Wow, really? I did not know that. Likely it was written like that in order not to confuse the audience members, as many would view a thumbs up as victorious (or because it seemed to have a positive connotation to it). As for the pic of me, yea I was confused that day. I was thinking, "Why am I looking up at the sky? And where are my red socks?"
I know why they changed the thumbs up/down meaning. Thumbs up still had a positive connotation back then. It was just considered positive to the crowd for the gladiator to be killed.
Please tell me whether you would vote for or against a candidate who supports reducing federal spending on education and welfare?
I try not to vote on single issues, but I don't see how we could afford to spend less on education. Welfare is a mixed issue for me. We do waste a lot of money on it, but there are a lot of people that get a legitimate benefit from it. I don't think we need to necessarily reduce or increase welfare spending, but perhaps we should tighten the regulations.
In short, no I would not in general terms vote for a candidate who would reduce education spending. I may consider a candidate who would reduce welfare spending, but that sole issue would not make or break things for me.