Ms M wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:09 AM:The Obama Doctrine

When Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama met in California for the Jan. 31 debate, their back-and-forth resembled their many previous encounters, with the Democratic presidential hopefuls scrambling for the small policy yardage between them. And then Obama said something about the Iraq War that wasn't incremental at all. "I don't want to just end the war," he said, "but I want to end the mind-set that got us into war in the first place."...

White Rabbit wrote on Mar 29, 2008 3:11 AM:In 2000, America had a choice between a policy wonk with a grating personality who had to carry baggage from the Clinton administration, and a likable political newcomer with no foreign policy experience who had a message that he could end the partisan divide in Washington. As a result of not counting all the votes in Florida, the newcomer won. Democrats were outraged.
Isn’t it ironic then, that in 2008, faced with the same choice, Democrats themselves are choosing the newcomer. This time, allowing the votes in Florida AND Michigan not to be counted.
In the fall, the newcomer will pit his message of hope and unity against a strong on defense, fiscally conservative, socially moderate war hero in McCain. Presidential elections are won on overarching themes such as these not policy details.
It’s said, at a campaign rally in 1952, a lady called out to Adlai Stevenson. She said, “Sir, all thinking people are going to vote for you.” He replied, “That’s not enough, Madam, I need a majority.” Something for Democrats to ponder.
Footnote for Obama supporters: in 2000 it was Vice President Al Gore (D) against Texas Governor George W. Bush (R) and in 1952 Adlai Stevenson (intellectual peace candidate) was the Democratic nominee against Republican Dwight Eisenhower (war hero). Stevenson lost.

Parent who sees clearly now wrote on Mar 29, 2008 8:10 AM:I am a parent in the Bonsall School District and was at this board meeting and congrats to SCHOOL BOARD MEETING WAS A JOKE, this board CAN NOT make decisions on what is best for our kids. We have seen this in the past and NOW this. I think it is time for a new school board. All you parents, what do you say? OUR KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE, WE ARE THE VOICES FOR THEM. Without buses to get them to school and aides to help the teachers, how is this benefitting our children? THE TIME IS NOW FOR A CHANGE.

GFN wrote on Mar 29, 2008 9:10 AM:Charles Tillotson brings out an important point; the planning of growth in San Diego County is poor, as proven by our congested roads, school, lack of resources like water and electricity. Our quality of life is being strangled due to the current system of dollars before quality. If we, the citizens, do not make our voices heard, we will only have ourselves to blame.

GFN wrote on Mar 29, 2008 9:16 AM:Once again our president, GWBlunder-Bush" is wrong. The defining moment in the Iraqi war took place one month after he unleashed "Shock and Awe" on the nation of Iraq. It was when fighter-pilot, George, stood on the deck of an aircraft carrier and declared "Mission Accomplished", an act that highlighted the complete ignorance of what he had done in opening a Pandora's box of duplicity and violence. This is also the defining moment of his presidency.

Reardon wrote on Mar 29, 2008 9:29 AM:Sorry, Mr. Dollins, you have been mis-informed. There is no "10% budget cut" -- the cut was to the PROPOSED budget, which was increased over last year. The total budget cut from the actual budget last year was 1.9%, and every budget has 2% fat. What the education establishment is doing is called the Washington Monument Ploy, so-called because there is an apocryphal story of the Interior Department, facing a budget cut, threatening to close the Washington Monument. ALL governmental agencies make the most draconian cuts -- or at least threaten them -- to the most public and highly-supported program, so that there will be a public outcry to stop the "budget-cut," or increase taxes. Schools send out many more lay-off notices than required to get the public riled. Mr. Dollins, you took the bait! If the parents want their school to have more money – write a check. There is no statutory restriction to supporting your school with your own money.

Reardon wrote on Mar 29, 2008 9:39 AM:How many strikes does Rev. Wright get?

“Jimmy the Greek” Snyder got one strike.
Don Imus got one strike.
Rush Limbaugh got one strike
Steve Lyons got one strike

Rev. Wright has a DVD made by HIS Church, and SOMEONE , probably Rev. Wright himself must have selected what sermons would be included, and which were excluded. Since they were selected for sale by the Church, it is reasonable to assume that Rev. Wright had a hand in selecting what sermons best represented his 30 years of work – his career work product.

I’ll bet that Rev. Wright selected his “best” – it wouldn’t make sense for him, or anyone else, to select the WORST.

So may strikes does Rev. Wright get?

sdraoul wrote on Mar 29, 2008 10:22 AM:Obama's words on war and peace are what we can expect from a "community organizer" not a statesman who knows the world.

His words are what we can expect from someone who would simply not know what to do the next time Muslim fanatic murderers hijack an airliner and crash it into a skyscraper or attack a school and take hndreds of children hostage here, not in Russia.

Annie wrote on Mar 29, 2008 10:31 AM:About Land Survey..You said to correct you, okay, your wrong.
Agricultural perserves were created in the late 60's because of taxation of large pieces of farmland, considered industrial land, though the land doesn't have an industrial size income. It is called the Williamson Act.
The land, your thinking of, that is being set aside by developers is for openspace...endangered spieces habatat. Enviornmentalists understand that farmings is industrial, and disturbs the soil, plant life and animal life natural to it, therefore farming is not openspace.

Red-Rover wrote on Mar 29, 2008 10:39 AM:Obama has charisma. He is good orator
knows to say what we want to hear
"Change the mindset that got us into the war in the first place"
Sounds good, But it's what he does and does not see we should be paying attention to.

He stayed in one church for twenty years and wasn't aware of Rev. Wrights mind set????

That's a lot of years of not paying attention.

As president what else would he not see?

esteban wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:31 AM:Brooks...that's rough. Sounds like you need to move.

esteban wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:35 AM:I hope Obama wins. Then I can sit back and laugh at the mess many of you libs voted for.

school district cuts wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:36 AM:To those who criticize the agonizing decisions that school board members must make as a result of million of dollars in cuts by the state, why don't you offer solutions instead of criticism? If you can think of a way to save millions without cutting things, please let your school board members know. I'm sure they would rather not cut anything! Board members don't cut things out of spite or malice. They don't gain money or power by cutting things. They agonize over every cut and are hurt by your hateful remarks.

Red Rover wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:57 AM:Brooks needs to move?
What kind of solution is that? Would that be the solution for all the other two legged species that the unrestrained fourlegged will attack?
Wonder ifthe problem solver works for Animal Control? Or maybe it's their dog
and they are the irresponsible owner or both.

Reardon wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:12 PM:To School District Cuts: You want recommendations? I'll give you a few that would improve California education above our current 49th in the nation ranking and save TONS of money! 1.) Abolish school-oriented sports, and sell off the HUGE real estate devoted to ball fields and school stadiums. (Fly a private plane over schools, as I have done many times, and look at the amount of land devoted to academics, and the amount devoted to various sports! Land is the single most expensive cost in California education.) 2.) End all "transportation" to and from school, except on a prepaid monthly pass situation. 3.) End all non-academic school activities, i.e. band, P.E. (sell off the gyms – here I would make an exception only for "Speech and Debate”). 4.) Reduce the administrative staff to the ratio of the average of the private schools in the County. 5.) End all printed school book materials, and rely on CD/DVD textbooks alone. 6.) Abolish all school libraries except for CD/DVD/On-line reference material. (There are almost 700 tax-supported libraries in San Diego County!) 7.) Build all schools as multi-story structures with a single plan, without architects, to diminish land use and building costs. When was the last time you saw two multi-story school buildings? 8.) Eliminate “Special Education” classes – theirs is a societal problem, not an educational problem. If you must retain Special Education classes, limit expenditures to 2X per student, and do not mainstream students who hold back regular students. 9.) Test all incoming students at every grade for English proficiency, and segregate those not ready to stay with the class, academically, until they are proficient. 10.) Increase the rigor of the CBEST test for incoming teachers until AT LEAST 10% are PERMANENTLY eliminated. (In Massachusetts, the failure rate is far ggreater than 24%!) 11.) Eliminate tenure: Good teachers don’t need it and bad teachers don’t deserve it. 12.) Eliminate the cafeteria – offer the franchise to competitive bids between Soup Plantation and any competitor. 13.) Eliminate multiple-choice quizzes, and institute essay questions. 14.) Institute school uniforms. 15.) Increase and encourage Charter Schools. 16.) Have a state-subsidized, but diminishing, five-year program to expand Little League, Pop Warner, Youth Soccer, etc., to accommodate community-based sports. 17.) Ours is no longer an agrarian society where children must work the crops – run school 12 months a year. Life runs 12 months a year!. 18) Do not promote students or graduates that fail. The current “Exit Exam” varies according to subject, but much of it is 8th and 9th grade level! 19.) (I am still working on it…)

GFN wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:32 PM:Hey SD, why don't you suggest to Obama that he get some statesman experience advice from GWB and Cheney? Then he will be totally ready for the presidency.

Focal Point wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:34 PM:Reardon:How many strikes does Rev Wright get? The answer is zero. Wright does not come up to bat. He is not a radio entertainer or public personality. Wright does not answer to the governmental agency and certainly not to the public. What he says and believes is his own business. Wright is not a candidate. You are wasting your time. You guys just keep attempting to link or to pr sent Wright and Obama as the same person. Obama has repudiated Wrights statements publicly. So, you must evidence that they share the same philosophy. I challenge you or anybody else to produce one simple documented quote in full context, any video, or any radio statement in full context that evidences that Obana is a racist.

SURFER wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:36 PM:esteban[-] wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:35 AM:
Dude, I will do my best to make your dream come true. Go Obama. Thanks brah.

Focal Point wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:39 PM:Red-Rover[-] wrote on Mar 29, 2008 10:39 A
So what. I have been in the same church for 52 years. I sure missed a lot on purpose. I shall give you the same challenge. Produce any quote, video or radio statement in context that evidences that Obama has said or done anything racist>

Gordon wrote on Mar 29, 2008 12:49 PM:
If you voted twice for Bush,look no further than the 2008 "GOP" budget priorities before voting for McCain !:
Cut the Health and Human Services Department by $2 billion.
Pentagon would get a $35 billion increase to $515 billion for core programs, with war costs additional.His budget contains no war costs beyond 2009.
Health and Human Services Dept.reduced by almost 3 percent.
$200 billion in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid over the next five years.
Eliminate a $302 million program that gives grants to children's hospitals.
A $300 million program for public health improvement projects would be eliminated, while grants to improve health care in rural areas would be cut by 87 percent.
The Centers for Disease Control's budget would face a 7 percent reduction of $433 million.
The National Institutes of Health, would see its budget frozen at $29.5 billion.Substance abuse providers update their treatment programs would be cut almost in half. Bush also would eliminate a new $49 million program to help states provide health insurance.
Heating subsidies to the poor would be cut by $570 million, to $2 billion.
The budget would eliminate the $654 million Community Services Block Grant program, but the bright spot is Abstinence education programs would get a 25 percent increase to $137 million.

OBAMACAN wrote on Mar 29, 2008 1:19 PM:Is White Rabbit at 3:11 a.m. really comparing John W. McBush whose big achievement was to get captured during a quagmire to five-star General Eisenhower who won World War II?
You're comparing "newcomers" Bush and Obama? On what yardstick, vision? Articulate speaking skills? Inheritance from Daddy?
And forgetting that Gore actually did win the election?
Is this what the Clinton folks have come down to?

OBAMACAN wrote on Mar 29, 2008 1:20 PM:Reardon at 9:39 a.m. seems to be making the assumption that there was a single "Best Of" DVD?
Many churches record all sermons.
And Red-Rover at 10:39 a.m. can't tell the difference between going to church for religious purposes while disregarding the occasional outlandish comment regarding politics (not the subject he went there to learn about). Meanwhile, John W. McBush actively sought out for POLITICAL purposes the endorsements of far more extreme racists.

OBAMACAN wrote on Mar 29, 2008 1:21 PM:SDRaoul at 10:22 a.m. asserts that Obama would not know what to do next time Muslim fanatic murderers invade our great nation.
Well, he would know to stop reading "My Pet Goat" and take real action.
He did know to go after the real terrorists in Afghanistan instead of cutting and running to Iraq.
I think the guy I'd want to answer the phone at 3:00 a.m. is the guy who got it right last time around.

OBAMACAN wrote on Mar 29, 2008 1:22 PM:Esteban at 11:35 a.m. says he hopes Obama wins. We agree!

Oh Please! wrote on Mar 29, 2008 2:45 PM:To sdraul from yesterday. He claimed that the Iraqi National forces were doing just fine. "But several U.S. officials said Friday that the Iraqi military push is not going as well as American officials had hoped. A U.S. military intelligence analysis found that Iraqi security forces control less than a quarter of Basra, officials in both the United States and Iraq said.' Sd raul, I wish that you were right but news reports states that you are incorrect.

hardtack wrote on Mar 29, 2008 2:56 PM:Brooks, a picture is worth a 1000 words. Invite Alf, Ron and DD over. Alf will get the picture – and between Ron and DD you will get the 1000 words.

Reardon wrote on Mar 29, 2008 3:42 PM:Actually, I do assume that there was a “Best of…” Rev. Wright! His successor, Rev. Otis Moss III said, "Dr. Wright has preached 207,792 minutes on Sunday for the past 36 years at Trinity United Church of Christ." To offer all of those minutes on DVD taxes my credulity.

Now as to racist remarks by Obama, I have none, but a man is known by the company he keeps, and he keeps some strange company. He keeps company with a racist and an anti-Semite. Here are some comments by “Rev. Wright, just so far, and I suspect we will have more offered in coming months:

“The government lied about inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color. The government lied.” That is a RACIST remark – and absolutely untrue.
“Barack knows what it means living in a country and a culture that is controlled by rich white people,” Wright said. “Hillary would never know that.” That is RACIST.
I actually doubt that Obama is a racist, but I also doubt his identification as “post-racial.” I strongly suspect that he is a bright politician who used Rev Wright and his church for “street cred” – because it is difficult to get Black votes in Chicago as a graduate of private Hawaiian schools, Harvard and Columbia who is also a millionaire and married to a successful woman in her own right who makes $300,000 a year. Obama knows his constituency, and used the Rev Wright –perhaps he even liked Rev. Wright, but Rev. Wright is a piece of work – preaching against “middle-classism” while retiring to a 10,000+ square foot home in a gated community. I guess he decided to skip middleclassism and go straight to rich! But then the Democratic Party is the party of the rich, so it all adds up.

esteban wrote on Mar 29, 2008 4:21 PM:Surder...duuuuuuude. I didn't know you could send an e mail from a rusty old VW Bus....shaka bra....

Red-Rover wrote on Mar 29, 2008 4:44 PM:Focal Point12:39 p.m. Wrote "so what" to a question aboutObama, I posted at 10:39 A.M. Stated they had missed a lot on purpose for 52 years of chuch attendance!!! Missed the point. As president I don'twant them missing the point on anything as inflammtory as racism.

Then offered me the "same challenge." Challenge on what? None was offered or did Focal point miss that on purpose too?

Red-Rover wrote on Mar 29, 2008 5:10 PM:Obamacan wrote at 1;20 p.m. I couldn't tell the difference between going to church for religions purpose and disregarding an outlandish comment.

There is a differen between outlandish comment and a racist comment.

neither was addressed in my posting at 10:39

The text addressed Obama wanting to change the mindset of what got us in the war in the first place., but missed the mind set of Rev,Wright for 20 years.

Quite a political spin on words to try to get a point across while missing the point.

OBAMACAN wrote on Mar 29, 2008 5:12 PM:Reardon at 3:42 and Red Rover at 4:44 continue to hold Obama to a far higher standard than McBush.
To repeat: Obama went to church to learn about religion, not get political advice. By all accounts, Wright was excellent in this regard.
In contrast, McBush sought out POLITICAL endorsements and embraces from racists and hate-mongers far worse than Wright.
But of course Reardon and Rover are going to continue to change the subject from their guy McBush.
Must be awfully embarrassing trying to live as a Republican these days.
Do you have anything to say about actual issues?
Didn't think so.

Apollo wrote on Mar 29, 2008 6:00 PM:Re: Reardon (3:42 p.m.)
Reardon says a man is known by the company he keeps.
Oh yeah, the old Republican "guilt by association" thing, when you can't find anything to pin on the guy himself.
Joe McCarthy is alive and well.

To REarrdon from school district cuts wrote on Mar 29, 2008 6:19 PM:Finally! Someone with a brain. Yes! to cut sports, diminish property, cut transportation, etc. However, you have at least three insurmountable obstacles. 1) LAWS: Much of what you suggest is against the law. 2) FISCALLY IMPOSSIBLE: Some of your suggestions are great, but result in a windfall of one-time money OR are based on declining revenue sources (like the state subsidized 5-year plan). After five years, then what? 3) NEGOTIATED ITEM: CTA runs our schools and everyting dealing with salaries, teaching standards, hours, school year, teacher testing, credentialling, etc. is a negotiated item at the local level - this WILL NOT (trust me) WILL NOT change in any way, shape, or form. CTA is the largest lobbying group in Sacramento. Now - Using those three items as your yardstick, review your suggestions and see how many remain viable. Don't get me wrong. I agree with almost all your suggestions, but most won't work today. I challenge you to use today's laws, protocols, situations and standards, and make REAL, VIABLE, do-able suggestions that will mitigate the millions in cuts now facing local districts. It's easy to throw out great sounding and common-sense suggestions. It's difficult to find REAL solutions in light of the law, negotiations, and fiscally sound CURRENT standards. If you want to talk about changing the law, the standards, and eliminating the unions, I'm right there with you. But that's a totally different argument. We need REAL solutions in today's world. GO!
The clock is ticking......

Reardon and Ron convinced me wrote on Mar 29, 2008 6:30 PM:There is no way in heck that I will vote for Reverand Wright for President. Now Obama, on the other hand, has expressed his views repeatedly and clearly and based on his outlook, he's got my vote. Whew, you guys saved me from voting for the Reverend. Thanks!

Surfer wrote on Mar 29, 2008 7:24 PM:esteban: Remote lap tops, Dude. ain't they just super. Se ya brah.

Alf wrote on Mar 29, 2008 7:25 PM:John Brooks, "hardtack" at 2:56PM, has it right. Take pictures of this dog in your yard! Document, document, document!! If others will not do their jobs, you have a perfect basis for an lawsuit against your neighbor for being an irresponsible dog owner and animal control for not doing their jobs. Document, document, document!! I do not like lawsuits, HOWEVER, there is a time and place for them and this is one! I know that if a neighbor of mine let their threatening dog run loose and it was on my place more than once after the neighbor was contacted, it would not live to be there a third time. Regards, Alf.

Focal Point wrote on Mar 29, 2008 7:30 PM:Reardon and Ron convinced me You are 100% correct. People who want to judge you for the company you keep, the woman that your married, the food you consume or the cloths you wear are fools. A man is judged for his words and deeds. I challenge Reardon, Ron and anyone else to once again produce in full context, a quote, statement from any radio or video or even one person who has heard Obama make any racist statement or perform any racist deed. If you can not, I suggest that your statements and allegations are just opinions. Everybody has one. Don't make it true.

Focal Point wrote on Mar 29, 2008 7:34 PM:Apollo: You are correct although McCarthy was a Democrat. It is part of the slime conservative machine tactics. Yet, every Republican Presidential candidate has spoken at Bob Jones University, an anti Catholic and anti Black university. Does that make any one of them an anti Catholic and racist?

Apollo wrote on Mar 29, 2008 8:14 PM:Re: Focal Point (7:30 p.m.)
With all respect, Focal Point, please get your facts straight.
You might be confusing JOSEPH McCarthy (REPUBLICAN from Wisconsin during early 1950s) with EUGENE McCarthy, Democrat from Minnesota, who 15 years later challenged LBJ in 1968.
McCarthyism is named for the former.
It is a REPUBLICAN plague.
Check it out.

Toots wrote on Mar 29, 2008 8:27 PM:While i can agree with some of Reardon's suggestions on saving money on schools - I have to ask about #3: End all non-academic school activities, i.e. band... So what kind of Navy and Marine Bands will we end up with? Rap? Hip Hop? Music is based on mathematics and actually has some academic value - and let's face it, the band playing at half time is the only reason to go to a football game.

Black Coyote wrote on Mar 29, 2008 8:30 PM:White rabbit - hope you enjoy the next eight years with a Democratic president. Cheers!

Danny wrote on Mar 29, 2008 8:34 PM:Maybe the schools should cut their administratative waste before they complauin about no money

Danny wrote on Mar 29, 2008 9:23 PM:If you really wanna help schools, brig back corporal punishment and Bible teachings.

Citizen wrote on Mar 29, 2008 10:05 PM:Hey folks, what happens to all that LOTTERY money
that is supposed to go to education as extra funds to
provide programs to enrich our kids??? Who steals it?

esteban wrote on Mar 29, 2008 10:54 PM:To Surfer...Super? You mean the VW? They are very nostalgic, I'll give you that...looks kinda like a loaf of bread. You mean I can get a laptop with no plugs and no wires now? D^$^%&* I'm behind the times. I just got my Beta back from the shop...had to send it over seas for repairs!!!! Expensive repairs!! All I need are some tasty waves and cool buzz and I'm fiiiiine. Aloha Mr. Hand.

To Citizen wrote on Mar 29, 2008 11:25 PM:The lottery money DID go to schools - and the state pulled out EXACTLY that amount in state funds - so it was a wash. Lottery money equals about 9% of the state education budget. The same thing will happen with the expanded Indian gaming monies too. They promised $9 billion in state income over 30 years. That's a drop in the bucket when compared to the horrible negative impacts those expanded casinos will have on the cities where they are located - traffic, crime, money laundering, drugs, prostitution - and the cities have virtually NO say about it. The next time you're asked to vote on expanding questionable activities with the promise of monetary returns, think again. It's pie in the sky, and our de-funded schools are the real victim.

Alf wrote on Mar 30, 2008 5:08 AM:Well, "Citizen" at 10:05PM, the response by "To Citizen" at 11:25PM, "The lottery money DID go to schools - and the state pulled out EXACTLY that amount in state funds - so it was a wash. Lottery money equals about 9% of the state education budget." is exactly right. The Lottery money was supposed to be OVER AND ABOVE STATE FUNDING, but our STATE LEGISLATORS LOWER school funding by an amount equal to what the lottery puts in. Net result, no "extra" 9 percent. Check it out. Regards, Alf.

To Danny wrote on Mar 30, 2008 10:08 PM:If you really want to help schools - try spelling class.