McCain tech policy: crack down on piracy, fix patent mess

Ars takes a look at Republican presidential candidate John McCain's just-released technology policy statement. McCain opposes government-manded net neutrality, wants to fix the patent mess, and crack down on Internet piracy.

[TheColbertinator]

I always trust McCain.

[TruthbeTold]

I don't trust him at all.
That being said, it's not as if I trust Obama either. But I'm far more willing to give Obama a shot. McCain as President would be a nightmare imo.

[Tommy Vercetti]

Colbert I hope you are joking.
TruthbeTold you speak the truth.

[Quickstrike]

I want McCain to be president.

[deathray]

Obama is a bad joke. Any fool that votes for him should have their gaming privileges revoked.

[El_Colombiano]

Screw McCain! I hope Obama wins, although they both suck. Hillary was the worst though, so Obama is the best of the three.

[MikeGdaGod]

McCain doesn't even know how to use a computer. he said so himself and i bet is clueless on this whole subject.

anyone voting for McCain deserves 8 more years of Bush. if he does win, don't be surprised if you get f*cked over............again.

[El_Colombiano]

No...please, not Bush again! This country has suffered enough!

[Heldrasil]

If this is true, this man does not need to be running the country I live in. My 93 year old grandfather uses a computer on a daily basis, there is no reason for a man in a high politcal position like McCain to lack what I am sure most of us consider a "BASIC JOB SKILL".

Sad really, same man who only months ago said he didn't know much about economics and how our economy is ran.

[Itrguy001]

Mccain can go and kiss my as* he dosen't even know how to use a computer which is really sad i bet he dosen't even know how to use a Gps With bold letter in the manual

[rosebowl23]

opposes net neutrality? ok, i was gona vote for him but now im gona have to think twice about it. obama is horrible but i feel very strongly about net neutrality.

damn it. worst election EVER.

[JD_Shadow]

If Obama wins, or men and women can soon come home from the dumbass war in Iraq.

If McCain wins, he'll keep them there for 100 years (his words).

This decision is pretty easy for me.

[Doggstyle]

Do some research

[DwightOwen]

I don't favor giving Washington control over every little aspect of my life. If Telcom companies are screwing their customers, their customers should leave en masse, forcing them to either correct their ways or face bankruptcy. I personally have my own issues with Time Warner (formerly Comcast here in Texas - it's nice to know after they got bought out (see, it works) that they still suck; at least they're consistent).

This constant turning-to-the-government-to-f ix-everything-for-you both annoys and alarms me. It's akin to a bunch of children tattling to Mummy and Daddy. I guess that's where the term "nanny state" originated from.

[lukeb4dunk]

I agree completely. The more power the government has, the less freedom we all get. As Ronald Reagan once said in his inaugural presidential speech, "Government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem."

The thing is, is in some locations, there is little choice for consumers to choose from when it comes to Internet access. I really don't have the answers, but I don't think having the government take care of it is one of them.

[Itrguy001]

This is a crap Election but at least Obama Is BETTER than McGay I hope theirs a Better President canadate in 8 Years or somthin

[iamtehpwn]

Just reminds me why I'd never vote for you.

Obama 08.

[dinkeldinkse]

That's a dumb reason not to vote for somebody because he is going to crack down on something illegal, but I doubt that's your real reason. I don't really want to know anyway.

Hey would someone tell me why they disagree with me or is that random person that goes disagreeing with everybody.

[vickers500]

"Hey would someone tell me why they disagree with me or is that random person that goes disagreeing with everybody. "

Sure I'll tell you. No its not a dumb reason to not vote for him. Someone who is an avid downloader of movies, music, and software would be pretty pissed if he actually helped to arrest more of these people. We already have way too many prisoners that shouldn't be in there to begin with (couch potato potheads, medical marijuana patients, among others) and I don't think a person would want to vote for a president that would work harder to put them away for watching a f*cking movie or listening to a damn song when they would rather just not even see the damn thing in the first place.

That's my opinion. You may not agree with it, but that does not mean its wrong (nor does it mean it's right either).

[Dashmoney101]

presidon't American't lol

[cheetorb]

this coming from a self-proclaimed computer illiterate. He's just reading from a cue card. He's probably wondering what does a guy with an eye patch and a sword have to do with internet?
JUST ANOTHER TOOL.

[DJ]

Almost every day he complains "I'm not popular enough" like a juvenile kid. Even the tech article presented states "Predictably, he fails to provide any meaningful recommendations for precisely how the patent system can be modified in a way that will actually reduce litigation."

[TheDeadMetalhead]

Bob Barker called, and he wants his face back >_<

HA HA! LOOK WHAT I DID, THERE!!!

McCain's old...

Obama '08. ^__^

[TruthbeTold]

Actually, McCain owns the patent on old.

[Imallvol7]

Gah, this is such a hard choice. Net neutrality is important to me, and I am not a huge McCaine fan. But I can't STAND Obama. WTF to do. Why can't we get any real people in politics.

Mario is 08'!

[Itrguy001]

Vote Obama. At least hes better than mccain. Mccains just gonna continue what bush is doin and send in more troops and an-ti piracy sux because some ppl cant afford to buy games at $60.00 so they go to the easy way of getting games download it and this idiot Mccain dont even know how to use a computer

[TitanUp]

Network neutrality (equivalently net neutrality, Internet neutrality or simply NN) is a principle that is applied to residential broadband networks, and potentially to all networks. A neutral broadband network is one that is free of restrictions on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, on the modes of communication allowed, which does not restrict content, sites or platforms, and where communication is not unreasonably degraded by other communication streams.[1][2][3]

The possibility of regulations designed to mandate the neutrality of the Internet has been subject to fierce debate. Though the term did not enter popular use until several years later, since the early 2000s advocates of net neutrality and associated rules have engaged in mutual campaigns with broadband providers over the ability to use "last mile" infrastructure to block opposed internet applications, and content providers (e.g. websites, services, protocols), particularly those served by competitors. Neutrality proponents also claim that telecom companies seek to impose the tiered service model more for the purpose of profiting from their control of the pipeline rather than for any demand for their content or services.[4] Others have stated that they believe net neutrality to be primarily important as a preservation of current freedoms.[5] As Vint Cerf, co-inventor of the Internet Protocol, has stated, "The Internet was designed with no gatekeepers over new content or services. A lightweight but enforceable neutrality rule is needed to ensure that the Internet continues to thrive."[6]

whoever can oppose that are just idiots in my book obama for the win

[LastDance]

YEAH NO CRAP!!!!! It just doesnt make sense....Game companies and musicians and Movie producers all owe us free stuff!!! just because....Yeah!!...........we have the RIGHT to own it for free...YEAH.....YeAH!!!!....

I know...all those artists pouring their hearts and souls into work all for people to just pirate it...yeah..as IF they are opposed to that...Idiots in my book too!!

perhaps its logic like this that got bush in, in the first place...

[vickers500]

"LastDance"

Wow, you're an illiterate moron. That comment has nothing to do with piracy you f*cking retard, it's about the internets websites being controlled and restricted to a fee based service, granting only specific access to certain sites. Maybe you should actually READ the comment you are replying before you type, just a thought.

And artists pouring their heart and souls? Don't make me laugh. 90% of the crap produced today that either plays on the radio, tv, etc. just sucks. Barely any talent to be found whatsoever. Yeah I do agree that indie movie makers and bands THAT ACTUALLY TRY to make something good deserve a little change in their pocket, but that's not what people are pirating the most.

[Itrguy001]

No its idiotic Republicans that got Bush to be President and ppl That "Belive in Bush"

[mirroredderorrim]

Beware. This man is a pawn. I am sure big corporations will fund this man due to the agenda at hand. This election will mean a lot of big interest companies who have future incomes riding on this. Bush is an example of what's going on here.

I suggest voting this year, because once net neutrality is over, the ghost in the shell bullsh** is going to begin.

Edit: Obama'08.

[DwightOwen]

Like Microsoft and Sony, right? Or did you mean "Big Oil?" LOL!!!

How ignorant can you possibly be? You know who owns the majority of stock in those corporations? MIDDLE CLASS VOTERS. Odds are the car you drive, the last meal you ate, and even the computer you're using to spread your talking point tripe with are made by, wait for it, CORPORATIONS.

You must think corporations only give money to the Republicans or you think Republicans are the only party whose members accept corporate donations. Either way you're naive or incredibly stupid.

Fools like you are the only reason these elections are even remotely close. Back in the 80s when people had brains, liberal communist candidates like Obama wouldn't garner 20% of the national vote. Now we have the spoiled "Apple generation" who feel they deserve to be making $10 an hour minimum for working the counter at the Gap, think healthcare (or anything else they want) is a "right" (it's a service, morons), know nothing about politics, economics, or American history, and yet they vote based on talking points they don't even have the presence of mind to scrutinize.

McCain sucks ass, but compared to "The Messiah" he comes out smelling like a focking rose.

[iamtehpwn]

Sir, read a damn book.

[agent864]

You're seriously deluded if you think the middle class *remotely* owns anything close to a majority of the value of stocks in this country. The majority stake in both voting and value in Corporate stock is generally owned by a few inidividuals and trusts ... and there's a growing trend to privatize, ie Cerberus.

The middle class hasn't had that kind of financial clout since before Reagan. You may not think that health care is a right, but many countries that provide universal care do so with less cost and comparable quality, ie prevention and less emergency room visits. States are already moving in the direction of some sort of universal coverage, illinois comes to mind as all children have some sort of coverage.

One need only observe the mass transfer of wealth out of the middle and lower classes in the US to the megarich which started under Reagan to conclude that the right uses the government (no bid contracts, privatization, post job lobbying, military contracts, industry bailouts) as the "nanny state" to rig the economic system to enrich themselves at the expense of the average taxpayer and the middle class investor. Wealth does not create weath by itself, work combined with captial creates wealth, and we tax work at a much higher rate than we tax capital and wealth. There has to be some sort of balance. Once you reach a certain level of wealth in the US you no longer need to work except to protect your weath. We have a new aristrocracy in this country, esp with the end to the estate tax.

In a capitalist society there are *some* things that government *should* do and should do well that should not be left to private interests. Not everyone that believes this is communist, so just lay off the euphemisms, this ain't the 50's anymore, we believe in markets and capital and freedom, just not runaway corruption and golden parachutes for the folks that screw us. We've witnessed the harm that deregulated Markets can bring with the foreclosure crisis. *We* are the government in a democratic/republic society, its not some foreign entity, and we (should) have the power to oversee it and change it if it does become all engrossing.

[Intrepid]

I love the internet, but there are much bigger issues at hand; war and economics. McCain has much more experience in those categories and has plans that I agree with, so with that in mind, he'll get my vote.

Cue the disagrees.

[dinkeldinkse]

Somebody actually gives logical reasons why they are picking a certain candidate.I could give a rats arse about either one's tech policy.

Well said Gish, people listen to the media too much. As a whole, the media has become very liberal in the past years ,and that's why you see more Vercetti's post than vice versa.

[SJL480]

Francois Guisot (1787-1874): "Not to be a
republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is
proof of want of head."

[JD_Shadow]

So...you WANT men and women to continue to die in Iraq for a war that really has no reason behind it (no VALID reason, as there were no WMDs there and Bush keeps changing the reason for us being there every time his last reason becomes invalid). McCain wants them to be there for a hundred years (like I said above, those are HIS words, not an exaggeration)

And economy? WHAT economy? It's been in a recession for such a long time now. The real estate market is VERY bad, with many people losing their homes due to foreclosure, and gas at, near, or above 4 bucks a gallon at many areas (suburban and rural). The latter is while the big oil companies (ExxonMobil and BP) gain record profits every single quarter. What is McCain's answer? NONE!! He doesn't think the economy is bad (when it is). Nothing about big oil.

Do you REALLY want to see this man get four years to screw things up even MORE?

EDIT:
@11.4 & 11.5: Yeah, I've done my homework on this. Apparently, I haven't done it on the same places you guys obviously have (FOX Noise). Sure, we would keep US interests in Iraq and that, but that's not what McBush meant. He said he would keep the WAR going for 100 years, not keep something like a US Embassy there (like we have in many other countries).

Trust me, I KNOW my politics, I've been following them for the longest time now.

Maybe you guys should be turning the channel from FOX Noise and Billo to, say, MSNBC and Keith Olbermann, and stop listing to Limbaugh and that. You MAY see that the world hasn't heard the same things from McBush as you guys have.

[Intrepid]

Dear Darkpower,

Please do research. Then you may post your rants.

Thank you,
Intrepid

[Doggstyle]

Are you a moron?That 100 years quote means having some troops stationed there for a 100 years. Unless I am missing something, we still have troops in Germany even though it's been 63 years since there is been real fighting. McCain was ask about that comment and he explained that about six months ago, so stop spreading crap.

Beat me to the punch, Intrepid, nice to know some people are actually intelligent.

Actually I heard it on CNN, also known as "Liberal News",which is sadly a better news station than MSNBC. Nothing is bad as "Real Time with Liberal Maher" though. If you are going to devote a show about bashing conservatives, why do you need four liberals and that d-bag.Two would be plenty.

[lukeb4dunk]

Again, I don't want to seem that I'm bashing your opinion, but...

I'm from AZ and also a disabled vet. The one thing that I can tell you for sure, is the McCain supports our troops more than any other politicians out there. Both still serving and those that have already fought the fight. To insinuate that he doesn't care for those men/women over there, is just plain asinine and wrong.

As to the 100 year comment...really? I thought he cleared that up months ago.

[SJL480]

Keith Olbermann?

l.o.f'n l

You realize he's the anti-rush right? You specifically point out Rush Limbaugh as if he is some right wing pompous windbag then point to the left wing version of him as your moral compass?

Your right you do know YOUR politics but I'm confident to say you have no clue about the rest of the world's.

Here's an idea listen to BOTH and make an informed opinion or listen to neither and and find less idealogical ranting and more facts.

...and just cause I'm tired of hearing it...

I get 1 hr of network news and maybe ten seconds of republican sound bites then democratic love fest.

In 1 hr of fox news I get 20 mins of democratic opinion and 40 mins
of republican love fest. So say what you want but if you got one news channel to watch you'll learn more there in 20 seconds than an hour of
Keith Olbermann.

[JD_Shadow]

First, I greatly respect your contributions to the military and yous status as a war-time vet. For curiosity, I wonder which war you were in.

As for your comments on McCain, I don't know if I could equate his comments with not caring for our troops more than I could say he is out of touch with what is really going on. He himself is a war vet, as well, so he should know some of the things that the people on that ground are going through. Yet we had close to nothing as a response about the Walter Reed crap (only after the fact, and even THAT was poor), we have several cases of PTSD (one particular case was profiled in the movie "In the Valley of Elah". I recommend that movie, damn good, moving movie), and our troop numbers are running VERY thin. Not to mention that we are right now WAY over 4,000 dead in Iraq (when "Mission Accomplished" was declared in 2003 and has since been proven as nothing more than a photo op).

There is one particular reason why the McCain of 2000 was everything you said and more and the McCain of now is really struggling to remember what his views even are: He is trying to get his base back. The far right wing does not like him because they believed that his views are "too liberal" (as if "liberal" was a four letter word that God forbid someone BE or something). So to get the base back that he needs (the Religious Right, in particular, really comes out and votes for someone that shares ALL of what they believe in. Part of the reason why Bush won Ohio in 2004, other than some trickery, was that there was also an anti-homosexual marriage amendment vote on the ballot that year (which I voted against, by the way), which sickeningly passed), he has decided to mold his views into what he believes they want to hear. This includes a view of needing more than just an US Embassy-like military presence in Iraq.

I also care for these troops. I don't want anymore to get killed for something they don't know anything about, and at a place they don't need to be. Remember, we have still to catch bin Ladin (did we forget that he was who perpetrated 9/11?), and the Taliban are not exactly GONE from Afghanistan. They deserve all of the respect in the world, but they don't need to be there anymore. I'm sure the families of those who have loved ones IN Iraq right now cringed at hearing McCain say that, under ANY context.

This is kind of awkward to be talking about stuff like this in a games forum, but it IS an important decision (one I'm going to be talking more about in the coming weeks), and I think alot of people need to be informed. For me, I like Obama more because his plan is more of the plan that SHOULD be for Iraq right now (keep US interests in Iraq but get the people that don't need to be there, which is alot of them that are there now, OUT of there), and fix this energy/oil BS, and because he has expressed more common sense than McCain on the Game Politics issue (like the GTA4 stuff). That's only my opinion, but, as a registered voter, I'm more than willing to make my voice heard on November 4th.

@11.7: There is a DVD out called "Outfoxed" that I think you should pick up. And Google "Jeremy Glick" and then "Andrea Mackris", then search YouTube for "Inside Edition" for some INTERESTING things about Billo. And CNN...LIBERAL? You mean the network that hired Glenn Beck and Nancy "I know what you did last summer" Grace is LIBERAL? WOW!! I do know that most of America's politics are looking for someone that won't be anything like Bush. We're really in a mess because of Bush's brand of politics. Maybe you should take a look at how America has thought of Bush since Katrina.

As for Rush, WOW! You really think people still LISTEN to that guy after the crap he has said about Michael J. Fox or Elizabeth Edwards? Oh wait, I forgot, they give HIM a free pass on EVERYTHING he says (you will notice that when people try to slam KO, they never exactly try to counterpoint anything he brings up, but they are willing to just slam the person saying it without even bringing up any point he brought up). I'm sorry, but I never once heard Olbermann once say that someone was faking an illness or undeservingly slam someone's status as a human being like Rush has. Of course, it's probably just the pills talking when Rush is on the mic, so I don't know if it's ALL his fault.

[SJL480]

@11.7: There is a DVD out called "Outfoxed" that I think you should pick up. And Google "Jeremy Glick" and then "Andrea Mackris", then search YouTube for "Inside Edition" for some INTERESTING things about Billo.

I am not familiar with Andrea Mackris right of the bat
I have seen outfoxed am familiar with Jeremy Glick and if your referring to bill's temper explosion I am familiar with that to. I educated myself before I
formed those opinions and even with this source material my opinion stands.

Bill was also involved in a sex scandal and was caught on tape having an elicit conversation with a former employee I believe, and yes Rush was or still may be
a drug addict but lets not miss the forest for the trees.

You brought up how rush attacks a person but never answers a question but may I ask what this was?

"Of course, it's probably just the pills talking when Rush is on the mic, so I don't know if it's ALL his fault."

As far as Olbermann maybe were not watching the same one. He is just as far out as Limbaugh but seems slightly more angry. lol

That being said it's late here and I got to get some sleep. I may fundamentally
disagree with you but at least you care about the political process. Maybe my vote will cancel yours out lol or maybe mine will back yours, I haven't decided
yet. I'm gonna educate myself a little more first. Right now I think I'm gonna vote for McCain's vp pick unless that's a let down too. It's been a pleasure to
debate you. Let us disagree but not be disagreeable.

[lukeb4dunk]

I was in Saudi in June of 96. I was also part of a few other operations, but since we are talking about the middle east, I thought this one would make more of a point.

I have no problem getting out of Iraq, but only once it is the right time to do so. I can go on for an hour about certain things that I have personally seen and what not, but as you have alluded to, this is not the place. What I will say however, is being there is like a double edged sword. If we stay there too long, then more of our people die and so could the hatred of those there. If we leave too soon, then everything that we are trying to accomplish over there could be for naught. You can say what you wish about Bush and the real reasons we're there, but it is what it is and we need to finish what we started.

As for Afghanistan and Bin Laden, we are still over there and we are still looking. That just doesn't get as much press as our soldiers in Iraq.

As you had also stated, if there is one man that should know what our troops are going through, it would be McCain. The guy spent like 7 years (not exactly sure at this moment) in one the worst POW camps in history. That could be the main reason behind his unrivaled support of our troops, both former and current.

[Megaton]

McCain may know a thing or two about war, though he's fumbled on Iraq numerous times during his campaign thus far, and doesn't even have the support of numerous veteran groups due to his voting history. If you think either one of the candidates are an economical whiz, I think it's about time to pull your head out of whichever ass its stuck in. Both pretend to be the only man with the solution, but McCain has even admitted to knowing very little about economics.

Frankly, with the broken record of empty change promises and senile McBush running for president this year, I think my ballot would be better used as toilet paper.

Oh, and in regards to the article, I'd be shocked and amazed if McCain knew how to use a computer beyond checking email, let alone explaining what piracy is or understanding how it works.

[kreetah]

Obama loves our troops so much he couldn't wait to get back home and skip his scheduled visit to the hospital. He wants to end the war now, win loose or draw dispite what has been sacrificed by the troops. All I can say is I'm glad we haven't finished a new World Trade Center and have no other skyscrapers so when the war moves from there to here...oh...wait...

[mirroredderorrim]

War? The war can be ended by BRINGING THEM HOME. Like most of us want. Thank you for disagreeing with my subtle point of McCain not giving a rats ass about America but interests out of America and the interests of investmement firms, big companies, etc. We need to focus on our country for once, or watch it crumble more and more.

You don't think this is an issue? Wait a few more years. Just like Global Warming. LOL

[Tommy Vercetti]

look at all the disagrees for anti-McCain comments. I hate to get political but the only people worse than fanboys are Republicans!!!

[Gish]

Actually you are wrong. The only thing worse are people who categorize and hate people of a certain party because of that party. (fanboy's of politics) Learn to think for yourself and not buy into just one parties policies. Neither parties have all the right answers. But both actually do have the right answers on certain issues. Think for yourself, not for the group. Drop the hate. Go Democrats!!!! Go Republicans!!!! STFU

Edit: @Tommy
No problem man. Wasn't trying to be an @ss. I just hate blind faith in any politicion. I hear where your coming from if most your views are on the liberal side of things. Glad we are on the same page.

[Tommy Vercetti]

For the record Gish I think you are correct. No one person,party or country has all the right answers. Yeah even the Republicans are right sometimes. A broken clock is right twice a day after all.

[Armyless]

You can hand your vote to a Socialist if you want, I'm not voting for either of the "presented" candidates.

Vote for a Socialist? Do you see the irony in that?

[deathray]

you have a lot to learn. you see, the republican party is for the grown ups who know what works. the dems party is for the people (mostly kids and old hippies) who still don't know what the hell is going on and so they just throw a bunch of crap at the wall and see what sticks, letting the country go to hell in the process.

[thewho]

did anyone else really need another reason to not vote for McCain?

[Intrepid]

He's white and it would be racist not to vote for Obama.

[Obama]

Do not trust Mcsame. He doesn't even know how to use a computer.

[Lord Shuhei Yoshida]

I am Lord Shuhei Yoshida and I approve this message.

[TheDeadMetalhead]

I am TheDeadMetalhead and I, too approve this message.

Obama '08.

[LittleBigKillzone]

John Mccain is uninspired, elitist, out of touch and even admits he doesnt know anything about the economy. The John Mccain of 08 wouldnt dare vote for the John Mccain of 2000, thats how big of a flip flop he is. and oh, Obama isnt a flip flop, its called moving to the center and keeping an open mind. Mccain is a literal flip flop. Literally he flip flopped on off shore drilling in a WEEK'S TIME!! ONE WEEK!

yea so what, obama changed his view on Fisa and being able to listen to your calls. Who cares, if you have nothing to hide and arent planning on being a terroist, why would it bother you some Govt people listen in on a phone call. OBAMA 08!!

[Doggstyle]

You are bashing McCain while using character traits of Obama. Obama is an elitist that flip flops on everything.And you actually think he is moving to the center, the guy is the most left wing of all the democratic candidates that were running in the primary.McCain wasn't well received by the conservatives because he wasn't conservative enough for them.A problem Obama doesn't have with Liberals.

[lukeb4dunk]

That is still true. A lot of the most conservative Republicans don't care for McCain because of your reasons.

[LittleBigKillzone]

now now, Mccain has to know something about computers.. Afterall, he is learning to use the INTERNETS

[bootsielon]

I wish Gore was US president

[Meresin]

He's against net neutrality? Heh. Just another reason to dislike that guy. :P

[SJL480]

"and gas at, near, or above 4 bucks a gallon at many areas (suburban and rural). The latter is while the big oil companies (ExxonMobil and BP) gain record profits every single quarter. What is McCain's answer? NONE!! He doesn't think the economy is bad (when it is). Nothing about big oil."

I guess you think tune ups and inflating our tires is all we need to solve the energy problem.

Obamma's words no exageration. lol.

[Doggstyle]

Inflating your tires will have the same effect as offshore drilling on the price of oil/ sarcasm

[e-ray]

Obama did NOT say inflating our tires and tune ups were all we needed. Get your head out of the sand. More of an exact quote would be, when asked what every American could do RIGHT NOW for gas prices/efficiency, he said they could inflate/align tires and if EVERYONE in America did that, there would be a 3-4% difference. Yes, shame on Obama for encouraging America to help in what ways they can.

I've seen so many anti McCain disagrees and no explanations.

Someone replied with the thought that war and economics were important and McCain's views were better on those.

How exactly? McCain's economic plan is poor and without detail. He is doing just what Bush did in 00 and 04 by saying "we need this" and "we need that" without going into real detail, which leads me to believe he doesn't really have set plans for them as well.

Obama, on the other hand, I have a little bit more faith in. While I'm still not sure about the war or what should be done in Iraq and Iran, I'm certainly a diplomacy first kind of person, which, after the abomination that was/is the Iraqi conflict, I am leaning towards.

Also, have you guys done research? You act like offshore drilling is the answer. Intrepid keeps saying "do research" rather than come with sound reasoning, a la Bill O'Reilly's comments of "just shut up." Oil drilling offcoast ANWR will likely only change the price of gas by a few cents in the next 15 to 20 years. The theory here for McCain is basically to "scare" OPEC into lowering prices by showing them we can do it ourselves if we have to, which I think is a pretty lousy tactic considering that they have to know we have fairly limited reserves that need to be saved for peak oil which is just around the corner.

Obama's strong support of plug in hybrids NOW rather than hydrogen cars 15-20 years away is enough for my support for him in this issue, although I would like to see him support nuclear power a little more myself...

[Armyless]

“[T]echnology and automation all weaken the position of workers, … and a strong government hand is needed to assure that wealth is distributed more equitably.”

-Obama

[e-ray]

Oh, please on the socialism...

It's nothing more than a modern day republican stance vs. democrat stance.

[SJL480]

If us being in Iraq is such an atrocity then would you rather have a victim of war atrocity in charge or a former community organizer? if you educate yourself you'll see there's more to it than network news DNC talking points. In the end Gish is the one with the right over all idea.

[Dodgson]

McCain has my vote.

[THWIP]

Why not throw in "put all the bad guys in jail" and "feed the hungry". Yay...you win the Universe with your insightful view of what's broken. If this moron gets elected, I may just shoot him MYSELF. :o

[deathray]

Posting stuff like that on the internet can get you a free trip to a federal prison. Has the FBI paid you a visit yet? Don't be surprised if they do. I will be bringing your post to their attention.

[Quickstrike]

yes plz do alert the feds on him. If you fail I have connections to the FBI :D

[InMyOpinion]

Have fun at Guantanamo Bay.

The American Gestapo will knock on your door any minute now.

[Dmack79]

Are u trying to put yourself in prison. Congrats, u just won The IDIOT of the week award! Hands-Down!

Anyway, I personally want McCain to be our next Pres.

[deathray]

I just received a call from the US Secret Service. Looks like they are going to look into it.

[Spydiggity]

i think everyone is taking this guy's post a li'l too seriously. besides, he'll die of old age before anyone gets a chance to shoot him.

and by the way, everyone who thinks that either candidate is at all good for america...i recommend you watch America: Freedom to Fascism. it's been uploaded to google video for free so no excuses. and also check out their involvement with the CFR.

http://video.google.com/vid...

[darkshiz]

So all of you guys want McCain to end net neutrality and let ISPs to nickel and dime you all for bs reasons?

ISP:You want to surf the speed you use to have before Net Neutrality was ended? Sure pay us $10.

ISP: You can only log on for 4 hours a day. Want to go on more? Pay us twenty more dollars a month.

The possibility for nickel and diming with net neutrality gone is limitless.

Net neutrality makes sure the net is not controlled by your ISP and remain to let you do anything you normally do without somebody controlling what you can do and what you cannot.

[tuaamin13]

So how could it have "ended"?

Still, even without his approval it's possible for the FCC to mandate stuff without the president, this just isn't going to be some law by Congress. Anyhow, it sounds like partial cue cards anyway, so it's entirely possible Congress could pass a law and have it not get veto'd.

[InMyOpinion]

Doesn't matter what president wins. Rupert Murdock still calls the shots.

[Anslyn]

but the quote "McCain wants to provide the patent office with more resources and find ways to facilitate mediation of patent disputes without litigation." in the posted article is especially funny in light of this:

http://www.chicagotribune.c...

Nice to see he really is out for intellectual property protection and down on piracy to protect artists rights ;)

[Dragonopolis]

First to the comment above about Flip-Flop issues that is a McCain trait not Obama trait. Plenty of legit news on the net to support that don't need to go into detail. McCain's has run his campaign like a High School Class President Campaign. Very immature tactics and even down right lying.

This is the first time I am not voting Conservative. I had enough of the Iraq war and there is nothing Iraq had in that country that was any threat and most of the equipment the Iraqis had for war were poorly maintain or junk - set out to look like they had a huge Military presence when in truth pretty much any country third or above with a decent military could have easily taken the country. Iraq people didn't want us over there and I definitely didn't want to be there (I and can vouch that was pretty much the same feeling most of the soldiers over there felt).

Iraq was a distraction from the real problem which was Afghanistan/Taliban/Osama bin Laden. Most Conservatives have very Corporatist attitude (and even policies) including Ron Paul (who isn't very Libertarian).

This is by far the worse election I have ever had to face. Its a "which is the lesser of the two evils" type choice.

This choice will probably be taken too the very end but so far the scales tip a bit in Obama's favor for me. Poor Guy has done a fantastic job overcoming the viral advertising campaign that McCain's camp is surely behind.

For instance:

Obama has American Flags on his plane (its required by FAA and is next to the Call Numbers) The American Flag that was on the Tail of the Plane is a Corporate Logo that resembles an American Flag and since it would not be good for Obama to be flying around advertising a Corporate symbol had it removed (might also be some copyright issues there as well). McCain's plane didn't have any addition flags on it for awhile but had a tiny bit larger american flag painted under the left wing coincidentally not to long before all this media blitz about Obama. It still isn't big Enough to really see and McCain has never had a huge American flag on the tail of his plane - ever. Matter Fact, McCain has the larger of the Advertising (The font size is Huge compared to anything on Obama's plane.

Obama is not a muslim/he is Christian. The choices that your past relatives make doesn't make who your are if that's the case Germans are all Nazis (sarcasm - they are not neither is Obama. Besides, who cares what Religion Obama believes in this is a Country that allows freedom of religion and Muslim religion is a recognized religion in this country that can be practice freely - Stick to Policies not what religion the candidate chooses.

So what if Obama wants to give Senoir citizens "Get out of Taxes Free Card" Not like you paid taxes the first 15-20 years of your life (some kids never work until after High School). Your Parents and working Adults around you paid for those Parks (or at least the maintanence), Public Pools, Public Schools, etc... basically supporting your sorry bums.
Time to pay respect back to those who gave you life and the People who help them contribute to society.

Besides a lot of Seniors never make it actively to 85 (20 years from 65) anyways.

Damn people against this. Freakn' cheap skates.

Obama attempts to listen (while that is always taken as a grain of salt for politicians he is miles better than McCain) The current Leader in Iraq says he wants us out quickly -why McCain do you consistently preach that "+50 years of US military occupation but when Iraq leader says he favors Obama's quick withdrawl plan (with, of course, minor differences in time table and terms but very similar) you McCain flip-flop and then try to make it seem like it was all the surge (and tried to point the credit to yourself) and that you would be open to the idea of a quicker withdraw of troops.

McCain can't seem to get names right for countries/leaders/or what use to be a country but now isn't) Not a good sign of competence for a future President.

Mcain is definitely out for me period but I will be keeping my eye on the few choices left (yes, there are still other Candidates besides Obama to choose from) but I also must be careful that if the race is close that I don't let the Lunatic McCain Puppet become President.

Remember there is no such thing as the Perfect Candidate and there will always be differences and disagreements.....

Just that this time around there just is a hell of a lot of it from ALL the Candidates.

But for now.....

Obama 2008

[BlueRevolvuR]

i was originally an Obama fan, but after watchin countless debates i can honestly say he is not the best choice. all his ideas sound great and all but ask ur self, how will he do all that he proposes? im not putting him down, but i just don't agree with some of his motives. he thinks he can stop N. Korea and Iran by talking with them. thats not going to work! "We need u to stop building Nuclear Missles" "OK" says the N. Korean dictator while missles are being made. u know why the Iraqi war is going nowhere? rather than all out warfare like our army is trained for, our army must follow strict commands offered by thier commanding officers. bak in the days of WWII, soldiers were able to push through Europe effectively becuz the media and the politicians weren't as liberal. today, if the military wants to move in to do what they know is right, they are put down by the tons of corrupt/"peace keeping" politicians. so what do u think?

[Armyless]

We defeated the Nazis with Hope... after we convinced them to Change, or course.

[/sarcasm]

[Voozi]

I'm voting for Nader, I hate everyone!

[InMyOpinion]

Which one of them supports corruption, lies and putting prices on the lives of humans? I guess you are going to vote for both of them lol!

It's funny that so many of you actually believe in their promises and don't see that it's all just roles they play to get votes. They say whatever makes them more popular. And media has the biggest control over who becomes the new president. News channels wouldn't spread lies, would they? =)

[JeepGamer]

I like how people keep going on about how ignorant and/or under informed somebody else is all while demonstrating how ignorant and/or under informed they themselves are.

If you support Obama, that's perfectly fine but at least attempt to show some semblance of objectivity and tact rather that just shooting off at the mouth about things you don't know anything about. This is no different than one console manufacturer releasing a press statement and then watching owners of another console immediately decry it.

Fanboyism is stupid in consoles, it's even stupider in politics.

The three issues addressed in the anti-McCain authors article, and don't for one moment think that was anything remotely resembling an objective and open minded opinion piece, are as follows.

Patents: You can sense it almost physically pains the author to even concede that at least on some level he might, possibly, maybe, in some remote round about way agree with McCain on something. Patents are a mess and you are seeing the result of that as companies basically sit in the wings and then come out of the blue to sue various console makers over things that have been around for years. It's getting to be common practice now to make a patent so broad and inclusive that anything remotely similar is being called a patent violation.

Piracy: No, there's nothing controversial about wanting to curb piracy and it is a global epidemic. The author of the article is either an absolute fool if he thinks piracy is not an epidemic and an even greater fool for taking the usual excuse making method about how big bad companies are prosecuting poor innocent people.

Piracy is a huge problem, from software, to music, to movies and it both amuses and angers me that people continue make romantic, stupid, and lame excuses as to why nothing should be done about it. People running around screaming 'fair use' and pointing at at the EXCEPTIONS rather than the rule when it comes to the problems with enforcing the law fall in to two groups:

1 - The group that doesn't want the gravy train of stuff they can steal being shut off.

2 - The idiots who feel justified in 'sticking it' to big evil horrible nasty vile vicious vindictive greedy cruel... Wait let me catch my breath... immoral wicked sinister malignant... companies who DARE to want to actually make money, those WORMS!

Internet Regulation: The Childen's Internet Protection Act? You mean the one that Bill Clinton signed in to law? Or the one that the Supreme Court upheld in 2003? McCain did indeed cosponsor this bill that... Requires libraries to put filtering software on computers to prevent minors from using them to surf porn, filters that can be removed if an adult wishes to use the computer to access constitutionally protected documents.

Alright, now that we've blown the little invalid complaint about McCain's stance on net neutrality out of the water.

McCain does indeed NOT support government regulation of the internet. You might not like his stance on patents because he's not specific enough about what he's going to do, or you might not like his stance on piracy for reasons I've already stated, but you're just being a partisan hack if you have a problem with his stance on net neutrality because you should have no reason to.

[mirroredderorrim]

You sound like you're trying to force your opinion on people. If you're so hard up for McCain, why don't you promote him? It may better his chances at ruining this country, hell, I may not even vote for Obama anyway, because our country is in such a mess, I would not want to help drive it deeper into the ground by voting at all.

The only thing the end of net neutrality will bring is more pirates and more cyber crime. Think on that for awhile before you retort why I am blowing out hot air.

Edit: and I agree with you to a certain extent..

[Meus Renaissance]

I wanted Ron Paul to win. Shame he didn't even get a real chance.

[pow3r of t3h c3ll]

Why are there suddenly so many people on this site that are pro McCain?

Did his recent series of TV adverts really do that much damage to Obamas image?

WAKE UP AMERICANS!!! Bush has made America the laughing stock of the world for 8 years, how can you even consider McCain!!!

Oh and as for the debate about the media I am so sick of hearing, your media is about 90% conservative - FACT!!!!

So republicans acting as if this isn't true can just STFU and Fu*k Off!!!

[deathray]

uh, like... dude, it's a gaming forum. uh.... (insert beavis & butthead laugh here)

REPUBLICANS FTW!!!

[iamtehpwn]

This country does whatever the TV tells them. Americans aren't smart enough to think for themselves. ha.

[AuToFiRE]

i vote for the monkey

[TheDeadMetalhead]

A vote for TheDeadMetalhead is a vote for the world! If I'm elected president, then I will drop Gas Prices down to $1.00 / gallon. I will lower costs of goods so that poor people can buy them, too! And I will make cars that run on Vegetable Oil!

TheDeadMetalhead '08 XD

[user9422077]

lol mcain