It is strange, looking back over recent US presidencies and who did what

Kennedy (democrat) notorious womanizer and bay of pigs

Johnson (democrat) upped from VP brought about the Vietnam conflict and oversaw the anti-segregation policies.

Trick Dickie Nixon (republican) will never be listed among the finest but he did initiate dialogue with China at a time of high mutual suspicions and thus, could be seen as the instigator of the changes we enjoy today, the fruits of increased trade.

Ford (republican) although never elected on the ticket (he replaced Agnew), he was a remarkable president who determined the limits of power of institutions like CIA. He also oversaw significant domestic legislation including remedial action for the US Recession of 1975, extended facilities for handicapped kids and signed the withdraw from Vietnam which Kennedy/Johnson commenced and of course, signed the Helsinki accords.

Carter (democrat) Iranian hostages, Camp David accords (still awaiting the outcome), armed Afghani guerillas and of course, did not get elected for a second term.

Reagan (republican) elected in the most convincing and absolute landslide against the presidential incumbent, Carter.
Reagan was the colossus, broke the will and threat of the USSR. Changed US economic philosophy, introduced the idea of smaller government.

Bush (republican) liberation of Kuwait and introduced NAFTA.

Clinton (democrat) was the inheritor of the work initiated by Reagan and Bush (largely because the republican vote was split, thanks to Ross Perot) signed off NAFTA. gay rights, HR 4855 (a policy of regime change for Iraq). bombing in the Balkans, Whitewater, was infamous for not having “sex” with anyone.

Bush (republican) followed on from Clinton with a policy of regime change in Iraq and did something about it. Initiated significant education and health priorities, things which democrats are supposed to be the champions of (but Clinton’s (or was it Hilary’s) health initiatives never got off the ground)

it would seem to me, the republicans, despite being the 'conservatives' are more instrumental in instigating real change than the democrats,

The democrats are just better at "talking the talk" and pandering to the emotions.

Dear Col,

You don't seem capable of presenting a "balanced"
and an educated point of view for a Forum such
as this one. Take the Yalta Conference, as an
example, which resulted in many victims.

It is not a separate event from the one you
accuse me of "whining" about in a previous post,
The victims
of Yalta, were a direct result of the
Yalta Conference, and the agreement signed
between the Americans, British, and Russians.

Also, It does not surprise me that your
American friends
think along the same lines as yourself.

Having lived and worked in the United States
for nine and a half years, I too am quite familiar
with American politics. I actually experienced it
first hand.

I won't give you a list of all the achievements of the
Democratic Party here, even though its achievments
in the way of reforms constitute a miracle of
legislative progress.

I will simply state that Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton -
are both qualified to be President and Sarah Palin is not.
Obama did not run on his race, and Clinton did not run on her
gender, but Palin was picked solely because she is a
female. Even many Republicans squirmed at McCain's crassness.

Barack Obama having received the Democratic nomination,
Americans and freedom-loving people everywhere honour his
individual achievment, appreciate his impressive abilities
independent of his race, yet also welcome this breakthrough
for people of colour and oppressed minorities everywhere.

Similarly, as long as Sarah Palin appears more like Al Gore
than Dan Quayle, she might be fine.

You and I obviously will not agree on very much at all.
We see things from a totally different perspective.
And, that's allright as well.

People should rise and fall on their merits, but in this
imperfect world, if they bring their subgroup a little more
pride and standing, that is an added bonus.

Cheers.

I wish, you all could look past your own noses and the media, and see the diversional tactics being played out.It is also easy to become 'in-paled' by the beautiful face of Palin.

Skull&Bones have already decided who is going to be President.

More attention given to Dr.Ron Paul would serve the American people better, for he is FOR the Constitution and not against it, like all the others.

Past and present presidents need to be imprisoned for war crimes and "drugs for arms" smuggling.

Go Ron Paul

American presedential race has turned into TV drama... a mix of The West Wing and Desperate Housewife!It doesnt get much more childish than that!

Go,Obama,go!!

socratease

Good on ya Col! do you really want us to think you believe Johnson started the Vietnam war?
Your Friends in America are in for a disappointment.

Foxy “You don't seem capable of presenting a "balanced"
and an educated point of view for a Forum such
as this one.”

Why?

Because I have dared to disagree with you?

That is a most immature attitude, lacking “balance” and as for “educated”, well, not in a blue fit….

“I will simply state that Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton -
are both qualified to be President and Sarah Palin is not.”

Because you decide to discount a person, despite her having been tested in an executive position and being qualified to stand as candidate for public office,

according to you, she is not “qualified”, presumably lacking “Merit”, to do the role,

Who tested your qualifications to make that statement in the first place?

Certainly no one “Educated” in the democratic processes.

You “simply state”, without analysis, reference or explanation (Stalin style),

Whilst I reviewed some significant events experienced during the tenures of different presidents

But according to you, despite my reference to history, it does not deem me as “capable” to “present” here?

That, Foxy reflects neither a balanced or educated observation, on your part, just arrogance.

“You and I obviously will not agree on very much at all.”

I certainly disagree with your adoption of grand hubris

But I unreservedly, support the process which allows you to express your disagreement with me, it is a shame you fall short of similar standards,

regardless of how naïve, imbalanced or uneducated a view it may be.

Regarding Yalta:

The mass murder of the repatriated populations to USSR was not anticipated by the allies.

But you seem more intent on criticizing and blaming a lack of foresight by the West, whilst avoiding any criticism of the murderous and despicable actions of Stalin and his socialist swill.

“if they bring their subgroup a little more pride and standing,”

One way or another, we all belong to a subgroup of some sort, so I fail to see your point.

Critically, your post is too deficient in “balance” and “education” to make it a worthwhile contribution to this of any other forum.