Letters to the Editor - 3/9/2008
By: Readers of the North County Times and The Californian | ∞
Honored to receive honor
I would like to thank the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside Pacific for honoring me as their Volunteer of the Month for March. It makes me so proud to accept such an honor. We are extremely lucky to have all these fun-derful volunteers in our city. God bless each and every one of you.
Sandi Barnes
volunteer director of travel,
Oceanside Senior Center
GOP candidates a few cards short of a deck
John McCain first denied knowing a shapely blond lobbyist working for a communications company when he was on a committee considering legislation concerning her client, then admitted she was only a close friend (how close?); was against torture (waterboarding) but now says it is OK; voted against tax cuts by Dubya Bush and now wants to make them permanent; and promised to continue a war in the Middle East for a century with no plans to finance it.
Ralph Nader ... announced his candidacy but rejected the idea he is a spoiler and says the electorate will not vote for a pro-war McCain. Nader predicted he would do better than in 2004, when he won only 0.3 percent of the vote as an independent. Maybe he will double it this time.
Creationist Rev. Mike Huckabee is trying for conservative Christian support, but many consider him too liberal and threaten to find their own candidate.
Dr. Ron Paul would divide the country into 52 entities by wiping out the Department of Education, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Defense and a few others that make the U.S. a functioning nation. He has 3 percent of the electorate as of the last count. Democrats, Independents and an increasing number of Republicans are getting a strong feeling in their guts all of them are nuts.
Joseph Grant
Oceanside
Politicians pass taxes on to to public
In response to your Feb. 28 article,"House OKs $18B in new taxes on big oil companies": I see our revered politicians have found a new way to tax the general public. These money-grubbers have the power to roll back and freeze prices and, therefore, give their constituents some relief against the high price of not only gasoline, but all the other consumer products whose prices have been driven upward due to the price of gasoline.
So what do they do instead? They decide to leave gas prices alone and make the oil (robber) barons share their obscene profits by levying $18 billion in new taxes on the oil industry. Of course, this will only result in larger rises in gasoline prices because corporations always pass costs on to the consumer.
John Q. Public has only just begun to feel the pinch. But the good news is our greedy politicians will have new billions to whiz away.
Virginia Mesna
Escondido
Secure the border before deportation
Forget about deporting the illegals until we have secured the border. They just keep coming back. We must keep the pressure on all the politicians, both those already elected and those seeking election, especially McCain, Obama and Clinton.
The failure to secure our border is shameful. We must demand lawful protection. Isn't there something about protection in the oath of office they all take? Let's hold them to it and fire (recall) them for non-performance if need be.
Howard Sharpell
San Marcos
Defending yourself
In response to Mr. Grant's letter on Feb 23 about blaming the victims of mass shootings: Maybe he has been hearing something that I have not. I have been a member of the NRA for 40 years (and very proud of that), and I have never heard anyone in the NRA blame any victim of these incidents. We have blamed the governments that refuse to let us defend ourselves.
You can ask any police officer if he can guarantee to protect my life at all times. He will tell you no. I tell you this with great certainty, because I worked for a local police department for 27 years.
The only one who protects my life is myself. However, if Mr. Grant wants to sit there like a cow being led to slaughter, so be it. It is his right. However, I choose to try and defend myself.
John Donohue
Escondido
Facts missing from Sonic story
Was the front of the Local section about Sonic Burgers an advertisement ("Vista courts Sonic Burger," March 3)? You mention the company would probably do well in San Diego County and people will drive to a Sonic. You fail to say a Sonic was already located in Oceanside at Mission and Interstate 5. Why did it go out of business?
I subscribe to the North County Times because I want all the facts. Otherwise, I would watch the news.
Gregg McGinness
Oceanside
Slow down for construction zones
Drivers nowadays are so rude. I drive South Melrose every morning, and every morning there are more and more people who can't seem to read.
We are finally getting a new fire station at the intersection of Green Oak Road and South Melrose Avenue. There are posted 25 mph signs in the construction area. It never fails that when law-abiding citizens such as myself try to do the correct speed limit, we run the risk of being rear-ended. Once past the construction zone, the impatient drivers honk as they speed by, and sometime even project verbal assaults out their windows, and this is just because we can read. Just because they're running late they shouldn't jeopardize the lives of others.
Maybe the sheriff's department should have an officer down there, because they sure could make a lot of money for the city in just a matter of minutes.
Patricia Leach
Vista
Iranian president's trip a good first step
As a three-time veteran of the continuing conflict in Iraq, it was inevitable to feel that the U.S. was carrying the weight of the Iraqi people's future solely on our shoulders.
In the recent article on March 3 ("Iran's Ahmadinejad, on historic Baghdad trip, says the U.S. is fueling violence in Iraq"), the fact that the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited the neighboring country of Iraq is a sign that they (Middle East leaders) are moving in the right direction. Even if the two leaders had not agreed on one issue that they discussed, it would be enormous. They are still talking.
The president of Iran has never visited that country and, in the words of Yitzhak Rabin,"A diplomatic peace is not yet the real peace. It is an essential step in the peace process leading toward a real peace." This display of respect for each other is a vital part in the stability of the Middle East, regardless of how the U.S. feels toward Iran or our troops in Iraq.
Clayton Anderson
Escondido
Gun grabbers have blood on their hands
On Monday, March 3, a gunman walked into a Wendy's in Florida and gunned down one person and wounded three more before killing himself. What do the gun grabbers say about this?"I suppose you Second Amendment supporters think we should arm all of the people in Wendy's!" They don't understand that simply allowing citizens to be armed if they so choose is enough to prevent these types of tragedies. It wouldn't matter if only a single person in there had a gun, or a dozen armed citizens were there today.
The fact remains that the reason this nut job walked in and began shooting was because the gun grabbers have hung a big, virtual sign on the door of every public place that reads:"Notice! Everyone in this building has been disarmed by the liberals. The men, women and children inside are powerless to defend their lives. You may kill or injure anyone without resistance."
The blood of these victims permanently stains the hands of every person who had any part in disarming them, or would disarm them.
Joseph Jones
Vista
Birth control will reduce abortions
How simplistic of Michelle Malkin to blame the suicide of Emma Beck on her abortion ("The suicide of Emma Beck," March 3). All suicides are tragic, and stem from a cumulative set of circumstances. Making abortion illegal, as Malkin wishes, will not reduce the abortion rate. The abortion rate is much higher in those countries and states that restrict abortion than in those where it is readily available. The abortion rate is actually much lower in the U.K. ... than here, where it is not so readily available.
Making birth control easily available and efficacious is the most effective way to reduce the abortion rate.
John Guillebaud is correct -- there is nothing that anyone can do that is more important for the environment than limiting the number of children they have to no more than two. Overpopulation of our species is the most critical problem facing the world today. All environmental problems would be eased by fewer people using fewer resources.
Those of us who are environmentally responsible and want to promote population stabilization are not"self-indulgent." Those with large families are the self-indulgent, perhaps unconsciously so, as they obey an instinct to replicate their DNA evolved over 3-plus billion years.
Margaret McCown Liles
Escondido
Zoysia may be the answer
Last year, a frustrated letter writer complained that artificial turf was too expensive for the average family. I agree. We had already installed a strip of turf between a retaining wall and a sidewalk, which was supposedly maintenance-free and [made to] look like real grass!
A month ago, we called the company when weeds popped up in the space between the"grass" and the sidewalk. Our salesman observed the weeds and said,"All you have to do is buy Roundup: That'll kill the weeds. Most people don't have a problem, but it's easy to control." Satisfied, he drove off. For the thousands of dollars the narrow strip cost, we were not told that"maintenance-free" doesn't apply to a new crop of weeds that would need constant spraying with Roundup.
The turf is guaranteed to hold up for a specified number of years. But then what? What would a subsequent replacement cost? Before coming to California, we planted zoysia grass in our yard. Only infrequent watering/mowing was required. It was affordable, permanent and attractive, and it didn't look like fake grass, because it wasn't. When we redo our front yard, this will be our choice.
June Kristapovich
Oceanside
Web site facts on Robertson's are accurate
I was very surprised to see the headline "Concrete plant in Oceanside takes issue with Web site," March 3. I and many others have put hundreds of hours of research into the Web site to ensure its accuracy. We make a special point to link to actual city documents, experts' and agency letters. We are proud of our grassroots efforts. We are not paid one red cent to provide this information to the public. We are all volunteers. We believe posting these materials is necessary, valuable and informative.
We have opposed the concrete plant at this location for two years. While the paid lobbyist for the Goliath Robertson's criticizes our efforts, it doesn't make the facts and documents on the Web site untrue.
We hope everyone reads this material and sees the crucial issues before they make up their minds to support this cement-mixing plant proposal. Items of particular note: Robertson's won't pay sales tax to Oceanside, and a cement-mixing plant in a flood plain on Loma Alta Creek no longer fits in the vision of the corridor. We know you want the facts. Please, read the Web site, www.stoprobertsons.org. And please contact me if you have any questions regarding the information. I'm happy to respond.
Nadine Scott
Oceanside
Check the facts before writing letter
Regarding a letter written by Phil Epstein (Letters, March 1): In the Democratic debate Feb. 26, Sen. Obama denounced and rejected Minister Farrakhan's anti-Semitism, and stated that he will not tolerate anti-Semitism in any form. Sen. Obama is by no means"remaining silent" on these issues. See the Philadelphia Jewish Voice http://www.pjvoice.com, for Sen. Obama's comments, and those of seven Jewish U.S. senators, all of whom have not endorsed a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, regarding use of falsehood and innuendo about Sen. Barack Obama's religion to attack him personally.
Obama is an outspoken critic of anti-Semitism wherever it occurs. Most recently, he criticized his own church's minister, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., for honoring Louis Farrakhan despite Farrakhan's repeated hateful statements about Jews. ...
Mr. Epstein states in his letter,"If you are Jewish and vote for Obama, an honorable man, then say I, you truly are bent on self-destruction." Rather than being swayed by innuendo, or opinion based upon conjecture with complete disregard for the facts, intelligent people get the facts from independent opinions and vote accordingly. Mr. Epstein would be well-advised to check the facts before his next letter to the editor.
Jennifer
Meyerdierks
Oceanside
Oceanside the art hub of the coast
Reading John Van Doorn's column about Oceanside in the Feb. 28 issue of the North County Times ("There! On the horizon! Be it the Oceansides?"), I was surprised that, although he mentioned many aspects of the diversity of our city, he failed to mention that we are a hub for the cultural arts -- with a world-class art museum, two historic theatres, a fabulous Mission San Luis Rey, concerts in the park, Days of Art event with visual and performing artists and many other cultural events.
Developers have discovered Oceanside, and new hotels, office space, restaurants and retail are moving into the downtown area. These important aspects of the city will define us as an urban center differentiating us from all the other beach cities in Southern California.
I invite him to come to the Oceanside Museum of Art and see our new expansion and new show:"Masterpieces of San Diego Painting: Fifty Works from Fifty Years, 1900-1950." Visit the Web site at http://www.oma-online.org/calendar.html.
Carolyn Mickelson
chairwoman,
Oceanside Arts
Commission
It can happen to you in Mexico
When I was a young man and a college student at San Diego State 46 years ago, I thought those same words:"It won't happen to me while I'm on spring break in Mexico!" And, in fact, it never happened to me! However, it did happen to a college friend and his girlfriend. Yes, she was raped many times, he was beaten pretty bad, made to watch what was happening to her, and of course they were robbed. He claimed those who did it were Mexican police, but no investigation was done, and that was that.
In 1997, my stepson was beaten real bad by three off-duty Mexican police working as guards at a nightclub in TJ. We were told by attorneys on both sides of the border to thank our lucky stars he wasn't killed, that he was able to come home and just forget about it because (again) nothing would be done.
Mexico is 10 times more dangerous now than it was in 1997, and 100 times more dangerous than it was in 1962. Therefore, it's a good chance that it can happen to you on spring break in Mexico in 2008. Anyway, young people, good luck in Mexico! ?
Gary Myers
Oceanside
Foreclosure of a dream?
As we watch foreclosure rates rise, school budgets cut, hundreds of billions being spent on increasing and maintaining an empire we obviously can no longer afford, I watch as our president and Congress give away billions of dollars and allow American companies to outsource jobs and lay off American workers. Obviously, our president and Congress are more interested in giving away our money than investing it in the problems (no explanation needed) or the well-being of U.S. citizens. As people are losing their homes and jobs, I wonder when the bank-owned sign will be placed on the White House?
Steve Rytell
Vista
Meeting will show whom council represents
I wonder if Oceanside residents are aware that their City Council has adopted a vision plan to revitalize the Loma Alta Creekside area that runs parallel to Oceanside Boulevard to Buccaneer Beach. The plan, developed by groups of local citizens concerned about pollution and land use issues within the city, calls for a walking district along the creekside with cafes and tourist shopping -- not unlike Cedros Design District in Encinitas. Cedros, previously an industrial blighted zone, is now a pleasant place to visit.
On March 19, Oceanside City Council will decide whether to ignore the recommendation of the Oceanside Planning Commission not to site a huge concrete plant on the banks of Loma Alta Creek. One hopes the council will feel impelled to represent Oceanside's citizens rather than outsiders who want to use our natural advantages as a dumping ground for dirty industry that surrounding cities have sensibly rejected.
To help the City Council understand your views on this matter, you are invited to attend the council meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 in the City Council Chambers on Pier View Way. Let's attend to find out who exactly Oceanside City Council represents.
Beatrice Shushan
Oceanside
Brain-numb Republicans reluctant to change
Although I was born in New York City (Spanish Harlem), I lived in Cuba prior to WWII on my grandfather's sugar farm (a de facto U.S. corporation-controlled plantation). I have nice memories of attending the first and second grades (Spanish only) in a one-room schoolhouse with my tethered horse waiting outside to take me back home at midday. My grandfather was relatively rich, and everyone else was unbelievably poor. I loved my grandfather, and he spoiled me big-time.
During most of my adult life, the morons in our government would not allow me to visit Cuba. Today, the morons will allow me to freelance travel to Cuba, but I cannot spend any money for food, shelter and entertainment. How do I do that?
I've more than paid my dues as a lifelong productive American. However, I am surrounded by North County Republicans who keep electing look-alike conservative Republicans. ... I would appreciate it if my ... conservative, God-fearing neighbors would vote for getting the U.S. out of Iraq and lifting the Cuban economic embargo immediately. On the other hand, how do you get brain-numb Republicans to change their politics? State-mandated lobotomy?
Tony San Miguel
Vista
Evading the non-proliferation treaties
Having no access to printers shouldn't mean discrimination against no-tech seniors. The North County Times needs to publish the FBI's brave Sibel Edmonds' information: the Bush administration's cover-up request to Congress for permission to sell secret nuke technology to Turkey.
Also -- as supposedly the most religious, industrialized nation -- why have we by far the most-jailed population?
L. Bertrand Halsema
Oceanside
'Follies' was a musical step back in time
Over the weekend of Feb. 23 and 24, some 400 North County residents took a step back in time at the Madrid Manor Mobilehome Park. The journey was entirely musical, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the"Follies," showcasing the park's in-house talent. We enjoyed singing and dancing acts, humor and a skit called the"PUB." Rather hard to describe, but it would knock your hat in the creek. The director was Bruce Radder, producer Carol Oakley and masters of ceremonies Ted Kleiter and Leslie Varga. Also stepping in front of the floodlights were seasoned regulars Ruby Degner, Wanda Nickerson, Idabelle Hernandez, Susan Jauregui and pianist Jewel Tureville (direct from our San Marcos Senior Center). Add another 25 names to round out the entire cast.
The Madrid Manor Social Club can be justly proud of their performers and performances. The curtain came down on the"Battle Hymn of the Republic,""You're a Grand Old Flag" and"God Bless America," sung by the entire cast. A thoroughly delightful and satisfying evening to be sure. The dinner was catered by the 3 Sisters out of Vista. For next year's tickets, the line forms to the right.
Theodore Roosvall
San Marcos
Let's not have any more Vietnams
Gwynne Dyer makes his case for the idea that little will happen if the U.S. withdraws from Iraq ("The Middle East after Iraq, and Bush," March 2). One can hope for that outcome. But it seems naive to think a sudden power vacuum in such a currently volatile country will not result in a spasm of violence while the various factions struggle for control. Refugees (and perhaps the violence) would, as they have already, spill into neighboring countries.
Mr. Dyer blows his whole case when he asserts that there were"no wider consequences" to the U.S. withdrawal in Vietnam. As if the horrific events in the former South Vietnam weren't enough, it actually turned out that the much-mocked domino theory was right, and they fell right up to the border of Thailand. His memory could be refreshed by renting the movie"The Killing Fields."
I was no fan of the decision to invade Iraq. But we are there. I say"no more Vietnams," thinking of that movie and all the other horror following our decision to abandon the Vietnamese people.
John Howard
Fallbrook
Let's secede from U.S. to get restitution aid
We have a budget shortage. Well, so why cut from services and education? Why not cut some of the perks the administrators are getting, plus have a cut in their wages? Oh, no, say the legislators, we must make cuts.
Funny, we have schools that are not teaching students responsibility, respect, etc. Yes, that begins in the homes, but when you don't get it there, then what? Look at the schools now. Go to any middle or high school during lunch. The trash can be next to them, but the papers, etc., are thrown on the ground. Look at the restrooms -- graffiti all over.
Years ago, when Russia was a threat, we had a better type of education. Now we must pay our legislators and administrators more money plus perks, cars, homes, etc. Why? I think we should secede from the union, declare war on the United States, fire one shot and then surrender and get restitution aide. Just like in "The Mouse That Roared," with Peter Sellers.
Gordon Mirrett
Oceanside
Temecula needs open spaces
Granite Construction sent out a letter against the city of Temecula's proposal to annex the vacant lands south of the city line, up to the San Diego County line and west of the freeway up to the hills. They say the city's general plan shows "the proposed annexation area as neither a future growth area nor a planning area. Obviously, the city does not want growth in this area, as they are planning on keeping the area as open space."
This city needs all the open space possible to help keep the rural atmosphere and green hills intact. This particular land is the southern entrance to the city. Anyone who drives north on Interstate 15 can attest to how pretty those pristine hills are to the west and the lush golf course of the Temecula Creek Country Club to the east. This should be preserved by our city. The city should be permitted to annex this land and bring it under its protection.
Another statement from Granite's letter suggests that the city is trying to "... reach far across jurisdictional boundaries to stop a particular project (Liberty Quarry)." I think the city has the right to crossover whatever "boundaries" are necessary to protect its residents from any project that would in any way harm those residents. The city also has the right to a voice in how the lands they want to annex are used.
We need open spaces. Granite needs profits. Support annexation!
Cheryl Alkema
Temecula
Clinton lacking in abilities
We truly have become a nation of cowards. After six years of fear at the hands of the Bush administration, I was beginning to think that Americans had finally begun to face their fears of terrorists, anthrax, etc., and move on. Apparently this is not the case.
Clinton's recent ad about a 3 a.m. phone call managed to effectively play the "F" card in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island, proving once again that she is willing to do whatever it takes to attain her goals. For her, the ends always justify the means.
California displayed this same lack of character during the February primaries, and I have now come to realize that if Clinton gains the Democratic nomination, I will cast my vote for John McCain. McCain has real experience and Obama obviously follows the high moral ground with common sense, but there is no real evidence of Clinton's abilities other than her ambition. Shame on us.
Joe Kunkle
Murrieta
Canyon Lake should keep its hands off area
My family has owned acreage in Meadowbrook for five decades. I don't want my property to become part of Canyon Lake with their suburban rules and limitations. I want to keep animals and maintain a natural habitat on my acres. I don't want Canyon Lake taxation. I believe the city is fiscally stressed by many recent foreclosures and wants to annex Meadowbrook in order to stabilize its economy.
Personally, on some occasions, I have experienced disrespect and prejudice from Canyon Lake residents who feel their community is superior to the rest of the area. For years, some of them have shrugged us off with disdain as inconsequential neighbors. Yet, now they're in trouble financially and they want to use their influence and power to control us. They want our tax money to pay for their residents' poor financial decisions that are plaguing the city.
Finally, I believe that my tax dollars wouldn't gain me future access to their coveted gates any more than a friendly smile does today. I want no part of Canyon Lake and they can have no part of me or my property.
Nancy E. Gruttman-Tyler
Meadowbrook
Web Comments
Two women stabbed near Oceanside Pier
Readers respond to our March 7 story about authorities saying two women in their 20s were stabbed by a group of women Wednesday night as they walked near the Oceanside Pier. Police do not know if gangs were involved and the incident is under investigation.
Not right
Todd: This is so sad. I remember walking around the Pier back in the 60s and 70s ... not a thing to worry about. When are we going to stop worrying about liberties and rights and start protecting the public?
Where were you?
JohnBoy: Hey, Todd -- What pier were you walking around in the 70s? Certainly was not the Oceanside pier. Your fictional drama is overstating the situation, just so you can whine about too many rights and liberties (how bizarre is that, if you don't like rights and liberties you should move to China). I suspect you were not even in the area in the 70s. I was as a Marine and saw first hand what was considered one of 10 toughest cities in America. Yeah, it was bad. The strand had the highest crime rate in the city. Today it has the lowest. The cheapest place to live was the houses along the beach. Today they are the most expensive.
High priced dinner
Dave: Stabbing on a week night at 10 p.m. in front of the property where the fools of the city want to build a Westin Hotel. Right. What are they thinking? I know I can't wait for the restaurant to open there in the new timeshares so I can risk my life for a steak dinner.
Get serious
Time to beef it up: We need major police presence down by the Pier, it has always been a place for wrong do-ers to hang out. Mayor Woods needs to expand the task force down there. We don't need these sorts of crimes down there.
North County agencies combine to fight gangs
Readers respond to our March 7 story about how North County gang members may find it harder to hide thanks to an almost $1 million federal grant that for the next year will send authorities from six cities on targeted anti-gang sweeps involving up to 70 officers, deputies, parole officers and detectives.
Mobile gangs
Thank you Sprinter!: Now the gangsters can travel from city to city under thirty minutes! :) Might be a good idea to have some of these officers assisting the sprinter cops.
What a mess
Stop Graffiti: Graffiti from gang members is spreading like cancer to all parts of Escondido. Where are they getting the spray paint and how can this be stopped? I live on the west side of town and it's getting worse here by the day. Maybe the injunction should be city wide.
No stopping
Another waste of $$: You cannot stop gangs. You might be able to contain them, but you cannot stop them. They are deeply rooted in some cultures. We have been throwing taxpayer money at this problem for a long, long time and the gangs only expand. But I guess we're supposed to enthusiastically support each effort, because it provides a few more inept gov employees with paychecks.
Keep going
Drew: Gang intervention is not a waste of money. We have successfully put quite a few gang members away in Murrieta. We have a small gang problem and we are keeping it small by aggressively preventing these guys from getting a foot hold.
Great job!
Real solutions
Political Cow: Crime is already down in Oceanside, what, 30 percent? The cops are having less to do and yet getting more money for enforcement during budget cuts and decreases in crime? If this wasn't a political cow, the money would be going to where the need is -- into the kids, to provide real alternatives to any life of crime, gang or non-gang. I support law enforcement and I think our cops are doing a great job, but I also think that we need to address the real issues.
Sprinter project fined $685K for pollution
Readers respond to our March 7 story about North County's Sprinter light rail project being fined $685,000 for polluting Buena Vista Lagoon, Loma Alta Creek and Lake San Marcos with sediment that environmental groups say could kill the waterways.
Small raise
Guys: You know the Sprinter fares that were posted yesterday? They might have to go up just a tad.
Cleaning up
Jason: Let's see, they get fined -- so what? The money to run the Sprinter is state and federal so where does the money go? It goes back to the Iraq war. I think we should round up these environmentalists and send them over to clean up Iraq. They should take Hillary with them.
Gov versus gov
Stop the nonsense: Government agencies can sue each other for our tax money. This is crazy. If there is a problem you fire those that are responsible, you don't sue then they can do it again and be sued again. When is the public going to wake up and let these clowns know who they really work for?
Pass it on
Henri: My, my, that fine would purchase three new buses. Somebody needs to get canned over this. But you know what they say. Stuff rolls downhill. I guess you get to be executive director as long as you can keep passing the buck.
Sued for what?
Jon: I'm confused -- are they being fined for actually causing pollution or not doing enough to prevent pollution? I hope they don't fine me for not doing enough to prevent pollution ...
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White Rabbit wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:03 PM:Nick, the majority of Americans did not vote for Bush the first time in 2000. He lost the popular vote 50,999,897 to 50,456,002. Won big in 2004, for sure. Fair and square, too. The Dems have been a little weak on the message front for a while now. Trying to cobble something together for November. It's hard always being anti-something the other side is doing. I would not be devastated if McCain wins, seems like a decent enough fellow. Like he said himself the other day, he's a liberal, uh, make that conservative Republican.
SOLON ... wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:42 PM:… John McCain is a venerable old statesmen, the GOP contends. Ok, so let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. McCain does not intentionally lie. It’s just that his memory is fading.
Do you remember in the 2004 election when it was widely rumored that John Kerry approached McCain to be his running mate? McCain, when asked back then, unequivocally DENIED Kerry had approached him. McCain’s denial is recorded in the news archives everywhere, both in print and on video.
Then last week a jocular student asked McCain why he had turned Kerry down, and McCain laughed, replying he turned Kerry down because he regarded himself as a dedicated conservative.
Then come this week, while onboard McCain’s airplane, reporter Elizabeth Bumiller asked McCain why he changed his story. First McCain said Kerry never approached him, then he freely admitted to the student that Kerry had approached him.
McCain flew off the handle at the reporter, declaring he had never denied the story. Conclusion: McCain’s memory is failing him. Never underestimate the capacity of politicians and bureaucrats to trap themselves into a pattern of denial.
Nick wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:52 PM:Well "White Rabbit", I guess you could call me a "Liberal Republican"...lol. Although I don't think I have heard anyone called a "Conservative Democrat".
I have stated this before, I am:
1-Pro-choice.
2-Totally cool with gay marriage and rights for gays.
3-Want us out of Iraq, but I'm all for killing terrorists wherever we find them(that includes COWARDLY suicide bombers and their supporters).
4-I am tired of being taxed to death to support EVERY ONE ELSE, including Illegals and their offspring that ARE ABUSING the 14th Amendment. Why don't I get $500.00 a month for each of my kids until they are 18?
5-Don't Screw With My Right To Bear Arms!
What do you think?
Oh yeah, I'm sick of paying the highest workers comp in the Country for my employess. If your reading this Arnold, YOU SUCK! Remember those promises you made us about workers comp? Calls himself a Republican, but he knows he's a Kennedy-Democrat.
Cheers, Nick.
A nation of criminals - wrote on Mar 8, 2008 10:57 PM: --- Bertrand Halesma in his letter today asks why have we by far he most-jailed population? It’s simple, Bertrand. We are a violent, warfaring society of criminals, where the people distrust their corrupt government.
SOLON ... wrote on Mar 8, 2008 11:48 PM:… White Rabbit (10:03 PM) is like most uninformed American voters, who vote not on hard research and information, but on a feeling that a candidate “seems like a decent fellow.”
Well McCain has a record -- a criminal record. Just Google three words and you will uncover McCain’s record. The three words are McCAIN KEATING FIVE. Read the archives for half an hour and you will find out McCain is not a decent fellow. There are many other facets to this slick, vacillating politician that are also highly objectionable. Either he lies a lot, or his memory fails him a lot. Not quite as bad as Alberto Gonzales, I grant you that.
Right cause-wrong party wrote on Mar 9, 2008 12:26 AM:Tony San Miguel is correct in his frustration with mainland Cuba. But he blames the republicans in North County! Tony, I believe JFK first embargoed Cuba and every President since has upheld it. As a North County Republican, you have my permission to go to Cuba and spend anything you want there. Even, considering relocating there.
Alice wrote on Mar 9, 2008 4:32 AM:John McCain is trying to run his campaign on who he is, but sound-byte politics don't make it easy. He has my vote so far but I have him on a short leash. My absentee ballot will be filled out in pencil until the last minute. I'm too old to trust anyone, especially a politician.
Expat Doug wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:42 AM:I'm still laughing at Alan's post yesterday. He seems to think he is some Think Tank Member, even though his interpretation of the Constitution is way off base, and his knowledge of international politics and geography is equally lacking.
Alan, when I mentioned I was residing in the Republic of China, you asked if I had voted recently. Well, yes, my silly misinformed friend, I have. I voted in the California primary. You may have missed out on the fact that Absentee Voting isn't dependent upon where you are when you cast the vote.
Off course, your comment about voting was pointed at Chinese nationals. But, Alan, you ignorance shows once again, because the people in the Republic of China will vote for President in a few short weeks.
You see, Alan, your novice knowledge of geo-politics proves that you do not know the difference between the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of China.
Because I value the importance of educating the ignorant, Alan, let me inform you that the Republic of China is more commonly known as Taiwan, and is a thriving democracy...of course, you confusion is understandable...folks like you usally like to categorize people who live in this region as Asians, because you are not socially sophisticated enough to differentiate betweeen Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, et.al.
Hopefully this helps, Alan
Chuck wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:47 AM: >>Chuck’s has bared his soul (6:30 PM). He condones torture>> I also condone jamming a catheter into their brainstems and slowly draining the contents down the toilet, as Hillary's partial birth abortion doctors have assured her the method is painless and 100% effective
Ron wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:14 AM:Did I hear Joseph Grant right? Is he attacking John McCain for his position on tax cuts? What the heck does this guy, or anyone for that matter, have against keeping more of your hard earned money?
If you were single, made $27,050 a year, under Clinton your maginal tax rate was: 28%. Under Bush: it's 15%.
That's a 10% in anybody's book. That's huge! Let's say your a single Mom, and your annual income is $36,250 a year. Under Clinton's Head of Household marginal rates, you'd pay: 28%. Under Bush: 15%. Again, that is huge! Or say, your a dual income family that's makes $45,200 a year. Under Clinton, you paid a 28% marginal rate. Under Bush: 15%.
That my friend is a 13% drop in marginal rates in anybody's book.
So, what are the lib's complaining about, when they say, these are tax breaks for the Rich? Well, if you made $109,250 as a couple, under Clinton your marginal rate was 31%. Under Bush: 25%. That is a tax break of 6%. Half of those in the lower brackets. What if your mega-rich? Under Clinton, the tax rate was 39.6%, under Bush: 35%. That's a 4.5% tax break. That's what they are screaming about folks, 4.5%.
Did I mention Bush doubled the child tax credit to $1,000? You gotta be careful whenever you hear these people talking about "tax cuts for the Rich", cause they don't know what the heck they are talking about. Either that, or they just don't believe they deserve to keep more of their hard earned money. And that is wholly un-American, ask the guy's who threw Tea into the Boston Harbor. They believed 1% was too high.
Man, have times changed.
Ron wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:42 AM:I do believe we have a winner, Johnnie! Virginia Mesna come on down! And pick from our vast array of prizes!
Let's see what you have won for the Democrats in Congress....
$18B in new taxes on oil. Wow! That's a real doozy! Wow! What effect do you think that'll have on your pocketbook, Virginia? When you consider that Petrochemicals include items such as: Plastic; Asphalt; Diesel fuel; Fuel oils; Gasoline; Kerosene; Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); Lubricating oils;
Paraffin wax; and Tar. Just to name a few. Yeah, Virginia, that's a lot of cold hard cash!
Yes... Yes... you have correctly perceived these Democrat politicians have found a new way to tax the poor public.
Oh, but wait!
They have given us mandates! They are going to force us to use ethanol, so Big Ag can get their corporate welfare, and raise the price of food, on poor people. Once again, we've struck Gold!
ADM who will receive the vast majority of this welfare. What's in this, for them? Well, lot's!!! Lot's MORE!! At least 43 percent of ADM's annual profits are from products heavily subsidized or protected by the American government, before ethanol. Every $1 of profits earned by ADM's corn sweetener operation costs consumers $10, in government tax breaks & corporate Welfare. It is expected, by experts in ethanol, that every $1 of profits earned by its ethanol operation will cost taxpayers $30.
Oh, I'm sorry Virginia... I did say you had won a "vast array of prizes!"
As it turns out, we only have two prizes. Higher prices on everything, and higher taxes on you. But, thank you for paying, Spin the Democrat.
Nick wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:59 AM:To "SOLON": I did not know that, so I will check it out. The last part of your 11:48PM post could describe 100's of Politicians. They describe Hillary to a tee. She might not have ever been convicted of lying, but I think your smart enough to know she has lied plenty of times. Persoanlly, I am not impressed with the choices from either Party. I have said it before, if these are the best Candidates we can rustle up, we really are in a sad state of affairs. It shouldn't be about who can raise the most money and have the slickest commercials and advertising. It shouldn't be about delegates. It shouldn't be about which Party your from to see "which ballot" you get. It should be the best people for the job. You should be able to walk into a polling station and all those running fof Office should be on it. A President nominated and elected by the Majority of the people.
Cheers, Nick.
SOURCES PLEASE wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:02 AM:-
Ron cites tax rates under Clinton and Bush.
In the past he has been caught many times with inaccuracies about facts he claimed.
Tax rates changed under both Clinton and Bush, also the rates applied in layers not to the whole income so we can already see some of Ron's statements are not true.
We need to verify the so-called facts.
What is the source for the tax rates?
Which tax years are you referring to during each presidency?
Ron wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:03 AM:I hear ya Howard Sharpell. Especially since our choices are: McCain, Obama and Clinton.
We might as well put out the WELCOME sign. We can forget about securing the border, or employee verification,
deporting the criminal illegals.
Instead, less than 100 yards after they cross, will be more signs:
"Work/All Documents accepted." this direction. "Please go to the end of the line. Thank you for you cooperation."
Nick wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:06 AM:Last time I checked "Tony San Miguel", A Democrat enacted the Embargo and it has been upheld ever since. That means both Republicans and Democrats voted to uphold. Don't blame a party, blame Castro. Remember Castro, he was the guy who took all the firearms away from the Cuban people. You know, registered all the firearms and only the "rich" like your grandfather were allowed to have them. Then later on they came knocking on their doors and took those too. I'm sure you know what happened to those who didn't turn over their firearms. The rest, as they say, is history!
White Rabbit wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:17 AM:I knew that was coming, SOLON. A true act of heresy to say anything respectful about a Republican. But, I suppose everyone who doesn’t follow your lead is an uninformed voter. I didn’t say I was going to vote for McCain, but he’s by far the least objectionable the other side put up. By the way, I watched the entire Ethics Committee hearing on the Keating scandal on C-SPAN. What would YOU like to know about it? McCain’s hardly a criminal. You’re starting to sound a little like Ken Starr, but that’s the Obama campaign’s theme of the week so you’re just following your orders.
White Rabbit wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:48 AM:Nick,I agree with your five points and then some, I'd bet. Although, I think there are a few folks out there who shouldn't have the right to bear arms. And after the past few days I'm starting to get a little tired of whiney liberals myself. Maybe we should start our own party. I'm off to the links. See you all next week.
Nick wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:49 AM:Well "SOLON", John McCain "does not" have a "criminal record". He was "not" found "guilty" of anything. Sounds a lot like The Clinton's. Speaking of The Clinton's, when is Hillary going to reveal her IRS stuff for all to see? 5 Million dollars of her "own" money to her campaign. How about she show us and make sure it's all "her" money. I guess she is waiting until after the Presidential election. How abut all the records of Hillary's when she was First Lady that have been requested numerous times under the Freedom of Information Act that hubby Bill had hidden? When do we get to see those? Just wondering.
Ron wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:59 AM:Good points to consider by John Donohue, and Defending yourself.
Many times, we all witness a mass shooting, and are shocked, how could this have happened? Typical response from people of a normal, well-balanced frame of reference. The people who commit these types of crimes are not, balanced. And that's really the point here, they are sick people. A normal question would be to ask, how could we have prevented this? The reactionary's tend to go to the extreme, and want to ban or super strictly regulate, and already highly regulated industry.
Within a free society, we will always have those sick, and un-balanced individuals who will use their personal freedom to hard others. That's part of the nature of a free society. While most of us would not choose to dothese things, the thief still steals, the drug dealer still sells, and the murderer still murders. It's a cost of being free, and allowing people to choose for themselves how they will use that freedom. It's kind of like those folks who want to ban abortion for all reasons. In some cases, it is necessary for the life of the Mother to survive.
But left wing reactionary's would choose to abort all guns rights, in order to save a small number who are actually killed by these mass shootings. They are, in fact, rare events. In the balancing of rights of individuals, it's not always easy. But it certainly is not as easy as to totally remove rights from some, just because you hate what the few will do with them.
Ron wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:13 AM:Well, said.. Clayton Anderson.
"A diplomatic peace is not yet the real peace."
Before these Neville Chamberlain types start shouting: "Peace for our time."
They might just want to check out the fine print in this new Munich Agreement between Iraq & Iran, and see if we are again conseding another Czechoslovakia? And how soon the new Nazi Army will complete it's occupation of the new Sudetenland? just saying...
White Rabbit wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:16 AM:Before I go, don't believe SOLON about McCain, Nick. What McCain did was not criminal. It's what politicians do, almost their job description. Read it for yourself, though, and let us know what you think.
Ron wrote on Mar 9, 2008 10:46 AM:I'm beginning to see a very troubling trend from far left people like Margaret McCown Liles. It is this connection between "the environment"
and limiting the number of children parent's decide to have.
We've been down this road before, it is a repeat of an old Malthusian catastrophe theory. Voiced again back by The Population Bomb (1968), author Paul R. Ehrlich predicted disaster for humanity due to overpopulation, and predicted that in the 1970s and 1980s hundreds of millions of people would starve to death, and that nothing could be done to avoid mass famine greater than any in the history. His Solution? Radical action was needed to limit the overpopulation. This is worrisome, as Paul Ehrlich theories have been accused of being nothing short of misanthropy.
And this re-play of the same old tired theories leads me to believe that many in the enviromentalist movement, not all, but many, have this general dislike, distrust, or hatred of the human species. And now, that they feel it is affecting their environment, their emotional fear is beginning to overtake their logic. Ehrlich's theories were as wrong as the day is long, but it has become a small silver in the American bloodstream, where from time to time, we see it raise it's ugly head again. My fear is this leftist influence from environmental movement is beginning to have repercussions in areas where they first claimed were no body's business, the right of pro-creation. Or not to pro-create. Margaret Liles obviously feels that you should not be allowed to have more than two children. And she cites this environmentalist baloney to do it. More than any carbon tax, or smaller car, or mercury filled lightbulb, this get's down to the numb of many in this extremist group of enviromentalists. I've heard one group say, they believe humans to be a virus on the Earth. A Virus that's spread needs to be stopped. Sound's pretty close, in my book.
sdraoul wrote on Mar 9, 2008 11:33 AM:Seems no one noticed that a Democrat wiped out a Republican yesterday in a solid 2-1 Republican district.
Oberweiss is the failed politician who advocates arrest and deportation of every single illegal alien; arrest and closing of businesses if they hire illegal aliens. He also advocates illegal searches of every house and demands papers of all Hispanics.
He was running in a 2-1 Republican district that has never elected a Democrat.
Oberweiss joins discarded tough-on-illegal aliens Republicans like Tancredo, Huckabee, Romney, Duncan Hunter and Ron Paul.
Sitting on the sidelines is Brian Bilbray who took a real hit yesterday as he did when he betrayed his friendship with John McCain by his personal disloyalty against McCain in favor of the worst possible Republican candidate in modern history, Romney.
Republican voters, real Republican voters, have discarded these Know-Nothing David Duke-like candidates throughout the Presidential primaries and now at the Congressional level. It was Republicans who voted against Oberweiss for a Democrat has never, never won in that Illinois district until one advocated Gestapo-like tactics against Hispanics like some on this board advocate every day..
The words of the national Republican anthem come to mind here: “Mine eyes have seen the Glory of the coming of the Lord...His truth is marching on...His day is marching on."
hardtack wrote on Mar 9, 2008 11:33 AM:Joseph Grant seems to be “a few cards short” himself. As regards McCain: someone should tell Joe that it depends on what your definition of “knowing” is and what your definition of “torture” is. Changing his mind on the tax cuts should be a plus for McCain since it was perhaps the only thing Bush did right in his two terms. As regards Ralph Nader: someone should tell Joe that Nader is not a GOP candidate. As regards Huckabee: someone should tell Joe that he has to come up with a more incriminating epithet than “creationist” – Albert Einstein expressed belief in a supreme creator. As regards Ron Paul: someone should tell Joe that “wiping out” the DOE does not mean the elimination of education in America; and “wiping out” the IRS does not mean the elimination of The Department of the Treasury, nor taxes; and suggesting we keep our unsolicited military nose out of foreign affairs does not mean “wiping out” the Department of Defense.”
SOLON ... wrote on Mar 9, 2008 11:34 AM:… PASSING TAXES ON -- Yes, Virginia, there is no Santa Claus. In her letter today Virginia Mesna rightly points out that under our current system of government of no regulation, if Congress raises taxes on the big oil corporations, they will be free to raise the prices even higher to maintain their extortionist prices for gas. Reminder: Exxon in the last quarter had an all-time record profit for any corporation in American history -- $11 billion. This at a time when other sectors and businesses are seeing falling earnings in a recession. Congress must start regulating energy corporations, and forget new taxes. If the economy sinks into a depression or super crisis, we may even have to nationalize Exxon temporarily to prevent further extortion. Bring in some new outside executive expert in the industry who will invest Exxon’s excess profits in alternative energy sources and wean themselves from filthy fossil fuels. Plan for the future instead of profiteering for overpaid CEO’s.
TFB wrote on Mar 9, 2008 12:41 PM:-
Ron first of all misses what seems to be the main point of Margaret McCown Liles's lettr, that birth control reduces abortions, and then simply dismisses the very serious threat of environmental damage based on overpopulation.
He flippantly mocks the very serious work of Malthus and Ehrlic on population.
In fact, the "geometric" progression of population predicted by Malthus and the ensuing environmental damage seconded by Ehrlich have been horrendous. The only reason there has not been more death by famine is due to efficiencies of production which have kept pace to balance the perceptions of environmental destruction in the most developed countries, but the fact is that the damage has been occurring and in many parts of the world there have been massive die offs (of humans, not to mention animals) from famine and changes in the climate and environment. Often those who suffer the most are those who contribute the least to the problem.
The fact is the planet is being overrun by overpopulation. We are being swamped with traffic, trash and tragedy.
This is happening now.
But Ron is like the crab ready to be boiled in a pot of (initially) cold water. Turn the heat up gradually enough and he just thinks its a hot tub until its not just his goose that gets cooked.
Its getting warmer, Ronnie.
SUDETENLAND wrote on Mar 9, 2008 1:02 PM:-
Ron at 1)13 warns us about the Nazis occupying Sudetenland.
They're already there in this go-around.
The Nazis are occupying the New Sudenland -- you know, that little patch of fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers -- used to be a land of milk and honey but now the main thing that flows is oil?
GFN wrote on Mar 9, 2008 1:20 PM:Ron, your 9:59 is great. I am not pro-guns but I have become more tolerant of those who are. I have even considered obtaining one...just in case. But many who think that having a weapon on them will stop public violence are wrong. Even in the old West, citizens were not allowed to pack a pistol in town. These instances are sad, but the cost-benefit is not worth losing our freedoms...either way.
Chris to Nick wrote on Mar 9, 2008 1:26 PM:Your last blog for yesterday is typical. You ask me to state something that ALL Republicans do yet you state that the dem's (all) whine. You sate that all I do is whine. I realize that you conservatives are not used to being able to differenciate things. So when I come out here and state facts that you don't want to hear you concider that a whining. Stating facts is not my defenition of whining. Whining is what you do when you complain that we Liberals blame the Republicans for some disaterous thing that they did. So complaining about a disasterous thing that the Repblicans accualy did to you is whining. What rot. As for me not haveing an educated discussion with anyone just shows you disengenuousness. What about all those discussions I have had concerning the history of the U.S. I am familiar with you conservatives just glossing over your disengenuousness and launching charges that are patenly false against those who bring out facts that you cannot refute.
Chuck wrote on Mar 9, 2008 1:27 PM:The news is reporting that Senators are asking the GAO to audit Iraq's billions of dollars in oil revenue. If I get this right, first, the liberals stopped Bush from spying on terrorists and now they want to send bean counters to monitor Iraqi oil? Gee, how useful
Chuck wrote on Mar 9, 2008 2:02 PM:The news is reporting that Iranian reformers decry Ahmadinejad's nuclear rhetoric. I wish the liberals would be do the same, instead of decrying Iraninan reformers and supporting Ahmadinijad
Chuck wrote on Mar 9, 2008 2:09 PM:>>>If the economy sinks into a depression or super crisis, we may even have to nationalize Exxon temporarily to prevent further extortion.>>> Your precious govt makes more off of oil than Exxon. Maybe instead of nationalizing those dirty evil corporations, try going into massive drilling mode and flood the world with oil
3D wrote on Mar 9, 2008 4:08 PM:Hardtack at 11:33 a.m. notes that Ralph Nader is not a Republican.
This is true, but the letter from Joseph Grant never said that - only the headline which is made up by the NCT staff, so the criticism should be correctly directed.
Hardtack mentions Huckabee as a creationist then segues into a reference to Einstein's belief in a supreme creator, as if to equate the two.
Many scientists have faith in a general higher power or even very specific religious beliefs. But true scientists understand that faith and science are completely separate realms of human experience.
In the Bible, faith is defined as believing in that which is NOT SEEN (Hebrews 11:1). Yet the essence of science is seeing, under specific, objective protocols of OBSERVATION - the exact opposite! Now it may or may not be true that there is truth beyond what is quantifiably observable, but the fact remains that faith and science are simply different dimension.
You may be able to find specific expression of faith by Einstein, but you will not find any instance where he taught religion as part of his physics classes at Princeton.
DRUID wrote on Mar 9, 2008 4:58 PM:Chuck wrote on Mar 9, 2008 1:27 PM Liberals are not preventing Bush from spying on terrorists. He just has to do it according to the FISA law. Not only should the US audit the Iraqi oil but also audit all the American companies with contracts operating in Iraq. Why flood the world with oil we don't have. Chuckie, we are already in the Middle East. Lets just ... take their oil. Your buddy esteban would be all for that>
DRUID wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:00 PM:Chuck wrote on Mar 9, 2008 2:02 PM Typical lie from Chuckie.
itsmoi wrote on Mar 9, 2008 5:53 PM:Regarding danger in Mexico: Yes, I've witnessed and heard countless horror stories in Mexico. The water has been bad as long as I can remember (45 years).
Alan wrote on Mar 9, 2008 7:16 PM:to sdraoul.....You are not telling the truth AGAIN. Hispanics are not targeted by the bloggers, illegal immigrants are. Yes, there are a few who leak over into racial overtones, but everyone with a brain knows the real target is illegal immigration and its baggage. Your reference to the Gestapo is another Pro-illegal mantra, completely and rudely misapplied. There is NO ethnic or religious persecution going on here, it is anger and frustration at peoples actions, selfishness, skirting of our laws and cutting in line to get into this country. America will lose its cultural diversity if methods are not found to support legal immigration or guest worker programs from ALL nations. Why do we owe all these potential opportunities to such a small segment of cultures wanting to come here? American citizens are tired of being told, by those who violate our immigration laws, to ignore our own laws to make them feel better. You are SO wrong about this.
Alan has excuses not reasons wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:43 PM:Anyone who claims their central issue with illegal immigrants is "violation of our laws" is using law as an excuse.
If "law" was so important, there would be no U.S. Nationals who cheat on their taxes, run red lights, throw cigarette butts out of the car...all these are violations of law, but suddenly the sanctity of law doesn't matter.
Even though it is repulsive, I think I would have more respect for a racist who is intellectually honest enough to plainly state his reason for hatred, instead of offering a shallow excuse, like "its the law".
Alan wrote on Mar 9, 2008 8:44 PM:Whoa Expat Doug........What is your problem? YOU said "....my current residence in the Republic of China is refreshing". So, truthfully, you are VISITING ROC and RESIDE in California. How clever of you to mislead us of your residence. Your ego demanded that you dangle the "I live in Asia" thing. Nobody asked you, nor do I care. Don't contrive information, tell me where my understanding of the Constitution is WRONG. Only use copy/paste from my blogs, not your own words. These readers don't need your interpretation, just the facts as they are. If you're only interested in the kind of garbage that you posted earlier today, I have no reason to continue at all.
hardtack wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:08 PM:3D, what you say (Mar 9, 4:08 PM) is true. I stand corrected on the “slug line” (possibly) belonging to the NCT and not to the writer. I’ve had the same thing happen to me. Also, I have had the NCT publish my slug line, verbatim. At the same time, I have to wonder why Joe Grant lumps Ralph Nader in with three Republicans. As regards Grant’s labeling Huckabee a “creationist:” In my opinion, that has no more relevance than if he had labeled him a “liberal.” I honestly don’t know with certainty what either of those words mean these days. My only point in that regard was: To label a person “creationist” does not, necessarily, place him in inferior company – as some may rush to conclude.
SOLON ... wrote on Mar 9, 2008 9:51 PM: … Letter writer Clayton Anderson alludes to the historic visit of Iran’s president Ahmadinejad to Iraq. Is this a sign of diplomacy and cooperation breaking out in the Middle East? It is indeed remarkable that the Iraqi government afforded him a warm, red carpet treatment, considering that one generation ago the two countries devastated each other in an eight year war.
In comparison, a visit from President Bush must be unannounced, undercover of dark, with massive military protection with no public visibility. Perhaps a generation from now Iraq will be see fit to welcome a U.S. president with a red carpet reception. I think we will have to get out first, however. How I dream of the day when a US president can travel abroad, stand before a crowd of half a million, pronounce “Ich bin ein Berliner” and receive thunderous applause. I have HOPE. I have HOPE before I die.
Submitted08mar11:20pm Re-submitted10:39am Re-submitted 8:51pm
Nick wrote on Mar 9, 2008 11:20 PM:Sounds like whining to me "Chris". Dude, can you come up with something new to replace "what rot"? You played out that phrase months ago. Bro, I'm not going to point out the numerous grammatical errors in your post, but "disengenuousness" isn't a word and you threw it out there twice. If your going to step to me, at least be half way literate about it. And for the record, I don't EVER use spell check!
Ron wrote on Mar 10, 2008 6:30 AM:I just heard that big lug say it again!
And the number just keeps gettin bigger. Back in 2000, Bill Clinton said the United States would pay off $216 billion in debt, bringing to $355 billion the amount of the nation's debt paid down in the three years.
And just yesterday, I heard the guy say it again! That he paid off $500 billion in debt. Now, I know this confuses some people, and some people love to use the terminology to confuse. Or maybe your just not numbers oriented, and your eyes glaze over. But this is important, so let's go back to what he said: QUOTE:
"{the US} would pay off $216 billion in debt {in 2000}, bringing to $355 billion the amount of the nation's debt paid down in the three years."
The total is $355 billion, including the $216 supposedly paid in 2000. It's not $216 + $355 billion = $571 billion.
But you see how this guy just keeps lying about this. And it just keeps gett'n bigger.
Second, go look at the Clinton years, of these so-called surpluses & debt payments. In NO year was a payment made to pay down the debt, NOT ONE!
As of 9/30/1993; the National Debt stood at: $4,411,488,883,139.38
By 9/30/1996; it was: $5,224,810,939,135.73.
Now the following ARE the so-called surplus years:
9/30/1998: $5,526,193,008,897.62.
9/30/1999: $5,656,270,901,615.43.
9/29/2000: $5,674,178,209,886.86.
And remember the mantra?
Bush inherited a "surplus?" That's baloney too!
9/28/2001: $5,807,463,412,200.06.
In each year, the debt went up, NOT DOWN!
Now, I'll grant you, in all of Bush's years the debt has accelerated, so he's got no soft place in my heart.
But keep in mind, he set out to grow this Government just like a Democrat, except he did it without tax increases.
The size & scope of this Central Government has grown even more under Bush, and what is the general complaint by Democrats? He did grow social welfare programs large enough! Perhaps the Democrat idea was to further increase the taxes in order to afford them. But, under Bill Clinton we didn't do that, he massively taxed in 93', but in the latter years, he borrowed.
Alan wrote on Mar 10, 2008 7:42 AM:To.."Alan has excuses not reasons"..That is the most childish response to facts I have ever read. Purely PRO ILLEGAL diatribe and mantras. I, too, am bothered by those who "roll" Stop signs, vehicles with trailers that exceed 55mph, and those who throw their Cigarette butts on the deck. All of these should and do receive just citations. So should those who violate our immigration laws, defraud our tax system, use stolen or fraudulent ID's, drive without licenses and/or insurance, and TAKE OPPORTUNITIES FROM OTHERS CITIZENS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES because of self-serving, self-qualifying actions. Some Border Hospitals have 70% undocumented mothers giving birth on our "dime". WIC costs, Education costs, etcetera. Do all these comprise my central issues with illegal immigration? YOU BET. How much more intellectually honest can someone be? We complain about "those who violate our laws" and WE are the ones making excuses? No, I don't want any swampland but thanks for asking.
Nick wrote on Mar 10, 2008 9:42 AM:Don't sweat people like that "Alan". Since they don't have a leg to stand on, they like to throw the race card at anyone who is againsg ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. Apparently they are not bright enough to distinguish the difference between LEGAL & ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. Take "SD RAOUL" for example, he always says I "hate" Mexicans because I want our laws enforced and those in this Country Illegally deported and moved to the back of the line. It's funny because I lived with a girl from Hermosillo for years and stayed with her family for weeks at a time there and speak the language fluently. Yep, I guess that makes me a Mexican hater...LOL. That just goes to show you the ignorance and length that the Pro-Illegal crowd will go to.
Cheers, Nick.
DD Wiz wrote on Mar 10, 2008 9:47 AM: The post from "Ron" (6:30am) shows he is up to his old Republican fuzzy math again.
We have been through this before, but he just keeps repeating himself.
Previous I have cited the OFFICIAL BUDGET OF THE UNITED STATES from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) showing the revenue and expenses for all items, both on and off budget. The OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITE, again, is:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2008/hist.html
Sorry, "Ron," those are the budget figures and they do show the SURPLUSES during the Clinton years, including the SURPLUS Clinton left to Bush.
"Ron" previously responded by citing a different budget page, from the U.S. Treasury, showing the amount of total indebtedness.
I do note that he did not see fit to include it again, but doesn't matter.
THIS IS A TREASURY SITE, NOT A BUDGET SITE.
In the explanatory notes right on that web page, it says how it is calculated.
It is including the total amount of all notes at FACE VALUE, not the net present value which is the amount actually owed. In most cases they are owed toward future years, and in most cases will be redeemed early at a lower value.
It would be kind of like taking the entire amount of the scheduled payments on my home loan, adding up the total of all those payments, and saying that is how much I owe on my home.
But if I call the bank and ask for a payoff balance (either because I won the lottery or am just going to refinance or otherwise restructure the debt), that is not how much I actually owe.
The amount I owe is the current principal balance.
Again, the Treasury web site "Ron" previously provided clearly explains this.
I don't know whether conservatives are really incapable of understanding this, or if it is intentional deception, but you can see why they leave such a destructive legacy of fiscal irresponsibility if they use anything like "Ron's" approach to fiscal reporting.
And again, even if you conclude that OMB and Treasury are contradictory (they're not, since they are not measuring the same thing) then "Ron" needs to justify why he felt compelled to come up with an alternative site that contradicts the OFFICIAL BUDGET.
Health Care wrote on Mar 10, 2008 10:14 AM:In addition to the millions of Americans who don't have health care, an estimated 37% of those who do have inadequate care, or care they cannot use for various reasons. Medical bills are the #1 reason that people declater bankruptcy. Most of us are one medical crisis away from drastically reduced financial status. In the US, nearly one third of our health care dollar pays for insurance and provider bureaucracies, compared to about 17% in countries who have "socialized" medicine. The people w