Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

First...

Hmmmm, very interesting.
But yet...it won´t actually happen :))

Good Morning lovely people! Jason -- are you and I the only ones up today? Did everyone else have too much fun celebrating Canada Day?

Jason -- Who do you think will the VP pick will really be?

Morning, Alicia and Jason! I'm up and checking the papers etc. Gotta see if the world still turns...

Good Morning,

My predictions are as follows: (1) Colin Powell will endorse Obama withint the next 2 weeks, thereby giving him some much needed military support; and (2) Obama will select Wes Clark, notwithstanding Sunday's controversy, giving him a two-fer on the military score and, allowing him to concentrate on domestic policy (if he can ever develop one).

it's more likely that colin looks like a good pick for mccain as VP.......both victims of the Bush/Cheney junta.....both military in different areas........african american......not so old.......big possibility........

Thanks to Sturge for pointing this out last night. Arianna Huffington blasting Obama's move toward the center. Who does she think she is criticizing Obama on Huffington Post?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/memo-to-obama-moving-to-t_b_110026.html

Corey -- I hear Arianna blasting Obama about his recent shape shifting on one of the shows yesterday, thanks for the link to her article. Here's a post left on Salon by one of Obama's supporters:

"I have to ask what Obama thinks he is accomplishing by dissing Moveon.org and Wesley Clark? What does he think he's accomplishing by attacking those that stood up to the Vietnam war in the 60's? Well if it's trying to kill off his biggest supporters, I think he's succeeding beyond his expectation. Republicans never diss their base. You'll never hear them criticize the far-right christian theocrats. You'll never hear them criticize the "free market absolutists" businessmen. "

in re colin as VP it's beginning to look like McCain might need some high level decision-making type military dude on board as much as obama does.......dueling generals......

For Maggi and the others discussing the military, grunts v. fly boys, an article in Slate:

http://www.slate.com/id/2194600/

People cool to Michelle Obama, unfamiliar with Cindy McCain
By ALAN FRAM, Associated Press Writer

http://news.yahoo.com/page/election-2008-political-pulse-first-ladies

Mornin' Patsi, Jason and Alicia,

Just wanted to check in with the early morning crew.

I always liked Wesley Clark. He's got that Hollywood good-looking
officer and a gentleman thing going on--plus, I like that he was such a loyal Hillary supporter.

But, I don't think his comments about McCain's military record are doing
him any good. Notice, Obama didn't support him and seemed to
do his familiar distancing act from him right after the media started
attacking Clark. I just don't believe it's a smart move to go after McCain
on his military history, since it immediately highlights the reality that
Obama has absolutely no military background and no credible experience as a leader.

I have to give Wesley Clark demerits for his remarks about McCain's
Navy heroics. Comments like these only turn off those people Obama seems to want to win over like working class folks and Reagan Democrats. After
Clark's ill spoken, anti-McCain comments recently, I seriously doubt Obama will choose Clark as his running mate. Obama get nervous whenever the media pounces on one of his surrogates.

"dueling generals"

Ha! There'd be some fodder for political cartoons there....eh?

A lot of the commenters on that Arianna column are disappointed that Obama seems to have changed. He's pandering in their opinions. I do believe that most of these commenters were supporters of Obama. Read the comments to that column and decide for yourself. A lot of people are starting to feel a little disillusioned it seems.

Maybe Clark should just have started quoting the Bush Campaign in SC 2000......it worked once.....

"screw loose"
not mentally capable etc.......

Yeah , but...

Chloe,

Thanks for the link to the "People cool to Michelle Obama. . .unfamiliar
with Cindy McCain." If one was to believe MSNBC, Obama and his wife
have already won over most of the country.

Speculation regarding Colin Powell apparently will
continue--both Obama & McCain met with Powell
recently.

http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2008/07/on_call_exclusi.html

typo: I meant "Obama gets nervous."

Hi Marcia,
I just turned on my computer and haven't read all the post yet. Did you see my post asking you about Canada?

Corey,

What? People are getting disillusioned by Obama?

I'm shocked!

All,
I have absolutely no clue...

But upon hearings from here and there (yup...I have sources) I know who will not.... Rendell, Biden, Bayh and Clinton.
I have heard from one source that Clark is on a list, but he will not accept.... Again that is only one source. Some people, me included, still believe it will be John Edwards, although Richardson is lobbying very hard!
BO doesn´t need the hispanics, but he needs the white male....He will get hispanics anyway, as long as the Clintons are campaigning for him. So he needs the white male who tends to get behind the white presidential candiadate....
Come in: John Edwards!

Did someone see the aces yeaterday from Venus... ))
127MPH again. A new Wimbledon record......

Just got an e-mail blast from votevets.org requesting signatures to "thank" Gen'l Clark for speaking out about McCain. ~thanks~ (Please note: flaming tildes of sarcasm in use.)

As for BO buddying up to faith yesterday: The first impression he made on me was the comment about bitter people clinging to religion. My second impression is that he sat in a church with Rev. Wright and it was just fine for years & then he had to cave because it was politically necessary.

He's a snake.

hmmm.....let's see......the big boys and the gops want to drill all over the place over the objections of the "wacko environmentalists"................so what happens? the price of gas goes up........wow....whatta coincidence......next, of course, there will be the high price combined with "shortages".......(transparency, thy names are "oilmen" and "goper" ) and then the poor little average american will begin to scream and holler for the liberation of the US oil fields......god bless us, everyone.....
Boss, How long before we drill?
Any day now, lad, Any day.........

Hi Chloe,

No. I didn't see it. Where did you post it?

Not everyone , Marcia. But , they're out there wondering what happened to the guy they fell in love with over the last several months.

Jason,
You surprised me when you said Clark wouldn't take VP.
I thought maybe he is auditioning Why else is he out there saying the things he's saying? I know he's close to Hillary, but I don't know what's going on now. (and please, not Richardson-that would so disgust me).

"He's a snake."
Posted by blueINdallas

A very descriptive metaphor!

Marcia,
It was early last night.

Basically, I was asking you about living in Canada vs. living in the U.S. I think you said you're a duel citizen? And my hubby has often talked about how great it would be to live in Canada. I doubt we'd ever do it, but it's still something we've talked about.

McCain needs somebody from central casting; Romney looks the part, plus, it's the economy stupid.
(Now, if Mama Mac just hadn't said all of those nasty things about him.)

Huckabee won over some folks in the middle; he's got a very, high EQ.

Powell's cred was blown when he testified re: Iraq...and when he did that weird, Village People dance at some function.

Chameleon!

Hi Corey,

I can't ever tell if people know when I'm being sarcastic.
I hope you knew.

perhaps there is a squad of open-eyed realists waiting for obama to slip and fall, or drop the ball between now and august. He's good, but nevertheless very new at all this.......sounds like he's even now twisting in the wind...............

You were being sarcastic? Thanks for telling me , geez!

"The first impression he made on me was the comment about bitter people clinging to religion. My second impression is that he sat in a church with Rev. Wright and it was just fine for years & then he had to cave because it was politically necessary."

blueINdallas ,
You just reminded me of some very bad memories. The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. Scary.

This all might make a good new thread somewhere. LOL! I gotcha , Marcia. LOL!

McCain needs somebody from central casting; Romney looks the part, plus, it's the economy stupid. blueINdallas

Romney would be a really good balance for McCain. He's everything McCain isn't and vice versa.

Prof Marcia: "I seriously doubt Obama will choose Clark as his running mate. Obama get nervous whenever the media pounces on one of his surrogates."

Yes, I think Wes is out of play now.

"Posted by: sturgeone | July 2, 2008 7:52 AM"

SPOT ON, Sturge. I have a friend who is a TX oilman....he's always said gas prices are easy to manipulate, and they will always be manipulated when it helps Republicans. And this guy is a serious Republican.

good morning gang....

Chloe... both my parents and all of my relatives..... except my brother and sister... are Canadian born (New Brunswick).... I visit every few yrs and try to keep up somewhat on news from there....

I do know that Canada has strict emigration laws..... they only except those that can contribute to their economy.....

and who can blame them..... there must be lots of baby boomer Americans eyeing going over the border in retirement in search of free healthcare.... and all the while never having contributed a thing to their country....

I beg to differ, Renee. I've contributed a lot to Canada in the past. Ask the dancers at Cheetah's in Windsor. LOL!

Renee,
You're right. The health care is their biggest attraction.
I can't imagine ever actually following through on a move. But I'm still curious as to what it's like there. It seems like more Canadians have moved to the U.S. lately, and I couldn't figure out why they'd want to. Canada seems like such a great place.

"and who can blame them..... there must be lots of baby boomer Americans eyeing going over the border in retirement in search of free healthcare.... and all the while never having contributed a thing to their country...."

I think you're right, Renee. I know several people closing in on retirement who are doing just that. I don't know if this one couple I'm thinking about would be considered as having something to contribute, but here's theiur situation: they are musicians, plus own a small music store. The wife is also a professional artist who does make an income from her work. BUT, and this is where I think so many people are -- they have no health insurance. They think health costs down the road will eat up everything they have saved or will have from the eventual sale of their store. Their hope is to find some place where health costs are not an issue, then live on the store-sale money and their social security.

Corey, I'm sure Canada appreciates it too.
How's your dad?

Chloe,

Yes. I was born in Canada and even after coming to the U.S. and becoming
a citizen, I still managed a trip back to Canada every year. I even sometimes
have move back for year long stays, too. I appreciate the wonder of both the U.S. and Canada.

Canada is a great country in many ways. I like the people so much. Generally,
they really are nicer and less mean-spirited, more trusting, than many Americans. Most people are politically quite liberal. There are less deaths
by guns in all of Canada in one year than in L.A. in a month. (I heard that
somewhere, so don't know if it's exactly accurate). But, there aren't many guns
in Canada. There's no death penalty. It's just more liberal.

But, Canada is a huge country and there's a variety of landscapes. For example, there are cosmopolitan cities like Toronto and Montreal with high fashion, fabulous restaurants and multi-million dollar high rises and there are
snow covered prairies, isolated and serene. There are small towns covered in snow where everyone snow mobiles and there are beautiful ocean ports in Vancouver.

If you ever moved to Canada where does your husband want to live?

I will say that when I have been in Windsor in the past I have met a lot of people who work in Windsor, Ontario , but live in Detroit. There was a great worry that many people from here would move to Canada after the 2004 election. They even held a televised meeting in which they discussed what the exact requirements were for moving to Canada. It wasn't just as simple as packing up your belongings, crossing the border and starting a new life in Canada.

My Dad is doing okay. He has been pretty strong so far. He admitted he was being good about all of this for my Mom's sake. That was good to hear. He did break down and cry a little last night when he and I were alone together. That's not something I'm used to seeing. He really wants to go home. I don't think that will probably happen for maybe 2 weeks or so.

Generally, they really are nicer and less mean-spirited, more trusting, than many Americans." prof marcia

Marcia,
I wonder why that is. All the distrust and rudeness. Why would it be different here.? I think you're right, but I don't know why. There must be something different here (from other Countries) that makes many others perceive Americans in a certain way.

I don't think that will probably happen for maybe 2 weeks or so. Corey

So he is coming home eventually? I thought it was permanent. Sorry to hear how unhappy he is. But it sure sounds like maybe you're starting to see another side of him that you didn't know about. Glad to hear that.

Just keep reassuring him that everything is ok and that it won't be long before he goes home. He probably feels pretty disoriented.

All I can say is if Obama picks Richardson he will really do in for good many Hillary supporters such as me!! That guy is a shark---
Regarding Colin Powell I have absolutely no respect for that fellow. He could have shown some back bone.
He was also such a thorn in the side of Clinton regarding gays in the military. The others mentioned are okay but don't excite me much--except Hillary. I am convinced however she has no chance with Obama.

Patsi and Renee,

You're right that because of rising health care costs some Americans are
considering moving to Canada. But, to enjoy the medical system in Canada
one must be a citizen and it is extremely difficult to become a citizen especially now.

I was born in Canada and have worked there on and off, as well as working in this country. I've been a writer and teacher, (and other occupations) in both
countries. So, I guess I'm lucky in that regard. When I became sick one winter
while I was in Canada, I was put into the hospital for three days to be tested.
I was given excellent care! Since I had a Canadian health card, I was not charged. The health care system in Canada is very good no matter what
the anti-universal health care people tell you.

And although some Canadians do come to live in the U.S., a lot of these
people come for only part of the year and maintain their permanent residence
in Canada. Most of my family and friends in Canada don't want to live in the U.S., even though they like to visit this country.

"Village People dance at some function."

Bohemian Grove's public show...fundraiser for the Monte Rio schools

Patsi,

I think the Slate article you cited in your earlier comment was unfortunate and unhelpful:
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/07/clark-wins-vp-madness-for-dems.html#comment-109746

I have served in both in the Army and the Air Force. Part of my six years in the Army was in Vietnam where we were based out of Qui Nhon but went throughout the Central Highlands.

I was in a small party set-up a couple of miles outside of Pleiku when sappers targeted AF aircraft at 'new' Pleiku, the airfield that was to provide support for the 4th Inf Div.

I've also been to Kontum, at the airfield there, when AF C-130s ran cargo in supporting our operation that was being conducted by the 1st Air Cav.

I heard no complaints about the AF.

Then, when I was in the AF, I was at Guam supporting B-52 missions. Those aviators were courageous and competent. Their missions involved detailed planning and coordination and involved tanker support, deployment of rescue resources, ECM, naval fighter support, etc.

They were not missions where the aviators woke up in the morning and jumped into their airplanes and flew away; they would spend hours planning their missions.

Later on I was in an AF special ops wing. Everything we did involved detailed coordination with our Army counterparts. This coordination involved having Army officers embedded directly in our unit and AF officers in theirs.

I heard no complaints.

Every Army battalion commander would love having his own AF squadron dedicated to supporting his unit. But, that's not the way it works. AF support is apportioned at the theater level, there are simply not enough airplanes around to give every ground commander what they want.

That's why the Army has its own combat helicopters. These are the assets that provide most of the direct air fire support to engaged troops. That's the way the system works.

The AF will handle virtually all the 'behind the lines' missions. Just like in Vietnam, these missions involve a tremendous amount of planning and coordination.

The AF and the Army are different. They have different planning cycles and mission profiles. Each needs the other.

Corey.... LOL!..... about the dancers....
and you're correct..... it's not just a matter of packing your bags and crossing the borders..... you have to prove to Canada that you will be an asset to their country before they will approve of you living there...... my relatives used to complain about Americans who thought they could just be given a "golden pass" to their country for the asking....

Patsi..... that is so sad about your friends..... and they're probably right about their savings being eaten up with healthcare costs..... I don't know what country will accept them..... I've read that some Americans are going to Mexico to retire because of the lower cost of living..... but I don't know what they do for healthcare...... god.... if there's one thing the Dems had better fix if they win everything in the next election it's this issue!

gotta go back to work....

Good Morning,

Jamie ,
If you are out there, I think it might be interesting to do an updated Trail Mix poll, of where everyone stands ......

To see any movement.

Just an idea......off to the bmv.

Chloe,

I wish I knew the answer to your question as to why the majority of Canadians seem kinder, gentler, less jaded than Americans. Even my mother and I
notice a difference in our personalities since living in the U.S.

All I can say is if Obama picks Richardson he will really do in for good many Hillary supporters such as me!! That guy is a shark--- Jane

Jane, I totally agree with you.
I'm not voting for Obama anyway (without Hillary).

There's no way I will support the DNC's handling of this process.

Even my mother and I notice a difference in our personalities since living in the U.S. profmarcia

Marcia,
You made me laugh when you said that.
Have we jaded you?

mornin' all.

Nope, can't believe it will be Clark now that he has those damn bus tire marks across his back. What's the count up to now for Obama supporters who've been thrown under the bus after making , errr, impolitic statements?

And frankly I couldn't care less who McCF chooses.

Yup, Jason, Venus is looking very strong on the grass this week. Dementieva and Serena should be a good match - when is it, tomorrow?

Now what the hell is this about Obama proposing to expand the Bush pander to faith based organizations by directing more money to them to help the underprivileged? Do I understand that right? If so, excuse me, but what a crock. I really need to read up on this.

ProfM, little twisted smiley emoticons, lol, LOL, and the flaming tildes of sarcasm (thanks, blue) are good ways to remove any doubt about a sarcastic remark.

Chloe,

I probably was on the jaded road long before I arrived in the U.S.

I want to add my two cents about the shark, rat Richardson.
Although, I'm not voting for Obama, anyway, either, if Obama
put Richardson on the ticket, I would start a write-in
campaign against him or something equally radical.

Yesterday I received a 'unity' letter from Howard Dean asking for support and money. Since I've already asked that I be removed from their lists, I'm returning it with a note as to why my support won't be forthcoming.

I'll use their free reply-by-mail envelope. I don't feel bad about doing that because I've paid for a bunch of them during this election cycle.

Gen Clark has a really thick skin. He's still available.

I just noticed on Hillary's web site there is no mention of Obama now. I wonder what that is all about.

vadaryl,
I don't know what it's about.
But I like it.

Chloe

who did you support in the primary in 2004 and why?

I would start a write-in campaign against him or something equally radical. profmarcia

Marcia,
I wish someone, somewhere would do something radical. The people in this country have a need to make their voice heard by the politicians. But there seems no way to organize it. If enough of us were on the same page, it could make a difference.

Jane,
Who? John Kerry.

Why? Just because he was the Democrat, I'm surprised to say.

Howard Dean, another sneaky snake.

Like most of you , I've known Canadians and Americans, and really don't find a lot of difference between them personality wise. Of course if you don't worry about being impoverished if you get sick, I guess that might make you a little happier than you might otherwise be. Over the past couple of decades I've had 3 very close friends who were Canadians who moved to the US - one is an orthopod (recently moved to Iowa to run a clinic ther) who moved here because he didn't have the freedom to schedule his patients for surgeries as he saw fit in his orthopedic surgery practice, the second was his wife who moved here because she is his wife - and who was a phyiscal therapist who worked in both the Canadian and US health systems and didn't have a preference for one over the other - and the third was a ski racer and coach. They are all personally very nice people who spent IMHO an inordinate amount of their time criticizing the US while they took advantage of what they perceived as benefits offered to them professionally in this country that weren't offered to them in Canada. Since health coverage is not a big concern for the first two, I expect they will retire here. The other probably will return to Canada, but really just because her family is there - but the free healthcare has to be a benefit she'll consider since skiers tend to have chronic, nagging joint issues as they age. What does all that mean? Probably nothing much.

Vadayrl-

I just went to HRC's site and on the first page there is a link to the Unity event-

"another sneaky snake"

PM, you sure have that right. Hope he enjoys Chicago.

Flatus | July 2, 2008 8:56 AM

Good Flatus! You've got to make a difference in the ways that are offered you.

Chloe,

I know what you mean. If the truth were known, I bet there are millions
of people in this country who are as frustrated with the current crop
of politicians as we are and are just going along with the status quo because
they feel there's no other choice.

"Howard Dean, another sneaky snake."

As sneaky as they come.

Nice post, Pogo.

The Canadians I knew in Florida made it their destination because of the on-demand healthcare they could receive. Then the Canadian government wised-up an stopped paying for non-emergency care. The number of snow-birds dropped considerably.

The ones who continued coming back year-after-year were very circumspect in their comments about 'us'. I always enjoyed being around them.

Gen Clark has a really thick skin. He's still available.
Posted by: Flatus Author Profile Page | July 2, 2008 8:58 AM

Flatus, thick enough to be a politician?
He's so nice. Do you think it would be sad to see him jaded (the word of the day) by politics?

Please Obama pick Wesley Clark. He is your soul mate.

VJ Machiavelli
http://www.vjmachiavelli.blogspot.com
ps This election is all about shoes, yes shoes, silly but true. Do we keep on taking them off, or put them on for good, and never take them off again every time we board a plane.

And a little eye candy for the Canada lovers among us.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/01/the-ten-hottest-men-and-w_n_110267.html

Corey -- I'm so glad you are able to spend some time with your father, and to see maybe a side of him he's been hiding all these years. God love you for sticking in there!

What does all that mean? Probably nothing much.
Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | July 2, 2008 9:10 AM

Could it mean that aside from Health care, things aren't all that different.

All must lean on Iran

GEORGE W. Bush leaves the White House in six months having destroyed the power balance in the Middle East by launching a war that empowered Iran and having failed to devise any solution to halt Iran's quest to acquire a nuclear capability.

It is a humiliating legacy.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23954817-7583,00.html

vjm, you've hit on one of my pet peeves. Do we really want a government whose idea of keeping us safe is to put in place a huge security operation whose goal is making sure that the millions upon millions of us who fly don't try and recreate the failed effort of a nutty zealot? I never have to take my shoes off before I fly INTO the US from Mexico, and I feel as safe with their security screening, by hand, of all bags checked or carried on than I do with the x-ray screening that happens here (and did I mention the armed guards at the airports?). Plus it's quicker and doesn't delay boarding with ridiculously long security lines after you check in.

flatus, I have to say that despite their criticisms of the US those were some of my best friends and favorite people.

chloe, it could (of course it is colder longer north of the border, and the bugs make ours look positively amateurish). /;-}

"The AF and the Army are different. They have different planning cycles and mission profiles. Each needs the other."

Oh, I know that, Flatus. I was just responding to some of the comments about there being something of a disconnect between various segments. I will say this, having had so many pilots in my family....they do think they are the top guns in many ways. Not in mean spirited ways, or disparaging of ground troops or anyone else. But there's just a bit of arrogance.

Trust me, I heard about my uncle's missions in WWII a LOT. He was stationed in Italy and got caught up in the time when the missions they had to fly kept moving up, ala Catch 22. (My uncle Martin's favorite book....) He ended up flying 85 missions, went from being a farm boy enlistee, a private, to a major by the war's end. Ended up a bird col. and commander of a base.

He also was a bit arrogant about officers like himself, who got their stripes in The Big One as opposed to officer's school...ha!

You might find this interesting...I had three uncles in WWII, all AF pilots. One, my uncle Earl, didn't make it back. He was shot down over France on what was supposedly his last mission. My Uncle Martin's last letter was to tell him to get the hell away from flying "that death trap" plane he flew. (You'll probably know what it was....some big huge thing, whereas my other uncles flew lighter, faster planes.) On the "angel" side, my uncle Earl was the captain of his plane, and all his crew was able to parachute to safety while he stayed at his post. Several of the survivors came to visit both my grandmother and my uncle Martin after the war.

"who did you support in the primary in 2004 and why?"

Kathy -- I know that was directed at Chloe...but for me, it was originally Howard Dean. I was FURIOUS when CNN manipulated that tape, took off the screams of the audience and invented The Dean Scream. But I also liked Kerry. And thought Teresa was fabulous. It was only as Dean started running the DNC that I heard him make some statements I didn't like, then of course, I think he royally screwed up this Florida and Michigan fiasco. There should have been a re-vote, and the DNC should have paid for it. If they had no money, I wonder why?

I'd like to apologise to obama supporters everywhere for being unable to simply jump onto the obama hope wagon....The fault lies in the hubris of mr obama and those same supporters. He could have jumped onto the wagon himself and become VP on the most historic presidential ticket of all time, "but, Noooooooo" as belushi might have said......He had to, as an extremely young and un-tried freshman senator, leap to the head of the table and claim it as his own. ye olde bible says better to sit at the far end of the table and be raised up than assume the head spot and be knocked down.
Said obama supporters were really no help to him, utilizing as they did the politics of hate and division in an overt attempt to schmush hillary down into the mud (along with her 18 million fervent supporters) In their efforts to win at any and all costs.
So what could have been a democratic quickmarch to the white house has become a hot seat for mr obama and his supporters as he turns this way and that in a belated attempt to avoid the heat, much like the sideshow chicken standing on a hot plate with no way off seems to "dance" for the spectator who puts his quarter into the slot.
If he wins the august convention I will support him.....I'll gladly assume the "johnny come lately" mantle and all which goes with it and hope he wins at that time.

But then I'm not so foolish as to assume that my chicken scratching in the sands of a blog actually have Diddley to do with who does or does not win or lose an election.

Pogo, That's the problem. I hate the cold.

When you say bugs, are you talking about insects there being worse??

OK, for those of you who still haven't committed to vote for Obama, I have finally have found what has to be the best reason yet to do so - Steven Baldwin will leave the country if Obama is elected.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/01/stephen-baldwin-on-fox-ne_n_110169.html

Now if that's not a good enough reason, I can't think of what would be.

steven baldwin who?

"What does all that mean? Probably nothing much."

ROFL! One more reason Pogo rocks!

chloe, you ain't seen insects until you've seen Canadian black flies and mosquitoes. I wouldn't say they put the Maine and New Hampshire bugs to shame, (and mosies in the Keys are voracious, although they have a short season) but the rest of our bugs are bush league in comparison.

a couple of canadian black flies were carrying off a backpacker and one turns to the other and says, "Should we eat him here or take him back home?"
the other says, "Naw, if we take him home the BIG ones will take him."

Actually, Flatus, now that I think of it, I believe my uncle Martin was in North Africa....not Italy.

Hear, hear Sturge! great post RE:July 2, 2008 9:46 AM

Pogo, you ain't seen insects until you've seen the ones in Houston. It's the hot, humid weather here. Bugs love it. I just can't imagine them being as big and bad in Canada, because they have that cold weather that kills them off in the winter. We often don't even have a winter (relative to other places). The insects are so huge and plentiful (and bothersome), I've never seen anything like it. Since we came from a dry climate before we moved here, I was in for quite a surprise.

Surely you've missed at least one of his two movies, sturg. He's the uberChristian, completely devoid of talent brother of Alec. If you've never seen Zebra Lounge, you're a better man for it.

Oh, and Patsi, thank you very much. I recognize my own ramblings as nothing more than the idle musings of an aging fool.

Sturg, he did have one moment of glory in his role as Barney Rubble in The Flintstones - Viva Rock Vegas. But it was a stretch role for him.

But then I'm not so foolish as to assume that my chicken scratching in the sands of a blog actually have Diddley to do with who does or does not win or lose an election.
Posted by: sturgeone

Maybe not, but we sure accomplish a lot of other stuff here.

gotta go

no pogo.....i missed the zebra lounge act......
(while youre musing idly watch out for the foolish idlings of an aging muse....)

Maybe not, but we sure accomplish a lot of other stuff here.
--chloe

that'd be nice.........

"I haven't been there in years, but back when I was, a LOT of people had not just rifles, but loaded handguns in their trucks. And you messed with 'em at your peril. Posted by: Patsi

Patsi,
Perfect description!

You gotta love Texas. Rifles, handguns, pickup trucks.
What's not to like.

Now I really have to get.

Chloe, the cold weather just akes them mean and hardy. I figure it pisses them off like it does mere mortals. When people canoe, camp and eat in headnets, you know it has to be bad. And at least you can see the flies and mosquitoes ( btw, I think the mosquito is the state bird of Ontario - I need to check that), but the no-see-ums take misery to a different level. The indians in the Canadian SW & US NE called them something like dust with teeth.

PUMA: Kiss Him Goodbye, Hillary!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9IkEoce3xY

Patsi, back in the house again--Stinky had me on a mission, :)

Thanks for your poignant follow-up. Your Uncle Martin was most likely flying B-24s. The crews of the B-24s and B-17s personified courage. Their formations suffered horrendous losses, a higher personnel loss than any other combat formations during the entire war regardless of service.

There are maybe five distinct aviator cultures within the AF. The fighter pilots are the ones who think they're jack s***. They're typically young and brash and hard to get along with (with some notable exceptions).

Bomber pilots are steady-as-you-go types. Very detail oriented and determined. They know that they'll probably never make it home from some of the missions they planned and have in the 'can'.

C-17 pilots are much like airline pilots. They have their missions that they do over-and-over again. But, they're always given the special mission that may take them anywhere on God's Earth. And, they may have to operate in contested airspace.

C-130 pilots operate right in the front line areas. They share the determination of the bomber pilots along with a spirit matching their ground force passengers.

Then, there are the special ops pilots. They are a breed to themselves. Quiet, pensive, fiercely determined, and magnificently competent. In peacetime they suffer operational losses from enemy fire.

These folks are truly different from their ground-bound compatriots. But they have an equal love for our country and boundless courage and determination.

Patsi, you left out the open can of beer. They still have Lucky Lager?

Flatus, which type of plane do you think my uncle Earl was flying? The big, slow one that my uncle Martin warned him about?

"Patsi, you left out the open can of beer. They still have Lucky Lager?"

Ha...don't know what kind of beers they had, but do know that Gilley's had its own rot gut brand. People bought them as souvinirs mostly. I should say, though, that Gilley's had some astonishing entertainment....lots of great acts played there.

Patsi.......probably like those ones in "CATCH-22"?

with the tail gunner and the belly gunner etc........

Oh, and Flatus, what were those big, slower planes actually used for? I'm woefully ignorant of the various operations.

when i was a kid in the dawn of television there was a black and white animated cartoon involving a japanese pilot being shot out of the air a fragment of his plane at a time......until finally he was sitting on an engine with a prop.....anyone familiar with that one?

How to make hash in Afghanistan.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/02/washington/02military.html?hp

Now get this - the US casualties in Afghanistan have exceeded those in Iraq for the second month in a row, despite the fact that there are less than one fourth the number of US troops in Afghanistan than in Iraq.

Bush's recipe has made an Afghani hash that is now surpassing even the Iraqi hash he's cooked up, and who thought that was possible?

Oh Sturge, so you're angry that your candidate wasn't "given" the presidential nomination. And that 'oh my God' someone had the audacity, like that word, to challenge her and beat her. Maybe, just maybe, your candidate ran a crappy campaign. Still a good person, but made the worst decisions possible that allowed a senator with all of those "deficiencies" to beat her? But you're right on one thing. You're scratchings on this blog won't change a thing. And we can all be grateful for that.

Gun FlipFlop FlimFlam Obama DingDong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXQaksyRsn0

"Bush's recipe has made an Afghani hash that is now surpassing even the Iraqi hash he's cooked up, and who thought that was possible? "

That's some article, Pogo....Christ, whoever is the next president has a complete clusterf**k to deal with.

Mr Bye bye.......I'm not angry. I'm aware... and watching. as a matter of fact the motto of the little military high school i attended was "watch" and it has stood me in good stead over the years.......
her campaign? patooie on campaigns.

At the rate Sen. Obama is changing, we will get Hillary Clinton anyway. It will be a morphed into clone, but the positions will all be the same.

Has anyone seen Barack in a blue pantsuit?

(where are the flaming tildes?)

mr bye bye......i also watched as the media made sure that hillary was trashed much the same as Dean was trashed with his scream.....and dukakis with his tank, and kerry with his wind-surfing etc etc....had nothing to do with her campaign.....now, did it?

and mr obama has seemingly won? good for him, more power to him and you.......but august is the month.
we will see.......

i dont recall anger or "oh my god" in my post......how nice of you to extrapolate my meaning......lol

Colin Powell's performance at the United Nations will be judged by historians as one of the most shameful moments in American history. His actions were in stark contras to the heroic Adlai Stevenson United Nations presentation during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Sounds to me like Bye Bye is the one who's angry. Angry that everyone hasn't joined the cult of O.

You better hope, Bye Bye, that your messiah actually does all he's promised, or that his followers think he'll do: ends racism, the war, cures economic woes....changes the world's opinion of the US. Paves those roads in Kenya.

mr bye bye.......
Said obama supporters were really no help to him, utilizing as they did the politics of hate and division in an overt attempt to schmush hillary down into the mud (along with her 18 million fervent supporters) In their efforts to win at any and all costs.
---sturgeone

such as fomenting hatred and division with names like your former moniker Bye Bye Billary..........very classy, that. lol

bye bye, now.......you take care, y' heah?

Flatun -- you also mentioned "special ops pilots" -- my cousin was a navy pilot...flew in Desert Storm, but after that spent much time flying low over the gulf and other places tracking drug runners. Is that special ops?

Hey Y'all -- Checking back in again after getting all the kiddos organized. Now they're playing Rock Band so I can tap away here.

Interesting conversation about Canadian citizenship and health care. You can only get health care if you're a Canadian citizen? What if there is an emergency and you're uninsured? Is there no law such as the Burton Act to protect non-citizens who are poor?

oops, that would be "Flatus"

Now I understand. It's the media that hired a high priced consultant who didn't know that Democratic primaries are proportional and not winner take all! It's the media that only had a campaign strategy to Super Tuesday. It's the media that made her burn through campaign funds like she was using dollar bills as fire logs.

Seemingly won? Right there, you've told me all I need to know. Hey, the Union "seemingly won" the Civil War, by the way.

bye bye......all you need to know? LOL

the union won......but not until Appomattox court house.

see ya in august, old top.........

Gordo, I don't begrudge you the right to post all the negative things you want about Barack Obama on here. (It may have sounded like it yesterday). But I am just curious: I know you are against Barack Obama, but who are you FOR in this upcoming election?? I was totally for Hillary and still want her Obama's running mate, and my switch took longer than I expected and much thinking. So anyway, assuming Hillary is not the running mate, and given that she has already conceded, whom are you FOR?

I think it's a fair question.

Prof. Marcia

Just for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGnWMTl3dQo

We were mean to Ms. Clinton, land sakes alive. Well that just doesn't happen to in politics. Because in the history of American politics, no one has ever caricatured or ridiculed a presidential candidate, she must have been the first. It was too much, too much I say.

mr Bye bye......i might suggest, if i cared, that you turn your focus to the chicken now dancing on the hot plate....the time for trashing hillary is long past.......lol

Meanwhile, Obama supporters need to recognize that their candidate is the victor not because he put together a majority coalition, but because he out-maneuvered Clinton. This was a highly intelligent strategy, but it was not a grand feat of majority building. Obama supporters need to recognize that their candidate won not because "the people had their say," but because his campaign out-smarted her campaign. Accordingly, they need to respect the candidate whom they could not beat in a straight-up fight for votes.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/horseraceblog/2008/06/obamas_tko.html

lol@ MD/bye bye

Look who invested his whole being in hating HRC and HRC supporters.
LOL
It's over move on
HRC is one of the good guys or didn't you buy into the whole unity thing.
Oh lol
Obama is the new Billary
Ain't that just too funny

Jack

Hey Sturge,

We were doing that, and continue to do that, until you decided to do a backhanded mea culpa about why you don't support Obama. But we've got the Party now, so c'est la vie.

KGC, you beat your opponent by using the rules to your advantage. If your opponent is not smart enough to understand how the game is played (and I don't concede that he didn't put together a majority coalition or that the people didn't have their say. He won 18 million votes), then that's not your fault. Nor do you need to have any special deference to your opponent. What Obama respect about Clinton is her ideas, not that she came in second. Majority building is what's happening now and he's doing a great job by all accounts.

mr. bye bye........it's all your'n, Sidemeat.......see you in August.

Never hated, just liked irritating you guys to the point that I'd sear Bye Bye Billary into your psyche. Looks like I was successful! You guys were too easy. First rule of war, make your opponent think more about you than their own needs. Months later, who's still saying Bye Bye! lol

MD I disagree with your last comment. If Obama does not respect Hillary's virtual tie in popular vote (ok he had more but percentage wide it wasn't that big a difference), they he doesn't respect the voters who cast their ballots for her. To me it's a no-brainer. Obama/Clinton 2008. I am voting Obama no matter what, but would feel a lot more comfortable if Hillary was his vice-presidential running mate. If she isn't, I will be EXTREMELY disappointed, but will cast the ballot with the same lack of enthusiasm I had when I voted for Kerry.

EuroTom ------------------------

I'm not ready to make a decision.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9dVfylr5bg

yes, mr bye-bye.....you are indeed a master of blogging war......seared? nah.....just memory.........awareness, as it were......hell, I wouldnt doubt that you are a McCain operative, as far as that goes......at least that's the way it's working out on this blog........

Never hated, just liked irritating you guys to the point that I'd sear Bye Bye Billary into your psyche. Looks like I was successful! You guys were too easy. First rule of war, make your opponent think more about you than their own needs. Months later, who's still saying Bye Bye! lol

Posted by: Mr. Democrat | July 2, 2008 11:16 AM

Sorry, but that's just being childish. The political is personal so of course people would be irritated. We shouldn't be going down this path of discussion. It doesn't add any information that could be construed as useful on either side. I remember when you were "Bye Bye" too and I just felt it was terribly disrespectful. But I got over it and was quite pleased when you changed your nick. So I say "let's more forward"... and let the 'ole bygones be bygones.

EuroTom ------------------------

I'm not ready to make a decision.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9dVfylr5bg

Posted by: GORDO | July 2, 2008 11:17 AM

So Gordo, just to clarify... you don't lean toward any candidate? or you do, but aren't sure? Are you one of the "undecideds"? Where do you fall on the political spectrum? liberal? moderate? conservative? Democrat, Republican, independent? Just trying to get a better idea of where you come from.

Obama = the new Billary

LOL
that has to really grate on all those Clinton haters mon the left. Obama is endorsing all the DLC ideas that they hated the Clintons for.
Have you seen the ad out where Obama is taking credit for welfare reform? He is proud he chased all those mothers off of welfare. lol

Jack

I don't know if the cartoon you are after is among these, but here are a group of now banned WW II cartoons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvA1zphaeTQ

Jack I didn't see it, but I have to admit I've seen Obama go dramatically toward the center once Hillary was out of the race. The Faith Based Initiatives endorsement left me shaking my head in wonderment. Opting out of public financing was also a disappointment. I hope he isn't reneging on getting the troops out of Iraq...

Some people cannot see the forest because they have their heads up their asses.

damn, jamie.......that's pretty close......it was just like that only the whole cartoon as i remember was an aerial dog-fight.......Thanks.....gotta run now....but that's a good start......

AAAA oooo gah aaaa oooo gah
Angelina Joliet about to give birth
MSNBC awaiting doctor's update.
aa oo gah aa ooo gha

Back to you regular blogging.

As strong dollar people, Bushco must indeed be depressed.

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/washington/politics-g8-bush-dollar.html

Keep it up, MD/BBH. You may get me to change my vote yet. Of course that would mean the chosen one would lose my vote. That your aim? I'm pretty stubborn, but you're doing a good job of working on me.

I was for Wesley Clark in 2004... I'd love to see him in a prominent position within an Obama administration. If it isn't Hillary, I'd take Wesley Clark as consolation prize. He's intelligent and has the experience to counter that which Obama lacks, especially in foreign affairs and military situations.

jamie - has Angelina agreed to an MSNBC camera in the delivery room? lol

Hey EuroTom,

Oh, I agree Bye Bye was childish. But it was a direct reflection of the idiotic posts (at the time, at the time) that Clinton supporters were saying on this blog about Obama.

But again, I've moved on. No needs to fight old wars.

Well since the conversation is going a direction I don't particularly like, I offer this as an educational, motivation video. It's called "Understanding your Penis" or something like that. Vital discussion for any of us confused about the "manhood love muscle".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDA9S1j5CgY

Too bad Obama threw Clark off the bus.

EuroTom ----------------------------------

"Just trying to get a better idea of where you come from."

I don't like back stabbing.

Public financing is popular with the American public.

http://www.voterownedelections.org/success_stories.html

http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=4113955

People with situational beliefs can say or do anything at anytime.

http://i27.tinypic.com/2iiakib.jpg

"Although it costs them nothing, very few taxpayers even bother to check off the box on their tax form designating money to the Presidential campaign fund.

One reason voters remain unenthusiastic about public funding is that they don’t see it as a way to reduce corruption. Seventy-four percent (74%) believe that rich people and special interest groups will find way to get around any campaign finance regulations to influence politicians. Only 13% disagree. This, too, is consistent with earlier research showing that voters have a healthy skepticism of the process—57% say it’s not possible to run a Presidential campaign without ties to lobbyists and most say that either Obama or McCain will probably be influenced by lobbyists.

Voters overwhelmingly believe the federal government has become a special interest group that looks out primarily for its own interests. Only 17% say that the government today reflects the will of the people.

The new survey finds that, by a two-to-one margin, voters reject the notion that a candidate’s ability to raise money is a reflection of popular support. Fifty-one percent (51%) of voters correctly identified Obama as the candidate who opted out of public funding while 14% thought it was McCain. " Rasmussen

The public is very cynical and thinks no matter what the official is corrupt.

In states where public financing such as Az has been widely viewed, voter participation and positive view of politicians has risen.

ub, LOL!!!

Bye Bye said: " He won 18 million votes),"

And so did Hillary, fruitloop. So I'm not exactly sure who "has the party."

"But voters who know about the public finance rules increasingly like the idea. Although it passed by 51 percent to 49 percent in 1998, a January survey done for the state commission found that 85 percent of those familiar with the system now believe it is either very or somewhat important to Arizona voters.

"It's much more popular than it was,'' said Todd Lang, executive director of the clean elections commission. "People see that it allows strong candidates who don't have access to special interest money to run competitive campaigns."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/09/18/MNGJPL7MCK1.DTL

"Voters overwhelmingly believe the federal government has become a special interest group that looks out primarily for its own interests. Only 17% say that the government today reflects the will of the people."

Isn't this a good indication that Obama will win

Gordo
-------------------------
"Just trying to get a better idea of where you come from."
I don't like back stabbing
---------------------------

That still doesn't answer the question. What is the name of the candidate you support for President?

And so did Hillary, fruitloop. So I'm not exactly sure who "has the party."

Posted by: Patsi | July 2, 2008 11:54 AM

Patsi! LOL, now I am craving Fruitloops. Do they still make that stuff? It's bad for me but I loved it !!!!

http://i27.tinypic.com/2iiakib.jpg

Posted by: unlikely_burrito | July 2, 2008 11:49 AM

No forest here, I dont see a forest, do YOU see a forest? I dont see a forest....I coulda swore there was a forest........which way did it go, george; which way did it go?

Posted by: unlikely_burrito | July 2, 2008 11:55 AM

No. Because 74% believe it will be the same no matter who is elected.

" cut off your nose to spite your face."

I just love people who use such non-cliche phrases.

Additional information on the campaigns for public financing:

http://www.brennancenter.org/content/section/category/public_financing

EuroTom -------------------------

"What is the name of the candidate you support for President?"

I'm waiting for the roll call vote at the conventionS.

Grim proving ground for Obama's housing policy
"I'm not against Barack Obama," said Willie J.R. Fleming, an organizer with the Coalition to Protect Public Housing and a former public housing resident. "What I am against is some of the people around him."

Jamie Kalven, a longtime Chicago housing activist, put it this way: "I hope there is not much predictive value in his history and in his involvement with that community."
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/27/grim_proving_ground_for_obamas_housing_policy/?page=full

"now I am craving Fruitloops. Do they still make that stuff? "

Don't know, ET -- I'm a Frosted Flakes person myself....:)

ET, yes, they do still make Froot Loops, and Toucan Sam is still the man.

Going to war in Iraq polled very well. It was still the wrong thing to do.

Fruitloops. Do they still make that stuff?

Yes.

well......i must go now and see to my saw......I'd be remiss if I didnt lobby strenuously against the ad hominiums......without them there may be laughter......

I know.......Shut up, sturgeone.......

zip.

damn, I attacked myself..........lol

"I'm only taking a principled stand on issues that poll well"

Change you can believe in? Sounds like the new boss is the same as the old boss

More FISA
Blue America is organizing support for the Senate amendment. It's easy to participate.

http://tools.advomatic.com/7/fisa

Link to the Senator Feingold fact sheet on the FISA bill

http://feingold.senate.gov/issues_fisafacts.html

Political fallout for Obama's support for FISA
http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/07/story_of_antifisa_group_on_oba.php

jamie - Ha. BO in a blue pantsuit & holding Hil'ry-esque stances on policy. (No flaming tildes needed; that's just so funny & possibly true.)

Barak Obama - Political Cross-dresser.

I noted some discussion above about Colin Powell. I don't know that it would be wise to have a ticket consisting of two 71 year old former military men.

Yep, Hil'ry is the best person for the job & another woman as veep would just be an unsuccessful attempt to pander to female voters. It's exactly why Hil'ry didn't play up the female factor in her campaign; she wanted to earn the nom on merit. If I thought BO could be half the prez she could be, I wouldn't have a problem with voting for him. He doesn't have the tiniest fraction of her ability.

Blue: Exactly.

Gordo,

"I'm waiting for the roll call vote at the conventionS."

So you don't know whom you will support until other people tell you?

As of right now, this instant, in this period of time, currently, what is the NAME of the person you favor for the office of President whether or not that person is nominated?

In 2004 , I was pretty ticked off at some of my friends who supported GWB. To me it was clear that he was not doing good things to our country. They voted for him because of various promises he made during the campiagn, non which matter now... these are the people in Ohio. There is no telling what they will do. Some don't pay any attention until later in the fall, some barely pay attention at all.

So if anyone thinks that their vote is not important you are mistaken. I can't imagine not voting.

Brief graphic history of voting rights.
http://www.righteousbabe.com/ani/votedammit/slideshow/index.asp

Time to sign off and see if the rain has stopped in London yet.

maggisd - Do you think that if Powell was McCain's veep that some might see it as the same kind of pandering?

He needs somebody to balance him out and another military man isn't the way.

Patsi, my guess is that he was probably in a B-17, the Flying Fortress that you so often see in historical films. That is, if he was flying out of England.

Here are URLs that talk about the two major bombers of the war:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-17_Flying_Fortress
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_B-24

The B-24 was the one with the bad rep. I had the impression that most of them flew out of N. Africa.

So, I do have a little disconnect with the anecdotal warning that you relate. But, in fact, any kind of airplane could have flown out of anywhere.

This I know for certain sure, those magnificent men were larger than life.

"Putting some other woman on the ticket would be meaningless unless it could be shown that she had the qualifications to take over, if necessary. "

And a direct slap in the face insult to the women who voted for Hillary with the assumption that just any woman on the ticket would get them to fall lockstep in line.

I understand blue's and maggis' standpoint on voting. A lot of my motivation to vote Obama is the anti-McCain anti-Repugness in me. I remember McCain being such an ass during President Clinton's impeachment. He was sanctimonious to a point of nausea. So, while Barack Obama isn't my first choice, John McInsane is truly not my second.

Cheerio

Well, unfortunately it would not play to an audience as "a good fit." Once there are more viable female & non-white candidates, it won't be an issue. In time, there will be enough diversity that people won't read into things.

Blue,

He wouldn't need to name a VP, he could just run alone and raid Hillary's clothes closet.

The true test of a democracy/republic/United States is whether a person's political preference is private or must be publicly exclaimed, in order for a person to exercise their right to participate in a political debate.
After all, that's what judges do all the time.
Posted by: Hypocrisy | July 2, 2008 12:58 PM

well I sort of agree with you, whoever you are. Private yes, but given Gordo's incessant negative posting about Obama it isn't 100% private anymore, is it? And all I am suggesting is that we are all AGAINST certain things and certain people. And after looking at his posts, all I see are the negatives. So to get a better understanding about the person behind the posts, I think it would be interesting to know who he is FOR. And let's be fair, he's not using a full name. It isn't like we are going to stalk him or something if he doesn't vote the way we do!!

And he is certainly in his right to not answer the question.

And I don't think it's hypocritical to ask.

He would have to let out the hems though; he's so much taller. He might be quite comfy in her political clothing, though. He seems to squirm less when he changes positions now.

jamie - When you said BO could run alone & raid Hill's closet, were you trying to say that he thinks he can be things to all people just like the media tells us?

Patsi,

I don't know if you saw my blog the day I marked the "Dam Busters" anniversary, but the air plane in the video clip may be the kind of plane he was flying

http://jdurward.blogspot.com/2008/05/bouncing-along.html

EuroTom - I always figured Gordo for a GOoPer...but since I am so opposed to BO holding office (another arrogant, incompetent, W-esque prez) that I quite enjoy the company when he posts.

Oops. Thought this clip was on the article

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1OuyIe0pig

If they wanted to be prez, they should've run, too. Hil'ry bothered to show up prepared for the job; she is more capable & her tenacity speaks volumes.

It's about capablity.

Dear Hyp

Not an inquisition, just trying to get him to take an "in favor of" position rather than the constant "anti Obama" postings. We assume he is a far right wing wacko, but assumptions can often be false and I would be glad to change my mind.

"to only feel it can be one particular female just strikes me as the height of "cult of personality"

We don't want "one particular female". We want the most qualified person available to take over the job should Pres. Obama vacate the office for any reason. Of all the potential VP candidates mentioned, that person happens to be Hillary Clinton.

Considering the fact that Sen. Obama is now copying virtually every single one of her positions on darn near everything should tell you that he thinks she is the most qualified as well.

Am I right that most voters no matter who is running will vote for their party and use the supreme court as a deciding factor over anything else. If I am right is there any web site that has some stats on this that would back this up. I am having a argument with my friends who say that's crazy.

just for the record....
when anyone..... UB, Kathy or Jamie.... for instance.... ask point blank....
who are you voting for?.... who did you support in year such and such?... and why?.... who do you favor?....

my immediate gut reaction is ....... none of your friggin' business.....

I don't mind volunteering my stance..... but point blank questions are loaded....

just sayin'........ have fun with your fights..... I gotta get back to work.....

Okay with me. Gordo posts whatever he wants to post. I was just rying to understand why he posts the non stop obama bashing.

Here is what makes sense in the VP selection. Clinton got 50% of the democratic primary vote and won 7 out of the last 10 primaries most of which by significant margins. She did this despite of the media fawning on Obama. She did this despite all of the pundits saying she had no chance to win. She did this while being outspent in every primary by 3 to 4 times.

What makes sense is that Clinton won overwhelmingly in demographics which Obama is continuing to have trouble reaching. She is extremely popular with older voters which without her on the ticket may very well vote for McCain.

What makes sense is the women make up more than 50% of the electorate and Clinton can help the ticket with women. Older voters historically are much more reliable voters than young people and will vote and will vote for the democratic ticket if they feel comfortable with the candidates and they like and trust Clinton.

What makes sense is that in order to win this election in the electoral college Obama will need to win the states in the midwest which Clinton can help with. She could put AR back into play.

What makes sense is that the way Obama is changing his positions daily, he will need someone on the ticket who has the determination and committement to keep him to his original proposals.

What makes sense is that since the end of the democratic primary, these campaigns have become as exciting as watching grass grow except for the Unity rally. If Obama wants to grow his base he will have to do more than find people who heretofore have not registered to vote. He must make sure that his ticket can hold on to the enthusiasm generated by Clinton and chosing a substitute woman or man who did not earn those 18 million votes will not do.

And that is what makes sense.

So lets say Obama picks Hillary as VP...will the (current) anti-Obama people then suddenly vote Obama for president?

Humorist Will Rogers considered the vice presidency an enviable assignment.

“The man [woman] with the best job in the country is the vice president,” he explained. “All he has to do is get up every morning and say, ‘How is the president?’”

RR ....then don't bother to answer, and please just skip over my posts when you don't like what they say.

I don't think it is considered a fight when some asks a question.....sorry to upset you....really

vad, I don't think most people place nearly as much importance on the SCOTUS nominations as lawyers like me and political junkies like us do. Even many political junkies here who are normally democrats see things they consider more important than the SCOTUS picks each of the candidates will make. I see voting for the dem nominee as the best way to protect the constitution as I think it should be. Others have their own reasons for choosing to vote for one candidate or the other. To me it's the deal maker and breaker - to others, not so much.

Weird to be on a political discussion blog, and have people upset because you ask them their polical preferences.

Good afternoon people.
My computer has been viral since Friday, so I've been otherwise occupied. I can't believe I missed Canada day. I also can't believe these guys weren't on the sexiest guys list:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcYt4SP8ibo

I mean, come on, Tom Green! Really! Tom Green?

Sassy Water
2 liters water (about 8 ½ cups)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
12 small spearmint leaves.

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and let flavors blend overnight. Drink the entire pitcher by the end of each day.

time to go - adious

ub, not to pick a point too much, but Gordo hasn't expressed any upset at being asked his current choice for Pres - he's just declined to say.

You can ask me anything you want but I'll only respond to "adult" questions...lol

Patsi,

This is the AF Special Ops page. It has links to the other services:

http://www.afsoc.af.mil/

Did everyone except me know that today is the real anniversary of the nation? I saw it on yahoo news.

Shit jeejee,

Tell GORDO about that so he can research what happened to that birth certificate too...

"It's not that Hillary supporters wanted "a woman" on the ticket ... it's that we wanted Hillary Clinton to be President. Not because we thought she was the better candidate but because we thought she would be the better person to hold the office. "

Maggi nails it.

Well...it's the real anniversary of my freedom, for sure...been divorced 16 years today!

♪Happy anniversary to me!♫

Myths about July 4th,

http://hnn.us/articles/132.html

Well Jamie asked the question far more point blank than I did, but the motivation was the same... Gordo has been posting here almost as long as I have (ok that isn't so long compared to you long-termers) and it had just occurred to me that I knew virtually nothing about what he was really standing FOR. Nothing nefarious intended... And Pogo I agree. He didn't express upset at the question.

But anyway, this isn't any reason for us to get upset with each other ... most of us are pretty good online friends. So...

Next topic? :D

Congratulations, harborwoman, I'm happy for you.

According to the article I read, the declaration was first signed on the 2nd of July. They spent a few weeks sending it around through the rest of the colonies & celebrating, etc. Then, a year later, on July 3, somebody said, oops, guess what, we forgot our anniversary, so they called for a big celebration to be held the following day & it's been that day ever since.

Obama Voters Protest His Switch on Telecom Immunity

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/02/us/politics/02fisa.html?th&emc=th

A New Campaign Charge: You Supported Clinton

By RAYMOND HERNANDEZ

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/01/us/politics/01dems.html?pagewanted=1&bl&ei=5087&en=48e8276f9f188a9c&ex=1215144000

--------------------------------------------------------

Thank you, jeejee. Sixteen years ago today, I was winging my way to Disney World with my then 5-year-old son.

World: What you gonna do now that you've won your freedom?

Me: I'm going to Disney World!

Pogo, next they'll be telling us there is no treasure map on the back of the declaration.

""cult of personality"

ROFL

jeejee...

There certainly is a treasure map! I saw it in a movie. :-))

From Viv's link, the money quote:

Markos Moulitsas, a liberal blogger and founder of the Daily Kos Web site, said he had decided to cut back on the amount of money he would contribute to the Obama campaign because of the FISA reversal.

“I will continue to support him,” Mr. Moulitsas said in an interview. “But I was going to write him a check, and I decided I would rather put that money with Democrats who will uphold the Constitution.”

"So lets say Obama picks Hillary as VP...will the (current) anti-Obama people then suddenly vote Obama for president? "

No. Obama will probably try to get the national anthem changed to "I Got 99 Problems But a Bitch Ain't One."

"Well...it's the real anniversary of my freedom, for sure...been divorced 16 years today!"

Harbor! Congrats! Let's see....I was divorced in 1978, as I recall. Thirty years. Swore I'd never do it again, and didn't. Almost wavered a few times, but never felt they would be the kind of fathers my kids deserved.

It's Not Even Close: Obama Should Pick Clinton for VP

http://news.yahoo.com/s/realclearpolitics/20080625/cm_rcp/its_not_even_close_obama_shoul;_ylt=As6CXN05qbJhOSmtrqnWkhT9wxIF

"Sassy Water"

Burrito, how does it go with gin?

"A New Campaign Charge: You Supported Clinton "

Ig'nert. They'd throw JOHN LEWIS under the bus because he didn't support Obama, who never worked a day for Civil Rights?

Renee-
Saw you mention me- I asked about who people supported in 04 b/c this election has been so split on the dem side- though many on each side label the other candidates supporters one way or another, these reasons were seldom "heard"-

I thought going back four years would just extend the discussion as to what everyone liked in candidates- that was it.

Of course no one has to answer anything- and many if not most here post anonymously- so really it makes no difference.

Just trying to have a larger political discussion on this political bog- and I have not once engaged in fighting here-

found this little ditty about the Top 10 Worst things about the Bush Presidency.

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/07/01/the-10-most-awesomely-bad-moments-of-the-bush-presidency/

¡yo soy Horsedooty!

"I think we all know who the Clinton supporters want in the VP slot"

I, for one, want her NOWHERE near the VP slot. No way, no how.

He needs another shapeshifter like himself. Richardson. Lieberman. McCain.

:-)) Thanks, Patsi! And congrats to you, too! You were a stronger woman than I was...I married more than once...but I'm over it now....

“What makes sense is the women make up more than 50% of the electorate and Clinton can help the ticket with women.”

Not nearly all of those 50% of the female population supported or support Clinton. No VP for her. Obama would not be able to keep her or Bill in line and he doesn’t need to be deterred from what he wants to do. Also, there are too many males who do not like her and would vote for McBush. I know many Repugs who voted for Obama and say they will not vote or vote for McBush if Clinton is the VP.

I still say Jim Webb or Mike Bloomberg.

jeejee, there's only so much even we can be led to believe. I saw both the movies and they can't convince me that there's no map there.

Kathy & renee, not that it matters, but I supported Edwards in '04 until Kerry became the nominee, then supported him.

"You were a stronger woman than I was.."

Not really, harbor....but I started noticing that several of the men that I got serious about seemed to hold some sort of resentment, or desire to control, my son...not so much my daughter. I knew that was a bad scenario.

And through the years, I found some great male role models for him to know...

Huffington Post list the top picks for Obama VP

If it's Huffpo it must be true.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/09/obama-vice-president-pick_n_100869.html

Nonny,
Wellll, for starters, they can't count - there are 11 on the list, and with the addition of Bloomberg at HM status, that is 12. If they can't get that right, how much stock should we place in their analysis? (That said, I be the VP comes from that list). I do find it interesting that Edwards didn't make the list. I'm not really surprised, but it's just interesting.

"jamie - When you said BO could run alone & raid Hill's closet, were you trying to say that he thinks he can be things to all people just like the media tells us?
"

With the Clintons we were supposedly getting "two for the price of one". With the magically morphing senator, we are getting a Siamese twin.

"Maybe not, but we sure accomplish a lot of other stuff here."
.......that'd be nice.........Posted by: sturgeone|10:06 AM

Trust me sturge,
There's more going on here than meet's the eye.
Have a little faith.
..........................

my immediate gut reaction is ....... none of your friggin' business...
Posted by: RebelliousRenee Author Profile Page | July 2, 2008 1:25 PM

You go Renee. Tell it like it is. I agree wholeheartedly.

Just emailed Newsweek. Asked them to suspend my subscription for a year allowing them that length of time for the editors to regain their senses. Told them I wanted Newsweek to be a magazine with a liberal bent, not a house organ for Mr Obama.

Flatus -- I just found my Uncle Martin's obit...he flew a light bomber called an A-20...it said that after he retired from the AF he joind the Air National Guard and became commander of the 190th Fighter Squadron.

Flaming tildes of Satire snarky remark

Sen. Obama hasn't spent that much actual time in the Senate, no one will notice if another Senator is added to the ticket.

-----------------------------------

Now seriously. This year has been a complete odd ball year. Things that should matter don't and things that shouldn't matter do. I think you can throw out the rule book on what will work.

The campaign stretched out with such equal support numbers for both candidates that if anyone other than Sen. Clinton is picked, they will look like a cheap imitation substitute. Quite simply, they looked wonderful together in the Unity event. Why try to swim against the tide when you already have a made in heaven team.

.

If Sen. Obama sincerely offered the vp slot to Clinton and she refused then, I think Obama might look to Gov. Kaine of VA or Gov Bresden of TN both have executive experience and could bring their state along. I like John Edwards or perhaps Gov. Ritter from CO if he thinks that CO will be in play.

But I repeat none of these choices bring the excitment or enthusiasm of Clinton to the ticket. If there are any Obama supporters who will not vote for him if she is on the ticket then they wouldn't have voted for him anyway.

Lastly what is up with Obama? First FISA now faith based office in the white house. Now he is changing on NAFTA and praising the right side of the Supreme Court. What happens when he says that troop withdrawl from Iraq is not going to be in that first 16 months. Maybe we should stay longer for more billions and more lives. I am not sure which sound would be louder the wails from the left or the laughter from the Clinton supporters who told you he was all talk.

Gephardt?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/20080702/ts_usnews/gopenvisionsgephardtaspossibleobamarunningmate

The oil price will stay high. Here's why
All of this would be self-evident if valid data were in the public domain. But as it is, the skills of a detective are called for to collect the evidence....

.... Petroleum Man will be extinct this century, but homo sapiens, if he is as wise as his name implies, can gradually find ways to adapt to the changed circumstances. It might indeed be a better world allowing him to be in greater equilibrium with himself, his neighbours and the environment within which Nature has ordained him to live, but the transition threatens to be a time of great economic, political and geopolitical tension.
http://blogs.independent.co.uk/openhouse/2008/07/the-oil-price-w.html

The comments are more interesting than the article.

Julie,

Gephart? I think this is the first time I've seen his name come up. He could be a great, though almost wholly unlikely, choice. He does have his plusses and minuses.

Amid concern, shakeup at McCain campaign
John McCain’s campaign announced a shakeup at the top Wednesday, in the wake of growing Republican concern about its ability to compete against Barack Obama.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/02/amid-concern-shakeup-at-mccain-campaign/

Pogo

The article says the GOP are gearing up for a possible Gephart..... I wonder if they know something we don't. His name has never surfaced anyone else that I have seen.. or just pure speculation, or possible misinformation.
Lordy, I thought the man had retired.

julie

Bush Stimulates The Porn Industry With His Economic Package»
"An independent market-research firm, AIMRCo (Adult Internet Market Research Company), has discovered that many websites focused on adult or erotic material have experienced an upswing in sales in the recent weeks since checks have appeared in millions of Americans’ mailboxes across the country."
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/07/02/bush-porn/

Patsi, that's really nice. The A-20 makes sense (the A stands for attack). Although the A-20 didn't stay in service after the war, a variant of it, the A-26, continued on until the early 1970s. They had them in the Canal Zone just about until I arrived there in '73.

The 190th Fighter Squadron is still in existence in the Idaho National Guard:
http://www.idaho.ang.af.mil/Pages/190th.html

I bet they would enjoy hearing from you!

Chloe, McCain is just doing what any smart pol would do in light of the closeness of the race nationally and the appearance of a stalled campaign.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/108607/Gallup-Daily-Obama-46-McCain-44.aspx

Obama still looks good on the EC scorecard, which in the end will be all that matters, but he's not been able to jump out there in at least some (in this case the most widely respected) of the broader polls. I frankly don't understand why some of these national polls are remaining so close, particularly the Daily Gallup poll, which has been held up on this site as meaning something, and Rasmussen puts the difference at 5%, and it concerns me.

Some Conservatives were complaining, of course, that McCain isn't getting the media coverage that Obama is. Well, have they ever listened to McCain speak? He's incredibly BORING and slow.

tt

tt, that's true. The media knows that its viewers aren't fond of sitting around the house watching paint dry. IMO McCain gets all the coverage he deserves. Wait until he gets tired and does one of his PAF anger outbreaks, then he'll make the 6:30 newscasts.

Gephardt is 67 and has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential nominee in 1988, 1992, 2000 and 2004. Why should mentioning this year be any different.

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

Pogo, Why are you surprised at the polls?
Nothing has really happened to change them, has it?

Limbaugh's $400 million dealLimbaugh's "unprecedented radio contract," which keeps him on air through 2016, reportedly tops $400 million....
http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/

Late-Period Limbaugh
As for politics, Rush has already picked his candidate for the Conservative Restoration: Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, a 37-year-old prodigy whom Limbaugh considers to be a genuine movement conservative in the Ronald Reagan mold — “fresh, energetic and optimistic in his view of America.”.....Presidents rise and presidents fall, but “The Rush Limbaugh Show” will go on'
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/magazine/06Limbaugh-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp

On Veepstakes, the decision on CQ may have been made, but MSNBC still has theirs running

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24672458/

"Wait until he gets tired and does one of his PAF anger outbreaks, then he'll make the 6:30 newscasts."

You think he has that much anger left in him?
He's got his eye on the ball, and I can't see him doing anything to risk it.

pogo, I agree, too.

tt

Nick -- what I think is that she could have made a statement if she'd morphed into the Natl. Anthem after singing Lift Up Your Voice. Her explanation is counterproductive to Obama especially given what he says he's trying to do. So the reality is, she wasn't taking the risk on her own behalf, but on Obama's. I doubt he was thrilled.

Here's what she said:

She said she didn't want to sing the Star Spangled Banner because "it doesn't represent me."

Marie said she didn't ask the mayor's office if she could sing the Black National Anthem because she knew she would be told no.

"An artist does not ask permission to express themselves artistically," said Marie. "You just do it and then you deal with it."

She said she knew she was taking a risk but was thinking of her parents, who stood up for desegregation.

pogo, I had to look up PAF. LOL!

tt

New Anti-Obama Radio Ads Going National

http://www.americashopefoundation.com/

"Lordy, I thought the man had retired."

It was a telecommunications lawyer/lobbiest from Gephart's camp who put together Obama's entire delegate strategy.

Chloe, I'm surprised that the combination of Clinton suspending her campaign and coming together with him (not in the sexual sense, of course) in Unity didn't move the polls.

tt, just in case you got the wrong PAF definition - I meant it in the "Patent Applied For" sense (not to be confused with Pakistani Air Force).

Well chillun, it's a nice day to take a slow motorcycle ride, so I'm leaving. Have a good evening.

Yah, pogo. *L*

tt

BBL,

http://www.google.com/products?q=rubber+chicken&sampleq=1&hl=en&sa=N&lnk=next&start=20

tt

And

http://www.google.com/products?q=rubber+chicken&sampleq=1&hl=en

tt

tiptoe...your chicken links reminded me of two of my favorite cartoons: Cow & Chicken and I Am Weasel.

I'd like to see an Obama/Ron Paul ticket. Seriously. It would be interesting.

Gone for today.

hey all, been out today and just catching up. but before i dive into the thread, here's an update on Hersh's New Yorker report of covert war against Iran. David Ignatius of Washington Post says it's not only true, but that it is not working:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/01/AR2008070102231_pf.html

Pardon me for being difficult, but why in the world is the Democratic Congress enabling this stuff.

Flatus, thanks for that link....I emailed them....

Jeezus....who knows what the Democrats are doing, Craig. I think all of Washington has succumbed to some sort of mass insanity.

oh and by the way, i have tried for two days to get something approaching clarity from Obama camp that would provide any clue about his thinking on whether covert operations against Iran are a good idea and whether Congress should back Sen. Webb's proposal to require specific congressional authority for any such spending. but it seems they don't want to talk about it.

"Pardon me for being difficult, but why in the world is the Democratic Congress enabling this stuff."

Craig Crawford with raised blood pressure? ☺ You should have been on TV today!!!

ha, jamie, it seems they don't want to talk about it either. i'm here to tell you guys this town is going to get more kids killed over there no matter who gets elected.

"seems they don't want to talk about it"

They are probably waiting for the definitive word from Ahmed Chalabi who is in contact with his Persian cousin in Tehran.

even Webb's office doesn't want to talk about it. if there is a misguided covert war underway, major figures in both parties are in radio silence about it.

Craig, call Powell or his former chief of staff Col what's his name.

well that's my rant of the moment, brought on by another unproductive day of seeking answers from politicians -- gonna try and barbecue some chicken without burning my fingers again

The story here isn't what Obama's stand is, it's whether combat in Iran is imminent. Surely the stonewalled silence gives rise to that possibility. Nothing like a 4th of July weekend to get things started.

Iran warns about attack, refers to nuclear 'solution'
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080702/tpl-iran-nuclear-politics-oil-59299dc.html

And the Obots keep on making excuses. He's just kicking back. He's got a new strategy. He's doing what he has to do.

He's a class-A phony.

Times of London with two Middle East articles. There may be some very deep negotiations going on ... all bluster on the surface while diplomacy working underground.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/

Patsi...
my thoughts exactly..... let the excuses begin!

UB & Kathy.... I'm not upset and I'm not fighting...... you either understand some basic things about human behavior and their reactions or you don't.... enjoy....

well.... on top of being mucho busy because of the upcoming craft fair season... my neighbor has brought home her 95 yr old dad from Minot, ND ..... she really can't take care of him and is in the process of getting him into a nursing home.... meanwhile, I'm helping her out..... spent a good chunk of the day over there.... he's a sweet guy, but can't walk on his own even with a walker....

if I can post tomorrow.... I will.... if not.... everyone have a great 4th!

Despite Seymour Hersh's good track record, he has not always been 100% correct. Until this article came out, had anyone seen a complaint from Iran about our activities on their soil? I should think a crackpot like Ahmadinijad would be howling bloody murder if there were even an inkling of such a thing.
As to Sen Obama's position...in his defense, I read somewhere that he has had only two briefings to date and that both have been only what would have been available to him as a Senator ... I am not aware that it is a practice to fully brief a mere candidate and one surely wouldn't expect such a briefing from the Bush White House.

David Ignatius's column reminds me of the status of alliances and enmities throughout Europe before WWI.
And look at what happened to the new map of Europe after that war.

I think it's a big poker game, and right now look at who's at the table for us!!! Then look at who's waiting to take his place!!!

I'm afraid Craig is going to be proven right - a lot more dying is on the way. Altho, it won't be just American kids - these guys want to kill each other.

Obama isn't going to say much for a long time, if ever.Chicago knows how to get people elected, but they aren't cut out for this, so Dean and Pelosi, and Kennedy are going to have to help their puppet

Just saw on the news, Brooke Bennet, the 12 year old missing girl in Vermant, found dead. Her step-father and uncle are charged. Castration maybe, since I don't think child molesters are power hungry. The really really look at a little kid and see him/her as sexy. My preference would be a gigantic M branded on their foreheads, then let 'em out.

Also, some of the hostages being held in Colombia have been rescued, including Ingrid Betancourt. It was apparently a pretty clever stunt pulled off by commandos, but I'll suspend my belief for a bit. Anyway, they sure look healthy which is good.

Bethy -- have there been any articles about where the hell these girls mothers were while their daughters were being accosted?

If Obama continues his flip to the center-right, he will only confirm what many of us have known all along..

He is:
Inexperienced
Not the "New Politics"
Hypocritical
Full of hot air
Destined to break the hearts of his disciples

Why don't we wake up before it is too late!

One of the main reasons I continue to support Senator Clinton is that day after day, week after week, month, she stressed how she would accomplish her goals for the country in great detail.

Perhaps American voters aren't ready for concrete solutions..I think they are! Remember..Hillary was the voters' choice.

"Destined to break the hearts of his disciples
Why don't we wake up before it is too late! " Oregon Democrat

They're not going to do that Oregon. That would fog their fantasy. They don't want to see him as just another politician who owes favors to everyone.

The news about Vermont is just grotesque, but isn't it just what we all expected? What we always expect when one of these young ones with her whole life ahead of her goes missing?
The worst thing about this is that for every case in which the child is murdered there are countless numbers of others where sexual abuse is carried on in private.

Oregon Democrat: You mean he's just another politician? He's not The One? Oh dear ...

The Worm in the Chameleon Suit

"I mean you gotta figure that a politician will change from time to time.

But that doesn’t appear to be what is happening with Barky Obama. No, I think he has a bad case of the I have no core values syndrome. AKA I will be whatever people want me to be as long as it allows me to gain power over them. And what gets me is that he has the audacity to call this a new kind of politics. It’s such a shame that a Harvard graduate wouldn’t know that slimeball I’ll pretend to be on your side politics has been around for ages. Hardly a new phenomenon."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/07/01/the-worm-in-the-chameleon-suit/

Patsi - I heard the step-mother and the father interviewed on phone. The step-mother has been with her since she was young, something like 22 months. The father sounded caring and afraid. They spoke very nice English and sounded 'educated.' The step-mother 'sounded' bonded with the girl. What that is all worth, who knows. She talked as if they both were involved in the girl's life. Supposedly the girl's uncle dropped he off at a 7-11.

I'm trying to think of that in terms of my teen-age years.
Would my parents have let one of his four brothers drop me off at a 7-11? Age 12? I doubt it. Back then, most kids aged12 would have not have gone out alone, and certainly not without my parents knowing what I planned and how I'd get home, even up to the age of 18. But it's a different world from1954.

I have heard nothing about the birth mother, and just the step-father's name. The uncle is the husband of one of the women's sister. Either he or the step-father apparently have sex-offender records.

If the dad and step-mom knew that, they should have been on their toes, but, who knows?

At first the line was they suspected she had gone to meet somebody she met on line. When I heard they suspected the uncle (whom I suspected the moment I heard of it), I thought maybe there was hope for her, hoping her uncle wouldn't kill his niece. some hope.

I'm in the county where the tv had breaking news of a girl being kidnapped out of her own home during a slumber party, and went rigid. Her name was Polly Klaas.

How can this be allowed to happen?

Watching Cold Comfort Farm....surely one of my all-time favorite movies. Also, harbor, maybe as a tribute to your divorce, you should watch Shirley Valentine.....

PS -- to the happily married (Flatus, Pogo, Marcia, Renee, Jack -- et al), I'm not a divorce advocate...only when absolutely necessary. I always look to my parents' example of pure-fabulousness!

blueINdallas; 7:52 am.... he's a snake, you bet, he's made so many U-turns he reminds me of a sidewinder. History does repeat itself, behaviorly. Your blog of 1:08 pm... I'm with you and Gordo - if only -.

Mr. Democrat; 11:03 am....... we were mean!.....Hillary once told Jay Leno that "you need the hide of a rhino, to be in the public eye all the time," how LUCKY for your candidate - she does.

Jamie; 1:21 pm ........Spot On......

Craig; 6:15 pm ...... His people won't commit to anything that isn't written down in front of him.

Gordo; 7:36 pm...... Me Too..........

Why Obama & Dean Fear 4 Million!

"This weekends PR stunt or "unity" fest underscores a problem for the presumptive Democratic nominee. The problem can be summed up in one word: PUMA.

So how much of problem does PUMA and Just Say No Deal represent to the Obama campaign?

A huge one and here's why:"

http://politicallydrunk.blogspot.com/2008/06/why-obama-dean-fear-4-million.html

They're not going to do that Oregon. That would fog their fantasy. They don't want to see him as just another politician who owes favors to everyone.

Posted by: chloe | July 2, 2008 7:13 PM

I have been wondering what, if anything, could so dis-illusion or scare Obama's supporters enought to keep him from the nomination.

I think Chloe said it pretty well. If something major comes down the pike and drives the polls very very very low, it might make a difference. Other than that, they want to hold on to their fantasy.

I'm wondering if Champ is loitering out there somewhere We never finished our conversation, mainly cuz I was so slow in answering. If he's around I would love to finish it, and to ask him how he's holding up in the midst of the complaints Obama is getting from some on the left. NOT SARCASM - he was a true believer and I wonder if he's upset.

I have a new Stephanie Plum book and can't read it since this abcess is somewhat muting my desire and ability to laugh really hard. I mean, it's just SO unfair.

Bethyboo,
If I may ask you about something in your post: what fantasy are Obama supporter holding?

craig, the demcongs have been told just enough to scare them into silence. try calling richard clarke for his take on it.
sturgeone, thanks for the 9:46 gem. you have a wonderous way of wandering away with words of worth.
gordo, i appreciate those links to the dark side, need to know and need to laugh now and then. not that it matters but who cares if you're a closet puma.

What LIES Beneath Obama

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

not that there's anything wrong with that.

Burrito....can't speak for Bethy, but the fantasy I see is that Obama is any different than any other politician. He's all about all the things he beat Hillary over the head with. Oh well.....

Harborwoman,

If you're in the neighborhood, I read that you're celebrating 16 years of joyous freedom.

Today would have been our 30th anniversary, and I sent my-ex a brief note to commemorate the occasion. My only regret is that we couldn't hold it together. I'm afraid freedom is in the eye of the beholder, but I'm glad you're enjoying yours.

Oh, ...I don't have that thought. Actually I am hopeful that he will be an excellent politician.

After-all that is what he has to, or maybe will have to, deal with every single day on a global scale.

750,000.....on amex...maybe she is addicted to the points rewards....shopAMEX...

" Cindy McCain running up a 3/4 of a million dollar Amex bill? "

Jackie O is back!

The recent growth in the family’s credit card bills could stem from furnishing, decorating and moving into the new condos, said Christopher Cordaro, a wealth manager at RegentAtlantic Capital in New Jersey.

After reviewing the McCains’ taxes and disclosures for Politico, he declared their finances in ship-shape and their spending understandable when “put in perspective that the McCains are very wealthy.”

“You certainly wouldn’t see the average person ringing up that large of a monthly balance,” he said. “But if you’re worth $100 million, the amount they’re spending is not inordinate. I’m sure that at their level, they’re putting lots of stuff on their credit card.”

Judging by their finances and spending, Cordaro asserted the McCains likely qualified for top-tier charge accounts loaded with benefits.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080702/pl_politico/11477

Pays off the balance each month

re: link from Patsi posts

I'd like to know where they got their numbers...lol ...under 6 grand for a year of college...

Posted July 2, 2008 7:24 PM
McCain and the Columbian hostage rescue
Sen. John McCain certainly had great timing to be in Latin America at the same time that the Colombian military launched its daring rescue mission which liberated former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. military contractors who had been held for years in the jungles by the FARC rebel group.
http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/07/mccain.html

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON TODAY'S HOSTAGE RESCUE IN COLOMBIA

"Also, harbor, maybe as a tribute to your divorce, you should watch Shirley Valentine....."

What a great idea, Patsi! I actually own that movie...have seen it several times, but it just might be a nice way to end this fine evening.... Thanks for the suggestion!

he Note: Serve Somebody
McCain Heads South, Obama Heads Right, Clark Heads Out

"And a new poll argues for the close race, not the early landslide: It's Obama 50, McCain 45 among registered voters -- "a statistical dead heat in the race for the White House,"..""
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/TheNote/story?id=3105288&page=1

"Beats me why people are still talking about them."

You are still talking about him. You wrote a blog post about him

It doesn't matter - but I looked and it said that one year tuition for college was currently under 6 grand...there is so many sites with incorrect information.

Can you imagine what people believe? Just because they saw it on-line?

Nice ad from MTV's Choose or Lose campaign:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr61XjheHcs

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/07/clark-wins-vp-madness-for-dems.html#comment-110113

Ed!

It's nice to see you...thought you'd long since disappeared due to all the acrimony that developed on c-list.

Happy anniversary to you and your ex. I'm sorry you aren't happy/satisfied with your split. For me and my ex, it could have ended no other way. We are simply two opposites who attracted, then later repelled. But we have a wonderful son to show for our years together, and he's still very much a part of our lives.

Well, geez, my last post sounds just awful...sounds as though I'm saying our son is still part of our lives. Of course, he is! What I was trying to say is that my ex is still very much a part of my and our son's lives....

Because the American people are reading blogs and watching TV when they should be organizing mass protests in the streets. Too fat, and just happy enough. We'll do what we're told.

ms harbor.......celebrating your 16 yrs of being a freeperson............I always figger: whatever it takes to be free.......

lenny bruce had a bit where he said never, but never break up with your spouse at 3 AM.......where the hell you gonna go?

champ.....are you sure?

Once a jolly swagman sat beside the billabong,
Under the shade of a coolibah tree,
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me

Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Down came a jumbuck to drink beside the billabong
Up jumped the swagman and seized him with glee
And he sang as he tucked jumbuck in his tuckerbag
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me

Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Down came the stockman, riding on his thoroughbred,
Down came the troopers, one, two, three.
"Where's the jolly jumbuck you've got in your tuckerbag?
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me

Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Up jumped the swagman and plunged into the billabong,
"You'll never catch me alive," cried he
And his ghost may be heard as you ride beside the billabong,
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

hi, sturg...happy news! the mailperson arrived today with Southern Fried + 6. He had holes in his shoes from that long trek across the country, but he still delivered his cargo cheerfully. And my new book goes in the to be read pile....

Burrito -- I think you read that site a bit quickly....doesn't say tuition. Says college costs....certainly my son's tuition and/or costs at Vandy was not 6 grand. But instate "costs" at a small school may well have been.

with leaders like these who needs terrorists.........

Oh, here's the site where the figures came from: http://www.hecb.wa.gov/

And if you don't think this country was better off during Clinton's years....uh.....come on....

Your Lardrocity.......i have a sex story....could i please see the link again?

Unlikelyburrito - (((sorry, but you did ask, and it's just my opinion.)))

In my opinion, the fantasy is that he will bring change.

I think that that promise is so general that people just fill in the blanks, and assume that he means he will change whatever their own particular hobbyhorse might be.

Some believe he will change social security, some believe he will change foreign policy, some believe he will change the tone of conversation and personality coming out of the White House. Some believe he will change the gridlock in Congress. I suspect some believe he will turn the US into the most sophisticated
citizenry on the face of the earth, capable of sorting out squabbles and local tribal warfare by listening calmly and judiciously to all sides. The list of changes people hope he will bring about is probably endless.

In my opinion,with a few exceptions, those are pure fantasy. He would almost assuredly change the conversational tone and personality coming out of the White House. He might manage to effect some change in foreign policy, but remember he will be a relief pitcher and not starting from ground zero.

For the rest, the world is beautiful but treacherous. We learned how fast things can change on 9/11, and change can happen that fast again. I, personally, do not think he is equipped to handle that. Believe me, the Chicago machine is not.

So far, we have seen his ability to change his promises, i.e. campaign finance and FISA. He is not filling me with respect or hope. People who count on those are betting way against the odds.

The first president I remember was Harry Truman. I've been thinking lately about the others since. Each one seems to have accomplished one good thing, except Reagan and the two Bushes. Nixon for all his faults banned DDT (bravo) and went to China (bout time, too.) I've come to suspect that a president can hope to accomplish more than just one lasting change, but not many more, and that some of them won't be lasting. A lot of it seems to be just keeping the lid on, and the ship of state sailing.

I don't expect to see a perfect government or society here on earth. That is a fantasy.

Ergo, belief in any candidates ability to work miracles requires fantastical thinking, IN MY OPINION. What I hoped for from Hillary was what I pretty well knew I'd get - the woman loves to work and she's brilliant, and her desire to help others is just as good as Obama's. W loves to watch other people work, and that's what has happened - he let a lot of nameless people do the work and he signed off on it.

I don't believe Obama is a black Jesus. I think he is an inexperienced ambitious young man who has sold his
soul to a devil, and in doing so has hurt many people in his immediate circle. I think he beieves in himself and doesn't think he has done anything wrong. I believe he wants to do good. I don't believe he knows what the job is.

I could be wrong about all this, but this is what I
believe.

I wish I could hear Obama's supporters say they might be wrong about him. Sa far I haven't heard any, and that discomforts me. I don't understand such complete faith in the word of a politician.

Craig - Sorry about the long post above, but it should at least be good for stirring up things and getting some lively comments, eh?

Australia, bloody australia......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtmJ7rLuwTM

tom waits with something he calls "waltzing matilda"

(he's such a goober)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrkThaBWa5c&feature=related

jeebus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb_9uH-ELJE

Some have been married and divorced once. Some have been married more and divorced more. Some stuck it out and stayed married.

I married the same man twice, but as of May have been happily divorced for 37 years.

Patsi
Thanks for that link on President Clintons time in office as compared to Bush. It was great to be reminded just how good those times were!! Listening to some of the Obama supporters these last months i felt as if i was in alternate universe!!! I think if Sen. Obama's elected he will consistently be trying to measure up to Bill Clinton and what a difficult task that will be given the current state of the country.

Turns out you baby boomers were full of shit, but you had a good thing going for a few years:

Richie Havens
Freedom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-d5x-CiTUs

sturgeone,

That song is actually "Tom Traubert's Blues" but does heavily sample the old Aussie folk song. I'm a TW fan. I think of 2nd grade Music class when I hear Waltzing Miltilda.

Yes We Can what? Sit idly by while we are manipulated into thinking government can or ever has worked for the common good. Puh-leeze. Hitler.

How about Wyclef Jean, the faux-revolutionary? I actually saw that charlatan ring the closing bell of the NYSE. Marley would be laughing. "Rasta don't work for no CIA"

Thanks for ruining the joke, dumbass.

This is the memory of Waltzing Matilda used as a price paid by young men in war (And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG48Ftsr3OI

My favorite version of the folk song itself, was the symphonic version used in the movie "On The Beach"
but I couldn't find that on You Tube.

UB

The citation for the University cost was State of WA. Under $6,000 for state university is probably pretty close to right as an average. Naturally the private colleges and universities are going to be a great deal more expensive.

Jeez, I paid $8000 base per year for in-state tuition at Missouri and that was 10 years ago. PSU was $12000 in-state when I was applying during the same time-frame. $6000 a year? Is that for the University of Costco?

Sturgeone

Nice Bio on Banjo. http://www.wallisandmatilda.com.au/banjo-paterson-biography.shtml

What I want to know is what's in the water in Tenterfield. Banjo wrote Waltzing Matilda while living there and many years later another little boy who grew up there wrote what is one of the modern anthems for the country

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX5UR2leYHA

Oh, I am very regular, don't worry about that. You could set your watch to it.

And then Peter Allen wrote a tribute to his grandfather with

Tenterfield Saddler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2-ruYYzfgY

Peter Allen was a great songwriter and performer..too bad his life was cut so short..

with leaders like these who needs terrorists.........

Posted by: sturgeone | July 2, 2008 10:11 PM

...the leaders.

Birth Certificate Questions, a Review

http://texasdarlin.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/birth-certificate-questions-a-review/

That Media Matters site is a funny thing. It basically just points out that Major Media is full of lies, so why consume it in the first place, even to critique it?

lol- McCain isn't a natural born citizen either, chief. Disqualify them both, get Ron Paul in there.

I am still amazed that Peter Allen was married to Liza Minnelli. Both Liza and Judy married gay men!

I have a couple cds of Peter. Was sad when he died.

"There's only one way for Obama to show he's a natural born citizen eligible to be President: produce the paper proof. If there's a seal and a signature, no problem, he qualifies."

http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Politics/12944.htm

Champ - Since your'e back, if youwant me to answer those 2 posts of your, I will, but not tonight after my big rant.

If not, I wish you'd expand on the false ideals you were taught through childhood and adolescence. Which ones were false? Are you advocating barricades in the streets? Is this because you are angry about the ideals being false? Seriously, I'm not exactly sure where you're coming from or going to. I can tell you have some basic premise you're building on.

New Thread Up...

BTW, Gordo, burden of proof is on the plaintiff...you need to prove what is there now isn't real.