John wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:55 AM:Taxation at federal, state and local levels are becoming overwhelming. 80+ billion to help Africa in a bill which would allow the UN to tax us! Trillions for a green study boondoggle, taxes at state level by the Legislature and the governor are only a few of the taxes and bonds being imposed on us. We will become a third world nation in 5 years if we do not revolt as our forefathers did. Wake up America.

Paul wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:27 AM:'the sound of freedom bothers you and your pets that much'

oh please

it's the sound of superpatriotic oversimplification that keeps me up at night!

Al wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:41 AM:re; "Time to tell the truth about vaccines" by Shannon Primer

Drug companies do not get rich on vaccines. And if you are so against the purported mercury in them, I hope you never use a compact flourescent lightbulb in your home. Then you will be living in the dark, since those bulbs will be the only ones the government, your saviour, will allow. How's that for a "chioce"?

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:43 AM:The news is reporting that a Minnesota college student was charged with offering his vote on eBay. Then they better charge Hussein, becuase he is offering $trillions in freebees to buy your vote.

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:46 AM:>>>Quit using the term the "will of the people" when you refer to the original initiative to outlaw gay marriage.>>> Then your type should stop usung "will of the people" when ripping Nativity scenes off Christmas floats so the gays can prance on those same floats with leather G-string

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:48 AM:>>>Democrat Christine Kehoe has now introduced a new 1/2 percent increase in sales tax known as the Quality of Life Tax ("'Quality of Life' bill heads to governor," June 27). >>> Its the quality of her life. The filthy bureaucrats will immediately raise salaries, benefits and pesnions with that money. See, normal people cut back during a recession, but not bureaucrats, they want big increases.

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:51 AM:>>>I want to thank Mr. Chris Pulse (Letters, June 18) advising me to "arm myself." If he and his ... group ever take over this country>> They already have-- just look to the recent marriage decision, look at SB777, look at the filth taught in the public schools instead of the life skills that they should be teaching, look at their all out attacks on Christianity and military because they dont buy into their agenda

Thank you Phil Epstein wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:07 AM:Most Jews were killed by Hitler and many USA Jews already have guns.

The number of Jewish Nobel prize winners (approximately 160 in all), is far out of proportion to the percentage of Jews in the world's population of 0.2%.

Have personally been treated with hate in north county because of others lacking intelligence and common sense. Some are college graduates who have degrees but are not open to diversity, not ethical, and not rational thinkers. They are white, religious, Christians.

myturn wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:10 AM:Regarding vaccine march: If I wasn't crippled from a flu vaccine, I'd be on that march also. All these massive doses of vaccines are crippling our children for what; war in Iraq or good stock options. I cannot believe the walls I've run into over my horror story of being crippled from a flu shot in December 2003. My aunt who lived to 90 never believed in flu shot and she was a nurse in the old days.

Roger wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:16 AM:While I agree, for the most part, with Kelly Boehms "Drilling is not the answer" letter; I am worried by expresions such as "...solutions to our oil crises..." and "...last-ditch efforts to keep prices at the pump low...", as proposals to lift restrictions on drilling are not intended to achieve, and won't achieve, any of this.

If you're not skeptical of this proposal on the face of it (ie. how is increasing the global supply of oil by less than 1% going to cause "prices at the pump" to plummet?) remember this latest scam is being sold to you by the same Neo-Orwellian administration that sold you the ruinously expensive,counterproductive, Operation Iraqi Liberation. Would they lie to you?

We are the best but wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:25 AM:July 4 2008 America is the best but is failing.

Stop blaming the Democrats and/or lefties that we messed up.

We have had bad leadership (Republicans) for almost 8 years.

Over 4,000 people have died. For what?

And now we are in debt, gas is almost $5 a gallon, companies are firing employees, businesses are closing down, there is not enough money for education (power-hungry rulers thrive on having stupid people), etc.

Thankful we can have guns. Thankful that homosexuals (about 20% of the USA population) are equal in California.

Majority and minority are both protected under the most wonderful form of government which includes the separation of church and state.

We are thankful for the vision of our founding fathers.

Freebies wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:39 AM:A guy on eBay wants to sell his vote and out come the yahoos complaining about government giveaways. Can you imagine the length of the list we'd have of government (taxpayer) giveaways to big business? Tax loopholes? Policies that favor and protect business? Breaks and deals to lobbyists? But some old person on an inadequate pension? Socialism!!

Artsyrat wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:44 AM:Regarding 'Driving rules remain the same'.

I'm not sure why but from my perspective, drivers in general are getting worse at it and are more of a danger to others than I've ever seen. I've had a driver's license for 35 years and it is no wonder that vehicle accidents are so high on the list for killing people.

It's so dangerous when drivers get this visible adrenalin rush which is caused by anger and ends up with retaliation or adrenalin that causes erratic driving like racing on the freeway or tail gating someone because of a perceived, going too slow. Some foks think the road was built for their standard of driving and everyone else is wrong.

KUSI has it right, Phil Constantine the traffic reporter each morning gives out one traffic rule to abide by from the Ca drivers handbook. Every news station should do this since driving a car or truck is like driving a 3000 lb weapon if we have the wrong attitude while behind the wheel.

The DMV should add to it's licensing program a brief anger management class to show drivers how and why they should control their adrenalin rushes while behind the wheel.

My daughters highschool has an awesome program that brings in law enforcement and has a program showing the students the horrible affects of drunk driving. It is quite graphic and has really made an impact on my teen. Good job RBVH.

Another one wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:47 AM:There it is again, folks. Jets are the "sound of freedom": ding ding, dribble dribble. Bush and his oil cronies, Cheney and his war profiteer buddies, they hear the sound of profits. So do the government casket contractors and the blackwater merceneries. As they disturb your sleep at night, just close your eyes and count the streams of dollars going to these people, tell yourself that this is good for the economy, and drift back to your dreams.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:48 AM:...I'm sitting here, on Independence Day, and reading about a guy who wants to be dependant.
With a 9.1 million hole the NCTD was running, what's Jay [France's] advice?
Basically: "I don't care what it cost, give me."
People like this make me angry, and I hope they cut his particular bus line.

Roger wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:50 AM:While another "sound of freedom" letter, this time from Ron Holbrook, does serve the useful purpose of keeping Chris Pulse's blood pressure from dropping to dangerously low levels, the original "whiner" simply asked for a schedule of when this practice was going to occur so that he could schedule sleeping around it. He was refered to a web site where this could be found.

Meanwhile, just because it's the 4th of July, thought I'd toss out a head scratcher for the "sounds of freedom" crowd: If the "Defense Department" is anything other than a eupemism for "War Department", why was it necessary to create a "Department of Homeland Security"?

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:00 AM:You ever notice how socialists have no faith in people? If market conditions make gasoline too expensive, they will seek alternatives, should the alternatives exist for them to use.
We keep getting lectured by people like Kelly Boehms about solar & wind power, but clearly these wacko's don't want them cause they oppose them at every turn. Just the otherday a private company announced building the largest solar array out in the desert, only thing they need is to lay the grid to bring the power into the city. What do the enviro's say? NO... can't build it.
If Kelly is opposed to drilling rigs off the coast, then I'm assuming she'd be against wind turbines off the coast line too?
So where are the alternatives?

Have a little faith, we don't need Big Daddy Government telling us we can't do this, and we can't do that. If the market conditions exist, we will change.
You enviro's need to get out of the way, and let it happen naturally.

Bad news for yahoos wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:06 AM:I just saw that Jesse Helms has passed on to heaven. Another heroic soul in the everlasting battle to keep America America, to resist progress and justice, and to build the nation on a bedrock of oppression. RIP Jesse.

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:07 AM:>>>to our oil crisis than destroying one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country.>>>> Here's another blithering liberal who thinks drilling will destroy the coastline and environnment. There is so much oil offshore, it is leaking into the seas. He just reads liberal talking points and has no idea about oil technolgy, and clearly doesnt care about American jobs and this runaway inflation

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:15 AM:This just goes to show you how far Liberal Institutionalism has gone, Charles Bagwell.
When you have so-called "moderates" like Republican John Warner, and
Democrat Joe Lieberman, both supporting a UN style cap and trade scheme.
These men are Big Government Statists.
Even John McCain is on board with this nonsense, and we know, of course, where Barack Obama stands. It doesn't go far enough.
We don't need these people back in Washington thinking of more stuff for us to do, and taking even more money out of our hard earned pockets.
For the unenlightened, a carbon tax will reach down into each individuals pocket. Corporations will not bare the brunt of these costs, you and me will.
Think about a car, even and electric car for you greenie types. A calculation will be made by some faceless bueracrat about how much carbon was outputed in the manufacture of your car, and then how much carbon will be expelled during the life of the car. You will be charged a sur-tax on that amount.
It's another way to control your life, and another way to get inside your pocket. And it will rob you of your freedoms and liberties. Not to mention your property made by the "sweat of your brow."

Only one solution wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:18 AM:As has been discussed here recently, there's really only one solution to the "oil crisis". It's for Americans and those who want to be like us to realize that we're consumerist junkies who need to get off the stuff. As long as we insist that our way of life, of infinite purchases of unnecessary soon-to-be-tossed items, must be preserved at any cost, we will continue destroying Nature's limited resources and being at war with the world. As we get fatter and fatter and as we surround ourselves with more and more waste, we destroy the world. Time for an intervention. They say the US needs to go to rehab, but all we say is "No No No" Time to face that reality and make that choice.

Artsyrat wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:21 AM:Flu vaccines are made for and by the pharmaceutical companies who also make and market thousands of other drugs with outragous side effects. Why is America so turned on by all these dangerous drugs? It seems to me the FDA and the pharmaceutical companies are in bed together getting off on their profits while thousands of Americans in ill health or healthy are suffering horrible side affects, even death, from their greed, the FDA approved drug.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:23 AM:You know, there are generally two types of people in the world. Those who do, and those who do not. Frank Dati is a "do not'er", asking "What is Bush doing about it?"
Man, don't ya just get tired of all this whining about somebody not helping me with the problems in their own lives?
Hey Frank, grow up, and deal with it.
It just drives me crazy, all these people got their little lives set up a particular way, and then the conditions change, which causes them a little insecurity, and they start crying.
It reminds me of the typical liberal whiner: "ah.. hey.. hey..eh.. Where's my check!?"
Hey Frank, instead of being a drone, try being a do'er. You'll feel better about yourself.

To Joseph Kraatz wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:29 AM:You letter is lame. Get this through your head. THE PEOPLE a vast majority don't like the idea of Gays getting married. And how dare you compare Gay marriage to Slavery. There is absolutely No comparison and as a black women you have offended me greatly by your dumb remark. Pull you head out of the sand. I am Christian yes, many Christians, Jews and Muslims oppose gay marriage and we will prevail. We will not defend our religion, we are proud to serve God, whether you like it or not. So throwing the Christian card is a low blow too.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:31 AM:Teresa Hatt says: "If taking more money out of our pockets will increase our quality of life, we all ought to be rich and living in the lap of luxury."

Teresa, the point is, it'll never be enough. It is the work of the Vanguard working toward the Utopia.

The Utopia they envision for you?

Rice Paddies. When we are all in the rice paddies working for them, they will declare we are all "Equal", and then.. they will declare the utopia complete.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:36 AM:I hear ya, Phil Epstein. Apparently, within the liberal circles it has grown fashionable to hug terrorists.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:44 AM:God it must be a sad existence...
sitting in America, surrounded by all these "Christians", eh.. Joseph Kraatz?
You can of course, move to Iran, where they have no homosexuals.
Honestly, we are sitting inside the greatest country God ever gave to mankind, and some simply do not see it.

Old Timer wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:45 AM:On this 4th of July, I still believe in one America. An America that puts the country and people before a political party or personal beliefs. An America that comes before any conservative or liberal radio talking head or sick religion that preaches only hate toward each other. Many of the Letters posted this day seem only intent on spewing venomous trash talk in support of only their personal and limited beliefs from the small world they live in. On this 4th of July, I choose to focus on our brave troops, police and fire fighters and those other great Americans that are doing good and ignore the noise of those that don't know any better.

Alf wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:51 AM:Well, "The Five Posting Rules At NCT" at 8:14PM on the 3rd,
1.Alf is always right. Mrs. Alf will tell you otherwise while hissing softly in your general direction, but, on the whole, this is correct.
2.Therefore Surfer is never wrong, "Surfer" is a common sense and rational sort of person and, therefore, "Surfer" is usually right.
3.Pick on Chuck even if he is right. I like the challenge of what "Chuck" writes and do not pick on him although I do disagree with him much of the time.
4.My opinion is all that matters. As it should be in the world according to Alf.
5.If all reasoning fails, refer back to rule #1. Being a reasoning, rational and somewhat wise person, I do not put up with nonsensical, irrational, emotion-driven, religious-based and/or un-Constitutional positions.
(6) I am usually polite unless confronted with insults or other garbage.
Regards, Alf.

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:53 AM:>>>Have personally been treated with hate in north county because of others lacking intelligence and common sense. Some are college graduates who have degrees but are not open to diversity, not ethical, and not rational thinkers. They are white, religious, Christians.>>> Here's another one of those victims: "The whole world hates the Jews, especially Christians" posters. In his victimhood, he doesnt realize that Christians kept the Jews from being eliminated from the planet.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:54 AM:Answer for "Roger" @7:50 AM.

>>>If the "Defense Department" is anything other than a eupemism for "War Department", why was it necessary to create a "Department of Homeland Security"?

Democrats & moderate Republicans after 9/11 thought they had to rearranged the deck chairs, to make it look like they were doing something. What they gave us instead was, another paid position in the Government, unsecured borders, and granny getting frisked and having her denture cream taken at the airport.

And it's kind of like adding this new tax, this "Quality of Life" tax, when in theory, all taxation is supposed to improve quality of life for citizens.

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:56 AM:>>>to keep America America, to resist progress and justice,>>> progress to liberals is SB777, putting condoms on cucumbers and having assemblies with Planned Parenthood, destroying American industry and jobs while praising the likes of Castro, Chavez and Ahmadinijad

Focal Point wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:01 AM:Military Training: The sound of military aircraft and noisy weapons are the sounds of the military training in order to full fill its mandate and missions.
It is just that and nothing more. I do not view it as the sounds of freedom or an audible reasons to rejoice in our military. A world power or even a regional power does not exist that can take our country, freedom and homes. Al Queda and its allies do not have the military or logistical power, men or resources to conquer this land and our people. It only had a well planned successful element of surprise. It no longer has that element. Lets face it. Our military is being misused to control oil availability in Iraq and to have staging areas against Iran. Additionally, we have conflict in Afghanistan. So, the government will want an expansive and expensive military. The military/industrial complex that President Eisenhower warned us about goes on and on and on.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:03 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:43 AM: It would have to be Obama. McCain is a pauper. Maybe Chuck wants to make a donation.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:04 AM:You know, this post by "Bad news for yahoos" @8:06 AM, just confirms to me what an empty, miserable life these people have.
The news is reporting long time Senator
Jesse Helms has passed away.
Whether you agreed with him politically or not, the guy is dead, and those he left behind will grieve for him.
Have some empathy, Sir.
With the news that Ted Kennedy was ill, I have not mentioned it, except to say pray for him and hs family.
I disagree greatly with Senator Kennedy on a great number of issues, but I will not kick a man when he is down. And frankly, neither should you.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:05 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:46 AM: LOL. Show one quotable example. Just flapin your gums agaon.

Focal Point wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:08 AM:Freebies[-] wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:39 AM:
You are so right. Most of the small businessmen obtained start up capital from small business loans from the government. Now the government is using tax dollars or credit dollars to finance them. The majority of these businesses do not even have a profit until after five years. More over, the majority fail. The borrowed money is never repaid.

Surfer wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:11 AM:Ron Holbrook Boom Boom Whiners: Dude, the noise is the sound of artillery. Freedom is a perceived intangible. It does not make noise. I do agree, that the, "whiners" do not have a case. No one asked them to purchase homes or to rent property near the base. See ya!

Question for Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:12 AM:Regarding two kinds of people: the corporate heads and boards of directors that shell out the money to pay the lobbyists to sleep with the Senators so the Senators will vote to give the corporations incentives and no-bid sweet deals...are they the "do" kind of people or the "don't do, but ask the government for help" kind of people? When American oil companies persuade the government to start wars in the middle east so they can get government assisted no-bid contracts for that oil, which kind of people are they? When an ordinary businessman that makes and sells machine parts, many of which are sold to the government for its defense industries, lands handsome profits so he can buy boats and spend the day posting on blogs, is he a "can do" person or an "ask the government for help" kind of guy? THanks in advance.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:14 AM:To all boom-boom whiners

"Were you here before Camp Pendleton or was Camp Pendleton here before you? If it is the latter, and the sound of freedom bothers you and your pets that much, please feel free to move to Podunk, Iowa."

Exactly Ron Holbrook!

sdjuan wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:15 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:51 AM
What is wrong with attacking Christianity? Is it some taboo subject.
Is it a sacred cow of some sorts? Chuck, I believe that you have said anti Muslim and anti Islam statements. No problem. Its freedom of speech. Same way with all religions. Mankind invented them. So, men can discuss, criticize, praise or condemn them.

Will of the people wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:17 AM:Sad to say it to you, folks, but apparently it needs endless repeating: the decision whether the Constitution applies to you but not you is not a matter of the vote. The Bill of Rights exists to protect people FROM the "will of the people". So in that narrow sense only, the gay marriage question IS a bit like the history of African-American oppression in this country. In both cases, we ask: despite the majority's claim that these are not fully people, doesn't the Constitution apply to them? It's not that complicated, really. We are not bound by the Constitution to approve of anyone or their behavior, but we are bound to give them equal rights. So sorry.

Oh Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:20 AM:Sorry to have insulted your delicate sensibility, Ron. You are so well known here as such a considerate gentleman, never "kicking anyone when they're down". And no one here ever had a nasty word to say about such as Ted Kennedy when he was ill, and if they did, you called them on it right away. Again, sorry to have insulted someone you seem to have cared deeply about. LOL

Freebies wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:23 AM:Exactly, Focal Point. The more I read from these yahoos, the more I come to believe that the difference between the libs and the yahoos is that the libs see the things they get from taxpayers and want to spread that stuff out so others get a hand up as well; the conservatives take their handouts, scream for more of them, and then pull up the ladder as quickly as possible. It's the Clarence Thomas model of justice applied to the marketplace.

Oh Please wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:24 AM:Ron: I think your observation is correct about the seriously ill and the deceased. You did not make comment about Ted Kennedy's cancer. But, a few of your political and social persuasion have done so on this blog. His name is CHUCK.
So, I congratulate you, Ron, on your basic human courtesy. Too bad that Chuck skipped the course. Probably too busy with cucumbers and the cheer leaders.

Floyd wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:26 AM:As you watch the fireworks tonight, take a moment to remember the "bombs bursting in air".

Security wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:27 AM:Roger[-] wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:50 AM
Right on Roger. It is just the typical tax cut and spend conservatives expanding government with borrowed dollars that will be repaid by your grand children.

Deaths Noise wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:33 AM:Templeton Noise: Duh. The sound of artillery is not the sound of freedom. It is the sound of death.

Duh Duh wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:37 AM:To Joseph Kraatz[-] wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:29 AM: Oh self described black lady:
It is the Sumpreme Court of California and the Supreme Court of the United States that will prevail. The Equal Protection clause will be enforced. Krantz was not comparing gay marriage to slavery. He was showing an example of how the majority will or whim changes.
Chrtians. Christians. Christians. That is all we hear from Christians. This is the United States of America. It is not the United States of Christ.

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:39 AM:The news is reporting that Biofuels are behind food price hikes,leaked World Bank report finds. Gee, why did the report need leaking. The only people who didnt know it are the global warming Kool-Aid drinkers. Gore and his buddies knew way in advance, so they pounced on the futures markets while you drank the religion. Amd now the world is paying for Goreleones religion

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:41 AM:>>The sound of artillery is not the sound of freedom. It is the sound of death>> Yea, death to your heros--->the filth who kill Americans, and blow up bridges, markets, hospitals, clinics and orphanges in Iraq

Roger wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:58 AM:Ron's 8:54 AM response did not actually answer the original question.

Just to speed things up, I'll concede Ron's point that after 9/11/01 those evil liberals were in total control of the government, and everything is the fault of Democrats.

If the "Defense Department" is anything other than a euphemism for the "War Department" why was it necessary to create the "Department of Homeland Security"?

Apollo wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:08 AM:Re: Ron Holbrook (letter) and Paul (6:27 a.m.)
The sound that keeps me awake is the "boom, boom" of constantly being reminded of our military resources being diverted away from the real war against terrorism (Afghani-Pakistan) to Bush's war of choice in Iraq to enrich his Big Oil cronies while you pay $5 for a gallon of gas.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:09 AM:What exactly are we discussing here, "Question for Ron" @9:12 AM?
Are we discussing Democrat Chris Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking committee with oversight of Countrywide, who gave him a sweetheart deal? Or are we discussing Republican Chuck Grassley, who nearly single-handedly gave us this albatross of Ethanol?
A little history...
Ever since FDR decided that the Government shall be a major force in the economy of the United States, thru a distorted version of Keynesian economics and massive regulations, businesses have had to go to this Government, hat in hand, to beg & bribe career minded politicians for favors.
The Founders never envisioned a welfate state, corporate or otherwise.
What has happened is, Leftists, and socialists have made certain that no business can operate independent of Government, throughly corrupting the marketplace.
You infer by your remarks, that you only observe for-profit's doing this. How wrong you are. If you've ever been to Washington D.C., you'll note the streets are lined with plenty of non-profits, all seeking to feed on the government teat, as well. In fact, it is a feeding fenzy. At the same time, we have devolved into some kind of distorted mechantile state, where thru the power of government, for-profits and non-profits seek to game their opposition out of business via government taxation or regulation.
Since Government will not allow businesses to operate independently, most go to seek advantage.
This is a direct result of corruption of the marketplace by an overly intrusive government.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:33 AM:Also, "Question for Ron" @9:12 AM.

When you say: "When American oil companies persuade the government to start wars..."

First of all, I reject your assertion. But, let's say it's true for argument sake. Can we look back in history and see any of our Founders doing this?
Yes, we can. Thomas Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates. Built a Navy, and used mercenaries, no less, to ensure free trade around the world for American businesses.

And obviously, your last remark is concerning me, personally.
I make no apologies for the work I do.
And it's also quite obvious, you do not celebrate success in others.
Perhaps that's the problem? You see success in others, as a reflection of your own non-success? This is the wrong way to judge one's place in life, my friend. Be the "Best", YOU can be, and be happy with that. If your not living up to your own expectations, change it.
Nothing worse in life than a whiner who won't get off the dime. If you want more, get more. Don't lay back and wait for someone to give it to you, cause you will be greatly disappointed. Know what you want, and seek it. When you seek to be the best YOU can be, things will happen for you. I love a quote by Thomas Jefferson, it goes like this:
"It seems, the harder I work, the more luck I have." People get all caught up in I was born into this, and I don't have a chance in life. It's hogwash. Complete baloney. You just gotta want it bad enough, as my Dad used to say: "You gotta have "want to."
If you want to live a drone life, then you'll live a drone life. Don't count on having any extra's. Because you chose to have a drone's wage. It's really that simple.

Alf wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:34 AM:Well, "To Joseph Kraatz" at 8:29AM, it is time for you to get it through YOUR head that the ultimate authority in these here United States of America is not "the will of the people" of any given region, it is the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution, in the Fourth Amendment says, among other things, "nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws". Banning marriage of two consenting adults who are of the same gender is denying them "equal protection of the laws" as compared to two consenting adults who are of opposite genders. What about that do you not understand? Your religious views are your own and you are perfectly free to dislike or disapprove of gay marriage, you cannot, however, force those views into a law that violates the 14th Amendment and expect such a discriminatory law to withstand a U.S. Constitutional test. Get over it. Regards, Alf.

Question for Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:38 AM:What, you thought I was only unhappy with Republicans? LOL I pity you, Ron, forced as you are to seek your profits via the government, all because of that Roosevelt guy. The Dem and Rep you cited in the same boat as you (literally and figuratively), forced, alas, to use the government to stuff their pockets. No choice, after all. But, Ron, it's good to see that you fight the good fight, to return us to the glorious Gilded Age, with no safety nets, no regulations, no unions. Keep up that worthy, noble fight, Ron, and on your days off, go for a boat ride on the SS Roosevelt that you resent so intensely.

Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:49 AM:I thought my answer was pretty good, "Roger" @9:58 AM.
As your recall, Bush opposed a new Government bueracracy, as did most conservatives. The thinking was that we did not need another level, or agency of government added to this already overly large, bloated, and massive government. Democrats & moderate Republicans looking for "Symbolism over Substance" wanted a shiny new agency to point at.
The short answer is: It wasn't necessary. Except to provide cover to a disfunctional government that wouldn't allow already existing agencies to talk to one another because of make believe "Wall" created during the Clinton Administration.
Simplest answer: Remove the "Wall", allow them to talk to each other, and not create another bueracracy.
But, Big Government types always think more government is the solution, and never the problem.
Clearer now?

sdraoul wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:52 AM:"We are the best but" reflects an ignorance of this country that is inexcusable.

He writes: "Over 4,000 people have died. For what?" For a number or Reasons, that's what. Since 1790 the United States has engaged in hundreds of mini-wars without congressional approval for many reasons. In this case the Congress of the United States willingly approved the use of force in Iraq to throwe out the government which was the official position of thsic ountry the minute PRESIDENT W. Clinton signed the congressional resolution calling for throwing Hussein out.

Then he writes, falsey, I might add: "And now we are in debt (WE HAVE BEEN IN DEBT FOR ALMOST A HUDNRED YEARS), gas is almost $5 a gallon (WHICH BARELY MATCHES THE PRICES WE PAID UNDER JIMMY CARTER IN ADJUSTED FOR INFLATION DOLLARS), companies are firing employees (IN THE CLINTON RECESSION OF 2001, THE AVERAGE MONTHLY JOB LOSS WAS 250,000, TODAY'S JOB LOSS IS 75% LESS AND UNEMPLOYMENT IS ALMSOT 30% LESS THAN THE AVERAGE INDER CLINTON), businesses are closing down (BUSINESSES CLOSE DOWN EVERY DAY AND NEW BUSINESSES OPEN EVERY DAY, THAT'S HOW IT GOES IN FREE ENTERPRISE), there is not enough money for education (power-hungry rulers thrive on having stupid people), etc. (THIS IS PARTICULARLY DUMB AS ALMOST EVERY DIME OF LOCAL, STASTE AND FEDERAL FUNDS IS FOR TEACHER'S PAY WHICH IS NOW THE HIGHEST IN HISTORY--IF THERE ARE DUMB KIDS BLAME THE HIGHLY PAID TEACHERS)

Then he writes: "Thankful we can have guns. Thankful that homosexuals (about 20% of the USA population) are equal in California." THIS IS PARTICULARLY FALSE-- SCIENTIFIC STUDIES INDEPENDENTLY CONDUCTED HERE AND IN FRANCE CONCLUDE THAT THE HOMOSEXUAL POPULATION IS ABOUT 2 PERCENT OF THE AMERICAN AND FRENCH POPULATIONS, NOT 20 PERCENT. EVEN HONOSEXUAL ACTIVISTS DON'T CLAIM 20% OF THE POPULATION.

This writer doesn't have an intelligent leg to stand on.

Question for Ron PS wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:58 AM:Once again, a conservative makes the preposterous assumption (as has been pointed out here many times, by many people) that all liberals are "drones", or waiting for freebies, or sucking at the teat of the government. Once again, though it seems pointless, I will remind Ron and others that this is false. I am doing quite well, thank you, in work in which I am rather independent. I get no handouts from the government to replace hard work. And yet, like so many others, I am thoroughly liberal. I know: you will think it foolish or insane to vote "against my best interests". But, again, the reminder: not all self-interest is measured in dollars or personal power. My notion of the good life includes others having a chance. Sure, some game the system. But this is true, as you showed yourself and even defended, all across the political spectrum. Would I rather my taxes go to help save homeless kids or to inflate a military budget so you can sail? That's an easy one, isn't it? Would I rather pay NO taxes so that we can return to the Gilded Age of tenements and child labor and unregulated foodstuffs? That's an easy one too. And though a liberal, I am certainly not a socialist. As I said, I work hard, am successful, and am very suspicious of the government (including the military sector). This probably fails to fit the straw stereotypes you're positive you're more clever than, but oh well, reality will do that sometimes.

Alf wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:03 AM:I must correct myself from my 10:34AM post. It should be "The U.S. Constitution, in the Fourteenth Amendment says, among other things, "nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws". My apologies for the mistake in the 10:34AM post. Regards, Alf.

Apollo wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:06 AM:Re: Ron (10:33 a.m.)
Ron, citing Thomas Jefferson, does make a good point.
The harder you work, the luckier you get.
Look at the McCain and Obama wives, as was pointed out yesterday.
Cindy inherits everything, but makes nothing of her self on her own.
Michelle is born to difficult times, but works hard and makes tremendous academic and professional achievements in her own right.
Ain't the American Dream wonderful?
Happy Fourth to all, and praying for energy independence from oil companies and foreign terrorists.

raoul is getting desperate wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:17 AM:Wow, raoul, you are resorting to shouting now? Things must be rough in the McCain camp. But have no fear! Your candidate just appointed Karl Rove's right hand man to run his campaign. Now we'll get good, clean campaigning at last. Why already I saw that one of the Swift Boaters has been on the airwaves again, trashing Wesley Clark for things Clark never said. Yes, raoul, rest easy. Your man will win the good noble fight that heroes deserve to win. No need to shout, though. This campaign will be done in whispers (to the ears of your drooling FauxNews "journalists") and innuendo. Obama will be Muslim for some sector of the base; a black power fanatic for some other sector; a traitor for a third; anti-semitic for a fourth. And then McCain will be sworn in, the people's man! And then we'll stay the course.

Alf wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:19 AM:It seems that "sdraoul" at 10:52AM is up to his usual stuff. When he says "(WE HAVE BEEN IN DEBT FOR ALMOST A HUDNRED YEARS)" he obviously does not know or care that being in debt "almost a hudnred [sic] years)" is a bad thing and that continuing to do something that is wrong will never make it right, not even in 10,000 years. Whether it is 2 percent or 20 percent of the population that is homosexual is irrelevant, whether there is "equal protection of the laws" or un"equal protection of the laws" is the issue at both the state and federal level. Typical for "sdraoul" to miss the mark entirely. Regards, Alf.

esteban wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:30 AM:Real quick....I live near the bombs and I love it. Each bomb blast will someday be on an enemy regiment. Also, gas is ridiculious. Glad I'm out of the trucking business. We have the muscle, we should just take the oil from Iraq while were there. Happy 4th everyone. I know this may offend some people but...GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!!!

Ron is getting desperate as well wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:32 AM:Ron is falling back on his trusty argument: if our president does something that is immoral, find cases where other presidents also did similar immoral things, and this makes our guy's sins go away. Fascinating. I wonder what a judge would say if a murderer tried that defense.

pianolady wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:47 AM:Oh yes, sdraoul: Because we have been in debt for 100 years, by all means, lets just dig ourselves an even deeper hole so that our children's children and THEIR children will never be able to get out. Oh yeah, that makes sense!! Sheesh!!!!!

Last question for Ron wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:53 AM:This Roosevelt guy you despise so much. Was that the same Roosevelt that won the presidency by a large margin for four terms? Now from that I'd suspect that most Americans thought the idea of government intrusion into the marketplace was a darn good idea. All fools, I guess. I wonder what would happen if a candidate stood up today and said "Government out of the marketplace. Back to the pre-FDR days." Do you think this candidate would do well in the general election? Oh, that's right. He'd lose because so many Americans have become dependent on the government. None would read about the pre-FDR days and make a rational decision that this was not heaven on earth.

to Ono wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:15 PM:Ono[-] wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:15 PM:The more I try and read a certain blogger's comments, the more I am convinced that he not only makes the story to his own liking but he is also dyslexic. I don't understand any of it.END QUOTE

Dyslexic is how the brain is or is not wired. DEF: impairment of the ability to read, often as a result of genetic defect or brain injury.

Those I know are brilliant and found help from good professionals.

Telling a story incorrectly: a liar, a dysfunctional person, a sociopath, a psychopath.

Or someone who only has non-rational thoughts and does not want to understand, or know the truth, or consider other possibilities.

The non-truth story-teller may have a college degree but is from the era when it was believed that the earth was flat.

The non-truth story-teller usually does not want any scientific facts.

Wrong esteban wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:29 PM:Your saying "God bless America" is not offensive. But your belief that just because we can, we should ransack another sovereign nation, now THAT's offensive. And I must admit that while not offensive, it is a little bizarre or maybe sick to ask God for a blessing when you've just promoted unprovoked killing and stealing. Somehow, I suspect that Jews and Christians would be quite offended by that idea. These people tend to associate God with some kind of, um, morality. Something you seem not to grasp.

Joseph Kraatz is AOK wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:42 PM:ref. post Jul 4 08 8:29 AM.

Dear Black Christian Woman and others,

If you really cared about people of all colors, size, religions, no religion, etc. you would not write what you did.

Equality for Blacks (schools, water fountains, restaurants, buses, etc.), for women's right to vote, for interracial marriages, for homosexual marriages is what makes us strong.

Seemingly your church teaches you to hate.

Religious wars kill more people (still happening) than any other wars.

It is July 4 08 and our Founding Fathers were brilliant and left a legacy of separation of church and state and a Constitution for us to follow.

Alf wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:49 PM:Well, "esteban" at 11:30AM, while I am not offended by your "GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!!!", I am offended, no, I am appalled by your thieving attitude when you say "we should just take the oil from Iraq while were [sic] there". I guess that you would approve of anyone taking anything they want from the U.S.A., or you personally, as long as they "have the muscle". That sounds more like the attitude of a common thief, a common criminal, than the attitude of a citizen of a country founded because of the theft by England of our resources and money. It appears that you never learned about "the Boston Tea Party" and why it came about. You would do well to learn the reasons for our Declaration of Independence and how despicable it is of you to advocate stealing from another sovereign nation named Iraq, especially on this day, the Fourth of July, the day celebrating of our Independence from England. Regards, Alf.

Just thinking wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:02 PM:All you whiners and complainers I hope you found a few seconds today to think about our military personnel fighting for your right to whine and complain about everything you can think of. I doubt if you can enjoy the holiday, but I hope you do.

Happy Independence Day ...

Alf wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:15 PM:Well, "Just thinking" at 1:02PM, while our American Troops are fighting, why do you say that they are "fighting for your right to whine and complain about everything you can think of"? Neither the people nor the country of Iraq are a threat to us, the people, to the United States or to our Constitution. In reality, it is currently an inside job, GWB is doing this country far more harm than any country or any terrorist organization can possibly do.

Chris wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:20 PM:Phil Epstein says that the Palestinians were asked to stay. That is a lie. But these Israeli supporters will do everything to try to convince us how the poor Jews are being picked on. It is the poor Palestinians who we should give our sympathy to.

Apollo wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:25 PM:Re: Just Thinking (1:02 p.m.)
Thanks for the reminder of our military personnel fighting for our right to complain.
Just need to clarify one thing -
The ones in Afghanistan fighting the terrorists are fighting for our rights and freedoms.
The resources diverted away from the real war on terror, to fight Bush's war of choice in Iraq, are not fighting for our rights and freedoms. They are fighting for the oil companies' right to profiteer at our expense.

Happy indepenence from energy from oil companies and terrorists day.

Chris wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:47 PM:So now Obama is rethinking his Iraq stratagy. He is going to talk to the military commanders. As far as I am concerned those commaners are a bunch of liars. Well, now that Obama got the Democaratic party sewn up he is going to try to get the consevative warmongers on board. As Tom Metzger said "If voting make a difference then they would outlaw it".

Ralphs wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:54 PM:To Kelly Boehms - The entire purpose of drilling for our off shore oil is to cut our dependance on foreign oil. If it only helps a little, a few billion dollars not sent to the middle east empires is a good thing. As far as drilling, you don't have to build the platforms off the coast anymore, it is called slant drilling. Plus, if we don't do it the Chinese will, just like they are doing off the coast of Florida. Everybody wants something done to solve the problem as long as it does not affect them. It is nice to know that NIMBYism is alive and well.

Chris to Just Thinking wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:59 PM:I would suggest that you change your blog name out here because in your case I don't think there is much thinking going on, just more rhetoric about our military fighting for our freedoms.

to just thinking wrote on Jul 4, 2008 2:19 PM:Yep, if it weren't for our military we'd all be speaking German, or Korean, or Vietnamese, or Panamanian, or Granadan, or Iraqi today. I hope you sent your post to our President, and to Mr McCain.

Ms M wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:12 PM:Chris
[-] wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:47 PM:So now Obama is rethinking his Iraq stratagy. No Chris he isn't. I have read a few articles that show that the right wing machine is spinning that one. He is not RETHINKING his strategy his mission to the generals is to end the war.

Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:16 PM:The news is now reporting that World must brace for oil beyond $150 per barrel, experts say. This, as Hussein says NO to drilling, and screw your job, suck up the huge inflation and so what if your pension plan is now worth 50% of what it was. On top of that, they cheer the drilling Cuba (by China), Venezuela and Mexico are doing

Ms M wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:20 PM:....um SDR, what was that you said about the Catholic vote?......

A new Time poll of Catholic voters that reveals that Sen. Barack Obama has pulled even with Sen. John McCain among that constituency -- Obama now polls 44% to McCain's 45%.

sdraoul wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:27 PM:I need not shout, I use caps only to differentiate my words from the ignorant ones I respond to.

First of all, Col. Day is, I believe, the most decorated American military man alive. To accuse him of lying as a "Swift Boater" is stupid and nonsense.

The things he said about John Kerry were true as were almost all of the Swift Boaters charges. Remember, 19 of Kerry's fellow officers -- who were there unlike DD Whizzer who never served -- were in the Swift Boat group. Remember New Years Eve in Cambodia, a trip Kerry says was “seared” in his mind.

As for General Clarks comments last week, essentially they were true. In a vacuum being a Naval officer by itself is not a qualification for President today any more than it was when JFK ran as a Naval Reserve war hero because he lost his command, a boat.

Outside a vacuum, however, being a career naval officer qualifies one to be President and Commander-in-Chief when the opponent's only "service" to the country is as a communist-trained (Saul Alinsky's organization) "community organizer" in Chicago.

Oh, by the way, how does Obama stand on FISA phone taps, today as compared to yesterday and the week before and next week? Every day brings a new Obama position that contradicts his position last week. At least McCain waits 8 or more years before he evolves a changed position.

Not to worry Ms M wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:27 PM:McCain's slipping with the Catholics will soon be reversed: he's brought on a disciple of Karl Rove to run his campaign (the second redo of his campaign leadership in a year). Maybe we'll hear FoxNews tell us how Obama was seen urinating on a photo of the Pope. Rove's man will take care of Obama, don't you worry. And then there is always the chance that we might be attacked by terrorists, which the McCain people say would be great for their man.

Alf wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:31 PM:Well, "Chris to Just Thinking" at 1:59PM, in this respect you are dead on, "Just thinking" at 1:02PM wasn't. Instead, that person was acting as a dutiful parrot, repeating that which someone else has said with not so much as even one neuron engaged. Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:38 PM:Well, "Chuck" at 3:16PM, what on this Earth makes you think that oil pumped from below the ocean floor or from the millions of acres that oil companies own (that they are not tapping) will result in any price reduction at the pump? That oil will be sold at international market prices, not some reduced price. This is not supply and demand, it is speculators and a rigged game. Any way you look at it you lose and the oil companies win. Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:44 PM:Well, "Ms M" at 3:20PM, presenting facts to "sdraoul" just confuses him and then he SHOUTS, as if somehow that lends validity to his ludicrous ramblings. He has been caught time and time and time and time again in falsehoods only to keep repeating them, sorta like GWB. Regards, Alf.

Oh Chuck wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:55 PM:So your idea of a solution to our energy problems is to have even more of out tax money pumped into the coffers of big oil, to give them land, to subsidize their drilling, so that they can gauge us at the other pump? Why don't you post, instead, exhortations to the oil people themselves (address them to the White House) to drill the land we've already leased to them? When all that supply is used up, and we're still paying outrageous prices for gas, come back and convince us to drill some more. LOL

Oh raoul wrote on Jul 4, 2008 4:02 PM:I'm not sure, but I don't think it was 8 years between the time McCain begged for the endorsements of Hagee and others and then recanted. Maybe you meant 8 weeks or 8 days or 8 hours. Besides, when you flipflop as much as McCain has done, who's counting? My vote for his greatest shame was when he was in full maverick getup, fighting to the end to ban torture. Then I remember him standing there, smiling, as Bush signed the bill with the statement that he didn't intend to follow that law. And McCain grinned at his