Nov 8, 2012

Should Marco Rubio Be Our Next President? An Examination

Pros of a Rubio Presidency

  1. Economic Stewardship: Critics argue that Democrats haven't efficiently balanced the deficit. Rubio has proposed fiscal policies aimed at reducing government expenditure, potentially reducing the deficit.

  2. Incentives for Success: Some believe that Rubio's policies favor the successful and discourage wasteful spending, promoting economic growth.

  3. Diversification of the Presidency: Having the first Hispanic Republican president could disrupt patterns of racial party alliance and stimulate balanced representation across parties.

  4. Family Values: Rubio, a father of four, could bring a family-oriented perspective to his presidency.

Cons of a Rubio Presidency

  1. Lack of Executive Experience: Rubio served as a Senator, but critics argue that gubernatorial experience could better prepare a candidate for the presidency.

  2. Leadership Questions: Some critics question whether Rubio has demonstrated leadership on major issues.

Further Exploration

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# of reasons to agree: +14
# of reasons to disagree: -2
# of reasons to agree with reasons to agree: +3
# of reasons to agree with reasons to disagree: -0
Total Idea Score: +15

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Images

  1. Leave a comment with a link to a photo, and I'll add it. 
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Videos

  1. Leave a comment so I can add a reason.
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Interest
  1. Judicial Balance: Supporters may desire a more balanced judiciary. They believe that after periods of liberal influence, a shift towards a conservative viewpoint is needed to maintain equilibrium.
  2. Fiscal Responsibility: Supporters are concerned about the national debt and its potential impacts on future generations. They trust in Rubio's proposed fiscal policies to tackle this issue effectively.
  3. Strong Bipartisanship: Supporters value a robust two-party system, arguing that political diversity is key to a healthy democracy. They see Rubio's potential candidacy as contributing to this dynamic.
  4. Diversity in Leadership: Supporters believe that leadership should reflect the nation's diversity. They see potential in candidates like Rubio to represent various communities within the country.
  5. Nominee Considerations: Some supporters might be deliberating over potential Republican nominees, based on their policy platforms and potential to draw a diverse electorate. They may be comparing Rubio's suitability with other potential candidates in the current political context.


  1. Economic Stability: Supporters and critics alike share a common interest in avoiding hyperinflation. They agree on the need for economic policies that promote stability and growth.

  2. Preparedness: Everyone desires a government that is well-prepared to handle national and international challenges. This includes everything from economic crises to public health emergencies.

  1. Fiscal Awareness: Critics might argue for a more detailed understanding of the nation's fiscal situation. They might feel that current policies are steering the country towards a "fiscal cliff" of unsustainable debt.

  2. Problem Recognition: Critics might also desire a more straightforward acknowledgment of the nation's problems, rather than denying or downplaying them. They may believe in confronting these issues head-on, with comprehensive plans and proactive policies.

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Podcast
Podcast that agree: +
  1. http://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/Politics/Conservative-Politics
Podcast that disagree: -
  1. http://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/Politics/Liberal-Politics
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Experts
Unbiased Experts who agree: +
  1. Paul Ryan, Former Speaker of the House and economic policy expert.
  2. Condoleezza Rice, Former Secretary of State and political scientist.
Unbiased Experts who disagree: -
  1. Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator and expert on bankruptcy law.
  2. Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate economist.
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Books
Books that agree: +
  1. "The Way Forward: Renewing the American Idea" by Paul Ryan.
  2. "American Dreams: Restoring Economic Opportunity for Everyone" by Marco Rubio.
Books that  disagree: -
  1. "Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America" by Stacey Abrams.
  2. "The Fight for Fifteen: The Right Wage for a Working America" by David Rolf.
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Miscellaneous
Related arguments:

Websites That Might Agree:

  1. The National Review
  2. The American Conservative
  3. The Daily Wire
  4. The Federalist
  5. Republican National Committee

Websites That Might Disagree:

  1. The Democratic National Committee
  2. Mother Jones
  3. HuffPost Politics
  4. The Intercept
  5. ThinkProgress

a) Fundamental beliefs or principles one must reject to also reject this belief:

Pro: To support Marco Rubio as president, you may have to reject beliefs in:

  1. Progressive economic policies.
  2. Universal healthcare as a right.
  3. Green New Deal or equivalent radical environmental measures.

Con: To reject Rubio as president, you may have to reject beliefs in:

  1. Conservative economic policies.
  2. Limited government intervention.
  3. Traditional Republican stances on social issues.

b) Alternate expressions of this belief:

Pro: #Rubio2024, #MarcoForPresident, #RubioRevolution

Con: #NotMyCandidate, #AnyoneButRubio, #NoToRubio

c) Criteria to demonstrate the strength or weakness of this belief:

  1. Policy positions and track record: Does Rubio’s stance align with your beliefs?
  2. Leadership ability: Can Rubio effectively lead and make tough decisions?
  3. Popular opinion: What do polls say about Rubio's chances?

d) Shared interests or values with potential dissenters:

  1. Economic prosperity.
  2. National security.
  3. Quality education for all.

e) Key differences or obstacles:

  1. Economic Policy: Progressive versus conservative.
  2. Social Issues: Liberal versus traditional.
  3. Foreign Policy: Interventionist versus non-interventionist.

f) Strategies for dialogue:

  1. Hosting town halls for open discussions.
  2. Encouraging respectful debate on social media.
  3. Promoting evidence-based discussions over ideological beliefs.

g) Key resources to understand this topic:

  1. Marco Rubio's Senate voting record.
  2. Rubio's book "American Dreams: Restoring Economic Opportunity for Everyone."
  3. Analysis of Rubio's policy proposals by independent think tanks.
  4. Public opinion polls on Rubio's candidacy.

To further delve into pro/con analysis and collective intelligence, visit my platforms: Group Intel and Idea Stock Exchange.

Nov 7, 2012

We need real change in 2016 (+9)

Reasons
  1. The democrats have not done a good job balancing the deficit. 
  2. Democrats buy votes by promising more and more free stuff.
  3. Democrats demonize those who are successful. 
  4. The democrats reward bad behavior.
  5. The democrats punish good behavior. 
  6. The democrats protect monopolies. 
  7. The democrats waste money we don't have.
  8. The democrats play identity politics. 
  9. The democrats bad policy for public sector unions.

  1. Leave a comment so I can add a reason.
# of reasons to agree: +9
# of reasons to disagree: -0
# of reasons to agree with reasons to agree: +0
# of reasons to agree with reasons to disagree: -0
Total Idea Score: +9

Don't like the score? It is easy to change the score. Just post a reason to agree or disagree with the overall idea, or any of the reasons and the score will change.

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Images
This image is a valid reason to support Republicans because spending, not income, is the reason we have debt.

This image is a valid reason to support Republicans because spending, not income, is the reason we have debt.
  1. Leave a comment with a link to a photo, and I'll add it. 
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Websites
  1. http://www.nationalreview.com/
  2. http://townhall.com/
  3. http://www.newsmax.com/
  4. http://www.gop.com/
  5. http://www.nrcc.org/
  6. http://www.texasgop.org/
  1. http://www.democrats.org/
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Videos

  1. Leave a comment so I can add a reason.
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Interest
  1. The desire to have a moderate judicial branch of government. Balance in the Courts is important. After two Obama terms, the courts have moved too far to the liberal extreme. 
  2. The desire to not leave our kids and grand kids with trillions of dollars of debt is a valid interest. 
  3. The desire to have two strong political parties is a valid interest

  1. The desire to not live through hyper-inflation.
  2. The desire to be prepared for our problems.
  1. The desire to do the math required to figure out that we are headed towards a fiscal cliff. 
  2. The desire to face our problems, or pretend they don't exist. 
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Podcast
Podcast that agree: +

  1. http://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/Politics/Conservative-Politics

Podcast that disagree: -

  1. http://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/Politics/Liberal-Politics
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Experts
Unbiased Experts who agree: +

Unbiased Experts who disagree: -

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Books
Books that agree: +
  1. After America: Get Ready for Armageddon by Mark Steyn
  2. Ameritopia: The Unmaking of America by Mark R Levin
  3. Mugged: Racial Demagoguery from the Seventies to Obama by Ann Coulter
Books that  disagree: -

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Miscellaneous
Related arguments:

    Nov 3, 2012

    LDS Church leaders have made too many mistakes to be considered inspired.


    Reasons to agree: +


    1. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they advocated the practice of Polygamy.

    2. LDS Church leaders have often prophesied things that did not happen. +2

    3. The treatment by LDS leaders to Black men indicates that the church is not inspired +0

    4. Whenever the LDS Church changes doctrine, they admit they made a mistake in the past. The LDS Church has changed doctrines too much for people to worry about following it

    5. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they taught the Adam-God Theory. 

    6. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they said the Catholic Church was the "Great and Abominable Church of Satan". 

    7. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they denied blacks the priesthood until 1978.

    8. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they prevented women from giving prayers in Sacrament meetings until 1978. 


    Reasons to disagree:

    1. Inspiration does not mean infallibility: LDS Church leaders, being human, are susceptible to making mistakes. These mistakes do not necessarily invalidate their inspiration.
    2. Contextual interpretation: Some actions that are now viewed as mistakes were considered appropriate or necessary within their historical context.
    3. Evolution of doctrines: Changes in doctrines could be seen as signs of growth and evolution, not necessarily mistakes.
    4. Divine timing: Some could argue that changes, such as the inclusion of black men and women in different church roles, came about in the divine timing of God, not at the discretion of church leaders.
    5. Spiritual confirmation: Many followers claim to have received personal spiritual confirmation of the inspiration of the leaders.

    Books that agree/disagree:

    1. Agree: "No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith" by Fawn M. Brodie offers a critical look at LDS Church history.
    2. Disagree: "Lengthen Your Stride: The Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball" by Edward L. Kimball provides a faith-affirming perspective of LDS Church leadership.

    The interest of those who agree/disagree:

    1. Agree Those who have experienced or observed actions by the LDS Church that they believe were harmful or wrong. This might include former members or critics of the church.
    2. Disagree Current members of the LDS Church who maintain a strong faith and belief in the divine inspiration of the church's leaders.

    Unstated assumptions:

    1. Agree: This viewpoint assumes that making mistakes is incompatible with being divinely inspired. It also assumes that doctrinal changes are admissions of past mistakes.
    2. Disagree: This viewpoint assumes that human beings, even if inspired, can make mistakes. It also assumes that changes in doctrines or policies can be reflective of divine inspiration and guidance, adapting to changing societal contexts.

    People are born gay. It is wrong to discriminate against people for the way they are born.

    Reasons to agree: +
    1. There are biological differences in gay men and lesbians
    2. Biological differences in gay men and lesbians have been observed, suggesting a genetic component.
    3. Studies show that sexual orientation is not a choice.
    4. Discrimination based on sexual orientation violates human rights and promotes inequality.


    1. Some believe that sexual orientation is influenced by environmental factors and upbringing.
    2. Some religious or cultural beliefs argue against homosexuality, leading to discrimination.

    Books that agree: +
    1. "Gay, Straight, and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation" by Simon LeVay
    2. "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion" by Jonathan Haidt
    Books that disagree: -
    1. "Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth" by Jeffrey Satinover


    Scriptures that agree: +
    1. Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

    Scriptures that disagree: -
    1. Leviticus 18:22: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination."

    Images That agree: +
    1. Political Cartoons: Cartoons showcasing the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, such as those by political cartoonist Mike Luckovich.
    2. Photojournalism: Images from Pride parades around the world or historic moments, like the Stonewall riots, can depict the struggle and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
    1. Political Cartoons: Cartoons depicting a traditional family structure (a father, a mother, and children) or those illustrating debates around the implications of redefining marriage.

    2. Photojournalism: Photos of traditional family units, with a male and female parent, often with children, engaging in family activities. These images might be used to represent their viewpoint on the ideal family structure.

    1. LGBTQ+ community and their allies who seek to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.
    2. Human rights advocates who promote equal treatment for all people.
    3. Promoting equality and inclusivity for all people regardless of sexual orientation.
    4. Ensuring human rights and protection from discrimination. 
    Valid Interest of those who disagree: -
    1. Individuals with strong religious or cultural beliefs that condemn homosexuality.
    2. Those who believe that sexual orientation is a choice or can be changed.
    3. Upholding religious or cultural beliefs and traditions.
    4. Concerns about the perceived impact of homosexuality on society.



    Videos That agree: +
    1. "Milk" (2008)
    2. "Brokeback Mountain" (2005) 
    1. "The Third Way" (2014)

    1. Focus on the Family (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/)

    Podcast that agree: +
    1. "Making Gay History" by Eric Marcus
    2. "One From the Vaults" by Morgan M Page 
    Podcast that disagree: -
    1. "The BreakPoint Podcast" by John Stonestreet and G. Shane Morris

    Unbiased Experts who agree: +
    1. Dr. Simon LeVay, neuroscientist and author
    2. Dr. Dean Hamer, geneticist 
    Unbiased Experts who disagree: -
    1. Dr. Paul McHugh, psychiatrist
    2. Dr. Jeffrey Satinover, psychiatrist and author

    Unstated assumptions in agreeing/disagreeing:
    Agreement:
    1. Assumes that being born gay is a natural and immutable characteristic.
    2. Assumes that discrimination based on sexual orientation is unjust.
    Disagreement:
    1. Assumes that sexual orientation can be influenced by factors other than genetics.
    2. Assumes that religious or cultural beliefs justify discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.




    # of reasons to agree: +0


    # of reasons to disagree: -0


    # of reasons to agree with reasons to agree: +0


    # of reasons to agree with reasons to disagree: -0


    Total Idea Score: 0





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    Common Interest:

    Opposing Interest:



    Related arguments: