After watching too much CNN and election news in general, I think I have figured out the top 3 arguments of Republicans. I know, I know, generalizing is a bad thing, I feel that these argumenents stick out like sore thumbs.

1. It could be worse

   I agree -- it could certainly be worse. But just because it can be worse does not in any way mean that we should just shut up and be content with the dismal state of things. Yes, in Iran political dissention is like committing suicide, and in Iraq and Afghanistan they're just getting their voices, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive for perfection, should we? I think it's especially worth noting that while Republicans control the Senate and the White House that this tactic is still used. It's akin to saying "Sit down, shut up, don't complain."

2. September 11th

   September 11th was horrible for everyone in the world, not just Republicans. The French newspaper Le Monde declared that We Are All Americans while German Chancellor Schroeder pledged "unlimited solidarity". Yet Bush was able to turn worldwide mourning into near worldwide hatred for the US. It seems as though the Republicans use this as a diversion to do things that really undermine the integrity of the US people and the Constitution (Patriot Act, for example). If you are able to see The GOP Convention in a Nutshell, then you'd be able to see how often 9/11 is invoked (and how often Saddam is mentioned instead of Osama). They even chose New York City a few days before September 11th to have their convention. They're trying to make 9/11 into an excuse rather than a national travesty. Nine eleven should NOT be used as a partisan ploy.

3. Flip-flop

   I've heard this term so much that I feel sorry mentioning it, but I must to illustrate a point. Republicans accuse Kerry of flip-flopping, when flip-flopping would have helped Bush. After declaring that Iraq was a threat because of the weapons of mass destruction, Bush could have apologized to the nation, to the world community and United Nations and asked for help so that we wouldn't be in this quagmire we are now. Even if Kerry was a flip-flopper, I'd rather have someone who, presented with new facts, would be able to make a more informed decision on what's to be done instead of sticking his head in the sand.
   Even the whole Republican Party flip-flopped. Republicans used to stand for fiscal responsibility and small government, a gov't that balanced the books and kept its hands out of people's business. Now Bush has racked up the largest national debt and wants to write discrimination into the Constitution -- the very Constitution that is meant to protect our rights. That's why the first 10 amendments are called the Bill of Rights. Bush is neither compassionate nor conservative.

Now go vote!