John wrote on Jul 2, 2008 1:13 AM:The noise from Pendleton is not the sound of freedom. It is the sound of our tax dollars being blown to smithereens. Evrey shell, bomb and bullet paid for by us. I don't mind spending half that money on the real war in Pakis-ghanistan. The troop's efforts, our taxes and our ammo should not be spent in Iraq.

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:10 AM:<<<Our economy reflects the inevitable results of the Bush economic theory>>>
Gee, another liberal who took condom fitting instead of economics. To stimulate after a post 9/11 slowdown, Bush rolled back about half of the 40% tax increase Clinton hung on the American people. The reult has been the largest tax receipts to the treasury in hisory. The problem is not a lack of receipts, its by far the excessive spending. Why do liberals always prefer taxes instead of spending control? The reason is simple. Liberals are angered that someone actually makes more than them, and has more toys as a result. That seething jealosy and envy is abated only when they can implore the govt to confiscate more from those making more than them. A normal human being would admire people who make more and do what they could to earn more. Liberals prefer the govt take more to even the score

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:17 AM:<<<"The Republican Party is a dead, rotting carcass with a few decrepit old leaders stumbling around like zombies in a horror version of 'Weekend With Bernie.'">>> And liberals cant wait to vote for someone they know nothing about, but are drawn to his promises of enormous freebees by taxing the employers, entrepreneursm inventors of this country into oblivion and instituting a level of socialism qnd marxism that even the europeans have rejected

Alf wrote on Jul 2, 2008 5:44 AM:the letter from Kathy Wootton reminds me of the early to mid 1960s. Our school was temporary buildings and there was lots of jet noise from Miramar, jets flying overhead with the occasional sonic boom. The teachers would simply stop mid-sentence and resume when the noise subsided. We lived through it with nary a problem. The noise from Pendelton will soon cease and we can resume our daily routine. Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Jul 2, 2008 5:58 AM:How true the letter from Kris Esslinger really is. Some day, soon, tax revenue will have to increase sufficient to start paying down this horrible debt that GWB has increased far beyond what domestic spending alone would have us owe. Whether there is a tax increase or not, "the piper MUST AND WILL be paid", when and who bites the bullet and pays this debt is up to us. Do we foist off onto our grandchildren's grandchildren the debt brought about by their great-great-great-grandfather's president, GWB, or do we raise the money by whatever painful means are necessary? It's time to clamp off the hemorrhaging artery that GWB slit in 2003 before there is no more blood left. Regards, Alf.

Bill wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:28 AM:Hey Kris

So Bush should bail out homeowners?

Why?

Many of them put no money down and arent losing anything. They got in by overstating their income and hoping to build equity by appreciation and not by investing a down payment. On the other hand, I saved and skimped when everyone else was buying houses they couldnt afford and guess what?

My net worth is growing as a result as Im buying up a lot of those reduced priced properties.

I am not rich by any means.

Not everyone is negatively effected by the housing market. Bush has no obligation to bail out those who spent beyond their means and he would be depriving those of us who didnt the opportunity that is now available. The upside is that many people are able to buy that wouldnt have been able to otherwise.

Its not all bad news.

But it sounds as if youre scolding America for not being as smart as you liberals.

Your knowledge of economics is lacking and thats clear by your letter.

You missed the upside to the mess you claim is so bad.

Great slant by hardly accurate of the economy.

But accuracy want your goal as evidenced by the childish name calling meant to slam Bush and nothing else.

Weak!

Observation wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:48 AM:What's new: Cindy McCain's wealth; Obama's discount loan:

Gotta Know wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:50 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:10 AM: Its the war costing us American lives and American treasure for oil,windfall profits and the suffering of the American people. Why do conservatives hate the American people?

To Pianolady Oops wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:55 AM:To: pianolady at 9:51PM last night, From: 2:35PM 7/1. Is the location of this address to you in the body of the post placed correctly enough for you? It was apparently a big enough deal for you to make a thing over it! I was wrong about you, You are just another mouth who MUST have the last word. I am no longer impressed.

Roger wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:57 AM:Wish Rob Hagey would contact California Center for the Arts in Escondido. They've been needing a talent buyer for 14 years now.

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:15 AM:The news is reporting "Payroll report: 79,000 private sector jobs lost in June"
As usual, the liberals dont care about jobs or inflation cause by this oil crisis and resulting commodity inflation. Bush asks for maximum drilling, Hussein and the liberals tell him to stuff it. The American people are going to tell the liberals to stuff it come November, when they look at the price it costs to fill up, what their grocery bill is, and that their 401-K in now a 201-K, all because the liberals say no to nuclear and drilling.

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:19 AM:I see Husseins handlers are briefing Hussein rigorously about the history of the $th of July. They want to be sure he knows where the holiday is rooted, as he had no clue about Memorial Day. He thought that was Veterans Day. Thats what the public school and Harvard will do to one.

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:21 AM:>>What's new: Cindy McCain's wealth; Obama's discount loan>>> The difference being McCains wealth is legitimate, the phoney loan was illegal

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:27 AM:>>Why do conservatives hate the American people?>>> You have that backwards, and the recent Supreme court rulings prove it. First the liberals were able to protect murdering terrorists (which case would never had been brought if a liberal was in the White House). Next, liberals fought hard to protect rapers and perverts of the kiddies and were successful. Then, they fought hard to strip Americans of their guns, and thankfully we defeated.
Lastly, liberals wer giddy on this board a week or so ago, about a massive terrorist bombing in a market that killed about 100 Iraquis. They were giddy, trying to make the point that the surge in troop level wasnt working. Not once, did a liberal poster condemn the terrorist bombing. It goes to show you what side they are on

To To To To From Alf wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:36 AM:Ain't it much easier to hold a "conversation", to have any sort of meaningful (?) discussion when all the people identify themselves by a unique "handle" and style of writing as opposed to having "So And So" be responded to by "To So And So" and "to So And So" and "Re So And So"? And then others respond with "To To So And So" and "To to So And So" and then "To To To So And So", ad infinitum, ad nauseum. Well, "To Pianolady Oops" at 6:55AM, that's my take on the situation. Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:43 AM:Well, "Chuck" at 7:15AM, how many of those "79,000 private sector jobs lost in June" are due to the housing/lending crisis? How many of those "79,000 private sector jobs lost in June" are due to GWBs cheapening of the dollar by going willy-nilly into the bottom of the Grand Canyon of DEBT in the Iraq quagmire, a place we never had to, or should have, invaded? Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:50 AM:Well, "Chuck" at 7:27AM, which terrorist bombing(s) are you talking about - the terrorist bombing on 9/11 perpetrated by mostly Saudi nationals who were supposedly Al Qaeda OR the terrorist bombings known as "Shock and Awe" in Iraq that were authorized by and ordered by GWB. Mke no mistake, GWB can now share the label of "terrorist" along with and next to Osama Bin Laden. Regards, Alf.

Ms M wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:53 AM:Bill
[-] wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:28 AM: ...They got in by overstating their income...um...you mean the lending institutions don't verify income, employment etc.? Wow I can just walk into a loan company, tell them I make $1,000,000 a month and walla my loan is APPROVED. Gee I didn't know the banks were just giving money away!

Ms M wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:55 AM:Bill
[-] wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:28 AM: But accuracy want your goal as evidenced by the childish name calling meant to slam Bush and nothing else. Well maybe we should be thanking our DECIDER for not placing regulations in place to avoid the mess we are now in.

Nick wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:58 AM:Well said "Bill" and good on ya. Some would say it's sleazy to capitalize on others misfortune. I disagree. Like you said, the majority of those folks didn't put any money down and aren't really losing anything but a home they couldn't afford to start with.
I say buy them up and rent them out. Real estate is a long term invesetment if that is the reason you chose to buy, not a quick buck. Capitalism is the American way.
Cheers, Nick.

Helps to have good role models wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:10 AM:I know the yahoos here think Gitmo and the other prisons for detainees are wonderful and keep America safe. It's inspiring to see where Bush got the idea. From the NY Times QUOTE An interrogation class at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, was based on a 1957 study of Chinese Communist techniques used to obtain confessions, many of them false, from U.S. prisoners. ENDQUOTE How far have we fallen morally? There's part of your answer. Now Chinese Communist torturers are our mentors. Makes one proud to be a Bushian, er, I mean an American, don't it? McCain says "stay the course".

Debt or Tax wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:23 AM:The preferred Republican approach is to borrow and spend while the preferred Democrat approach is to tax and spend. What's worst - borrow from other countries, leaving that for our kids to deal with, or taxing ourselves?

Chuckles wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:27 AM:In Response to yesterdays Chuckism - Chuck wrote on Jul 1, 2008 1:39 "He (Obama)has no track record". I have been hiring and firing employees for years and found that having "no track record" is better than having the "wrong track record" as is the case in this presidential campaign. You don't have to break the years of bad habits to get the result you want.

Rodeo wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:29 AM:Ok, I'll admit I am not the most intelligent or learned person. But I do some research, try to read a lot, and take in everyone's opinions. I also don't try to bash anyone because I happen to disagree with their opinion. With that being said, here are a couple of observances:

1) The dollar is weak because of our poor spending habits. We all are too quick to buy things on credit. I, myself, have been very guilty of this at times. If we stopped buying the majority of our stuff on credit then the dollar would make a comeback.

2) Subprime loan issue. My personal opinion is that the government shouldn't be helping either the person that got into that loan, NOR the institution that provided the loan to the person. Both parties are responsible for THEIR actions, period. They got themselves into the situation they can work their hind ends off to get out of the situation. It might take 5, 10, 15 years, but perserverance pays off in the end.

3) Military training. Yes, it is tax dollars being spent everytime a round goes down range. It is a necessity. Even if we were not in Iraq right now, the training would still be occuring. It has to. It is a skill that can be lost if not done repeatedly and often. Same with the noise, it is a necessity. If you go to Camp Pendleton's website, there is a noise advisory notice on there that will tell you when a bulk of the training is going to be occuring so you can prepare for it with earplugs or whatever.

Lastly, I agree with Alf, if a person is going to respond specifically to a comment left by someone else, use a name, and in the comments box, just put "In response to (enter name here) at (enter time here)". It will help keep the confusion down. I have used a couple of different monikors, but I will be sticking with Rodeo for the rest of my entries.

Have a great day.

Rodeo wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:36 AM:Can someone please shed some light on how this in any way is a good thing?

On Foxnews.com:

BEGIN QOUTE

Drug Dealers Going Free Under San Francisco Sanctuary Law

A sanctuary ordinance in San Francisco is protecting young drug dealers from federal deportation in what a U.S. prosecutor is calling a "gaming of the system" for illegal immigrants.

The San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department has been shipping underage crack dealers to group homes in an effort to shield them from the feds under the city's 1989 "City of Refuge" ordinance, which prohibits city employees from informing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents of illegal immigrants. ENDQOUTE

If a person entered the country wrongfully, law #1 broken, then sells drugs, law #2 broken. Why would anyone want to try and harbor them? Don't care if the are white, green, purple, yellow, blue, brown, orange, red, or black. They have done something illegal and should be punished appropriately for it, even if that means they are deported from OUR country.

TO TO TO Alf wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:40 AM:Alf, I understand you are the appointed Guru(sp) on this site, and some of us only visit every blue moon. But not every one has time to read every post from everyone, You know that, and have even made that very clear in the past. So when a post is addressed as "To", It brings up a red flag so the one it is addressed to will not pass it by unaware. Am I wrong?

Bill One wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:40 AM:WHat does everyone think of the new cell phone law?

Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:44 AM:To Pianolady Oops: The lady made a polite request to avoid confusion. It is you who is making a big deal about it. I debate with pianolady. But, she acts as a lady. I see no reason for you not to act like a gentleman.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:46 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:15 AM: Drivel. Why has not President Bush acted and why did he not act with a Republican Congress? The woes of our economy are not the fault of liberals. You guys have been in the drivers seat for at least six years. But, you never got out of the driveway. Why do conservative Republicans hate the American people?

Who or What wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:48 AM:Regarding all the discussion of the "To xxx" type posts and their kin, my feeling is that this space is about content, not people. When I read these, I'm interested in the ideas expressed and could care less who the individuals are. When I use some version of "To xxx" I do so because I am addressing xxx's post, so that s/he or anyone can see these are a conversation. It's not the only way to do it, but I don't see a problem with it. I agree that when you start stringing together the "To to to's" it gets bad. Better to use the time of the posting you are addressing, IMHO.

They are helping down here wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:49 AM:Helen, many advancements in technology that we all use daily have come from the space programs over the years. Right now that brainpower you talk about is figuring out how to send humans to Mars (a six month 1way trip)in a capsule using as many recyclable resources as possible to get there, live their and then return. It will be to our benefit when the lessons learned are used in our survival on this space capsule called Earth. When compared to the dollar amount we have spent on the war machine that is destroying others we live with on this planet, the space program certainly seems to be a very cost effective way to insure the survival of the human race.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:50 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:2 Beyond drivel. Just outright lies. You have any evidence or as usual are just throwing manure on the wall to see if it sticks?

Oh Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:51 AM:You were tricked again into thinking that Chuck's posts should be given the respect you'd give to an adult. Chuck, we have seen, blames EVERYTHING on liberals. During the first 6 years under Bush, Congress was such a rubber stamp, I think he only used the veto once, at most. And on top of that, he broke the record for executive orders and signing statements that put him outside the checks and balances system of the Founders. Bush did exactly what he wanted for six years. Congress barely existed, and the liberal voice was just that, a mere voice, utterly powerless. Nevertheless, Chuck says it's all the liberals' fault. Seriously, is this the position of a sane adult? I stopped reading Chuck long, long ago. I suggest you do the same.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:53 AM:Bill One[-] wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:40 AM:
Way overdue.

Rodeo wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:54 AM:In response to Bill One's question.

I think it is a good start, but they missed the mark when people are still allowed to text message while driving. Being in the Marines, we have had to been hands free for a couple of years now so it's nothing new to us. Matter of fact, when I bought my new truck I made sure that it had bluetooth capability in it so I wouldn't have to wear nothing on my head while talking.

Now if we could get the cops to enforce the actual speed limit...now THAT would be a big help too.

Ron wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:55 AM:Ah, the wonders of Central Planning!
You know, after nearly 40 years of Democrat rule in Sacramento, it is a wonder anything inside this State functions, at all.
We are often lectured by the Leftists that private business, those greedy and evil people who's onbly desire is to make a profit, would mess everything up by overbuilding.
But, alas.. here we have a prime example of a regulated industry, water, and yet.. the Central Planners are allowing the overbuilding beyond what the water supply can presently support.
Do you really think a builder would build a house that he could not sell because you could not get water?
No, he wouldn't build the house.
It is because he pays his fees to the Government, they in turn are supposed to provide the water, and they don't provide it.
You guy's are looking in the wrong place, it is because Central Planning is a complete failure. Not to mention, judges who love Delta Smelt, more than people.

Cell phone law wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:55 AM:I like it, but don't think it goes far enough. When I'm driving, my phone is off, period. As some have posted, it's not about hands, it's about minds. Our brains have limited capacities for processing information in the here-and-now and conversing on the phone with someone in a different environment is too likely to hog that processing space. You and I know that we have all been victimized by someone on the phone driving terribly, if not dangerously. Phones and driving don't mix, period, IMHO. I suppose the new law will make some tiny dent in this issue, and I'm glad for any dent in it, but it is only a dent. Talking on the phone while driving should be totalled.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:56 AM:Oh Focal Point[-] wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:51 AM: You are right. I can not help myself. He is addictive. My solution for Chuck's ramblings, lies, distortions and misrepresentations is different from your suggestion.

To To To Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:03 AM:Well, Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms. (what ever you are), I never said I was gentleman, did I? As a mater of fact Mr budinski, I am not even a male, Typical ass-uming know it alls!! Off to work!

Ron wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:04 AM:>>>Wrong time to be cutting public transit>>> Hey, Ted Hahnenfeld if you guy's paid your fair share to operate the darn thing, they wouldn't have to cut it back. Almost 9.1 million in the hole?
If you want to ride the choo-choo, then pay for it.
Get together with some of your buddies, and decide who's picking up the tab, ok?
Cause for me to pick it up, when I don't ride the thing, is ridiculous.
And as Reardon says, even though I drive virtually everyday, I'm still greener than Al Gore. And he's the measure.

Right on Rodeo wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:12 AM:I appreciate your comment about the speed limit. If some group like the minutemen would turn their attention to dangerous drivers (speeders, tail-gaters, lane changers, and the rest), binos and cell phones in hand (in the passenger seat, of course) and call in those plates, they might actually do something to benefit society for a change. Lousy drivers cost us taxpayers a fortune, our health, and sometimes our lives. Maybe there should be driving versions of skate parks for these ... to play on.

Roger wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:15 AM:Regarding the 8:51 AM & 8:56 AM posts, if you must read Chuck's posts (and they are short and simple enough) at least don't give him the attention he's obviously craving.

Guns and deaths wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:16 AM:Did you all see the article on deaths from guns yesterday? In all the discussion about the second amendment, no one here mentioned suicide by firearm. I had no idea this accounted for more than half the gun deaths in the nation. I was surprised, also, to learn how FEW accidental gun deaths there are, a great relief to me. But it was the suicide statistic that really blew me away. It's a phenomenon that the discussion just HAS to take into account, wouldn't you say? These are often very impulsive acts of self-directed rage. When guns are not around, the chance of a "successful" suicide goes way down. Anything slower leaves the person time to be discovered or, much more often, change his/her mind and take self-rescue action.

Oh Ron wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:18 AM:Let's see, we've had mostly Republican rule at the national level, and I don't exactly see things going that smoothly or efficiently either. But that's besides the point. When I look at privatized functions, I see similar incompetence and bureaucracy, smeared by unsavory business practices and corruption. What you call a Democrat thing, or a socialist thing, is in fact a human thing.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:19 AM:To To To Focal Point[-] wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:03 AM: You just proved how rude you are. Now we know that you are neither a gentleman nor a lady. I do know it all, Ask anybody on the blog. I like Mr. Budnski. Maybe, it will be my new handle.

Ron wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:22 AM:I just love how this changes from day to day. One day we are taxpayers, the next we are ratepayers.
Deborah Taylor says SDG&E's Sunrise Powerlink proposal is "ill-conceived."
Really? In what universe? The Link would provide low cost energy to ratepayers, without them having to personally invest some $50,000 for what the enviro groups want them to do.
Ever heard of choices, Deborah. What if some people don't want a solar panel? What if they just don't want an electric car? And what if they simply can not afford one, if they did?
Who's gonna pay for it, YOU? I don't think so, no.. you'll tax me, so that he can recieve lower energy costs.
So, how's that cheaper, and more effective? You see, that where the taxpayer side comes in.
Personally, if you want to put a panel on your own rooftop, have at it. God love ya. You can have your little utopia now, live the "greenie" dream. Just leave me out of your ideas.
You live your life, and I'll live mine. Thank you very much.

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:49 AM:Th news asks: Is Cindy’s fortune an asset and a liability. To normal people it would be an asset. I'd certainly want someone who is successful being the wife of the next president. But, to liberals, who live their lives from a viewpoint of screwing those who have more than them (instead of striving to better themselves), McCains fortune will be a liability, as she is a member of "those evil, rich, capitalistic corporations

Its a good thing wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:51 AM:The tides have turned. The of liberal Bush hating bloggers are a dwindling number and the Obama bashers are multiplying and becoming more angry as their day in the sun ends. I am so enjoying the Chucks and Rons as the writhe in contempt at progress. Keep on bloggin boys - it's so entertaining. The show is just getting started and it won't end for another 2-3 decades. Anyone who needs to use the restroom should do so now.

Govt regulations wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:57 AM:It's a sad story, isn't it? The conservative belief that the market would take care of all things if left alone. Their anger at the government regulating this and that. But where did these regulations come from? Sad to say, the greed of the unfettered capitalists (or at least enough of them) created conditions that were so horrible, so callous, and so corrupt that in time people said "Enough!" If the capitalists had played fair and compassionately on their own, through "voluntary regulation", as we call it now, we'd all be merry conservatives. Alas, never happened in the history of the world. The capitalists who couldn't resist the rage for more and more and more are probably more responsible for the current state of regulation than any Marxist that ever dreamed of utopia.

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:01 AM:>>>How many of those "79,000 private sector jobs lost in June" are due to GWBs cheapening of the dollar by going willy-nilly into the bottom of the Grand Canyon of DEBT in the Iraq quagmire, a place we never had to, or should have, invaded? Regards, Alf.>>>

2,136. And its a disaster out there. I drove one of the back streets off Miramar road this AM, and the number of empty buildings with "For Lease" signs on them is staggering. I think this recession is 10 times more seious than the criminals in Washington will admit to. Bernanke and Paulsen cant be in jail fast enough to suit me

Rove Obama McCain Bush wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:04 AM:Did you hear what Karl Rove said about Obama? QUOTE "Even if you never met (Obama), you know this guy. He's the guy at the country club with the beautiful date, holding a martini and a cigarette that stands against the wall and makes snide comments about everyone." ENDQUOTE Uh, sorry Karl. My picture of that guy looks a whole lot like George W Bush, or, if it's an officer's club, John McCain. Both got their club memberships from their dads. Neither picked up a book in college. Both schmoozed their way through that part of life. McCain still has that date on his arm. Bush is said to have given up the martinis. As is becoming a habit around here, the worst thing anyone can say about the Democrat is that he might be as bad as the Republican.

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:04 AM:>>>Chuck's ramblings, lies, distortions and misrepresentations>>>

Look, my ramblings, lies, distortions and misrepresentations are just a balancing factor for liberal ramblings, lies, distortions and misrepresentations. I have to keep things fair and balanced

Ron wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:06 AM:What a bunch of phoney baloney plastic banana good time nonsense today by
Jon Monday. During the Reagan years, we had a Democrat Congress, who ran up spending causing the debt. Then we had "read my lips" and his Democrat Congress, again.. debt soared. Then we had ole Billy Bob Clinton, raised taxes with his Democrat Congress, got thrown out, but spending still exceeded revenues, despite raising taxes.
Dem's out, Republicans take over Congress. Cut spending over the dead bodies of Democrats, they want more taxes. Debt still increases every single year, despite raised tax rates, and despite massive military cutting.
Bush come in, pushes first drug entitlement written by Ted Kennedy. No Child legislation, again Ted Kennedy. Huge increases in spending by Republicans, despite tax cuts, with no offset, debt again soars. Only thing Democrats differed on was amount, not LARGE enough.
So let's review, no matter what combination you have, spending always goes up, debt always rises, and Congress wants more.
Under Reagan the Democrat Congress over spent massively, and love to blame Reagan. When it is Congress who writes the checks.
Under Bush, Republicans wrote the overspending checks.
I'd say were about even on spending.
Only way to cut spending is to downsize Government. Are we clear?

Alf wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:08 AM:Well, "TO TO TO Alf" at 8:40AM, giving the name and time of the post to which you are responding helps identify WHICH comment that you are responding to, seeing as how two factors are at work here; 1) people often make multiple posts AND IMPORTANTLY 2) oftentimes there is a lag of an hour or more between submitting a comment and when it gets posted. I suggest simple courtesy, not as any sort of self-appointed "Guru" but because doing the above makes it easier for all concerned. Example - the "Oh" person is distinct, as opposed to "To", etc. Regards, Alf.

esteban wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:08 AM:To flip flop from yesterday...obviosly you know not of what you speak. While the gov't is screwed up, I am usually defending them from the know it alls. The only thing I really critisize are the stupid anticops, who blame te cops for everything, anf think they can tell them how to do their jobs.

Chuckles wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:11 AM:Focal Point @ 8:56 AM: I agree, Chucks over-the-top anti-liberal comments are both addicting and entertaining. If I didn't have him to bait I wouldn't comment here. Unfortuantely he is using the Karl Rove tactic from the 2K election and used ever since by Republicans, which is, to scream the same lies over and over because sooner or later the less informed voters will begin to beleive it.

Ron wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:12 AM:I'm sitting here wondering who Barack Obama will put in charge of his "Bush-lite" version of faith-based iniatives?
Could it be the wrong Rev. Wright?
Perhaps Louis Farakhan?
One Christian who hates America, alonside a Muslim who hates America.
Sounds like a match made in Heaven.

Bill One wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:18 AM:What seems odd to me is that we can still text or email.....

To Roger and Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:19 AM:I used to think of Chuck as the middle school (or late elementary) bully in the playground. The taunter, the might-makes-right guy. But I've come to know better. No, Chuck is the fat kid without friends, maybe a little nerdy, maybe a little hesitant to join in "rough" play. He's on the fringes, looking at the others. You can see his lips moving, like he's talking to himself all the time, carrying on "debates" with his imaginary enemies, the humans, pretending he's condemning them to death in the little courtroom of his head. If I were a peer, or a peer's parent, or a teacher or administrator of the school, I'd be concerned. Here? It's anonymous and who cares anyway?

Ron wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:21 AM:>>>The noise from Pendleton is not the sound of freedom. It is the sound of our tax dollars being blown to smithereens.>>>
So does the sound of non-stop printing of welfare checks. For me, that's the sound of socialism, and entrapment.

pianolady wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:21 AM:To alf@736 and Focal Point@8:44....
Thanks! I really wasn't trying to cause any trouble, and I didn't need the last word. I just find some of the posting confusing and was merely offering my solution to it. Glad you both are able to see that. Good day to you, Pianolady

And to this other person, whoever you are....why are you so angry? Go to work then, and try to have a nice day, ok.

pianolady wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:26 AM:ToToTo Alf@8:40....Yes I see your point as well. It also makes sense. So everyone continues on posting as they wish. As I said, no big deal! Now, on to more important issues.......good day to you, Pianolady

Ron wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:29 AM:YOur living the dream "Alf" @
@5:58 AM. The whole point of Social Security is that it is by it's very nature an Inter-Generational Ponzi Scheme. Same too with any debt. Unless this generation agree's to cut itself off, and have no government enetitlements, those debt's will never be paid off. Downsizing of the government is the only way to reduce payments enough to even have the chance to pay them off.
Americans have lived in the dream world of credit. Living way beyond our means.
And anyone who tells you this President or that Congress balanced a budget since FDR, is full of it.

pianolady wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:34 AM:To Bill One@8:40.....I think it is basically a good one, and it is about time. I have been nearly run out of my lane by cell phone talkers. But to be honest, I have been distracted by my phone as well. So it is a wake-up to all of us. Not sure if it is the holding of the phone or the actual talking that is causing the distraction though. I guess only time will tell. There is still a lot of confusion on whether texting is or isn't allowed. I think it needs to be a little clearer.

Didja catch it wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:41 AM:Once again, folks, those jets are the "sound of freedom". LOL. Ding, ding, dribble, dribble. And good old Ron, complaining that the US is not one big London of the time of Dickens, "entrapped" by yet another of his perfectly independently earned dollars going to some phony so-and-so. What a strange country this is!

sdraoul wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:43 AM:Let's see, when someone uses Barack Obama's middle name, whiners of the world scream. When someone points out that Obama is a Muslim, by Muslim law because his father was a Muslim, shiners of the world scream

When one of the whiners calls the President of the United States a "moron" the whiners rejoice.

Well, whiners, why aren't you whining about the revelations that Obama received another pay-off with a better-than-market mortgage on a hosue he couldn't afford?

Whiners, where's your whines about Obama's buddies taking in $87 million in federal subsidies championed by State senator Obama to build and abandon instant black slums in Chicago -- according to the New York Times owned Boston Globe?

You scream "Republican slime machine" and "Swift Baotoing" but since when is the New York Times a part of the "Republican slime machine?"

And, let us not forget how Obama continually raises the race question by reminding us that he is black.

Thanks for reminding us, Obama, the white Catholic working men and women of America need reminding.

Law or no law wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:44 AM:Regarding texting while driving: if you were texting and crashed, and it became known that you were texting (which I'd think would be easy considering these things are time-marked), my guess is that law or no law, you'd have a lousy time in court. And after a few cases like yours, the law would become explicit.

apology to esteban wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:47 AM:Flip flop here. If I was wrong I apologize. I don't recall that you ever posted anything attacking Ron or Chuck for criticizing the government and its incompetently delivered services. Sorry. Glad to have you on board. -- a liberal

Soldiers Mom wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:53 AM:Re: Rodeo @ 8:29; You are IMHO correct on all three of your statements.
As a side note for Terri Carroll, a Marine is a Marine, Army are Soldiers. Not that it matters to the lay person, they are all doing service for their country, but it makes a difference to them.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:53 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:04 AM:
So, you admit that they are lies, distortions and misrepresentations. Thank you. Fair and balanced? Thank you Fox News.LOL

Focal Point wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:54 AM:pianolady: Between the two of you. We know who the lady is.

OBAMACAN wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:55 AM:Submit 9:16 a.m., resubmit 10:56 a.m.

Observation at 6:48 a.m. compares Cindy McCain's wealth and Obama's discount loan, echoed not surprisingly with a big, unoriginal "ditto" from Chuck at 7:21 a.m.
McCain got ahold of Cindy's wealth when he started his affair with her while still married to his first wife (you know, the one that waited for him through the Hanoi torture years). Of course, she was about his same age, whereas the midlife crisis 40-something McCain was much more interested in the beautiful, RICH heiress in her early 20's. Cindy inherited all her money from Daddy's beer distributorship - largest beer distributor in the U.S. Has a huge lobbying operation, battling groups such as MADD and groups trying to limit access by minors to alcohol. McCain has had to repeatedly recuse himself from liquor industry legislation due to conflicts of interest, but how can a President recuse himself? In contrast, Michelle Obama didn't date and then steal a married man. She didn't inherit wealth from Daddy's beer company, but grew up poor, earned her way into Harvard and Princeton.
That "Obama discount loan"? The Los Angeles Times article this morning differentiated it from others recently in the news. It got a lower rate than most other consumers, but one that would be usual for a large, rich depositer in the bank. The only reason it gets any attention is because of the ones like Norm Coleman's sweetheart deal (R-MN) and others that were clearly beyond the pale, which Obama's was not, and because Republicans are so desperate to find something, anything, even if they have to make it up, to make up for the fact that they don't have anything legitimate on ISSUES against Obama.

Surfer wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:57 AM:pianolady: Hey sister! You have proven that you can dish it out and take it with courtesy and tact. We like you here. See ya!

Chuck wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:59 AM:>>>If I were a peer, or a peer's parent, or a teacher or administrator of the school, I'd be concerned.>>> I'd be concerned too. If I were a teacher or principal, there would be no lessons for putting condoms on cucumbers, there would be no visits from planned parenthood, there would only be math, english and sciences taught in the schools -- I'd be a nightmare for the teachers union and their SB777 agenda

Oh Ron wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:02 AM:After 4 years of John Ashcroft and 8 years of the Department of Justice staffed by graduates of Pat Robertson's Regency Law School, do you think anyone could really worry about Obama apointees? LOL

Alf wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:02 AM:Well, "pianolady" at 10:34AM, the cell phone law is good, but not good enough if the purpose is to make drivers actually pay attention to the road and the cars around them. I mean, I mean allowing texting?? On the one hand, being a Libertarian, I do not approve of government interference. On the other hand, things have gotten out of hand (bad pun). My opinion, for what it's worth, is that the distraction of conversation is more the culprit, but, we will see. The arrangement that my wife, who commutes Encinitas to Temecula and back every day, suggested is that if something is urgent, I call once, wait about 20 seconds and call again and she will pull over and call back. Regards, Alf.

OBSERVATION wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:06 AM:Bush: diplomacy first option on Iran nuclear program

And in that other successful war wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:09 AM:From the NY Times QUOTE John Walters, the White House drug czar, declared earlier this year that “courageous and effective” counternarcotics efforts in Colombia and Mexico “are disrupting the production and flow of cocaine.” This enthusiasm rests on a very selective reading of the data. Another look suggests that despite the billions of dollars the United States has spent battling the cartels, it has hardly made a dent in the cocaine trade. While seizures are up, so are shipments. According to United States government figures, 1,421 metric tons of cocaine were shipped through Latin America to the United States and Europe last year — 39 percent more than in 2006. And despite massive efforts at eradication, the United Nations estimates that the area devoted to growing coca leaf in the Andes expanded 16 percent last year. The administration disputes that number. ENDQUOTE But don't worry, as long as any government program includes the word "war" in its title, the so-called conservative yahoos will vote to spend more and more and more on it. Because any "war" the US fights is, by definition, a good and noble war. Except the war on poverty...even yahoos have limits, after all. They knew that in that war, there were no actual weapons used and no one was killed, so they were against it. The enemy is us.

Roger wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:09 AM:The 10:19 AM poster has made me feel bad for abusing Chuck. What he obviously needs is a little sympathy and understanding. I'll give it a try:

It must really suck being you, Chuck.

sdraoul wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:10 AM:To the whiners complaining that the NC Times didn't publish screaming headlines about a Mexican driver who killed several bicyclists in Rialto, here's an article from the daily Record in New Jersey:

"The Mexican Consulate said it will pay for the expenses to transport the bodies of the two Parsippany men killed Sunday in an apparent hit-and-run accident on Knoll Road.

"In this case, we are doing that," Cesar Romero, a consulate spokesman, said Tuesday.

Ivan Canuto Delacruz, 24, and Carmelo Garcia Lopez, 23, were riding a bicycle home early Sunday morning when a car driven by Christopher Hoppe, 20, of Parsippany, allegedly hit the two men on Knoll Road and left the scene, where the men died.

Hoppe was charged Monday with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident. A Superior Court judge is set to review Wednesday the $100,000 bail set on Hoppe upon his arrest.

Both Delacruz and Lopez worked at the Outback Steakhouse on Route 46 and were riding home after completing a shift when they were killed. Friends and family of both men said they sent money back to their parents.

Chuckles wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:11 AM:You now how inattentive cell phone talking drivers don't see the light turn green, and then speed through it just in time to leave you stranded until the next grren light? I don't even give them a grace period any more, if you are on the phone I will honk at you as soon as the light turns green. I now recognize your middle finger as a confirmation and admission of your lack consideration of others.

OBAMA MAMA wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:15 AM:= Goodness, me! Chuck got up long before the crack of dawn and posted his first crack of the day at 4:17 AM, and got such a whack upside da’ head when he read Jon Monday’s hilarious letter, to wit:
QUOTE “The Republican Party is a dead, rotting carcass with a few decrepit old leaders stumbling around like zombies in a horror version of 'Weekend With Bernie.”END QUOTE

Hey, Chuck, go back to bed and finish your nightmare: OBAMA is comin’ to getcha.

Jon wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:27 AM:To Chuck regarding liberal vs. conservative spending.

I came across a stunning chart that shows our national debt as a percentage of GNP - All Republican Presidents starting with Reagan, and then Bush 1 and Bush 2 have driven the percentage sharply up. Democrat presidents Carter and Clinton have driven the percentage sharply down.

The Trickle Down economic theory just does not work. It increases wealth for a few and drives the middle and lower classes into poverty. And by sharply increasing our national debt, we are mortgaging our children’s’ and grand children’s’ future.

The economic legacy for GWB will be that for the first time in our nation’s history, we will have gone from recession to recession without any increase in the standard of living for the middle class – and the poor just get poorer.

BTW - even after I retired, I make more than 90% of Americans, live in a $1 million home (which isn’t saying much these days), own rental property, own my business, and I'm a partner in several other businesses. And yet, I'm very liberal – in fact, I think the Democratic Party is generally too conservative.

We need major reforms of our government, many of which I'm sure we would agree on.

DD Wiz wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:36 AM:The post from "Ron" (9:22am) does what some people do when the facts aren't on their side -- he just makes up his own distorted reality.
"Ron" suggests that it would cost individuals $50,000 to solarize their house. He knows this is out-and-out false, because we have had this discussion before. I installed enough solar panels to produce more electricity than I use, in hot Escondido and its demands for heavy air conditioning use, for a fraction of that amount.
And "Ron" completely misses the point. The PowerStink boondoggle is $1.5 billion dollars JUST FOR THE TRANSMISSION lines through fire-prone environmentally-sensitive PUBLIC lands, which doesn't even produce the first watt of electricity! Now they are proposing a "solar farm" out in the desert to be built over 20 years, ultimately producing 750 megawatts, with the first phase covering only 300 megawatts (less than 1/4 PowerStink capacity) for another $1.8 BILLION (their estimate), which opponents (comparing with similar existing projects) estimate is actually many times below what the actual costs would be.
In other words, SDG&E wants to ink a contract on a sweetheart deal based on lowball figures, then, surprise, surprise, out come the massive cost overruns that ratepayers get stuck with.
But if you take that amount of almost 3 BILLION and apply it toward massive credits towards incentives for private, on-site generation of solar, those who want solar but can't afford it would be able to, and we could achieve far superior results without the increased fire risk exposure and environmental devastation.
But of course, those investing in energy stocks wouldn't get their sweetheart deal to expropriate for private gain (and centralized control of power resources) the private lands that belong to us all.

sdjuan wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:45 AM:sdraul: I just caught myself replying to you. Naw! I have better things to do. Have a nice day at the LA Times.

Hey Chuckles wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:58 AM:(Is that okay in here?)

I'm with you! Very little consideration from self-centered drivers these days. But then again, the laws don't apply to everyone.

Okay sdrauol wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:59 AM:That makes it all okay. You can get off your soapbox now.

pianolady wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:01 PM:Re: Cell Phones...Alf, I agree that it is probably the distraction of talking. I don't know why, but it seems to be more distraction talking on a phone than to a person actually in the car.

Chuckles@11:11...Don't you just love the people (I'm sorry to have to admit that it is usually a woman) that are trying to back their big old SUV out of a parking space with one hand, while they continue to yak on the phone. Put the phone down and get out of the way!! Will the no-hands law help? Sheesh! I hope so! Did anyone ever figure out if texting really IS allowed???

SOLON wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:05 PM:= Just got around to reading yesterday’s letters and blogs, and wouldn’t you know it! Chuck was so conscientious yesterday to remind us all of the good name of Barack Hussein Obama. For those who do not know, Chuck is dutifully waging a campaign to publicize the name of the next President of the United States, never tires of reminding us that the Semitic name Barack translates as BLESSING, and the Semitic name of HUSSEIN translates as GOOD. This is a good and noble campaign which you wage, Chuck, because there are so many anti-Semitic people in our land.
May President Obama's blessing be upon you, Chuck. You do a great service to the readers of the NC Times.
See Chuck’s blogs for July 1 at 7:10 AM, 8:09 AM, and 3:03 PM.

pianolady wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:09 PM:Re: Mr Key's letter about building permits:

I personally thing the building permits have gotten out of hand. We see projects started, and not finished. Vacant homes, vacant commercial buildings. And it isnt only about the water. What about the power shortage. Has everyone forgotten about that? We are constantly being reminded to conserve, not run our appliances during certain hours of the day etc. etc. Hey, I don't mind doing my part, and I will continue to do so. But are we all going to keep doing our best to conserve while the builders keep building?? What is wrong with this picture?

pianolady wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:12 PM:To Focal Point and Surfer: thanks! We can agree to disagree with mutual respect! And we find we actually do agree on a few things!

jvc wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:22 PM:What are you talking abo