Now, I could go on for pages about what I feel about this President and his administration, but I have to believe that you have heard it all before and that, at this point, it is redundant. What I would like to do instead is talk a little about the Ticket running against President Bush. I believe that John Kerry and John Edwards are exactly the men America needs right now to lead us into a positive, hopeful, secure and prosperous future. I believe very deeply that the doctrine of fear, division and violence that characterize the policies of this administration, are doing nothing to make us safer or stronger. On the contrary.

John Kerry has been in a war: a nasty, controversial and violent war. He performed with extraordinary bravery on countless occasions in that war. He has killed, and seen his friends die, in the name of America. Neither of his opponents have gotten close to that life-changing experience. That alone, I believe, qualifies him to lead our country in a time of threat and crisis such as we are facing now. He knows how important it is to have a clear moral purpose and strategic vision if you are going to let loose those "dogs of War," and he knows the horrible cost when those things are lacking. He knows from experience how impossible such an enterprise becomes if the rest of the world distrusts and disavows your motives. Vietnam taught him that War is too terrible to leave to others. We must all take responsibility for the cost and we must all determine for ourselves the moral imperative of such a final action. He did more than his duty in Vietnam, but, when he was done, he looked again at the "whys" and "wherefores" of this war and found them lacking. Every bit as courageous as his actions "in country," so were his actions afterwards. The Founding fathers themselves made it abundantly clear in the Constitution of this great Nation, that it is both courageous and patriotic to question and challenge the actions of our government when they appear misguided, immoral or wrong. Kerry, once again, showed his strength and patriotism when he spoke out against the Vietnam war.

When he was told, as we all were, by his Commander in Chief and President that Iraq was behind the horror of 9/11 and that Saddam was readying a stockpile of deadly weapons to unleash another attack, Kerry gave his support for a war against this imminent threat. When the pretext was revealed as a mistake, or worse, he withdrew that support: never of the troops, but of the war. He would have been both stupid and stubborn to have done otherwise. He was devastated by the cost in human life, our friendships abroad and the respect of the world. His Commanding officers had fooled him again, and once again he had to watch Americans die in vain. Can anyone believe that these are the actions of a weak man?!! John Kerry will NEVER let Americans die in vain again. Neither will he avoid the sacrifice when it is necessary. He has been there. He knows the difference.

Here is another reason we need John Kerry, now more than ever. He is a genius at building coalitions: his colleagues in the senate have often pointed this out as his strength. Terrorism is a Global menace. It is hubris and mistaken to see it as a uniquely American problem. Tell the poor people of Bali or Madrid that only America has a "war against terrorism." The rest of the world saw that our country was using Terrorism and the tragedy of 9/11 as a pretext for invading Iraq for our own agenda, whether it was Oil or revenge or whatever. The respect, sympathy and solidarity that the nations of this earth showed us on Sept.12th morphed, overnight, into disgust, distrust and disillusionment when we abandoned all reason and diplomacy to wage our own private war in Iraq. We know now, or should, that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, nor were they stockpiling weapons of mass destruction. The world begged us to listen, to see reason, to trust our friends, and we shrugged them off. John Kerry is adamant that this isolationist, "go it alone" policy is in fact putting us in greater danger than ever. To combat a global and insidiuous enemy, you need global cooperation and trust. He will deliver on this promise as soon as he is elected, and we will be safer.

John Kerry believes passionately in the future of this country and that means no more nor less than its children. An Education policy needs more than some vague "No child Left behind" slogan that comes with no funds and no real plan. Every child will be contributing to the future of his or her country one way or another: some by overloading the jails and taxing the fabric of society, others by unleashing their vision, effort and uniqueness on all aspects of our world. The education of the next generation is the single most important issue facing any society and John Kerry knows this and will make this a cornerstone of his administration. John Kerry and John Edwards are men of vision and optimism. The time could not be more perfect. The start of this millennium taught us some harsh, devastating lessons in what the next century could be about. Let us not choose to make it about fear, violence, hubris and hate: let us choose the path of Strength, Prosperity and Respect. I urge you to vote. I hope you vote for John Kerry and John Edwards.

As always, I am not shy about my position and I hope you will not be. I welcome responses and comments and am especially pleased to hear from those that disagree with me. Informed debate and argument is what made this country a model for all others. . .so bring it ON!

ADDENDUM: 28 september, 2004

Though I am not shy about who I am voting for, my primary goal in setting up this particular soapbox, was to get people to vote in the upcoming election. Someone with a powerful voice in America is Oprah Winfrey. Today she had a show on emphasizing why it is so important to vote, encouraging young people, minorities, people who have never voted because they think it doesn't affect them, and women especially to vote and making sure that this group of people knows that they can decide who wins in this upcoming election, and by doing so, change the world. For all of the people that said that their vote didn't count because politicians didn't pay attention to them, she pointed out that if everyone who feels that way voted, the politicians would have no choice but to start paying attention to them. The things that she focused on are worth repeating here, because her point was, you lose your voice if you do not vote.

She has a page on her website that helps people facilitate getting registered to vote and I am going to include that here. I urge you to register and vote on November 2nd. Don't let other people make decisions for you, your families, your futures. 32 state registration deadlines are October 2nd - 8th. When is yours? This is Oprah's register to vote help page and this is part of what she has to say on women voting.

It won't make a difference? Baloney. Don't have time? Make time. In the last presidential election 22 million single women didn't vote. 537 votes in Florida decided the 2000 election. Every person counts. Tell your friends. Tell your friends to tell their friends. Make a difference in 2004.

I've said it many times on the show—if you're a woman in America, you're one of the luckiest women on the planet. There's no other place on Earth where a woman has the freedom and the choices that we take for granted every single day….

You have the freedom to educate yourself.
Even more importantly, you can give your children an education.
You can give them the food and clothing they need.
You can choose to be married…or not.
You can walk beside your husband or significant other…not behind him.
You can drive a car—whether it's to your child's soccer game or to the work you choose to pursue.
You can wear the clothes you choose.
You can wear makeup and style your hair any way you want.
You can be a stay–at–home mother. You can go to work. You can do both.
You can speak your mind.
You can choose the people who represent what you believe.

As women in America, we have richness of choice few other women can even dream of. Let's cherish that.

For all the women around the world who don't have the choices we do—honor yours.

Choose to vote on November 2nd. Pass it on. click here to email this letter

E–mail this letter to all the women you know who cherish their freedoms.

— Oprah

ADDENDUM: 17 september, 2004

I have just read this Op-Ed from Mr. Keillor about this election and I do not believe anyone could put it all more plainly, eloquently and exhaustively as he has.

Something has gone seriously haywire with the Republican Party. Once, it was the party of pragmatic Main Street businessmen in steel-rimmed spectacles who decried profligacy and waste, were devoted to their communities and supported the sort of prosperity that raises all ships. They were good-hearted people who vanquished the gnarlier elements of their party, the paranoid Roosevelt-haters, the flat Earthers and Prohibitionists, the antipapist antiforeigner element. The genial Eisenhower was their man, a genuine American hero of D-Day, who made it OK for reasonable people to vote Republican. He brought the Korean War to a stalemate, produced the Interstate Highway System, declined to rescue the French colonial army in Vietnam, and gave us a period of peace and prosperity, in which (oddly) American arts and letters flourished and higher education burgeoned?and there was a degree of plain decency in the country. Fifties Republicans were giants compared to today?s. Richard Nixon was the last Republican leader to feel a Christian obligation toward the poor.

In the years between Nixon and Newt Gingrich, the party migrated southward down the Twisting Trail of Rhetoric and sneered at the idea of public service and became the Scourge of Liberalism, the Great Crusade Against the Sixties, the Death Star of Government, a gang of pirates that diverted and fascinated the media by their sheer chutzpah, such as the misty-eyed flag-waving of Ronald Reagan who, while George McGovern flew bombers in World War II, took a pass and made training films in Long Beach. The Nixon moderate vanished like the passenger pigeon, purged by a legion of angry white men who rose to power on pure punk politics. "Bipartisanship is another term of date rape," says Grover Norquist, the Sid Vicious of the GOP. "I don't want to abolish government. I simply want to reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub." The boy has Oedipal problems and government is his daddy.

The party of Lincoln and Liberty was transmogrified into the party of hairy-backed swamp developers and corporate shills, faith-based economists, fundamentalist bullies with Bibles, Christians of convenience, freelance racists, misanthropic frat boys, shrieking midgets of AM radio, tax cheats, nihilists in golf pants, brownshirts in pinstripes, sweatshop tycoons, hacks, fakirs, aggressive dorks, Lamborghini libertarians, people who believe Neil Armstrong?s moonwalk was filmed in Roswell, New Mexico, little honkers out to diminish the rest of us, Newt's evil spawn and their Etch-A-Sketch president, a dull and rigid man suspicious of the free flow of information and of secular institutions, whose philosophy is a jumble of badly sutured body parts trying to walk. Republicans: The No.1 reason the rest of the world thinks we're deaf, dumb and dangerous.

Rich ironies abound! Lies pop up like toadstools in the forest! Wild swine crowd round the public trough! Outrageous gerrymandering! Pocket lining on a massive scale! Paid lobbyists sit in committee rooms and write legislation to alleviate the suffering of billionaires! Hypocrisies shine like cat turds in the moonlight! O Mark Twain, where art thou at this hour? Arise and behold the Gilded Age reincarnated gaudier than ever, upholding great wealth as the sure sign of Divine Grace.

Here in 2004, George W. Bush is running for reelection on a platform of tragedy?the single greatest failure of national defense in our history, the attacks of 9/11 in which 19 men with box cutters put this nation into a tailspin, a failure the details of which the White House fought to keep secret even as it ran the country into hock up to the hubcaps, thanks to generous tax cuts for the well-fixed, hoping to lead us into a box canyon of debt that will render government impotent, even as we engage in a war against a small country that was undertaken for the president's personal satisfaction but sold to the American public on the basis of brazen misinformation, a war whose purpose is to distract us from an enormous transfer of wealth taking place in this country, flowing upward, and the deception is working beautifully.

The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the few is the death knell of democracy. No republic in the history of humanity has survived this. The election of 2004 will say something about what happens to ours. The omens are not good.

Our beloved land has been fogged with fear?fear, the greatest political strategy ever. An ominous silence, distant sirens, a drumbeat of whispered warnings and alarms to keep the public uneasy and silence the opposition. And in a time of vague fear, you can appoint bullet-brained judges, strip the bark off the Constitution, eviscerate federal regulatory agencies, bring public education to a standstill, stupefy the press, lavish gorgeous tax breaks on the rich.

There is a stink drifting through this election year. It isn't the Florida recount or the Supreme Court decision. No, it?s 9/11 that we keep coming back to. It wasn't the "end of innocence," or a turning point in our history, or a cosmic occurrence, it was an event, a lapse of security. And patriotism shouldn?t prevent people from asking hard questions of the man who was purportedly in charge of national security at the time.

Whenever I think of those New Yorkers hurrying along Park Place or getting off the No.1 Broadway local, hustling toward their office on the 90th floor, the morning paper under their arms, I think of that non-reader George W. Bush and how he hopes to exploit those people with a little economic uptick, maybe the capture of Osama, cruise to victory in November and proceed to get some serious nation-changing done in his second term.

This year, as in the past, Republicans will portray us Democrats as embittered academics, desiccated Unitarians, whacked-out hippies and communards, people who talk to telephone poles, the party of the Deadheads. They will wave enormous flags and wow over and over the footage of firemen in the wreckage of the World Trade Center and bodies being carried out and they will lie about their economic policies with astonishing enthusiasm.

The Union is what needs defending this year. Government of Enron and by Halliburton and for the Southern Baptists is not the same as what Lincoln spoke of. This gang of Pithecanthropus Republicanii has humbugged us to death on terrorism and tax cuts for the comfy and school prayer and flag burning and claimed the right to know what books we read and to dump their sewage upstream from the town and clear-cut the forests and gut the IRS and mark up the constitution on behalf of intolerance and promote the corporate takeover of the public airwaves and to hell with anybody who opposes them.

This is a great country, and it wasn't made so by angry people. We have a sacred duty to bequeath it to our grandchildren in better shape than however we found it. We have a long way to go and we're not getting any younger.

Dante said that the hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who in time of crisis remain neutral, so I have spoken my piece, and thank you, dear reader. It's a beautiful world, rain or shine, and there is more to life than winning.

ADDENDUM: 12 august, 2004

Just one more thought that I wanted to throw into this fascinating and evolving debate. I hear a lot about "Democracy" being the great "gift" that we Americans can give to the world. I hear a lot about how by exporting Democracy, we are exporting "Freedom" to enslaved peoples....what a load of poppy-cock!!

In effect, Democracy means " the rule of the majority." One man, one vote: you exercise your right to vote: the majority decides the outcome. Right? Do you have any idea how many atrocities, persecutions, injustices have been committed in the name of The Majority? What if Democratic elections in Iraq were to return a Fundamentalist Islamic Party to power, which then proceeded to persecute other religions and impose restrictions on the minorities? If the majority decided, then that's Democracy right?

What everyone seems to be missing is that the beauty of the American Constitution, the shining light that America offers as an example in the world, is that it protects the Rights of the MINORITY, not the majority. The Bill of Rights insures certain" inalienable rights" including "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" to ALL people. This is why there is separation of Church and State, this is why we are not allowed to imprison people without trial, this is why I and many others are concerned for the future of our country.

Look beyond a simplistic sound-bite about freedom and Democracy and you will see what the real battle for the soul of America is about.

The problem is that we have not yet successfully engaged the debate at home, or we would not have millions of children on the streets, desperately pursuing the next meal, let alone life, liberty and happiness. Until we are able to face up to the failed promise of our forefathers here at home, until we roll up our sleeves and put away greed and ego, until we banish the imprisonment of hunger and poverty on our own streets, how can we hope to export what America promises to the rest of the world?

ADDENDUM: 2 august, 2004

I'm so glad to have stirred up the opinions that have come in, as clearly I'm not the only one that thinks this election is important, I can't remember when politics has been so divisive since the civil war. Unfortunately however, the level of debate on this soapbox has deteriorated into personal attacks and lengthy harangues. Up until this point, we have allowed this very heated religious debate that has ensued amongst you, however, this is not the forum for proselytizing. It is also not a forum for linking to websites or books. A lot of responses were not put up because they were just regurgitating other people's opinions, rather than your own. We would like to keep the soapbox open, but In the interest of decorum and a return to the civilized discourse, we are asking you to keep your answers BRIEF, reply in your OWN WORDS and not with recommendations to read a book or go to a website, and please refrain from the personal attacks towards someone else's opinion who has responded in the soapbox. That said, feel free to comment on what I have written and let ME have it!

26 july, 2004

I recently had the honor of appearing with Arianna Huffington at a fund raiser for John Kerry and John Edwards and of all the "talking heads" out there right now, this is the one I respect most of all. If I suddenly lost the power of speech (God forbid!) I would be satisfied to have Arianna do all my talking for me! This is her website. Check it out.

Not registered to vote and not sure what to do? Click on any of the banners below to get help and information!

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As always, I welcomed your thoughts whether you agreed with me or not. Here is what you had to say. These were your opinions, that you wrote in, as a reaction to what I had written above.

Dear Charlie,

Well, I don't see how anyone in their right mind could POSSIBLY vote for George Bush, so there you go! One thing I have found about Americans this year is that whoever you are for, you are passionate for them and passionately against the other candidate. I don't know anyone who is undecided or dispassionate.

Your soapbox may be contentious, but you make it very clear that you are voicing your opinions but yet You have included as many people's opinions that disagree with you as those who do agree with you. I have found it fair and applaud you and every other celebrity that has found the passion about our great country to encourage people to vote. I do not know anyone that is NOT voting this year.

I have discussions with my friends and our parents and grandparents about the issues to make sure that we are informed voters. Here in California, we have so many other things to vote for than just the candidates. The passion of the celebrities that have targeted my generation, 18-20 somethings has encouraged us to vote and that is what all of us are doing. We are intelligent and have made up our own minds as to who we vote for, but we have been encouraged to be passionate about the issues that will affect our whole lives. We hope that our voices will be heard. One thing about President Bush you have to give him. He has gotten people passionate about the issues and this country again. We were a country that stood behind our President after 9/11 and we are now a country divided by the issues, by the war, because of terrorism, but I hope that there will be a clear winner tonight and that people that never voted before, or who thought that their voices do not count will be helping to make that decision. Regardless of who wins, we should stand behind our President to present a united front to the rest of the world. And if it isn't your guy, then get involved to make the changes that this country needs. I can only speak for my friends and co-workers, but we are all voting. My polling place had lines that went around the block this morning and no one was impatient, because our places of employment cannot hassle us for taking time out to vote.

I am a proud American. I only wish that the popular vote had more impact in this country. I understand the electoral college, but feel that we need great reform in this country to have a fair voting system. I do not understand how everyone does not vote with the same method. I can only hope that within the next 4 years, we will all have the same means of voting no matter where we live. I fear that we will have so many legal issues because of the states that are still using the "hanging chad" ballots and the electronic Diebold machines in Florida that have no paper trail and the fact that the head of Diebold admitted publicly that he will make sure that the votes go to President Bush. in fact, several people in Florida have already complained that they voted for Kerry, but in the review of their ballots, it showed Bush.

I agree that this is the most important electon because the next President will be appointing Supreme Court Justices that could move our country forward or take it back many, many years.

We are all asking each other "Did you vote?" and no one wants to hear "No, i couldn't be bothered." I don't think we will. I hope that in my lifetime, politics will be more about reality than political spinning and BS. I hope that some of my generation will become involved in making this a better world and that we will have elected officials of all races and religions and both genders and no one will even think twice about it.

Thanks for having this forum and for voicing your opinions and for caring about your fans. you rock the vote Charlie!!

Oftentimes, our newest citizens are also our most patriotic and fervent ones. You appear to be no exception! A couple of points I'd like to raise, tho:

1. This election is no more important, in my opinion, than those during the Vietnam era. This country was being torn apart from the inside, and only those who were around at the time can understand that.

2. Although I agree with many of your opinions, I prefer they be stated in a less contentious manner.

3. MY vote-on the national level-DOES NOT count! Indiana's 13 electoral votes are meaningless, nationally. The electoral college must be abolished, and soon. The Founding Fathers ( wealthy, white, landowning males) created a system that afforded only citizens of their own class & gender the vote. Although the system has been partially modified, one person, one vote still hasn't been achieved. Sadly, we don't have a true democracy.

I will vote as always for many state & local candidates, but I'll have to watch the big story from the sidelines.

Charlie,

Although I love ya, I can hardly wait until tomorrow so my husband and I can go vote for President Bush. The more I see your soapbox, the more resolute I become on where I should put my confidence, and it certainly isn't in John Kerry. Just look at that man's resume!!!! I know from everything I have seen and heard, that no one wants to vote for John Kerry. They couldn't--they just hate President Bush so much they would vote for Donald Duck if he were on the ballot. Kerry has no plan whatsoever for this country and what to do about its present situation. There is so much anger and hatred for President Bush--calling him a "cowboy" and such for which I take great umbrage being from Texas. That is a slap in my face!!!!! A vote for John Kerry in my opinion is just a vote of hatred for President Bush. He is a wonderful man and has a wonderful family which is much more than can be said of John Kerry!!!!!

President Bush has mapped out his plans for this country, and all John Kerry can do is say "I have a plan, I have a plan, I have a plan, I have a plan, I have a plan, I have a plan", but as yet I have not heard the specifics of one plan that man has for our country. Oh, yes, his plan is that he be called "President Kerry"!!!!!! Talking about a mess!!!! If he, God forbid, becomes President of the United States, God help us all!!!!

His wife is full of sarcasm for the "common man" as she calls us ordinary people, and they (the Kerrys) have no idea whatsoever about what the life of an ordinary person is like. I'm sorry to sound so bitter, but over several weeks this is the way your soapbox has made me start to feel. Especially, my President being called "cowboy" and my God's name being stomped in the mud. I also resent being called "scumbag" by Teresa Heinz Kerry. She is an insult to the women of our country.

Well, tomorrow (well, it's after midnight here, so I guess that makes it today) it will all be over except counting the votes, and I dread seeing what all that will bring about. I hope President Bush wins by a good margin so courts won't get involved, but there is so much passion in this election, who knows what will happen.

Again, I'm so sorry about sounding so bitter, but in Texas cowboys are put on a pedestal, and I take exception to a fellow Texan being called that in the context in which President Bush was called the same. I love cowboys and I think they should be esteemed in the highest manner.

Again, I love ya, Charlie, but enough is enough. If John Kerry becomes President, I think I will do as Barbra and so many of the Hollywood elite threatened to do if President Bush became President. I think I will move to England for the next 4 - 8 years. No, I don't want to leave Texas, but as the Hollywood elite said about President Bush, John Kerry will never be my President!!!!!!!

I know this sounds trite after my passionate letter, but I do send best regards to you and your family and I hope God blesses you in every way.

Yes, Mr. Shaughnessy, I will be voting tomorrow morning and I will be casting my vote for President Bush.

I have lived in the State of Massachusetts for over 50 years. Twenty of those years I have observed Senator Kerry doing nothing for the State he was to represent and to be honest with you until someone can tell me what in the world Senator Kerry has done these past twenty years, I am going to support President Bush. Whether you believe in what he has done, or what he intends to do or not, at least we all know what he stands for.

Mr. Shaughnessy, please without the rhetoric, what exactly has Senator Kerry done for the past twenty years? Do you know?

Thank you for the forum in which a person can express their frustration because I am surely frustrated with the Kerry supporters who can't figure out what the man has been doing for twenty years.

I appreciate your work (Mr. Sheffield) but your politics leaves me baffled.

Mr. Shaughnessy,

First of all let me thank you for providing a forum such as this for all of us air our views.? Secondly, it's nice to see someone in the public eye to be vocal about their beliefs.

I have already done my part and voted by absentee ballot, and I can proudly say that I voted for Senator?s Kerry and Edwards.? It was nice to have the Democratic party call and make sure that we received our ballots and if we needed any help in getting filed.

Now to air my views.? As I have stated in previous posts to your soapbox I am a devout Democrat and VERY proud of it!!? Also, I am a Roman Catholic just like Senator Kerry, and I agree with his views completely.? The local Archbishop here in Colorado has been very vocal and public about his feelings on the issues (mainly abortion); now my question is what ever happened to the separation of church and state?? It appears to me that this went out the window about 3 1/2 years ago along with a lot of other things such as truth and understanding.? As a Catholic, I firmly believe that abortion is wrong, but you CAN NOT govern what a person can or can't do with their own body.? If a woman wants an abortion she'll do it weather it?s legal or not.? We shouldn?t revert back to the "back alley" practice; we should make sure that it's safe.

Senator Kerry's plans on the economy, education, and health care are very well thought out and appear to be headed in the right direction.? I can honestly tell you that even though we are hearing how the economy is rebounding, I don?t see it.? The unemployment rate is going up and so are the taxes.? As for education, I agree with you when you stated that John Kerry believes in the future of this country and the cornerstone of the belief is the children.? How can we have any hope for this country if our children are uneducated or held back from reaching their full potential?? The "No child left behind" program is nothing more than a slogan that has added unnecessary pressure to our teachers that are already over worked and extremely underpaid.? I can't imagine any parent that has to go without health care for themselves or any of their children.? This is not right!!? People should not be forced to forgo such a basic need such as health care because they can't afford it.

As for the war in Iraq, I am dumbfounded every day about all of the new revelations about what happened to lead us to this quagmire.? The latest coming yesterday from the Honorable Rudy Giuliani.? For a week the RNC has been saying that Senator Kerry was blaming troops for what had happened with the 380 tons of stolen explosives.? Well, this never happened, and in fact Mr. Giuliani found it necessary to publicly blame the troops for this.? Maybe I'm uninformed but what branch of the service did he serve in . . that's right he didn't!!? I won?t even go into the subject of Mr. Bush's "service" during Vietnam.? How these people can go after someone that voluntarily went to serve his country in Vietnam, for two tours no less, say he doesn't know what he?s talking about is unbelievable.

Every day it is becoming clearer that the only reason we went to war with Iraq was for their oil.? They have not had any weapons, let alone any weapons of mass destruction since the end of Desert Storm (1991).? Yet the country that boarders Iraq, Iran, has the technology and means for nuclear weapons and is not afraid to let us know that.? Also, we have a true nuclear danger in North Korea, not only do they have the technology, but they have actually tested these weapons.? The current administration evidently doesn?t not see these countries as a threat.

I hate to think what the rest of the world think of us, having "elected" Mr. Bush.? As we all saw the great out pouring of sympathy from the rest of the world after 9/11, it is so far gone because of some renegade cowboy.

Although I know we are at war, now is the best time to change leaders.

Thanks for your time.

Charlie,

I have always been a big fan of yours and I've met you on two occasions:) I have always appreciated your openness to political banter on your soapbox- however I am sorry to say that Kerry will most definitely not get my vote in 6 days. It is awesome to live in the great "swing" state of Florida!

Although your intentions are good and passion for your cause is certainly admirable, with all due respect, I believe that you, as well as other strong Democrats, are misguided. Though I live in the capital of Florida, near the governor's mansion, this city is extremely liberal and I have had many opportunities to challenge your fellow Kerrians- truthfully, other than their mutual dislike for Bush, none have been able to convince that they are voting for Kerry based on Kerry's plans or convictions, simply that he is not Bush- I don't know about you, but that is certainly not a strong foundation for a president who is wanting to turn over a new leaf. I appreciate anyone who is as fervent in their cause as you are because, even though I do not share your belief- I still have great respect for you.

It's quite impressive to read, online no less, the words of someone who is not afraid to speak up and speak out about the current state of this country. I could go on for hours, but in a nutshell, it was the Republican party who divided this country straight down the political line by declaring any and all disagreement with Bush as 'unpatriotic.' If that doesn't show their true colors, I don't know what does. All of those who so believe need to review their American history, particularly that of Theodore Roosevelt during World War I. That a citizen could pledge allegiance to their country and support the republic while at the same time disagreeing with the President is unheard of this day in age. Not possible, say the Republicans. How soon they forget what one of their own said during WWI decades ago. But as we all know, they're not interested in facts. They tend to rely on 'unfortunate oversights' and 'bad intelligence' to cover their tracks. What ARE these people getting paid for anyway??

I admit I was one of those who did - with all my being - believe that no vote that I would cast would make a difference. Whether or not our voting system is actually reliable and not just a facade to soothe the savage populous, well, I still have my doubts. But I've never been so irritated by a President before in my whopping 31 years! My father votes religiously (not literally), and is thrilled that I will be voting for the first time this election year.

As for terrorists, terrorism, and all that. What good is it to worry about other countries destroying us, when we are destroying ourselves from within our own borders?

In closing, I would like to say "The Nanny" has become one of my favorite shows rerun on Lifetime! I'm not a big fan of tv like alot of people, you know the ones who schedule their lives around the TV Guide. But I like good comedy mixed in with some good humanity. When 'Niles' got 'C.C.' to cluck like a chicken when she thought it was 'Maxwell' I just about fell off my couch! Funniest thing I'd seen in a long time!

A little humor goes a long way, and we need alot more of it.

Hi again Charlie, Hey I was just letting you know that I did my part and got out and did the early voting thing. Please people do get out and vote, I feel that if "You Don't Vote, Then Don't Complain."Anyway I had to go for John Kerry because he is willing to be a president for All Americans. I like him because he said he was not willing to change the constitution to force his beliefs on others.

Okay Charlie, I hope you and your family have a great rest of the year and I know it's a little early yet, but also have great holidays!

Bush and Co. are at it again!!

When I read that US Expats World wide who wish to vote can?t access the Website put up by the Ministry of Defence to download the necessary pers - it makes me think! Then only through the intervention of Congressmen was it put up again and then so late, that probably the ballots won?t reach the US in time. Also now only those can vote who were able to register earlier.

It?s different for the Military, and there are 50.000 of them in Germany.For every 50 soldiers ther are "Voting Assistance Officers" to help and an own Internet site for this clientel.(shouldn?t ALL voters have the same chance!!)

Higher ranking officers have said that they have been pressured from "the top " to make sure all soldiers vote.Isn?t this more or less a command to vote!

Finally when I read (in the US press and on TV)that strangely enough the voting machines aren?t working correctin Florida, and that some residents in Florida are registered twice,i.e. in another state as well and no one checks out!! THis really scares me.

So if this Administration gets in again I can only say "God Help America" and not" God Bless America" as always said. Why ? Because this system of manipulation will certainly not end.

We here in Europe, whether it?s the Expat Americans or myself an Australian living here and who has to live with the re-election of John Howard Busch?s "friend" , hope there will be a change which may bring a little peace in the Middle East as I think "the hate" isn?t against US citizens as such but the Bush Administration.Not that I think Kerry can alter his position concerning Iraq, but maybe he can get people talking again.Too many lives have been lost with Busch?s cowboy mentallity. Thank you once again Charlie for having this forum.

I have just read your Soapbox for 2004 election. This is the most beautiful explanation I have ever hear of how the Bush administration has changed our country. This is what needs to get out to all the masses who think Bush is actually protecting us instead of harming us. Have you sent this to shows like CNN, MSNBC, Meet the Press and the like. Maybe if more people hear this they will finally let it sink in. We only have a short time to go.

Dear Charlie,

I'd just like to let you and everyone else know that if you haven't done so already, you can go ahead and vote early before the november 2nd elections. I am proud to say that I just cast my first presidential ballot today at my college and it certainly felt weird casting my choice for the next president. Unfortunately I live in Texas and they did not carry Ralph Nader's name on the ballot but as a registered citizen I tried to make my vote count.

Unfortunately the down side to this is I am not very well informed when it comes to local issues. Most of the candidates for the court of appeals were republican so there was no option to vote for a different party. My suggestion to voters would be is to keep informed about the local issues in your state as well because when election day comes and you don't know who your senators or other politicians are it could prove a difficulity. I won't reveal who I voted for due ! to political tensions but please don't let anyone influence you. Make your own choice and decisions from your heart. I had someone tell me that if I didn't vote for Bush I was considered an idiot.

Anyway just thought I would share my comment. Early voting ends on the 29th....

Charlie,

It's been a few weeks since I wrote regarding the upcoming Presidential election, but I couldn't keep myself away from your "Soapbox" although I wish I could.

I was very disappointed in President Bush's first debate performance. Then I thought about what he had been doing all day. He was out on the battlegrounds of the hurricane scarred Florida peninsula doing what he could for the victims of those storms. He was emotionally and physically tired! What was Kerry doing???? Getting himself a manicure as though his brains and skills were in his finger-nails!!!

I was very well pleased with President Bush's second and third debate performances, despite the liberal media bias. He is a tireless worker for our wonderful Country and he will be the same for the next four years. Two weeks from today, Lord Willing, (as Nanny Fine would say), I will cast my lot for George W. Bush to continue to be President of the United States of America.

I would also like to say that Vice President Cheney gave a great performance in the Vice Presidential debate. I am proud to have George W. Bush and Dick Cheney as our President and Vice President.

I do very much believe in God, and I hope God continues to bless you, Charlie, your family, and all who are writing the emails to your "Soapbox". May God bless America. And if I can add the very personal note and on a lighter note, I very much enjoy "The Nanny" (as I have told you before) and your acting performance as Maxwell, with all the cast of that show. Thanks for the enjoyment and laughter you all give to so many people.

Everyone, remember to vote November 2. I'm not an eloquent writer as most of your emailers are, but I say all this from the heart. I have a husband whom I adore and two adult sons whom I love very much, and I want this Country to be led by men who are passionate about their beliefs and where they want to take this Country, and have the courage to do that mission.

No Bush Left Behind

Upon the first debate between Senator Kerry and President Bush I was shocked. Not that this had been the first time I watched Mr Bush in action, but I really have to say, Wow! He excelled himself that night. At times I thought I'd seen my first speech-trained monkey, parroting the few phrases his instructors were able to drum into him. I guess every viewer had understood already after the third mentioning what a hard, hard job it is to be president of the United States and that Senator Kerry is not apt enough for the job. However, I realise this metaphor is probably too nasty and disrespectful, and now having seen all three of the debates and a few facts wiser, I feel the need to revise my opinion or do a flip-flop as the republicans would probably call it. I?d rather draw a comparison to an uncomprehending, na?ve child left behind, for this is how he acted through all three of the debates. So I came to realise why his educational reform "No Child Left Behind" is a matter so dear to his heart (well right after oil and war anyway): George W. Bush is such a child left behind!

Example par excellence was already the first debate, where President Bush gave any impression except the one of a competent commander-in-chief. That was not a president who parried Senator Kerry?s legitimate, severe criticism on TV but an unprepared student who reacted like a child left behind ? nervous, frightened, peeved. The bewildered look on his face spoke volumes; I guess someone didn?t do his homework and this time the quick prayers to heaven weren?t much of a help, eh?

I get the same disorientated, helpless look from my students when I ask them an unexpected question they had not been ready for. And when I continue to point out the same mistakes to them again and again, they become irritated and stroppy very much like him. President Bush repeatedly dodged the initial questions and either spoke of unintelligible things (like peace valleys and gaps) or he redirected the focus on 9/11, Saddam Hussein and in the last debate particularly, "No Child Left Behind." When he knew the correct answers he blurted them impatiently out, sometimes even trying to cut Senator Kerry?s word short, as if to prove he has not really fallen that much behind. If this is the way he leads bilateral talks with other heads of states, it does not come as a surprise to me that he sees war as the only option to solve a problem.

Even more concerning and disturbing is the logic with which the current president reasons, leads his office and justifies his actions. "You cannot change positions as a leader", is a rather frightening statement to me. Changing positions he equals with opportunism and being wishy-washy. Does this mean that if you?re making a mistake you just continue doing it out of principle because otherwise you?d flip-flop? Is this the reason why Mr Bush could not come up with three mistakes in four years of administration when being requested in the second debate? All he offered was a list of things that he does not view as mistakes in spite of what others might say. Obviously Mr Bush has in contrast to Mr Kerry one hell of an issue with admitting his mistakes to himself. Now I ask you, if President Bush is not ready to admit his mistakes to himself, how shall he ever learn from them? Would this not be a desirable quality of a commander-in-chief, that he knows when he?s screwed up and will do everything in his power to fix it?

I do understand that as a leader you should reassure your people that you stand firm on your decisions and won?t falter at the slightest complication, and indeed it is probably not wise to have a real opportunist - John Kerry is not one - as a leader who wavers at the slightest political headwind, but a leader should not close his eyes at new evidence just because they don?t fit into his political agenda.

If you are a child left behind it probably makes sense to rely on the logic that so far you have got along well enough with the (little) knowledge you had before, so there is no need to review recently discovered information and acknowledge ?let alone learn! ? new facts, like for example believe UN inspectors that there did not exist weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. When you are a child left behind it probably makes even more so sense to call it a flip-flop when somebody accepts new information, fresh evidence and reliable (scientific) facts and changes his opinion according to them. In the eyes of President Bush recognizing facts equals opportunistic flip-flopping, because this is exactly what they accuse Senator Kerry of, especially in terms of the invasion of Iraq. If we apply the Bush logic to earlier events in history than the war in Iraq we find several outstanding flip-floppers, so I am relieved to know John Kerry is in fine company. In the 15th/16th century the common belief was that the earth was a flat disc and if you moved too close to its edge you?d drop off the face of earth. Imagine Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci and Fernando Magellan had not acknowledged new scientific facts and empiric evidence that the earth is a ball. What if they had all stayed home and decided against changing their minds, swimming with the mainstream? Where would you be? You wouldn?t get off every second Monday in October, you would live in the United States of Something and probably believe you belong to Asia rather than being an own continent.

Irrespective of that Mr Bush has changed his mind several times himself, one day he tells you that the terrorists will never stop trying to attack the US and we live in a dangerous place; on another day he will tell you that they got 75% of string pulling Al Quaeda members ? not to forget Saddam Hussein! ? and the world is a safer place. (For those who have wondered, a terrorist network such as Al Quaeda is of course NOT recruiting new fighters to substitute caught and fallen members. 75% of posts in Al Quaeda are left vacant for the time being but if you apply nicely when you send in your resume to Osama bin Laden, they?ll likely make an exception for you only.) If Senator Kerry is wishy-washy, then President Bush cannot make up a mind of his own. Within one debate he claimed he respects and tolerates the way two consenting adults live their lives ? mind you, only if they are not gay and married ? and then denied women their right to decide over their body and life five minutes later. And stupid me really thought for a minute he tolerated and respected.

One final thought on the war in Iraq. Senator Kerry promises to redeem the damage done to the international image by President Bush when he marched into Iraq under false pretences. I doubt he will invite other leaders with the words "Join me in the wrong war at the wrong place at the wrong time." That's Bush logic and what Bush would say. There are more countries, influential ones, who opposed the war than there are in the coalition of the willing, so technically I guess Mr Kerry would not even fall on death ears with a speech like that. Yet, I rather think he will try to form a strong alliance by saying something along the lines of: "President Bush has made a tremendous mistake, the United States rushed to a war they had not thought through to its end. I cannot undo it but I give you my word this will not happen again under my administration. The damage is done and all we can do is trying to fix it. We cannot do it alone, we need your help. If you join us you will benefit from your contribution, too, for this and that reason."

So my plea to the sensible, intelligent American voters therefore is, show a little environmental awareness and plant a Bush in Texas. America and the world will thank you and be the better for it. Join the "No Bush Left Behind" campaign right now. Take the child at his word and don?t leave him behind in the wild political jungle of Washington. Bring the boy home before he might get lost roaming the dark hallways of the White House at night searching for fictitious weapons. In Texas he can invite "his folks" over for a family barbecue and leave politics to those people who know something about it. (Aside note: Who else here smiled when he called the terrorists "folks" in the first debate and wondered whether that was a Freudian slip? [Those among you who have seen Fahrenheit 9/11 and know Bandar Bush will catch my drift ;-) ])

To those people who still maintain that they do not know what John Kerry stands for I say, I read all the candidates? websites and watched the TV debates, I know what he stands for. If I ? a foreigner who has not got even half the command of the English language that you native speakers have ? am able to understand, you sure as hell should be. Get yourself educated there, form an opinion and then vote to the best of your knowledge in November.

Charlie, First of all, let me say that I am proud to live in a country that makes it possible for us to be doing this right now and although I don't share your opinion, as well as many of those who have responded on this soapbox, I have respect for your passion and concern. I have more respect for someone with polar-opposite views from my own than someone with luke-warm sentiment and dispassionate feelings who doesn't care to comprehend the vitality of this election. I will first say that when I was 19 yrs old I cast my first presidential vote for Al Gore and I was the first to begrudge George W. Bush from taking his sacred oath. Although I voted, I am not proud to say that I was not an informed voter. To me, if you are just voting to fulfill your "civic duty" with no no rationale for the who and why of the two candidates, please, do us all a favor and don't vote at all.

I do not come from a wealthy family, and I had always believed the misguided stereotype that the "Democrats look out for the poor people, they stand up for the blue-collar society, protect our environment, etc." and that Republicans were high-and-mighty, only protect ourselves and our money, to hell with the environment, etc." I had no particular reason to question this. The attacks on America 9/11/01 opened my eyes to the crisis in our country. I wanted to know why so many people hated America? Why? I started searching for answers, reading books, watching every news channel (CNN, FOX-News, MSNBC) to get the full picture. Trust me, it's not easy finding truth within such a liberal media and it's definitely not easy when you're a student in the state university system. I have transformed into a moderate conservative, but I'm by not means an ultra-right winger.

I cannot tell you how many college students I encounter every day that have no idea about politics, no clue as to what the candidates core views are, but they all seem to support Kerry? Why is this? Well, there are several answers.Micheal Moore just spoke at Florida State University a few weeks ago- I know people who had no clue about politics who left that rally filled with hate and bitterness. They are so vulernable to these people like Moore who prey upon their ignorance, their naivity and ideologies. I will be the first to say that I agree with many of the DNC's ideals, however, we don't live in a world that wants to cooperate with us the way we would like- the world does not play fair- not everyone shares the good samaritan, christian-based humanities of the good 'ole U.S.A.- this is unfortunate, but true. And as we open up our society to so much liberalness and lose the core fundamentals of the founding fathers, the morals our society was based upon, good common-sense even, we're leaving the door wide-open to be overrun by ideals far, far different from our own who would love to impress a lasting and devasting influence on our culture. If we are trying to recreate the moralistic and democratic society of yester-year, we are definitely not going to get there with John Kerry. Does everyone think that he is going to sprinkle his magic-fairy dust on Amercia in January, suddenly changing everyone's lives for the better. He will change our lives, the fabric of our society,that's for certain, but not for the better.

There is no sense supplying the sources for my beliefs because I feel it it every American's duty to investigate unbiased sources on their own and make a sound and INFORMED decision on November 2nd. Not a decision based on facts other people have researched for you and whatever media blurbs you have been exposed to- do your research so you know exactly what you're voting for in two weeks. Please.

This post is in response to a couple comments I've read here recently. I am a Christian and I have freely voiced my opinion using this forum. I have written responses on this current topic, ("Election 2004"), and others. I have also read both pro-Kerry and pro-Bush commentary here. There were posts that reflect the exact opposite in political philosophy, and posts that were in direct disagreement with the political opinion initially expressed by the "owner" of this forum, Charles Shaughnessy. I do not see an anti-Christian campaign, nor political bias. As I see it, each side has been given an equal opportunity to express their views in a civilized, non-confrontational way. :)

Now it bothers me, as a Catholic Christian, when people imply John Kerry espouses anti-Christian values. That, if you vote for John Kerry, you are not a good Christian, (alluding to Mr. Kerry's "pro-choice" stance and other social issues). With regard to Mr. Kerry's position on the abortion issue, he has stated, (most recently in the debate of October 8th), that he is "pro-life" and personally does not believe in abortion. Mr. Kerry has, however, an obligation, as a public servant who represents ALL citizens, to uphold the law of the land. President Bush has that same obligation. However, while Mr. Bush loudly proclaims his "pro-life" stance, during his tenure as governor of Texas he signed 152 execution orders. (BTW, that's the most executions by a Governor in the history of the United States.) You cannot be "pro-life" and believe in the death penalty, or abortion, or euthanasia. "Thou Shalt Not Kill" - there's not an asterisk after that commandment. :) Yes, President Bush says he is "pro-life," but he doesn't support and has under funded prenatal and postnatal medical care, child care, and other low income family and women's issues. Look at his performance. Under his leadership, the state of Texas was, (and still is), ranked dead last in every social service issue. Yet, while Governor, his response to this ranking was to push the Texas legislature in passing a 5 million dollar tax cut, . In my eyes, Mr. Bush's "pro-life" stance is a sham -- and I haven't even touched on his abysmal performance concerning current economic social justice issues, or his nonexistent concern for the environment.

I would just like to drop Charlie a note to inform him that while there was little to no doubt I would vote for Kerry, his soapbox pieces have actually done much to reinforce my decision to do so. I feel even better about my vote than I did before. And I do appreciate that. So, thank you Charlie.

I have taken time this evening to read all the responses in this forum. I see no evidence that anyone's opinions (concerning God or otherwise) have been unwelcomed by anyone, much less Charlie. Quite the contrary. Also--I strongly disagree that Kerry supports what God opposes. I believe Kerry (a Catholic) supports America's right to DECIDE their own system of faith and values for themselves, and thus allow for laws which suit such a cause. I see that as a MASSIVE difference. As the result of reading some things here that I strongly disagreed with, I felt compelled to offer this different standpoint.

Happy voting, everyone. Can't wait for November 3rd when all will be put to rest once and for all.

For months now, I have been reluctant about posting my thoughts and opinions because of my status in the military. However, I just can't keep my mouth shut any longer! What lit the fire under my touchas? Well, for starters, my young soldiers that said they weren't voting, yet they were complaining about the current Commander In Chief. Of course, watching the debates just made me hot under the collar and finally, Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11".

I just can't believe that there are people out there that won't vote. However, many of those same people complain about the president or his politics. I ask them, did you vote for the other guy? Their response, I didn't vote. Well, WHY? My own opinion is that if you didn't cast your vote, you have no right to complain. Isn't silence, agreement?

I have never been impressed with President Bush. From his last campaign, he has struck me as a puppet. This election, even more so. He is not fluid with his responses in a debate. Without a prepared speech, he is toast. He can't even lie and make it believable. I turned my back on him with the debates. "Fahrenheit 9/11" rolled it up in one neat package. There was no doctoring to the film footage that Michael Moore presented. He just dug into the news and other contacts that he has and found what he believes to be the honest truth.

Aside from 11 Sep 01, we went to WAR. I was with the 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, GA. We were one of the first units to go across the burms into Iraq, in search for WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. Guess what? Never found any. Oh, the occasional arsenal of sand missiles or housing developments and schools full of artillery rounds, but no WMD. Oh, maybe because there was no intel saying that there were any in the first place. Just go after the guy that was trying to kill daddy......I killed so many people and had several friends killed for what? Revenge?

Charlie, I just want to thank you for being courageous enough to stand up and speak your piece. Exercise your right to free speech, exercise your right to freedom. What little freedoms that apply to me as a military member, my vote is for Kerry. Bush had his chance, in my eyes, he blew it!

Dear Charlie,

There is something I dont understand. People who are clearly against the teachings of the Bible are allowed to say so on your website, but the people who are clearly for the teachings of the Bible are not allowed to post their beliefs on your website. People who say that Bush is not a Christian or he doesnt act like one and that voting for Kerry is not going against God, when a Christian who believes in the Bible and the teachings of Christ can tell you that what Kerry supports, God opposes. But people who are for the Bible and who believe in God are not allowed to say so on your website. I do not understand what the bias is, Charlie. Positiveness for God is not allowed, but negativeness towards God is? Charlie, I understand that on a personally owned website, free speech is determined by the webmaster, but I just do not understand why you would allow people to post on your website who oppose God, but not allow those of us who don't to post on your website. It's your site and you can do what you want, but to me, it makes no sense, that's all.

I've written this soapbox a few times before, because I'm really concerned about this election. I strongly believe that this election has an influence on the whole world, not only on the US. This because the US has a strong influence on the world and it seems to be getting even stronger these days. I really want to thank you for encouraging everybody to vote. I think it's so important to let your voice be heard, to let people know how you feel, where you stand. We always say, those who don't vote, have no right to complain about the things that go wrong or things they disagree with, because you didn't let the people know what you wanted when you had the chance to. So please let your voice be heard, let the government know what you want.

If I had the chance to vote, I would vote for Kerry, because I really feel he's the best man for the job. I have little to no faith at all in president Bush. Especially after seeing him ignore the rest of the world, regarding the war in Iraq, not listening to what the rest of the world had to say (to try things in a different way). Saying Iraq had al of these weapons and now they say there is no prove of these weapons even existing at all, how strange is that. Pulling a whole lot of other countries with him in this war...and for what? All these people were killed for what.... a lie (nothing)?? And during this afwull war, he totally forgot his own country, letting people live in circumstances, that shouldn't even exist.

I really hope that Kerry wins. I know a whole lot of people disagree with me and that's ok, because everyone has a right to there opinion, that's why these discussions are so much fun, you can agree to disagree and respect eachother, that's the way it should be.

Thanks very much for listening to my opinion. All my best to all of you.

First and foremost, I want to express to you how much I agree with you in your support for John Kerry. As a 23 year old, this will only be my second election. I voted for Gore four years ago and I hope to have better luck this time around! What seems to be one of the big dividers in this election that I can gather just by reading responses to your soapbox has a lot to do with religion. I'd like to take a moment and express my feeling on that and get up on the old soapbox of my own.

In my personal opinion, I just think that if some people would take their noses out of the bible long enough, they would see that a vote for Kerry is certainly not a vote against God. There is a bigger picture to look at than that. And if they looked *further* than the fact that Bush happens to be anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, or whatever other Christian "values" he supposedly lives by....they'd see that some of his catastrophic *actions* can arguably call into question how honorable of a "Christian" he truly is, was, or ever will be. Again, there is so much of a bigger picture to look at. Especially in the utter and grave situation we are living within these days.

I was raised Catholic and respect what the religion stands for. But I am fortunate enough to have the open-mind needed to see the big picture and make my vote count for the greater good. I was taught a religion that adheres to the Holy Bible. But I do not, and never would expect *anyone* else to have to do so if it does not suit them. Especially since many of these issues have proved to be highly controversial (and rightfully so) in the very modern and overwhelmingly complicated world we live in. Live and let live. If religion is your way of life, Godspeed, but respect others' right to disagree and live accordingly. That's what America stands for. That is what John Kerry stands for. And that is partly why I will surely be voting for him.

I will fully admit that I was never a Bush supporter, but was willing to give him a chance and eventually came to accept him as president. And it is after four long years of his presidency, that I feel fully justified in having the right to say that his presidency has been disappointing, disturbing, and disastrous, over all. I base that opinion on the plethora of domestic, foreign, and social circumstances we have come to live in, and of course, the actions that have been taken concerning Iraq. All far too much to fully get into, and this message seems to be long enough as it is. In any event, I say this not as a bleeding heart liberal, not as an anti-Bush fanatic, but as an American who has sat back and fully and carefully looked at the world around her for the last four years. I simply and plainly just see what I see. And what I see? Not. Good.

Thanks very much for listening, and best of luck to you in all your endeavors.

Just a bit of background on myself.......I am 40, married and the mom of 4 kids (ages 8, 4, 2 and an infant). ?I stay home and also work occassionally as a pediatric RN. ?My husband is a self employed contractor. ?We must pay for our own insurance- which does NOT cover maternity, our own social security, and whatever other taxes come along. ?We live in a 1600 square foot home in Dallas TX. ?Basically we get by. ?I also spent 9.5 years in the US Nav! y. ?I say all of this so you will hopefully get the picture that I am one of the middle class the Democrats are always saying that they want to help. ? ?

I don't get it....... The Kerry Blog says quite a bit about " A Health Plan for Every Child" ?Where is the money going to come from? They also claim "The Kerry-Edwards plan will support more resources and more reform in our schools. The plan will fully fund the No Child Left Behind Act so students have smaller classes and more textbooks. The plan will make reform work for our schools, supporting innovations in public schools like smaller schools, all-girls schools focused on math and science, and charter schools. And the plan will invest in afterschool programs so that 3.5 million children have a safe, quality place to go after school." ?(I cut and pasted directly from the Kerry campaign Web site) It sounds great but again- how is it going to be funded? ?My property taxes have almost! doubled in the 8 years I have lived here. ?The local public school is over crowed ! ?and ?understaffed. ?They do their best and I admire them but many of the children they are tasked with teaching have no English skills and little or no parental invovement. ?Money can't fix that. ?When I called the school to see about signing my four year old up for pre-K I was told it was only for children elegibale to recieve food stamps- not my child, even tho my tax dollers supprt the program. ?The Kerry camp would like to pay for after school care for 3.5 million children again- where does that money come from? My taxes. ?I am barely keeping my family afloat, why should I have to pay to take care of other children? ?

OK.... this is turning into a rant and that wasn't what I wanted. ?I really want a debate! ?Oh wait! Iraq- just a quick thought- what about the mass graves where the Iraqi government was killing those they didn't like ... wasn't that a reason to go in and stop Saddam? It is very easy to look backwards and see 20/20!

I am feeling so badly about most of the emails you are receiving and posting to your website in the "Soapbox" section. If Kerry wins this election as President of our precious United States of America, we might as well say goodbye to our wonderful country as we have known it since our founding fathers came here long ago.

May God bless you and your family and all who have written emails and most of all, God Bless America.

I have been a fan of yours for a long time and have been visiting your website for many years. I am a woman who has voted, but not because I believed in the candidate, just because of that candidate's party. I grew up with republican parents and we were told to vote republican. I started thinking that I wasn't really on board with what the republican party candidates stood for, but still voted that way because it was easier to live in my very political family by just going along with the way my parents were. I don't live with my parents anymore. After I moved out, I just became apathetic and stopped voting.

I take great umbrage with anyone who says that you should not be allowed to say whatever you want on this website and that the hollywood types should stay out of politics. And I want you to know, that not only have you caused me to realize that I have given up the most precious right that we have in this country, the freedom to vote, but this election, I have learned everything I could about what the 2 candidates stand for and I am voting my conscience and my heart.

I wish my father were still alive. I feel with all of my heart, that if stem cell research had been farther along in this country, he may not have died. I have children that I know are the future of this country and I am afraid for them. I cannot afford health care. I work 2 jobs, neither of which offer health care. I believe in God and am grateful that I have a right to choose what is best for my body.

Last night as I was about to watch the debates, which by the way, also helped with my resolve for my choice of candidate, the newscaster said, "Which candidate will be better to lead our country in this critical time of war" and all I could think about was, we shouldn't even be at war and if President Bush had not put us in this position, maybe the newscasters would be saying, "Which candidate will be better able to provide for the citizens of the United States and be keeping our country safe?"

I have friends that live in states that normally vote a particular way and they say, well, my vote won't count because my state always votes _______________ (fill in the blank) My understanding is that the electoral college is who casts the votes for each state either Republican or Democrat, and that the determination of who they will vote for is from a direct representation of whichever candidate got the most votes in that state, or whoever wins the popular vote, state by state. If everyone voted, then I do believe that some states, that in the past may have been determined to always be Democrat or Republican, could actually be changed. Anyone feel free to correct me if I am misinformed.

I am so grateful to Oprah and you for pointing out that woman could have the power in this country to determine who gets elected. I pray that every woman who is eligible to vote, will vote. I believe that the popular vote can and SHOULD win an election.

I am voting for Kerry-Edwards because they believe in what I believe in. I pray that more people will do what I did. Examine the issues, see what is important and make your voice be heard. Don't just go along with what someone else has told you to do and don't think that your vote doesn?t count. It does.

Thank you for having this soapbox. I have written to Oprah to tell her how grateful I am to you and her for making me see the error of my ways and to make me realize that I have an important voice in my future and the future of my family.

My name is Heather and I am from Indiana. I am 26 years old and I have not voted in a presidental election. I never thought that my vote would make a difference but since I have read things that you have written, it has helped me make my decission to vote.

My husband is 52 and on May 10, 2003 his youngest son, LCpl. Matthew R. Smith was killed in Kuwait in a Humvee accident. Matt was only 20 years old but he was very political and very proud of his country. When it came to politics, Matt could not be more opionated. Matt was not very fond of President Bush to say the least, but he did not bad mouth his commander and cheif. He knew that what he was doing over seas was what he needed to be doing.

Thank you very much for reading this.

Thanks for the Oprah message and for continuing to urge everyone to vote. The only way evil continues to prosper is because good men (and women) do nothing! My vote will count towards getting Kerry-Edwards into office for a stronger America!

Hi Charlie

First of all thank you for caring so much for us fans, you are worthy of all my respect. Figure out Bush being the winner of the elections!?! I don't dare imagine the outcome after another four years! What will have become of America itself and its citizens?!? Iraq, health-care, schools ...? What will be with Americas former Allies and friends?!? I don't dare a look into the crystalball for fear it might show me a VERY bad future for America and the whole world, because in one way or another all nations are some-how affected. I must agree with some former soapbox-writers that there has never been a real war against terrorisme. NO this war has had very other goals. 9/11 gave them the most perfect pretext to pursue, now with the agreement of the public those whatever goals they had and in all probability have until now. Fear policy has ever been the strongest of all.

I'm not that naive to think that Kerry and Edwards are the supermens that will bring America out of all troubles, solve all problems, bring the real solution to solve for good the Iraq-conflict and terrorisme. Way far from that. To criticize someone and his actions has always been and will ever be an easy thing to do but really making things better is way far difficulter to realize. But I'm convinced that Kerry and Edwards are indeed the better choice for America, its citizens and all other nations. Kerry and Edwards are able to lead America some steps forward again while Bush would make America step back further. I'm certain that Kerry and Edwards will do their very best in trying to make America a safer and a better place to live in again. For Americas foreign policy Kerry is the right man to repair and to polish up again the very damaged image of America in the world (thanks your current president and administration with their "Go-alone policy" or "We over all others policy") and to rebuild new/old friendships again with Americas Allies. Kerry is known for his great ability to build up political commitments. Than against some others opinion I'm sure that also the mighty and wealthy America needs friends and Allies to reach its own goals. It's clear that John Kerry is rather a man of friendship than of war because I think he knows probably very well of the hell a soldier has to go through in war. I don't know if John Kerry had to go through horrid experiences while he was a soldier in war but if he really did, he will never be able to send young women and men to war if the cause is not 100% founded to be absolutely necessary and inevitable. This far for my very own opinion.

Dear soapbox-readers please make sure you have all the pieces of that political puzzle together before making your mind up. If there were some pieces to lack it could possibly show you a wrong image and it could give you the wrong view. Watch national and international TV Channels, read national and international newspapers. Nowadays there are so many possibilities with the Internet too. Please try to approach this important matter with a neutral and open mind, it's the only way to see the most possible truth (if one can talk of truth in politics!). Only then you will be able to make a wise choice. And as we all have to live with the consequences of our decisions and actions please consider that the outcome of this elections will affect in a severe and unavoidable manner the future of our children!

I can only agree completely with Charlie's addendum of 9/28 that it is very important to vote. Make your opinion count.

You choose the color of your new car - you choose the style of your clothings - you choose the taste of your food, sharp or not . . . but you don't choose the color and style and taste . . . of your future. Can it be - that you let others make such a very important choice for you? - that you let others decide over your future?!?

Dear Charlie,

I feel like, this is your sandbox, and you make up the rules and I for one am grateful that you let everyone say what they have to say, put it up for all to read, and I think you are right to do it this way now! I think that we are lucky to have a place like this. It is very interesting to read the opinions of people from all over the world as elections in the US affect the whole world.

I am glad however, that you do now have the rule that what we are responding to is what you have posted, and it's your website and you can post whatever you want! Some of your past soap boxes and even earlier here have gotten way out of hand. You wre right. I'm glad that you stopped the personal attacks, the recommendations, the quoting etc. and the way I look at it, if those people that are mad about your rules don't get it, then maybe they should have their own websites where they can say whatever they want and have folks respond to that.

Hey man, I just think you are wicked fair about what you let people put up here and I have a lot of respect for that. I wrote an earlier reponse that was inappropriate, and I got the email from your webmaster asking me to rewrite and submit it under the rules, and I thought about it and realized that it is just awesome that you care enough about your fans to go to all that trouble. You could have just ignored my posting, it never would have shown up, i would have gotten mad probably, and I appreciate the care that you take to make US feel appreciated by you and your webmaster, so thank you. It makes reading and participating in the soapbox so much better now, I think.

Here I go again! I posted on the election issue early on and have seen so much go on in the world since then that I am hopeful to be heard again.

To address the election issue, I'll say it again, keep watch over who holds true to his word, and doesn't change his mind with the opinion polls. As American's look to the man who will give us a hand up, not a hand out. Trust me, this comes to you from a person who spent long years pulling herself up by her bootstraps to get out of debt because of bad economic times in the 90's and I didn't blame the Democrats. Or the Republicans for that matter. I know what I'm talking about. The actual cause of my career bumps was the growth of computerzation in the business world. And, I endorse all that computers can do for us, something that used to tear me up, believing so much in something that is keeping you from working (laid off 3 times due to a lack of jobs in the 90's). So this hand up not a hand out thing is very important. You can't appreciate what you have if it is handed to you. You have to earn it.

To address this sudden criticism over Charlie's opinions, sources etc., take a good long look at this site. I honestly don't agree with his politics on all levels, I think there is more of a middle ground to stand on, but look at this site, if there ever was someone who takes seriously the responsibility of having a web site, I think he fits the bill. He's political where he tells you he will be political, entertaining where he says he'll entertain you, charitable where.................................... well you get the picture. So, enjoy the site and search out the things you like and don't pay attention to the rest. Just one more thing, DON'T FORGET TO VOTE! EVERY VOTE COUNTS.

Dear Charlie,

I have to seriously agree with you on the whole Republicans are bad thing. I mean, not all of them, but the majority. They seem to think that winning is the most important, but really think about it, shouldn't we all be on the same side. What they need to do is stop fighting the Democrats and ban together. They need to realise that what they truly need to fight for is to keep their supposed beloved country, well a country. America is really messed up right now. Honestly, I'm not sure Kerry will do better, but I'd rather support him because he can't do much more damage than what Bush had done. I am an American, and that is something that I will yell at the top of my lungs, but when asked who my President is, I say, a guy who refuses to see that he is hurting the nation he supposedly loves so much. "Step aside mate, let somebody who can help us out take over!" As for the whole Europeans don't like America, I don't know why people say that, I mean ! I have many friends in England and other places in Europe and they still love this country! Who else matters? The people who aren't helping us over there? Well what they need to do is get up and realize that America is still the number 1 nation! Who are they to speak when they are hiding in the shadows? In my opinion, Great Britian and the other nations helping us are the only ones who have any right to an opinion at all! Once again, thanks for your opinion, I think very highly of you and have a great deal of respect for you, and it is always nice to hear what other people think. Update again soon,

My respect to Charlie for putting negative comments on this site.That is true democracy . I?m wondering why some of the latest entries are so critical and as one lady pointed out for Charlie to stop being "Hollywoodisch".Well if you are older than Charlie you should know that it was Hollywood greats such as Jane Fonda and Joan Baez the singer among others who protested against the Vietnam war and informed what was really happening! The thing was, they HAD no websites to voice their opinions.

I don?t think one should judge an actor`s views with his work as they are two different things. I think because Charlie is educated ,a new citizenof the US of around 3 years and a caring family man, that he took the right of freedom of speech which is always promoted in the US, to voice his opinion, and his website ,is his way of doing it. I think he is well aware of the consequences that could arise if he went too far out.

I met Charlie once and I can say in that short time I found him to be a very down to earth chap and worried about what is happening in his adopted country, not only the Iraq war but other things such as education , the enviromental problems and so on.

As for Bush and Tony Blair being capable!! Well thank goodness we don?t have to be of the same opinion, Tony Blair is getting so much criticism from all walks of life including some very prominent actors , whose shows (theatre) are still packed and no one compares their acting with their political opinions, maybe that is the difference between the Brits and the Americans!In Britain one has always been able to voice one?s opinion!! Maybe that is one small "remmnant " that Charlie has kept from his old country.L.

Charlie,

I just got through rereading your last soapbox and your two addendums, I especially liked the one from Garrison Keillor. As a response to your soapbox, I believe one of the problems with George W. is that he is naive in believing that WE can bring peace to the Middle East. They have been fighting over there amongst themselves for centuries, therefore I think they are the only ones that can bring peace to themselves.

As for us unfortunately we try and depend on the government too much. The issues of medical and education can be brought more under control if we would only look at our own lifestyles. We are a free country yes, but our freedom comes at a price and I'm not talking about fighting wars.I am talking about drugs, alcohol, smoking and other bad habits. These all impact our society greatly.(Think drunk drivers and any criminal act.)People who do these things,especially on a consistant basis, effect both themselves or someone else from a medical and educational standpoint. We are a free country, but some people take great advantage of that and that is one reason that we unfortunately need a bigger government than what everybody wants and it costs us. Thanks as usual for your insight and letting your fans give theirs.

Mr. Shaughnessy:

Thanks for your view on the current political situation. Staying as brief as possible, you have created the final "straw" that will dictate the way I will vote in November. Thank you again, AND for including Mr. Keillor's article as well. Take Care.... Best wishes!

Charlie,

I visited your website a few weeks ago a few times. First of all, so you won't be completely disgruntled with me, you, (as Shane and now Maxwell), Fran, Lauren, Daniel, Matt & Missy (from "Days) are my favorite television celebrities. I wrote you a couple of notes already. But I became upset when I found in your website your recommendation for anti-Bush writings and Michael Moore writings. I'm a little older than you, so I don't feel I'm being disrespectful to you, but I think President Bush is a tremendously able president and Prime Minister Blair is a wonderful person and a very able leader. To me the Hillarys and the Michael Moores of the world are schmoes! Why would you use your website for political purposes?

I was ill this past week, and since I have taped most all "Nanny" episodes, I had my own little "Nanny" marathon, and despite being ill I still felt like laughing. That is what I want to think of when I think of Charlie Shaughnessy and the wonderful family man who he is, and not the anti-Bush stuff. I hope you don't think I'm being ugly, and I wouldn't even have brought up such a thing in a fan letter if you hadn't brought it up in your website. This is the first time I've been back to the website since I read that stuff. I feel so passionately about this at this critical time in our country.

I wish the best for you and your family and hope to enjoy the "Nanny" reruns and the reunion for many years to come. I hope to see you in many other endeavors.

I have many friends who also watch "The Nanny" on a regular basis and we all just love it.

Charlie,

Since I just wrote you an email about 10 minutes ago, I read your article about why we should vote for Kerry & Edwards. I couldn't disagree with you more. I, too, refuse to be shy about how I feel on this critical matter. You said you welcome the emails of fans who disagree with you--I am almost in tears because I disagree with you so much on this matter. You're a wonderful family man and I enjoy watching you act so much, but I do get upset when I try to watch your acting, because I get it all confused about how you are being so anti-Bush. Please don't be so "Hollywoodish". I couldn't believe it when I was so passionate about the book recommendations you put in your website and felt such a need to write you about that, then just as I completed that email, I find that you had written the long anti-Bush and pro-Kerry "Soap Box" article.

I had heard and read that you are a very educated and eloquent writer. I believe that, but I believe there is such a thing as being so intelligent that you lose sight of the common man, and that's just what you and Kerry do. I'm so sorry for saying these things to you, but I feel so upset that you try to use our "fanship" to promote Kerry & Edwards for President and Vice President. I would not vote for them if they were the last men on earth! Please let me know in some way that you aren't angry with me for venting my feelings. I'm a very sensitive and passionate person, and I don't like thinking someone would be angry with me because I don't agree with them.

My best to you and your family,

Charlie,

I went back (tonight is the first time I realized what the "Soapbox" section of your wesite was) and read them all. I really wish I had stayed ignorant. It has probably ruined watching "The Nanny" for me and your other works, because when I see you all I will think about are the things you wrote on your "Soapbox". I feel so sad. I still don't want you to be angry with me for feeling this way. I'm a little older than you are, but I am not ignorant. I graduated third in my class in a school in Cincinnati, Ohio. I know now why I've always felt a person can be over educated and lose sight of what the common man is worth.

Dear Mr. Shaughnessy

I just read the most recent addendum.

What happened to the rule that the response was to be original to the author? You have permitted no-one else to post the thoughts and words of others. Should you not be playing by the same rules that you have imposed on everyone else?

Hello Charlie,

Unfortuneately at present (22Sept) it seems that George Bush may win the elections if so, then the tragedy will be absolute!

When I read that artistic freedom is abused when it is against him, or when a mother was arrested whose son was killed in Iraq raises this question what for, at a rally where Laura Bush was speaking,makes me think is America ,really a land of freedom and civil rights? These of course have been strongly cut throrugh the "Patriot Act" .I am truly distrurbed by the way the Election Campaign is being made to a personal "fight " between the two candidates, there are more serious problems at present than who did what in the army. This to outsiders seems juvenile. I still hope there will be a change in Government, but at present it doesn?t seem there will be ,and then chaos will begin.I hope that at least some people will change their minds especially as it has been mentioned there are plans to bring in conscription again, which means escalation!

I have just returned from a visit to the US, and am shocked at the indifference of some people! I quite often got the answer?"we?re still doing well , why alter things"! I must admit this was in a rural area , where I thought people would protest as their cost of living has gone up since the Bush administration came into office. For example , for gas which is needed for heavy machinery which they need to exist.This area is also known as the Bible Belt( one of the locals used this idiom) who admitted that the local church minister received a "donation" from the local Republican Rep. to preach pro Bush at church services.I assume this happens elsewhere as well. I found it very frustrating whenever I was asked my opinion (as a non US citizen)and when giving it, was told it was none of my business , especially if the criticism was negative on my part!

Also there is a certain paranoia as far as safety is concerned especially at airports. The people working there are so indoctrinated (I feel this way)to be nasty that one feels one is entering a jail complex!! eg.an old lady had to take off her shoes, NOBODY made a move to help support her,so I went forward to help and was stopped by two burly security guards!I If by chance any one in security should read this, remember it could have been your mom or granma. On my way back to Europe I had to go through London (Heathrow)and I must say although the Brits are in as much danger as the US or even more through the IRA, they somehow keep things low key in front of passengers and are more subtle in coping with the whole situation.Maybe US security could learn something there and not have these bullies on display!!.

It is18 months since the invasion of Iraq and what has it brought the world? Death, kidnapping and now murder of innocent workers. I hope that these incidents in the last few days will open those peoples eyes who STILL think what Bush has done, and is doing ,is right.

So Charlie I hope with all my heart that Kerry does make it even if he won?t be able to keep all his "promises".If not, which at present it seems so, America will have more image loss and will have to live in continuous fear of terrorist attacks. L.

Dear Mr. Shaughnessy,

"We have led, many have joined, and America and the world are safer."

As George W. Bush, 43rd selected President of the United States, gave his acceptance speech at the Republican Convention Thursday night, approximately a thousand people were held hostage in a school in Beslan, Russia. Many, if not most of them, were innocent children. A few hours after "War President Bush" had talked about freedom, world peace and his safer world, at least 155 CHILDREN were killed. This world can be so bizarre, and joy and grief in life can lie so close to each other. While balloons are falling from the ceiling on one side of the globe, father's and mother's are carrying the blood covered bodies of their sons and daughters across a school yard on the other side of the world.

Are you proud of yourselves, you war presidents and prime ministers out there? Before you came, the life of our children was still sacred, their innocence mankind's greatest good, their life our greatest possession as it held the potential for a better future. Now your war politics have turned them into breathing targets. It was already terrible enough before when terrorists attacked hospitals, but at least most terrorists had the decency to spare the children at school. This is your free, safer world, Mr Bush? A world where we have so much freedom and democracy that we cannot let our children out of sight for fear they might be kidnapped, held hostage and eventually be massacred by cruel, hate-driven terrorists?

Isn't that a little bit hypocritical, to speak of a safer world, and announce you are responsible for "this safer world"? In a moment like this? Isn't it a little bit hypocritical if the president condemns abortion, the killing of innocent unborn life, while he sends young soldiers to war to leave their innocent lives in Iraq?

Isn't it a little bit hypocritical to speak of a safe world and the value of life, while you practically challenge terrorists to come to your country to kill your innocent children because you did the same when you brought unfounded war - nicely wrapped up in the terms liberation and pe-emptive strike - to an innocent people and killed their children? Right, in war this is called collateral damage.

And while we're already touching upon the topic of abortion: Doesn't this show the double moral of the fundamental Christians in America? Life is life and as such should be valued and protected. Isn't that what they always remind us of, when they say we shouldn't play God and decide over life and death and abolish abortion? Can the very same people please explain to me why death penalty is okay but abortion not?

I wonder how Mr Bush will cannibalise the tragedy in Beslan for his political agenda. Pray for the hostages he asked you that Thursday night. Pray we will be spared a tragedy like that in our country, he will tell you next Thursday. To ensure that you have to vote for me, because I am the only one to prevent it, not that softy Kerry, he will reason. Yes, Mr Bush, is running for president again, "with a clear and positive plan to build a safer world." Mr Bush, make sure you present the details of your bright plan to the world, BEFORE 155 US mothers will mourn the death of their children, BEFORE 155 US fathers avenge their incredible loss by becoming terrorists themselves, BEFORE 155 US families bury their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, BEFORE 155 US innocent children leave their lives scared and traumatised to death. No, forgive me, do it before it happens anywhere in your safe world again!!! You owe it.

Until you do so, I will continue to believe that what America and the world really need is: Someone who will not risk thousands of lives unscrupulously but prefers diplomacy to senseless bloodshed.
Someone who will take his people seriously and not distract it with specious wars.
Someone who will make sure that Americans are not only safe, but also healthy and working.
Someone who will give preserving earth and natural reserves the priority over oil drilling, economy, and industrial environmental pollution.
Someone who will invest into our future by ensuring that children get the education and opportunities they need to fulfil themselves and contribute to a better society one day.
Someone who will not curtail privacy and human rights in the name of counter-terrorism.
Someone who will fight the roots of terrorism as well and not just terrorism itself.
Someone who will have the strength to take the action he deems necessary to lead and protect his country and yet at the same time have the wisdom and considerateness to choose his actions wisely and objectively with the international support of other countries, not persuaded by a minority of right wing lobbys and most of all not due to personal motivation. I can very well imagine John F. Kerry to be this someone.

Let's face it, Mr Bush has only one plan to win his re-election and that is your fear and worries. He gives you promises to take them away from you, while in reality he abuses you. Don't you see how he uses your fear for your own safety by "staging" new terrorist threats each time he needs a boost for his popularity? Is that the kind of leader you want? One who uses you and plays with your fears? You might say, well, better be safe than sorry. Fair enough. I take the liberty to remind you of the cry wolf fable. When you cry wolf all the time, nobody will believe you when the wolves come to attack your village for real. And they do always come...sometimes in sheep's clothing.

Dear Mr. Shaughnessy:

I've already replied to your response about your soapbox before but in light of recent events, I have something to add to this.

I will no longer be voting for John Kerry this election. In fact I'm not sure whether to vote at all. Part of me wants to vote for Ralph Nader because he's an independant party. I still don't know whether I really like Bush or not but as the months and the election year drags on I'm beginning to see a change in both of them. I mentioned I wanted John Edwards to take the seat and I still do. I'm in American government this semester in college and my professor is a lawyer from Illinois. I admire and respect her and she's offered me a lot of insight on this election. I don't know why the american people chose John Kerry over Edwards. Kerry is a flip-flopper who can't make a straight choice. I think he says promises to the people in order for him to gain votes but when it comes down! to important policy decisions, he chickens out. Yes I think Bush is doing whatever it takes to get him votes but I admire him for being a religious leader. My priorities have been shifiting from one way to the other and for some reason now the thought of Bush for another 4 years doesn't seem too terribly bad. I mean it won't be the greatest idea but it's something that's been on my mind.

As for the war in Iraq I firmly believe Bush needs to withdraw our troops. Iraq has said once before that it will continue to keep fighting us because we are fighting their battles for them. Instead of marching in and invading their country I think we should take a step back and let them handle their problems. I mean we have done all we can at this point. We took out Saddam, we restored their government to a democracy and have even given out grants to the country to help rebuild their city. I think part of the reason Europe hates Bush so much is that he hasn't even bothered to ask and goes ahead with his plans BEFORE consulting anyone else. I reply to another voice who responded to your article. I do believe there is NO WAR on terror. Bush is only supporting what his father did back in the early 90's and is this any different? No...

My ticket will be for Edwards or Nader. As the election draws closer maybe I will have a better understanding who to vote for but for now I am keeping my options open. Thank you for letting us debate this issue and I look foward to your response.

Charlie-

I have to say, I have written this before, and never sent it. I have a lot of respect for you as a person, and I love the Nanny, and you. But I think that Hollywood and the press need to chill on blaming Bush for everything wrong in the world. Hunger--Blame Bush---The Hurricane Blame BUSH--My tonails are too short BLAME BUSH. People make mistakes. Bush has made mistakes. I will not deny that. At least he is man enough to admit, he was wrong. I have to say though that John Kerry, is not a saint, that everyone makes him to be. John Kerry was on the Senate ( voted for this) when the Cliton admistration, got into that whole thing-- that ended up making a movie--Black Hawk Down... I have friends that were in Special Forces and that time and they say that was the worst part of thier life. Everyone has a horrible war story. MY father who is a Viet Nam Vet, will agree, but the people behind that, whole start, was Kennedy. A lot of the time the Democratic party starts issues, and the Republican party cleans up the mess, and get blamed for it...

The Democratic party spends money, and then the next guy has to clean it up. The Clinton adminstration, did not pass on some information, about, terrorist activity, involving plans in the US, and 9/11 happened. Bush cleaned it up.. People wonder were did the WMD's go? Saddam had time to ship them out before Troops invaded. They are not in Iraq now because he had time to move them, or destroy them before we invaded...plain and simple.

The other thing, I think President Bush acted on instinct, hear and soul, with Iraq. He was mad. Anyone else could have done the same thing. Coming personally now,(I am 25 now, this is my third election to vote in) when 9/11, happend I felt angry too. I wish, that he had made that whole area a parking lot. It may sound cruel, but that day angered me, as well as feeling a sense of loss. I am a fire fighter...and I am glad we got even with them. I did not know anyone killed that day, but I feel as if I did, and to think about it, I want to cry still. As for Bush and the rest of America, I feel that he has improved, everything, and the area's he is behind in, well He has had more to deal with, than other Presidents. I feel, that Bush is man enough to run the country, and he is honest. And he goes heart and soul in everything he does. He fights a clean fight. And he stands up for what he believes in.

To further attack Kerry, he voted against, the war in Iraq, in the 1990's. This time he voted for it. Then a year later, he votes, No on funding Iraq. What if the government, did the same in Viet Nam? I have to ask that, how would he feel--knowing that the government did not back him with $$$. And that guy was now running for President. Kerry also changes his mind often. He goes from hating Edwards, to making him his running mate. Come on man make up your mind--stick to your guns on an issue. I have to say, the next few months, are intresting. I think people need to hear all the facts, and not just pieces, that the press wants you to hear. I have to say, Bush for me in 2004.

I know we have differences... I don't mean to attack your guy, but I don't think he is right for the job. As 9/11 comes around this week I just ask you say a prayer for those who died that day. They were men and woman mom's and dad's who went to work, thinking I will see my family later. That never happend. There is not a thing in the world to fix that. We can only pray for them and comfort them.

Dear Charlie,

I know that the "Elephants" have been attacking us "Donkeys" lately. As a Member of John Kerry's campaign team/ volunteer team, getting his subscription e-mails, John Kerry and Mary Beth Cahill, his campaign manager, have said "We will NOT GO NEGATIVE!" Althought the Democratic Commitee have unleashed many attacks against Bush. I do not understand. That's my opinion. Thank you!

There is no war on terror. If we face that fact, then everything George Bush and his Neo-Con imperialists have been selling us is called into question. That was the opportunity lost last week by Senator Kerry, and it is the lie that will lead us further down the dark path of isolation, danger and ruin on which we are presently set. There is no WAR on Terror. There is a war in Iraq. It was launched against an unpleasant dictator, without whom the average Iraqi does not have to live in fear of his or her life, but he had little or nothing to do with 9/11 or Terror.

How many car bombs, ambushes, suicide bombers were there in Iraq in the years leading up to the invasion? Compare that to the number since. Pretty funny way to wage a war on terror when the waging of the war itself increases the Terror from zero to sixty in a few short weeks! If truly there is a war against terror, then when did it start? and how come we haven't heard about it in those terms before now?

Did 9/11 signal the outbreak of hostilities? In which case what was the massacre of Israeli wrestlers in 1974? What was Lockerbie? What were all the bombers and killers down the ages, who have struck at innocents in the name of political expression? Here's a thought: what about those brave patriots who lay in wait for British Redcoats to come out of the barracks before mowing them down in a hail of smooth bore?

There is no WAR on Terror. Terror is a disease that has permeated the globe since one man felt frustrated by the power of another. It predates Masada, Moses and The Flood. Like a cancer it has to be attacked with precision, intelligence and a clear understanding of the whole picture. That is why Senator Kerry used the word "sensitive" to describe his approach to this prickly global problem, and it is why this administration, despite all it's bombast and rhetoric, is actually leading us down a path to isolated and terrifying vulnerability.

I am hesitant about sending this e-mail to you. I wrote to you some time ago and got no response---but here I am again. Let me preface what I am about to say bo stating I was a registered democrat since the days of F.D.R., the depression, Harry Truman, JFK, etc, and supporter of their ideals. Politics today is all about money, greed, and power. I will not elaborate on how misguided I think you are and most of the Hollywood crowd, who should stick to acting and not enter the political arena. When Ronald Reagan appeared on the scene, my eyes were suddenly opened and so was my mind. I stopped believing the news media and their propaganda and did some fact-finding on my own. Good Democrats vote for the ticket and what they are told most of the time.

Charlie, my father was born in White Chapel, London, of Jewish parents, who came to America. He married my mother, who immigrated from Poland, and who lost her entire family during the holycaust. My parents raised their children to love America and the freedom it gave us. We weathered the depression, got married, my husband served in WWII, fought in Europe, returned home to a proud nation and made a good life for ourselves. My husband would be devastated at the way our country is now divided with such hatred spewn at people we disagree with. With the choice I have of John Kerry vs George Bush, I will vote for George, who I think is the man to lead us the next four years. Right or wrong, he has stood his ground and does not depend on polls to make decisions. Your choices (especially Arianna Huffington and Michael Moore, turn me off completely. Forget Mr Kerry's service in Vietnam. Where was this man during his years in Congress, when his vote may have counted for something (let alone his lack of appearances during their voting time). He is a flip-flop kind of guy, who I cannot see as commander of chief, and he frightens me. He and his wife have no concept of the common people or their needs. He just wants to become President and that turns me off! He has no record to speak of and I had hoped for a man like Joe Lieberman, with values, principles, and heart, or his like to run for office, but there is no such animal this time around. At least I know the administration in office now and there is too much at risk for the survival of the world. Mr Bush inherited his office at a terrible time in our history and has stood up to terrorism around the world. France and Germany are not our friends and I bless Tony Blair for his friendship and loyalty to America.

Charlie, if I may, do not enter the political arena. You can't win. You can share your beliefs with people but do not tell them who to vote for. I have lived a long time and for much of that time, have voted for democrats just because they were on the democratic ticket. I feel they have deserted everything I once believed in and am now an independent voter and thinker, i hope, and will vote for the man and not the party! I have been a long admirer of the Nanny cast and if this makes little sense to you, let me at least wish you and your family the best of health and good fortune in all your future endeavors and thanks for listening. I probably am the same age as your parents and they should be very proud of you. I am!

My name is Sandi Lash and I am from a small town in Wisconsin. I read your soapbox entry, and I found it intriguing. Even though I've been brought up to be a Conservative, I am not a radical in any sense because I am too often torn between the Republican and Democratic issues and views of each party. I am also quite the little cynical sprite while it comes to the media. I don't really trust everything I hear. However, if something sounds logical to me, I will sometimes believe it. But it is beginning to become quite hard to know who to believe these days. I've noticed that somehow, all of the political channels like CNN, Fox News Network, MSNBC, etc. are all claiming that they are "the most trusted news network on television." I find that hard to believe. It takes me a long time anyway to see if I can trust a friend of mine whereas believing someone on TV whom I've never met before. Every person on television, whether they admit it or deny it, is a actor or actress. The purpose of television is entertainment. If an anchor of a news network show wants to entertain their audience, I know that it is possible that they have to go to the lengths of lying to millions upon millions of viewers. Then, when the other networks see that their own audience is being lost to another, they, in turn, might also spread juicy gossip or rumors about that network or will show a story that opposes that one network story. So, with all this lying and deceivement going on in the media, I find it very difficult to trust anyone's judgement. Because of my conservative upbringing, I do like some of the views of President Bush, however, I don't feel that he is going about this issue of war in the best possible way. Even though I am a Conservative, that does not in ANY way mean that I like war or that I want to be killing the innocent. I want peace in this world just like everybody else, but it's pretty obvious that those terrorists are not negotiators in the sense that they already hate us. I do agree with some of Kerry's views, too, but not all of them. So, I consider myself a moderate republican. I respect your views, Charlie, and I wish I could vote, but I am too young unfortunately. I just turned 16 on August 15th. :o) I'm happy about that. But, anyway, good luck with your future soapboxes and with your future ventures in the entertainment business. I hope to see your name up in lights at the Marcus Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin one day. I just want you to know that I respect you as both an amazing actor and as a passionate political commentator (hehe). I hope you and your family are doing great. Peace, love, hope, and joy to you, Charles Shaughnessy. :o)

All these issues and opinions. Sounds like we have some very educated and opinionated voters. However, no one has brought up the issue of drugs in the rural communities. Meth is now the new cheap drug of choice. More addicative then heroin, or crack; this is the new rock anphedimine of choice. The abuse of it by teenagers in the midwest is spreading at an alarming rate. Due to the toxic chemicals used to make it (like Dranio, and Anhydrious ammonia) it's rotting teenagers and young adults from the inside out. Users stay up sometimes 4-5 days in a row. Rotting teeth, open sores that they constantly pick at,infections, ect. Until finally, they die from heart failer. The hardest habit forming drug in the world to kick. The quickest to become an addiction. Meth taxes local law enforcement resources to the point of breakage. It's most commonly manufactured in small midwest farming communities of <10,000 because this is where they get their ammonia supplies from tanks in cron/wheat fields. Now big city gangs from Chicago are growing and recruitting gang members in rural communities to manufacture and deal meth. Why are Kerry and Bush not bring this topic up during their campains? Have you heard of this problem yet Charlie, or is it not talked about as much on the east coast? As a dentist, I can tell just by looking at my patients eyes and teeth that they use. Most will become denture patients by the time their 30, if their not dead before then.

Good evening Charlie,

I have enjoyed reading everyone views regarding the upcoming Presidential election. On the evening of August 23, I was one of about 4000 people who heard Senator John Edwards speak in LaCrosse Wisconsin. At this rally we saw people of all walks of life. I was able to take my two boys, who where very excited to see the man we hope is the next vice president of the United States.

I live in Western Wisconsin and in the past we have seen a number of candidates come to LaCrosse, from President Clinton to President Bush. Four years ago Al Gore kicked off his race for the white house after the democratic nation convention in LaCrosse. This year alone Howard Dean, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, John Kerry, Vice President Cheney, and President Bush have all been to LaCrosse. The major reason we have so many candidates in the state of Wisconsin is because we are a major swing state.

But in having a chance to hear John Edward and his daughter Cate talk to the crowd, he had me feeling the hope that I will be able