sdraoul wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:07 PM:North County is one of the most affluent and educated suburban areas in the entire country. Despite these two attributes, it is packed with Kool Aid drinkers of the most obscene politcal standards known to mankind.

We have one North county denizen's letter accusing the Republicans of smearing Barack Obama for his 20 year association with a white-hating black "pastor" who, by the way, didn't grow up in the Jim Crow segregationist South.

In fact, he grew up in Germantown, an exclusive suburb of Philadelphia, the son of a successful, prosperous black clergyman in a roomy, expense suburban house, a million miles from Selma. Alabama.

My many years of political experience has exposed me to many people like "Pastor" Jeremiah Wright, haters, losers of whiny sorts.

To that long list of losers I have observed, I add "Pastor" Wright and his "Black Liberation Theology" the practitioners of which hate because they are jealous and usually unaccomplished and always non-white.

My view is extended to Hispanic con men and whiners, as well. I am an equal opportunity observer of fraud and hate. I see it in "Black Liberation Theology," in "Liberation Theology" of Marxist Catholic Priests in the 70s and 80s in Central and South America and I see it in con man Obama.

Obama manipulates guilty whites like these letter writers in North County and for it he will flame out, if he hasn't already.

Apollo wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:24 PM:Re: SDRaoul (10:07 p.m.)
SDRaoul makes candidate predictions about flaiming out.
Would this include geriatric white men who make multiple admissions about not understanding economics and needing to be "educated" about it (despite reading Greenspan's book), or having to be corrected by one-time Democratic turncoats for repeatedly being unable to tell the difference between Iran, Iraq and Al Qaeda (supposedly his strongest issue), and then blaming it on a "senior moment"?
Are McCain's own people using the term "senior moment"? Seriously?
There's flames all right. Sizzling!

McCAIN’S Pastor . wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:38 AM:- Sdraoul is wildly prejudicial. Senator Obama has publicly, on many occasions, both rejected and denounced those few radical statements of his pastor. But sdraoul accepts McCain’s public approbation of the far more radical reverend John Hagee, who preaches anti-American ideology. Last weekend we found out that McCain approached Hagee and actively sought out his endorsement. Senator Obama, on the other hand, never sought the endorsement of Rev. Wright, either directly or indirectly. Obama is an independent thinker, not a blind follower. Republicans, like McCain, Gov. Romney, on the other hand, cannot disassociate themselves from radical ideological preachments. They sell out their own soul for political opportunism. Not so with Senator Obama, who travels a very high moral road.

SOLON … wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:47 AM:… Finally, after over five years, the war has an official name. It was pronounced over and over the last two nights in the 5-hour Frontline coverage of the war on public television. It is now officially “BUSH’S WAR”. Not the Iraq War. Not Iraq War II. Not the Iraqi Freedom war, nor any of the other euphemistic names give by propagandists in the Bush White House. It is Bush’s War. Bush’s name will forever bear the infamy, disgrace and criminality of this war.

Guess Who wrote on Mar 26, 2008 4:40 AM:I have been busy for a while and have not made any comments here lately. I took a look just now at yesterday�s comments. I was looking for new disputatious bloviations by the regular popinjays. I see there are some new pugnacious comment writers participating now. Oh Oh! Now I too am making pecksniffian comments. I certainly would like to comment on several of today�s mendacious letters, but it is already five hours past my bedtime. Guess which well-known TV news commentator I have been listening to lately. My new vocabulary should give it away!

Alf wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:38 AM:It is interesting to note that the letters from James Brown, Dolores Welty, Karen Wooton have a common thread and that same thread is also in todays column by Mark Morford in the San Francisco Chronicle (sfgate). The thread is something like "look at the ugly, illegal, immoral war and havoc that GWB has committed upon multiple countries, ours included". Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:00 AM:Well, "Guess Who" at 4:40AM, was it Howard Cosell? Walter Cronkite? Regards, Alf.

As did raoul wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:16 AM:who grew up a million miles from Chiapas.

Yokozuna to Alf(6:38) wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:17 AM:Yes there is a common thread but why wouldn't there be. GWB's only saving grace is that his approval rating can not fall below zero percent. Let's face it, his stains will be with him along with affecting us forever. Quite frankly, I'm getting tired of reading it over and over. There's nothing new in these writings. He's gone in a few months. I'm beginning to think that the real purpose now is trashing the Republican Party - guilt by association - as much as possible before November. Why else keep beating a dead horse (or elephant in this case) as the old saying goes.

The Statesman and the Economist wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:30 AM:I wonder how a Barack Obama/Ron Paul '08 ticket would play out?

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:38 AM:They are sooo afraid the "normal people" in America will turn away from the Obamaman, so the apologists are literally coming out of the woodwork.
In his letter today, Gerold Firl accuses Republicans of using smear tactics against the Obamaman.
The facts are the Obamaman has chosen to have a long standing relationship with this "pastor." For 20 years, this reverend has taught this form of Afro-Centric theology. In fact, the title of his own book is based on a "sermon" the reverend gave, and within that book, the Obamaman goes to great lengths to describe his "spiritual mentor", and how this man has "shaped his life."
The reverend has said some very questionable things about white people, the United States, and Jews.
It is the responsibility of the press to cover this information, and the "voter chips" will fall as they may.
Do you know how to judge this? If a white politician had been a part of a "church" for 20 years, who had preached about blacks, American, or Jews in the same way. You just know what would have been said about them. But, now that the shoe is on the other foot, we are told that WE are the racists, they WE do not understand this, and that it is WE who are the haters. Americans aren't going to buy that, in fact, they will reject it. As they should.
Americans are pretty fair minded people. We will forgive many, many things. But outright racist rants, bigotry, and hateful diatribes, we will not. The owrds that come out of your mouth, you are responsible for. And you are responsible for those you chose to surround yourself with.
Most normal people would have heard one of these sermons, and left. The Obamaman stayed 20 years, and then wrote a book about it. You are who you choose to hang with.

to Yokozuna wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:07 AM:I agree with you about Bush-bashing, but you forget that McCain has told us that he will continue all Bush's policies. The war. The tax cuts. The spending. The border. Everything but climate change, for McCain, is "stay the course". So it's more than mere association, it's an attack on one candidate's election promises.

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:07 AM:Apparently, Pat McDonald hasn't been hearing the sam Obamaman I have.
When I listen to the Obamaman, I don't hear "rule of law", "equality before the law", or even "the Bill of Rights."
No, what I hear is even more separation speak from Sen. Barack Obamaman.
What I hear is a rule of specifically applied laws to enable, and entitle one group over another. I hear inequality before the current law, and he intends to adjust the laws to enpower one group, while taking protections away from others. And I also hear a Bill of Rights, I do not recognise. I hear an Obamaman bill of rights that seems to come directly from Karl Marx, and not Thomas Jefferson.
Since the guy really hasn't done anything, all we have are "just words."

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:24 AM:I want to first thank James Brown for his service to his country. It is a shame the leftists in this country chose to side with Ho Chi Mihn and the Communists and have treated you so poorly. But You see, that's what leftists do. Oh, I know they claim to "Support the Troops", but that's a lie, that's their clever political speak for covering/masking their true feeling about you, the military, and our Constitutional Republic.
The reality is, they actually want our country that looks a lot more like Vietnam, and a lot less like America. Where the vanguard controls the country, and the rest of us are out in the rice paddies. You know.. equal!
They actually hate the military, and find people like you who would serve disgusting. They can not comprehend a person who would lay down their life for another, to maintain freedom, to ensure the next generations liberty, and what it means to be honorable.
These are all just punch lines to diatribes they spew to cover up what they really feel about this country.
But you know what you can feel good about James Brown? The millions of Vietnamese who came to this country precisely because American could offer them something Vietnam never can. Freedom, liberty, and a right to pursue happiness. If they had stayed in Vietnam, they'd be in the rice fields with their comrades. And if they chose not to be "re-educated", they'd be in the killing fields. Cause that's what they do. And the left in this country will never say it, but I will. They want THAT kind of system here.

What could Ron mean? wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:32 AM:So African-Americans who might be angry at the state of race in America are not "normal"? Nice, Ron, very sensitive.

Well hey... wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:36 AM:As Sadr's army ends its voluntary cease fire, it appears that the famous, successful surge has not been responsible for all that decline in violence in Iraq. In Baghdad, we have an untrained American cop on every corner. We shell out millions of dollars to pay those who used to kill our troops to please not kill our troops. The politics of Shiite and Sunni continues to fall apart. And McCain promises to stay the course. Naturally, Cheney and Petraeus are already blaming everything on Iran (despite what the Iraqi government says) to get the heat of the Republicans and to heat us up for yet another attack on a sovereign nation. And you guys say that this is exactly the policy you intend to vote for. Incredible.

Alf wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:37 AM:Well, "Ron" at 8:24AM, you have reached a new low with "And if they chose not to be "re-educated", they'd be in the killing fields. Cause that's what they do. And the left in this country will never say it, but I will. They want THAT kind of system here.". Your mind is losing more of its grip on reality if you can even think that. I expect reactionary right-wing stuff from you, but that takes the cake and flushes it down the toilet. Regards, Alf.

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:39 AM:Just a thought here, but...
I'm wondering if Eric Parish had had his own Social Security number stolen and used by one of these illegals, thus ruining his credit, his work history, and thus his life. I'm wondering if he would be sooo forgiving?
I'm wondering if after the 6-8 years of cleaning up the mess created by a thief, he'd actually feel the same way he does today?
I'm wondering if he was unemployed and looking for work, to have them deny him work precisely because his credit history was ruined, if he'd be nearly as forgiving?
I'm wondering if he needed to re-fi his sub-prime loan in order to save his house, but was denied because of questionable information on all credit reporting agencies, if he'd be so forgiving?
In THAT world, he truly would be sitting around a campfire, probably in an alley, or a park. But would he be singing "Kumbaya"???
Somehow, I don't think so.

Concerned-1 wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:42 AM:To Poster at 5:32 yesterday: Indeed there is a plethora of research concerning racial discrimination and resumes. The conclusions are verified by model-based statistics. Very scientific! So, in answer to your test question: yes, I agree that resumes from people with minority sounding names receive discriminating treatment. Quite sad, actually, but true. Now a question for you. Why is that so?

Alf wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:58 AM:Well, "Yokozuna to Alf(6:38)" at 7:17AM, I feel that McCain is just as much a threat to our American Troops, the American economy, Iraq, Iran and the world as GWB. That sentiment was also expressed by "to Yokozuna" at 8:07AM. Regards, Alf.

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:11 AM:Now, I'm realy wondering if Frank Dati, and I heard the same speech?
This is what I heard:
"Comrades! The Imperialist war has been raging for more than five years. And as each month, as each day of the war goes by, it becomes clearer and clearer to the masses of the workers that the Manifesto expressed the truth when it declared that phrases about “defence of the fatherland” and the like are nothing but capitalist deception. It is becoming more evident every day that this is a war between capitalists, between big robbers, who are quarrelling over the loot, each striving to obtain the largest share, the largest number of countries to plunder, and the largest number of nations to suppress and enslave.
The whole world knows, however, that for decades America has been oppressing more than a hundred million people belonging to other nationalities; that for decades America has been pursuing a predatory policy towards China, Cuba, Iran and North Korea.
The Great Powers are waging an imperialist, capitalist war, a predatory war, a war for the oppression of small and foreign nations, a war for the sake of the profits of the capitalists, who are coining golden profits amounting to billions out of the appalling sufferings of the masses, out of the blood of the proletariat.
Comrades! You have heard the speeches of various representatives, who have told you about the workers’ revolutionary struggle against the war. I merely want to quote one other example from that great and rich country, the United States of America. The capitalists of that country are now making enormous profits out of the European war. And they, too, are agitating for war in Iran. They say that America must also prepare to take part in the war, hundreds of billions of dollars must be squeezed out of the people for new armaments, for armaments without end."
OK, you got me... that's not "exactly" the same speech, but I know we've all heard this one too. Or something close to it. Actually, this is a speech made by Lenin to his comrades on February 9, 1916. Shockingly familar, huh? Now where have you heard this lately? Here... that's right! And also on the Democrat campaign trail. You see... these ideas never go away, they just get new faces. What was that that our socialist buddy Big Red once said... oh .. yes!
It's never been tried the right way!
That was his explaination of why socialists, communists, and liberals have all failed to deliver the promises. They just didn't have the right kind of enlightened people leading the movement.
Think we have the "right kind" of people now?

Reardon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:21 AM:History will judge if the Iraq War was just or not, but the next president will determine what the US does starting in 2009. Already, we see that the Democrats, who currently hold the purse strings, will not precipitously stop funding the war, and the next Democrat president will get our troops back out approximately 10 minutes before a Republican president will do the same. The new president will have the responsibility will make a responsible decision, previous promises notwithstanding -- because those promises were made before being handed the responsibility. Note the promises made by the Democrats before the Congressional elections, and their performance – on the war funding, on the working hours, on the earmarks, on ethical standards, on...

Do both political parties KNOW they cannot deliver on their promises? Yes. Do emotional proponents of political candidates also know their candidate will eventually act responsibly when they get all of the information available only to the person who eventually has the responsibility? No.

Focal Point wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:22 AM:Ron[-] wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:24 AM: A real load from Ron today. Who was quoting today, Limbaugh, Cunningham or Hannity? I am a little left of center Independent who does not support the war in Iraq. I do support the troops. I am not against them fighting for American freedom. I do not want them fighting allegedly for Iraqi freedom when it is really all of oil and geo politics. And, Ron, you are wrong. I am what you conservatives would call a leftist. I do know what it is like to serve, to endure combat and to lead men in same. You are simply spouting your opinion. Everybody has one. Don't make it true.

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:38 AM:You know, it ought to be people like Dolores Welty who should hang their heads in shame.
If a terrorist has information to prevent the incineration by nuclear device, or the contamination by a dirty bomb, or the sickness and death caused by chemical or biological toxicology, and YOU do nothing, you are immoral.
In short, what you are actually advocating is allowing the sickness or death of hundreds, thousands, or millions of people, instead of what you are called upon to do to save them.
Now.. let's say we take the Welty "High Road", and people do die. Are you saying we just need to "take the hit" in order for the response to be justified? And if so... aren't you being just a little bit trival with other people's lives? Hundreds, thousands, or maybe millions of lives?

GFN wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:58 AM:How did Issa vote on the water-boarding issue? I don't know but my suspicion is he is with Bush on this one.

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:59 AM:I'm just speaking truth to power, to steal a leftist phrase, "What could Ron mean?" @8:32 AM.
We haven't had slavery in this country for more than a 100 years, and civil rights for the last 60 years.
We wrote a whole amendment precisely to define these rights to all.
We have a war on poverty, social programs, and free education for all.

Some African-Americans might be angry, but we have done all that we can.
Why is it, that when conservatives talk about the original intent of the Constitution, you guy's shake your heads? Call us backwards, flat-earther's, and stuck in the past.
How is this pastor not stuck in the past? He preaches as if, it were still 1959. This is 2008. People like him preach this stuff for one reason, and one reason only. To keep the Black public angry. That is their base, that is their only means of gaining power, by keeping people angry about something neither you, or me ever participated in.
Some times, stating the truth is not very sensitive. If you want to believe it's still the 1960's, be my guest. But you will lose most Americans, cause, quite frankly.. they don't feel that way.
In fact, most feel, WE.. as white Americans have bend over backwards to the point of breaking our own backs, and that it's still not enough.
The general feeling is, it will never be enough, and now the club of racism is being used to extract even more.
This is reverse racism, and no racism is ever warranted. You guy's need to take a deep breath, take a step back, and realize we are One Nation, of different backgrounds. But what holds us together is a common culture, a language, and traditions.
The opposite is true on the Democrat side, they are now reaping the decades of vulcanizing groups. And it is coming back to bite them.

Apollo wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:02 AM:Re: Ron (9:11 a.m.)
Thank you Ron for pointing out yet another danger of prolonged, senseless, unjust wars - in addition to the many other valid complaints, such travesties can be exploited by demagogues to stir up the masses toward dictatorship.
When we were invaded at Pearl Harbor or 9/11, Americans rushed to volunteer (in the case of 9/11, it was for Afghanistan, where the real terrorists were, not Iraq).
Just wars can never be used to stir up anger against our own country, but unjust wars can.

to Concerned-1 wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:48 AM:You have my great respect for checking out that research. And for asking that question. I wish I knew the answer. My guess is that it's extremely complicated. There are people who will never accept that African-Americans are human. There are others who aren't sure. But it's certainly true that a terrible culture of hopelessness has been built in Black communities, especially among the males. It becomes an awful, self-fulfilling cycle where others expect them to be "bad", and they decide to BE "bad", confirming others' stereotypes and opinions, and so it spins downward. Everone shares some responsibility for this mess. I do think that this is why a church like Rev. Wright's can do something like give an award to Louis Farrakhan. The Farrakhans have, for all the other stuff they've done, taken many young men who were headed for a desperate life of crime and made them responsible, religious family men with a sense of duty to their neighborhoods and a lot of self-respect. I wish we had answers for the terrible dilemma of the Black male in our society. But I know that treating it all as simple, looking for something to blame, and getting defensive about it is the exact opposite of what's needed. Personally, I'm a sucker for the belief that education matters a lot, but how to deliver it and how to get so many of them to buy into it?

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:52 AM:Are you actualy suggesting.. "Apollo"
@10:02 AM, that had we not gone into Iraq, the left in this country, and around the world, for that matter, would never have said the things about Afganistan, they say about Iraq?
You've got to be kidding me, right?
About it being an inside job? About the Bin Laden family in the Bush home?
About 50,000 body bags? That we wouldn't have seen human shields?
Had Cindy Sheehan's son died in Afganistan, she wouldn't have camped in Crawford? That the word "quagmire" would not have been used to describe Afghanistan? In a conjunctive sentence next to "another Vietnam?"
You guy's are so predictable. I'll give you a hint, K? "A Military Quagmire Remembered: Afghanistan as Vietnam" (R. W. APPLE Jr., The New York Times, 10/31/01)
You guy's are sooo out of ideas.

kassandrasduplex wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:01 AM:Let's all just take a step back and observe what has become of the 08 election cycle. Relentless negative propaganda on Hillary Clinton, combined with positive promotion of Obama by the so-called "liberal media". Distortion and emphasis on the negative in the Democratic race, and we have what I predicted months ago; Clinton losing, and McCain leading. We are all puppets of a truly vast media conspiracy. What we now have is a re-do of the 2004 race but instead of destroying the truly popular and progressive Howard Dean and replacing him with Lurch, the opinion shapers in the propaganda media have given us much clearer choice, McCain the American Hero versus the black Muslim named Hussein. Your republic is dead folks. Open your eyes. And while at it, take a few courses in modern mass communications theory. Then you can see how you're being manipulated.

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:03 AM:I hear ya, "Reardon" @9:21 AM
>>>Do emotional proponents of political candidates also know their candidate will eventually act responsibly when they get all of the information available only to the person who eventually has the responsibility? No.>>>
Never spoken more truly.
We have a whole group of people who want to believe we can sit on a hillside, drink a Coke, and sing together, like the commercial. Heads in the clouds, and feet not on the ground.
Being idealistic is good, but not being realistic is suicide.
Not mention, they've already forgotten what these two Democrat's have said about Iraq. 2013... the flavor of this week, has replaced last week's, and next week's will be a whole different flavor. And they are counting on that "short-term" memory loss.

Oh, Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:11 AM:I know, "we've done all we can", like some white people have always said. But you are deliberately missing the point. Contrast what Rev Wright says to what Obama says. HUGE difference! HUGE step in the right direction! But you, Ron, want to insist that we not look at Obama or listen to him. You want us to look only at the worst the Wright said, over and over, because you want us to think he and Obama are interchangable. Dispicable, isn't it? And then, to top it off, having resisted any suggestion that Obama is not Wright, you have the gall to claim that you've done all you can. What nerve! Ron: go away.

Reardon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:16 AM:Has anyone considered that in many cases it is not race, but culture? If a person comes into being hired with a nose ring, or visible tattoos, or corn-rows it may cause “cognitive dissonance” regardless of race? It is easier to blame race than the Dashiki you are wearing, after all the Dashiki is just a personal choice representing your heritage – but ANYTHING you do more than one Sigma from whatever the “norm” is will be seen as disqualifying. No one publishes the “norm” and no one establishes what it is – it is cultural consensus. To some extent, Blacks suffer from I call the “Apple Computer Corporation Syndrome.” Apple has been counter-culture since its founding (I was THERE!), and has openly bashed “the establishment” since its founding – but then wonders why it is then not accepted by the establishment, even though it produces a better quality product! Apple's attitude, and their computer rejection, continues even today. Duh!

Apollo wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:34 AM:Re: Ron (10:52 a.m.)
Just as Ron is not able to distinguish between liberalism and socialism or Iraq and Afghanistan, he is not possibly capable of discerning between shades of leftism.
In the Senate, all Democrats voted for Afghanistan, 23 voted against Iraq.
In the House, all Democrats except one (who lost next reelection) voted for Afghanistan, 126 voted against Iraq.
Yes, if Cindy Sheehan's son had been killed in Afghanistan, it would have been very different.
Gold Star Mothers in World War II and Afghanistan had pride.
Gold Star Mothers in Vietnam and Iraq had anger and disgust.
And yes, there were some extreme leftists that did oppose Afghanistan.
They were not mainstream Democrats or moderate liberals.

No-Spin Doctor wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:35 AM:Why do I think that this site moderator is SENSORING me. I've posted 6 times yesterday and today, yet no shown on this site>

Reardon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:40 AM:Ron: Bush is just as susceptible to the eventual responsibility problem as anyone. I believe he did not intend to "nation build" -- he intended to win quick, accept the applause of the Iraqi people, and withdraw. As the old saying goes, no battle plan survives the first bullet, and he was left with one of two choices: retreat, or 'nation build." With each day he was drawn further in -- and it is impossible to guess what decision anyone would have made, knowing what he knew, with the responsibility he had. Now, emotional proponents of all of the candidates want to predict in advance the actions of their candidate based on that candidates words -- spoken without deep knowledge of the actual conditions, and before the candidate actually has the responsibility. That is why we are all eventually disappointed with those who really have the responsibility.

Concerned-1 wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:50 AM:To To Concerned-1. Great answer, and I concur wholeheartedly. We are one people under the skin. It's our cultures that make us different. Sometimes I wonder is this all a great experiment? I do know we would all be better off if we lived by the golden rule. That is treat others as you'd like to be treated. Cheers, C-1.

Realist wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:56 AM:To those who claim racism - whatever happened to judging a person by their character and not by the color of their skin? This society would be better off by following this great advice.

Afghanistan wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:05 PM:I too recall that there were some voices on the left against the invasion of Afghanistan, though many more in favor of it. The question at the time was, you might recall, "what do we do about 911 and its planners?" I would guess that 100% of us wanted to get Bin Laden and al Qaeda. But some people did ask the question: "is all out war with Afghanistan the way to do that?" Of course it helped that the Taliban were such an awful regime (something the left was screaming about long, long before W knew Afghanistan was a country). But aside from that, it still is a good question. Is war the best answer to all problems of this sort? Did it "work" in Afghanistan? Are the Taliban done for? Is al Qaeda a memory? Bin Laden dead or in prison? Makes you wonder. Thanks to Bush's personal fetishes, of course, we can't really know the answers to any of these because he bailed out on Afghanistan to shift to Baghdad, so it may be many years before we ever learn if doing it the "war way" in Afghanistan was the best idea, even if it was justified. So many bloggers here seem to think that anytime someone insults you, go to war. We've learned since Vietnam that not only is it immoral and probably illegal, but it also DOESN'T WORK! (Panama and Granada excluded LOL) Just because there are troops somewhere killing and being killed, this doesn't mean we are being successful. Amazing, isn't it?

Ms M wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:12 PM:Reardon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:16 AM Are you saying that if a Black person applies for a job and walks in suited up with briefcase in hand they will be treated like the white applicants?

Ms M wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:24 PM:Reardon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:16 AM Are you saying that if a Black person applies for a job and walks in suited up with briefcase in hand fully qualified they are always treated like the white applicants?

Alf wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:31 PM:It seems as if "Ron" at 9:38AM is stuck in the fear-mongering "what-if" mindset and game. Lack of communication was obvious pre-9/11 as was lack of paying attention to the information that had already been gathered. "Ron", you can play your "what-if" game all you want, torture is unreliable at best and simply sadistic behavior at worst. Your "worst-case scenario" horse-hockey is as old as dirt and has lost its effectiveness (if it ever really had any). I do not buy the mule fritters that you offer up. Regards, Alf.

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:54 PM:Apollo @11:34 AM, your EXACTLY the kind of leftist I'm speaking to.
It's not that I don't know the differences, I do. It's that the differences don't matter, in reality.
Just as we are told that liberalism is good, yet economic liberalism is bad. Or that "pure" socialism is good, and it has not been pure when practised by those who espouse it.
The point is, as it has always been, that those in power "get to decide."
THEY, not you, THEY will decide how much socialism you will get. Just like when Lenin promised his comrades bread, and never stood in line. Or Mao used agricultural reform to equalize all chinese, except of course, for Poltiburo members. They rode in Mercedes to inspect the rice fields.
It simply does not matter what moderates or mainstream lib's think, cause they are not represented in this election. Just as Superdelegates will decide for you who will be the nominee, so too will the elite decide for the rest of us what kind of stuff you deserve. Oh, you'll get healthcare... but it will look like Medi-Care, where doctors are paid 34% of their wage.
How come you guy's never want to talk about the miserable failures of these liberal programs? You always want to talk about how "popular" they are, but never want to talk about how they actually function? About how they go broke, how they run good doctors out of business? How come you guy's never want to talk about the sense of entitlement you feel to utterly strap your kids, and grandchildren with the crushing debt of your check today? How come?
These are your accomplishments, as I see them. And you guy's never want to "fix" them, you just move on, like a virus, seeking to infect something, someone else. You know what else is popular and not good for you? Drugs, alcohol, sex with prositutes. All popular, none good for you.
How can you possibly sit there and tell me these are successful programs? When in each generation they go broke, require more & more & more taxes to prop them up? And these are "mainstream" ideas, not extremist.
This is why I call this kind of indoctrination "Liberal Institutionalism." Since the time of FDR, these program have slowly brainwashed good people into believing the Government will take care of them.
Well, look at this Government, this big.. bloated.. over reaching.. over bearing... intrusive... put you in jail for not paying taxes Government. A Government who is the FIRST to take from your paycheck, and then you get to live/survive on the rest, if you can. But they make darn sure they get their cut first! Your second, my friend. They get their's, then you get what's left over. And this is the type of government you want to defend? The kind of government you want more of?
You are exactly what i like to call a "Sliding Scale Socialist."
Your over here, on the more reasonable side, but your leadership is way over there, on the Marxist side. They are running for President, not you. they will be in power, not you. THEY get to decide for you.

Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:07 PM:"Oh, Ron" @11:11 AM, How can you "Contrast" what Rev Wright says to what Obama says, when Obama wrote a book based on what this guy said?
The premise of the book, is based in part, or all, on what this nasty racist has preached. And you want to "contrast?" How? On what he NOW says?
He's a politician, just as he changed his statements from 2013, to "get out now" more recently. How come Bush won't get one little thing past you, but just cause this guy sounds good, he get's off easy?

Ms M wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:13 PM:Reardon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:16 AM Are you saying that if a Black person applies for a job and walks in suited up with briefcase in hand fully qualified they are always treated like the white applicants?
(5th posting)

GFN wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:50 PM:Reardon, you are on fire today. Excellent thoughts; logical and fair.

Focal Point wrote on Mar 26, 2008 1:59 PM:McCain Asserts Iraq Withdrawal Could Mean Civil War: Well, Johnnie, where have you been. You have been to Iraq. The bloody civil war with horrible ethnic cleansing was happening right up until the surge. Then, everyone laid pretty low while all hose American GI s did their thing. It looks like the civil war is back on between he Shia and the Sunni. But, won't you don't get Big John is that civil war will be fought whether or not the USA is in Iraq. It is not a reason to stay.

hardtack wrote on Mar 26, 2008 2:56 PM:Apparently, politics does to partisans what a full moon does to werewolves. Partisans swoon at Obama�s flood of words, and his drop of reason. Obama pours out potent nothing and each listener gives it his own special something.

Guess Who to Alf wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:06 PM:To Alf at 6:38 AM. Thanks for noticing my 4:40 AM post. No it is not Howard Cosell nor Walter Cronkite. It is a TV news commentator that currently is leading on cable news programs. He likes to introduce some lesser-known words that relates to news commentaries, critics, politicians and now bloggers. Some listeners contribute new suggestions by sending him e-mails using some of these words which he reads on the air. I heard him use one of these words last evening and could hardly wait to use it myself. So I used SIX of these words in four sentences in my 4:40 AM post.

Reardon wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:07 PM:Ms M.: Some employers will treat a "suited" Black better out of a sense of "White Guilt" -- and some will treat him worse out of "racism." What I am saying is that it is more than the suit -- if the Black also speaks "ghetto," then the suit will not help. That is why there is such a kerfuffle over Rev. Wright � he and his church are, by their own literature �Afro-Centric,� while Obama wants to be seen as pure Harvard-educated American.

Much of this is cultural...the nearest ANYONE comes to cultural norms, the more mainstream will be the reaction of the general population, absent racism or favoritism. Both exist mainly at the margins.

Obama, and Condi are both reminders to the general population that not all Blacks are either Afro-Centric, or hi-hop. But because they have successfully triangulated their cultural positions, educated and refined Blacks need to be careful with whom they �hang,� just like all the rest of us do. If I ran a Fortune 500 company and hung with a radical motorcycle crowd, do you think my corporate culture would give me a pass? NO!

Oh, Ron wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:16 PM:Because the things Bush has politicked about, lied about, fudged, etc., are IMHO immoral. Simple. We are not blind to Obama being a politician. We know he is not a saint....that's just your latest straw man. Go to Obama's book and see if you can find things he says that are quite different from Wright's worst words. Even you say his ideas were based "in part" on Wright. Which parts, exactly? Where in Obama's book does he say "God damn America"? He might well say that black people are angry, but any fool surely must know that. Come on, Ron, give us quotes from Obama's book, but not your cherry-picked variety. Be a good scientific guy and see if you can find Obama sentiments that are very different from Wright's. You are promoting the notion that they are identical, after all. So if you can find a few quotes that are obviously NOT Wright-like, that would shoot down your theory and we will have moved forward. "What?", says Ron, "you want me to behave fairly? Honestly? Sorry, chump, I'm on a mission from my ideology." Ron, ... I wonder why I even bother to offer you fair challenges.

Oh, hardtack wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:22 PM:You really should read or listen to Obama's speech. If that's too tough for you, try reading what the leading, most respected conservative journals said about it. Probably there were some expressions of disregard, but you'd be surprised how conservatives with brains praised the speech. Here's a sample from the National Review, QUOTE Barack Obama's speech tonight was simply exceptional — and a reminder of why he is one of the most remarkable political talents in our lifetime. He was able to speak in ways that seem to rise above conventional politics, even as he was able to masterfully push back against the Clinton attacks of the last several weeks. His capacity to touch and stir authentic emotions is remarkable. And unlike Clinton and especially Edwards, the Obama message is about unity, not divisions; and hopes rather than grievances. If Obama wins the Democratic nomination, Republicans have a great deal to fear. He has tremendous break-out potential ENDQUOTE That's from the leading conservative magazine. Oh, hardtack, just because YOU don't comprehend something that doesn't make it nonsense. I'd consider, if I were you, that the problem might be with the listener, not the speaker.

hardtack wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:22 PM:Yes, Alf, McCain is a scary prospect. But, no less so, I am afraid, than Hillary, Obama, or Ralph � each in their own special way. I used to think one third of eligible voters didn�t vote because of apathy � now I suspect it�s intelligence.

Apollo wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:24 PM: Re: Ron (12:54 p.m.)
No Ron, your long-winded answer, completely unrelated to anything I said shows that, despite your protestations, you don't have the slightest clue what I was talking about.
Unlike others, I am not willing to get suckered into drawn-out tangents that have nothing to do with anything.
Get a life (first, get a clue).

Focal Point wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:28 PM:Guess Who[-] wrote on Mar 26, 2008 4:40 AM: If you want us to play, there must be a prize.

scot wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:51 PM:Lets see,Carlsbad has Lacosta Resorts,Four Seasons Aviara and Legoland.Oceanside has 3 concrete plants,soon to be 4 and Wal-Mart.I'm glad i chose to live in Carlsbad.

J. Webster wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:54 PM:Lets pretend for a moment that had never been an Iraq invasion. Do any of you all knowing people have any thoughts on what world conditions might look like now? What would we be paying for gas? What would the muslim radicals be doing now ?
How would the dollar be standing against the Euro ?

Just wondering wrote on Mar 26, 2008 4:34 PM:Many interesting comments on the issue of race both yesterday and today. I for one, found that Obama's speech hit the nail right on the head, I see why Blacks are angry, but I also see why Whites are angry. He clearly offered understanding to the situation, but no answers. Ms. M says education is not equal, I strongly disagree. White or Black, if you are educated in Oceanside you get an Oceanside education, if educated in Rancho Santa Fe, you get a Rancho Santa Fe education. Whats the difference? From what I see it's parental involvement and expectation. The teachers are not better in Rancho Santa Fe, they just put up with less nonsense, but then again parents in RSF expect their children to behave, be respectful, be on time, and be prepared. Parents are the key, which leads me to my next point. If we continue to teach our children to be angry and resentful about what happened decades ago, how can we move forward? If we continue to spread anger and hate directed towards the White man in our Churches, how are we improving race relations? Shouldn't the churches and the Black leadership be sounding a whole lot more like Obama? What more do you want the White man to do? and for how many more generations do they have to answer for the sins of their fathers? And just FYI, I am no racist. My children have both chosen spouses of other races, my beautiful grandson is half black (and the cutest baby alive!) and I have more Black kids in my house on the weekends than I can count. Am I proud of this? Darn right I am, I taught my children well, they see no color, they don't have this anger. But what about my grandson, how will he react to being told his fathers family is responsible for all that is wrong in his life? I hope, like Obama!

jvc wrote on Mar 26, 2008 4:51 PM:Reardon, you are so right, right on!

Ms M wrote on Mar 26, 2008 5:11 PM:Just wondering wrote on Mar 26, 2008 4:34 PM Ms. M says education is not equal, I strongly disagree. White or Black, if you are educated in Oceanside you get an Oceanside education, if educated in Rancho Santa Fe, you get a Rancho Santa Fe education. What's the difference? The difference is that the schools in some areas are far superior to other areas. Some schools do not have the proper equipment (books, computers etc.) to give the students the best education. It has nothing to do with the quality of teachers or parents it has to do with economics. Also, in the schools with a large hispanic community - the English speaking students are held back. How can a teacher successfully teach an overcrowded class when in some cases over half dont't speak English. This slows down the learning/teaching process. Bottom line - that for something so basic and necessary for advancement (education) - all is not equal. I for one would prefer to be educated in Rancho Santa Fe vs. SE San Deigo.

Focal Point wrote on Mar 26, 2008 5:33 PM:J. Webster[-] wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:54 PM: You can play pretend all you want. My thoughts and concerns are with reality and the future.

Just wondering wrote on Mar 26, 2008 5:39 PM:You should check out what Whitlock has to say about LeBron's Vogue cover. It is on MSN Fox sports. Very interesting.

Jack_D wrote on Mar 26, 2008 5:55 PM:Eric Parish is half-right. Yes, the war in Iraq was a catastrophic mistake, but illegal immigration is a legitimate problem. Massive illegal immigration is bankrupting our public schools and hospitals. We cannot sustain this level of illegal immigration. And, no, I am not a member of the Minutemen.

Alf wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:01 PM:Well, "J. Webster" at 3:54PM, I am not all-knowing (although I do know that your sarcasm is misplaced), but I have a respectably good amount of common sense, something in short supply in the pro-war crowd. 1) America would have several thousand more LIVE AND WHOLE American Troops than we do now. 2)America would be many HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of dollars LESS IN DEBT. 3) The American dollar would be worth more internationally than it is at this moment. 4) America and Americans would respected far more than we are now. 5) We would probably be paying between $1.00 and $1.50 LESS per gallon. 6) Muslim radicals would still hate us, but nowhere near as much, you see, WE HAVE GIVEN THEM FIVE YEARS OF MORE REASONS TO HATE US. You do not get it, do you? Every second that we remain an occupying force IN THEIR COUNTRY is a second that their hatred for us grows, JUST LIKE every second OUR HATRED of someone who invaded and occupied the U.S. would grow. Regards, Alf.

sdraoul wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:01 PM:The Kool Aid drinkers keep on Obaming.

He did not dispute Wright's exact statements. He said he disagreed with Wright but of what? He must dispute, renounce and reject each item individually to be credible. But he won't because it is obvious he and his wife believe the U.S. of KKKA.

El Guero wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:15 PM:I'm afraid I'll never be able to sing Kumbaya around the campfire with Eric Parish until he takes his blinders off and acknowledges the destructive force of illegal immigration in our country. Iraq? Yes. Global Warming? Yes. Free Trade? Yes. But why isn't illegal immigration on Eric's list? It should be. Maybe it's just his multicultural catechism that keeps him from being honest and seeing the social chaos all around him. But if he ever does come around, I toast a mean marshmallow.

Let's not be fooled, just wondering wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:31 PM:Because of the media blitz by the right, it's easy for us to think of Rev Wright as a man who has one political message that he spews every Sunday, year after year. That's completely false. The clips that FoxNews and Ron drool over are the total tiny sample, or close to it, of "that message". All the rest had a much larger role in shaping the congregation. There have been written testimonies of white people who've been to his church, as visitors or as regular attendees, and believe me, their praise for him and for the love in that congregation would be impossible if Rev Wright was anything like the man in the Fox/Ron clips most of the time. Let's not be duped by the Republican slime machine. Obama is a gigantic step from those clips, and Wright is part of the reason this is true. It's partly up to us (white people) to decide if we want Obama or those slime-clips to be our picture of Black America. We know already what Ron and FoxNews have decided. All the more reason for us to be strong and determined.

We'll go second, raoul wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:09 PM:Naturally whatever Obama said in his speech would be not-quite-enough for you. Tell you what: when McCain criticizes every hateful sentence that has been uttered by the good "Christian" leaders he is embracing, then I'll be willing to read your post again. Of course, that would take McCain a millenium, so until then, I'll just skip your nonsensical slimes.

OBAMACAN wrote on Mar 26, 2008 7:18 PM:Who the heck does SDRaoul at 6:01 think he is to be saying what Obama has to do in order to be credible?
Here is a guy who is never going to vote for Obama under any circumstance and is just trying to concoct any kind of distraction from the fact that his guy admits to knowing nothing about economics - which has now become the main issue - and can't even keep the facts straight on who is who between Iraq, Iran and Al Qaeda, and that IS supposed to be his signature issue.
In the meantime, those who actually have a horse in the race understand that Obama has addressed this issue fully.
He stated that he relied on his pastor for personal counsel and religious guidance, and disagreed with a few of his more extreme utterances, but he does understand the perspective of an earlier, angrier generation that had to fight tooth and nail for every slightest advancement. That is all the specific he needs to get.

Karl wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:52 PM:Left Right, Left Right, Left Right, Boooooring!!!!!

Focal Point wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:04 PM:sdraoul wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:01 PM:Where did you ever get the idea that Obama must do what you dictate? Obama is very credible.

Focal Point wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:12 PM:OBAM DETRACTORS: Typical Republicans and Conservatives. They actualy believe that if you keep swift boating, the public will eventualy believe it. The public has moved on to more serious concerns. You conservatives meanwhile continue to speak to yourselves about Obama. I think now I shall vote for him.

esteban wrote on Mar 26, 2008 9:20 PM:You lefty loons are gonna be bummed if a Dem (Obama or Hillary) is elected and they DO NOT pull troops out of Iraq. These are CAMPAIGN PROMISES!!!! Once their advisors tell them what's up, they'll leave the troops in there. Dummies.

To Karl wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:43 PM: To Karl:
if it is so Boooooooring, why are you here?
No one is forcing you to read these boooooooring blogs.
Ya oughtta try takin' up golf.

To Esteban wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:28 AM: To Esteban:
You righty loons are gonna be bummed if a Rep (John W. McBush) is elected and DOES NOT keept the troops there for 100 years.
I wonder what would happen once a real (not flight-suit dress-up) military man actually listens to the