Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

God Help us all if that happens......If that isn't a great reason to Vote for complete Change, I don't know what is..

maybe this "war hero" business is not all it's cracked up to be.

Morning Sturg, Like ole times. ;0)

But I have to go to work. Have a nice morning!

Dear Craig, Everyone
Good Morning I did not plan on coming today because of false accusations leveled against me yesterday, I was deeply hurt but Craig you're great and well many friends here that I do love so I guess you need a thick skin and take the good with the bad even though its not true.

I'll reserve the right to be a supporter of Hillary and critical of Obama

Sincerely,
Heather :-))

ta ta and thankee kindly.....

Nice morning ahead........I'm boning up on Norm Chomsky........lol

you have to take the bitter with the badder.....

---Lum n' Abner

From the news:

Elizabeth Edwards, wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards, remains unwilling to endorse either of the two remaining Democratic contenders, but the health care advocate told ABC News she preferred Sen. Clinton's health plan to Sen. Obama's.

In an interview with "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts, airing Wednesday, Edwards - who recently began work as a senior fellow at the liberal think tank, the Center for American Progress - said she believed Clinton's health care plan was more inclusive than that of the Illinois senator.

"You need that universality in order to get the cost savings ... I just have more confidence in Sen. Clinton's policy than Sen. Obama's on this particular issue," she said.

As to how the contentious Democratic nomination will end, Edwards said she thought letting the race end at the convention was a good idea.

"I don't actually think it's a bad idea to have an open convention, where we actually got to hash out what the differences [between the candidates] were and how important they are," she said.

I'm gazing into my crystal radio set......and I see republicans pretending to support Hillary and I see republicans pretending to be democrats pretending to support Obama......geez, the woods is crawlin' with gop ops........and the up-front republicans are lyin' low......as GE owned msnbc pretends to be a news channel which pretends to support Obama.......it's all very confusing.......except for the fact that the last person the gop wants to be president is Hillary Clinton.......

the repubs pretending to be democrats are not the ones on this board who have consistently shown themselves to be democrats who support Obama.....that's straightforward and above board.....it's just the sneaky ones who look.......sneaky.......

"except for the fact that the last person the gop wants to be president is Hillary Clinton......."

Very true.

Oh, Craig, why the shock over 'preemptive' war. Every since the Monroe Doctrine was crafted, it's been our policy.

Didnt JFK essentially scrap the Monroe Doctrine?

I should have added, what about our great American hero, Ronald Reagan, and his attack against Libya. Was that preemptive? Or, was it just an old-fashioned, middle of the night, sneak attack.

From the Wiki on Monroe Doctrine:

U.S. President John F. Kennedy at an August 29, 1962 news conference:
“ The Monroe Doctrine means what it has meant since President Monroe and John Quincy Adams enunciated it, and that is that we would oppose a foreign power extending its power to the Western Hemisphere, and that is why we oppose what is happening in Cuba today. That is why we have cut off our trade. That is why we worked in the Organization of American States and in other ways to isolate the Communist menace in Cuba. That is why we will continue to give a good deal of our effort and attention to it."

Patsi, Mrs Edwards is so right about having participation in our universal healthcare program mandatory. That's the only way, short of a single payer system, that we can reverse the trend of runaway costs that are going to bankrupt our country.

To say nothing of getting timely, needed healthcare to every American who needs it.

Heather, don't let the rascals wear you down. Your analyses are always insightful and well developed. You're hitting a nerve. Keep it up!

And now, off to the dentist _again_.

Flatus......nullis illigitimati corborundum.........did you clean up that translation?

I have a question for you political intellectuals on this blog. Do you believe that the MSM/talk radio is responsible for giving GWB the presidency in 2000/2004? Are they also responsible for helping to give us this war.?

Are they now helping to give Obama the Democratic nomination so they can later give McCain the presidency?

Yeah , Heather. Don't take it too serious. I mean , if I knew how many racists and bigots were hanging around here , I would have never joined this place! I mean , all I can offer is sarcasm. LOL!

ct
well......I'm a political ignoramus but the answer would seem to be "Yes, indubitably, beyond a shadow of a doubt".

Morning , Sturge!

Hiya Corey................good one, above, by the way.......

Thanks , Sturge. It's funny/ironic what is said here some days. But , most of us already know that.

Some more evidence of Obama campaign being two faced. The same people who complain about Hillary wanting to claim delegate votes are trying to steal super delegate votes in states where the SDs are going for Sen. Clinton.

In Washington they are putting forward a resolution at the county and state party conventions to bind the SDs to the caucus votes. This would mean that the office holders and party leaders who have backed HIllary would be forced to vote for Obama.

Needless to say they are not pushing this resolution in states where the SDs are supporting Obama in states where the voters went for Sen. Clinton

So much for hope, change, and turning the page.

I think we're out of gas. How many days can they cancel hundreds of flights? I'm not buying the widespread scapegoating of airline mechanics.
Half the flights at double the price, so fewer employees needed & the airlines can keep their profits up. Sumpin' 'zup.

How much fuel have they spent hauling that silly, Olympic torch from place to place? Not just the energy for the transport of the torch, but for the carriers and the security? Maybe we can offset it by turning off our TVs during the games to save electricity. Boycott Beijing!

Reb Ren......ha ha .......hasnt snowed here in at least a decade........
far as sneaky is concerned, not talking about any of the muppets.......everyone knows that muppets are straight forward and above board......wocka wocka......

Cherish Sean Casey , Renee. He is the nicest guy in baseball.

Blue: you just hit the topic I wanted to discuss -- American cancelling hundreds of flights for the third day running.

What is up with that? Believe they're in discussions in pilots over some contentious issue. Is this a way of sticking it to their labor? Or the general public?

Very very odd.

Oil Prices:

Obama voted for the Bush Cheney energy bill, called a pinata of perks and the best energy bill corporations could buy.

Hillary Clinton voted against that bill.

I guess he was hoping to change prices at the pump in favor of corporations.

Thank you so much...

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Flatus, Corey Renee, all)))))))))))))))))))))))))
for all your support and encouragement, I'm getting misty-eyed here.....
In the words of Elton John Shame on you America! Stop being so misogynistic, lets get on with the show :-))

Hey Bill, Hill, and Chelsea looked great ! Chelsea has become quite the Swan, in looks demeanor and intelligence, where are all the disrespectful republicans which the media echoed that were bullying her in Bill's early years in the White House calling her all sorts of dreadful names lead by the the newt gingbats and Tom DeLay's?

Is it no wonder Bill and Hillary protected her from the media!

--Heather

MoJoe in favor of nationalizing airlines.

Lost in the 50s again with TWA, Continental, and PanAm. Back to the future when the airlines actually provided safe, clean, efficient transportation.

Speaking of lying did anyone see the tape of Obama lying to America about the strong support he has? OMG!!!!! A whopper and I ain't talking Burger King!.

Good heavens! Here in NY and in FL as well there is 0 support for him all my Jewish girlfriends all big Hillary boosters, where is this great support among the rank and file Jewish-American community? Super-Tuesday exit polling Hillary cuffed and stuffed him getting well over 60% of the Jewish American vote!

Obama fist thing you need know when talking to the Jewish community is always wear a yarmulke or in Hebrew "kippa" yarai mʾElohim got that Obama. Hope your Harvard education included that? For one that is closely associated with anti-semetic people in personal life [Rezko, Wright , Ayres etc] and staff [Zbigniew Brzezinski] who does not have great credentials with the Jewish community for obvious reasons! Yet you stand before the crowd like Mr. Joe Cool lying with a straight face about Jewish support you have LOL! Spare me!

MoeJoe (moe being the operative word) supports something like water supports running downhill......

Heather...you know how I feel about it...you post terrific comments and you need to keep posting.

Don't let the name calling of one little evil troll drive you away.

Keep in mind that the rest of us, when we see personal attacks like that think negatively about the attacker--not the one being attacked. I say, scroll on by the crap and keep the conversation going.

And Hather...see...even the crappy polls have Hillary pulling away from Obama in PA again...

A new InsiderAdvantage poll in Pennsylvania gives Hillary Clinton a ten-point lead, up from a two-point lead last week:

Clinton 48% (+3)
Obama 38% (-5)

Not...the PA polls are moving BACK in favor of Hillary. Can't stop now.

Heather: I have met plenty of Jewish supporters of Obama. Intelligent souls, all.

"American cancelling hundreds of flights for the third day running.
What is up with that? Believe they're in discussions in pilots over some contentious issue. Is this a way of sticking it to their labor? Or the general public?"

This is one more sign of the trouble we are in as a country. Our infastructure is crumbling, the airlines are falling apart, the air traffic system (starting with Ronnie Raygun) is terrible -- and we are pouring money down the Iraq rat hole.

I'm not even one of the people who thinks we can just walk away tomorrow, either. I understand how damned tricky this is going to be. And I fear that whatever we do, we leave chaos. Absolute chaos. And we've created generations of America-hating muslims all over the world.

Meanwhile America's roads, airways, manufacturing -- you name it -- are in jeopardy. And in large part -- yes, ct -- we have the MSM, talk radio and the neocon scam to thank for the cheerleading that got us here.

Osama is laughing at how he "broke" the Soviets and now he's doing the same to us. With a little help from the Republicans.

No matter who is our next president, that individual faces a daunting task.

That should read "Now"...

Heather...sorry about the typo on your name...argh...complete accident.

Sturgeone

It was in a conversation with Erin about airline profitability and her being opposed to bailouts for airlines doomed to failure in an unregulated market. That it is one area where capitalism just doesn't work and why given half a chance to avoid an American airline company, people worldwide choose Air Anything.

There is a lot of "back to the future" going on what with rehabbing streetcars, trollies, trans, lightrail, subways etc. nationwide. All of those mass transit systems taken out of service to build "convenient" freeways.

Now if they would build a nationwide passenger rail system so we could get around as well as you can in Europe, maybe Americans wouldn't be so frustrated.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/04/mccains-preemptive-strike.html#comment-65228

ah but Flatus the Monroe Doctrine (and it's various interpretations) is based upon a REACTION to actual provocation, never on PRE-EMPTIVE strikes based only upon perceived threats. Dismissing Bush's emerging Pre-Emptive Doctrine as yet another stretch of Monroe understates the new ground it opens up for presidents to invade others without even pretending that our foes actually did anything to justify it.

Heather, as i've said many times before when things got nasty. Try to use the ignore button in your head when you see the screen names of bad actors on this stage. Reaction only encourages them.

Another interesting PA tidbit...

Strategic Vision poll has Hillary beating McCain by 3% in PA while Obama loses to McCain by 7%

Does anyone think that having to watch Obama lie on TV 4 or 5 times an hour might be back firing on him in PA? Just because you have the money to outspend your opponent 4-1 in a state doesn't mean that you should...especially when FactCheck and PolitiFact say you're lying in all your ads.

ROFL

(((((((((((((((Wendy Patsi ))))))))))))))
All of you are great you kindness and encouragement means the world to me!!!!!!! Wendy Everytime you email me it always adds joy to my day:-))

It's not a racist or bigot thing with me because if Harold Ford Jr were running I's work my behind off and sweat blood trying to get him elected president, to this day I am angry and hurt he lost a racist Senate campaign in Tennessee.
The real racism resides in the Republican Party not ours!
To this day they have been engaged in voter caging code for suppressing the African American vote. McCain says he will woo the African American vote ok we will see. Actions speak louder than words, I will give credit where credit is due He did show up and apologize for voting against making Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's birthday a national holiday, its a start but he has a long way to go if he is going to be the leader of the Republican Party

It's just that I know a con artist when I see one and Obama fits the bill.

Just my point of view

Sincerely,
Heather

Yesterday on "The View," Whoopi Goldberg switched her endorsement from Barack Obama to Hillary Clinton. Whoopi cited Clinton's statement that she would end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas. Whoopi previously believed that Obama had made that pledge first, but apparently she was mistaken.

Who do the people listen to more Whoopi or Oprah?

Hey Heather...since Harold and Hillary are both part of the DLC leadership team..what about Hillary/Harold 08?

;-) ... has a nice ring to it...wouldn't you say.

It is okay Wendy:

Not to worry! I never realized how popular a name "Heather" is until the internet LOL! now I can no longer use my own name registering for a site etc its always already taken LOL the internet has now reduced me to a number, well at least a name and a number lol

Sincerely,
Heather

vadaryl......which people?

"Reaction only encourages them."

I wish I could stop myself from replying to all snotty comments. But I just can't. It's like getting slapped and turning the other cheek. It's just not in me. Christ, I once punched a would-be mugger. I tend to react to attacks, physical or not. But I will try harder.

when is the next debate? I think CBS has this one.

Dear Wendy:

That is is like the Stradivarius of Presidential Candidates I Love it!!!!!!!!!!!

Woooooooooooohoooooooooooo Clinton - Ford

That sounds like a classic to me:-))

h5@Wendy:-))

Sincerely,
Heather

Asked on Wednesday if he would reject “the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war,” McCain said, “I don't think you could make a blanket statement about pre-emptive war, because obviously, it depends on the threat that the United States of America faces.”

Doesn't the GOP understand that we "signed" the UN Charter. Oh I forgot - they don't really pay attention to the Constitution - so why the hell should I expect them to pay attention to the Charter. Indeed, they seem to think playing by the rules is a sign of weakness.

"if Harold Ford Jr were running I's work my behind off and sweat blood trying to get him elected president, to this day I am angry and hurt he lost a racist Senate campaign in Tennessee."

SAME HERE! Heather -- how can I email you? I love to show you the COOLEST postcard mailer I did for Harold during the senate campaign here in TN -- and yes -- I was outraged at that smear campaign against him. He is a very good guy.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/04/mccains-preemptive-strike.html#comment-65230

"attack against Libya. Was that preemptive? Or, was it just an old-fashioned, middle of the night, sneak attack. -- Posted by: Flatus"

Reagan based that attack on the country's role in bombings of Berlin disco killing American servicemen. Might have been a thin stretch but at least it was based on something that actually happened, as opposed to a perceived threat

Anybody, I was not referring to a specific group, it may of come across like that. I think people trust Oprah more and would go with her opinion over Whoopi's.

Wendy:

I like the guy - but Harold Ford looks even younger than Obama. And trying to "replace" Obama with Ford would be a terrible move for Hillary if she somehow got the nomination.

(btw, I saw Howard Dean last night attacking McCain on Tavis Smiley. And you guys are right - that guy is a joke ; )

He went way over the top and appeared almost comical. The nominee should tell Dean to take a backseat (way back) for the fall.

" but Harold Ford looks even younger than Obama. "

Harold has more experience though.

Dear Patsi:

Just check my TypeKey profile or my website posts you will see links to my email :-))

Sincerely,
Heather

it will be interesting to see obama's dollar per vote
ratio in pa.'' he might need another 40 million
to continue his campaign after pa.
my old 67 chevy is getting better miles per gal than his
campaign

Oprahs ratings have taken a nose dive since she endorsed Sen. Obama which may carry some weight with Whoopie on The View.

If you're audience is principally women, you might want to think twice before being perceived as shafting one who is trying to become President.

"maybe this "war hero" business is not all it's cracked up to be."

I agree Sturg - it implies that America must be fighting a "war" so McCain can be a "hero."

Take a look at this poll. 13.3% still undecided with two weeks to go. Look at all the undecided columns. Very interesting.

http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/downloads/uploaded/38_InsiderAdvantage_Majority%20Opinion%20PA%20DEM%20Poll%20_(4-9-2008).pdf

Flatus:

"we would oppose a foreign power extending its power to the Western Hemisphere, and that is why we oppose what is happening in Cuba today."

First - to "oppose a foreign power" is not the same thing as a "use of force." And second, how was Saddam "extending Iraq's power to the Western Hemisphere."

Again - I am not saying we should pack up and go home. But there are serious questions about how Bush "started" the war in Iraq.

I am glad you are still here Heather.

I just looked at the April 3rd. poll the numbers were:
Clinton 45.3 Obama 42.4 Undecided was 12.3

Now it's Clinton 48.4 Obama 38.3 Undecided 13.3

The undecided went up. So this shows he's losing ground but the undecided did not affect the numbers. Interesting. So what's going on.

"'but Harold Ford looks even younger than Obama.'

Harold has more experience though."

Prove it Pastsi. Especially with respect to Foreign Policy.

(Oh I forgot - Ford passed the Wolfson CIC test - you got me . . . damn those Clintons are good ; )

Btw, is that test multiple choice?

Dear Warren:

Harold Ford Jr. May indeed be younger be he is a lot more experienced than Obama. He is a Centrist DLC Democrat, honest, a "true" Baptist Christian without the Rev. Wright baggage and did not join the Christian faith for "street cred" and to wooo the Oprah, Jessie Jackson Rev Al Crowd.

One of many things I love about Harold Ford Jr, is courage I just admired him when he defended Rep. John Murtha after Rep Jean Schmidt called Murtha a coward Harold Ford Jr. ran to the opposite side of the aisle and told her say it to Murtha's face and wound of being restrained by colleague Rep David Obey. Harold Ford is a guy you want on your side courageous and loyal. I cannot see Obama melodrama doing that.

Harold Ford Jr served on the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Financial Services, and worked closely with the Dept. of Defense.

I'd take Harold Ford's resume any day of the week over Obama's

--Heather

Powell: Troops in Iraq must be reduced

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080410/ap_on_el_pr/powell_iraq

"Without taking sides in the race for the White House . . ."

Really? Sounds like he took a side to me. If Powell endorsed Obama - implicitly or explicitly - McCain's chances of getting in the White House would take a serious hit.

(I am off to walk the goose)

mornin' all -

Boil water alert here - slows things down and people go nuts - who really needs 8 cases of water so they can water their pets? I say when in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

sturg - I think the only people vadaryl could have been referring to are people who watch both Oprah and The View. You know, people who have absofuckinglutely nothing to do with their time.

P.Ps> pardon my Manners Warren, I forgot to mention Thank you I appreciate your wanting to be here, much appreciated:-))

Sincerely,
Heather

Jeez Heather - he sounds like a bit of a misogynist and it seems like he was awfully rude to that lady.

Just kidding. But I am not kidding about the fact that saying that Ford has enough "experience" - and Obama does not - seems a bit self-serving to me....

My friends brother is awaiting deployment to Iraq, she asked him when he was going , he replied he did not know - - reason being, he said, " they could not get flights"

Seems peculiar that The U.S. can't even get the soldiers to Iraq that are supposed to be there already.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/04/mccains-preemptive-strike.html#comment-65287

Warren, Flatus -- thanks for your discussion. this is important stuff to me. it's one thing to define a zone of security interest beyond our borders (which is what the Monroe Doctrine and its corollaries were all about) and say we will react with force to anyone who actually harms those interests. But it is quite another to make it official U.S. policy to attack anyone we think MIGHT threaten our interests at home or abroad. This is such a profound departure from our longstanding policy, and the next president will be critical to whether it becomes our new policy forever. Would like to hear McCain and the Democrats more fully on this point come the general election.

vad, it's an apparent shift in Obama's support of 5% - 4 went to Clinton, 1 went became undecided. It could also be a result attributable to sampling. Many polls taken periodically show swings in the samples that probably don't really exist among the population of voters. The election is what lets you know which ones were right.

Good morning everyone...just popping in to say 'hi' real quick. Got back to sunny Fla from KC last night, where I watched from a chilly upper deck as my cold and soggy Royals beat the Yanks 5-2 for the home opener! Then followed it with a victory last night, which I watched in the comfort of my living room. I don't want to rub it in too much though -- cuz I know there are lots of Yanks fans here.

I am glad you are sticking around Heather.Hillary needs all the support she can get.Where is Katherine?

Ford would be a great running mate for Hillary.I trust him more than Obama because he doesn't have the baggag that Obama has with Wright ,Rezko and the wrong kind of muslim connection.

Ruth

Obama got a big bounce from the "Everyone's a racist but me and thee and I"m not sure about thee speech"
but like Romney's speech on religion, the effect did not last because it was mostly an affect of the media coverage.

What was Senator Rockefeller thinking attacking McCain's Vietnam service? If there ever was a third rail of politics attacking a POW certainly qualifies.

"One of many things I love about Harold Ford Jr, is courage I just admired him when he defended Rep. John Murtha after Rep Jean Schmidt called Murtha a coward Harold Ford Jr. ran to the opposite side of the aisle and told her say it to Murtha's face and wound of being restrained by colleague Rep David Obey. "

Heather -- I stood up and cheered when I saw that on TV. It was GREAT!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/04/mccains-preemptive-strike.html#comment-65302

ha, and Patsi rattles the cage

Warren:
Ford has more experience as far as subcommitteeship is concerned and woman or no...I am an Irish and when you are called a coward... them are 'fightin words pardner!
Rep Jean Schmidt is lucky it wasn't in the upper house or Zel Miller would have challenged her to a duel :-))
--Heather

oh lovely, another tiresome smackdown begins

Dear Craig:

Smackdown?

sorry
I'll be more reserved Craig

--Heather

politics aside,are the rest of you as concerned as I am about the Jeffs religious sect in TexasWhen they put Jeffs in Jail didn't they investigat that sect and free all those children then.And the people in the area weren't they a little wary of what was going on right in their midst.A clip on Gma showed a police officer chasing away a news person some time ago.The law was protecting the sect even then.Now they are complaining their civil rights are being violated.

Sometimes I think we go a little overboard protecting the criminal and not the victim.How can this still be going on in this country.Have we gotten so self absorbed that we ignore what is going on right in front of us.The women who have escaped from places like these should have been listened to and all of these sects should have been monitered.Religous rights be damned!

What has happened to common sense?
Ruth

What Craig, you getting tieed of this, too?

That would be "tired" of course.

CC...would you please stand on your roof, with a mirror and reflect some of that sunshine south to Woodbridge?? ...LOLOL!! The weather report is supposed to be sunny and 70's, but I am not seeing that here....brrrrrrrr. 8(

Heather, go for it. I just get weary of the personal, adhominem insults that, while occasionally entertaining, illuminate nothing. But guess that's partly what blogs are for. Today I'd just rather do some pruning outside than read more of the same.

Ruth - if you ever get an answer to that last question of your, please post it here so we will all know. ;-)

yes, Pogo, tired of it but not tieed to it. Think it's my turn to boycott my own blog. Just kidding, sort of. Seriously tho, my plants are calling. Sending you some shine, Lush

Thank you for the kind words and encouragement Ruth much appreciated <3

Sincerely Heather

P.S. I humbly ask anyone working for the DNC or on any Democratic campaign be it Hillary or Obama's please ask what you or they can do to ensure that voter caging does not happen in the 2008 presidential EVERY minority has the Constitutional right to vote, we as citizens have a responsibility to ensure their votes count as well as our own...Thank You:-))
--Heather

Warren are you the bookmaker on who would win the duel??

Can a blogmaster boycott his/her own blog???? :)

h

"ha, and Patsi rattles the cage"

Okay. Next time I'll just take the slap. :)

Hey Craig, Everyone:
Check out the new Geico commercial with the dancing Geico Caveman its a riot LOL

I'm searching youtube to see if I can find a vid of it
Its so funny:-))
Heather

sauce - it's a West Virginia thang. Jay Rockefeller is titanium clad and bullet proof in WV. He doesn't always think before he speaks - and making ridiculous statements about McCain that no one here (WV, that is) understands doesn't hurt him at all, so he probably figures those silly ass statements won't hurt Obama here, either. And if you think his statements about McCain not caring about ordinary folk because he bombed Vietnamese peasants whose names he didn't know was gobbledygook, take a week off and go hang around WalMart (take your pick - any of them in WV will do - with the possible exception of the eastern panhadle, which is too much like VA and MD to really be considered WV anyway) and you'll hear statements that make Rockefeller's sound like they would qualify for a Pulitzer Prize for Political Analysis.

I think Craig might be talking about the death match that was going on last night on the blog. Since no one else was around...and it seemed very personal between those two...I decided to go watch MSNBC instead...go figure.

Dear Pogo;
I think I forgot to thank you as well for your kindness and support I am deeply grateful! <3<3 :-))
thank you ((((((((((((((((Pogo)))))))))))))

Sincerely,
Heather

LOL!!!!!!!
((((((((((((((((tz)))))))))))))

--Heather

Wendy? Death match?

you can lead a horse to water but you know how a wet horse STINKS
--tz

now why did you have to write that??

________

LOL!!!!!!!
((((((((((((((((tz)))))))))))))
--Heather

why does tz's comment make you so happy?

SSMH

Can I start a fight? It's suddenly very quiet in here...

Heather:

I don't think either of these are right - but still kinda funny:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1YRgaLtzM4&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX9wDXAZ0wQ

It'll be safe to come back now Craig.

I'm off to play TV Trivia in Facebook... cheerio !

By Charles Krauthammer

Sunday, Mar. 23 2008

The beauty of a speech is that you don't just give the answers; you provide
your own questions. "Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered
controversial while I sat in church? Yes." So said Barack Obama, in his
Philadelphia speech about his pastor, friend, mentor and spiritual adviser of
20 years, Jeremiah Wright.

An interesting, if belated, admission. But the more important question is:
Which controversial remarks:

— Wright's assertion from the pulpit that the U.S. government invented the HIV
virus "as a means of genocide against people of color"?

— Wright's claim that America was morally responsible for 9/11 — "chickens
coming home to roost" — because of, among other crimes, Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
(Obama says he missed churc h that day. Had he never heard about it?)

— What about the charge that the U.S. government (of Franklin Roosevelt, mind
you) knew about Pearl Harbor, but lied about it?

— Or that the government gives drugs to black people, presumably to enslave and
imprison them?

Obama condemns such statements as wrong and divisive, then frames the next
question: "There will no doubt be those for whom my statements of condemnation
are not enough. Why associate myself with Reverend Wright in the first place,
they may ask? Why not join another church?"

But that is not the question. The question is why didn't he leave that church?
Why didn't he leave — why doesn't he leave, even today — a pastor who thundered
not once but three times from the pulpit, and on a DVD the church proudly
sells, "God damn America"? Obama's 5,000-word speech, fawned over as a great
meditation on race, is little more than an elegantly crafted, brilliantly
s o phistic justification of that scandalous dereliction.

His defense rests on two central propositions: (a) moral equivalence and (b)
white guilt.

(a) Moral equivalence. Sure, says Obama, there's Wright, but at the other "end
of the spectrum" there's Geraldine Ferraro, opponents of affirmative action and
his own white grandmother, "who once confessed her fear of black men who passed
by her on the street and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or
ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe." But did she shout them in a crowded
theater to incite, enrage and poison others?

"I can no more disown [Wright] than I can my white grandmother." What exactly
was grandma's offense? Jesse Jackson himself once admitted to the fear he feels
from the footsteps of black men on the street. And Harry Truman was known to
use epithets for blacks and Jews in private, yet he is revered for
desegregating the armed forces and recognizing t h e first Jewish state since
Jesus' time. He never spread racial hatred. Neither did grandma.

Yet Obama compares her to Wright. Does he not see the moral difference between
the occasional private expression of the prejudices of one's time and the use
of a public stage to spread racial lies and race hatred?

(b) White guilt. Obama's purpose in the speech was to put Wright's outrages in
context. By context, Obama means history. And by history, he means the history
of white racism. Obama says, "We do not need to recite here the history of
racial injustice in this country" and then proceeds to do precisely that. And
what lies at the end of his recital of the long train of white racial assaults
from slavery to employment discrimination? Jeremiah Wright, of course.

This contextual analysis of Wright's venom, this extenuation of black hate
speech as a product of white racism, is not new. It's the Jesse Jackson
politics of racial gr ie vance expressed in Ivy League diction and Harvard Law
nuance. That's why the speech made so many liberal commentators swoon: It
bathed them in racial guilt while flattering their intellectual pretensions —
an unbeatable combination.

But Obama is supposed to be new. He flatters himself as a man of the future,
transcending the anger of the past as represented by his beloved pastor. Obama
then waxes rhapsodic about the hope brought by the new consciousness of the
young people in his campaign.

Then answer this, senator: If Wright is a man of the past, why would you expose
your children to his vitriolic divisiveness? This is a man who curses America
and who proclaimed moral satisfaction in the deaths of 3,000 innocents at a
time when their bodies were still being sought at Ground Zero. It is not just
the older congregants who stand and cheer and roar in wild approval of Wright's
rants, but young people as well. Why did you giv e $ 22,500 just two years ago to
a church run by a man of the past who infects the younger generation with
precisely the racial attitudes and animus you say you have come unto us to
transcend?

E-mail: letters@charleskrauthammer.com

copyright Washington Post Writers Group

sorry about last post didn't know how to put it in brackets.
Ruth

Here's more bad economic news - particularly if you think that balance of trade is an important economic factor.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/business/worldbusiness/10cnd-trade.html?hp

Ruth, when you're looking at an article just highlight the address in the bar at the top of the webpage, right click, copy, bring it over here, right click, paste. That'll post the link instead of the article.

next on THE VIEW...Senator McCain 8)

its okay Ruth
I made that same mistake when I fist got here too
its all good :-))
It was more fun reading the post then watching Chris Matthews fawning all over Obama right now lol

--Heather

P. S. Warren thank you but it may be too new to be on youtube yet.... MSNBC is running it Geico also has another funny one with Mrs, Buttersworth Syrup Bottle Pretty clever those Geico ad-men

LARRY SINCLAIR UPDATE :

"Yesterday in Puerto Rico, a bombshell fell on Barack Obama’s hopes to at least win a small percentage of primary votes in said jurisdiction (he was only receiving 20% of support in the polls). This “bomb” goes by the name of Larry Sinclair and his allegations of homosexuality and cocaine use against Barack Hussein Obama, which happened to go ‘prime time’ yesterday throughout the Island.

...the show “La Comay”, the highest rated and most popular show on the island (for the past decade), dedicated an entire hour to the discussion of this story and to the interview of Larry Sinclair himself ...

Day by day, this story approaches critical mass, and we can slowly start getting ready to practice the diverse names that may begin to be utilized to describe it; GAY GATE, CRACK GATE, SINCLAIR GATE, GAY LIMO GATE, et al. Irrespective of the veracity or integrity of this story, it is nonetheless true that these allegations will eventually come to fruition among the press (maybe close to November), and it is now only left to the Mainstream Media and/or the Obama campaign to deflect it as best they can and see if they can survive it. Apparently, Donald Young and Larry Sinclair have just become household names in Puerto Rico, it will be only a matter of time until they become part of the American lingo as well."

http://savagepolitics.com/

Speaking of funny lets see if Bush gets though this press conference without bumbling words, I gave up on the lying part:-))

--Heather

Patsi:
You here sweetheart?

Sending you some shine, Lush
--Craig

Hey...thanks...it worked!!!! 8~)

Heather,

He hit lying by saying military and civilian deaths "are down". I guess he hasn't read any reports recently.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7324106.stm

Dear Jamie:
Exactly! I noticed that whopper too

-Heather

"Straight Talk Express?"

We are NOT winning in Iraq but the MSM doesn't seem to realize that when McCain says that, he's lying. That would require them to do independent analysis, to THINK. And they are just stenographers.

Did I just hear him say "They attacked our homeland" there goes the needle on the polygraph!!!!

Now he is into the "facing a dangerout enemy" ... Al Qaida is warming up to attck the United States. Let's see: Before invasion - no anti U.S. terrorists in Iraq. Since invastion - Iraq over run with a multiplicity of terrorists.

Just watching him makes me start thinking, "will no one rid me of this troublesome priest."

In case some of thos black helicopters and MIB are around, that was a passing thought not a recommendation.

Heather, if I want sarcasm I can go home.

I get a kick out of Mrs. Alan Greenspan repeating what has already been said but hey the American people are idiots so let me lecture them on what Bush the younger had to say

duhhhhhhhh tank ooops mean thank you Mrs. Greenspan
oh brotherrrrrrrrrrrr

--Heather

jamie - he meant to say that since we are leaving OBL alone, THAT AQ bunch is warming up to strike the US. AQI is too busy fighting Shiites in Iraq.

Pogo:
How was I sarcastic to you? confused

Heather

btw, heather, :-)

Heather - not to me, about Bush not stumbling on his tongue during the presser (I was kidding).

I have a silly question

What created or what was the genesis of the Republican/ Bush/Neocons referring to the USA as "Homeland" I hate that term its repugnant and too naziesque

I wish they would stop using it

sheeeeeeeeeesh!

Heather

Dear Pogo
Silly me I misunderstood

--Heather

There is an article on Real clear politics about Obama opting out of public financing in general. Just a so so article. But one sentence seemed a real insight.

"Obama's worked hard on his squeaky-clean image, and the guy who looks cleanest is frequently the guy who falls hardest. Too, his is the veneer easiest to strip off, given the high expectations he's set."

Hey are any of you gals and guys going to the Hillary protest the Media and Voter disenfranchisement meeting in NYC tomorrow? 8 o'clock at Rockefeller
plaza. Oh brother that should bring the morning traffic
to a standstill..
Anything to get the Media loving Obama scenario to sit up and take notice that the public and especially Hillary supporters are tired of it.. Fair and balanced they have not been.

Hang in Heather! We who do not speak as eloquently and passionately as you do need you.. We have already lost several.. No more , please..

Julie

Craig....
I used to belong to 2 book clubs.... both at nearby libraries..... I didn't like spending 2/3s of my reading time reading books that someone else picked for me..... so I decided to pick one club over the other...... one club didn't have a moderator and has become chaotic..... too much personal talk and maybe 10 minutes of an hour discussion was used to talk about the book.....

the other club had the reference librarian as moderator..... it meant there were more rules..... but one could participate in what a book club is supposedly about..... discussing the book..... this is the club I've chosen to stick with.....

I understand your stance on free speech...... but it can sometimes lead to chaos....... being a moderator and showing a little leadership can make all the difference......

you did that this morning....... thank you....

Rene,

Anyone mentions book clubs, and I immediately think of "And Ladies of The Club"

http://www.amazon.com/Ladies-Club-Helen-Hooven-Santmyer/dp/0425174409

If you have never read it and like generational novels, it is about a 1000 pages of you absolutely must.
It was the work of a lifetime of Helen Santmyer published when she was quite elderly. Many think she was drawing on autobiographical relationships or composites.

Craig, Warren, et al.

First, on the Monroe Doctrine. It established a de facto American hemisphere with us being the arbiter of justice and the instrument of power. It can accurately be said that we didn't apply that power against the traditional European colonizers with the exception of Spain.

But, once we had established our dominance we used it liberally within our hemisphere whether it be against Nicaragua, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Chile, Panama, and whatever other states we may have inserted ourselves claiming that our interests were threatened.

Secondly, the scale of our attack on Iraq is the only significantly differentiating feature of that intervention from the others where our forces have created acts of war without us having been attacked first.

I cited our attack against Libya as an example. Our interventions in Latin America are others. Somalia is another, Some would say Bosnia is one more. And others will cite the covert operations we have staged in other parts of the world.

In other cases, countries acting as our proxies have done the deed for us. Consider how Israel attacked nuclear facilities in Iraq.

Are these preemptive strikes of the magnitude that Bush achieved? No. But, in many cases, I believe them to be acts of war that if the opposing side had the might and motivation to respond, they would have been justified in doing so under accepted practice.

And all the bilateral treaties we've established with countries bordering on our traditional adversaries gave us a legally sound right, indeed obligation, to preempt against the major adversary as soon as they set one foot inside our protectee's borders.

I just don't think we should be shocked by the word preemptive.

Heather,
To you, and to everyone that has made up their mind, it accomplishes nothing to be critical of the opposition candidate. You will sway no minds and it only serves to validate your decision, regardless of how that decision was made.
It is truly insightful to be objective and continually critical of your own candidate, and to honestly question the reasons about that candidate which caused you make that particular selection. Only then will know if you've made the right decision, or not.

Nancy:
If what you say is correct why are Hillary and Obama still campaigning, since according to you no minds will be swayed/

As for your second point I don't agree with Hillary on every single issue but on the majority of issues I do and if I would be critical of the candidate that in my mind I feel would make the best candidate explain what kind of logical sense would that make? Why would I undermine the candidate I support?

If I did anything It would be to edify Hillary in a positive light :-))
--Heather

Nancy, WADR, I disagree with your conclusion about criticism of an opposing candidate. While I have made up my mind and am supporting Hillary, I read and consider the critical pieces posted by Obama supporters about Clinton, whether I agree with them or not. And based upon the reactions of the posters here to articles posted about both candidates, I believe others do the same. I am of the opinion that the Obama supporters work harder to find critical articles about Clinton than would I, and vice versa. I believe that critical research about the candidates serves the vetting purpose quite nicely, whether it comes from my own digging or the digging of Obama supporters.

To pick up on what Flatus has said;

1. 9/11 brought home the real possibility of the nexus between WMD and the terror network. Americans are united that terrorist activities and adversarial regimes that are chasing WMD are fair targets of "pre-emption". There is no candidate running that would argue the UN has any right to decide what "pre-emption" is permissible to defend American national security and a number of nations reserve the right for "pre-emptive" strikes including China, Russia, India, Israel and the US. Global Strike was created to provide real time "pre-emptive" force if Intel determines a terror operation is in progress or if adversaries are preparing to field threatening force. Clinton nearly attacked NK.

Craig, only an idiot Presdient would fail to act BEFORE operations where well underway that put America in grave danger. It would be political suicide. Every candidate running has stated that they reserve the right to use force to prevent Iran from making a nuclear bomb. Had Israel not taken out Saddam's nuclear facility, what options would we have ten years later during the Gulf War? WMD changes the whole ballgame and Monroe wasn't envisioning this reality.

The idea to wait until Iran or Syria, NK or others develop both delivery systems and nukes and pass them on to third parties is the height of stupidity. This discussion has been mischaracterized. Pre-emption doesn't mean we simply attack regimes or groups we think might threaten us. Pre-emption is the specific act of keeping declared enemies from gaining the means to do what they state publically or carry out an ongoing operation. You don't wait until after an enemy has the capablility, you act to prevent such a situation. Reagan certainly woke up Gadafi.

Now the US had the ability to nuke Chinese and Russian facilities before they got the bomb. We did not do so because these regimes were rational, if not deplorable. We never even threatened concessions by them over the bellies of our bombs despite allies suggesting otherwise. Iran, Syria, NK and eventually others respresent another threat beyond AQ or Hizb'Allah. What moronic President wouldn't act if a radical regimes toppled the Gucci government in Pakistan. That is one reason why India defends pre-emption and so does Israel. Had we pre-empted Hitler, things might have worked out better for the Russians and Jews.

I repeat, it is insane to declare illegal our right to take out any nexus of terrorism and WMD. I suspect that the US/ISrael report on the Sept 6th attack on Syria will reveal that Saddam did move components of his nuclear WMD program to Syria where NK, Iran and Syria were working to advance them. On what crazy planet would Israel be smarter to let these regimes succeed. So please don't spin this discourse into America attacking anyone they "think" is threatening. The threats must be specific. They must involve terror and WMD because this nexus cannot wait for retaliation. We do not have the forsenic capability to even know conclusively who might have attacked us. The Don Corleone school of thinking in this instance is bullshit, plain and simple. Yes, forgo pre-emption and murder millions of Iranians in a retalitory strike. Bravo my clear headed friends.

Of course, when NYC or LA get hit, or even Paris or London, the reaction will be clear. We will strike out while our people cry for revenge and we will make pre-emption the norm. It is not black and white; i.e. no pre-emption or indiscriminant pre-emption. There should be specific criteria so those terrorists and regimes that are now plotting will be on notice. Gadafi reacted to our pre-emption of Saddam. Iran noted our removal of Saddam as well. Every candidate running has said that they would reserve the right to take out Iranian nuclear weapon programs as a last resort. We also have the right as does Uribe, to pre-empt terrorists, WMD material transfers or regimes that have worked with terrorists. Any Allied government that fails to do this will fall after an attack happens. 9/11 told us not to wait. It doesn't matter who attacked us. There are many groups who are actively engaged in working to harm us. There are regimes that are assisting. They ought to be told the US will pre-empt their efforts where ever they unfold. To do otherwise places our citizens at risk and offers only uncertain retaliation which will kill far more than selective pre-emptive strikes.

The UN can't even stop genocide or censure a member nation calling for the destruction of another. Soon technology will make available terrible means of destruction will little ablility for us to trace their origin.

So this is rather a silly conversation. Perhaps another attack will swing reality back into focus. We are heading into WMD blackmail never before faced by Liberal Democracy. Those plotting our demise should be on notice that we will terminate their efforts unless life as we know it is another page an American President wishes to turn. Such an abdication of national self-interest will encourage all nations to build WMD. Our great grand children will ask us how we could have been so supremely stupid.

Nancy,

I believe your notion is mostly correct. I do think it's important to point out discrepancies and contradictions in other's opinions and comments, to not only, as you note, help validate my decision but to provide some factual accuracy if it's lacking. However, I am to contrary to follow such logical and sensible advice as yours. Always have been. Plus it's not as fun! :)

Please hang in there and bear with me and the others who are just as irrational.

MSNBC has been yammering all day about the ground Obama is gaining among women. If you look on their "first read" page though, the story is just a bit different than the headlines:

"*** Women and the candidates: A new Lifetime TV poll, conducted by Republican Kellyanne Conway and Democrat Celinda Lake, has some thought-provoking poll results regarding women and their feelings on this campaign and the three remaining candidates. Surprisingly, Obama is not viewed as poorly among women as the CW might suggest. But interestingly, women believe Obama's benefited in media coverage due to his race, while coverage of McCain's age has hurt him. Clinton's gender is seen as neither a positive nor a negative for her, as far as media attention is concerned. The poll was conducted nationally among women only, and included an oversample of African-American women and an oversample of women in Pennsylvania, so that crosstabs could be used.

Republican pollster using two different over weighted samples.

Craig, how did the last poll that used the oversamples match up with results?

Is there a site that shows these so called checks that Larry Sinclair recieved. I can't believe Obama's camp would be so dumb to write a check. This has to be a joke.-

Dear Pogo:
Excellent post I totally agree with you and there is always that small percentage chance I could be changed if there were something so catastrophic about Hillary I could change.

Hillary has flaws so does Obama we don't nominate perfection we nominate flawed humans. I am against free trade, I am pro union and pro-protectionism and anti-NAFTA and yes there will be people on the opposite side pointing out where I am wrong and why I should change...What can I say other than why I have the beliefs I do and defend them to the best of my ability.

I'm pretty good at defending what I believe in...all those years on the college debate team were not wasted lol

--Heather

It's a joke Daryl.

Nancy, isn't this fun?

Max,

The biggest problem I have with pre-emption is that it is way too costly and totally ineffective. Good police and security work is much more reliable as a deterent and you don't have to kill thousands of innocents to get at the bad guys.

On the nuclear front, negotiation and diplomacy is probably better than any shock and awe might be.

Preemption was the reason I opposed this war from the beginning. It is just not what the U.S. does or at least our ethos says that is not the way we behave. By attacking the wrong country without provocation we have become the enemy of the middle east. It just seems like an assinine action to take.

Renee, are you talking about an online bookclub? I might be interested.!!!

vad, of course not. Even I, an avowed Clintonista, don't buy this Larry Sinclair crap. It takes more proof than a youtube video to make me think there's any smoke to suggest that fire may exist.

Dear Jamie:
I hardly take Lifetime polls seriously how much experience do they have who did they hire to conduct it
MSNBC simply lauds it because it benefits Obama lol lets see how this all plays out, I remember California, Ohio and Texas and Mass...and the goons at MSNBC using polls supporting Obama and ignoring polls that supported Hillary

Yayyyyyy on the bright side Hillary picked up 3 super-delegates
:-))

--Heather

Heather, pogo and Rezdog,

Forgive me, I wasn't clear. The point of my post was the necessity to think critically. A bias toward a candidate lends one to believe all the positive and disbelieve the negative, and well as disbelieve all the positive and believe the negative about the opposition.

If you can't think critically, you'll never know for certain if you've made the right decision, even though you may believe you've done so.

While I don't expect anyone to constantly blog about their candidate's negatives, admitting when they make a mistake, rather than trying to spin it gives credibility to the poster. As does admitting when the opponent does something good.

Even if it's a joke, people do believe what they read or hear and it can be damaging to a candidate. With this close election anything can be made into a big story.

Pogo,I didn't have a link to my previous post because I got it in an E-mail.
Ruth

Heather,
I agree about being called racist because you don't like Obama.I was sitting in a waiting room and a man next to me asked who I was voting for.When I told Him I would not vote for Obama he asked me if it was because of the color of his skin.Why,if you don't like someone because you don't trust him does it always revert back to race.
Ruth

Heather, why thank you. I try to be as insightful as I can, and I really do read what the Obama fever members post about Hillary. Your point about doing things to edify your candidate is exactly my point. I think your post is the flip side of my coin.

And Rez - exactly. What the hell fun would following Nancy's advice be?

Ruth, Ah ha! Now I see. When you said in pabrackets I thought you must have meant via link. My bad. I am so sorry. (For future reference - if it's a Krauthammer column, it will probably be in the Washington Post archives if it isn't in the paper today).

We all know that Obama dedicated his second book to Rev Wright. Obama supporters pretend that Obama is telling us the truth when he says he didn't know Wright's radical views. They wish us to believe that as his mentor, this student could be that much in the dark. Now that the story has surfaced, Obamniacs claim blasting Obama with Wright is guilt by association and that this is just a blip on the bad judgment radar.

Well, here is a good question for Obama supporters. In Obama's first book, he mentions, beside his communist father another political mentor who befriended his family named "Frank". Anyone care to state here who that influential Frank was?

His name is Frank Marshall Davis.

Now I can't but laugh at Obama's comparisons with JFK. Davis, Wright, Meeks, Ayers, Khalidi are anything but close to the pedgree of mentorship characterizing JFK, RFK, Clinton, FDR, Truman or the Democratic Party.

One Democratic pollster said after watching a tape of Ayers from 2002 (about the same time he sat with Obama at Woods Fund and held a fund raiser for Obama) that "eventually" Obama will be forced to denounce Ayers and it is astonishing he hasn't done so already. When asked if this good friendship will hurt Obama, the pollster replied, yes it will, but economy and Iraq is more on the minds of voters than character.

Is character not an issue here? Have Democrats put aside character except when trashing Hillary or McCain? Have Liberals become so unprincipled they don't regard honesty and character as supremely important? And what candidate ever running for President in the general had the friends, mentors, supporters and advisors Obama has assembled over twenty or more years? Obama is running on character, honesty and the high road as he claims to not be very Liberal, but rather moderate and centrist. He talked only recently about not negotiating with Hamas in reaction to the bad press about a newsletter at Trinity he has known about for some time. He knows all about Ayers who admits in his own book he didn't bomb the government enough and talked about killing all the rich people and advocating his supporters murder their own parents. Good friends Obama?

If you think this good friendship is good judgment, then go ahead and vote for Obama and Michele. That is your right in a free country. If you think Obama does not show the character, record or policies worthy of high office, then consider your other options. Not to do so and betray your Liberal principles rooted in honesty, transparency, record and honor, is an act of moral weakness. Such moral weakness ultimately will undermine the future of the Party. This should be slf-evident.

The media calls Clinton a liar because of her story about the young woman who died because she did not have insurance.In our local paper yesterday there was an article that said 18 working age people die in Illinois every week because they do not have insurance.This is what Hillary was talking about even if the story wasn't entirely accurate.

Just like the Bosnia story she probably was remembering that before they landed she was told there were snipers in the area and they had to be careful.I don't know about the rest of you but there have been times I have gotten up in the morning and thought something happened when I realized it had been a dream.Her trip was a long time ago and maybe the threat of snipers was more impressed in her mind.I don't believe she deliberately lied.She knows how easily it could be discovered.She's not perfect but I don't think any of us are.

Ruth

Hey Nancy:

I think Heather acknowledged a couple of times here that she does not agree 100% with Hillary on everything nor does she believe Hillary to be perfect. I can say I feel the same. But after evaluating everything, I'M SURE Hillary is the right choice and know I will have no regrets.

I think that having the ability to see through the media bias and ignore the LIES and GARBAGE that is made up about Hillary in order to recognize her real accomplishments as a public servant gives us an advantage actually. Is she perfect...as Heather noted...no...none of them are. But my vote and support is based on her verifiable track record not the hate speech of the media and her opponent.

Max, re: your preemptive strike post, befor I even think about responding I want to make sure I understand your position. You believe that if our intelligence community tells us that there is credible evidence that another country is developing WMD in an effort to use them against us, we are justified in premptively striking them to prevent the perceived threat? Is that right?

Pogo
Thanks I will remember that.
Ruth

Dear Nancy:
No Problem nothing to forgive, its all good and you eloquently made a good argument:-))
========================================================

Dear Ruth I agree
It's not a color thing, I have close friend he is African American was a vet in WW2 and he cannot stand Obama we always meet once a month at our favorite Chinese restaurant and talk politics he and my grandfather were very close friends and he was like a father to me as a child.

Its all relative I'm sure many African American's would call him a sellout and an "Uncle Tom" My point is how can Obama bring people together when the very people that support him are so divisive?

--Heather

"The biggest problem I have with pre-emption is that it is way too costly and totally ineffective. Good police and security work is much more reliable as a deterent and you don't have to kill thousands of innocents to get at the bad guys."

Totally unfounded. Has the police killed any AQ? Police the deterrent to Iranian support of terror? Police standing up to Hizb'Allah. What a crock Jamie.

The Israel strike on Saddam cost how much? And the cost of a terror strike on Israel using nukes would cost how much? And how would Israel know the nuclear material came from Saddam? Why not Pakistan or purchased from Russian blackmarket? And what is the cost of security? How effective would that security be? Are you even suggesting we could possible inspect all containers or guard against all coasts against a lone missile fired towards a US city? And how much will it cost for coastal missile defense?

Your reply is without evidence. It costs more to take out a nuclear facility than waiting for nuclear materials to end up with FARC, smuggled over our Southern Border and relased in Houston? Jamie, please be real. The cost of Iraq is magnified many times over by incompetence and had we not removed Saddam he would be weill on his way towards nukes and working with terrorists. Just listen to his own confessions and tape recordins of cabinet meetings.

Every security experts says it is impossible to protect every target in the US. Your wait until we get hit apporach is utter garbage and I think you know it.

Negotiating with Iran has gotten NOWHERE and that you know as well. Even Russia and China are pressuring Iran though China signed a new billion dollar project with them. Are you suggesting we place out security on the results of talking? And if not, what is your plan?

Again the logic you use is lame and should the next Democratic administration chase your goals and we get hit, the Democrats will be out of power for decades. I guess you have forgotten JFK, Reagan or Clinton. Bill hit Saddam and broke his army. But go ahead Jamie, play into the NeoLIberal aproach to reality. It only makes McCain more likely to win. Hillary said that should we get hit, she would go after all regimes that helped in such planning. I guess that is now a page Democrats have torn from the articles of faith.

Obama seemed to be very active in his younger days. All these people associated with him have a story behind them. I don't know if that is a good or bad.

Yes, Pogo, that is my position as well as our decades old NSS.

If AQ is arranging to smuggle out a nuke from Pakistan, we have every right to terminate that operation. If we know that Iran is building a bomb and at the same time has a proven record of support for terror as well as public statements threatening Israel, Israel has every right to pre-empt Iranian weapon programs. Enrichment is crucial to such a program. If Chavez is supplying thorugh Quds enriched uranium to FARC, Columbia has every right to take FARC out and even put a price on Chavez's head. If it comes out after an attack that the President of the United States had clear Intel about an operation using WMD or WMC against the US and did not act pre-emptively, kiss that President and his PArty good bye. You care to dispute this? Saddam plotted to murder a US President. That alone legally justified his removal or termination.

h

Warren,

England seems to be doing fine with avoiding terrorists. I doubt that the absence of terrorist attacks in the US has anything to do with Iraq. It is simply not reasonable nor cost efficient to run around in constant terror over what someone "might" do.

No one can ever be 100% safe. Stuff happens. You deal with it. Bush has gotten us into an military and economic nightmare because he is a control freak trying to expunge some deep seated inferiorty.

The U.S. is not world dictator and trying to act like one only diminishes us as a nation.

Dear Nancy:

I got what you meant the first time. You are a brave soul, posting on such barren soil. Good luck!

POST OF THE DAY:

It's a joke Daryl.

Nancy, isn't this fun?

Posted by: Rezdog | April 10, 2008 1:52 PM

Max, I think your last post answered my question. You have much greater confidence in our intelligence community than I do. Remember slam dunk? That's at the heart of the problem with preemptive strikes based on "solid intelligence" about WMD and delivery capability. Apply your logic and we've already attacked NK and soon, Iraq. Think they might object? Think their allies might?

Have we killed some AQ as a result of our trillion dollar middle East escapade? Sure. Does AQ still pose a threat? Depends on who you ask. Ask OBL - he'll give you a different answer than our intelligence community I bet.

You want lack of evidence for assertions and lame logic? If ignoring intelligence that leads to an attack puts the sitting party's president and his party out of office, how did Bush get reelected after the attack on 9/11, pray tell? The one time in recent memory (at any time that I'm aware of in fact) the intelligence community correctly identified a threat and the party threatening, brought it to the president's attention prior to an attack, the president ignored it and we were attacked as predicted, and the president was reelected 3 years later. The most recent, most concrete evidence is directly contrary to that assertion of yours.

The approach jamie suggests is not NeoLiberal - unless you define US history as having begun on 9/11/01. That definition of history is ludicrous and leads to repetition of what we've seen since. Neither your kids nor your grandkids want to see that, I'd wager.

And actually, Bill didn't break Saddam's army. And the post mortem intelligence to the attack he authorized, again based on solid intelligence, suggested that the attack didn't stop any threat to the US or to Iraq's neighbors. And using JFK and Reagan as examples is curious - what, you're advocating a return to cold war domino theory politics or to massive military buildup and attacking banana republics to protect our medical students abroad? Follow your logic, and unless that approach is sustained indefinitely (which we clearly cannot afford to pursue indefinitely) we end up with the same ebb and flow of regional threats and attacks we've seen since time immemorial. They just happened to get us the last time.

"Saddam plotted to murder a US President. That alone legally justified his removal or termination."

Him, yes. The whole country and the people living there no. That is the trouble with pre emption there is a lot of messy "collateral" damage that creates more enmity than it fixes.

This wild west "this town isn't big enough for both of us" mentality has just about destroyed our economy and engendered enough hatred to keep us in danger for the next generation.

Let's clarify this war thing.

Here's my point of view:

Using the 50-year-long Cold War as an example. The two principal protagonists, NATO and the Warsaw Pact had an understanding--first use of nuclear weapons by either one on the other's homeland would result in instant and massive nuclear retaliation with the most likely effect that life as we know it would be extinguished from the face of the Earth.

We were aware of the consequences as were they. Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) worked because both sides were totally committed to making it work. Both sides, particularly the Warsaw Pact, realized that a conventional weapons war in Central Europe would probably, at some point, go nuclear and would quite probably result in MAD.

We have a parallel 'understanding' when it comes to terrorism. Those states that allow terrorists to operate from their territory will be subjected to massive retaliation should those terrorists launch an attack against the United States or its treaty partners.

We had every right, and our NATO allies an obligation, to go into Afghanistan and clean house.

If the United States had had clean hands, and had it done what it implied it would do (remember, words count) before entering Iraq, then a similar construct could be made for a preemptive intervention there.

We completely screwed-up Afghanistan. OBL is still running around and the Taliban are reconstituting.

And, in Iraq, we should have gone in, declared victory, and left within a 90 day period.

We've squandered our strength and credibility; we need to regroup and rebuild for one reason--to show potential adversaries that we have the capability and fortitude to protect our national interests militarily should the need arise.

And, potential adversaries should tremble at the thought of how devastating our intervention will be. That's the stuff that prevents war.

Am I being shunned? No one replies... :(

We had every right, and our NATO allies an obligation, to go into Afghanistan and clean house.

Posted by: Flatus | April 10, 2008 3:25 PM

Flatus, just a question. Why did NATO allies have an obligation to go into Afghanistan?

ET

Treaty obligation shared by NATO allies. Indeed, right after the attack, NATO AWACS and fighters patrolled US airspace. And, the non-US forces in Afghanistan are there under the auspices of NATO.

Flatus I didn't realize that there was a Nato treaty between all member states that obligated the nations to participate in Afghanistan. I just thought it was more American strong arm tactics to pressure the countries to send troops. From what I've read here, NATO being used in the middle east is highly controversial in Europe. But then NATO itself has become controversial because of the solo-power the USA holds over the organization. Some member states have discussed an alliance that isn't dominated by the USA. I don't know if those talks are still on, or if there were ever serious.

ET

Simplifying: an attack against one is an attack against all.

ok, I didn't think I dreamt this one up.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1130/p02s01-usfp.html

Here is more on controversy over USA dominance over NATO

http://www.worldproutassembly.org/archives/2008/04/us_germany_clas.html

ET

I over simplified. The role of NATO does have to change post Cold War.

I agree that many Europeans question its utility and probably see it as a logical extension of the EEC with its primary mission one of protecting economic interests.

With Russia strengthening its military capabilities, the military aspects of NATO may regain former emphasis.

Our European allies can't escape the fact that Canada and the US are in the best position to survive and help should there be a war in Europe. And, as such, and based on the military presence they provided for decades, the US especially, US leadership is real and important and appropriate.

ET, you using some of those commie pinko EUROPEAN news sources? You some kind of socialst, or communist, or liberal or sumpin'? lol

Living in one of the countries with the highest value-added taxes and social costs, I live in a socialist place. The coalition government is Center-right Christian democrats, center-left liberals, left wing french speaking socialists and a few other parties...

I was socialist until I became a business owner... Now I am sympathetic to a degree, but I see it from a slightly different angle than previously.

And Mr. Pogo, I used to be a CARD CARRYING MEMBER of Democratic Socialists of America... :-)

Speaking of delusional, here's a link to Dumya's post Petraeus testimony statement.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/11/washington/10cnd-prexy.html?hp

I have a question - has military recruitment increased such that we now have the additional troops to implement the shorter tours in Iraq that Dumya has ordered? Or is this just another shell game? Or is this just a rhetorical question?

ET, are you in Belgium forever?

ET, and the ACLU? I'm a card carrying member of the Subway Sub Club. 23 more points and I get a "free" 6" sub. It's not very controversial, but it's the best I got.

I just read a funny quote on a profile on MySpace

""All Republicans, religious zealots, and racists who are prepared to die for their country, please do that now. "

Flatus I don't know. I've been in Europe since Sept 1998. I have my pension plans going here but every now and then I think how much easier it would be back in my own country, especially the language. I just don't know...

Pogo... 6" free is far too little.. but glad you are saving points for Subway! When I was back in Minnesota this last year I was surprised to find Subway inside of Wal-mart. Before I am crucified for Wal-Mart, I have to say my Mom works there... and she loves it. She told me to stop sending her critical articles about the company... lol

ET, any report on how that recruitment effort on the MySpace profile is going?

Recruitment effort?

ET, it's a sandwich....

ET, understand. Are you in the Flemish part of the country?

Back in '81, Stinky and I went to a conference at Ramstein. Took our Jaguar over from the UK on the ferry. Coming back we stopped for lunch in Belgium. Still remembered enough of my high school French to order our meal. Stinky was impressed; our waiter wasn't.

Republicans, religious zealots and racists to die now.

OH, from my friend... hehehehehe, I don't know... but he is such a comedian! Here is his profile: http://www.myspace.com/chappy1965 He pretends to be a heterosexual white male republican... lol

We interrupt this program . . .

Add a superD to the Hillary column:

"Former Pittsburgh Mayor Sophie Masloff will endorse Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton when the New York senator appears this evening for the Allegheny County Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner at Heinz Field.

"It's been very difficult for me to sit on the sidelines and fail to support a woman," said Mrs. Masloff, a Democratic superdelegate who had been neutral in the presidential race. "For a long time, I was convinced I shouldn't make a public choice. We have two wonderful candidates. But finally, I just couldn't sit on the fence.""

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08101/872022-457.stm

OK...we now return you to the regularly scheduled programming.

Enjoying the discussion today guys...very interesting...please continue.

EuroTom.....

no.... the book club is not online...... thank god..... I spend enough time on this machine already......

because I work at home alone in my studio..... I make sure I do activities that involve being with real live people..... I love my work..... and I love being with people....
when I first decided to weave as an avocation and not just a hobby.... I had a hard time reconciling the fact that I was working alone...... I'm used to it now....

the book club is at a local library..... the funny thing is that the club I chose to no longer participate in is located in the library for which I sit on the board of trustees......

I am in Flemish belgium yes...

Here's a funny video to add some humor to the day...

Jesus WILL survive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onLbeuEqNIE

sorry...one more interruption then I'm going back to read Max' last post

"A new Puerto Rico poll has Hillary Clinton 13 points ahead of Barack Obama. The news article is in Spanish, but from my (admittedly not fluent) translation skills, it says:

The poll was done by Research & Reasearch.

Those polled identified themselves as Democrats. They endorsed Hillary by 50% and Obama by 37%. 13% were undecided.

For Francisco Domenech, a superdelegate supporting Hillary, the poll should not surprise anyone "because Hillary knows Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico knows Hillary". "

Not vouching for the poll...just happy to see things look good (even if cautiously) for Hillary.

Well, all, carry on.

Thanks Renee... If I tried to join a book club here it would have to be in Flemish (Dutch). Even after nearly 10 years in the country the people are generally NOT impressed by my language usage...

I did study some extra Dutch by reading the Dutch translated version of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Dutch is not an easy language ...

I am off to bed... goodnight and be well

Flatus:

"the scale of our attack on Iraq is the only significantly differentiating feature of that intervention from the others where our forces have created acts of war without us having been attacked first."

The "only significantly differentiating feature"...are you sure you're not a lawyer....

That is kind of a big feature. Engaging in covert ops that may never reach the newspaper is much different than sending in the US Army to topple a dictator and engage in a war that leaves 100,000's dead, injured or homeless and leaves a country in ruin.

And I am not saying that there is no way we should ever in engage in missions like we have in Iraq - but you better have a damn good reason to. And you also want to get as much help as possible so that there is plenty of help to clean up the mess afterwards....

Unbelievable!
If it weren't so tragic it would be funny Matthews bashes a Knighted rock and roll legend...then we have Mr. David "are the Clinton's pimping out Chelsea" Shuster giving lessons and proper protocol and manners on candidates ordering food at dinners

Hey Chris pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeese volunteer for the next Space Shuttle mission will ya pretty please!

--Heather

Heather,

I read your morning post (6:19AM) and have followed your thoughtful and reasoned comments and hope like others that you will not let the incivility and boorish sentiments of some get the better of you.

I too support Hillary and find your criticism of Barack Obama to be almost kindly in tone as compared to my own estimation of that glib, mendacious fellow.

toast

http://www.aim.org/aim-column/obamas-communist-mentor/

Max,

You're as bad as Gordo in seeing Ghosts around every corner. I'll admit to not knowing anything about Davis . But from what I can glean from a few internet articles, he was (died 1987) an acknowledged poet, journalist and maybe sometime Communist party member when that meant something. BO knew him when Obama was 10-17 years of age. Gee, I bet Obama even read some of Marcus Garvey and Eldridge Cleaver's work like I have , but that doesn't make him or me a Black separatist or Black Panther. BFD.

An intelligent take on the recent hearings:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20080410/us_time/petraeusmeetshismatch

All about Ann...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20080410/us_time/thestoryofbarackobamasmother

Now what are the odds that Obama's first political mentor shares much with Wright?

http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/2554

Are we to understand that Obama was never esposed to what Frank Davis thought and expressed? WOuld a student smart enough to get into Columbia and Yale and false describe himself a Professor at Chicago Law not have a clue about those he called his closet mentors?

This is quite strange, don't you think? And take a look at what Davis thinks of Jesus Christ. If it wasn't so sd, it would be quite funny.

On another note Michele made more than 50,000 severing for years on the board of a major supplier to Wal-Mart. She stepped down as Liberal stepped up attacks on Wal-Mart, yet Obama had the audacity to blast Hillary over Wal-Mart. Does this sound like a person guided by principles? Attack Hillary over serving Wal-Mart years ago knowing full well his own wife worked with a major food supplier to Wal-Mart?

When will the phony BS stop? This stuff won't play in November? I can't imagine what Obama will say when McCain asks him why Wright, Davis, Ayers, Khalidi, Meeks and Rezko were such good friends. If Obama denies these close friendships he'll get pinned on the spot for lying. I see what Obama thinks audacious means. To Democrats, I suggest this is not audacious but rather foolish. I guess if Obama hung out with OBL in 2000 Obama supporters would call this smears by associaition....LOL

Yes, Shelia. I wonder how our armed forces think about the litany of associations and I wonder what soldiers think about Zbig, McPeak and Malley or even Fonda and Carter, Ted and Pelosi. Just wondering.....

any thoughts on this substantial list of people and how it means zero in the minds of Americans?

Of course if Hillary or Bill had said this, Michele would be holding a news conference to demounce their racist comments....

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/04/09/obama-delegate-stays-with-campaign-after-monkey-remark/

Gives you an idea of how media plays their game.

Rev. Wright to speak at NAACP 53rd Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner in Detroit.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080410/NEWS01/80410069

Air America asked Randi Rhodes to apologize to Hillary and Geraldine ferraro. She Refused. She Quit rather than apoligize.

If you remember that the situation in which Rhodes got herself in hot water was done at a Obama affair. You will notice that Obama never apologized either. Which just goes to show that character is lacking in his campaign. First the song about 99 problem and the B isn't one of them. Then Randi calling Hillary & Geraldine B's.. That does not speak well of Obama at all. Not at all.. IMHO

Julie

Clinton Firm's Deal Left Pennsylvania Churches In Shambles

Another crook in bed with the Clintons.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/10/clinton-firms-deal-with-i_n_96032.html

Rez,
I guess 10-17 wasn't formative years for you....LOL and I'm sure past presidents had the likes of Davis to read them poetry and rant about the evil capitalism and the n-word Chirst. You spin it as far as you can, but your logic is a bit silly.

http://ace.mu.nu/archives/259776.php

Check it out Rez, but did you know that Yes We Can was a familiar Soviet motto that Davis was familar with? The use of it by Obama and then spinning it towards Chavez when he knew full well where the motto came from and his associiation he concealed in his book is certainly audacious, isn't it?

Go ahead. Google it yourself and tell everyone here with a straight face that Obama wasn't told of that important Soviet motto by Davis himself. I know, I have several Russian friends who now add themselves to the lines Obama has lifted. And the irony is not lost on them either.

I forgot to say that the article on Rhodes Quitting is on Huffington post...

Julie

Randi Rhodes will be Larry King's guest on his show tonight.

Is it really true that Craig is boycotting his own blog?

That is HILARIOUS!

Free Craig Crawford!! Free Craig Crawford!!

Lard,

He's Mad as hell, and can't take it anymore!

This blog has become like Rosemary's Baby.

I don't think he's boycotting LL. And it was a very interesting thread from Pre-emption to Soviet Mottos. I recoomend the links to all.

These topics will certainly run to November. Before it's over Obama will have had to reject Wright, Ayers, Davis, Rezko,Carter (Obama has refused to talk to Hamas Jimmy), Zbig, Khalidi, Meeks, Farrakhan....

Some campaign, isn't it?

I am very pleased that Randi Rhodes is finished at Air Obama..should have happened a long time ago.

They still have some housecleaning to do..

I notice that Ed Schultz who appears on many AO stations, is backtracking on his Hillary bashing.

Perhaps they will get some of their sponsors back..

Larry King shouldn't give airtime to Randi Rhodes..won't watch him tonight.

"Rez,
I guess 10-17 wasn't formative years for you."

Max,

I hardly remember much about my middle/junior high school years except the Beatles, Stones,spin the bottle and then cars. I didn't start seriouly reading until i was 16, . . .so I could graduate..believe it or not lol. I think BO had a fairly dysfunctional childhood and adolesence. Probably normal by today's standards. The point is: are we now going to vet a politician based upon these times of their lives. You're nutz!

BTW. Obama studied with S. Alinsky, as did Chavez, so I don't find him using or even co-opting YWC as a rallying cry, a big stretch.

LaL,
This isn't a softball post for you to hit out of the park..LOL

Bowmanc,
If I am annoying Craig, I'll leave. I didn't intend to abuse his Trail Mix. I'm serious. I my comments or nandwidth use is pissing him off, just tell me and I will exit. Okay?

My childhood was different Rez though I had good times too. So Chavez and Obama both lifted the communist mantra. What is your point? That it isn't a communist mantra? And Chavez isn't running for President, is he? My points were very clear and you haven't answered them. Of course Obama knows where his mantra came from and saying he got it from Chavez is a stretch as is his not remembering the gist of what Davis was saying. I remember very well the teachers at Horace Mann. If I had FaceBook I am sure my class would have posted comments too. I knew who the nuts were and who was cool. The stones certainly don't mix with Davis. If Michele is right and Obama is the smartest and most intellectual candidate running, then certainly it didn't happen over night. In fact, impressions are sometimes far more important than conscious debate. And do you really think Obama omitted Franks full name by chance?

BC...that's funny. Maybe we should have a "Rock the Blog" fundraiser concert to get Craig out of Commenter Hell.

Max...I've been enjoying your posts on the last couple of threads. I have to say...my view (fear?) of countries like Iran, North Korea, etc. acquiring nuclear weapons is a bit different than yours. I think your logical framework is internally sound as it relates to the playing field today, but it is based on a presupposition that somehow the acquisition of this technology by rogue players is infinitely preventable. That is in fact the current U.S. assumption. But I think that's a bit like 19th Century Brits praying that Kenya or Sudan never get the light bulb.

I think American foreign policy RIGHT NOW should be based on the presupposition that every country in the world will one day possess at least one nuclear weapon and a missile capable of delivering it at least 500 miles. After all, that technology is now a creaky 60-going-on-70 years old.

We should be working NOW to create a world where even the lowest nation on the global ladder would have no reason to use a nuke on another, either directly or indirectly through a terrorist group.

I know that's a drooly, unrealistic view in 2008...but believing in it is honestly the only way I can sleep at night. Otherwise, every citizen of the world might as well be driving to work every day listening to Dick Cheney motivational tapes on the car stereo.

I am very pleased that Randi Rhodes is finished at Air Obama..should have happened a long time ago.

Posted by: Oregon Democrat | April 10, 2008 7:20 PM

Me too. That foul mouth Rhodes should have been fired long ago. I don't like censorship, but she didn't like Hillary so I'm glad she's gone.

Max...I don't think you are even remotely the problem that Craig is having. Based on what I read upthread, his problem is with the commentors who revel in ridiculous, redundant, unimaginative personal attacks on one another. It's basically the equivalent of a couple of kids smearing crap on the playroom wall and making it impossible for the other kids to have fun.

Your posts are valuable, informative, and takeable-with-a-grain-of-salt. Most importantly, they are one of the reasons I keep coming back. So don't leave, no matter how many times somebody calls you a wacko.

Rez...I won't be swinging at any of those softballs! LOL.

In college, I had a Jesuit priest teach me the unassailable logic of atheism. That's the beauty of education!

Randi doesnt have a job.

But she ( Randi ) does have a video of her work, if case she needs it.

Welcome back LL

Hope you did not get too wet while here in KC. Pouring today, bet tonight's game is rained out. Last night's game received a little rain but game went on.

Julie

Oh, I agree with you LL. What we need is international enforcement of law and universal pressure to mediate conflict and advance the Reformation of Islam. We certainly need a united world where the reason for building WMD and abusing human rights are countered by common consensus.

I would argue that making it clear that we will act and that our allies have common cause to support us can get rogue nations to capitulate, at least to the point of reaching verifiable understandings. The problem of course, is that a select group of people will not listen and China and Russia is playing this for their advantage.

We must make agreements with Europe, China and Russia to end this foolish dance, but in the meantime it is imperitive that certain countries are not allowed to spread their game plan because attacks will not be identifiable. For the next twenty years it will be important to contain the threat and then hopefully we can have some international hegemony of human rights and Liberal ideals.

So we differ in only about this window of danger. A strike here or in Europe could send us backwards. Read a bit of Zbig's friend Huntington.

We, means the world and frankly the world isn't trying very hard. You admit your view is droolish so the path seems to run between the goal we share and realism about NOW. The answer is not to think the stick means Cheney, nor negotiating means Obama. We can talk and chew gum at the same time. Perhaps the greatest peaceful thing we can do is to crack the energy barrier. Your idea that we should now accept that every nation can get enriched uranium and deliver it 500 miles just won't work. We need to build stronger alliances before that can happen.

Again, if we can get the major powers to ACT on containing criminal nettworks, rogue nations and terrorism we can put in place the containment systems for the eventuality you talk about. My suggestion is international sanctions on offenders and more effort to alieviate poverty and oppression. We need to find a way to reach agreements with China and Russia. If the major powers agree to collectively contain conflict the hegemony of reason can deal with the proliferation of WMD. Right now there is so much hate coming from some quarters that the lack of present international enforcement won't work. NATURE mag suggests regional alliances and of course an effort to solve the worlds energy problems.

Oh....I;m drooling too.....

Randi doesnt have a job.

Posted by: sturgeone | April 10, 2008 7:55 PM

Yesss! The dissenters must be silenced!
Unfortunately she is already syndicated on a number of stations and will be starting next week.
We must all work to quiet those who don't agree with us!

Max...I can't believe I made YOU drool. But I hear you on the basic points.

China is the key. They will be the next dominant great power on Earth as the US hyper-dominance fades. China needs to get over ancient isolation and modern ideology and start engaging in the future of the Earth -- politically, environmentally, anti-terroristically, whatever.

We'll still be a "power", like the UK is today...and like the EU is...but we won't be calling the tune. Russia won't be calling the tune either.

Meanwhile, someone needs to teach the followers of Islam that the world is round, that Mecca is not its center, and that in fact the Earth itself is not the center of the solar system, let alone the Universe. Maybe our first move should be to airlift and drop Copernicus (he's now in paperback!) over the entire Muslim world.

I guess that makes me a racist.

Dang Julie. I was about to get settled in and watch the game. So it's going to be rained out ya think?

Oh, then she DOES have a job.......

troll

Obama may get his wish and we may learn more about his Pastor. He is scheduled to be the Keynote speaker at a NAACP event at the end of the month. Be careful what you wish for. May not be the best timing in the world.

Who is going to replace Randi Rhodes? I find it interesting that most of the Leftie Radio guys got on the Obama wagon. Must of been good for ratings. Bill Press didn't, he's straying down the middle.

"Me too. That foul mouth Rhodes should have been fired long ago. I don't like censorship, but she didn't like Hillary so I'm glad she's gone."

I heard she quit because AO wanted her to apologize to Clinton and Ferraro and she refused. I don't like Rhodes show anymore because she's gone off the deep end but think AO should keep her but just try to put a few shows on that have a more diverse viewpoint.

That said, I've given up on getting objective thought on AO...I listen to POTUS08...much better when it comes to diverse perspective.

Here , here! Silence the critics! Welcome to our blog!

The Obama's camp better keep track of what Shawn Hannity is doing with the William Ayers story. He's bringing it up everyday on his radio show and on TV at night, and this weekend on his Sunday show he is going to spend a lot of time on it again. He's been on the Stop Hillary express and now he is starting up on the stop Obama express. I don't agree with his approach but he is the only media guy right now bringing up Obama issues. I don't know if he has anything left on Hillary except anything new that comes up that day.

I get it.......maybe Cheney was just "dissenting" when he told Leahy to go F himself.......

LL

Yes it has poured all day long. They just has a very heavy storm centered right over Stadium/ Independence Mall area. Has stopped for the time being. Hope they get the game in..

We are under severe weather until 9:00.

Royals are hot right now.. Good luck

Julie

Silence...

I don't think Randi should be silenced. I don't think any of these people should be yanked off the air. Even Rush...(can't believe I said that).

I do think the stations should try to present a more diverse viewpoint but not yank people off the air.

If I think someone is over the top...I don't listen to them. That's how one handles that...just don't listen. Before the F*n W* comment, I still listened to Randi's show if I was in the car during the time it was on - even though she was starting to really go off the deep end. After the F*n W* comment she lost my respect completely and I made the decision not to listen to her. She has nothing to say to me. But I'm sure she has plenty to say to others that don't mind that kind of name calling. Honestly, as much as I don't like Obama, had she called him a choice racist name similar to the choice sexist name she called Clinton and Ferraro, I would have the same reaction. She's not worth listening to. Doesn't mean she should lose her show or be fired, it just means I've made a personal decision to listen to something else less offensive.

I still listen tune in for Rachel Maddow from time to time if nothing is happening at POTUS08 because I do respect her even though she won't admit her Obama bias. She keeps her cool and she's smart. If she started name calling and going off the deep end, I'd stop listening to her too. I have a feeling Maddow is smarter than that though.

Max,

not sure why you addressed me, but let me give you an statement about my son and his compadres.

He has done 3 tours now. Luckily for his mother, he is in the states for three years....hoping something is done before he has to go back.

just before the invasion, my son was like the rest, patriotic and ready to go in and make a difference for his country. completely smoked about why we were going in. He asked me to be silent about my politics and I did.

It was more important to support him emotionally than to argue how wrong it was.

Two hears and two tours later, my son had faced his own mortality and questioned his commander in chief's motives finally. We had a long talk and in the end he voted for Kerry...secretly of course.

Since then silent dissent has increased. With the suicide count now at 6,000 as compared to the death rate at 4,000....well when we spoke two days ago, the military is silently talking about the death toll being 10,000 now.

He and just about his entire command have been whispering about Voting against the candidate that is FOR the continuation of this senseless war. Even though McCain is a military man, he and most of his command will not be voting for him. They see Vietnam and history repeating itself.

They know about the lack of jobs waiting for them too and it doesn't matter. Most of them are lifers and would gladly give their lives for the defense of their country. BUT, they do not want to lose their lives for a country that doesn't want to help itself.

Most the lower enlisted feel that they are sitting ducks for a civil war that they didn't sign on for.

I hope I have given you something to chew on. Wasn't sure why you were writing my name. ;0)

Corey...I have a feeling Silence is not a NEW member...LOL

"savvy" is what I would call Maddow, she know where the cabbage is, and she's not about to blow it by going off the deep-end with her emotions leading into ugly words.

Randi was dumb. She opened her big mouth and lost her job and her credibility in some circles. Oh yeah- these would be the circles that control the field she has chosen as a career.

-Not the brightest bulb in the pack.

Max,

We're definitely standing over a dead horse. I don't know who in the world knows what was going through Obama's mind when he was 15 years old, but who cares. As to how he picked up on the YWC motto, communist source or not, shouldn't mean much to anyone unless you're suggesting he's not only a muslim, but a Commie. Any 527 which wastes it's money on that line will be dismissed as crazy. I'll grant you the fact that kids are impressionable, but, to the degree and with the forethought you're suggesting, it just doesn't come off as believable to me. IMO, this Davis stuff borders on the Sinclair line of attack.
Hey Silence, how's the weather there?

What? Oh. You mean , it's one of those *fake* names? Nevermind , then.

JulieYoung...

Even if the Royals baseball game is rained out, I'm glad it's raining there, because while I was out there I put a $12 pot of HyVee daisies on my Mom and Dad's grave out in Independence. Obviously a futile gesture, in the broader scheme of things

But...the more it rains, the longer those daisies will live (in obvious futility) before the cemetery ground crew figures out they're dead and trashes them.

So thanks for the weather report. I'm happy that it's still raining in Kansas City. :)

--Lard

I disagree about our place in Futuro World because the world we are building to is a Euro/American construct. Yes, South America and Canada will incorproate more into what we call America, but as Tibet moves away from China and other Asian nations continue to compete with China, America will be a dominant force. I guess Olaf Stapleton might be right and eventual a Sino-American world will emerge. We have a young dynamic population and are light years ahead of the necessary multiculturalism and social dynamic (Trail Mix excluded) that China would need to prevail. There is a huge myth about China and the problem it face internally are enormous. The only thing holding it together is the government's arm. We we don't move cheap labor to factories in South America is beyond me. In the West, we hold together with far more shared faith in Constitutional values and Individual liberty. Again, energy perhaps and scientific knwowedge hold the key to future wealth. It is not simply a matter of population numbers which can work against you. Russia is also more in the Western camp, so again the West led by a stronger and more propsperous America will counter China for a long time to come if we are smart.

I agree on the other points and add that now China is bitching about Muslim terror operations threatening their games. I see the time coming soon for a world summit with China and Russia plus Europe and Japan. It is in all for our collective good to stop this extremist bullshit. Russia was clawing its way out of poverty and China was worried about internal affairs. There can be a meeting of heads with India, Canada, and a few Middle Eastern nations along with the big three. This is the move we should be making before trying to turn Iran around.

In any case, I think Hillary is closer to this goal than Obama. I think McCain is near this page too, but events can happen so fast as to derail this global unity. Extremists see the plan you and I talk about. This goes against their plans. That is why this window is so important. We have to show them we ain't going anywhere while we prepare for the eventual Russian/Chinese/US agreements. I predict a final great struggle and sacrifice probably made worse with more terrorism and blood shed. Perhaps some WMD. That is why I think that in some respect Obama's plan moves in an opposition direction rather than reforms our approach and builds it to a natural conclusion. We shouldn't reverse but reform. Anyway, you made me drool intellectually as I prefer dark sexy females when it comes to the other kind of drooling.

I have drooled over some chocolate products at time...

Chef Sheila Hussein The Nun,

Ask your son if he has listened to this band. I heard a really interesting review of their current cd, entitled, " Iraq"

http://www.black47.com/

Burrito,

Thanks I just forwarded to him. I'll let you know.

thanks : )

don't think Randi should be silenced. I don't think any of these people should be yanked off the air. Even Rush...(can't believe I said that).
Posted by: Wendy! Author Profile Page | April 10, 2008 8:35 PM

Thank you Wendy! I agree with you.

I agree with both of you.

Silence

A civilized attack on Hillary & Geraldine would be one thing. They should have their say so. Free speech is the right of everyone, you and I included.

However, mean spirited name calling of the very worst kind should not be tolerated. And in the situation where it was presented in public, was not a principled, decent ,or civilized thing to do. In private if those are her views, fine. But she is subjecting other people to her obscene viewpoint..
And in all decency, Obama should have apolgized also.
It is supposed to be a civilzed cmpaign. If Hillary had called him those names - whoa - all heck would have broken loose. She would have been castigated from here to he** and back.. Shows his character.

I recently called someone a B**** here and immediately after posting it, realized that I was subjecting others to my opinion, and perhaps they thought the msnbc person was ok. So I immediately apologized.. Which I feel is what rhodes and Obama both should have done.

Julie

They do not have to be taken off the air, but if it causes financial loss to the company they work for, the comapany should hve the right to kick their @sses out the door -or if they behave in a manner that is against any set employment agreement.

If it made ratings and revenue go up the station would find a way to keep her!

Max...you definitely have me beat on all the particulars.

All I'm saying is that we need to go from "America, Fuck Yeah!!" to something more like...

"Planet Earth, Fuck Yeah!!"

By the way...I think it would make an interesting magazine article to go around the world and ask people in current hot spots, where bullets are flying on a daily basis, whether they are worried about global warming. Is global warming a big issue right now in Baghdad? Do folks in Kabul even KNOW about their carbon footprint, let alone care? Does anyone in Rawalpindi even keep up with the summer melt off of Arctic sea ice?

I don't know the answers to any of those questions. But it could be a great article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/10/randi-rhodes-quits-air-am_n_96050.html

Randi does have a job with NovaM radio. That is where Mike Malloy landed after he split with Air America.

It's bittersweet for me since I listened to Randi on the internet when she was still in Florida. She and Al Franken were instrumental in making Air America viable. Randi could never get over all the press that Franken got. She openly badmouthed him all the time. She and Schultz are cut out of the same cloth. One must bow at their throne, if you don't they'll flame you any chance they get.

As Randi worked a long time in radio to get to where she is at, you would think she wouldn't call other successful women the names she did.

I wonder if she needs mental health assistance. She is much different than she used to be. I stopped listening to her way before the primaries and her "Hillary" problem.

That's where it counts , burrito. I agree with you.

Stephanie Miller on Dan Abrahms tonight.

FWIW, Ed Schultz is not officially part of Air America. XM radio put him on at 12:00 in the middle of the Air America timeslots after Al Franken left. I believe that timeslot belongs to Thom Hartmann officially. Truthfully, Ed Schultz is quite jealous of Air America. Randi and he are mortal enemies. Let's just say they have each other's number.

I think Sam Seder should take her spot permanently. He is quite entertaining and a lot easier to listen to than Randi.

Obama spent seven years or so with Davis as a mentor, he ended up with Wright as a mentor and the similarities are obvious..God Damn it....LOL

When you add up the important people Obama writes about and the others he would prefer to ignore you have a "picture". For you to say this picture means nothing is BS. But you are free to say otherwise Rez.

Why is it that all these people share a common thread and inter connect to one another? I know why you discount this Rez. There is no explanation and probability cannot not explain this as random. You will claim that Obama is not a communist, or Muslim, extremist or American-hating and of course this is correct. But what informs a candidate, what he is drawn to reflects his inclination. His gut leans to the far left. Can you imagine JFK with this list of associations, mentors and advisors? Didn't Robert Frost swear him in or read some poetry? Imagine Obama having Wright swear him in and Davis reading the poetry.....that is my God Damn point...ooppss

Oh and Shelia I wasn't talking about Bush/Cheney. I was suggesting (from what I've been told) that McPeak, Zbig, Malley, Rice and Carter are not what the DoD prefer. And despite what Rez says, I don't think the military finds all the associations, mentors, advisors and supporters Obama has something they find very positive. I believe Skeletor was the name people in uniform came up with for McPeak. They just love Fonda's endorsement. So we will see who the military votes for, won't we? That was my point.

So go ahead and say none of this counts. Obama was a space shot before 18. He had no clue about the people he hung out with. Khaldid and Ayers never talked politics. He was asleep during Wright's boring sermons.

What Obama is selling is phony. No one deemed so smart by his followers could drift between these people, clueless. What a farce of a God Damn story.

Believe what you will. Imagine what you want. Yes We Can was no coincidence, nor was his dedication to Wright. He plays both sides of the Liberal divide and now watch him pretend to be centrist once he can beat that nasty God Damn bitch Hillary.

Okay, my point has been made.

Patsi: No complaints here. I am of the opinion that someone needs to stand up and fight back once in awhile.

I don't think CC frowns on that sort of thing. I believe he thinks people should defend themselves He just doesn't want it happening all the time.

You know, sometime I can get really angry at something or someone, hasn't happened for a long time - but - even with my anger, I would never shoot my mouth off in public. I guess I wasn't raised that way, it seems foreign to me.

I am not saying I am better - just different. My issues are my own. I would never feel I had the right to say such vile things to two women who have never done anything to hurt me personally.

I do believe Randi's comments were a bit twisted - for her own reasons unknown to me.

Patsi. You need to stick around. Just don't take the bait from the supreme dumbass, ever, ever, EVER. Don't even mention his name, or engage him in any way. That's what most of the rest of us are trying to do, anyway.

Patsi: I wouldn't give such a disruptive individual that much power. As I have said before, we should act as if a two year old is having a tantrum over in the corner.
Ignore it.

Sam Seder whines all the time. I remember when he was being canned by AirAmerica, he embarrassed himself by campaigning on air to stay day after day after day.

His defense of Randi this week shows he has terrible judgement.

Mr. Seder needs to learn that Randi is not a free speech issue; it is a crackpot issue.

Sam does have his stupid moments like anyone else.

If he defended Randi that much, perhaps he isn't as entertaining as I thought he was.

Randi's behavior is indefensible. As the item on Huffington Post stated, Air America paid her airfare and was indirectly involved with her little "stand-up" rant. I don't see it as a free speech issue. It is an issue of poor judgment. One would think at Randi's age she would have realized that she represents her employer every time she opens her mouth. It is the nature of the business she is in.

And KO brings up Elton John?

Oh and Shelia I wasn't talking about Bush/Cheney. I was suggesting (from what I've been told) that McPeak, Zbig, Malley, Rice and Carter are not what the DoD prefer. And despite what Rez says, I don't think the military finds all the associations, mentors, advisors and supporters Obama has something they find very positive

......Max,

I hate to pop it to ya, but your talking to a bunch of old and over 40's obviously. When the military reaches that age group, they are in the minority and the higher more political types.

The majority of the military are the ones who are in harms way and they are 18 to 38 mostly....looks to me like your sources are speaking from THEIR points of view which are very out dated and under considered by my 27 year old and his compadres.

I guarentee you that you are going to be suprised to see that the military is going to vote Democrat too, this time and for the first time since before Reagan.

I am sure that Sen. Clinton and Ms.Ferraro aren't even giving Randi's comments the time of day.

Just look at the caliber of the women involved in this episode of Americana.

Go away, asshole. And at least this time, have the balls to make good on your multiple, melodramatic departure announcements. That means: "Stay away". Please click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEDGgXYFFAM

Hillay just said she voted no on a Chaney Gas bill and Obama voted Yes on it, does anybody know what bill she was referring to.

Randi is on CNN Larry King's show

Shelia,

I have a friend who has been in Iraq over a year commanding operations in Sunni territory and directly reponsible for some operations reversing the course of action. He was in favor of the surge and applying the lesson from Vietnam long before Bush reacted. He was also for removing Runsfeld when McCain sent that signal. His name is Bobby Bran. I also know others. If you dispute that Obama's advisors are not loved by military types in active duty or thrilled with the prospect of Obama, then we shall see how they vote. And I would say commanders and active generals count or should we just base military doctrine and strategy on the 18 -37 crowd? And I don't see active duty soldiers as Obama advisors. I see Malley, McPeak, Zbig, Rice, Lake. Yes, they might vote Democrat if Hillary gets the nod.

so sorry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrYyWjJ9dG8

LL, one of my ex girlfriends was on TV last year as a Gloria look-alike. Anyone see that show? Elvis won. We were in a band together but she decided to go into Broadway. I told her a decade ago she looked and sounded like Gloria (she did more then) and she decided to go on that show.

Of course I told her not to be sad when she lost because few remember Estaban anymore. I was right, but I hope the exposure lands her a TV gig. I pray it's not a reality show or worse......

Max, you skiped over what I said.

the point is; 18 to 38 are the Majority....are you telling me that your general's votes out vote my 27 year old son? his fellow soldiers and sailors and airmen?

The Generals and Admirals are going to make them vote for McCain? I don't think so.

Are you also betting me that they are Borg? I don't think so.

Besides. They will vote for anyone who is not a Republican this time. I'm wiling to bet my 20 years of service on that one.

Hey Jamie...did you see Obama had another "me too" moment today...re: Olympics opening ceremonies.

;-)

THere are 1.3 in active military duty. I do not think the majority will vote for Obama. There is a chance Hillary might split the vote, but I think McCain trumps Obama. Of course, Shelia I am no expert. That is just my read from the sources I know.

And there are active duity soliders in Iraq that do not want their buddies lives to be lost in vain.

I guess we can agree to disagree.

"Poll: Obama Slips Against McCain, Now Losing Among Independents"

ouch...that can feel good.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/poll_obama_slips_against_mccai.php

Dear Chef Sheila Hussein The Nun,

The people including their families, I know in the military, are leaning towards McC. Most are really young, newly enlisted.... I do not think they have much faith in BHO, and they think Hillary doesn't have a chance to get the nomination.

I meant "can't"

Sheila...I'm sure betting your "20 years of service" means a lot to you.

But that, plus two bucks of actual U.S. currency, will get you a two-dollar parley card at any reliable sports book in Vegas. Which you'll probably then lose. Because the bets are all rigged.

Just sayin'

Maybe the more seasoned Military has a different view?

someone wins everyday in Vegas. :)

Wendy,

I'm not trying to start anything about the polls. I actually don't put much credence in them anyway. But since you seem up on them, I'd be curious on your take about these head-to-head national polls.
Since the dems have two candidates in the race, and there is only McCain, aren't these JM-BO and JM-HC polls skewed because of that? Seems to me, a dem voter has two options in mind when asked about their selection, while a repug has just the one option. I quoted a paragraph from the TPM article which I think supports my point. Got an opinion you care to share? tia

"But the Democratic race has continued to take a toll on party unity: About a third of Clinton supporters say they'd back McCain over Obama, and a quarter of Obama supporters would pick McCain over Hillary."

[shrug]

No...just thought it was interesting that Obama's support among one of his main demographics (Indies), at least according to this poll (and it is only one poll), is slipping. My opinion is what I said in my post...can't feel good...especially since he was counting on them. Those Indies...hard to track ya know...not bound by any party affiliation...can't guilt trip them back into the fold.

The Elton John concert was great and the misogynist comment got huge applause. However, the biggest and longest applause of the night was for the Clintons when they stepped out on stage (of course). I thought Bill was very gracious (as opposed to what MOJO had to say this morning.) I was pretty close and did see Lanny Davis and Frank Luntz (Frank annouced he was going on Hannity and Combs last night.)

The lines for security were very long and the concert started a little late as a result.

Elton sounded great. My only complaint: He didn't sing "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." But I have let it go (my son told me I had to. Apparently I was going on and on about it!)

We are enjoying a few more days in the city before we head back to Iowa and I'm extra happy because my husband and other son have been in the basement due to tornado warnings and it is supposed to snow on Sunday. Oy. Lucky for us, it is gorgeous in New York.

So Obama is a closet Communist because of his slogan "Yes We Can".

If that's the case than what does that make us?

From Wikipedia:

In German, homeland is translated as Heimatland, and this was a term used by the Nazis to refer to the more common German term "Vaterland" ("Fatherland"). It was also the name of a strongly pro-Nazi magazine edited by Wilhelm Weiss during the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeland

Der Fuhrer Adolph Bush follows his surrogate fathers ideas as did his Grandfather Prescott who made his fortune financing HItlers Military.

Wendy so true " can't guilt trip them back into the fold.

Once an Indie always an Indie, because we know both side have faults----between the two there are a million shades of gray

I have never ever said I was voting for McSame. Just said I would not vote for Obama..

And if it comes to the point that he is the anointed. It will be left up to others to vote him in. I will not.. So be it. We each have our right to vote as we wish.

Above post was against bush policies.. I do think Iraq should be paying with oil revenue for this war.

Julie

Ally,

I am so glad you got to go. I am sure it was awesome. I decided to go, but it was too late the show was sold out.

KO should be half the decent human being Elton John has turned out to be.

The way KO twisted Elton's remark to apply to the voters rather than to the Media and pundits was totally laughable. Sen. Clinton's campaign is open to criticism, but as an individual she has been literally assaulted by a misogynistic deluge a great deal of which has come from the Olbermeister himself.

OK...this is kind of funny:

"The governor [Ed Rendell] was hanging out at home last weekend when the phone rang. On the other end of the call was a pollster from Quinnipiac University, who had no idea whom his computer had dialed. "That was funny," said Rendell, who says it was the first time in his life that he's been called by a pollster...

"When they asked if Ed Rendell's endorsement had any impact, I said, 'Absolutely,'" Rendell told us last night."

http://blog.pennlive.com/pennsyltucky/2008/04/ed_rendell_making_a_difference.html

Ally,

Are you going to rockefeller Plaza at 8 in the morning for he protest for Hillary against the Media / Mi & Fla votes...

That should be something to see - media sure hasn't said anything about it.
Have a Blast !

Julie

Jamie,

KO is a king ass on so many different level.

I guess it's all in the methodology. I was just curious since I believe a poll with just the defined party candidates as options would be more accurate than one without. i.e. If i got called tonite and asked my preference for prez, I'd of course answer BO,whereas you'd be opposite, but a republican might not have that quandary. How would they weight it that to eliminate that issue.? i going nutz along with Max ..lol

Burrito: Bummer! I wish you had made it. I am glad I did it even though it was a big splurge and I will be burning the midnight oil for a few months to replenish the coffers.

Jamie: The whole concert was really uplifting and honestly I was shocked that this one remark has gotten so much play. As if he is the first person to bring it up. Give me a break. Elton John is a humanitarian and a spectacular advocate for the LGBT community. He has been a good friend to the Clintons and he brought up LOYALTY several times during his introductory remarks. I thought this was a much bigger jab than the other remark.

Rez:

Yea...you're probably right on some level. We see here that there are a few Indies on the list that are just as invested and might be more likely to say McCain if their person doesn't get it. I'm thinking like Warren for Obama and Max for Clinton (Max...you're and Indie right? If I got that wrong, I'm apologizing up front).

Yea...these kinds of polls are probably crap until we have a nominee.

OK...back to Obama losing in PA polls then.

;-)

Julie: I hadn't heard about the protest. I will check into it.

OD

How did the sign holding go today?

What is your feeling on Hillary's chances in Oregon?

Julie

Don't you think all the candidate do what , say what, act like this or that , so they can win the vote?

Do you believe that your candidate isn't doing the very same thing, on a different level? Like the internet level or the caucus level?

It's a very competitive field now with all the different outlets....

They are all playing to win. That is the long and short of it.

btw : news sucks...there is no news anymore, you have to seek out what you want to know about.

The pundits are getting stale, and a new wave of information dissemination will take over eventually

Julie..I did two hours today..pretty nice weather.

People are friendly..feeling amuch more positive response..

The polls show Obama with a lead, but I'm waiting for the local polls.

The Hillary campaign is very encouraged..lots of volunteers and an overwhelming response to her rallies here last week. Bill was also here..Chelsea this weeikend and Hillary will return.

I attended the opening ofthe Portland headquarters.
They are opening additional offices in several cities including Salem, Beaverton, Eugene,etc.. Unfortunately, I have to be out of town for work 3 days a week for two weeks, but I still will get plenty of hours in at the headquarters.. When out of town I will telephone and will have my Hillary signs..We have a couple days of great weather coming so I will be outside a lot.

Obama has an edge in Portland and Eugene..Hillary has the edge in Salem and much of the rest of the state. Should be close here..

I care about the voter's rights in MI & Fl.

That is a fundamental right in our country, seems odd that the Dems aren't out there protecting the rights of those voters.

This is the most "effed" up primary and party (Dem) I have ever witnessed.

Okay, that's all I have to say about this.

I might get fired, I better cool it.

Thanks Wendy, but you're still wrong on your pick..LOL
Go Obama!

O.K., I hope you all have a great day tomorrow, I am sorry it is going to rain, it can get nasty when the trains are all wet and slimy.

Remember we each have only one vote. So if they count, it will means something, if not......well , we've seen what happens then.

Peaceful thoughts ~

Good Night

Rez:

ROFL - I feel the same way about you.

Hillary 08!

Past my bedtime. Night.

Wow, you really have to smooth over those typos

"That is why I always have a mixed impression of Obama. He is of two minds triangulating their way in the spot light, more like a celebrity than a principled politico."

I'm tired yall..

Peace

"You guys hate him so much that the thought of the Military turning to a DEM is out of your ability to think it?"

Sheila
One anecdote does not make a trend. At this point I would say the burden of proof is on you. "Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary proof" and all that.
Not agreeing with you , on the trends in military voting, doesn't require hate or even dislike of Obama, just a modicum of skepticism.

I thank you for sharing your sons political journey. I did find it interesting.

One other thing, "You guys" is a rather sweeping term to be applied to the 3 that were involved in your conversation. One was rude to you, one was his usual clueless and I thought Burrito gave you a very polite reply.
Your "You guys" brought a knee jerk WTF reaction from me and I am sure from others as well.

I am not attacking you but expressing concerns.
I wish a good nights sleep and a better day tomorrow.

Jack

Yep, yep, yep McCain's a warmonger! He's the LAST thing we need now.

And Bush still keeps on. Thank God for KO & his staff. I comeserate with him each night.

Have y'all been clammering for Craig to appear on the tube again, soon?

Texas Storms last night: 4 a.m. freight train sound, no sirens. This whole part of town got hit hard by last night's storms. I'm find and no one around here got hurt. Lots of smashed cars, downed trees, and bricks stripped off buildings.

tt

Oy gevalt, and we've got sunshine and temps in the mid 80s here (lower 90s projected for the weekend) in NorCal...here's wishing you all some of our great weather! D=

Hi Julia. It's beautiful here in metro DC too. Did not get outside enough yesterday.

Tiptoe: interesting on the storms; had heard that from another Texan. So some of those unlucky American Air passengers would have had weather delays, too, even if their MD80s had been scheduled to take to the skies.

Barack Obama may lose support in Philadelphia over 'street money'

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-streetmoney11apr11,1,6250467.story"

This is a machine city, and ward leaders have to pay their committee people," Campbell said. "Barack Obama's campaign doesn't pay workers, and I guarantee you if they don't put up some money for those street workers, those leaders will most likely take Clinton money. It won't stop him from winning Philadelphia, but he won't come out with the numbers that he needs" to win the state.

A neutral observer, state Rep. Dwight Evans, whose district is in northwest Philadelphia, said there might be a racial subtext to the dispute. Ward leaders, he said, see Obama airing millions of dollars worth of television ads in the city -- money that benefits largely white station owners, feeding resentment. People wonder why Obama isn't sharing the largesse with the largely African American field workers trying to get him elected, Evans said.

"They view it that the white people are getting all the money for TV," said Evans, an African American and former ward leader. "And they're the ones who are the foot soldiers on the street. They're predominantly African Americans, and they're not the ones who are getting that TV money."

And Jack,

I wasn't Trying to argue a trend that will happen for sure.

But for ONCE I would have loved a good discussion as to the possibility and now a bunch of people shooting it down base on what the known has been for the last 30 years.

Change happens. If you mind is not ready and open for any possibility you might as well call yourself finished and ready for the rocking chair.

My son was telling me the the wave going through his command was amazing. The initiation of that conversation by me, I thought would have sparked a thought that there is hope.

And there is hope for this Blog too.

And Jack,

"You guys" to me usualy means that I am speaking to all. Not pointing out anything to one.

You condesension in your post begs me to pause.

Since I haven't been as a rule, rude or even a divider here, I didn't expect my language to be a problem.

Why is it that most on this blog are now uptight and stressed? Looking for the negative in all posts from people who aren't in lock step with the rest?

It deserves pondering.

And with that remark, it time to get ready for work. Have a grea day and remember, we are all Americans.

Erica Jong on Elton John's "misogyny in the media" remark:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erica-jong/misogyny-momism-and-milit_b_96062.html