Ms M wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:03 AM:GOOD MORNING RON! I have some more of McCain's Flip Flops..great way to start the day. Just a little heads up - more to come - now you have a good day now!

Here goes:

30. In 2005, McCain endorsed intelligent design creationism, a year later he said the opposite, and a few months after that, he was both for and against creationism at the same time.
Economic Policy
31. McCain was against Bush's tax cuts for the very wealthy before he was for them.
32. John McCain initially argued that economics is not an area of expertise for him, saying, "I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues; I still need to be educated," and "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should." He now falsely denies ever having made these remarks and insists that he has a "very strong" understanding of economics.
33. McCain vowed, if elected, to balance the federal budget by the end of his first term. Soon after, he decided he would no longer even try to reach that goal. And soon after that, McCain abandoned his second position and went back to his first.
34. McCain said in 2005 that he opposed the tax cuts because they were "too tilted to the wealthy." By 2007, he denied ever having said this, and falsely argued that he opposed the cuts because of increased government spending.
35. McCain thought the estate tax was perfectly fair. Now he believes the opposite.
36. McCain pledged in February 2008 that he would not, under any circumstances, raise taxes. Specifically, McCain was asked if he is a "'read my lips' candidate, no new taxes, no matter what?" referring to George H.W. Bush's 1988 pledge. "No new taxes," McCain responded. Two weeks later, McCain said, "I'm not making a 'read my lips' statement, in that I will not raise taxes."
37. McCain has changed his entire economic worldview on multiple occasions.
38. McCain believes Americans are both better and worse off economically than they were before Bush took office.
Energy Policy
39. McCain supported the moratorium on coastal drilling; now he's against it.

Chuck wrote on Aug 3, 2008 4:07 AM:>>Bring back German (to the classroom)>>
I;m sorry Mr Kreutzer, we both know that won't happen. It is not in the interest of the public schools for you to learn German, or even English, math, the physical sciences, or literature. Their only interest is that you are indoctinated into the liberal and gay agenda of diversity, so that you can properly put on a condom, know your full rights under SB777 and where to find an abortion or std doctor, should you have too much fun with your girlfriend or boyfriend this weekend.

Chuck wrote on Aug 3, 2008 4:20 AM:>>Most patients within, and all who are outside the district, are not property owners affected by this tax increase>>>
I pretty much disagree with that. I've used Tri City Hospital twice in the last 2 months. Once for 4 hours and once for 3 hours. The bills totalled over $27,000, not including my doctors fees. That's almost $4,000 an hour. How much more do you want? In fact you probably sit back and cheer when a bottom feeding lawyer sues the hospital and gets some outrageous settlement, and know you wonder why they need a bond issue.

A chuckle every fortnight wrote on Aug 3, 2008 5:36 AM:Interesting to note that Bettie Heldring does not say she was thankful Bush and Cheney were in power BEFORE 9/11. As it happened on their watch.
She also appears to have a lot of inside information about state secrets and such. Did she get it from her son who worked at Langley? Oops! Perhaps in two weeks she can tell us who shot JFK and what’s hidden in Area 51.
She chastises Ira Landis for making accusations without proof then says she “understands” there are scandals in some Clinton papers.
The only thing Bettie understands is what Rush, Sean and Billo tell her.

Zealots R Us wrote on Aug 3, 2008 6:19 AM:Arlan Brown writes, “A president has the right and duty to have people who think like him to run the government.” He goes on to say, “The only question that should be raised in any hiring for any government job is, is the person qualified?” In Bush’s case, those two statements are mutually exclusive.
To the victor go the spoils? How about tyranny of the majority? Might as well shred the Constitution.
Oh,I forgot, that’s what those “qualified” Republican lawyers did to carry out Bush’s plans.

Paul wrote on Aug 3, 2008 7:12 AM:It seems like Junius M thinks the GOP should be our choice, no matter how terrible the job they have done-Republicans need to face the fact that their support for the GOP the past few years has a price, to be paid at election time.

To Phil Epstein wrote on Aug 3, 2008 7:31 AM:Getting rid of all the undocumented immigrants is not going to end all crimes commited in the U.S. Maybe U.S. citizens can start by ending their dependance on illegal drugs? How about we do something about our corrupt government which is the most corrupt in the world. Don't justify your frustrations which stem from hate with your rage against immigrants. Fix your own home first before you try to fix your neighbors.

All hail the GOP wrote on Aug 3, 2008 7:57 AM:Junious Montgomery laments the change ahead. His ire, however, is misdirected. The congressional Republicans are in disarray, destined to wander in the wilderness for many, many years to come, as well they should, for their blind obedience to Bush, sacrificing their conservative principles all along the way.
This fool of a president will rank with Hoover and Nixon for destroying the party. We know what happened after Hoover. They got lucky with Carter and having Reagan come along to save them. Who will save them this time? Obama’s enablers, that’s who.
If McCain wins it will not be because the electorate is still enamored with Republicanism. It will be because they are scared of Obama. This should have been an easy victory. But, no, we had to embark on some grand social experiment and take a flyer on the new kid.
The Dems will pick up 25-30 seats in the House and 6 or 7 in the Senate. I suspect there will be a lot of ticket splitting, handing the election to McCain. A caretaker president until an acceptable Democrat comes along in 2012. With those solid majorities in Congress it will not be Bush’s third term, as the Obamaniacs like to say. No rubber stamp there.
On November 5th there will much hand wringing on both sides, and plenty of blame to go around.

Paul wrote on Aug 3, 2008 8:00 AM:God save America from ill-informed, emotional voters.

you mean like the voters who foisted Bush/Cheney on us in 2000 and 2004?

i'm still waiting for one of the NC Times Obama bashers to mention one reason to vote FOR mccain, not just against obama. if trends continue, gop supporters will get the chance to pay the price for supporting incompetence and corruption over the past few years. it's how it works in a "democracy"

MAMA TWO FACE wrote on Aug 3, 2008 8:36 AM:From Yesterday-
Re:OBAMA MAMA
[-] wrote on Aug 2, 2008 9:13 PM:--- MAMA agrees with Mama Two Face that McCain has Two Faces. (6:15pm). In fact, he has MANY faces and many positions on the same subject. His face is blacker than Obama’s, and as you said, blacker than the black kettle.

MAMA TWO FACE
[-] wrote on Aug 2, 2008 9:37 PM:Now we all know where you are coming from OBAMA MAMA, You see a racial conspiracy behind every door, and then proceed to feed it for all it's worth! FYI OBAMA MAMA, The (Older then McCain) phrase "The pot calling the kittle black", as you well know has nothing to do with race or skin color, except in your own sick mind. and it was your hypocritial verbiage I was refering to. Not McCains. WOW!! You can NOT pervert what I said, play that card and expect me to remain silent.

Apollo wrote on Aug 3, 2008 8:44 AM:Re: Bettie Heldring (letter)
Heldring once again publishes her cult-like paeans to the messianic Bush and Cheney cabal, while simply glossing over any semblance of truth. It's a good thing we have Heldring to set us straight about Valerie Plame Wilson's non-covert status, which completely contradicts the statements of the CIA chief and the Republican prosecutor who both concluded otherwise.
And Heldring's all-knowing eye is able to pronounce with certainty that the Clinton papers, which she admits she has never seen, are full of scandals, while of course there could never be any hanky-panky in the secret meetings between oilman Cheney and the energy companies, just before gas prices and oil profits jump off the charts into record-setting territory, and the oil administration is poised to give the oil companies everything they want while demanding essentially nothing in return - no commitment to drill on the lands they already have, no commitment to return American publicly-owned resources to the American public first, NOTHING!
Boy, I sure am glad we have Bettie Heldring around to tell all of us whiners how good we have it!

To Phil Epstein wrote on Aug 3, 2008 8:59 AM:Violence happens to all by all. Every nationality, race, creed, and color are capable of violence. Gee, look at the road rage incident where Officer White shot at a young woman and her child. Also in Shenandoah, PA a man was beaten to death just because he was an illegal immigrant by whom; well 6 white young men. It is my guess that you will agree with that murder, huh? Violence is a two way street, my friend. Your letter is a good attempt in creating anger, and violence in our communities as if there is not enough of that already!!!

A Junta Is.... wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:08 AM:For those who don't know:

A military or political group that rules a country after taking power by force.

BIRDIE wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:14 AM:Harold Paddon's letter cites Governor Stevenson's statement that "It is the feline nature to roam." This is true, however it is also not in the feline nature for this non-native, invasive species to exist in Southern California. Cats, both domesticated and feral, are a terribly destructive species, killing millions of native birds and other wildlife every year and contributing to terrible environmental destruction.
If people choose to have cats, that is a choice they can make for themselves.
But people only have the right to make choices about their own lives, not impose their will and their choices on anyone else.
If you want to have a cat, fine. Keep it indoors. Cats allowed to wander and roam, whatever their "nature," live less than half as long as indoor cats, as they are exposed to many outside dangers including cars, other animals (dogs, coyotes), toxins in the yards of non-cat owners who have not made their properties pet safe, and even intentional eradication by those who do not want these vicious predators on their property and may respond by trapping the animal and turning it over to Animal Control, or in some cases responding in a less appropriate manner.
If you love your cat, keep it safe!

Paul wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:17 AM:one last point to mr montgomery
to deny the role of emotion in human affairs would be foolish, but he and other conservatives are driven by emotion too, only their emotion is fear. basically he's criticizing people who are motivated by hope, instead of fear like he is. and remember, since he brought up 9/11, that it happened with a Republican President in office. sometimes your emotions affect your memory, i guess?

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:18 AM:Tax cuts for work, and across the board tax cuts are the most fair for ALL Americans.
One thing I despise, and NO.. that is not too strong a word, is class-warfare as practised by Liberals inside Democrat party.
Instead of educating Americans to be the absolute best they can be, they always go to this tactic of "see what your neighbor has" stuff, all the while, insisting your neighbor stole from you, and they are the only people to steal it back.

Regardless of the mindless talking points today by Paul Cavanaugh. Tax cuts DO work, and this is how I know they work. Stimulus checks.
The Government gave Americans money to stimulate the economy. Why? Cause they know more money in your hands stimulates our economy. And the Liberal Democrats proved they understand this principal, more money in your hand, drives this economy.
So, the obvious question is, Why not more tax cuts? More stimulation, right?
Ahh, but there, you see...
Then THEY will not be in the position of getting credit, which is THE most important thing to them. Getting the credit is what drives Liberals.
It's all a part of this "feel good" mentality, I've been talking about.

In fact, did I not mention this thing the otherday? Yes.. I think I did.
Mascot politics. Mascot politics is when your choice is meant to say much, much more about YOU, than about the choice itself. Now, what am I talking about. Barack Obama.

It is a well known fact, as stated by Obama himself, that many Liberals.. let me correct that.. WHITE Liberals... let me correct that... GUILTY WHITE Liberals will be voting this year for Barack Obama, because THEY want absolution from their guilt.
The question has to asked. Are you voting for Barack Obama because his election will free you from your white guilt? Because, if so, then that says far, far more about YOU, than it ever does about him.
To understand the Liberal mind, you must first understand that they do nothing, NOTHING that does not give themselves credit. Economically, they do the exact same thing. They will give only certain classes tax cuts they feel are worthy, thus only partially stimulating the economy. Just think if they would cut Government, and cut the taxes supporting the Government Industrial Complex? Think of how much stimulation our economy would have?
Across the board stimulation, but...
then they could also get credit!
See fellas, I solved your problem.

Paul wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:20 AM:leon,

the reason imus got busted was he said it on air and on the record-jackson didn't. i don't like jackson much, but at least give him credit for keeping his opinions private (or at least he thought they were)

Alf wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:27 AM:High gas prices?
The political cartoon (column?) by Tom Meyer in the San Francisco Chronicle for today, 8-3, is interesting, especially if true.
And it points out what is wrong with a system whereby oil pumped out of American soil is not necessarily used to benefit the American People as a whole.
If you wonder why gasoline is less expensive in Tijuana, you need look no further than to see what the brand name is, PEMEX. Mexican oil sold to Mexicans FIRST and to the rest of the world SECOND, AFTER the needs of their country are met.
Not free market of me?
Not Libertarian of me?
I do not say that we should change the way we operate.
I do not say that we should have yet another bloated government department.
I do say that what we are doing, right now, with respect to oil is not working.
I do say that giving more land, be it on dry land or off-shore, to companies who are already setting United States ALL-TIME records for profit, so that they can sell United States oil to someone else FIRST, or to the highest bidder FIRST, is not in the best interest of this country.
I do say that it is past time to set our priorities to be Our Country First and Foremost with respect to our natural resources.
And to make the best uses of those resources.
Regards, Alf.

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:37 AM:And in my continuing series of articles about how WRONG Paul Cavanaugh is, and he is spouting the talking points.
Let me, as I always do.. cut to the chase here? Shall we?

Now, it is said...
by Paul that: "the Bush administration announced the budget deficit for 2009 will be $482 billion"

That's right Paul, they ANNOUNCED it.
Congess authorized the deficit spending. that's right, Paul, they said it was OK. Okie-Dokie.
Bush didn't spend it all by his lonesome, unless he was given the authorization by the CONGRESS. A Democrat Congress, no less.
Do we need a quick civics lesson here, I think we do? The President PROPOSES, the CONGRESS DISPOSES. Congress authorizes the deficit spending.

Second point...
$80 billion supplements Iraq and Afghanistan. Again, Congress authorizes the spending first. The President must ask, beg, plead his case. Congress has complete control over the money, in fact, all spending & taxation must be generated in the House of Representatives, because that's what the Constitution says.

And I do disagree with him in his wide swipe at the "fiscally conservative GOP." As we have seen, GWB is NO conservative on spending, never has been. I would, again.. Remind my Liberal friends, that early on in this administration, Bush worked with Ted Kennedy on the new Medi-Care drug benefit, expanding entitlements, against every last conservative who said it was a budget breaker. We did not have the votes to stop it.
And that ONLY complaint by Liberals was, it did not go FAR ENOUGH. they wanted a BIGGER PLAN.

As to the $560 billion that our government has to borrowed. The budget clearly shows, that half (1/2) of that money is currently being spent to support failing entitlements, like Medi-Care, which is currently running negative.

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:58 AM:In an on-going effort to fight this massive disinformation put out today by Paul Cavanaugh. the only way to fight dis-information, is to replace it with truth.

Paul calls: it a "myth that cutting taxes increases revenues."
No better example exists as to how this works, is a recent panic over the Highway Trust Fund. Now, the Government, as lead by Liberal's said Americans needed to cut back on using gas. Well, what happened? Tax revenues dropped, creating excitement inside the Government Industrial Complex that they would not have enough money. Liberal Democrats already have a plan for this, another fuel tax. Spending is THE issue, not taxation. Always has been THE issue. Right now in California, despite record revenues to the State Government during the housing bubble, the State still ran a deficit. Why?
Because spending ALWAYS exceeds the income. How do you and I handle reductions in income? Well, usually we cut back. Some will get a second job, depending on the serverity of the shortfall. But, most of us don't rush out and buy a new Prius. Even though, that is now the new patriotism.

Another myth by Paul is that the Bush's tax cuts were only for the rich.
Bush lowered, or I should say, Congress lowered everyone's taxes.
The Republican Congress also lowered the lowest tier of tax rates, from 15%of the Bill Clinton's years, to 10%. I'd say, Bush was looking out for "the little guy."

He mentions: supply-side economics.
Let me ask you. when you look at your own paystub, After the government get's it's skim, do you have a supply-side problem? The answer is yes. Your doing ALL the right things, your working, showing up everyday, working hard, trying to support your family.
And after the government is done with YOUR paycheck, do they leave you enough supply?

I do agree with him, though. On this one point, The next president will inherit a terrible fiscal mess.
And you can blame anyone you like,
Bush if it makes you feel better.
Notice, I have not mentioned these current proposals, ALL BY DEMOCRATS, to spend your hard earned money?
Mortgage bailout, to name only one.
ALL unpaid for. Well, our kid's will, eventually.
But seriously. It's the SIZE of this government that is sinking this ship, not that Americans aren't paying their fair share. Afterall, do you get a choice? No, the government get's their take, before you even see your paycheck.

Compassion Fatigue wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:15 AM:While I can’t find it in the electronic edition, there is a great article in the print NCTimes about American hospitals sending long-term illegal alien hospital patients to their home of record.

In the case in point, an illegal alien in Florida was hospitalized after an automobile accident and after his treatment at taxpayer expense, the hospital could not find a rehab center that would take a patient without insurance.

The hospital was forced to keep the patient in the hospital – but after $1.5 million in costs, the hospital decided to cut its losses by spending $30,000 on an ambulance to return the patient to his hometown in Guatemala.

Activists are suing over the issue of hospitals sending illegal aliens back to their home, without going through “due process.”.

Since I can't find an article on which to blog this subject, is it possible to get a dialog going on this blog?

Ms M wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:18 AM:Bettie Heldring says Bush and Cheney have kept us safe. Bettie, Bush and Cheney were in charge when 9/11 happened.

Taxes wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:20 AM:If Paul Cavanaugh thinks tax cuts can’t raise revenue enough to keep up with government spending, then he’ll be really disappointed to see what tax increases do for revenue and job growth. Have you ever heard of Arthur Laffer, Mr. Cavanaugh?

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:27 AM:I have to agree with Arlan Brown. When your the president, you have the right
to have people who think like you.

What this is, is a political event, by Democrats for an election year.
It's nothing short of using our time, our money, and our Houses to gain advantage during the political season.

We are in a time, when normal employment screening processes, are called criminal, for political effect.

I don't know when the last time you went to apply for a job, but, it's quite a daunting process. Credit check, background checks, drug screening, all are required for many jobs, especially in government. When your dealing with the subject matter that the Federal Government works with, you need to be sure, those you hire, will fulfill their jobs and not compromise the process.
We've seen one fallout of "loose-lip's" lately, Sen. Chuck "Chucky" Schumer, (Dumba*s-NY) and Indymac.
But, worse yet...
Sen. Patrick Leahy (Dumba*s-VT), head of the Senate Judiciary Committee {and god knows what he's lible to release from this position} has a sad history of leaking classified information.
At one time, was on the Senate Intelligence Committee, in 1987 leaked classified information in 1986 about a covert operation by the Reagan Administration against Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddhafi.
But, quite obviously, he... shall we say? "Scooter-d" out of being indicted.
Interesting, huh? And still has a job, ta boot. I guess, leaking information only really matters when your a Republican? Cause, that's the moral I get.

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:32 AM:>>>He should lose his job, if only he had one>>>

Agreed, Leon Smith.
Agreed...

Tax Policy wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:45 AM:Interesting analysis in the WSJ this morning. The analysis is that the US lost Budweiser to Europeans (Belgians) because the European effective corporate tax rate is approximately half that of the US, and if Obama wins as Europe expects and US corporate America fears, Obama will raise that corporate tax rate still further. (Tax Foundation’s analysis: Anheuser-Busch was paying 38,4%, InBev pays 20%).

(Obama has promised to raise corporate taxes, McCain has promised to cut corporate taxes.)

In terms of simple financial strength, Budweiser should have bought InBev, but that would have raised InBevs corporate taxes while this way there is a huge swing in lower government cost for the combination of the two corporations. Huge!

Tax consequences have a huge effect on business, making them do things that otherwise do not make economic sense.

With the combination of tax policy and a weak dollar, there is more to come.

Well Now wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:46 AM:Sterling Kreutzer, I feel for you situation!

I agree 100%!!!

Something other than Spanish and English SHOULD be taught!!!

The school SHOULD provide the second semester of German!!!

NOT that you should HAVE to do the following ideas, but it might be of help to you, your brother and other students:

1) Begin a petition for students and adults to bring German, etc, back.
This may take a while.

2) In the interim, maybe your brother can take German and woodshop at Mira Costa.

3) Try the Rosetta Stone. NASA, the Department of Defense, etc use it to teach their people foreign languages.

Your family SHOULD NOT have to pay out of pocket for these classes; however, there is no other choice available that I can see right now.

The next generation will be a bunch of Spanish-speaking nano-geeks because no other language was offered and the trades were taken out of the schools.

PS...I get upset because I HAVE to know Spanish just to get around our community.

But, then yesterday, I am reminded of why I want to learn it, there was a lady whose English was very broken but she was trying DESPERATELY hard to speak English.

So, I am taking Spanish because of the example above.

Additionally, I'm taking Italian because I want to and it is most beautiful language I ever heard.

I may go crazy trying to learn two at once, but c'est la vie.

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:52 AM:Let me first assure Robert Martinez, that America is not going down the tubes.
Not, yet.. at least. Give us a few more years of not reforming these out of control entitlement programs, and we will be broke. But, we still have some time, if cooler heads prevail.

But, it seems to me, all this talk about the Government "caring about you", "knowing you", and "saving you", has gotten a bunch of people, like Robert, thinking.. and looking towards Washington & Sacramento for their own salvation.
Fearing the Central Government goes as far back as the founding of the Republic. If you read the great writings of these men, all were solid on the idea of "government as a necessary evil." Limited Government is what they gave us, and we... their decendants decided they really didn't know anything, and we, like all youth's, tried to improve on it.
Much to our own peril.

"It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man who knows what the law is today can guess what is will be tomorrow."
-- James Madison, Federalist no. 62, February 27, 1788

"The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite."
-- Thomas Jefferson

The principals they laid down are still true today, we have strayed. Cause we think WE know better. Like all children, until they grow up.

"If you're not liberal when you're young, you have no heart. If you're not conservative when you're older, you have no brain."
-- Winston Churchill

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:56 AM:Stanley Patterson reminds me, "No more stacked debates."

If there are any Keith Overblige viewers/lovers out there. Is he still bookended by prison shows on MSNBC?
Just curious.

Alf wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:59 AM:Whether it is the nature of an animal to roam or not, Harold Paddon, you do not have a right to have your pet animal use my yard, or anyone else's yard for that matter, as their toilet.
I just came back in from informing yet another person who had trespassed over 80 feet into our yard WITH HER DOG (at least she had it on a leash) that ours is private property AND IS POSTED AS SUCH, not her dog's toilet.
Just because we have a little over 2 and a half acres between my wife and I and her sister, does not mean that anyone and/or everyone and/or their pet is welcome here.
I guess we could pay over $10 PER FOOT to put up chain-link fencing and over $3500 each for 2 gate operators plus gates, but WHY?
Is that what it takes to keep inconsiderate people and their pets who do not belong here AND KNOW THAT THEY DO NOT BELONG HERE, because it is posted, the hell OUT?
I have even had people become defensive and aggressive when I inform them that they are to leave a place that is not theirs.
They do leave, however, usually in the same condition that they arrived.
Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Aug 3, 2008 11:12 AM:The letter from Arlan Brown is rather curious.
Why?
Because that person wants the Supreme Court to use something other than the Constitution for the basis of its rulings.
Within a week of each other the Court ruled that detainees at illegal prisons like Guantanamo had the right of habeas corpus
AND
that the 2nd Amendment confers to individual Citizens the RIGHT to keep firearms, specifically handguns, in their homes.
Those decisions SEEM to be polar opposites when looked at from a Liberal versus Conservative perspective.
BUT
Both decisions were in accordance with the Constitution, not a given political party's agenda.
You see, our Constitution is one that seeks to preserve and expand personal rights, not reduce them.
Regards, Alf.

Mr. Clean wrote on Aug 3, 2008 11:47 AM:Well, as usual, I am left cleaning up someone's mess from yesterday. Namely, my good buddy Ron.

Over and over again, he tried to sway his friends by repeating a mantra that was less than truthful.

Ron recalls Obama saying he proposes a one thousand dollar energy rebat for all Americans. Of course, Ron, kept hoping if he repeated a lie long enough, it would become true, and kept claiming Obama was offering $1,000 for "poor people".

Even if it should come to pass, and "poor" people are the only ones getting the allowance, it makes me think that Ron should not have a problem with this.

Afterall, I--and probably Ron, based on all his hyperbole on this status in the business sector--didn't get GW's tax rebate this check this year because we make too much...so obviously, the Bush administration the money only to "poor" people.

I've said it before, but I can't help but think Ron is not the conservative Republican, or independent he claims to be, but might be a frustrated Liberal Democrat.

OBSERVATION wrote on Aug 3, 2008 11:51 AM:Kathy Hilton lashes out at McCain ad calling it a 'waste'

ANN wrote on Aug 3, 2008 12:05 PM:It seems, though, as if the real John McCain has begun to show up on the campaign trail. His temper, his temperament and his lack of intellectual gravitas have become legitimate areas of concern. And when that little girl stood up at one of his appearances to ask if he was going to raise taxes and he responded with a decisive, "NO", it was reminiscent of those George Bush events when soft-ball questions were lobbed his way by members of a partisan crowd - - a sign that a McCain presidency would be a change in name only.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 3, 2008 12:30 PM:Compassion Fatigue: I think this is very interesting. Let us know if the patient was agreeable to go home for his recuperation or if it was against his will?

The Critic wrote on Aug 3, 2008 12:36 PM:Letters from Montgomery,Heldiring and Fisk. Repetitive letters with repetitive subjects written by the same authors every two weeks. They have no value except for entertainment. But, I can only laugh for so long at the same material.

I know your frustratiion Critic wrote on Aug 3, 2008 12:47 PM:We put up with the same thing here, from Ron, sdraul, chuck, et. al.

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:00 PM:I want you to remember..
"Mr. Clean" @11:47 AM:

That Obamaman's one-time, one thousand dollar energy "rebate?" {and I'll explain in a minute, why I question it}
is just that, one time.
Why not, just cut taxes?

But, we ALL know what this is, as I've explained this very, very throughly.

Obamaman will take my retired parent's money, and give it away.
Yes, I can say, with complete confidence that what the Obamaman proposes to do is to take hard working people's money, who for their whole life, paid into a system, that the government later changed the rules.
People, who paid their whole life, expecting a certain return, but were told later, you did TOO WELL.
You see, you over saved.
You did ALL the right things, but...
Sorry. Your gonna get less.

So, being the smart people that they are, they find another way to offset what the Government has taken.
They invest their own savings into some stocks, and offset what the Government took.

So, they are making some money of offset what the Government first said they'd pay, then later changed the rules. And now.. the Obamaman & you think they should AGAIN be punished, for doing the right thing. Saving for their own retirements.

Moral of the story, ladies & gentlemen is: Don't save. Don't plan. Don't..
Because the Government will punish you for it, like they are proposing to punish my folks.
That's pretty sad.

Feline Friend wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:03 PM:It is a cat's nature to roam. Did you also notice that cats cover up or attempt to cover up their fecal matter?
But, regardless, the cat owner is responsible for its pet's leaving on some one else's property.

Cucmber Farmer wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:05 PM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 3, 2008 4:07 AM: Chuck have never informed us as to the immense profit was made when he cornered the cucumber market?

Gotta Draw a Hard Line wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:09 PM:To Phil Epstein[-] wrote on Aug 3, 2008 7:31 AM: I do not think it is hate. This illegal murdered two American citizens in the United States. You seem quite able to give advice. Can you accept advice as well. Don't go telling an American to go clean his house first. It is his house being invaded by a murderer.
It is my inclination to give the culprit lead for lead, death for death.

Nick wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:10 PM:Oh yeah "Ms M", John Kerry would surely have kept us safer.......lmao.
This is the same guy who wanted to apologize to Muslims the world over.
When was the last time you heard a Muslim apologize for anything?
I know, that's a tough one.....lol.

sdraoul wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:12 PM:Poor Alf...He's at it again without facts or knowledge. Mexico imports over 20% of it's refined gasoline. Most comes from Long Beach. mexico does n0ot supply itself, it depends on American oil and gas to run its cars.

It has just commissioned a new refinery and it is not scheduled to come online until 2012.

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:20 PM:In addition to what "Tax Policy"
@10:45 AM has stated. The lower corporate rate in Europe, and the flat tax rates in former Soviet bloc nations to see with Obama and a Democrat Congress, we will be on the wrong track, tax-wise.

It would be wise for my dear friend,
"Mr. Clean" @11:47 AM to pay attention to "How" the Euro's actually operate their economies.

If the corporate rate is less, who would pay the balance of taxes needed to run such a huge welfare state?
Individuals pay, that's who.
Sure, talk to your Euro friends, and you will find, that it is not corporations who pay for these huge entitlements. Oh, No... each person.. like me rephrase.. Each working person shoulders, not only his welfare expenses, but also his neighbors expenses. His non-working neighbor.

Honestly, I do not know, or understand what all the hub-bub is with these Liberals that absolutely insist that we "be like Europe."
"The Grass is always greener?"
Perhaps.
But, I would highlly recommend to my Liberal friends, that they take a leave of absence from America, and go live in Germany, or France, or even Spain.
Cause when you see your paycheck, you will be astonished, and you'll want to come home, rather quickly. I think.

liberaljim wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:21 PM:Ron, you haven't been getting your message across. According to an article in todays NCTimes, the county is beginning to tip Democratic.
For example, Del Mar now has more Democrats registered than Republicans. In my own city of Encinitas there was a 4 point difference 4 years ago, now the Republicans only have a one point lead. I guess that's why I've seen one McCain bumper sticker here in Leucadia, but I've seen dozens of Obama stickers. They need to hear your message in Del Mar, Ron. You need to set up a mission there so they don't go further down the road of Democratic socialist/communism. They need to hear the word of Ron. I thought people in Del Mar were affluent and well educated. From the way you always describe Democrats, folks in Del Mar must really be a bunch of uneducated bums looking for a handout from the nanny state. Ron, they need you to lead them down the path patriotism. They need you to save them from the Democrats.

sdraoul wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:22 PM:Mr. Esptein, if illegals commit morw than 200 murders a year I would like to see the evidence. I will accept daily newspaper references posted here so we can look them up.

It can be in the form of daily postings on this blog with the name of the newspaper, date and page. It is not hard to do with the Internet as a resource.

In the future, Mr. Esptein, the regard you are held in will increase subtsantially if you can post everyday evidence of the monstrous crime wave you claim is happening.

here are some facts: The california dept of Corrections -- you can call them -- reports that less than 10 percent of state prisoners are Mexican-born.

They also report that over half of them are in prison for property crimes. Ovber 90 eprcent of the rest are in for variousc rimes but nor murder. The number in State prisons for murder is less than 2 percent or less than 200 are in prison for murder.

Those very low figures do not reflect that msot of these murderers killed fellow illegals.

Nationally, the Deptarment of Justice reports that out of 2.3 million state and federal priosners less than 5% are non-citizens, includign a nice group of canadians, Irish, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Englishmen and Middle Easterners, etc. et al.

Once, Supervisor Dianne Jacob stated that 30 percent of County jail inmates were illegals. Sheriff Bill Kolender corrected her by stating that 10 percent of the inmates (out of 5000) were Mexican nationals.

Sorry, Mr. Epstein, but you need to quote and refer to legitimate facst. Anythign else is baloney.

sdraoul wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:27 PM:German, yes, what a wonderful language to learn while Germany's population is contracting so much that in a generation it will be 20% smaller.

I suggest that the public schools are no place to learn dying languages. If this person wants to learn German, try software and tutors, but don't bother us taxpayers, we have enough trouble convincing teachers to teach reading and writing.

They are otherwise occupied worrying about hours in the classroom, union dues, and ages while ignoring methods of teaching that have worked for hundreds of year like phonetics.

"New Math" didn't put us on the moon or develop great telecommunications. Neither did teacher walkouts and union contracts.

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:38 PM:I would agree partly with my friend "Alf" @11:12 AM.

The Second Amendment decision, of course, I agree with. The silly notion of tying together an individual's right to a militia as a basis of that right, is total nonsense. Logically, just non-sense, and also a very bad distortion of the English language. And I say that, being an "expert", jokingly, of course.

But the Court ruling that detainees at Gitmo having habeas corpus rights, breaks with nearly 200 years of legal opinions. Heck, even FDR had Germany POW's inside the United States, and denied them habeas rights to US Courts.
As did Bush, in Gitmo. Both struck the Military Tribunal process as the middle ground, as is directed by the Constitution, that Congress shall raise courts as required. Which, they did.
What we all witnessed, was a court bent on involving itself into matters already clearly defined by the Constitution, and trying to make itself a third party to the proceedings.

Ms M wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:48 PM:Nick
[-] wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:10 PM:Oh yeah "Ms M", John Kerry would surely have kept us safer.......lmao. Nick, I did not say that Kerry would have kept us safer - we'll never know. But we do KNOw that 9/11 happened on Bush's watch. NOW - I'm LMAO!

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:54 PM:I think you are forgetting one little detail, that I think I should bring to your attention, "All hail the GOP"
@7:57 AM. It's that sticky little subject called: Taxes.

Let us just say, that you are right.
For the President, it will be a toss up.
Who know's.
But, let us just say, the Dem's sweep, cleanly. And they, like Bill Clinton, turn towards their normal routinues, and tax like crazy. In fact, it will be most difficult to only go after "the Rich", as Bill would later say: {in my best Billy Bob Clinton voice} "I tried as hard as I could, but... you know.. those Republicans just ran it up.. they just went crazy.. and now.. we ALL gotta pay the piper."

We will see another 1993, and they, the Liberals will just go crazy. Think about it. Right now, you got several very old congress people, waiting, chomping at the bit to make their mark on history. Charlie Rangle, to name only one. The Old Bulls, some like to call them. They will be running this show. Like they were in 93'.

Look what happened? Revolution!

Simply because YOUR thought of "Now", as the lesser of two evils, does not automatically mean, your ways.. Your Big Taxing Liberal Ways will sit well with people simply trying to make a living.

And just a little piece of advise:
You guy's really need to stop calling it "Free" healthcare. Cause when Americans get the bill, they won't like it. They won't.

Ms Magpie Maybe wrote on Aug 3, 2008 2:14 PM:Ms M
[-] wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:48 PM: LMAO, At least we know Ms M does not stand for Ms Manners, Now I'm LMAO.

Poor Ron... wrote on Aug 3, 2008 2:15 PM:has so many bogus arguments up in the air, he can't keep his party line straight (sorta like McCain, so maybe its a conservative Republican thing, and not an age thing)!

To prove my point, Ron goes on and on chastising Mr. Clean about "How" the "Eruo"s do things...Mr. Clean lambasting the hapless Ron had nothing to do with Euro policy, it had to to with Ron's attempt at changing Obama's words on an energy rebate, and how if Ron's mischaracterization was correct, Bush did the same thing with the tax rebate.

But, keep trying Ron, you are an endless source of amusement, my little friend!

gracchus wrote on Aug 3, 2008 2:16 PM:yes, ron, the fd roosevelt administration did have axis POWS in the usa. you failed to mention one important point: the administration abided by the conventions of geneva in treatment of those POWs.
if you are referring to a samll group of german sabateurs who intered the usa during ww ii, your point about extra- judicial military tribunals is well-taken. most of the sabateurs were condemned to death and executed. most historians consider this tribunal to have been a travesty and that it does not reflect well on fdr.
the bush administration created the guantanamo bay prison
site to try to justify not applying us law to the detainees there. the bush administration has consistently argued that the detainees should not have pow status and the guarantees afforded by such a status. that seems to me a big difference between the fdr and the bush administration.
if, ron, you want to argue that the detainees at guantanamo bay should not have POW rights, or at least be treated humanely, perhaps you can explain why the u.s. miliary in general. and the judge advocate corps in particular, is mortified by conduct at guantanamo, abu ghraib, and other prison sites which dishonor the proud tradition of u.s. justice.

Alf wrote on Aug 3, 2008 2:30 PM:Well, "Ron" at 1:38PM, you just do not seem to get it.
The "it" is that one President violating the Constitution
does not and can not excuse another president doing it.
That sounds more like a child saying "He did it first!".
As I said, BOTH decisions were based on the Constitution, which neither endorses nor opposes either party.
Regards, Alf

Hey Alf wrote on Aug 3, 2008 2:50 PM:The situation you just described regarding YOUR property and YOUR not wanting animals roaming freely, exactly describes the US/Mexican border situation! I find it terribly amusing yet typically hypocritical that when it comes to YOU, Alf, your personal possessions must be safeguarded. BUT when it comes to the sanctity and security of the US, all bets are off. It seems you should be welcoming those stray and even leashed animals onto YOUR property with open arms, with compassion and understanding. Who cares what damages are done or what costs are incurred, you're doing the humane thing, right, Alf? What a hypocrite.

Ron wrote on Aug 3, 2008 3:09 PM:Oh, "liberaljim" @1:21 PM, you saw those cars with Obamaman stickers too?
LOL, how many Prius's did you see?
Cause I didn't count a one.
But, you probably are right. Califoria leans left, San Diego, mostly immigrants are causing it to lean more left. And for point of clairity here, by immigrants, I mean, legal Americans coming from other states. But, we have the other kind too. Too racist?

As far as The People's Republic of Del Mar, those out of control former HOA presidents can have their town. I just wish they'd be consistant, no smoking allowed, so.. don't sell any smokes.
Ya know? I fully expect that within a year or so, they will ban all smoking inside your home.

And in Encinitas, and Solana Beach. Aren't those the two towns where the natives were against any outsiders coming into "their town", and building big homes? Kind of reminds me of my own Grandmother's stories about people fighting to keep the "Okies" out.

And when did I ever say that affluent and well educated could not also be socialist or communism? Heck, look at Ge