Oh Please wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:04 AM:Come on Ellen Williams, is that all you can say about John McCain? Do some home work and write better. You are allowed more words.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:08 AM:William Ficere, ... is here with more baloney this time about corn.
He laments the increase in price of his favorite corn. 27% under the GWB administration. We all know who GWB is. He is still the current President of the United States. Ficere wants to blaim any future increases on Obama. Obama is not President. The price increase began under GWB. If it continues, it will be due to the market. What would Ficere say if McCain was President and his favorite corn cost more. Ficere, PDB, is just full of his own baloney. ...

Focal Point wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:11 AM:Norman Phillips: You are absolutly right
about gas consumption and American driving habits. Americans stopped obeying speed limits when officers discontinued enforcing them consistently. The speed limit is usually 65 mph except on specified highways where 70 mph is permitted. When was the last time that you saw anyone doing under 80 mph free way conditions permitting?

Ron wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:21 AM:William Ficere:
"One year ago, an ear of... corn was 19 cents... Sunday, it was 69 cents an ear, ...and four years from now that same ear of corn would cost $1.79."

Barack Millhouse Obama: "We can't drive our SUVs and, you know, EAT AS MUCH AS WE WANT and keep our homes on, you know, 72 degrees all the time, whether we're living in the desert or we're living in the tundra, and then just expect every other country is going to say OK."

This dude IS dangerous.

Barack baloney?

"Why can't I just eat my waffle?"

Ron wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:28 AM:Norman Phillips asks: "Reality, or just ashes in the wind?"

Now, this is a non-scientific, non-peer reviewed study, but...
Has Norman been out on the I-5 or I-15 say between the hours of 6am-9am? Or between 3pm-7pm?

Of all the vehicles that pass me as I drive 65mh, are non-Prius drivers with Obamo08 stickers.

Just one man's observation...

DD Wiz wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:33 AM:The published letter from ... William Ficere complains that the retail price of corn went from 19 cents an ear to 69 cents in one year.
And, pray tell, what corporate shill of a president has been in office during this past year?
And which big Republican agribusiness donor (hint, Archer Daniels Midland) has been driving up the cost of corn by promoting corn-based ethanol, while most Democrats support biodiesel, solar and wind and, when ethanol is to be used, ethanol not from ADM's precious corn, but from switchgrass, where it can be grown on land not suitable for corn, without damaging the food crops or raising prices.
So now we see what the Republican strategy is going to be to try to make their loser of a candidate look tolerable: take all the worst devastation this administration has wrought, and then blame it on the same guy you're accusing of not having any experience in getting anything done.
And they think the American people will fall for that?
Oh well, they were able to steal the last two elections; third time's even more charming?
Peace (and sunshine) to all, DD Wiz

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:57 AM:Gee, I wonder if the Russians have a Vladamir Murtha, looking to chain and jail any Russian soldier who bounces a bullet off a church, or who shoots the enemy after a bomb goes off in their convoy?? And no doubt, the likes of Chris stayed up all night cheering the Russians

Ron wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:58 AM:We're hearing the word: "Unity" from Democrats. Yet, the 18 million strong Hillary Clinton backers have vowed they want her name placed in nomination.
Looks like the $20 million UNITY pay off has not worked, especially since a recent talk with donors surfaced on YouTube, where she hints that she would welcome a roll-call vote for her delegates. All 1700 of them delegates.

In the mean time, you still have Bill Clinton out there simmering from his being called a racist by the Obama camp. And personally, I think he's right. I think the second wannabe Black President, did play the race card on the first Black President. As he attempted to play it openly with "he doesn't look like the money" in response to McCain's ads. It's certainly not beneath him, in my opinion.

And then you got this latest brouhaha with John "$400 haircut" Edwards.
Where all the Democrats are privately sighing relieve that he is not their nominee. But again, the Clinton campaign is stirring the mix, claiming if Edwards had come cleaner, sooner...
She'd have his votes and would be the nominee. Guess that's why she's holding out hope of a floor vote in Denver.
Gotta watch when the lid comes off in Denver, cause we really don't know if it's just simmering behind the surface, or is a raging boil. Given the fact the Democrats & Obama are pretty much roling over for the Clintoniods on the first few days of the convention, still... it does not seem to be enough.

But then, we have the backfiring plan of one Marc Penn, Hillary's key advisor.
Who's strategy of making Obama look "unqualified as a true American" has worked on Hillary Democrats. You know THAT plan? Of course you do!
The famous: "As Far As I Know" comment by Hillary about Obama's religion, while at the same time rumoring through surrogates that Obama was educated in a Muslim school known as a "madrassa".
The same Penn campaign who circulated the picture of Obama dressed in traditional Muslim garb.
Which, of course, later.. the Clinton's would attempt to pin on Republican dirty tricks, was, in fact, the same ole.. same ole Clinton triagulation.

Yes, What a Grand Ole Time it will be in Denver. The homeless have been removed so the limo's can roll, as they preach to the world that global warming is real, and then they will depart on their private jets.
I can't wait!

Ron wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:01 AM:Exactly right, Bob Ference!

If visiting the troops was a priority, he would have done it.
We ALL see that.

Charles wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:05 AM:I have already voted and I voted in favor of the bond. When all is reviewed, and yes it is/was poor planning on Tri-City management part as they should have been using a sunk fund to obtain the funds necessary to modernize the facility as this is good business since. The new requirement for additional earthquake protection probably could not be determined in advance and I can see the need for a bond (and yes, only homeowners get hit with this but renters will be paying increased rent to cover the bond so it covers all individuals). Now with an expanse in the emergency room capacity the question can be raised, will this result in faster service since the same number of medical personnel are available or is the rationale the the number of medical personnel is fine but just the facility limits faster service. Only time will tell and hopefully the Board of Directors will keep the management to specific criteria and decrement their salary or increment their salary depending on their success.

Ron wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:08 AM:I love doing comparisons. Take a look at this one:

Herbert Pairitz: "The only solution to the current high oil and gas prices is to stop the speculation future trading."

Maxine Waters: "We will socialize you... eh.. ah... take over your businesses."

Do you see any difference? Cause I don't! But this is what passes for democracy in the modern day Democrat party. Taking over businesses.

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:11 AM:No, Sandra Lawson, liberals and gang members will never stop for an accident. They have it deeply indoctinated in their brain that it's always someone else fault. Plus, if the person stopped, he or she might have been late for their drug deal or late to the office to flip burgers.
It reminds me of the time I came upon a horrific crash in Carlsbad and I stopped to check out a car in the bushes. As I was checking out the driver, the paramedics had arrived, one of them said to me "What are you doing". I simply said, the man said help, so I tried to help, but he'll be OK. The paramedic said how the hell do you know he'll be OK. I said just look at the glaze in his eyes, death already breathed on this guy but passed him by. He just shook his head and told me to get out of here.

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:15 AM:Here's the problem liberals have with Christianity: "thou shall honor your mother and father, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, you shall not commit adultery, etc" Its a religion of self responsibilty. Liberalism is state of "Its always someone elses fault"

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:18 AM:A new poll shows that 80% of Americans want oil drilling to begin immediately so they keep their job and lower commodity inflation. I see Hussein and Pelosi think they know better than the everday American, and they're telling us to forget it. They prefer to watch the rest of the world drill and the US to send $700 billion to them, instead of us.

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:22 AM:>>>If we increase the supply of oil, or replace it with another source of energy, the speculators will still keep bidding up the price of energy>>> Thats what is taught in the public schools. Bush could flood the market with oil and bankrupt the speculators, especially your friend George Soros, who is in it for $billions-- and all in the BVI tax haven

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:31 AM:I see the liberals have planted another headline "Most companies in US avoid federal income taxes". In order to be required to pay taxes, you have to have taxable income. By the time Companies are through comply with the heap of governmental and environmental regulation, paying wages, pensions and benefits for their employees, paying for rent and inventory for their plant, there is little or nothing left to pay taxes on. I see it all the time. So, if the whiney liberals want more companies to pay taxes, get rid of government bureaucracy, and make it so the companies dont have to pay employees. That way, the government can have all the tax money it wants, and the employees get nothing. It truly amazes me how stupid liberal bureaucrats who have never owned a company, and have yet to have a real job, can gum flap over something they know nothing about

OBSERVATION wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:47 AM:The LA Times reports that President Bush gave an unusually blunt address in the Rose Garden, demanding that Russia halt its "dramatic and brutal" invasion; he did not, however, offer any indication of what action he would take if Moscow did not comply.

Speculator wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:36 AM:Observation: Georgia is a friend, but a European problem -- and Europe is flat out of problem solving techniques except the flaccid UN, which is worse than no solution at all because it lulls everyone into thinking it is a solution.

Georgia is not the object of the new Bear. The Ukraine is the object, and Georgia is the stalking horse.

The answer is oil, because whoever controls it controls the region -- and Russia understands that a bit better than anyone.

The sooner we are no longer dependent upon foreign oil, the better. We won’t do it on solar and wind alone.

Yokozuna wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:38 AM:Mr. Pairitz letter revives my faith in Alexander Pope's "A little learning is a dangerous thing......" But then, why should he be any different than many other letter writers.

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:41 AM:>>>however, offer any indication of what action he would take if Moscow did not comply.>>> The Russians are living off their sale of oil, mostly to the US from whom they receive hundreds of billions. I'd tell Bush to use emergency powers to do all out drilling in order to collapse the world wide price of oil in a time of declining demand. The US gets a triple bump-- a million jobs will be saved here, commodity inflation will subside, and we'd screw the Russians - the exact three things the liberals dont want to happen

Media Matters wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:22 AM:DD and Greenergy Mourn as Pelosi Caves!

On the Larry King show, Miss Pelosi said: “They have this thing that says drill offshore in the protected areas,” Pelosi said. “We can do that. We can have a vote on that.”

Reality bites!

Ron wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:29 AM:You just have got to love this...
I mean. This issue keeps gett'n better, and better everytime I read about it! LOL
And funnier too!

Now, as much as my good friend Wizzer
@6:33 AM doeth protest, He had better watcheth where he stepeth.

He might want to cool his jets on all that "corporate shill" stuff, since the Democrat Presidential candidate voted for the 2005 "Cheney" Energy Bill.
And another, I'd like to bring to your attention, another "source" of information my good buddy just loves to quote.. oh yes.. LOVES to cite him as a source of "real" objective information... One U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, Democrat from New Mexico. Bingaman (D-NM), Yea on S10. You know, the guy he loves to cite the "68 million acres" quote from? Yeah, that guy! He also Voted YES!

Surprisingly, the two who voted against were Hillary, and John McCain.

Now, in a two man race, who's the Big Oil guy? The guy who voted with Big Oil and Big AG, or the guy who didn't?

DD Wiz wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:29 AM:The published letter from Ellen Williams is identical to one printed two days ago. How can I get free reprints of the letters I send in?

And the published letter from Norman Phillips echoes comments others have made about reinstituting reduced speed limits, which were imposed during the 1970s gas crisis. Since we are trying to find all kinds of incentives to encourage consumers to buy alternative vehicles, such as tax rebates, stickers allowing use of car pool lanes, etc., why not impose a higher speed limit only on gas guzzlers, similar to the separate 55 limit that now applies only to big rigs, and then actually enforce it! Or apply the higher limit to all cars, except those with special stickers similar to that cute little HOV sticker?
If we want to encourage efficient conversion to alternatives, provide real incentives that will really motivate people!
Peace (and sunshine) to all, DD Wiz

Speculator wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:36 AM:Barack has called for UN action on Georgia.

Yes, that will solve the problem!

Whoopie!

Media Matters wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:46 AM:DD and Greenergy Increase Mourning!

From the National Journal:

"According to a survey [PDF] from ABC News, Planet Green and Stanford University, fewer than half -- 47 percent -- of Americans consider global warming an important issue to them personally, down from 52 percent in April 2007. Although a vast majority still think the planet is warming -- 8 in 10 respondents -- that figure is also down from last year, having dropped 4 percentage points. Furthermore, in an open-ended question, the number of respondents who called global warming the biggest environmental challenge facing the world fell 8 points from 2007 and currently hovers at 25 percent."

OBAMACAN wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:49 AM:Bob Ference's letter just drips with the hypocrisy and dishonesty of the McSame campaign.
New reports on MSNBC cited McCain staffers who confirmed that the McClone team had prepared two ads. One was the one shown, cited by Ference, which was dishonest in that it used footage of Obama with the troops as the backdrop for saying he refused to visit the troops! Amazing!
The other was similar footage (conveniently editing out the amazing three-point "swisher"), which was to be used only if McBush actually DID visit the troops, and the whiny, sour-toned voice of the moderator's eternal negativism would drone on about how he had "used" the troops for policitical purpose.
So either way, no matter what Obama did, McPain was going to try to use this incredibly successful foreign tour, with none of the outrageous gaffes or factual errors McCan't drowned in on his own failed trip, against the fresh outsider. What rank hypocrisy!
Well, that is what the Republicans have to do.
They can't run on the miserable failures of the Republican administration of the last 7 years.
They can't run on the issues, where McCain's policy positions are incredibly unpopular.
No, they have to make the campaign about Obama, but not the likable, articulate constitutional scholar (and yes, PROFESSOR, Raoul) who attracts such devotion, but a lying, manipulative caricature of the real man. That is their only chance to win, or at least get close enough to steal another election.

Gotta Wonder wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:14 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:22 AM:
Don't sound right to me. There is not enough oil to flood any market. But, you are right in one respect. Americans drilling for American oil will not reserve it for the American market. It will be on the world market at that price. The gas price at the pump will reflect that market. It is all about oil companies reaping billions while raping the American people.

Judge Jury and Executioner wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:21 AM:Today Ron is found guilty of contempt, with his 7:08am post which is so blatantly screwed up, the court will recess for the remainder of the day!

Show us a reliable source for the Maxine Waters quote you cited, "We will socialize you... eh.. ah... take over your businesses."

esteban wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:25 AM:What happened to "No blood for oil"? Does that apply to the Russians? Or just US?

To Judge Jury etc wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:35 AM:From Media Matters: Watch the video on You Tube titled: Maxine Waters to Nationalize Big Oil, and see and hear it for yourself. Forget quotes -- this was videotaped in living volor at a House Sub-Committee meeting.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:41 AM:Speculator[-] wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:36 AM: The Russian Bear growled and solved the problem.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:42 AM:esteban[-] wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:25 AM:
Russians did not counter attack Georgia for oil.

Greenergy wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:43 AM:Media Matters, at 9:22 and 9:46 a.m., cites statements by Nancy Pelosi regarding possible offshore drilling as well as a new poll showing that the billions of propaganda dollars paid by Big Oil have had an effect on public opinion.
I don't speak for DDWiz, but suspect he shares my perspective in this regard, that, unlike self-described Republican "dittoheads," independent-minded, critical-thinking liberals are not hesitant to speak out when we disagree with actions (or inactions) by Democratic leaders. I understnd political pressures and strategies of those in office, but disagree with any effort by Pelosi or others to bring offshore drilling to a vote, when what they should be doing is making the case to an uneducated, gullible American public about the realities of Big Oil and how offshore drilling will do NOTHING to solve the problem.
As for the idea that scientific reality can be determined by public opinion polls, I understand there was a public opinion poll taken in 1491 that showed that 99.8 percent of Europeans believed the world was flat, and were dismissive of a small cabal of pointy-headed elitists clinging desperately to the ideas of the foreigner (Greek, I believe he was) Eratosthenes and his bizzare 240 BC claim that the world was not only round, but calculating its circumference to almost precisely what would be confirmed by scientists hundreds of years later.
Guess that settles it!

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:45 AM:>>"According to a survey [PDF] from ABC News, Planet Green and Stanford University, fewer than half -- 47 percent -- of Americans consider global warming an important issue>>> As global cooling starts, what fear tactic will Al Goreleone use to make millions off the fools of the world then?? And why did Goreleone invest in the futures market, running the cost of commodities up, as he urged corn to be used in fuel making?? Is shows Goreleone isn't stupid, he just uses the stupid make hundreds of millions for himself

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:47 AM:>>>Show us a reliable source for the Maxine Waters quote you cited, "We will socialize you... eh.. ah... take over your businesses.">>> Where have you been. I've seen that take on Fox news 100 times. If you just watch NBC, ABC, CNN, and MSNBC, of course you're never going to see it.

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:55 AM:>>>Barack has called for UN action on Georgia.>>> Lets see, the last time the UN got involved was the oil for food program, and Koffi Anon and all of his cronies stuffed their pockets with that money at the very time he was calling the world "cheap" in their aid offerings to the tsunami victims. And then Bolton brought it to Anon's attention that he had sifted $400 million tsunami aid to terrorist groups. Gee, No wonder the liberals hated Bolton.

Richard wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:05 AM:There are no "liberals" that want jobs lost or high inflation. Yes conservatives are supposed to believe in the 10 commandments, including thou shall not kill, and that is why they should not support killing insurgents in Iraq who are defending their own soil. And the surge didn't honor mom and dad, which was against all valued input form the Iraq study group of Bush 41 longtime friends and confidants. It seems Bush is not conservative, and consistent with this claim, he is reported now to be gutting the endangered species conservation act.

someone with a LIFE wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:08 AM:You all need to get a life!

Talking Points wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:26 AM:The talking points against Prop A are incredibly dishonest. First, if Tri-City is imperfect, maybe some improvements would help. How do you improve anything by withholding money for improvements? Second, it's not just property owners who pay, it's everyone who lives in the District, including renters. Are you anti-hospital people really that stupid, or do you think the rest of us are?

Roger wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:32 AM:If you ever had any doubts about Chuck's posts, read his 7:11 AM contribution (hit and run drivers are liberals) before clicking on the [-] below Chuck.

Ms M wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:33 AM:The following exerpts from news articles posted today:

DES MOINES, Iowa - Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, a leading Republican moderate with a foreign policy background, is endorsing Democrat Barack Obama for president. Leach predicted that a lot of Republicans and independents are going to be attracted by Obama's campaign......

And:

A group of prominent Republicans supporting Barack Obama took to a conference call Tuesday morning to tout their preferred candidate, make the case for other GOPers to cross party lines, and warn about the dangers of John McCain's foreign policy.....

Folks - it's going to be a landside. This is just a start - wait until the debates. Can you see McCain and Obama standing next to one another - millions watching - no words necessary - just the two of them - it's all over.....And I'm Gleeful!

Gotta Wondr wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:34 AM:BUSH AND GEORGIA:
"Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports "criticism is mounting that the Bush administration didn't do enough to manage its strategic relationship with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili -- and keep him out of trouble."
I wonder if the Georgian President actually thought that the USA or NATO was willing to take on the Bear in his own back yard? Gotta Wonder??

Greenergy wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:52 AM:submitt 10:43 and skipped; resubmit 11:52 a.m.

Media Matters, at 9:22 and 9:46 a.m., cites statements by Nancy Pelosi regarding possible offshore drilling as well as a new poll showing that the billions of propaganda dollars paid by Big Oil have had an effect on public opinion.
I don't speak for DDWiz, but suspect he shares my perspective in this regard, that, unlike self-described Republican "dittoheads," independent-minded, critical-thinking liberals are not hesitant to speak out when we disagree with actions (or inactions) by Democratic leaders. I understnd political pressures and strategies of those in office, but disagree with any effort by Pelosi or others to bring offshore drilling to a vote, when what they should be doing is making the case to an uneducated, gullible American public about the realities of Big Oil and how offshore drilling will do NOTHING to solve the problem.
As for the idea that scientific reality can be determined by public opinion polls, I understand there was a public opinion poll taken in 1491 that showed that 99.8 percent of Europeans believed the world was flat, and were dismissive of a small cabal of pointy-headed elitists clinging desperately to the ideas of the foreigner (Greek, I believe he was) Eratosthenes and his bizzare 240 BC claim that the world was not only round, but calculating its circumference to almost precisely what would be confirmed by scientists hundreds of years later.
Guess that settles it!

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:55 AM:>>>criticism is mounting that the Bush administration >>>> Gee what a surprise, liberals criticizing Bush. Well 80% of Americans want oil drilling to save their jobs and cut inflation, and the liberals tell us "Screw You"

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:58 AM:>>read his 7:11 AM contribution (hit and run drivers are liberals) before clicking on the [-] below >>> We love liberals who dont even want to hear the truth

Floyd wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:31 PM:When Tri-City Hospital spends $500,000 a year just to pay their top manager, it's not the voters who are withholding money for improvements.

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:31 PM:>>>and then they will depart on their private jets.>>> Thats not nice. The word is Barney Frank will arrive on his pet goat

Cuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:35 PM:>>>Media Matters, at 9:22 and 9:46 a.m., cites statements by Nancy Pelosi regarding possible offshore drilling>>> the liberal morons actually believe Americans do not favor oil drilling in order to stave off more job cuts and the commodity inflation. Thats how out of touch liberals are. And, at this rate, when they add up the electoral college votes, your Saviours name will changed to Hussein Dukakis, as he goes back to his dog catching job

Floyd The Scientist wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:36 PM:The reason there has been a significant decline in the number of people who think global warming is a serious problem is due to the efforts of DD Wiz and others like him. When you've got the facts on your side, there is no need to engage in character assassination or to RESORT TO HOLLARING. Now that we've put that behind us, I'm looking forward to the next major catastrophe that will arrive in "just ten years" if we don't do something like increase taxes and reduce our quality of life.

Alf wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:37 PM:Well, "Ron" at 7:08AM,
I googled the phrases -
"We will socialize you" and
"take over your businesses".
Guess what?
The only hits were from your comments.
NONE made any reference to Maxine Waters.
Please state your legitimate source or cease with the quotes that do not exist.
Regards, Alf.

Gotta Wonder wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:41 PM:someone with a LIFE: If you really had a life, you would not be posting your recommendation here today. Have a good life.

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:43 PM:The news is reporting that his diary shows the Japanese leader in WWII resisted surrender till end. It amazing how serving sushi at 10,000 degrees will change someone's mind. (Although, the liberals would have preferred 800,000 American casualties with an invasion force, and 2 to 3 million Japanese casualties to bombing)

Alf wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:54 PM:"Ron", the actual quote is Maxine Waters saying "[government] socializing [stammer] taking over all your industries." in response to a Shell oil executive threatening $5 or higher gasoline if the government did not allow them to drill off shore.
Sounds like one threat responded to with another.
A power play.
IF you put quotes around something, make sure that you are accurate or your quotes mean NOTHING.
Put it IN CONTEXT or your words will have less than zero credibility and be simple untrustworthy talking points.
Since when is the only source of oil either off shore or in wildlife refuges?
Regards, Alf.

ANONYMOUS wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:55 PM:ANONYMOUS

Write your own headline.

I noticed an erroneous statement by a blogger on Aug. 10 in which he stated QUOTE: “… the header is written by editors and not by letter contributors themselves” …

This is incorrect. The letter writer can write her own headline. I checked back through my file, and found that out of my last 25 letters, the letters editor selected my exact suggested headline 24 times, and the one changed was better than my own, because is addressed my core point.

You just have to do a little more homework, such counting characters so they fit on a maximum of three lines, making it catchy and relevant to the letter’s message, and by not writing a headline bashing against another writer by name. Headline writing is half the fun, because it is the neon sign that draws in the reader.

Alf wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:59 PM:As appropriate today as yesterday -
GWB lectures China on human rights!
GWB lectures Russia on attacking a sovereign nation!
Guantanamo Bay!
Iraq!
'Nuff said.
Regards, Alf.

Jaycee wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:05 PM:Since the early primaries in this 2008 election, I have been trying to decide whom Barack Obama most resembles, Gumby or Homie Simpleton.
He's obviously flexible, as he bends every which way to pander to the voting public. And he's a homie, too, at least according to Ludacris, Reverends Wright and Pflager, and others like Rezko and Bill Ayers.
I still can't decide, but Gumby is gaining ground with every flip-flop.

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:21 PM:>>>Well, "Ron" at 7:08AM,
I googled the phrases -
"We will socialize you" and
"take over your businesses".
Guess what?
The only hits were from your comments>>> Try doing a yahoo search of::: Maxine Waters Oil Industry, and you get all the marxism you want, straight from the horses (a - -) mouth

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:24 PM:>>>GWB lectures China on human rights!
GWB lectures Russia on attacking a sovereign nation!
Guantanamo Bay!
Iraq!
'Nuff said.
Regards, Alf.>>> I guess that makes it right for China to crush Tibet and Russia to crush Georgia

Focal Point wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:29 PM:McCain says all Americans back Georgia in struggle Why is McCain calling the President of Georgia stating that all Americans support Georgia? McCain does not have the authority to speak for all Americans. McCain does not have the office or the power to threaten Russia. Only the President has that power and authority. The best he can manage is to scold the Bear. McCain can not get it right. Russia did reacted to the two free provinces populated with Russians. The Georgians were attacking these two provinces. The result was that they were handed their heads in short order. You know kinda like the American shock and awe. McCain just shows his poor judgment and bellicose temper. I do not want him anywhere near the Oval office. McCain is making empty threats. McCain may been competent ship's division commander. Today, he could not even lead a Boy Scout troop. He would not get the chance. I think there is an age limit.

OBSERVATION wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:44 PM:OIL COMPANIES AND OPINION"
"

Pennsylvania Rep. Paul Kanjorski has proposed creating a Reasonable Profits Board, whose job it would be to determine when Big Oil's "profits are in excess." In May, California Rep. Maxine Waters told oil company CEOs that if gasoline prices kept going up, "This liberal will be all about socializing -- would be about -- basically taking over and the government running all of your companies." And she's not alone: A Rasmussen poll earlier this year found 29 percent of voters favored nationalizing the oil industry, and another 24 percent were undecided on the question. Only 32 percent of Democrats polled opposed the idea. "

Ms M wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:50 PM:Jaycee
[-] wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:05 PM: ....I still can't decide, but Gumby is gaining ground with every flip-flop....Hey Jaycee, were you around a few weeks ago when I posted McCain's flip flops. I posted about 40 of the 60 plus. Now, I will ask you as I asked the other cons, do you really want to compare lists? I will be more than happy to accommodate you - in fact I will be gleeful! You see I thought we had put that baby called "flip-flops" to bed since the guy running against Obama had about 50 more than him - which would make McCain the KING OF FLIP FLOPS. Just let me know - anytime you're ready!

You may approach the bench... wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:03 PM:and submitt the YouTube video into evidence, but the quote is still blatantly wrong.

Go replay the video, and read, Ron's quote. They are not the same.

Ron's editorial license is a bad as quoting Gore as saying, "I invented the internet," or Chuck White saying, "What's good for General Motors is good for America." Neither said either, but after years of misquoting, it has become assumed to be truth.

There for, the appeal in Ron's conviction for contempt is denied.

Court adjourned!

Chris wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:04 PM:Poor Chuck. Georgia has been spending more on the military and it is the U.S. and Israel who is supplying the weapons. So might I remind you that it was Georgia that started this war by attacking South Ossetia and they got their just deserts. Yes I support Russia because the U.S. has been harrasing them with wanting to put missles on their border and supporting a military buildup there also. We have been flipping off Russia under Bush and I must admit that I long for the day when we are put in our place. Make no mistake. After years of bullying and war making we are going to get our comeupence. It is just pathetic to watch our president who invaded an sovereign country and destroyed it while bankrupting this country in the process crying about what Russia is doing. But I don't buy for a minute your crocadile tears over Georgia.

SOLON wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:15 PM:SOLON

The FEAR argument ...

The couple of times I have used facilities at Tri City, the service has been excellent, but outrageously expensive. But if you have good insurance, you are in luck: they will pass on the outrageous bill to them. And the insurance company will just pass it back on to the consumer in higher premiums.

But if you are a US citizen trekking across a rough patch, unemployed and uninsured, or falling through the cracks, with no large cash reserve, you can be out of luck. I see so much appeal to the fear in people’s minds as a reason for support this expensive crystal cathedral. There are better hospitals in India and Costa Rica where a non-citizen can get better service for a fraction of the cost. Have you ever traveled abroad and had an emergency medical situation in Europe or Japan? Then you saw how hospitably and professionally your needs were attended. And mostly for a pittance or for free.

Remember the July 29 earthquake? It was a big one felt all the way down in San Diego, and they said nobody was killed. But one worker, a roofer, was thrown to the ground and broke bones in both legs. He was a day laborer, but a U.S. citizen, picked up at a Home Depot by a contractor. The worker, just laid off from his good construction job, has resorted to day labor to keep his family in food and home. The guy who picked him up delivered him back to the Home Depot and dumped him like a cast out animal. He called his wife, but their phone was knocked out by the earthquake. Eventually he got to a hospital which diagnosed his broken bones, but would not treat him further because he had no insurance, although he had paid insurance previously for a long time. (Story LA Times, Aug.10)

A big earthquake, only two serious injuries and our hospitals failed. How would our big hospitals have coped with 10,000 serious injuries?

This is how we treat U.S. citizens at these glittering hospital towers with state of the art facilities and doctors. It is NOT how foreigners are treated in France, Germany, the U.K. or most first world nations. We are a sorry lot with our privatized non-system of health care, yet we pay through the nose for so little coverage. I do not see building Taj Mahals as the answer to our fundamental needs.

SOLON wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:19 PM:An image is worth ...

at least 500 words, if a picture is worth 1,000. So I must say Ellen Williams image of John McCain as the iconoclastic and irreverent Homer Simpson were quite words enough.

But if you would like a picture of McSimpson in an imposing 180 ft. long white graphic adjacent to the famous (infamous ??) giant glyph near Dorset, England, you are in for another startling image of McCain. The Cerne Abbas giant glyph is an outline of the naked, sexually aroused, club-wielding giant is believed by many to be a symbol of ancient spirituality. Many couples also believe the 180ft giant, which is carved in the hillside above Cerne Abbas, Dorset, is an aid to fertility.

A giant 180ft Homer Simpson brandishing a doughnut was painted next to the well-endowed figure today in a publicity stunt to promote The Simpsons movie released later this month.

Just Google Home Simpson Cerne Abbas to see the giant Simpson glyph waving a giant donut at the original glyph. It’s in all the British newspapers today. It is a good likeness of the image McSimpson created for himself at the raucus Sturgis motocycle rally in Sturgis, ND.
Submitted 1:15pm Re-submitted 2:19pm

Duh wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:31 PM:Duh! Russians are in Georgia? Did they take Atlanta yet?

Pure wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:32 PM:Sure Bruce and Floyd, privately operated businesses are always the best. Their money is always pure and clean, unlike the dirty publicly raised money...oops taxes. I'm sure that Tri-City, if run privately would result in only the best results and the CEO wouldn't be paid $500K; no, pure, privately run companies never pay their top managers that kind of money...

SOLON wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:33 PM:Chris got the fact right

Bush accuses Russia of launching a preemptive war?
Let’s see now. On Friday the country of Georgia (US ally???) invaded the independent provincee of South Ossetia, on Russia’s south border. The Georgians killed 10 United Nations peacekeepers. They blew up public buildings and terrorized the Ossetians. This makes Georgia a terrorist state, and Bush a supporter of terrorism.

South Ossetia in 1989 declared its independence of the former Soviet Union, at the same time Georgia declared its independence of the USSR. Another tiny state, Abkhazia, just west of South Ossetia and also bordering Russia, did the same thing. They all three saw their one chance to break away and achieve independence.

Georgia declared the two tiny states belonged to Georgia, but for 18 years did nothing to help the Ossetians in any way, because such a small minority of Georgians resided in Ossetia. There was lawlessness and insecurity. The Russian majority citizens appealed to Russia, who helped the people. They provided energy and security. The Russians issued passports to all the people of Ossetia, so they could travel and enjoy benefits of citizenship.

Was Georgia stupid? Did they think that their preemptive war would go unanswered by Russia, right on their border? Were they so deluded as to think Bush would launch a hot war against Russia over a tiny province, South Ossetia, with a population of about 69,000, much less than that of Vista, CA? Did the Georgians think Bush would rush American troops in to help in the invasion of Ossetia? Well, all Bush could do is shoot himself in his own foot, by letting the 2,000 Georgian troops abandon the Bush War in Iraq, and fly home to Georgia. Now the little war is practically over, and Bush lost one of his biggest military allies in Iraq.

Hot air from Bush is all he can really provide in this idiotic war. Bush is making a fool of himself, and so are McBomb, and even Obama to a lesser extent. Best just to keep our mouth shut. We have nothing to offer. It’s not our conflict, and we have no moral standing when it come to an illegal war of aggression. And why should Russia accept a “cease fire” with a return to status quo, as Bush demands? Russia will not stop until the dangers from the invaders has been totally crushed.

Georgia was a terrorist state which attacked a tiny state. But not to worry. Putin will have security restored in short order and the winds of war will become less of a threat than the hot air of Bush.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:54 PM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:24 PM: Russia was right to crush Georgia. It was the Georgians who opened up on the Russian citizens in the two provinces. I wonder why they thought that they could or would get away it? What made them think that NATO or the US would come to their aid and back Russia down?

Alf wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:55 PM:Well, "Chuck" at 1:24PM,
neither is OK.
Both are wrong.
My point was the that GWB "has a lot of damn gall" to -
criticize China for human rights violations when -
he has Guantanamo Bay, a place where human rights violations are the norm.
AND
GWB "has a lot of damn gall" to -
lecture Russia for attacking a sovereign nation when -
GWB attacked, invaded and is still occupying the sovereign nation called Iraq.
If Gore or anyone else had done the same things as GWB, I would be using their name with equal disdain and calling for their impeachment.
GWB happens to be the perpetrator of those vile and despicable deeds.
Regards, Alf.

SOLON wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:00 PM:China overtaking world

Come back to China in 10 years and it may be the greenest energy nation in the world. The collective conscience of China has been awakened to the tragic consequences of dirty carbon based energy, as smog has been the second hottest topic of discussion behind Michael Phelps.

China is seeing green and quickly assuming a role as a world class wind power. The U.S.'s chief economic rival, China, is crafting plans to rapidly scale its own adoption of wind generated power to levels never before seen in the world, according to an article today in Daily Tech.


In a highly windy area in western China dominated by the Himalayan Mountains, turbines are being erected forming a massive wind conduit.  The area is fortunate to have one of the strongest on-land wind flows in the world.  Because of this and the strong interest to take advantage of it, it is projected that the area will become the largest wind producing sector in the world by next year.

Already 118 massive 1.5 MW turbines are in operation.  When the project started, it was a mere experiment intended to power the local town of Urumqi.  Now it is expanding its capacity to ship electricity elsewhere. 

And it's not the only wind rich region China is developing -- China also has facilities of equal sizes under construction in Gansu, Inner Mongolia and Jiangsu.  This has resulted in torrid wind power growth of 100 percent a year in China since 2005.  China hopes that with the help of the rapid growth it can achieve its goal of getting 15 percent of its power from alternative energy source by 2020, doubling its alternative energy percentage in 2005. Doubling such energy generation by 100 percent per year per year is phenomenon. This is a quote from Daily Tech:

“Not even the government could predict the success of China's wind effort.  China's planners doubled their predictions for 2010 capacity, having reached the goal of 5 GW last year, three years early.  If current growth continues the prediction will again have to be doubled by 2010. 

Junfeng Li, secretary general of the China Renewable Energy Industries Association stated in a paper last month, "China is witnessing the start of a golden age of wind power development, and the magnitude of growth has caught even policymakers off guard.  It is widely believed that wind power will be able to compete with coal generation by as early as 2015. That will be the turning point in China, which by then will be the world's largest energy consumer."

Steve Sawyer, secretary general of the Global Wind Energy Council says that China is likely to install more new wind capacity than any other nation by 2010, including the U.S.  He also believes that by 2010 China may pass the U.S. as the world's largest turbine maker.”

They can make things happen so quickly in China compared to the west. When they make up their minds, it is incredible how fast things happen."
It is almost terrifying.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:04 PM:SOLON[-] wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:15 PM: The insured do not pay the inflated hospital bill. The insurance companies do not pay 100% of charges either. They pay based on a contract either under per diem or percentage of charges or based on diagnostic related groups, DRGs. But, even that is too high.

Alf wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:26 PM:I stand corrected.
"Ron", the actual quote starts with the president of Shell Oil saying (about drilling off shore and in wildlife preserves -
"I can guarantee to the American people, because of the inaction of the United States Congress, ever increasing prices, unless the demand comes down and the $5 will look like a very low price in the years to come if we are prohibited from finding new reserves, new opportunities to increase supplies".
Maxine Waters said
"Guess what, guess what this liberal will be all about, this liberal will be all about socializing, will be about, basically, taking over, and the government running all your companies" she continues but tha audio of her is cut off at that point. (I had put "industries"). (My transcription from the youtube segment
One threat in response to another threat.
Regards, Alf.

Ron wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:38 PM:I'm telling ya folks, they just can not help themselves. Try as they may, to fool you on any given day about who they really are, or what they really believe. Once in awhile, the mask comes off, and you really get to see who & what they really are.
"Greenergy" @10:43 and 11:52 a.m., YOUR an elitist. A Liberal Elitist.

So, why is it that my good friend has such a hard time admiting he is one?
Because that's what Liberals/Progressives/whatever they are calling themselves today.. do. They have to hide who they really are day to day, so that later they can spring it on you, of course, for your own good.
Nanny-style.

Now, how do I get there? Well, it's an attitude about people, Americans. It's an uppity-ness, a snooty-ness, an "I'm better, cause I'm smarter" than you "ism."

Example: "I understnd political pressures and strategies of those in office, but disagree with any effort by Pelosi or others to bring offshore drilling to a vote, when what they should be doing is making the case to an uneducated, gullible American public about the realities of Big Oil and how offshore drilling will do NOTHING to solve the problem."

It's the: "I have eyes, and you don't" thinking. Your just a lump, and I'm the smart one here, and you had better know it, for your own good!

You really need to back the heck up on that "uneducated, gullible American", cause people don't like it, as Obama is finding out.

Don't eat too much... then.
Can't I just eat my waffle?

SOLON wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:40 PM:The little war is over

This new just out. The little war Georgia started when it invaded tiny South Ossetia last Friday is already over.

President Dmitry Medvedev ordered a halt to the Russian military operation in Georgia on Tuesday, saying troops had accomplished their mission of restoring safety to civilians and its peacekeeping forces in Georgia's breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Abkhaz separatists announced that they had taken the Kodor Gorge, the only district of Abkhazia under Georgian control.

Medvedev ordered Russian troops to step down just before a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who flew to Moscow to mediate peace talks.
Bush came out looking silly, and Russia came out looking like a peace keeper.

Chuck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:41 PM:We already knew Chris would take the side of the Russians. Others have done their research, and knew the Russians were massed on the border ready to push into Georgia. And, now the liberals and Marxist are steaming mad that little Georgia pushed the their holy Bear around.

SOLON wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:55 PM:What are DRGs ?

To Focal Point: I did little research on DRGs which you mentioned (3:04 PM) and found a defintion:
“Diagnosis-related group (DRG) is a system to classify hospital cases into one of approximately 500 groups, also referred to as DRGs, expected to have similar hospital resource use, developed for Medicare as part of the prospective payment system. DRGs are assigned by a "grouper" program based on ICD diagnoses, procedures, age, sex, and the presence of complications or comorbidities. DRGs have been used since 1983 to determine how much Medicare pays the hospital, since patients within each category are similar clinically and are expected to use the same level of hospital resources.”

So, I think I understand what DRGs are: It is a classification system, but do not understand who is paying for what. WHO PAYS for the service? Is this a charity?

True SALON wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:55 PM:"They can make things happen so quickly in China compared to the west. When they make up their minds, it is incredible how fast things happen."

What we need to do is to export the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, REDOIL (Resisting Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands), the Alaska Wilderness League, Center for Biological Diversity, National Audubon Society, Northern Alaska Environmental Center, Oceana, Pacific Environment, Sierra Club, and The Wilderness Society etc.

That will slow China down to a crawl, and they will develop nothing!

Just like us!

BICYCLES NOW! BACK TO THE STONE AGE WITH GREENERGY AND DD!

Ron wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:00 PM:I want you to listen to the last part of "SOLON" @3:00 PM's post. And you tell me, if this person comes off just a little commune-friendly, or maybe even envious?

QUOTE: "They can make things happen so quickly in China compared to the west. When they make up their minds, it is incredible how fast things happen."
It is almost terrifying." END Quote

Yeah... I got that same feeling too!
In his mind.. If we just put the smart people {them} in charge, to tell all the dumb people how to do stuff, then.. they'd fix everything, and not have to deal with all the slowing down that our American system of government demands.

Kind of like "Greenergy" @11:52 AM: QUOTE: "...to an uneducated, gullible American public..." END Quote

But, do ya see what I'm talking about?
They are sooooo smart, they shouldn't even have to check with anybody, they know soooo much. Incredible. It's all about attitude, and they think their better.

SOLON wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:17 PM:The little war for higher oil

So the little preemptive war launched by our ally, Georgia, was lost. In quick order. Or was it? Is it possible that Georgia did not foresee the futility of such a silly little war? Is it possible that the US did not foresee the futility either? Or was it a little scheme by Oil Dick Cheney and friends to cut off oil and jack back up the plummeting price of oil in the last three weeks? I just do not trust this bunch. They do not have the interest of this nation at heart. They are ruled by greed.

This just out: BP said Tuesday that it shut down an oil pipeline that runs through Georgia on Tuesday as a precautionary measure and had stopped pumping gas into a gas pipeline going through the country but added that it is unaware of any Russian bombings on pipelines in the region. BP said the 90,000-barrels-per-day pipeline to Supsa on Georgia's Black Sea coast from Baku in Azerbaijan will remain closed indefinitely.

Another pipeline operated by the London-based oil company in the former Soviet republic, the larger Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, is already out of action after a fire last week on its Turkish stretch. The BTC pipeline usually provides around 1 million bpd of Caspian crude to international markets. BP spokesman Robert Wine said the Baku-Supsa line was closed because it runs through the center of Georgia, where there was greater risk of conflict.

So, my friends, look for the price to oil to start going back up again as soon as the traders and market manipulators get back in action.

Baloney-rama wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:18 PM:In his letter today William Ficere claims Obama is dangerous. The image of a grown marine cowering in Obama's shadow just cracks me up. I just want to assure Mr. Ficere and other the other kiddies out there that they will be safe even when Obama is president. After all, we made it through 2 terms of Bush and