Reardon wrote on Mar 7, 2008 9:41 PM:We are number 1 in teacher salary (see NEA website); number 27 in total expenses for education (see http://ftp2.census.gov/govs/school/05f33pub.pdf); and number 48 in academic testing (see http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/). We are obviously not getting our money's worth!

ORACEL = wrote on Mar 8, 2008 1:00 AM:= More than one of every 20 home mortgages was delinquent during the last three months of 2007, the highest level in 23 years, according to a report Thursday by the Mortgage Bankers Association. The group's National Delinquency Survey also found that the rate of foreclosures and the percent of loans in the process of foreclosure reached record levels during the period.
More than 5.3 percent of the nearly 6 million outstanding home loans in California were delinquent in the fourth quarter, and more than 7.4 percent of Florida's 3.5 million loans were past due. San Diego County is beginning to take a big hit, also.
There is no easy solution, because borrowers don’t know who to deal with. The banks and home loan corporations no longer hold their mortgages. Millions of mortgages were consolidate in a lump, rolled out, folded a dozen times, mixed with who know what kind of sordid entrails, then sliced and diced and sold off to investors all around the world. Nobody knows who owns what anymore. Now ain’t that a pretty picture!
Homeowners can’t refinance either, because banks don’t have much money. It’s gone! Where did all that liquidity go all of a sudden? How can trillions of dollars just disappear?
Well, it can easily when you siphon it off into highly leveraged investment vehicles and derivatives. Banks are so desperate to replenish their cash, they are unwilling to let go of what they do have even to highly creditworthy customers. As the NC Times reported yesterday (Sec. D-3) QUOTE: Even with the Federal Reserve cutting key interest rates five times in recent months, banks have been retrenched on lending. END QUOTE.
So all the interest rate reductions are not trickling down to homeowners and borrowers. Further complicating the situation, mortgage insurance companies are going bankrupt. All this is making the stock markets very very nervous. Investors right now have little appetite for mortgage bonds since the collateral that backs the loans - the homes themselves - are falling in value.
It’s not confined to homes, either. Municipal bonds are blowing up. Suggest you read Friday’s Business section carefully, especially the article Credit Woes are Spreading Quickly.
This is a self-sustaining storm of the century brewing. Termination of hundreds of teacher in SD County is only the beginning of cutbacks as tax revenues dry up. The tragic part is our White House doesn’t have the foggiest about what is going on. Too complicated for them to understand. And they want to pass all this off on old man McCain?

OBAMA MAMA - wrote on Mar 8, 2008 1:14 AM:- - Just check the final figures on the Texas primary. The part-2 caucus votes were tedious to count, but now we have the final tally: Obama won 92 delegates, and Clinton won 92 delegates. But do you hear Hillary un-crowing? Nope! She just tricked the press and the public into thinking she won Texas real big. It was a tie.

Expat Doug wrote on Mar 8, 2008 2:51 AM:Sometimes I can't believe the ignorant statements made here. Claire O'Brien's believe, "If you're not here legally, you don't have any rights here," is far from Constitutionally correct. Ms. O'brien needs a refresher in basic civics.

White Rabbit wrote on Mar 8, 2008 3:30 AM:I suppose, OBAMA MAMA, having been outspent 2-1 in Texas, with the late polls showing Obama surging and moving ahead, and with the media all but declaring her campaign dead, even a tie in the delegate count might call for a little crowing. Since politics is usually perception over reality, Clinton did what she needed to do: not get routed. Not only did she not get routed, she actually won the primary 51-47% while at the same time winning big by 10 points in Ohio. That makes headlines, and it is something to crow about for a campaign perceived to falling apart. Show a little humility. If you think Hillary is just going to roll over and hand the nomination to your guy, think again. You’re in for a long, hot summer. This ain’t beanbag!

White Rabbit wrote on Mar 8, 2008 4:13 AM:Wow. Dora Philp compares Barack Obama to Adolph Hitler, and not in a good way. She also calls his supporters (and Democrats in general I’d imagine) anti-American. She no doubt also believes anybody who doesn’t vote Republican is anti-American. That would have been the majority in the last election of ’06. Who knew? It’s okay though. When you’re seeing your entire neo-conservative, right-wing worldview and philosophy being dumped into the ashbin of history a little lashing out and tantrum throwing is to be expected. It’s not the Kool-Aid most Americans are drinking, Dora, it’s the antidote.

Alan wrote on Mar 8, 2008 4:52 AM:Nice job Claire O'brien. The Illegals have stolen, cheated, lied and defrauded our citizens and our government. It is time for Action from our Leaders of State and Federal Institutions. Immigrants should be coming from all countries, legally. Those who self-qualify and self-immigrate are "self""ish and criminal. We must fix the 14th Amendment regarding birth Citizenship to those not here legally; We must punish Employers who ignore hiring laws. Create a "guest" worker program that will encourage and provide labor resources from everywhere in the world, not just from our adjacent countries. We don't OWE them anything!

White Rabbit wrote on Mar 8, 2008 6:07 AM:Frank Thurlow writes, “If we started a serious program to develop our own oil reserves, the price of gas would drop overnight.” The United States, at 10%, is the third largest producer of oil in the world, just behind Saudi Arabia and Russia. The United States is by far the largest consumer of oil in the world at 25%. The United States is 11th in the world in proven reserves at 1.6%. We could drill and drill and never even come close to meeting our own demand for oil. We would have to increase production by 250%! Conservatives like to rely on market forces. Increasing our own supply would be a drop in the bucket in relation to our current usage. Decreasing our demand is the only answer. We’ve been relying on oil and coal and using the same technologies since the 19th century, it’s now the 21st century and it’s past time to move on.

Let me just say Wow!!!! wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:20 AM: I think Claire O'Brien has been drinking to much Kool-aid being served up by Lou Doobs, Rick Roberts, and other so called illegal immigrants haters. This agenda has lead to hatred and ill treatment of ALL Latinos, American citizens, Naturalized, or PRA Latino are all targets of hate due to the mindset that Claire expresses in her letter. I think Claire should educate herself on the real statistics without being so blinded by the opinions, and exaggerations of some extremist. I do clean my own toilets by I will tell you one thing for sure I am not about to pick any fruit or do the work farmworkers do nor would she. Madame O'Brien you should dig deep into your own family tree and find out what American's were saying when your ancestors or those of your husband migrated to this country from Ireland. I'll be it is the same rhetoric different century. Now you have become one of them. Just a little morsel of food for thought. My children received a fine education. My son just graduated from Santa Clara Univerity and my daughter is about ready to graduate from Pepperdine. No one can hold a successful person back. My children have made wonderful friends and learned a second language from them Spanish. I think Madame O'Brien needs to clean out her mind and then start on her toilets.

To Nancy Paige wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:27 AM:Oh Nancy, Nancy, Nancy I guess you don't understand what is happening in our Nation these days, do you? All Latinos even the ones born here and those who immigrated here legally are being subjected to verbal and physical attacks. Tania Bowman understand the Law and the Constitution and clearly you do not. Racism is running rampant in our communities and denial is the best medicine for those such as yourself who want to deny it. I thank Tania Bowman for her letter and I hope you will open your eyes and see things clearer before you write a letter to insult an American citizen who happens to disagree with your opinion. Thank goodness for the 1st Amendment.

Kool-Aid??? wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:36 AM:Hey Dora I would rather drink the Kool-aid of hope than the Kool-aid of hate. I do not consider Barak Obama the Messiah, He already came and left. I am as you put a Barakomaniac(I think I will order some T-shirts). I think you have been drinking to much of the Kool-Aid tainted with the poison of hate. I love America and I think Barak Obama is the best thing that could happen to America. So I will not be taking a plane anywhere because this is MY America but you can feel free to leave anytime you wish. Now carefully put down the cup and stop the hate.

To Dora Philp wrote on Mar 8, 2008 7:44 AM:How dare you attempt to compare Barak Obama to Jim Jones or to Adolf Hitler!! It seems that you have had one two many sips of Kool-Aid yourself it takes all kinds I guess. Please next time you write a letter read it over before you submit it because your letter sounds a little fanatical. Ah yes Kool-aid poor me another cup. Oh by the way I do not think of Barak Obama as the Messiah or the Savior of the World I consider him a good man who will serve the United States well.

Ron wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:00 AM:You know, Frank Thurlow is right. This new "Bipartisan" energy bill, stinks.
Here's what it will do according to the White House fact sheet:
1} They have replaced the old alternative fuel mix standard from 7.5 billion gallons, and setting a new mandatory Renewable Fuel Standard of 36 billion gallons of biofuel by 2022. This will be ethanol, and we know it takes more energy to produce ethanol than it takes to produce gasoline, plus the greenhouse gas offsets are a wash. Not to mention, the huge subsidies to ADM and other Big Ag corps. We're simply traded corporate welfare, this is paid for by repealing tax breaks for oil companies. So, attention all you lefties! Can't blame Exxon-Mobil anymore! They are OFF corporate welfare. Just so ya know. Anyone notice the cost of food going up recently? Most foods are corn based.
2} Raising the national fuel economy standard of 35 miles per gallon by 2020, to supposedly save billions of gallons of fuel. So, the Federal Government once again steps in, tells business what kind of cars they will build, when they are already falling behind other car manufacturers, and really put the kibash on them. Americans will drive smaller cars, less safe, and more killed on highways.
3} Prescribe or revise standards affecting regional efficiency for heating and cooling products, procedures for new or amended standards, energy conservation, energy efficiency for consumer electronic products, residential boiler efficiency, electric motor efficiency, and home appliances.
So now, they are going to tell us what kind of mercury lightbulbs we can use,
how much power our heaters, hot water heaters, computers, dishwashers, and every other single item inside our homes will use. Heck, might as well adjust my thermostat in my bedroom at this rate.
4} Establish an Office of High-Performance Green Buildings (OHPGB). Well, I guess they couldn't help this, we're going to get ANOTHER government office to fund with tax dollars.
5} and.. oh yeah, they promised "green" jobs thru subsidies to alternatives.
More hoop jumping for tax breaks. One thing you should know, they did want to raise the federal gasoline tax, again!
Yeah, that'll show those evil Big Oil corporations!
You know, the name of this bill is puzzling to me. They call it the: Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. I did not see a single portion of that bill that added anything to my personal liberty or freedom did you? All I saw was this overly large, and bloated hand of this massive Central Government reaching their fat hand into my life. Telling me what kind of car I shall drive, which dishwasher to use, banning lightbulbs, and exchanging welfare schemes. How does that help me?
My food's gone up cause of ethanol, my gas will go up, and has gone up. Anyone know if one of these clowns in the Democrat party has ever run a gas station? Cause it anit showing...

Ron wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:21 AM:Since Jennifer Norval admits: "I'm not very well-informed on all that is happening...", let me try to educate her. So, pay attention!
Here's what the deal is in Sacramento:
The Unions have taken a death grip control over the State Government. And they are doing to Sacramento, exactly what was done to every single company in the United States. They strangle it, and eventually it dies a long and slow death, financially.
We see at every level of Government, Local, State, and Federal, where these special interest groups have gotten to these careerist politicians, gotten them elected, and promise to support them, if they play ball with them, the Unions. If they don't, their out! Simple as that. Now, given the fact that these Union thugs have helped to elect these politicians, and the politicians know this, that their very political lives hang in the balance, depending upon how they vote. How objective do you think these particular politicans can be at contract negociation time? How well would they be able to stand up for you, the taxpayer, and prevent a raid on the government treasury? I'm telling you, they don't. So, your obviously looking in the wrong place for your art money, or your music money, or your whatever money, CAUSE IT'S IN THE UNIONS POCKET, THAT'S WHERE IT IS!
And you want to know something else? Now, pay attention, I'm educating you here....
These phoney, spineless, two-timing, double-talking, lying, low-life politicians are actually talking about... {now pay attention}... They are actually talking about getting rid of your mortgage interest deduction in order to pay for the budget gap. Do you know what that means? They don't give a flying flip about you in the middle-class. All they care about is giving the tribute over to these Union thugs, to keep their jobs. Oh yeah, I know... they talk about "the Children".. the children this, or the children that...
But let me ask you something? If the Kid's parent's can no longer afford their home, what does that do for "the Children?"

Ron wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:33 AM:I understand Claire O'Brien's emotion, I really do. But her focus, I think is in the wrong place. Surely, those who have crossed the border illegally have engaged in criminal activity, no doubt about that. As I post yesterday, using a stolen, fake, or fradulent American ID for the purposes of working here, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Some carry a 30 year sentence, if your a producer of such documents.
But, leaving all that aside, for the moment. If your a business owner, the burden has fallen on you to check out those you employ. If you have the personal integrity to obey the law, and not want to pocket off the back's of those who have waited to come, or Americans who could rightly fill those positions, just to put more money in your pocket.
Don't get sucked into the vortex of this stupid argument that this is about race. It's not. It's about whether we are a Nation of Laws, and whether WE, as a People, will live by those laws, even when we have this despicable Central Government who obviously values staying in Washington D.C. more, than they do obeying the Constitution.

White Rabbit wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:46 AM:>>Here's what it will do according to the White House fact sheet:>> Then it must be true, seeing how reliable they've been in the past on everything else. Jeez.

Ron wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:57 AM:I see the Teachers are out in force today. Maybe the memo went out from the CTA? Timothy Taylor say's it's not "the Children's" fault. I agree, they are trapped in a failing public school system, and taxpayers, most of which are parent's of these kids, are having to pay these increasing costs to prop up this employment agency. Cause, it anit an education system, it has become an educart employment system. I, personally, have watched Teachers Unions get their piece of the money pie, at the expense of programs, books, and other needed items by students.
These people wouldn't even consider the idea of a pay freeze, in order to pay for mandatory asbestos removal. They pressed, and threatened the school board members, they had helped to get elected, to cut those funds, but save their pay raises. How's that for caring about "the Children?" You know, there used to be a time, when I gave regular line teachers a break. I used to say, it was their leadership. Cause most of these teachers I've known, were hard working cared about their kids, and actually did a pretty good job.
But... no more.
When your a teacher, and you elect a leader who does the kind of things to children, and to our schools, as I've seen, they must be held responsible for their choices, in leadership.
No longer will I give them the pass I used to. They will be held responsible for what their leadership foists upon kids. I can't see it any other way.
Perahps if you chose a more moderate leader, someone who knows that the pile of money is only so big, and everyone needs to get a piece of it. The leadership I've seen, wants it all, regardless of who it hurts, who will suffer. I used to think schools were about educating our youth, but not anymore. It's become apparent, that these Unions have done, and will continue to do, what is good for themselves alone. And they will do it, even if the child suffers. That's hardly "a teacher", in my mind. And quite frankly, I'm tired of it.

I agree with Ron wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:58 AM:And Arnie, you're a wimp! We all had such high hopes for you (when we dumped Davis) but you've cowed down to the special interest groups, listened to them whispering in your ear and have therefore been NO HELP.
To Kathleen Hamilton: ... Anyone with half a brain, who's been following what goes on in Temecula must think we're ALL stupid! Why, because the majority of people here (& this is NOT just a Temecula problem, these SHEEP are EVERYWHERE) don't have a CLUE regarding what's really going on. Either that, or they CHOOSE to ignore it. Here's just one example for you: do you really think anyone here's EVER checked their real estate tax bills? I'm talking about those speciial taxes (think General Obligation Bonds) that you'd think would have gone DOWN due to tremendous growth we've experienced in Temecula, THINK AGAIN! Now, how about those lovely MELLO ROOS taxes? Did you know that there are legal limits on those??? Did you also know that when DIFFERENT government agencies are ALLOWED to issue CFDs (translation for you, MELLO ROOS), the possibility of those affected being TAXED at a rate ABOVE the legal LIMIT increases?
I don't pay mello roos taxes (thank goodness) but I know lots of sheep, errr, folks who do. I also know they have NO CLUE what those taxes are for.

Great Idea Ron wrote on Mar 8, 2008 8:59 AM:What? Are you really concerned about "obeying the constitution."? Why don't you study the 14th Amendment carefully and realize that ANY PERSON is afforded equal protection, and the right to life, liberty and property. So lets uphold and obey the Constitution in its entirety.

Still waiting for Ron x2 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:01 AM:Yesterday, Ron defended discrimination because a majority of the people voted for it. And Ron says he reads! Try the Constitution. Or try history: the majority of voters felt that discrimination against blacks, against women, etc etc was fine as well. That was not the question: in a nation that bans discrimination, how do you justify discrimination against consenting adults who harm no one? And, number 2, we are still, forever, waiting for you to back up your claims that the IPCC edits, reinterprets, and otherwise misuses science. Be specific: what research have they denied, or reinterpreted? What bona fide research findings have they ignored for the sake of their ideology? Ron, you make strong statements of what you claim to know, and you brag about how much you read. So? Share, if you can.

OBSERVATON wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:11 AM:OBSERVATION: President Bush said Saturday that he has vetoed legislation meant to ban the CIA from using waterboarding and other harsh interrogation tactics because it "would take away one of the most valuable tools on the war on terror."

White Rabbit wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:12 AM:Every firefighter who risks his life to save your house and every police officer that puts his life on the line every day to protect you ... is a union member. Are these some of the thugs to which you refer, Ron? Next time you call 911 make sure you ask for the non-union first responders.

Ron wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:18 AM:Nancy Paige reminds me, "Silence of good people permits crime..."
Remember awhile back, when in Escondido they were having a problem with shopping carts? Well, obviously, what was happening, people without cars were taking supermarket shopping carts off the property, to push their groceries home. Then, they'd leave the cart on a street corner, or in the middle of the sidewalk, or in an alley. You know... it then became someone else's problem, when they were "done with it."
Well, some cop in Escondido got into trouble for "profiling" when he apparently stopped someone pushing a cart down the sidewalk. The "pusher" just happened to be Hispanic. It caused an uproar, and all the kook's began saying the cops were racist, when in fact, they were trying to prevent crime.
Afterall, how many people do you know that personally own a shopping cart?
Anyways, The City Council attempted to get around this, and talked about fining the supermarkets, and having them erect some kind of barrier system to prevent their carts from being taken off their property. What a bunch of cowards!
In the end, what you have is a small group of people taking stuff that anit their's to take. Most normal people I know, call that theft. But, it just goes to show you just how ridiculous this situation has become. You can't stop someone who is obviously pushing a cart that anit theirs, cause it'll land you in racist land. What a bunch of baloney.

Ron wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:37 AM:Yeah, Rachel Rott.. The press does love McCain, when it fit their particular agenda. Let me see here...
First you have the Country's paper of record, The New York Times endorse him. Only to later float some National Equirer type story about some "love affair" they couldn't document.
They asked tons of questions about Mitt Rommney and Mormomism.
But, here's what you will see, when we finally get a Democrat nominee.
Your going to see the Bush-McCain-Hagee vision for America. While totally dismissing the Obama-Farrakhan-Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. vision for America. It will make little, or no difference to most newspapers that Obama's Pastor: Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. gave Louis Farrakhan the "Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright,Jr. Lifetime Achievement Trumpeteer" Award at the 2007 Trumpet Gala at the the United Church of Christ. And Obama, to this day, still refers to Dr. Wright as his spiritual mentor and still claims he is his sounding board.
No, you'll not hear any of this. And you'll not hear about black nationalist signs hanging in this church, or lists of admonishments to black solidarity, or the "Black Value System", or
of a moral code calling for the "Disavowal of the Pursuit of Middleclassness."
You'll not hear any of that. Oh no...
It's funny, in a country whereby the Constitution declares that "No Religious Test" shall be required for public office, we sure do have some that think it's important for some on the right, but not for others on the left? So far, I've not heard Obama say, like John Kerry, that his personal religious beliefs will affect his term of office. Have you?

DD Wiz wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:37 AM: The published letter from Frank Thurlow does raise some valid objections to the energy bill, echoedby the post from "Ron" (8:00am). It does not go nearly far enoughin weaning us off dependence on pushers of our addiction to non-renewable FINITE FILTHY FOSSIL FUELS purchased from dependence on terrorists and dictators.
It is true, that the wimpy increase in fuel standards will be offset by population increases, and it phases out the federal portion of the incentives to go solar.
That said, with no standards at all, it would be even worse.
Often in politics, it is better to get what you can than nothing at all. A "yes" vote on an imperfect bill would still be better than a "no" vote, but it also means we still have a long way to go in passing further legislation to address the issue and create real momentum for energy independence based on clean, renewable energy sources.

DD Wiz wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:38 AM: The published letter from Dora Philp and the posts from "OBAMA MAMA" (1:14am), "White Rabbit" (4:13am), "Let me just say Wow!!!!" (7:20am), "Kool-Aid???" (7:36am) and "To Dora Philp" (7:44am) are very troubling.
It reminds me of 1968 and 2000 when Democrats were well-positioned to win elections by blowouts, but managed to self-destruct and turn it over to the Republicans in squeakers (OK, in 2000 the Democrat actually won, but it should have been a cheat-proof landslide margin).
Both Hillary and Obama are excellent candidates and bring very different strenghts to the table. I have vigorously defended both against scurrillous charges by character assassins from the Republicans and, sadly, by over eager Democrats caught up in the heat of competition.
It is OK if you are a supporter of Hillary or Obama, but please focus on the strengths of your candidate. As a remaining undecided, each time I hear a Hillary slam against Obama it pushes me to rush to defend him, putting me on his side, and likewise when I hear attacks against Hillary it pushes me defensively into her corner. Many Democrats are like me who are thrilled to have TWO such excellent candidates and, for us, the negative stuff is counterproductive.

Nick wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:42 AM:You want to REALLY know why Bush & Co are doing NOTHING about Illegal Immigration ? Just Google "A North American Community Approach to Security" and give it a read. It is the testimony of Dr. Robert A. Pastor, vice president of international affairs, professor, and director of the Center for North American Studies, American University before a hearing of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The last 2 paragraphs should shock everyone, Repub's & Dem's alike.

Chuck wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:43 AM:I see Goreleone's Kool-Aid drinkers are now starving the planet. So much corn has been planted for alternative energy that its caused record prices in rice, wheat, oats, beans, etc making it unaffordable. So, Gore stuff his personal pockets with his global warming BS, as poorer nations starve. I hope the liberals are happy-- out of control commodity prices, out of control oil prices, thousands losing their jobs daily, & our country's wealth being sent overseas for oil, just because liberals block every effort to drill here

Nick wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:46 AM:I can't just leave it be, here are the last 2 paragraphs for all to read.
Defining a North American Community:
North Americans are ready for a new relationship. Studies over the past 20 years have shown a convergence of values, on personal and family issues as well as on public policy. An October 2003 poll taken in all three countries by Ekos, a Canadian firm, found that a clear majority believes that a North American economic union will be established in the next ten years. The same survey found an overwhelming majority in favor of more integrated North American policies on the environment, transportation, and defense and a more modest majority in favor of common energy and banking policies. And 75 percent of people in the United States and Canada, and two-thirds of Mexicans, support the development of a North American security perimeter. The U.S., Mexican, and Canadian governments remain zealous defenders of an outdated conception of sovereignty even though their citizens are ready for a new approach. Each nation’s leadership has stressed differences rather than common interests. North America needs leaders who can articulate and pursue a broader vision.
I hope this Committee will pursue the North American agenda beyond the travel initiative considered here. On June 23rd, the three leaders promised to publish a report with specific recommendations on how to deepen North American integration. These should be reviewed together with Senator Richard Lugar’s far-sighted bill for a “North American Cooperative Security Act” and Senator Cornyn’s “North American Investment Fund.” The time has come for us to define a true North American Community. Our security and prosperity depend on it.
Yep, sure sounds like "black helicoptors" and "crackpot theories" as "The Whizzer" likes to call it.
Cheers, Nick.

HomeStudySchoolsAreClosed wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:48 AM:I see the usual special interests have convinced the courts to end home schooling. We all knew those nasty parents were spending too much time on English, math, sciences and literature andnot enough on diversity, Planned Parenthood assemblies, and the proper method to fit a condom to a cucumber. And then, when it was found out that not one single student being home schooled was familiar with their SB777 rights, the special interests went crazy and shut them down

Alan wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:50 AM:To Expat Doug....O'Brien is correct. Illegals do not have rights to vote, rights to drive, rights to unemployment, rights to work. They DO have rights to; be prosecuted for any crimes, be protected from harm, saved from injury, help returning to their home country. If they immigrate properly, they will EARN the right to American freedom, life, liberty and justice for all. There is a difference between human rights and legal rights. Get over it.

NEW WEB FORMAT VS. OLD WEB FORMAT wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:57 AM:Every time I look at a page in the old format, I can read every word on my laptop or desktop.

Every time I look at a page in the new format I am squinting or trying to raise the font size. I tried changing my laptop screen resolution, but the results were unsatisfactory. Both of my computers are high end Dell, and the new format is difficult to read.
It is not that I am against change, it is just if I cannot read the page, then why bother. Maybe I am just getting old and cranky.

And one more thing, am I the only one who has to enter the image verification two or three or four times before getting it right. r/ Skip

Gary in Murrieta (Mapleton) wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:05 AM:I noticed today that in my neighborhood there are very few "For Sale" signs, and yet a few blocks away there are literally dozens. Then I made the connection. The first couple of phases, sold out immediately and our houses literally doubled in value in just the first year. In the later phases and the final phase, it seems like one in four house are for sale and/or vacant. Boy, were we lucky. Or house has come down in value a little this year, but it is still worth almost twice what we paid for it. Now with talk of raising taxes in California to pay for the failing schools and Illegal Aliens, I just hope we can last a couple more years until I retire and we can flee this state. There just has to be somewhere else in this country where their state and local government has more fiscal responsibility.

hardtack wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:06 AM:Brief comments on three letters, today:

Frank Thurlow (Bipartisan energy bill a bad effort ) does a good job summarizing how politics created, and now sustains, our energy woes. I regret that he didn’t mention the nuclear option . . . perhaps due to word limitation.

Claire O'Brien (We'll clean our own toilets) brings to mind two things: (1) the scene in Schindler’s List where Schindler and his accountant are forging “documents” so Jews can work in his factory instead of being shipped to concentration camps; (2) An observation by the late Harry Browne: “Eventually the welfare state is afraid of every poor person who enters the country and every rich person who leaves.”

Ed Towers (Nation's poor are depending on us) has a novel idea: Judeo-Christian charity instead of socialism.

GFN wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:13 AM:Oracle, your posts for the last two days on the state of our economy are excellent...great knowledge and insight.

GFN wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:16 AM:Re: "Escondido OKs huge electronic screen for new Lexus dealer." I totally disagree with this type of advertising. The signs are annoying and not necessary. They significantly detract from the natural beauty of our area.

Druid wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:17 AM:FLOYD: Wikipedia states under MEXICO that it is part of North America. Encyyclopeida Britannica alos states. "officially United Mexican States, Spanish México, orEstados Unidos Mexicanos, also spelled Méjico, country of North America. Sharing a common border throughout its northern extent withthe United States,...

Nick wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:24 AM:I guess I have to EXPLAIN to the Great Blog Ed's that this TESTIMONY before a hearing of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee is straight from the Government. That's the U.S. Senate part. Now post it please.
Defining a North American Community:
North Americans are ready for a new relationship. Studies over the past 20 years have shown a convergence of values, on personal and family issues as well as on public policy. An October 2003 poll taken in all three countries by Ekos, a Canadian firm, found that a clear majority believes that a North American economic union will be established in the next ten years. The same survey found an overwhelming majority in favor of more integrated North American policies on the environment, transportation, and defense and a more modest majority in favor of common energy and banking policies. And 75 percent of people in the United States and Canada, and two-thirds of Mexicans, support the development of a North American security perimeter. The U.S., Mexican, and Canadian governments remain zealous defenders of an outdated conception of sovereignty even though their citizens are ready for a new approach. Each nation’s leadership has stressed differences rather than common interests. North America needs leaders who can articulate and pursue a broader vision.
I hope this Committee will pursue the North American agenda beyond the travel initiative considered here. On June 23rd, the three leaders promised to publish a report with specific recommendations on how to deepen North American integration. These should be reviewed together with Senator Richard Lugar’s far-sighted bill for a “North American Cooperative Security Act” and Senator Cornyn’s “North American Investment Fund.” The time has come for us to define a true North American Community. Our security and prosperity depend on it.

U.S. Constitution rocks!!!! wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:31 AM:The Constitution as interpreted by Alan. I think you should take a high school civic class to relearn what you have obviously forgotten. Perhaps they do not have the right to vote or drive but they do have the right to equal protection under the law, and the right to live, liberty and property. Read the 14th Amendment an apply it correctly before you pretend to know what the Constitution says and means.

DD Wiz wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:35 AM: The post from "Nick" (9:46am) confirms yet again the points I have previously made in response to the initial claim by "Concerned-1" (3/5 - 8:35am) that plans for a North American Union included abolishing the U.S. Constitution.
THAT IS WHAT I WAS RESPONDING TO.
I did not deny that there were crackpot conspiracy theorists out there bandying about such paranoia; I merely asked him to confirm the extent to which it has any degree of seriousness, such as in any actual proposal before the U.S. House or Senate, which no one has been able to confirm.
Citing routine trade agreements doesn't cut it.
Citing proposals by unofficial groups doesn't cut it.
Citing Internet rumors and fear-mongering doesn't cut it.
If you expect me to have concern, show me that this is an actual proposal, and that it has the far-reaching grip that "Concerned-1" warned about.
I'm still waiting, "Nick." Still waiting. So far you have ZIPPO.

Nick wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:44 AM:Thank you Mr Ed.

Chris wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:57 AM:Just in case you don't know it. The price of oil has gone up because of the shrinking dollar the speculators are flocking to commodoties and that includes oil. So with all this money going into oil futures the price is going up so don't blame the muslims for this. It is caused by these speculators. You got to love capitalism. It is a self destroying entity. I see the fed is going to pump 200 billion dollars into the ecomomy. Well Ron, what have you got to say concerning this great thing called capitalism?

Nick wrote on Mar 8, 2008 11:17 AM:Plain & simple "Whizzer". Read the reports and add it up, even you with your lowly 3rd grade drop education should be able to figure it out. Remember all the things I said about being open minded and doing a little investigation. Instead you chose to act ignorant until someone "hands" you a piece of "Peer-Reviewed" paper. The reason you chose not to look, is because you don't want to know. Unofficial groups? The whole darn SPP is a bunch of "unofficial groups" flying under the radar of Congress.
These same "unofficial groups" are the ones directly doing the research and submitting their proposals to these sub-commities you know nothing about. You had better start paying attention to these "unofficial groups" because they come from all 3 Countries, Mexico, Canda, and the U.S.

Bob wrote on Mar 8, 2008 11:44 AM:Hey Nick, and C-1, I wouldn't waste my time with some one that doesn't go outside the NCT web site to do some investigating. We know what's going on is not, we the people, for the people by the people, it is private meetings between the three big wigs of each country to develop a union amongst us. To develop a one-world government. Building the super highway from mexico to Canada is part of it along with not securing our borders. How about the national ID card with an RF chip in it. The Amero will be our new currency. This is very scary but I guess without an official proposal all that is going on is not really happening.

Good read wrote on Mar 8, 2008 11:56 AM:There is an interesting article on the surge in the Rolling Stone, of all places. Written from the ground. A couple of key ideas: the Sunnis lost the civil war. As a result, the US is now paying about 80,000 (that's right) to be a "volunteer army". These are the same people that were blowing us up not that long ago. Interestingly, the Sunnis are backed by Bush's hand-holder, the Saudis. So we are simultaneously pretending to achieve a democratically united Iraq and backing one side of the civil war (the side that lost), whose loyalty to us lasts exactly as long as the checks come in. Who knows what this strategy is about, but the tactical aim is clear: make the violence go down so that it can appear that there's progress. Your government, spreading democracy and stability in the middle east, brought to you by Saudi Arabia and its agent, George W Bush.

DD Wiz wrote on Mar 8, 2008 12:24 PM:The post from "Nick" (11:17am) shows that he does not understand how the freedoms of our Constitution work.
People, either as individuals or groups, even nut groups, have the right to meet, peaceably assemble, and petition the government.
The fact that there may be all kinds of "unofficial" groups trying to suggest things to congressional subcommittees is pretty normal.
Some of these may be serious and substantial, others might be from the tinfoil hat crowd.
Until it actually rises to the seriousness of a formal proposal, there is no need to start writing my Congressman.
In the meantime, I suspect that what is really going on here is an effort by alarmists to deflect attention to the real threats to our Constitution by an administration that usurps power from the other branches and engage in the most egregious violations of individual civil liberties in the nation's history.

Geography 101 wrote on Mar 8, 2008 12:49 PM:Druid again today brings up what I read with amusement on this blog last night: whether Mexico is in North America or Central America. Central America is a region like the Middle East or Southeast Asia. North America is a continent. Mexico is on the North American continent, as is all of Central America by the way.

Alan wrote on Mar 8, 2008 1:17 PM:To U.S. Constitution rocks!!!....Your comment is absurd. You mimic my statement about rights and then tell me to take a civics class? ... The Constitution provides a clear definition of rights. Some criminals lose those rights as a condition of release from incarceration. Therefore, there are cases/exceptions to the rights afforded by the Constitution. In that same light, stealing ones way into our country, cheating to get citizenship, abusing our social services and using fraud to gain citizenship or ID's doesn't seem to fit the mold for earning the Rights from a Constitution that is also supposed to protect us from abuse! Let me know when you are ready for your next lesson on this subject.

White Rabbit wrote on Mar 8, 2008 1:21 PM:DD Wiz wrote on Mar 8, 2008 9:38 AM. Firstly, I’m glad it’s OK by you if we are a Clinton or Obama supporter. I appreciate your approval to choose the candidate I prefer. Secondly, the posts at 4:13, 7:36 and 7:44 were defending Obama FROM character assassination by a Republican. How is that troubling to you? By calling out the other side? Thirdly, you’re one of the remaining undecided? Are you telling us that you didn’t vote in the primary last month? That’s a little hard to believe, DD.

To various posters wrote on Mar 8, 2008 1:45 PM:The right to drive?

Ron wrote on Mar 8, 2008 2:01 PM:The ole Wiz @9:38 AM, is back to the same old rock-n-horse: "...in 2000 the Democrat actually won, but it should have been a cheat-proof landslide margin."
Obviously still whining about Florida.
I'm wondering though, in this so-called majority, this cheat-proof landslide...
Al Gore didn't even pull in his own State of Tennessee! The first time a presidential candidate has failed to win his own state since George McGovern lost his native South Dakota in 1972.
Yes, that's the "majority" the wiz man is refering to.

K-A-T Cat wrote on Mar 8, 2008 2:20 PM:Now that home schooling has been outlawed does that mean California won't have any kids representing us in the National Spelling Bee Ch