares

[liberaldemocrat7]

69. Franklin Delano Roosevelt had a few nice houses and I did not care.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had a few very nice houses and it did not make me view him less of a president.

John Edwards can own as many houses as he wants but if he does even one half as well as FDR he will still do 100 times better than the chimpenfuhrer.

[skipos]

97. 100 posts, 200 votes

I guess some people care. IMO, one of the most irritating things about DU are the people who go around telling everyone what they can and can't post. If "no one cares" then no one will post, the thread will drop and the problem is solved.

[Nicole]

2. Its none of my business n/t

[barb162]

3. It's his money and he earned it

[Toucano]

36. That's a pretty poor argument that I've seen a lot.

I could say, "You can't tell Wal-Mart to provide health insurance for employees, it's their money, they earned it."

"She can wear a fur coat if she wants. It's her money, she earned it."

"Buy that Hummer and drive it to the corner store. It's your money, you've earned it."

"Buy your fiance that blood diamond. It's your money, you've earned it.

etc., etc.

Do you see it's simply irrevelant to the MORALITY of the issue?

It doesn't affect my opinion of John Edwards as a candidate that he wants to live in a McMansion. But the argument that anything goes because it's his money is flawed.

[Reterr]

57. Great post/NT

[barb162]

62. Sorry to disappoint you but it's the only argument. He can

spend his money as he sees fit. And unless you give every cent of your money to help the poor, maybe you shouldn't be criticizing sommeone else. Are you walking around in a coarse hair shirt and living in the cheapest smallest place possible so thay you can give everything else to the poor? There is no agreed on standard of "excess"

This reminds me of a discussion I keep having with a friend who gets pissed off about mcmansions. But he lives alone in a three bedroom house and that takes excess energy and resources over what he "needs" which is basically a one bedroom.

[Toucano]

83. Oh, I'm not disappointed.

Did you READ THE POST???

Here are the problems with your reply:

1. I didn't criticize John Edwards, so "...maybe you shouldn't criticize someone else..." is inappropriate. I criticized THE ARGUMENT that because it's his money, he can do any IMMORAL thing he might choose. The morality or immorality of the action actually doesn't matter because I'm criticizing the ARGUMENT that implies any immoral thing is okay, because he's earned it. That's absurd on the face of it, and if he were a Republican, you'd be first in line to criticize him if he even so much as ATE 2 calories more than he needed.

3. It's irrelevant how much anyone gives to charity if they are doing something that is WRONG. The bourgeois use "charity" to assuage their guilt. If he were buying a slave, would you say it's okay because it gave money to charity and the money is really his to do as he pleases with? C'mon!!

2. I don't care who it reminds you of. Because you know another person who's a hypocrite doesn't mean shit.

Thanks for your "contribution". I swear, the education system in the United States is PATHETIC!!!

[barb162]

93. Okay ,point by point

1. and 3. "Immoral" and "illegal" have nothing to do with this subject. Building a house, big or small, is not immoral or illegal, like buying a SLAVE for pete's sake. (Unless you build the house in a wildlife preserve, then it's illegal and immoral.)
"The bourgeois use "charity" to assuage their guilt." Whew, maybe some people do but a lot of people also give for agape and because others need it and no other reasons.

2. Yeah, the education system is pathetic but this isn't about education. It's about your philosophy which is pretty strident and narrow about what is acceptable for other people. Did you get this bent out of shape over Kerry having multiple houses?

Oh and as a matter of fact I have a very fine education.

And as to what you care about, obviously it's time-worn and outmoded concepts about bourgeoisie. There is a real world. Edwards isn't doing anything illegal or immoral or wrong.

[Toucano]

94. Are you sure they're not putting something in your water?

If you have as fine of an education as you claim, you might be suffering from some type of environmental contaminant because your thought process is clearly muddled.

Perhaps you're so accustomed to the corporate media muddling issues and talking in circles, that you can no longer formulate an argument and stay on the topic.

The topic I am discussing isn't Edwards' house. I responded to an argument being postulated that said (a person) could do whatever they like with their money because they earned it.

People who are against Edwards building a McMansion are opposed to it because THEY BELIEVE it is IMMORAL to construct such a dwelling. Please notice, "illegal" isn't an issue, so please don't muddle the issue.

So what you need to respond to is the following question, which is the only issue I raised:

TRUE or FALSE? A person can do whatever they like with their money, no matter how immoral, because they earned it.

[nam78_two]

87. "And unless you give every cent of your money to help the poor"

maybe you shouldn't be criticizing sommeone else. Are you walking around in a coarse hair shirt and living in the cheapest smallest place possible so thay you can give everything else to the poor? There is no agreed on standard of "excess""...


Ok so how about we stop pushing for better legislation from the EPA for pollution, saving our national parks etc. Why do we have alerts on DU about sweatshop goods, blood diamonds, environmental destruction etc.?
I mean we are all contributing right? Why do we even need to try? Why should the poor corporations have to put up with people trying to tell them what to do...

Why do we do anything we do-why do we advocate for anything...We are all just living our lives and everything is screwed up anyway, why bother to make any changes right?

The hypocrisy argument has apparently worked so well for the Rethugs that we are now cheerfully adopting it...:eyes:

[barb162]

92. EPA legislation is great and the sooner the Congress passes

it , fine. Same with tighter OSHA standards and a whole bunch of other things this country needs as you mentioned above. Okay, now let's get down to the main point.

If I want to buy a piece of jewelry or a a pair of shoes or power windows on my car I don't need someone looking over my shoulder implying I could have spent it on the poor instead. Maybe I give a lot already to charity and it's not the poor but maybe it's toward MS or Muscular Dystrophy or Cancer or Animal Welfare, etc. See what I'm saying? Maybe Edwards gives his time and his appearances pull in a lot more people to give. I don't need Big Brother standing over me telling me I should give more to my favorite charites or Big Brothers's favorite charities. I already give to the ones I want. Most charities are worthy and you have to make choices. I don't think you or I should be making choices for other people as to where or how much to donate.

[sandnsea]

78. I know, it's been shocking

This is the limousine liberal in action - except I doubt if very many people on DU can afford a limousine. Weird attitude, very free market libertarian as far as I can see.

[Toucano]

84. There's little committment to walking the walk.

If we were talking about Bush's multiple properties, NOT A SINGLE DUer WOULD DEFEND HIM.

It's weird, indeed.

[xchrom]

4. none of mine or any one else's business.

[meow mix]

6. he's asking for everyones vote to be prez, it is everyones business

saying its not is just plain scary, ppl sure flip a lot

[LSK]

8. not when all other candidates lead similar lifestyles

[meow mix]

21. ?? your kidding. LOL

LOL!

[LSK]

79. Gore, Clintons, Kerry, Edwards, Biden, Obama live in shacks???

:shrug:

[xchrom]

13. no one running for prez is going to be perfect.

by your reckoning perhaps we should scrap social security because of the financial background of those who got it through?

and you'd better not have one -- not one fucking log in your eye while trying to get the splinter out of edwards -- cause that son of a bitch has done a tremondous amount to move the ball forward on economic inequality in the u.s. -- gotten a poverty center started and funded in north carolina -- so where's your chops, eh?

fuckin busybodies.

[meow mix]

18. the human race will begin fighting for its survival soon, within the

current living generations lifetime. he obviously doenst belive that, or doesnt care.. so screw him.

[xchrom]

70. so you set the rules for how

everyone is to live?

who appointed you in that role?

his house isn't the reason for ANY doomsday scenario -- not one.

we are surrounded by prophets of doom -- from fundies to environmentalists -- at least edwards has worked damned hard to change the world for the better.

[5X]

39. So you believe in the george bush form of democracy,

with me or against me, my way or the highway,
with us or the terrorists, all or nothing.

[Verde]

58. there isn't going to be one candidate who won't be able to

be shown to have an income that would put the vast majority of posters here in awe.

I doubt that any of them will be willing to take a vow of poverty. With Edwards, you have a family with two lawyers and one of them is an ex Senator. They are not going to live in a duplex, and I have seen local contractors live in houses just as large.

Two years ago, people were hoping nothing but the best for John and Elizabeth as the race for President began. Add to that, while discussing the candidates for the primaries, discussion is great, but this "eat your own" attitude is alarming. The Dems CANNOT be fractured in 2008. We need the Whitehouse back and I would feel much better with, Gore, Edwards, Hillary, Dennis or any of the candidates than with Giulliani or McClain or any of the current crop of Republicans.

[5X]

61. I am entitled to my opinion and refuse to be led around by the nose.

If criticism isn't allowed, count me out.

[xchrom]

73. do everyone else the favor of not leading them around by the nose.

and stop sticking your nose in some one's private business.

[xchrom]

71. i believe in not crucifying somebody based on

private behavior -- like blow jobs or the size of his house.

and save me from the Self Righteous.

[Nicole]

15. He's not asking for everyone's vote on his choice of houses

Nor should he.

[meow mix]

19. sustainability is a concept that will destroy

everyone. regardless of how massive thier house is. he doesnt care about that.

[muntrv]

5. None of my business. You think he's the only senator with a big house?

[mitchtv]

7. He has worked hard

This is America, No?

[slackmaster]

9. It matters only in that it shows what most politicians are all about

Power, wealth, themselves.

A gentle reminder that claiming to be a champion of the "little guy" is in most cases all for show.

I couldn't help but chuckle listening to Ted Kennedy last week, going on about the minimum wage.

[Mick Knox]

10. Yesterday Someone posted a picture of a dying boy

With a buzzard waiting for the boy to breath his last breath so it can partake in its meal.

I cannot pretend that the rich who do nothing about that are someone who represents my ideas or thinking. I would not let a child die so I could buy a bigger mansion, but that is just me.

We are more than driven to a "anyone but a puglican" USA, so even someone who does not represent my thinking will unfortunately get my vote if I must.

Even Edwards.

[americanstranger]

12. That statement is just so over the top it must be noted.

I would not let a child die so I could buy a bigger mansion, but that is just me.

Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.

- as

[Mick Knox]

16. Put it on a billboard n/t

[americanstranger]

20. And sub-title it 'How to eat your own.'

Building a big house = killing babies.

Sheesh.

- as

[Mick Knox]

23. If he wants to represent me

I will tell him what I think.

Letting them skate by is not what we need. That hasnt been working so well.

[americanstranger]

24. So imply that he's a baby-killer.

That'll work.

- as

[WindRavenX]

17. it's even more unbelievable considering...

...that Edwards has done 99% more for the issues of poverty and inequality in wealth than anyone on DU.

[5X]

40. Like what?

[WindRavenX]

45. What do you mean?

NT

[5X]

59. I mean, what has Edwards done?

Not just what has he said, but actually done.

[WindRavenX]

66. IMO, his background alone is invaluble, and his political work on poverty...

...set him apart from, well, pretty much every politician I've seen.
Very few politicians have grown up in *genuine*, real, actual poverty to where he is now. He has made poverty the center of his (short so far) political career, introducing legislation that is aimed at the middle and lower class exclusively. His efforts to expand health care are particularly impressive to me.

I understand why people can be frustrated with the house. I really do. But the amount of...flat out hate is just obscene. I'm not a dedicated Edwards supporter by any means--his attitude towards Iran concerns me-- but I have no doubt he'll serve the middle class almost exclusively because he is one of the only people who really understands what it is like to be a have-not.

But that's just me. It's just the double standards that people have of him that bother me.

[mondo joe]

31. Please submit your expenses so we can see what you wasted money on rather than

feeding starving children.

Thanks.

[blues90]

11. I don't care

I am standing here in my apartment wondering how long it will be before I am homeless . I imagine many people could care less about this house .

[Vinca]

14. I'm jealous. I want the barn with the swimming pool. nt

[Jamastiene]

22. If a person wants a big home and they are generous

and genuinely nice people who help others, then it's really none of my concern. Honestly, I could care less. I'd still consider voting for John Edwards and in some cases, vote for him outright with no more thought about it. I'm from NC. I know how much of a relief it was to have him as Senator for a little while. It was a godsend compared to have him. I can't help but think about the jerks before and after him. He was great in comparison. Let him have his dream home if that's what he wants. What's the big todo?

[Just-plain-Kathy]

25. I’m a little concerned...

Supposedly he’s first generation rich. He’s been a politician for years, and honest politicians don’t make a hell of a lot of money.

I’m concerned that Edwards seemly new found wealth might be connected to him co-sponsoring (along with McCain and Zell Miller) Joe Lieberman’s resolution to go into Iraq in the first place.

You see, Edwards isn’t like the other spineless senators who gave Bush the power to go into Iraq (even though they all knew about Cheney and Rummy’s PNAC plan to take over the Middle East), Oh shucks Edwards led the parade into Iraq.

And now, as we’re all trying to get out of Iraq...he’s pushing for us to go into Iran.

Now I know some of you feel we shouldn’t talk bad about our own side...but we’re Americans before we’re democrats...we have to weed out hawkish and corporate dems.

We need a patriot in the White House. Period.

[americanstranger]

26. I think he made his money before going into politics.

But don't let that stop the innuendo. Thanks for your 'concern.'

- as

[Mick Knox]

28. Very well said n/t

[Just-plain-Kathy]

32. Could you please tell me what "n/t" means at the end of a post.

I can't tell if you agree with what I wrote, or if you said something nice and took it back by saying n/t.

Does it stand for 'not true'?

[Mick Knox]

35. No Topic n/t

[Just-plain-Kathy]

38. Thanks...

but I think my post was on topic...the second choice in the poll was "I am a litlte concerned".

..and I am a little concerned.

..again, Thanks Mick Knox for answering my question. :pals:

[Mick Knox]

41. No it means

that there is no topic in the body of my post. I'm only answering with the subject line

:)

It keeps you from clicking my response.

[Shakespeare]

43. No, it means "no text," as in...

...no text in the message field, so no need to click on the post to see more.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

49. Thanks n/t

[Shakespeare]

29. Uh, you should read just a bit more about Edwards.

He did NOT make money from his time in the senate. He made his money as a plaintiff's attorney, and made a hell of a lot of it (while doing good). To suggest otherwise without first doing even cursory reading is pretty damn irresponsible. Not to mention ugly.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

33. I know Edwards was a lawyer before hand...

and by the looks of things, he must have been a hell of a good one.

Honestly, what do you think of Edwards leading the charge into Iraq and now into Iran?

He looks like a Kennedy...and talks like a Kennedy...but he's no Kennedy.

[Shakespeare]

37. Leading the charge?

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life (he's done-and is doing-no such thing).

I don't have a preferred candidate for 2008 yet, but I'm certainly not ruling out Edwards. I'm greatly impressed with what he's spent the last few years doing (hardcore ground-level work with unions), and he was the first candidate to come out uttering the words "universal healthcare" at every opportunity--and that used to be political kryptonite.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

44. You’re obviously a fan of Edwards...

I was taken in by his “I’m for the poor” spiel too.


Here’s a link showing how Edwards co-sponsored Lieberman’s resolution to go into Iraq...

http://www.congress.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d107:SJ00046:@@@P


Here’s a news article reporting Edwards’ view on Iran...

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3355802,00.html

...after all the lies we were told by the Bush administration...after knowing that the only reason Iran is hostile towards us is because of our aggression towards them...why is Edwards pumping up the volume of war chanting?

[Shakespeare]

46. "You're obviously a fan of Edwards"

:eyes:

Just because I make a few positive comments about him doesn't mean I'm a fan. That's logic 101 for ya. I like other candidates, too--but it's too early to pick a favorite.

Oh, and I've read the article, and disagree completely that he's "leading the charge" against Iran. Attempting to discuss this with you would involve dealing with issues that are several shades of gray, and your comments indicate you're not really up to that. Bye, now.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

53. I'm sorry to assume you were a fan of Edwards. I meant no offense.

Maybe saying Edwards is "leading the charge" is a bit over the top...he's just falling in lockstep.

He certainly isn’t pushing to bring our troops home.

[The Wielding Truth]

63. The house thing doesn't bother me.How many millionaires have small

houses? However his words on not ruling out military pressure against Syria,Iran,and praising Israel needs further attention.

"In his speech, Edwards criticized the United States' previous indifference to the Iranian issue, saying they have not done enough to deal with the threat."

Shouldn't our next president be concerned and sympathetic to all sides? Isn't drawing lines in the sand inviting conflict, fear and resentment?

[Catchawave]

95. Read his book "Four Trials"

And it was Bush who (mis)led us into Iraqnam.

[xchrom]

75. what i decry is criticizing him for his house --

i can separate the issues from iraq or iran and the house he lives in.

one is a real issue -- and the other is back to the politics of the personal -- how perfect are you in your private life?

where do we begin to draw the line?

edwards isn't out there asking what people have in their pants or the square footage of their homes -- he is out there talking more than any other candidate about the economic inequality of what's happening in america.

[xchrom]

76. there is nothing at his website re: iran and attacking it.

ther eis this though:http://johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20070123-sotu/

there is this from elizabeth:
We sold the conventional fuel SUV that we used to carry children, strollers, luggage and toys between Washington, DC and North Carolina, and we bought a hybrid, a Ford Escape.

Since we were building a home in Orange County, we decided to take advantage of some of the technology that President Carter had encouraged.  

All the water (all of which comes from wells) in our home and some of the flooring is heated with solar energy.

We built a highly energy efficient house. In fact, our home is Energy-Star rated. Energy Star is an EPA regulated designation for homes that are at least 30 percent more efficient than the national Model Energy Code.  In building we made sure we had effective insulation in floors, walls, and attics. We chose efficient heating and cooling equipment and high-performance windows.  Our builder paid close attention to making sure the construction was tight to seal out drafts and moisture. The day the independent inspector came to evaluate the house, we were on pins and needles while he tested our home's energy performance.  As he packed his equipment, he gave us the good news: we are an Energy-Star home!  
http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/1/26/15303/2358

also this from the same letter:
Tomorrow is the first One Corps Day of Energy Action.  Our family is headed to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to help winterize a home.  One Corps groups throughout the country will be undertaking service projects in their communities. I urge you all to join the One Corps nearest you, to start a One Corps near you if you don't have one, or to take it on yourself to be active on energy tomorrow.  Maybe it is helping to winterize a house, or maybe it just means changing a few bulbs.  But, as President Carter understood, progress happens when all of us act individually and together to reach our common goals.  
See you tomorrow!

he calls for direct engagement with iran -- uh, as in talks --
What John Edwards said about Iran was: "I would not want to say in advance what we would do, and what I would do as president, but there are other steps that need to be taken. For example, we need to support direct engagement with Iranians, we need to be tough. But I think it is a mistake strategically to avoid engagement with Iran."
http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/1/27/13549/0961

one thing you will have to get used to is that neither political party is entirely against the idea of military confrontation with iran.
and that's for a variety of reasons.
what you can pretty much bet on is that edwards won't be a use militaryt power first prez -- he'll be a use intelligence first president.


there's this from NATIONAL DAY OF ENERGY ACTION:
Thanks to all of you, One Corps' first National Day of Action was an enormous success.

With hundreds of chapters taking action yesterday all across the country, we've given real meaning to the statement "Tomorrow Begins Today".

We'll have more in the coming days about Senator and Mrs. Edwards' work in Wilkes Barre, PA and about the impressive efforts of One Corps chapters all across the country.

In the meantime, please tell us how you spent the National Day of Energy Action.
http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/1/28/143629/237

[leeroysphitz]

88. I'm with you Just-plain-Kathy. I'd hold my nose and vote for him

him in the General election, if it comes to that, regardless of the size of his house but because of the IWR and more recent language he and some other presidential hopefuls will NEVER get my vote in the primaries.

War, not ostentatious housing, is my issue and Edwards is irrefutably on the wrong side of it.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

90. With Hillary telling her backers to only give to her and no one else...

Edwards will never make it to a general election.

Hillary will take all the money and run....

[RegimeChange2008]

27. As long as he's promoting PNAC's insane, genocidal, imperialist, fascist foreign policy...

I don't care whether he lives in a mansion or a 5th wheel trailer, I'm not voting for him.

[Quixote1818]

30. It is our business because we all live on this planet together

Edwards went from my #2 candidate down several slots, to just above Hillary. He dropped because he is not being a good steward to the environment my most important issue. Anyone who would cut down 50,000 trees JUST for luxury is being selfish and hurting the planet, in it's already fragile state. If I supported Edwards now, I would be a hypocrite.

I originally stuck up for Edwards on this but realized I was lying to myself. I think a lot of people here are lying to themselves and have a double standard on taking care of the environment.

[depakid]

34. To all of the people who voted "none of my business"

All I have to say is that conspicuous consumption and wastefulness will be everyone's business in the decades to come.

The fact that so many on DU can't wrap their minds around that ought to be astonishing. Unfortunately, it's not-

Also: What Quixote said above. Exactly.

[Quixote1818]

42. It blows my mind that so many on DU have suddenly developed

Republican values on consumption and taking care of the environment just because Edwards is a Democrat. No consistency what so ever. :eyes:

I am not buying the "green" mansion spin from the Edwards camp either.

That doesn't mean we shouldn't hold ALL the candidates to this standard though. I just really have a hard time getting passed the fact that they cut down 50,000 trees. I would NEVER have done that myself.

[JVS]

48. I am bothered by the "It's not what you do it's who you are" mentality

Imagine the reaction if Ralph Nader were to move into such a house

[Adelante]

50. See, this is what's being spun around

"That doesn't mean we shouldn't hold ALL the candidates to this standard though."

People don't seem to be getting that point. Edwards is not running against a Republican. He's running against other Democrats. There is no reason he should be treated differently than anybody else running for the nomination. None whatsoever. Critical thinking about important issues and determining where each and every candidate stands is our responsibility, our duty. We're talking about a person who potentially will be leading the country in what we hope is a very different direction. Moving toward sustainability will be one of the most important goals for the next presidency, if we choose wisely. We have to let them all know, loud and clear.

[depakid]

54. Cutting down so many trees

and needlessly spoiling habitat in areas where songbird species are dwindling... that's the epitome of irresponsibly... or maybe greed?

See, e.g.: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=115&topic_id=68280

I liked Edwards, and was considering supporting him (despite past criticism). This however, shows me a very basic disconnect. There's something VERY wrong here that a pretty face and lawyer talk can't fix.

[Reterr]

56. No kidding.NT

[Kahuna]

67. "Republican values?????" WTF... You act as if there is and never has

been any rich Democrats. Grow up.

[Quixote1818]

74. ???? You didn't read my post did you?

My post is about the environment not wealth.

[sandnsea]

80. It's the CHOICES they made despite having that money

That's what people are upset about. Most of us here would build very different kinds of homes if we had that money, very different. If DU is the enlightened group of Americans, and truly believe the Edwards' home is a good use of resources and energy - well I guess the environmentalists have a whole lot more work to do.

[xchrom]

77. since perfection went out of style years ago -- i don't know who

you are going to vote for.

but here's this.

ther eis this though:http://johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20070123-sot... /
there is this from elizabeth:
We sold the conventional fuel SUV that we used to carry children, strollers, luggage and toys between Washington, DC and North Carolina, and we bought a hybrid, a Ford Escape.
Since we were building a home in Orange County, we decided to take advantage of some of the technology that President Carter had encouraged.  
All the water (all of which comes from wells) in our home and some of the flooring is heated with solar energy.
We built a highly energy efficient house. In fact, our home is Energy-Star rated. Energy Star is an EPA regulated designation for homes that are at least 30 percent more efficient than the national Model Energy Code.  In building we made sure we had effective insulation in floors, walls, and attics. We chose efficient heating and cooling equipment and high-performance windows.  Our builder paid close attention to making sure the construction was tight to seal out drafts and moisture. The day the independent inspector came to evaluate the house, we were on pins and needles while he tested our home's energy performance.  As he packed his equipment, he gave us the good news: we are an Energy-Star home!  
http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/1/26/15303/2358
also this from the same letter:
Tomorrow is the first One Corps Day of Energy Action.  Our family is headed to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to help winterize a home.  One Corps groups throughout the country will be undertaking service projects in their communities. I urge you all to join the One Corps nearest you, to start a One Corps near you if you don't have one, or to take it on yourself to be active on energy tomorrow.  Maybe it is helping to winterize a house, or maybe it just means changing a few bulbs.  But, as President Carter understood, progress happens when all of us act individually and together to reach our common goals.  
See you tomorrow!
he calls for direct engagement with iran -- uh, as in talks --
What John Edwards said about Iran was: "I would not want to say in advance what we would do, and what I would do as president, but there are other steps that need to be taken. For example, we need to support direct engagement with Iranians, we need to be tough. But I think it is a mistake strategically to avoid engagement with Iran."
http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/1/27/13549/0961
one thing you will have to get used to is that neither political party is entirely against the idea of military confrontation with iran.
and that's for a variety of reasons.
what you can pretty much bet on is that edwards won't be a use militaryt power first prez -- he'll be a use intelligence first president.
there's this from NATIONAL DAY OF ENERGY ACTION:
Thanks to all of you, One Corps' first National Day of Action was an enormous success.
With hundreds of chapters taking action yesterday all across the country, we've given real meaning to the statement "Tomorrow Begins Today".
We'll have more in the coming days about Senator and Mrs. Edwards' work in Wilkes Barre, PA and about the impressive efforts of One Corps chapters all across the country.
In the meantime, please tell us how you spent the National Day of Energy Action.
http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/1/28/143629/237

[sendero]

47. The truth is...

.. you don't have to be poor to have empathy and compassion for the poor.

But politics is politics, and it WILL be used against him and probably effectively at that.

[Rex]

51. I'm appalled anyone would buy such a big house!

Or own...say...13 houses! :sarcasm:

Actually I couldn't give a shit...can't take it with ya. I say enjoy life while you can! You ain't gonna be here long. To bad some evil shits have to ruin it for the other billions of us. :(

Assholes.

[Sabriel]

52. His net worth is between 12 & 60 million

The article says the house's tax value will exceed $6 million when finished.

That's like me, with a net worth of about $50,000, buying/building a home worth $5000-$25000.

Who would point a finger at me for doing that? In fact, the house I bought was actually $125,000.

That's like Edwards buying a house for at least 15 million.

Let's start going after people who build/buy ANY home that isn't completely in line with their net worths....

Sheesh.

[Reterr]

55. 58% MYOB

Yay for Libertarianism :eyes:...

I earned it, its my money....let me take a dump on the planet...

I am heartily sick of this topic anyway....Been trying to stay out of it, but feel like I can't let the libertarians alone represent their view-point...

[Quixote1818]

64. Thank YOU! nt

[KingofNewOrleans]

60. I actually was against Edwards

but the house has swayed me. Go Edwards!

[Catchawave]

96. LOL !

:toast:

[Kahuna]

65. Some DUers are taking the news like they just found out there is no Santa..

That cult of personality will get you every time.

[HughMoran]

68. As long as they aren't needlessly burning up carbon units

:eyes:

I can't believe the past two days - what a riot!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

72. Is it necessary to have YET ANOTHER thread/poll on this asking the same questions?

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

81. Somewhere between "don't care" and "troll"

The so-called "issue" is so rediculous that I can't help but throw in some "nose-tweaking" posts from time-to-time.

The house is irrelevant. Hell, give all the candidates houses like that, I don't care.

Just get us the fuck out of Iraq. Then we can talk about secondary issues. And waaaayyyy down the list is the size of the president's ... uh .... house.

Anyway, I'd guess it's not all that ostentatious compared to the Kennedy place or any of Kerry's places. Or even Clinton's.

And the garage is twice the size of the house. I think that's absolute genius. Wish I'd thought of that.

Regards.

[BlueIris]

82. I simply don't care. Never have. Let's move along.

[LWolf]

85. ambivalent, and not convinced that this is a critical issue. n/t

[mia]

86. How about:"Was not a supporter, but am taking a second look now."

I'm sorry to see where many of the anti-Edwards threads have been coming from.
Some posters are reflecting very badly on their candidate. It's a shame.

[QMPMom]

89. It's none of my business. He earned his money and he can

spend it the way he wants to.

[mvd]

91. The home is no big deal to me, especially with his..

progressive agenda as far as health care and poverty is concerned. My bigger concern is how genuine his positions are, including his stance on the war.