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Letters for Sunday, April 13, 2008
By Readers of the North County Times | ∞
Saving the Delta and our water supply
I have been concerned about the California Delta and our water supply for some time. Jack Paxton, who has studied this problem and wrote about it in a letter years ago, came up with the idea that since we pay over $4 a gallon for drinking water in bottles, we could easily add a levee of 1 cent a gallon, thus raising more than $6 billion a year to repair the Delta levees.
However ... The short answer, as I see it, is no! The notion of a simple 1-cent per gallon levee on water imports by MWD will go nowhere politically, even if it modestly encourages water conservation and requires the present people who use water to pay for urgent repairs to a system that will probably fail anyway.
How do you "protect" islands (holes) that are already 10 to 20 feet below sea level and dropping two inches per year? All this for silly agriculture that must pump these lands constantly at considerable expense just to farm them! I don't see people in Southern California willing to make the severe cutbacks in a profligate lifestyle after years of working on this. The coming drought and depression may force it on us, but the poor will be sacrificed first, IMHO.
In memory of Rocky Velgos, member of Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Carlsbad.
Roger Fox
Carlsbad
The Sprinter is a success for the 101 Cafe
It was not a surprise to me that the new Sprinter would be successful. I was surprised by the number of people who take the Sprinter into Oceanside and then eat at the 101 Cafe. Yes, the Cafe is just a few blocks away from the downtown Oceanside station, but I never thought we'd see as many riders as we have.
First, there were couples, and then there were fours and now we had over 10 show up who started their journey from Valley Center. The Papa Bear Breakfast Club, named after their breakfast haunt, came from Valley Center on a 1954 Ford Crown Fire truck. They were chauffeured to the downtown Escondido station, where they boarded the Sprinter train to their destination in Oceanside. Once they were in Oceanside, they boarded the fire truck again for a short hop to the 101 Cafe. ...
Even a bigger surprise was the church group that booked a walking tour in downtown Oceanside after their Sprinter ride from Escondido and then had lunch at the 101. I am really excited about the unintended consequences of the Sprinter's success. I say, bring them on, one and all.
John Daley
Oceanside
Deer Springs Fire Board stronger than ever
I am tired of the Deer Springs Fire Board being called dysfunctional, usually by someone who disagrees with one of the board's decisions (Letters, April 9). At the April 3 meeting, the board did not pass an increase to the district's fire assessment fee. After reviewing our budget, it was decided that any increase could be put off another year. Yes, many in the audience did express concerns about making their current payments amid the increasing costs of living, but we are in an unusually difficult financial year for homeowners. The district should be proud of a track record filled with accomplishments.
One of the most important accomplishments was the opening of a third district fire station, right in the heart of Hidden Meadows. The fire district board has stood together unanimously in its opposition to the proposed Merriam Mountain development's fire protection plan. In addition, the board is working closely with the fire safe council to reduce fuel mitigation in fire-prone district areas. ...
We are creating a new Web site for the district to boost communication and education, and continually looking for ways to improve service and response times for our district. While there may be disagreements occasionally between board members, make no mistake: Safety is always at the top of the list for the Deer Springs Fire Board and the district's hardworking staff.
Laurel Nicholson
president,
Deer Springs Fire
Protection Board
Escondido
Silence from both sides is disheartening
In regard to the article, "Continuing silence not helping O'side cops," April 5, I am not only interested but concerned for what this silence is meaning for the investigation. The silence on the behalf of both the D.A. and the OPD, as well as the opposing side of the woman, is quite disheartening.
Regardless of where the investigation stands, the silence on both sides is causing the public to come to their own conclusions. After reading several responses to this article, these conclusions are based completely on assumptions. While it is very concerning that the OPD is remaining so hush-hush, the victimized woman also is keeping quiet.
I urge all judging the situation to simply wait this one out and this investigation will unfold before our eyes �“�“ all in good time.
Brittany Thomas
San Marcos
Let's help city slide gracefully into the bay
The city of San Francisco is famous, partly for its location and beautiful bridges. It is also infamous for the City Council that allowed the proliferation of ... homosexual bathhouses.
Now that City Council has declared the city a sanctuary city, and it welcomes any and all law-breaking illegal aliens. This is the same City Council that recently told our gallant U.S. Marines they were not welcome [to film an ad] in the city.
I feel it is our compassionate duty to help that City Council achieve its goals. Let's encourage all illegals to move to that sanctuary city where their weight will sink the medical, educational and social services, and that elitist community can slide gracefully into the bay.
Jim Loach
Fallbrook
Report identifies funding requirements
I am disappointed that Mr. Geldert ("Planning fire service tedious but needed," Perspective, April 6) did not take the time to visit the LAFCO Web site (www.sdlafco.org/), where he would have found a copy of the micro report titled "Reorganization of structural fire protection and EMS," which contains all the data relating to the county's current firefighting capabilities and funding. The report identified the ongoing funding requirements and possible approaches to obtain the funding. The support to obtain funding to meet ongoing operations of a regional fire department has been lukewarm at best. However, it should be noted that the county has stepped up to the plate in providing funds in support of regional enhancements to firefighting capabilities.
I would also take issue with Mr. Schwander#,s comments("Countywide fire service needed," Perspective, April 6)that we do not contribute to disasters outside the county, given that Valley Center's previous CDF fire chief was deployed over 40 percent of his time during fire season to assist in fires in other counties.
Weaver Simonsen
director,
Valley Center
Fire Protection District
Sen. Obama has put a spell on people
I believe the voting public should reassess its political leanings and question the festive, carnival mood that prevails in their wholesale acceptance of Barack Obama. Does this stranger, with questionable credentials and background, have people in a hypnotic state that not only opens their arms, but also their pocketbooks? His financial advantage alone almost assures him of the nomination.
His magnetism and speaking talent have an eerie, almost frightening quality that is mystical and disarming. People are teaching their babies to recite his name while sexy young women are offering themselves in song and dance. These antics speak of a new age in defining political campaigns.
But most disturbing is his close, unyielding relationship with a church pastor who harbors deep hatred for white people and even our esteemed country. His garish garb and hip-hop preaching style, combined with bombastic ranting, defy his claim to be a representative of Jesus Christ. Barack Obama's reference to this man as a "spiritual mentor" is unsettling.
Ray Erler
San Marcos
A well-lived life
Well, let's see. The perfect scenario for life. Maybe, but nevertheless, 30 years of horsing around and having fun. Thirty years of working and trying to be successful and raising a family. Thirty years of horsing around and having fun, with a sprinkling of diversity and eclecticism throughout. Dead at 90.
Rod Miller
San Marcos
9/11 questioner needs to find honest source
Dwain Deets (Letters, March 19) cannot tell the difference between a concession and butt-covering. If I'd mentioned the other three flights without mentioning his statement about Flight 77, Deets would've said something about me ignoring what he really said. Hint: That's in the latter category. There's a plausible explanation for the varying numbers of reported cell phone calls that doesn't require duplicity on the part of the FBI: initial reports versus final reports.
It wouldn't be the first time David Ray Griffin distorted facts; he's [wrong] about WTC security (see http://911myths.com/html/stratesec.html), passed off a CNN victims list as an official flight manifest (see http://911myths.com/html/no_hijackers_on_the_manifests.html) and [was wrong] about controlled demolition (read "On Debunking 911 Debunking by Ryan Mackey ...). Granted, it only deals with the third chapter of DRG's second book but, to paraphrase Ryan Mackey, if he found enough problems in just one chapter of one of Griffin's books for a 100-plus page paper, how many errors are there in the remaining chapters of all three of his books?
The only investigation that should be launched is an investigation into what the 9/11 questioners are smoking.
Victor Chabala
Oceanside
This symbol will stem the tide of genocide
Turn on your headlights every time you drive during daylight hours from now until the end of the Summer Olympics in China in support of the freedom of Tibet. This Torch of Headlights will send a clear message to China to begin the process of freeing the chains on Tibet. This will work because the Chinese are very moved by symbols.
If the Chinese government fails to act in response to the Torch of Headlights, then you must act starting in July by refusing to buy anything made in China. The economic message will be huge.
Do these things because the people of Tibet have no voice, but you still do, so use it while you still can. [Tell] everyone you know all over the world. ... The ripple will stem the tide of genocide.
Larry Fetterly
San Marcos
Public schools and music education
M. Elaine Weidauer, in her Community Forum column ("Arts more than simple fun," April 9), has perpetuated a myth about Leonard Bernstein's public school music education.
Leonard Bernstein graduated in 1935 from Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America, founded in 1635. I graduated from BLS in 1942. I know for a fact that BLS, at that time, did not offer classes in music, art or theater. Today, the school offers classes in music appreciation and art in two of its six grades.
I have met a few of Bernstein's classmates at alumni club reunions. They tell of Bernstein carrying with him a cardboard piano keyboard, on which he practiced whenever he had spare time. His parents did not own a piano, so Bernstein practiced on neighbors' pianos.
Bernstein went on to Harvard University and then Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. It was at those institutions that Bernstein received his formal music education, not in a public school. I know nothing of Tom Hanks' or Meryl Streep's theater arts education, but I would not presume to know until I had researched it first. I suggest that Ms. Weidauer do the same.
Marshall Byer
Boston Latin School,
class of 1942
Vista
Turmoil in Middle East furthers U.S. aims
Israel was established by the U.N. in 1947 on land that was carved out of Palestine, with the assumption that both groups could coexist in peace. For this to happen, Israelis must recognize the legitimacy of Palestine without preconditions, and the Palestinians must recognize the legitimacy of Israel without preconditions.
The respect for land rights is central to this issue. The claim that all the land belongs to the Jews because they were there as early as the 10th century B.C. is as silly as the claim that all of North America belongs to the American Indians. Under international law (Security Council Resolution 242, and the International Court of Justice's ruling on Israel's "separation barrier"), the acquisition of territory by force is absolutely prohibited, and Israel is absolutely required to relinquish the territories occupied since 1967, just as Iraq was absolutely required to relinquish Kuwait territory in 1990.
Nevertheless, Israel has been steadily encroaching on Palestine lands. Despite the overwhelming military superiority of the Israelis, this illegal act is rationalized by playing the "security card." The U.S.A. clucks in disapproval, but does nothing substantive, since it furthers our geopolitical aims to keep the Middle East in a state of turmoil.
Sorab Ghandhi
Escondido
Message in movie: No end in sight
All of you out there who are bewildered by this insane war should see the current movie "Stop-Loss." It isn't really well made, and the F-word is used far too often, but the message is there.
It's hard as hell to get out of this repeat deployment. Since there is no draft in the U.S., and they need so many of our military to protect the poppy fields in Afghanistan ("Thriving Taliban drug trade grim sign for progress in Afghanistan," March 1), there seems to be no end in sight. Do any of you agree our young people need to die to protect drug trade and/or to protect Bush and Cheney and their buddies supplements? Foolish people.
Our once-wonderful country really has gone down the toilet. Yes, I still love my country. I am still praying for a large number of politicians who care for the good of the country and the good of all citizens. Yeah, I know. Go see the movie.
Max Doyle
Oceanside
A cost-effective transportation system
Cost-effective, secure and comfortable are means that seem to be setting forth a new transportation system, such as the Sprinter. The letter "A ride on the Sprinter," April 7, states that "the ultra-sleek Sprinter arrived on schedule, seats were comfortable, some elevated for better view." It seems like the Sprinter can be a fun and comfortable mode of transportation that is not expensive.
By reading the experience William Hart had on the Sprinter, it seems like there are security people at the station who can help one purchase a ticket. Moreover, it seems like the Sprinter is cost-effective because a round-trip ticket is only $2; this can help many who are spending a lot of money in gas.
I am considering using the Sprinter to reduce the monthly cost of gas and to be able to enjoy a nice ride. I think many others should also be using, not only the Sprinter, but other forms of transportation other than one's car since gas prices will continue to rise.
Erika Vasquez
San Marcos
Minutemen hinder their objectives
In a letter to the editor that appeared in the April 9 paper, Julie Quinn expressed her view of the Minutemen. She stated, "They are akin to a large neighborhood watch group who merely observe and report illegal activity to the authorities and lobby our lawmakers to enforce our immigration laws." I wish this was true, but that is hardly the case. ...
Let's not forget that many of these day laborers are here legally on working visas. We all know there are two sides to every story, and for those of you who want to see the other side and not remain ignorant, check out minutemenunvarnished.com.
I'm sure there are many Minutemen out there who mean well and practice their advocacy in accordance with the law, but let's not paint a picture that they "merely observe and report illegal activity." Immigration is a complex issue and comprehensive reform undoubtedly needs to take effect. These Minutemen with their ... tactics only hinder that objective while giving a bad name to their organization.
Michael Boone
San Marcos
Keep tabs on this story
The article Authorities investigating abuse at polygamist compound put 400-plus children in
Texas custody," April 8, made my jaw drop. Aside from the mere astonishment placed on my mind from the fact that 400 kids were in custody was the fact that this article did not make the front page!
I hope that the North County Times continues to keep tabs on this story. I think it is important that we know what will happen to these 400-plus children? Will they be shipped off to already overcrowded foster homes? I also believe that it is important to know whether actual abuse was occurring, or if this was merely a society that lived outside of American values. From reading this article, I am led to believe that it was a horrible place, but that is only half the story.
Nichole Hess
Vista
Reject expensive ballot box regulations
Your article on rising egg prices barely scratched the surface on the possible unintended consequences likely to arise from the November ballot initiative aimed at eliminating the most common housing and care method for egg-laying hens ("Egg, feed prices in a scramble," March 24).
Not only have farmers put off investing in new birds or equipment that might help cool down higher prices, the costs of complying with the measure would likely force farmers to cut back on production and could put some out of business altogether, resulting in lower in-state supplies and even higher costs to California families.
Unfortunately, readers did not hear that many scientists and animal welfare experts believe that the prevalent cage system provides hens with adequate space, better protection against disease and predators and more equal access to food and water. And California egg farmers already use a variety of hen-care methods, traditional, cage-free and/or organic, to meet consumers' diverse demands. There's no shortage of egg choices at the grocery store.
Voters should reject expensive, unnecessary ballot box regulations in November and leave these decisions in the hands of scientists, veterinarians and animal welfare experts.
Ryan Armstrong
Valley Center
This is news worth knowing
Continuing with briefly mentioned news items: 1. According to a March 22 Associated Press report ("Iraqis wounded working for U.S. hope new visa program is fast track to America"), President Bush recently signed the Defense Authorization Bill, allowing 5,000 Iraqis special immigrant visas. 2. The New York Times reported on March 20 that some states are inflating high school graduation rates to obscure the dropout epidemic in the U.S. 3. The AP reported on March 20 ("FDA identified contaminant suspect in recalled blood thinner") that U.S. health officials identified a contaminant in the blood thinner heparin imported from China that is associated with 19 deaths in the U.S. 4. The AP reported on March 7 ("L.A. firms allegedly imported toxic toothpaste") that more than 70,000 tubes of Chinese toothpaste containing a poisonous substance have been distributed across the U.S. 5. The North County Times reported on March 10 ("New law aids Zimbabwe blacks") that Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe recently signed a new law requiring white-owned businesses to hand over 51 percent control to blacks. 6. The New York Times reported on Feb. 6 that shortly after signing a $74 million contract to manufacture helmets for troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, a North Dakota company agreed to settle a suit saying previously manufactured helmets were inferior. The contract was not canceled.
Leon Smith
Oceanside
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OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 12, 2008 8:22 PM:Ray Erler LOL Next, you will try to tell us the Obama is the devil, himself. Are the consrvo righties that scared?
OBAMACAN wrote on Apr 12, 2008 9:45 PM:"Oh Please" at 8:22 p.m. is absolutely right. The letter from Ray Erler proves he has never actually heard Obama speak, as I have.
Obama's style is not rising and falling crescendos of oratory; he is nothing of the powerful speaker such as Martin Luther King or William Jennings Bryan. He is very plain spoken, but he speaks like the Constitutional Law professor he once was.
The "power" of his oratory is not in its majesty, but in its simplicity.
He explains things simply, in a way that makes sense and people find themselves nodding their heads in agreement.
This is what was meant when he was compared to Ronald Reagan.
Not their viewpoint or content, but their plain-spoken manner that makes people understand.
In the meantime, I notice the conservatives still have only superficialities to fall back on, such as his name, what others say (even if he repudiates it) or misrepresentations about his speaking style.
Don't listen to others. Find his speeches online, especially his speech on race ("Toward a More Perfect Union"), and listen for yourself. Whether you agree or disagree, you will see that his manner is low key, not inflammatory.
They are still unable to address substantive issues such as economic recovery (McCain admits he knows little), healthcare (McCain wants more of the same), environment (lip service but missed 15 votes this year), an orderly withdrawal from Iraq (he wants a Korea-like occupation for a hundred years) and many other vital issues where McCain is out of touch with the general public.
No wonder they don't want to discuss issues.
Guess ya gotta go with what ya got. NOTHING!
To Michael Boone wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:04 PM:Great letter!!!! It is very true every word of it. The minutemen are wildeyed, crazed, psychos with no restraint. I am glad more people are coming to realize it. Thanks again for your letter.
SOLON … wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:34 PM:… Well Darrell Issa has stuck his size 11 shoe in his mouth once again in an extreme display of rudeness, mean partisanship and unwillingness to deal with the Bush War.
Jackie Speier just won the special election to succeed the late Tom Lantos. On the day she was sworn in her family, supporters and kids cheered as she embraced her new colleagues. Then, in her first speech in Congress, Speier spoke out about Iraq, and the boos and hoots began from the Republican side of the aisle.
"When will we get out of Iraq?" was the most frequent question she heard while campaigning, she told the House. “The process to bring the troops home must begin immediately," she said, as a few Republicans loudly booed. Rep. Darrell Issa, joining the rare display of extreme rudeness, bolted from his seat and left the floor. The hoots grew in volume as Speier, a Hillsborough Democrat, continued.
"The president wants to stay the course and a man who wants to replace him suggests we could be in Iraq for 100 years," she said.
Unlike Issa, the new Rep. Speier is very in touch with her constituents, and with the great majority of Californians. Issa wants to continue bankrupting this country for generations with a meaningless war. We saw the extreme rudeness and mean partisanship of Issa once again on the floor of Congress.
Issa just last week, in another boorish outburst on the House floor berated the Firemen of NY. The NCT admonished Issa for this in an editorial. Now ISSA berates the news member of Congress on her first day.
Apollo wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:36 PM:Re: Ray Erler (letter) and Oh Please (8:22 p.m.) and Obamacan (9:45 p.m.)
Oh Please and Obamacan are right as far as they go, but I'm surprised both of them failed to note the comment in Erler's letter about Obama's alleged "close, unyielding relationship" with his former pastor.
Unyielding?
About a third of his famous speech on race, and many other comments before and since, clearly repudiated the comments, while honoring the friendship and long time pastoral relationship.
Can conservatives ever tell the truth about Obama?
Are they really that threatened?
OBAMA MAMA - wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:40 PM:- - How eloquently OBAMACAN expressed the power of Barack Obama's oratory:
"The "power" of his oratory is not in its majesty, but in its simplicity.
He explains things simply, in a way that makes sense and people find themselves nodding their heads in agreement."
Obama is a speaker I could listen to year after year, day in and day out. I cannot say this of any of the other 16 candidates including those who have dropped out.
His voice is calm, rational and assuring.
McCain's voice is not all that terrible. It's just that he is such a war-monger.
Asteroid on; Michael Boone wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:43 PM:"Let's not forget that many of these day laborers are here legally on working visas." Yeah right! And then ANOTHER plug for minutemenunvarnished.com. Gotta love you liberals; you never cease to give me a chuckle.
Chris wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:56 PM:Concerning Sorab Ghandhi's letter. You want to know the real kicker? The Zionist have no blood linage to the ancient Israelites. I know you think I lost it this time but just check out two words, Ashkenazim and Sephardim. This idea that the Zionist are comming back to the land of their forfathers is just more fiction. Their ancestors never lived in Palestine.
sdraoul wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:56 PM:Another Hollywood bust of an anti-Bush anti-Iraq War movie hits the screens and flops. Nonetheless, Max Doyle writes that the movie has a point. Well, Mr. Doyle, your comments are like the movie -- bad, ill-informed and not really worthy of publication.
But, as long as the NCT did publish it, perhaps they should have interviewed people who have been in the military to comment on "stop-loss."
In my Marine days, it was called "COG" Convenience of the Government. Lots of people were held on to by the military under that policy.
Before I joined, WWII and Korean War soldiers, sailors and Marines were in for the "Duration" and that included draftees.
Only Code Pink soldiers whine about what has been government policy all my life. There must not be many of them, or they aren't buying many movie tickets.
ILL-tempered congressman wrote on Apr 13, 2008 12:12 AM:- - Darrell Issa was dubbed “ill-tempered” by a NC Times editorial on April 6. Issa earned that label when he described the attacks on the World Trade Center as "A fire that had no dirty bomb in it, it had no chemical munitions in it. ..." And he questioned "why the firefighters who went there and everyone in the city of New York needs to come to the federal government for the dollars versus, quite frankly, this being primarily a state consideration."
Now Issa has displayed his wild ill-temper again on the floor of the House of Representatives, when he booed and walked out on the newest member, Shirley Speiers of California, when she was sworn in and made her first speech -- on the Bush War, of course. Speiers ran on an anti-war platform because that is what her constituents demanded of her, and she won with 75 % of the vote.
Booing on the House floor is very rare, and to welcome a new member in such a manner is unheard of. What is wrong with this ill-tempered man.
He is up for re-election in Nov., fortunately.
It is time to give him the boot.
No conservo here wrote on Apr 13, 2008 4:57 AM:As a liberal Democrat just slightly to the right of Karl Marx, I believe Barak Obama to be a charlatan. Middle America will never allow him to become their president. 2008 will be yet another wasted opportunity to end this war, provide affordable health care to all Americans, start us on a path to energy independence and perhaps try members of the current administration for war crimes.
One can only depend on increasing the majorities in Congress to near veto proof numbers to fend off McCain’s warmongering intentions. Unless of course Obama sinks the entire party then we’ll be back to 2003. I hope your ill-advised social experiment will have been worth it to all you Obamamaniacs.
John wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:50 AM:Hey Obamacon and Oh Please.....Did you people even read Ray Erler's letter before you decided to start name calling and soap box stumping for Mr. Obama? For one, just because a person doesn't care for the politics of Mr Obama doesn't necessarily make that person a "consrvo rightie". If you think it does, then you've got more problems to worry about than Mr. Erler's opinion of Mr. Obama, and, funny thing, I didn't see any comparison of Mr. Obama to any secular diety, good or bad. Methinks maybe thou protests a little too much. And as far as his oratory, once again, Mr Erler didn't say one word about Mr. Obama being any kind of powerful cresendoing kind of speaker, in fact if you READ THE LETTER it says just the opposite. Now I realize that you must have this insatiable urge to come to the rescue and defend this new found hero of yours, but lets stay real here and stop looking for demons that aren't there. As for me, I've heard him speak, visited his website, tried to be as objective as possible about his choice of mentors and even took a long look at how he views the working class citizens of this country, and think that someday he might be good for this country, but now is not the time. By the same token, I am strictly anti "consrvo righty" and NEVER voted for Bush and certainly don't want McMore-of-the-same in office. So just because I don't happen to agree with you doesn't make me an ignorant bad guy as you would like to believe. Your last sentence kind of said it all for you and where you're coming from.
No Kool Aid for me wrote on Apr 13, 2008 6:06 AM:Obamacan, you might find yourself nodding in agreement but I find myself shaking my head in disbelief that anyone could fall for the claptrap. Obama alienates more Americans with each passing week. He had to explain why he doesn’t actually take advice from his spiritual advisor, now he’s explaining why he thinks white rural Americans are bitter and have the temerity to vote their conscience on issues such as God, guns and gays. This latest gaffe sheds more light on the first. People are asking themselves, “What does he really believe?” The absolutely last thing a candidate wants voters asking.
He may appeal to high-minded, enlightened intellectuals for reasons yet to be determined but that is far from a majority of voters. His overwhelming support from blacks in red states, which got him where he is now, is not going to help him in November. Presidential elections really do turn on fundamental questions as, “Which candidate is more like you?”, “Which candidate shares your values?” and “Which candidate will keep you safe?” Obama is falling short on each one.
Mike wrote on Apr 13, 2008 6:35 AM:Have to wonder what Ray Erler concludes from George W. Bush's public speaking.
Contempt as a campaign slogan wrote on Apr 13, 2008 6:50 AM:Obamacan, in your 9:45pm and previous posts you inadvertently lay out why the Obama campaign is doomed to fail.
You believe that anyone who might disagree with you is not listening, not paying attention, ill informed or all of the above. It doesn’t occur to you that someone could independently compare all the candidates and not simply desire to kneel down and wash the feet of your messiah.
This disdain of Middle America is more telling than any carefully crafted speech and Obama is showing more of it each day.
Americans are watching, and listening. Closely.
Karl wrote on Apr 13, 2008 7:01 AM:To "To: Nick and El Guero @ 2008 10:01 PM:"
Which rock have you been hiding under. Try a net search on "Bill Gates charity" or "Ted Turner charity", both men contribute (open their checkbooks in your words) tremendous amounts of cash to the less fortunate. Would you have them donate their entire fortune?
ILL-tempered congressman wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:20 AM:- - Darrell Issa was dubbed “ill-tempered” by a NC Times editorial on April 6. Issa earned that label when he described the attacks on the World Trade Center as "A fire that had no dirty bomb in it, it had no chemical munitions in it. ..." And he questioned "why the firefighters who went there and everyone in the city of New York needs to come to the federal government for the dollars versus, quite frankly, this being primarily a state consideration."
Now Issa has displayed his wild ill-temper again on the floor of the House of Representatives, when he booed and walked out on the newest member, Shirley Speiers of California, when she was sworn in and made her first speech -- on the Bush War, of course. Speiers ran on an anti-war platform because that is what her constituents demanded of her, and she won with 75 % of the vote.
Booing on the House floor is very rare, and to welcome a new member in such a manner is unheard of. What is wrong with this ill-tempered man.
He is up for re-election in Nov., fortunately.
It is time to give him the boot.
Ill-tempered Issa wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:33 AM:- Wait. Isn’t it always the “conservatives” complaining that liberals stifle dissent? Isn’t it always the “conservatives” that complain about the rude behavior of students and liberals when “conservatives” come to speak at campus events?
McWAR wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:38 AM:. . Man, this new California congresswoman hit the ground running! CA women are a very special, brave breed. Go get ‘em, Jackie!
To: Asteroid wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:44 AM:Well Asteroid from the tone of your letter I can't hear you "chuckling". You are angry because people are seeing your tactics and calling you out on them. Yes the people are seeing your group for what they are and that is exactly what the UT said you all are maladjusted misfits and bullies. Yes the word is out and the minutemen unvarnished website and new website will be pushed and pushed until you and your gang of vigilantes stop this violence you are creating in our streets and communities. Hey say Hi to Claudia for me.
HEMLOCK & Honey wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:50 AM:- So, No Kool Aid for him (6:06 AM). He choose instead the ancient hemlock and honey of war and corporate socialism (Fascism). He believes in the godly McCain and the glorious Bush War. He spouts the divisive issues of his war-god, guns and gays. He and his ilk appeal to the base with hatred, distrust and divisiveness. America is TIRED of all this evil which is destroying our nation.
Senator Obama, and even Sen. Clinton, are trying to unite this nation once again. Divided we fall; united we will stand once again as a great and good nation. Together America can become a light for the world.
BOO to ISSA wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:58 AM:.. You have to understand that booing is about all the neocons like ISSA can do with Jackie Speiers at the moment. She only just got there, so there’s nothing to blackmail her on. She hasn’t been seduced or corrupted by the system, she is fresh from close contact with her constituents so she still has the ideals and convictions that she ran on for this seat.
She’s also capable of speaking her mind, and doesn’t mind doing so. She’s not likely to be put off by a little booing, and that’s all the Bush puppets have in their toolbox against her. I predict she will become one of the great leaders in Congress.
McCRAZY wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:06 AM:~~~ Issa and the Reichwing care not how many people die or are injured in this Bush War. There is no money coming out of their pocket, and no blood from their sons.
Bunch of Cowards . wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:11 AM:..This shows exactly what ISSA and the Republicans are all about. They can’t argue about the merits of a point, they have to attack the messenger when they disagree with you. They are supposedly the party of “family values”, but they welcome a lady by booing her. Nice you bunch of cowards! The only good republican is a former Republican. They make me sick with their war crimes, graft and coverups.
Obamamania wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:14 AM:Well I'm an Independant who voted for Ron Paul in the primaries and who is now deciding who to support in the general. McWar is more of McBush, so I will throw my support behind whomever wins the Democratic nomination. I would prefer Obama for many reasons over Hillary, but either one will be a vast improvement over our present course. My objective opinion here is that some may say that Obama's campaign is dead in the water, primarily those who would never have voted for him anyway, but the proof that the American People are having their say is in the vast majority of grass root donations that is fueling his campaign. Obama is leading in small personal donations by an astounding rate. Regardless of the talking heads, the sound bites and the familiar swift boat tactics, voices are rising for calm and reasoned leadership and they are putting their money where their mouth is. Say what you want about Obama, but money talks and hot air takes a walk. See ya at the polls!
Chuck wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:21 AM:The AP is reporting Rising food prices spark street riots around the world. We can thank the liberals for that. All of their anti-America, anti oil and anti-farmer edicts and policies, have resulted in exploding oil and commodity prices. Maybe that how liberals want to deal with global warming-- by starving out the poor, and screwing businesses so badly that millions of jobs will be lost
McEvil wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:22 AM:I keep hearing about Senator Obama’s spiritual guide, but very little about McCain’s spiritual guide. Does he not have one? Does he have no spiritual values? Can we call perpetual war and bankruptcy spiritual values?
Still no Kool Aid for me wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:12 AM:Hemlock and honey, reading is fundamental. You Obama people don’t actually read the comments you comment on, do you? I never mentioned McCain or Bush’s war. I didn’t bring up God, guns and gays; Obama did last week, which he’s been backpedaling from ever since. As for me and my ilk, whomever that may be, I have never voted for a Republican in my 32 years of voting. What I’m trying to do is save the Democratic Party from itself. You really don’t understand how and why Presidents are elected, do you? You rightly decry what will happen if McCain is elected but your infatuation with Obama is what’s going to get McCain elected. I hope you will be able to live with yourself.
OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:26 AM:Asteroid on; Michael Boone Believe me, we live to make you chuckle. You should really have a hardy belly laugh when OHB is President.
Nick wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:26 AM:"Still no Kool Aid for me" is correct. All the obsessed and bickering Dem's are going to keep us Repub's in Office and they will only have themselves to blame. And you know what that means? 4 more years of listening to Democrat's whine. Anyone have any cheese?
OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:29 AM:sdraoul[-] wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:56 PM:
So, now you have a new vocation, movie critic.
OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:33 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:21 AM: Chuck is back. Seems welll and rested. Same ole Chucks. Same ole lies. You know it is your free market capitalism that drives up the prices on any product and service. When it gets out of hand, it is greedy profiteering. Sorta like what goes on in Iraq. But, you good for a chuckle, Chuck.
OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:56 AM:Nick[-] wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:26 AM:
Tell that to the next 4,000 Americans to die in Iraq.
El Guero wrote on Apr 13, 2008 11:13 AM:Dear Editor: To paraphrase that guy at Jutland, "Something must be wrong with my bloody posts today!" Where are they?
sdraoul wrote on Apr 13, 2008 11:48 AM:OH Please--actually I wrote movie reviews for several years for many newspapers around the country.
As for "Stop-Loss" the receipts speak for themselves: It grossed 1.1 million this weekend, 51% less than last week. It averaged $850 per theater this weekend (that's 84 tickets per theater). It has only grossed 10 million falling far short than the $25 million it cost to make.
If a movie doesn't cover its budget within two or three weeks it won't ever.
Thus, "Stop-Loss" joins the parade of anti-Bush anti-Iraq war movies that are losers int he eyes of the American movie goer.
Chris wrote on Apr 13, 2008 12:00 PM:As far as I am concerned anybody that continues to trash Obama over the WRight affair is a hypocrite. These are the same people who support the killing and destruction going on in Iraq. You know it just amazes my how all these people that support the butchery in Iraq and the clergy that trashes muslims, homosexuals, liberals etc. are so damned concerned about China and their Tibet policy. We can invade and occupy but anybody else that does it is to be condemned. We are a nation of hypocrites and finger pointers.
Simone wrote on Apr 13, 2008 12:09 PM:Thank you, Laurel, for putting the actions of the Deer Springs Board in proper perspective. The same old negative song from the same old small number of people gets old and tiring. They believe that if they repeat their tripe often enough, people will believe it. The best course of action is to attend the meetings and see what's really happening.
El Guero wrote on Apr 13, 2008 12:27 PM:Dear Karl (@7.01): Thank you for your observation. It's one of the big differences between the U.S. and Mexico—charitable giving. Sure, mega-rich Americans use giving to reduce their tax burden. But the U.S. government intends it that way—to mitigate somewhat the economic imbalances of U.S. society. Then there are foundations like the Carnegie Endowment and the Ford Foundation that, for all their politically questionable giving practices, take it upon themselves to distribute wealth downward, unlike anything found in Mexico, where billionaires like the No. 2 wealthiest man in the world, Carlos Slim Helu set aside puny portions of their incomes as public relations gestures that have no effect on, or any genuine intention of alleviating, poverty in Mexico. But the U.S. pro-illegal immigration crowd, like the half-dozen or so multicultural facists on this blog, don't notice because they'd much rather alleviate Mexican poverty on THIS side of the border using endless U.S. tax dollars, which gives them something in common with the U.S. neoconservative nation-builders and regime-changers of the Middle East.
sorry, raoul wrote on Apr 13, 2008 1:35 PM:You are correct about Iraq movies tanking in the box office, but incredibly, you take this to mean that Americans are all for the war. What do the polls say about this? What were the ratings like when Petraeus testified to the Congress last week? Get it? Americans are sick to death over the total quagmire that Bush (and his cheerleaders like you) has gotten us into. We all want to pretend it just doesn't exist. So we don't go to movies that criticize it and don't watch the Bush puppet testify to Congress about how well it's going. We all know it's going nowhere, that Bush is running out his clock, and that it's one of the greatest disasters in American history. But we also know that it's a mess we can hardly just pack up and leave. So we're good and stuck, our dollars will keep flowing to this depleted military (see Generals Cody and Powell on what Iraq is doing to our military forces and readiness), our kids will keep dying, and for nothing. We all know this, so we turn our backs on the mess. If your hero, McCain, speaks too often or too loudly about his "stay the course" strategy, he may get as many votes as that movie had viewers.
esteban wrote on Apr 13, 2008 4:19 PM:Brittney Thomas you are forgetting that most of the people (anti cops) are too stupid to wait for the facts to come out before they make an opinion. It's like asking a rock to do math...they're just incapable of doing it.
OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:03 PM:sdraoul[-] wrote on Apr 13, 2008 11:48 AM Not rue. Big money in movie rentals. Les wait and see. Articles have already been written about the lack of success of these films. It is had nothing to do with politics. The general public do not view these flicks as entertainment. They do not want to be reminded of Iraq. I think Stop Loss failed not because of the story line.
It's just a lousy movie.
OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:05 PM:John[-] wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:50 AM: Turn the light on in the old cranium department. I would not have commented if I had not read the absurd letter, Did you ever pass a logic class?
OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:09 PM:John[-] wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:50 AM: No John. Your are wrong. If you disagree with me, you are, "an ignorant bad guy." But, my original comment was not addressed to you. Was it? It addressed the content of Elder's letter. His letter is a public indication that he is a conservo rightie.
Frank wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:31 PM:Brittney Thomas I sure hope this guys weapons have been taken away from him in the meantime. Who knows if he is still walking around packing iron waiting for the next incident. I really hope they have taken his weapon away and told him not to carry guns around until this investigation is over.
Nick wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:39 PM:To Oh Please: Oh please, save it. Our soldiers & sailors knew the risks when they joined. They also take an oath to follow orders and uphold the Constitution. I know, I took the same oath and new the risks when I joined. That's what makes our Military the best in the world. They follow orders and do their jobs regardless of their personal opinions or those of the know it all armchair quarterbacks back home.
If you think a Democrat is going to bring the troops home any sooner than a Republican, you are seriously out to lunch. Nice try though.
question for raoul wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:45 PM:It clear you think things are going pretty well in Iraq. Several generals have talked about how stretched the army is. I'm curious: as a supporter of stay the course, what's your outlook for the future of our fights in Iraq and Afghanistan/Pakistan? Our forces in Afghanistan seem to be woefully inadequage and the Taliban and al Qaeda are getting stronger by the day, even as our "man" in Pakistan has lost most of his political power. How do see the US faring, realistically, on these two fronts, given the state of our army? I would love to know where your optimism, and your belief in McCain's "stay the course" policy, comes from.
Wolf in Sheeps Clothing wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:59 PM:Can anyone answer the question of why Mr. Obama does not salute our AMERICAN Flag. To me this states volumes of what he stands for and it's not loving our country. The old term "Wolf in Sheeps Clothing" comes to mind. Democrates better open their eyes and take a real good look at who they are voting for.
Mike wrote on Apr 13, 2008 7:25 PM:"Wolf in Sheeps Clothing" at 5:59 PM is mighty concerned with Obama not saluting our flag. Have to wonder, is this a big issue for you, or is this all you've got?
As it turns out, sometimes he does salute, sometimes he doesn't. There is no reason why.
OBAMACAN wrote on Apr 13, 2008 7:59 PM:I'm not going to call "Wolf in Sheep's clothing" at 5:59 a liar, because I think he is just repeating another widespread Internet urban legend. He is probably not a liar, but pretty gullible to go repeating things and passing along malicious rumors before he checks them out.
Notice how all these are aimed at Obama, not Hillary?
Guess who the right wing thinks is their biggest threat?!
Fact is, he not only salutes the flag (and I've seen the video) at many public events, there is also video footage showing him leading the flag salute.
And before you bring up the phony lapel flag "issue", let me remind you that, after 9/11, this great patriot joined many others in donning the lapel flag. But after others started using it for political purposes, and especially after he decided to run for Senate, he decided not to join in desecrating the flag by opportunistically expropriating it for purely political posturing.
Unfortunately, many of his political peers lacked the same integrity.
OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:56 PM:Nick[-] wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:39 PM:
All members of any armed forces are conditioned to take orders or face the consequences. ie German army, Japanese Army, Russian Army, Roman Army Prussian Army our own Continental army throughout time. The type of government has nothing to do with a army or training of troops.
A Democrat will bring them home sooner. But, I am the first to agree it will not be the day after the election.
OH PLEASE! wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:05 PM:Wolf in Sheeps Clothing Has nothing to do with patriotism. No one is required to salute a "flag." Many people love their county, this country, but do not salute the flag. He does not wear his love for this country on his sleeve or his lapel.
I remember in grade school during the 1950.s that the students were required to extend our arms with palms up when the portion, " and to the republic" was received. Some questioned your patriotism if your refused. Later, the powerful people heard the common people. It made as look like Nazis.
Nana wrote on Apr 14, 2008 7:40 AM:I keep hearing about Senator Obama’s spiritual guide, but very little about McCain’s spiritual guide. Does he not have one? Does he have no spiritual values? Can we call perpetual war and bankruptcy spiritual values? It seems like there are so many values that we see in Obama that we don't see in McCain.
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