For the next 20 years, the #1 issue for the USA will / should be....?

[DVC Sadie]

I chose illegal immigration because as long as that is the ongoing problem it is, it will be hard to keep a handle on the equally pressing problem of terrorism with such open boarders. Healthcare, the environment, education, poverty are all impacted by illegal immigration. When California alone sees the cost of illegal immigration to be $10 billion dollars per year, and there are 49 other states impacted as well, one has to accept that its a serious problem.

ITA!

When we get a handle on illegals we will be able to address the needs of the elderly, poverty, healthcare and education. Our resources could also help with affordable housing, helping with natural disasters and other social issues.

 

[N.Bailey]

I chose illegal immigration because as long as that is the ongoing problem it is, it will be hard to keep a handle on the equally pressing problem of terrorism with such open boarders. Healthcare, the environment, education, poverty are all impacted by illegal immigration. When California alone sees the cost of illegal immigration to be $10 billion dollars per year, and there are 49 other states impacted as well, one has to accept that its a serious problem.

This is how I voted too. Till we get a handle on immigration, I don't really see how we can get a handle on everything else.

I also do not believe that our government has the money to offer healthcare for all. I do think it's a good theory, but a very impractical one as well. We have family in Germany and they hate government sponsored healthcare anyway, so I wouldn't favor it for other reasons as well. I certainly would support government limiting frivolous lawsuits though. IMO, this is the main problem where healthcare costs are concerned. I'll never understand how John Edwards was chosen by the Democrats to run for VP when it's men like him that have helped put our medical condition in the state it's in right now then the Democrats scream that healthcare should be our number 1 priority. Talk about an oxymoron.

 

[NewJersey]

My top are energy consumption/environment (global warming) and illegal immigration.

I voted for energy consumption.

 

[SandiH]

I chose illegal immigration because as long as that is the ongoing problem it is, it will be hard to keep a handle on the equally pressing problem of terrorism with such open boarders. Healthcare, the environment, education, poverty are all impacted by illegal immigration. When California alone sees the cost of illegal immigration to be $10 billion dollars per year, and there are 49 other states impacted as well, one has to accept that its a serious problem.

I agree with you 100% Dawn.

 

[bsmcneil]

This is how I voted too. Till we get a handle on immigration, I don't really see how we can get a handle on everything else.

I also do not believe that our government has the money to offer healthcare for all. I do think it's a good theory, but a very impractical one as well. We have family in Germany and they hate government sponsored healthcare anyway, so I wouldn't favor it for other reasons as well. I certainly would support government limiting frivolous lawsuits though. IMO, this is the main problem where healthcare costs are concerned. I'll never understand how John Edwards was chosen by the Democrats to run for VP when it's men like him that have helped put our medical condition in the state it's in right now then the Democrats scream that healthcare should be our number 1 priority. Talk about an oxymoron.

Ya know, the people John Edwards represented included a little girl whose body was incredibly mangled by pool equipment that the company was negligent in making. It's his fault? Also, why are conservatives like you against freedom? John Edwards didn't sign the verdict - 12 men and women did. Each time juries come back with HUGE payouts, it's about the lawyers. 12 normal people recognized a problem (and in many more cases, didn't see a problem and let people go) and you've gotta beef with lawyers? Talk about personal responsibility and freedom, huh?

 

[Snowysmom]

So many issues and to only pick one is difficult, but I pick education. We need to have better education for our children and more affordable college education especially for the lower and middle classes. Without well educated citizens, the US will not be able to compete in the world.

 

[N.Bailey]

Ya know, the people John Edwards represented included a little girl whose body was incredibly mangled by pool equipment that the company was negligent in making. It's his fault? Also, why are conservatives like you against freedom? John Edwards didn't sign the verdict - 12 men and women did. Each time juries come back with HUGE payouts, it's about the lawyers. 12 normal people recognized a problem (and in many more cases, didn't see a problem and let people go) and you've gotta beef with lawyers? Talk about personal responsibility and freedom, huh?

Yeah? Well, we also know for a fact OJ was innocent too, huh? I doubt his attorney's played any part in getting that NG verdict.

I'm sure John Edwards played no part either. You can go back to your bubble now.

 

[pisco]

Yeah? Well, we also know for a fact OJ was innocent too, huh? I doubt his attorney's played any part in getting that NG verdict.

I'm sure John Edwards played no part either. You can go back to your bubble now.

There are good and bad lawyers and good and bad lawsuits. As with anything in life, there are rarely any absolutes. In the case of the lawsuit with the child that was disembowled by the pool, there were 12 separate incidents in which the exact same thing happened that the pool manufacturer was aware of prior to the incident the precipitated the lawsuit. The manufacturer chose not to make any changes to the design of the pool and where subsequently found negligent. I would say that in at least this case, the verdict was a fair one. I bankrupted the company thus taking a product that was proven to be dangerous off of the market. This case shows the value of the civil process when the criminal courts either cannot or will not get involved to stop things of this nature.

As for this poll in general. I am very discouraged at the number of people who chose illegal immigration. How many of you can point to a circumstance where you have been personally damaged by illegal immigration? I would not count the cost to taxpayers as there are always going to be things that the government spends money on the we do not agree. I am talking about a personal encounter with an illegal immigrant that somehow caused you personal harm. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying I favor illegal immigrants, I just don't see how this could be considered the largest problem this country faces over the next 20 years. It seems to me it is just the latest distraction from far more serious issues that are more difficult to solve and therefore less politically beneficial to talk about during an election year.

 

[kydisneyfans]

The financial burden aging baby boomers will put on social security and healthcare is number one in my book. Our government does not have the financial resources to assist, and too many are not prepared for retirement.

 

[Pigeon]

I just don't see how this could be considered the largest problem this country faces over the next 20 years. It seems to me it is just the latest distraction from far more serious issues that are more difficult to solve and therefore less politically beneficial to talk about during an election year.

Illegal immigration doesn't make the top 50 list of problems in my opinion. It is being trotted out now to distract potential voters from the disaster in Iraq, the less than stellar economy, the loss of personal freedoms and all the serious issues we are facing because of the current administration.

 

[SadieDog]

Illegal immigration doesn't make the top 50 list of problems in my opinion. It is being trotted out now to distract potential voters from the disaster in Iraq, the less than stellar economy, the loss of personal freedoms and all the serious issues we are facing because of the current administration.

 

[SadieDog]

There are good and bad lawyers and good and bad lawsuits. As with anything in life, there are rarely any absolutes. In the case of the lawsuit with the child that was disembowled by the pool, there were 12 separate incidents in which the exact same thing happened that the pool manufacturer was aware of prior to the incident the precipitated the lawsuit. The manufacturer chose not to make any changes to the design of the pool and where subsequently found negligent. I would say that in at least this case, the verdict was a fair one. I bankrupted the company thus taking a product that was proven to be dangerous off of the market. This case shows the value of the civil process when the criminal courts either cannot or will not get involved to stop things of this nature.

As for this poll in general. I am very discouraged at the number of people who chose illegal immigration. How many of you can point to a circumstance where you have been personally damaged by illegal immigration? I would not count the cost to taxpayers as there are always going to be things that the government spends money on the we do not agree. I am talking about a personal encounter with an illegal immigrant that somehow caused you personal harm. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying I favor illegal immigrants, I just don't see how this could be considered the largest problem this country faces over the next 20 years. It seems to me it is just the latest distraction from far more serious issues that are more difficult to solve and therefore less politically beneficial to talk about during an election year.

Thank you for taking the time to write this.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Environmental-

Live on Cape Cod- Whenever i drive near the water i wonder which properties are going to be wiped out in the next Hurricane. Many properties are less than 10 feet above sea level and not that far inland. INsurance rates are increasing astronomically. Not my problem -can't afford waterfront-but my Cape neighbors problem.

Also the section of town i live in has elevated rates of several childhood cancers and elevated rates of Breast cancer Cape Wide. I cringe every time i see the lawncare pesticide trucks because most of us are on well water.I know the lawncare chemicals are supposed to be safe but when i was a chemist for a water quality lab most of our work was testing for pesticides and herbicides found too dangerous to use anymore. Our well has small amounts of nitrates either from fertilizers or septic systems.

Todays paper had an article on the mystery of dying marshes-particularly bad on Cape Cod but also other places in the North East.

"Our Stolen Future"
is a book with a lot of information on environmental problems-very readable. It explains especially well about bioaccumulation of toxins and about estrogen mimicking compounds. It asks whether the minor amounts of toxins and hormone mimicking chemicals are affecting intelligence and behavior in our youth. www.ourstolenfuture.org

Dsister died 1 1/2 yr ago from a hormone linked cancer at 53.

 

[palmtreegirl]

I chose environmental issues because without that, nothing else really matters much.

 

[Papa Deuce]

As for this poll in general. I am very discouraged at the number of people who chose illegal immigration. How many of you can point to a circumstance where you have been personally damaged by illegal immigration? I would not count the cost to taxpayers as there are always going to be things that the government spends money on the we do not agree. I am talking about a personal encounter with an illegal immigrant that somehow caused you personal harm. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying I favor illegal immigrants, I just don't see how this could be considered the largest problem this country faces over the next 20 years. It seems to me it is just the latest distraction from far more serious issues that are more difficult to solve and therefore less politically beneficial to talk about during an election year.

Quite simple.... more $$$ will be spent needlessly on people who have NO RIGHT to be here. That money could be better spent on fixing all these other issues.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Illegal immigration doesn't make the top 50 list of problems in my opinion. It is being trotted out now to distract potential voters from the disaster in Iraq, the less than stellar economy, the loss of personal freedoms and all the serious issues we are facing because of the current administration.

Well, since it is YOUR opinion you are entitled to have it, but I bet you have NO IDEA how much money is being spent on people who have NO BUSINESS being in our country in the first place.

For "me", well I don't care who trots what out at election time. I have my own ideas, and politicians generally do not influence me. All I need to do is look 2 towns over from me and literally see THOUSANDS of illegal immigrants sucking up resources that should be used on US citizens or LEGAL immigrants.

Quite honestly, if I had the ability to do what I wanted, I would gather every ILLEGAL immigrant up, and ship them back to where they came.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Terrorisim. Plain and simple, if Al Quaida or any of those other (something I can't say on the DIS), melt us (and face it, they are quickly gaining the capability to do so), none of these other issues will matter

 

[pisco]

Quite simple.... more $$$ will be spent needlessly on people who have NO RIGHT to be here. That money could be better spent on fixing all these other issues.

How much money will be spent this year on illegal immigrants? Would it equal what we spend a year on healthcare or farm subsidies? Would it even equal what we spend a month in Iraq?

Well, since it is YOUR opinion you are entitled to have it, but I bet you have NO IDEA how much money is being spent on people who have NO BUSINESS being in our country in the first place.

For "me", well I don't care who trots what out at election time. I have my own ideas, and politicians generally do not influence me. All I need to do is look 2 towns over from me and literally see THOUSANDS of illegal immigrants sucking up resources that should be used on US citizens or LEGAL immigrants.

Quite honestly, if I had the ability to do what I wanted, I would gather every ILLEGAL immigrant up, and ship them back to where they came.

I live in a farming community that has a large population of Mexican immigrants. I am certain that many of them are illegal. But what I see them doing is working from sun up to sun down regardless of the weather sowing fields, picking crops, framing houses, laying brinks, etc. Not sucking up resources. Who would do these jobs if not for the immigrant population. How many Americans would line up to work 12-14 hour days outside in 90-100 degree temps for less than minimum wage and no benefits? I certainly wouldn't, would you? I am certain that on the whole the immigrant population contribute a great deal more to the community than the welfare beneficiaries that live in our trailer parks who I don't see out there working in the fields.

As I said earlier, I think that we do need to deal with the issue of illegal immigration, but I realize the potentially catastrophic economic impact of the more hardline plans being put out there. I personally favor the guest worker program as it allows us to get the labor we need while also collecting tax money and having predominently documented aliens filling this niche in the workforce. Seems like under a plan like this everybody benefits. And what of the costs to deport all illiegal immigrants. Putting aside for the time being the likelyhood that this would be a logisitical impossibility, I can only imagine how unbelievable expensive this would be. It would probably bankrupt our country.

 

[monkeyboy]

#1 getting rid of polls and alowwing more comedyon TV

 

[Crankyshank]

Illegal immigration isn't a problem? Have you stopped to think about the tremendous burden illegal immigrants put on our health care system? These immigrants are not coming from places where they have access to childhood vaccinations and because of this, just in my local area, we have had a significant increase in antibiotic resistant TB, measles ,diptheria, pertussis, and other illnesses that you are screened for during regular immigration process. Not to mention other illnesses not seen in this country for decades or never seen before this rush of illegal immigrants from Central and South America.
14 cases of measles in a month have cost MA taxpayers thousands.

Healthcare costs are astronomical as it is. Illegal immigration is only straining the system more- and it's not just health care they are affecting.