pic: My PA Democratic Primary Absentee Ballot

[Jared Russell]

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[Nate Laverdure]

What makes you think Mr. Kamen is a member of the democratic party?

EDIT: According to www.opensecrets.org, Dean personally donated $2,300 to the campaign of Rep. Jim Langevin (D, RI) in August of 2007. He contributed an equal amount to Jeanne Shaheen, ex-governor of NH and also a Democrat, in November of that year.

[Freddy Schurr]

Originally Posted by Nate Laverdure

What makes you think Mr. Kamen is a member of the democratic party?

Oh, here we go! Play nice fellows!

[chaoticprout]

I'd be willing to be money that Dean is a member of the Republican Party.

[Kyle Love]

I believe somewhere in the "Terms of agreement" politics is a no fly zone on here. So, please do not debate what party Dean is part of. Just write him in if you feel so inclined.

[Nate Laverdure]

Originally Posted by Kyle Love

I believe somewhere in the "Terms of agreement" politics is a no fly zone on here. So, please do not debate what party Dean is part of. Just write him in if you feel so inclined.

I can rephrase my question if necessary: do you think Dean Kamen (or other members of FIRST leadership) would accept a political nomination from any of the major parties? Further, what might his (their) platform be, and how well would it mesh with any of said parties' opinions?

I didn't want to start a fight. Or even a political debate-- as you have said, this really isn't a place. The questions I have asked are all rhetorical and are posed merely for food for thought. But FIRST has become more and more politically motivated in recent years, and in light of the issues being discussed parallel to the 2008 election, I'm wondering if there is any room for FIRST's agenda in national politics.

Again, just something to think about.

[Jack Jones]

It’s not surprising to see ChiefDelphians get bitter, they cling to robots or heroes or antipathy to people who aren’t changing the culture like them or anti-political debate sentiment or a search before you post sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.

[Swan217]

Originally Posted by Jack Jones

It’s not surprising to see ChiefDelphians get bitter, they cling to robots or heroes or antipathy to people who aren’t changing the culture like them or anti-political debate sentiment or a search before you post sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.

I am not bitter, I'm just exhibiting intense animosity marked by Cynicism and rancor.

Why would Dean Kamen run for president? He's already the king of his own country.

Who Dean has donated to may have no relevance to his political preference. Rep. Jim Langevin (D, RI) has been a lead supporter of FIRST Robotics and has been to many competitions. I have even spoken to him at the Championships before. Jeanne Shaheen is on the FIRST Board of Directors and is running for Senate in New Hampshire against John Sununu (R).

Not to mention that Dean has appeared on the Colbert Report (twice), which is a conservative comedy show on Comedy Central. Also conservative Rudy Giuliani was at Kickoff and toured the DEKA factory, and George Bush (the successful one) was a keynote speaker at the Championship. So I don't think its even possible to fit Dean's ideology into a political party pigeonhole.

Question: Do you think electing a FIRST Director to the U.S. Senate would increase public support and recognition for FIRST Robotics?

[EricVanWyk]

Originally Posted by Dan Swando

Not to mention that Dean has appeared on the Colbert Report (twice), which is a conservative comedy show on Comedy Central.

Colbert? Conservative? I got a huge giggle there...

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by Kyle Love

I believe somewhere in the "Terms of agreement" politics is a no fly zone on here. So, please do not debate what party Dean is part of. Just write him in if you feel so inclined.

Umm, isn't there a "robotics" party?

Oh, that was a wrap party...

[alex1699]

haha im going to do that

[artdutra04]

The following is a quote from Code Name Ginger, a story about the invention of the Segway, with some random sections about Dean and FIRST (up until 2001). You can draw your own conclusions.

Originally Posted by Code Name Ginger, Page 101

[Dean Kamen] once told me that he was a Republican at work and a Democrat at home, because Democrats invade your business and Republicans invade your personal life."

I don't think Dean is necessary associated with either party, but rather plays politics smart and supports anyone who supports FIRST.

And there is no reason why one party should have a monopoly on supporting FIRST, as there are many issues of FIRST (helping children's education/futures, helping create new engineers for America's economy) which appeal to the core values of both political parties.

Whether you personally are a Democrat or Republican (or independent), just sit back for a second and realize that all of us in FIRST are working towards the same goals. And then think that, for once, whether you are red or blue, that this is an issue which both sides can agree on is the best for the future of this nation.

So rather than back-filling evidence to make the claims that Dean is either a Democrat or Republican, why not worry about convincing your own politician(s) about the benefits of supporting FIRST. Regardless of what the pundits may claim, Democrats and Republicans alike both care very deeply about the future and well-being of America, and if we can convince all of them about the benefits of FIRST, the world will be a much better place.

[Tetraman]

All of the things Dean does for the good of mankind points him to being human above what side of politics he hails from.