Realist wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:47 PM:Regarding the immigration debate - Americans are fed up with our federal laws not being enforced. Bush doubled the number of Border Patrol agents and it's still isn't enough. We need to build a fense! We need a better guest worker program! We need Congress to get off it's fat behind and actually SOLVE problems instead of naming post offices! Everyone's getting so riled up because HARDLY ANYTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT!

Realist wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:53 PM:Regarding the global warming debate - I am all for better forms of alternative energy, (my brother works in the bio-diesel research lab) and I support wind/solar power. I question global warming since solar/volcanic activity plays such a large factor. I question the wisdom of promoting global warming reforms due to the impact it would have on our economy (it's blowing up on it's own, thank you). I think more research needs to be done on the HUMAN IMPACT. Yes, man has negatively impacted our environment but not as much as alarmists make it out to be. We need to stick to the FACTS. Enough said.

Realist wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:56 PM:Since I got off on the subject of barbecues, I love to marinade chicken in Italian salad dressing, barbecue and A1 sauce and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours, then BBQ over charcoal until nice and brown. Eaten with deviled eggs of course. :P

DD Wiz wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:40 PM: The published letter from Merrill Brown urges citizens to eschew partisanship to avoid "brainwashing" and the inability to "think for themselves." This concern is valid when dealing with authoritarian, dictatorial parties such as Socialists, Communists, Nazis or "dittohead" Republicans. But when dealing with a party that encourages individuality and independence of thought such as the Greens, Peace and Freedom or my party, the Democratic Party, that is not a factor. That is part of what being DEMOCRATIC is all about!
The Democratic party does not march in lock step, and one can be a loyal Democrat without giving up independence of thought. I have disagreed openly (and even more in private intra-party sessions) with Democratic individual leaders and even "official" party positions, and have openly disagreed with even heores such as FDR (Japanese internment), Truman (attempted nationalizing of the steel mills) JFK & LBJ (Vietnam), Carter (deregulation of transit) and Clinton (NAFTA, GATT and details of the welfare "reform").
Within the Democratic party, there are many different viewpoints, from conservative, to DLC, to moderate, to liberal, to downright leftist. The Democratic party does not demand (nor could it possibly get) blind adherence to a specific ideology. As Will Rogers often said, "I am not a member of any organized party. I'm a Democrat!"
Obviously, this ability to be loyal to an organization, consistent in a personal ideology, and indepdent of thought is way beyond the small mind of conservatives, accustomed to rigid, dogmatic authoritarianism to ever grasp.

DD Wiz wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:48 PM: The post from "Realist" (8:53pm) laudably supports clean and alternative energy, and recognizes that climate change is occurring. He notes the role of natural solar/volcanic activity in natural cycles of fluctuation and this is a valid question, but it has been extensively addressed in the literature. I previously listed a number of peer-reviewed scientific/academic studies that focused not merely on the fact of climate change (increased fluctuations in extremes of temperature with an overall trend toward warming), but the role of human activity in contributing to it. The studies are in broad general agreement (consensus) that there are natural cycles, and solar/volcanic activites do play roles in these cycles. However, they address in detail the extent of human contribution, and how the current cycles are far outside anything in either recorded history or what can be evidenced in the examination of ice core samples, fossilied material, etc.
Please do not take my word for it. I am not a scientist, which is why I feel the need to cite objective (not funded by profiteers from the pushers of our addiction to non-renewable FINITE FILTHY FOSSIL FUELS purchased from dependence on terrorists and dictators) scientific reports in peer-reviewed journals.
The best way to find these is through Google. But instead of the regular Google, go first to the "advanced" mode and scroll down to "Topic-Specific Searches" and you will see specific categories. Click on "Google Scholar" and then do a search as you would on any other search terms, but the search results will be restricted to ONLY qualified peer-reviewed scientific/academic journals.

Reardon wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:56 PM:Interesting article in the Union/Tribune two days ago, on sophisticated Mexican kidnapping gangs who kidnap and hold American citizens for ransom – there were 26 of them last year. (Of those, 11 were legal residents of San Diego County.) Most of these American citizens were of Hispanic decent, but not all, and most were kidnapped in Mexico – but again, not all. Some were kidnapped in Chula Vista according to reports I read last year. The victims are often beaten, robbed and raped – a few are murdered. In El Paso, last year, an approximately equal number of Americans were seized off the streets of El Paso and taken to Mexico – few have ever been returned, and the father of one set of daughters has learned that his daughters are the “trophy” of a Mexican drug lord. The FBI has warned that these gangs are getting larger, more sophisticated. If you are Hispanic, in particular but not necessarily, and your family owns a business in Mexico, again in particular, but not necessarily, this would be a good time to avoid Mexico. Tourists are not the main target – but it has happened, and has been happening for decades. It’s just getting worse, and last week the US Consulate issued another warning.

Demise of the Republican Party . wrote on Feb 8, 2008 1:44 AM:- Over the past few weeks, our domestic enemies, in the form of political pundits, have been railing against John McCain, the probable Republican nominee.
Rush Limbaugh recently devoted his entire three-hour program to blasting McCain. Ann Coulter appeared on Hannity and Colmes last week and said she'd campaign for Hillary Clinton if McCain was the nominee. Laura Ingraham says she doesn't trust McCain. Michael Reagan, son of the former president, said McCain speaks down to conservatives. The list goes on, and on.
What is happening to the Republican Party? We are eating our own, committing suicide. It seems like the Republican Party is actually disintegrating.
There is no Republican to rally around this year, the way they did George W. Bush. Ron Paul is an admirable and brave man, the the core GOP movers and shakers will never support him. Huckabee? He has fractured out the religious wing of the GOP.
This is all so sad.

MejicanoKidnappings wrote on Feb 8, 2008 4:48 AM:This country needs someone like Black Jack Pershing who did Teddy's dirty work at San Juan Hill, and then took Patton down into Mexico to teach Pancho Villa a lesson, to go down to Baja and clean out the drug cartel. But, of course the liberals can't figure out if the drug cartels are running Baja, their buddies the terrorists are right there too

Give Paul a Chance wrote on Feb 8, 2008 5:35 AM:(PressMediaWire) Washington, DC Feb. 06, 2008 - Congressman Ron Paul has signed on as a cosponsor of legislation that would prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts owed to the United States by members of the Armed Forces and veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone. If a service member dies in combat and has received Montgomery GI benefits, his or her surviving family members are required to repay those loans. So far the VA has attempted to recover over $56,000 from the families of 22 deceased service members, with the bulk of the money owed in the form of college loans. “This practice is an outrage and adds insult to injury to our fallen war heroes. They have given their lives in service to their country and they deserve better than this,” stated Congressman Paul.

Karl wrote on Feb 8, 2008 5:48 AM:In response to Art Petersen's letter today. I do live on the street that this occured and drive by/walk by several times a day. I never saw a thing. In the article one neighbor stated that she knew something was up but she thought it was drugs. I can assure you that if I had noticed the activity that she did, they would have been busted a lot sooner.

Focal Point wrote on Feb 8, 2008 6:26 AM:Realist wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:47 PM: I do share your continued frustration. The fence,however, would be only symbolic. The illegals would just find a way over,around or under it.

Focal Point wrote on Feb 8, 2008 6:29 AM:Reardon wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:56 PM: Thank you for the updated information. Our citizens should also be apprised of the fact that Mexican federal troops and drug cartels are shooting it out on the streets of Tiajuna as well as other border cities.
Mexico has a history of violent revolutions. It is indeed possible for another revolution to occur due to the weakness of the Mexican government.

to Joseph Grant wrote on Feb 8, 2008 7:16 AM:I don't know how long you where at Tri-city Hospital emergency room , but rather your time to observe would have been better served on the 2nd floor in the OB-GYN ward ...
On the other hand, we are all God's people and we all better start acting like it. That includes both sides of the issue.

Ron wrote on Feb 8, 2008 7:28 AM:I was doing some digging into Global Warming and Climate Change and got to wondering what it takes to become a “climate scientist.” Apparently, it’s not an actual field, but rather, now that the research funds are flowing, any field that may touch on climate is now included in the broad category of “climate scientist.” So, if you have a degree in atmospheric dynamics, you are now a “climate scientist.” While thinking on this, I decided to look up the degrees of the pet “climate scientists” of the IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change), you know, the stooge group for the UN that started this scheme, and, amazingly enough, in the actual report, Climate Change 2001, the contributors are only listed by last name and initials, plus where they actually work. This, as you probably expect, made me rather suspicious, since academic types are usually all too eager to list their credentials.

Thus, I decided to work my way down the list, just to see who these “climate scientists” are. Start at the top is usually a good strategy, so I looked up “D. L. Albritton NOAA Aeronomy Laboratory, USA.” Ah, Doctor Albritton, famous for being the front person on the ozone hole fraud that cost the US billions of dollars for no real reason. It would seem, in hindsight, that it was just practice for the real con, Global Warming. Anyway, after searching through dozens and dozens of web pages, none of which bothered to give the good Doctor’s credentials beyond being a manager in NOAA, I finally found this, PROFESSIONAL EVENTS, in which we find:

“In April 2004, AEES brought to Georgia Tech Dr. Daniel L. Albritton, director of the Aeronomy Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Boulder, Colorado. Dr. Albritton is one the world’s foremost experts on atmospheric science and in particular, global climate change. He is one of the Coordinating Lead Authors on the recent assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the science of the climate system. The IPCC provides scientific and technical assessments of the state of understanding for governments, industry, and the public. Dr. Albritton joined the Aeronomy Laboratory in 1967 and became Director in 1986. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Doctor’s degree in Physics, both from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has received numerous awards and honors for his outstanding service to NOAA, the United States, and the international scientific community. Dr. Albritton has developed a reputation as an outstanding speaker who is able to very effectively explain complex scientific processes to audiences who may not possess extensive education in the atmospheric processes (for example, members of Congress).“

Well, it seems that the lead mouth piece for the Global Warming sycophants isn’t a “climate scientist” at all. He is a Doctor of physics. And people wonder why I’m skeptical about Global Warming?
So, now I have exposed Lead Author Lenny Bernstein as chemical Engineer, and not a climatologist, plus the guy worked 31 years for Exxon Mobil, obviously working/being funded by Big Oil is not a reason to not believe, ifyou have the right ideology. Then you have Co-author Bert Metz, also a chemcial engineer, not a climatologist, and Housing Inspector government hack.
So please tell me again about this peer review process.

To Karl the savior of our communities. wrote on Feb 8, 2008 7:46 AM:Ta Ta Taaaaa Karl saves the day!!! Please!

Focal Point wrote on Feb 8, 2008 7:48 AM:MejicanoKidnappings wrote on Feb 8, 2008 4:48 AM LOL Thanks for the post Chuck. But as always its ludicrous. LOL.

Ron wrote on Feb 8, 2008 7:57 AM:Edward Karlson talks about a major concern of most Americans, how come my dollar does not buy as much as it used to?
Inflation would be one reason, everyone wants to make more money each and every year to improve their own standard of living. These rises in wages have real world effects on the rest of us, in consumer prices. As the global market grows, we will continue to see our wages stagnant, and the dirty little secret is: Not one politician, President nor the Congress can do anything about it. Oh, sure... they can promise you the sky in starting new programs to take care of you, but in the real economic sense they are as helpless as you. Back in the day, when the whole world wanted to buy only American, the world was OUR marketplace. That's simply not the case anymore, as Japanese cars have out paced our Big 3, and other industries have moved offshore, it is a good thing for American consumers, terrible for workers, but great for consumers. Moving commonly made and used goods offshore to lower the selling price is a good thing. It does two things, it helps the lower end American consumer to have the ability to buy things that used to be outside of their personal price range. And two, the rest of the world's standard of living is slowly beginning to rise. Flooding third world countries with work and buying power, sure beats invading or wars to enact democracy. As people become more financially independent, they become less a drag on the government. And as they continue to earn, they become less
malleable to destructive governments.
The pattern of this we have seen before, in our own country at the turn of the century. Eventually, workers in third world countries will demand from their governments certain worker rights, and protections. When this happens, as the cost of these demands grows, then we will see their price structures increase, and we will acieve a sort of equilibrium. It's a slow process, probably beyong our lifetime, but it will happen. In the mean time, it's belt tightening time for Americans.

Thank you Brian for the heads up!!!! wrote on Feb 8, 2008 7:58 AM:I was dismayed about McCain but after reading your letter I recognized the name Juan Hernandez. I read his book The New American Pioneers: Why Are We Afraid of Mexican Immigrants? It challenged me to rethink America's relationship with Mexico and embrace a controlled immigration plan. I do agree with him that we need a controlled immigration plan for the overall economic and cultural betterment of both the United States and Mexico. His book helped me to see the our need for immigrant labor and how much the immigrants contribute. McCain has my vote.

Lockstep wrote on Feb 8, 2008 8:00 AM:It will be interesting in the coming months, now that McCain is the Republican candidate. He is obviously not most conservatives' favorite. You look at Coulter, Limbaugh and the rest skewering him daily. But as November approaches, McCain will do his job and give little sound bites to all these people, little talking points about how conservative he really is. And the conservative lapdogs will lick them up and begin repeating them. And before long, they'll be 100% behind him because they'll realize that only via McCain can they attain power. Beliefs and principles will go out the window. Everyone will wink at everyone else. And all will goose-step to the polls.

to Joseph Grant wrote on Feb 8, 2008 7:16 AM wrote on Feb 8, 2008 8:14 AM:Holy Cow just because a Latina, Hispanic, Mexican, okay let me make this plain....brown skinned woman goes into have a baby does not mean she is an illegal immigrant. My goodness I am an American citizen yes born here. My Grand-daddy fought in World War II. My brothers are all Veterans or currently serving in our Country in the Military. I am pregnant so I guess if the commentator sees me going into Tri City Hospital he will call ICE or INS to come and get me. Your mindset is not correct, and it is destructive. I creates suspicion in our communities and breeds hatred. This is racism and it really must stop. I have been treated poorly by people. It is terrible to go out into my community and be told that I am just another illegal immigrant coming her for freebies, and too abuse our services. I am a lawabiding, taxpayer who has health insurance to pay for the birth of my child and would really appreciate if my fellow countrymen and women would treat me with dignity and respect.

to Realist wrote on Feb 8, 2008 8:15 AM:Thanks for morning laugh - "We need to build a fense!" As for your statement that "Everyone's getting so riled up", maybe you didn't notice that Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo tanked, and nominee McCain supported the "amnesty" bill. This seems to show that the loud-mouth Minutemen types are a small fringe, even in the Republican party. Most people now see that their rants are nonsense.

You inadvertantly hit it on the head, Demise wrote on Feb 8, 2008 8:16 AM:Demise speaks of the fragmentation of the Republican party, bemoaning the fact that there isn't a candidate to rally around, like GW Bush was. I think s/he answered his/her own question: the rallying around Bush CAUSED the demise that s/he finds so sad. Is there a single candidate that has said anything remotely like, "Let's keep the Bush years going!"? When everyone is in a panic and is running away from the Bush legacy as quickly as possible, it's not surprising that each went in a different direction. The party hasn't eaten it's own, Bush killed them all. I don't know which will take longer: the Republican party to reconstruct the damage Bush/Cheney have done, or the nation to reconstruct the damage Bush/Cheney have done.

to Joseph Grant wrote on Feb 8, 2008 8:28 AM: Thanks for the good letter. Two corrections: 1) Enrique Morones (not Morales), and 2) Bill Flores was a deputy sheriff long ago. He then rose to be one of the top officers in the department, way above deputy.

Pluto to Realist wrote on Feb 8, 2008 8:32 AM: I disagree with your first post, but I like your recipe. Maybe you could invite me for BBQ some time and we could discuss stuff. I'll bring some good beer.

To Ms Jilings wrote on Feb 8, 2008 8:37 AM:I would suggest you take a course in Statistics and then you might be able to understand simple facts. Ms. Jilings look at how many illegal aliens that are in our prisons for violent crimes. We are paying twice for them. Once by being victims of their criminal behavior and of course paying to keep them locked away. No one is complaining about Latinos, as of course you try to broaden the brush, but illegal aliens are law breakers and must go!

Steve wrote on Feb 8, 2008 8:55 AM:I think Tina Jillings is wrong when she says in her letter that Doug Bell "is using faulty inductive reasoning when he attempts to criminalize SOME Latino immigrants as murderers. " Doug Bell clearly attempts to criminalize ALL Latino immigrants. With the exception of that one word, her letter is great.

Cluck wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:04 AM:Ray Erler's letter is a classic. And it fills me with joy to know that he will falli in lock step and support President Hillary Clinton on everything she does. Typical compassionate conservatism; when you're a conservative and you bash President Clinton you are a patriot, and when you are a liberal and try and hold President Bush accountable for ANYTHING you are considered a treasonous traitor. Is it any wonder conservatism is dead? LOL!!!

Ron Paul's Writings wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:08 AM:Money is the lifeblood of any economy, and control over a nation's currency means control over its economic well being. Fed bankers quite literally determine the value of our money, by controlling the supply of dollars and establishing interest rates. Their actions can make you richer or poorer overnight, in terms of the value of your savings and the buying power of your paycheck. So I urge all Americans to educate themselves about monetary policy, and better understand how a small group of unelected individuals at the Federal Reserve and Treasury department wield tremendous power over our lives.

Ron wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:16 AM:Edward Karlson has this weird idea about how our devalued currency has priced us right out of the market. No, it's the cost of labor, regulation, lawsuits, and an ever increasing government entitlement system that has pushed us out of the market. We are at the apex of labor costs, regulation costs, and entitlement costs. Most third world countries don't have this problem, so they are more able to provide the cheaper labor. As to the $5 head of lettuce argument, wait until the 12-20 million illegals who are presently picking, constructing, slaughtering, cleaning homes, watching children, and whatever else they are doing in our economy become legalized citizens. All that cheap labor will immediately become expensive labor, and then you'll see the cost of everything go up due to rising labor costs. We have all been living the lie of artificially lowered prices due to illegal/cheap labor inside the US. When that happens.. the screaming by some will be deafening. We will see the government again begin to turn it's back on immigration, and this time import some other immigrant.

Pinky wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:20 AM:I am surprised at people saying that John McCain is against torture - do we not remember that McCain caved in on Bush's Torture Bill? From The Nation: Democrats chose to outsource their policy on military tribunals to John McCain. And McCain did what he's done best the last year: capitulate to Bush. "Senators Snatch Defeat From Jaws of Victory: U.S. to be First Nation to Authorize Violations of Geneva," Georgetown University law professor Marty Lederman writes of the so-called "compromise" between Senators McCain/Graham/Warner and President Bush. Says Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU's Washington legislative office: "The proposal would make the core protections of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions irrelevant and unenforceable. It deliberately provides a 'get out of jail free card' to the administration's top torture officials, and backdates that card nine years. "Also under the proposal, the president would have the authority to declare what is — and what is not — a grave breach of the War Crimes Act, making the president his own judge and jury. This provision would give him unilateral authority to declare certain torture and abuse legal and sound. In a telling move, during a call with reporters today, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley would not even answer a question about whether waterboarding would be permitted under the agreement. "The agreement would also violate time-honored American due process standards by permitting the use of evidence coerced through cruel and abusive treatment. We urge lawmakers to stand firm in their commitment to American values and reject this charade of a compromise."

Yokozuna to Focal Point wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:21 AM:Re: your 6:29 post: The chance of a revolution in Mexico is slim. The populace cannot legally own guns. Consequently, the only ones that have them are criminals (take notice U.S.), the police and armed services. However, this does not preclude a coup.

Pinky wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:24 AM:I have said in the past that the ACLU is an equal-opportunity defender. I think it's important to note that they are going to defend the Minutemen. The ACLU is much maligned by the extreme Right but is there to protect the freedom of speech for everyone. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/02/02/news/sandiego/21_25_032_1_08.txt

Ron wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:27 AM:Wad I tell you? Tina Jillings letter lacks the basic tenet of why most Americans are angry over illegal immigration. It's a law and order issue, not a racial or ethinic one. They don't have one legal leg to stand one, so they must divert attention from the main subject. They have to confuse and make it a racial argument, cause they know they don't have a legal case to be made. It might be a "traffic ticket" as stated by the Bush White House, but once in, the felonies accumilate. Using fradulent, stolen, or duplicated false identification is a felony. In order to work, most illegals must use fake ID, thus they are felons.
Quit buying into the argument, make her and her ilk address the legal argument. They won't, they can't. Because it's advocating lawlessness.

Nick wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:27 AM:WOW, more bablle about how wondeful the Demorat Party from "The Whiz", imagine that. Then he ends his post by calling all Republicans small minded. That's quite a broad stroke to paint all Republicans as, but then again that's to be expected from you. According to you "DD", Democrats are the only people capable of thinking for themselves, sounds to me like your the one with the "small mind". Like I've said before, your no independent thinker and your definately not a leader. All you do is regurgitatate the "peer-reviewed" studies you claim as absolute truths and and your own personal Political agenda. Keep the laughs coming....LOL.

Nick wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:29 AM:I said it yesterday and say it again...
I'm Pro-Choice
-I'm not religious
-Cool with gay marriage
-All for stem cell research
-Less Government in our lives
-I am against Amnesty and want our Borders enforced & our laws obeyed.
-I firmly believe in the 2nd Amendment and my right to bear arms.
-I love hunting & fishing and wish to preserve the bit of open spaces we have left, so that our children can enjoy it also.
-I have absolutely NO USE for the U.N. or the A.C.L.U.
According to "The Wizzer", these beliefs make me out to be a "small-minded conservative extremist", except for the fact you don't see me walking around and constantly yelling "the sky is falling" like "DD Wittle"!

Conservatives don't have a clue wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:32 AM:The local rightwing nut talk radio guy with the morning drive show in San Diego said about the impending McCain nomination that the GOP seems to have forgotten its conservative base.

The key word is base.

The GOP has no conservative base. Heck, even the Democratic Party has no liberal base.

Both parties have a centrist base, with the staunch conservatives and liberals merely making up the fringe and not the base.

Will Secret Societies Pick Our Next President? wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:35 AM:Daniel Estulin, author of the book entitled The Bilderburg Group, writes: "According to a variety of sources, the following presidential candidates are either members of one of the groups or have strong ties: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, Barack Obama, John McCain, John Edwards, Fred Thompson, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd and Bill Richardson. Mike Huckabee, though not a member, spoke to the CFR in September. Since then, his political star has risen to the point that he has become a top-tier candidate. So often throughout recent history it has been the case."

Ron wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:36 AM:I believe the 1st Amendment legal test is: Up to and including the violent over throw of the United States Government, as stated by the Founders. Now, whether these supposed "superstars" fake anger, or by other bombastic theatrics get you all riled up. Consider the source. They are actors. And as I understand it, there is a button on your remote?

Chuck wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:36 AM:>>>Feb 8, 2008 4:48 AM LOL Thanks for the post Chuck.>>> I aim to please. But, I was wondering if the kiddies in the Tijuana schools get to choose their gender, like the kiddies in the California public schools do, just by signing a piece of paper under SB777?

Nick wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:39 AM:"Reardon", did you catch this old article here in the NC Times?
"Smugglers scaring off scientists studying near AZ-Mexico border"
Give it a read if you get the chance.
Cheers, Nick.

Nick wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:45 AM:Here is another article on kidnappings from MSNBC for you "Reardon", "Kidnappings cross border into U.S. cities". There were 340 kidnappings in Phoenix alone last year. Makes you feel real safe on American streets. Another article on MSNBC states that Mexican kidnappings have surpassed Columbia as the most violent with 1 in 7 victims being murdered. It just goes to show you that our Government and the Open Borders crowd doesn't really care about the Safety of Americans.
Cheers, Nick.

Yokozuna to DD Wiz wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:53 AM:There will be a Global Warning symposium in Chicago March 2-8. Over 300 scientists. They have requested a debate with Al Gore. Consequently, I would expect the agenda does not coincide with your viewpoint. This is just a heads up so you can begin preparing early to debunk any of the references to the convention. After the conference do you think we will also be hearing from Douglas Dunn again in the letters section re: human-exacerbated climate change?

Floyd The Scientist wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:57 AM:Okay, I'm wearing my white lab coat. That makes me a scientist. I agree with others that the change in temperature is part of the normal warming and cooling cycle experienced by the earth. This means we have a consensus that no disaster is imminent -- no mountains melting excessive heat, no icebergs sitting in LA harbor due to excessive cold -- what we have are normal fluctuations in the climate. Now we can relax and wait for the next manufactured crisis. Have you noticed the sudden disappearance of pollywogs in our downtown areas? We don't know why, but we've got to DO SOMETHING such as raising taxes and interfering with people's lifestyle! And if cooler heads attempt to prevail, we'll accuse them of engaging in a WAR AGAINST SCIENCE! Hah! I'll just point to my white lab coat and explain condescendingly that I'm a scientist who is part of a consensus, which means you need to provide PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES that I find acceptable to prove your point. And articles that prove your point are UNACCEPTABLE. Hah! Only the UNEDUCATED EXTREMISTS who support the continued use of FILTHY FOSSIL FUELS resist the relentless march of science! And besides, I'm wearing my WHITE LAB COAT, which makes me a SCIENTIST!!!!!

Here we go! wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:59 AM:Did you see Mitt's drop-out speech? He says that he's leaving the race so that McCain can start ASAP with his Presidential campaign. The reason this is so important is that if Obama or Clinton win in November, it will be a surrender to the terrorists. At this time of war, Mitt said, he didn't want to aid in the surrender to the terrorists. So this is a preview of the sick and irrational politics we're in for. Mitt Romney, that good moral upstanding guy, accusing all Democrats of aiding the terrorists. I wonder how the Democratic majority of his constituency in Massachusetts feel about what he said, that they were all aiders and abetters of terrorism. The Republicans once again have set the bar to a new low. Disgusting. And we can see in this also that McCain's run will all be based on fear and war and finishing the job in Vietnam, that is, getting our sense of macho pride back that we gave up 30+ years ago.

Chuck wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:02 AM:>>that the loud-mouth Minutemen types are a small fringe,>>> I'm just thankful that the small fringe is protecting our border from the lawless who are infesting our country, while your type encourages the lawlessness.

To Pinky wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:02 AM:Yes, the ACLU is an equal opportunity defender for the most vile in almost every situation possible.

Focal Point wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:05 AM:Yokozuna to Focal Point wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:21 AM I concur and thank you for your post and observation.

Marky Marx to Tina wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:09 AM:Right on Tina! You go girl. Tear down that damn border wall. Open it up. Let the peeps flow! We're all in this together anyway. The more the merrier to destroy the US military indusrial machine with all it's false history, silly pride and oppression. Power to the Mexican peeps!!!

To Pinky wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:11 AM:If that is true than I guess the SDMM are going to have to remove the ACLU from their list of Border Agents and Enemies. Also I read a sign at a SDMM protest it said "ACLU Working Hard In Support of Illegal Activities I guess they will have to retire that sign. Oh no on second thought I think the sign is more meaningful and pertinent now more than ever.

Ron wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:12 AM:Douglas Dunn sure loves to cite the Holy Grail of Peer-reviewed journal's as the end of the argument. It's kind of like a Bible thumper, the scientist said, I belive it, that's the end of the story. I've done some research into how these "peer-reviews" are conducted, and it is not an infallible process.
The process seems live or die on publishing. Publishing in high-prestige/ high impact journals are key to advancing any new theory, dissent, or conclusions. Publishing in one of these journals can literally make or break a scientist's career. Getting published helps to bring attention and money to their specific projects. Editors who have control over the publication make the decisions as to who will be published, who will review, and in the end, who will receive money due to publication. Scientists are not unlike anyone one of us, they all have home mortgages, car loans, kid's in school, not to mention the praise and admiration of their fellows, so let's not foget ego too. The actual process is susceptible to control by elite scientists and to personal jealousy. Guarding one's theory as a reviewer, may be the difference between grant money for your project, or another reeiving the grant. In this view, the peer review process may suppress dissent against "mainstream" theories. Reviewers will tend to be especially critical of conclusions that contradict their own views, and lenient towards those that accord with them. It's a type of group think. Those inside the fold get published, those outside don't. Ideas that harmonize with the elite scientists are more likely to see print and to appear in premier journals, while those outside of the mainstream of group think, have to publish in lower impact journals, who nobody reads. At least, those with money for grants. While generally it is possible to publish results somewhere, in order for scientists to attract and maintain funding it is necessary to publish in elite, prestigious journals. These journals are identified by their impact factor, or readeship. The small number of high-impact journals leads me to believe that it is susceptible to control by an elite group of anonymous reviewers. While results published in low-impact journals are usually ignored by most scientists in any field. Since these are all very good questions about the process, the only retort, it would seem, to to call those of us who question the process: Flat earth types.
It's the same non-thinking argument about illegals. They must use a race card to argue, because they have no legal leg to stand on, and they know it. In a questionable peer review process, they must call you a flat earther, cause they have no other argument.

RobertM wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:14 AM:To DD Wiz: I've asked several times and have yet to get an answer to this question: So what? If global warming is occurring and if it is caused by the actions of man, so what? Things change constantly. People die of starvation now and have for thousands of years. People are victims of genocide and have been for thousands of years. Cancer, heart disease, and hypertension are the top three causes of death in the US. What's the big deal about global warming?

The broad brush was used by Doug Bell not Ms. Jillings... wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:19 AM:I think the letter written by Tina Jillings is a good one. I think she as usual goes against the status quo. She always makes me stop and think, analyze go back and read the letter she is responding to and I always find out that she staying on point. I admire the woman! One commentator said "No one is complaining about Latinos, as of course you try to broaden the brush" The broad brush was used by Doug Bell in his letter, not by Ms. Jillings. Also in your comment you say " but illegal aliens are law breakers and must go!" If their only crime is coming here to better their lives than I do not agree that they are criminals and must go!! Just this morning on my way to work I ran a stop sign oh no I broke the law like most drivers do every day, do I have to go?

Tina, ya just don't get it, do you?--- wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:25 AM:Just because someone steals across the border because they want to 'work' here hardly gives them the same rights provided to a U.S. citizen. What would you say to the families who have lost family members to crimiinal actions done by people who are not even supposed to be in our country in the first place? We never hear you denouncing these actions; why is that? Do you think that we don't get angry at our home-grown criminals? Well, lemme tell ya somethin'....if someone hurt or killed one of my kids (no matter WHAT their ethnicity or where they're from), you won't be seeing me at the perpetrator's trial saying, 'Oh, I just pray for his soul,' or 'We must show them some dignity,' uh-uh, I'll be the one saying, 'May the killer rot in the depths of Hell and let ME pull the switch that sends him there.'

To To Pinky wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:26 AM:In an free society, someone has to defend the most vile as well as the innocent. Don't you think?

To: To To Pinky wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:33 AM:Yes and the most vile in this case is certainly the Minutemen.

DD Wiz wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:40 AM: The post from "Nick" (9:29am) whines about "the sky is falling" because people who are actually educated and actually have science degrees warn about dangers. He would be the stubborn guy who, when they come around with hurricane or tornado warnings, would stay bolted up in his attic, not trusting those "eggheads."
If he hates science so much, he should stop using the computer invented by scientists, not allow his family to get medical treatments invented by scientisits, stop using all technology invented by scientists, and become like the Amish who are at least consistent. All these things were brought to you by the scientists you distrust when they rock your comfort zone.
... And I wouldn't mind if he just endangered himself, but I am especially opposed to these ignorant foot soldiers in the CONSERVATIVE WAR AGAINST SCIENCE trying to endanger the rest of us.

To RobertM wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:44 AM:You are correct, Global Warming is not a big deal. When mankind dies off as a species because the earth can no longer sustain human life there will certainly be other species who can take our place. Maybe. 'Course, you won't be around so why would YOU care?

DD Wiz wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:51 AM: The post from "Yokozuna to DD Wiz" (9:53am) refers to "a Global Warning symposium in Chicago March 2-8" and claims it will feature "Over 300 scientists" but conveniently fails to include the name of the sponsoring organization, any of these "300 scientists" or what their credentials are. We have already seen the foot soldiers in the CONSERVATIVE WAR AGAINST SCIENCE citing self-published doctors as "peer-reviewed climatology," citing obituaries, popular magazines and even citing local TV weathermen with no degrees and calling them "meteorologists" -- everything EXCEPT actual climatologists in objective, peer-reviewed scientific/academic journals!
Anyone can call themselves scientists and make up a "symposium" funded by the pushers of our addiction to non-renewable FINITE FILTHY FOSSIL FUELS purchased from dependence on terrorists and dictators. The fact that they are trying to solicit a "debate" from AL GORE, a non-scientific journalist (that was his college major) is the first red flag that undermines any possible credibility.
So if you want to have any credibility, give names, credentials and organizations. Or are you afraid to?

DD Wiz wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:52 AM: The post from "Ron" (10:12am) rails against "peer-reviewed" science, one of the cornerstones of the scientific method -- the gold standard for documentation -- and calls it "religion." Belittling real scientists and their methods just shows him to be another foot soldier in the CONSERVATIVE WAR AGAINST SCIENCE. Again, if you hate science so much, turn off your computer, stop taking those medications, and reject all the technology developed by science. You hypocrites want all the benefits of science, but if it jeopardizes your investments in and profiteering from the pushers of our addiction to non-renewable FINITE FILTHY FOSSIL FUELS purchased from dependence on terrorists and dictators, then suddenly you become anti-science and resort to making up your own facts. Pretty convenient, huh?

DD Wiz wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:58 AM: The post from "RobertM" (10:14am) whines and cries because I have never answered his question about what is so wrong with billions of people dying from human caused cataclysmic climate change. Like any conservative bully, HE thinks he should dictate who and what I should respond to.
Hello, "RobertM," I did not answer your oft-repeated question for the same reason I skip over most of the posts from "Ron" and virtually all of the posts from "Chuck" -- IT IS STUPID and not worth my time.
You operate from the assumption that mass death is acceptable and I don't share your assumption. I think leaving your question and its disgusting assumption just the way it is says more than enough about conservative "values" and I have nothing more to add. You win! You get the last word!
I think you, "Chuck" and "Ron" need to find a nice kiddie blog where it is OK to operate in alternative universes of made up facts and bizarre anti-social attitudes.
I am not going to answer your question, and doubt that many of your posts will ever merit a response.

Chuck wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:15 AM:>>>all of the posts from "Chuck" -- IT IS STUPID and not worth my time. >>> Gee, I cant tell you how much that hurts me.

To Tina, ya just don't get it, do you?--- wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:28 AM:Your statement is very sad!! You totally took the letter written by Tina Jillings out of context. Her point is that just because one person from any ethnicity commits a crime the entire group should not be criminalized for the actions of that person. You go on to say I'll be the one saying, 'May the killer rot in the depths of Hell and let ME pull the switch that sends him there." That my friend is what separates you from the more civilized among us. Forgiveness is not for the perpetrator to feel better it is for you to begin the healing process. I am sure Tina Jillings has already forgiven you for your verbal attack. Peace

Ron wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:31 AM:And as I have previsouly posted, several members of review committees, and several "Lead" authors of the IPCC reports are not qualified climatologists.
Lenny Bernstein worked as a chemcial engineer for Exxon Mobil for 31 years. Bert Metz, also a chemcial engineer, worked for the Netherlands government in a housing post. I guess that just goes to show, that if you repent from Big Oil, as did Lenny Bernstein, being part of Big Oil is no big deal, provided your Ideology is politically correct. In Mr. Metz's case, he's a life long political bueracrat. Hey, coincidentally ...
so is Al Gore. I'm currently working on another, I'll get back to you. I intend on going through the entire list, all 200 of these so-called reviewers. These are the same fanantics we all saw in Bali, symbolically riding mountain bikes around the 5 star Hotel, after flying in on private jets. I read somewhere, that one meeting produced more CO2 and more carbon than some entire countries combined. You know they say, you should never know how sausage is made, it'll ruin your appetite. Same too with peer reviews.

HEART DISEASE wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:32 AM:Robert M at 10:14 dismisses massive death from global warming since people die of starvation anyway, and we have human-cased genocide and, what the heck, heart disease and hypertension kill people anyway.
So, you don't think we should at least do our best to intervene in problems of starvation, genocide and heart disease?
I don't know the state of Robert M's medical condition today, but somehow I suspect that if he isn't already using blood pressure of cholesterol medications, when the doctor tells him he needs them, he'll be the first in line clamoring to intervene.
In the meantime, he is suffering from an even worse form of "heart" disease - the lack of one.

To To Tina, ya just... wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:35 AM:Illegal is Illegal, violent offender or no. "Civilization" is PAID FOR by the legal citizens that live here... and I am TIRED of paying for all the 'RIGHTS' illegals claim they are entitled to. Why not focus on ALL the illegals? The Haitians, the Asians, AND the Hispanics? The Hispanic Illegals are NO MORE ENTITLED to legal citizen's rights than ANYBODY else is. You are NOT among the more civilized, or you would not have the stance that you do--conveniently paid for by ME.

Reardon wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:39 AM:To To Tina: (Gosh I wish I knew who I was corresponding with, even as a nom de plume, instead of to:to x; to y, to z:) The fact remains, this nation would have less crime if illegal alien criminals -- even if there was just one -- were not amongst us. Many of those illegal alien criminals have been deported at least once, and in some cases four or more times! Be they white, brown, black or x in color, if they are illegal alien criminals, they should not be on this soil to commit crimes. Comprende?

To To Pinky wrote on Feb 8,