Right to be Bitter wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:59 AM:Mr. Beck, Thank you . Couldn't have said it better myself. If I wanted to be controlled. I'd go back into the military or commit a crime and go to prison, so some one else could tell me what to eat, when to sleep , what to wear and how to think.

Not interested in that kind of life. Therefore I too will be a Bitter American and cling to everything I have left after I'm taxed to death.

Ban surfing wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:07 AM:Been to the Blackball city of the county. You can't surf in O'side in the summer. Didn't know that? Surfers are crammed into 2 small areas on each side of the pier during the summer.

Leaving the rest of the coast line in O'side to all the Sprinter riders from Escondido. They are all packin their snacks, towels and sunscreen in their plastic bags that they so carefully and thoughtfully leave behind to trash our beaches with.

Back it and take it with YOU!

Vote NO on wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:09 AM:Or go suck an egg. LOL

Asteroid wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:21 AM:I’m what chris (pulse) refers to as a “flag-waver”. I just had a very enjoyable weekend, sitting on my patio reading; A Revolutionary Soldier. The nicest part was listening to my flag fluttering in the breeze above me on its 20 foot pole. I live in one of those yuppy neighborhoods where you have to request and receive permission to plant a tulip anywhere on your property. I didn’t ask permission to erect my flagpole; there are just some things I’m not going to ask permission for. One of my neighbors; born in the S.F. Bay area, dyed in the wool liberal doesn’t like it, so he had his wife come over and tell me the clasps banging against the pole were keeping them up at night. So I replaced the plastic ones with larger brass ones and make sure the lanyard is nice and loose at night so the wind can really whip it against the pole. It sounds like chimes to me, but I can imagine it sounds like fingernails on a chalk board to a liberal. I plan to install lighting soon so I can fly it all night long. I might even attach a cow bell to the lanyard.
But as I sat there I thought of chris and how fun it would be to have chris as a neighbor. I’d erect a new flag every time a Marine or Army sniper or predator drone operator whacked a terrorist. I’d blare colors at sunrise and taps at night. Too bad chris lives on the other side of the tracks……..we’d have been great neighbors!!

He Said to Ban Surfing wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:55 AM:Those small areas are to keep the body waste pollutants common from surfers to a confined area.

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:03 AM:I'd like to thank "OBSERVATION"
{Au}g 12} @1:44 PM.

"OIL COMPANIES AND OPINION"
CA Rep. Maxine Waters-D 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."

Therefore, the court finds for Ron, conviction of contempt is overturned.

Ovservation has observed Crasher Rule # 151: Never leave a fellow crasher behind wearing a funny jacket.

Court adjourned!

She Said wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:03 AM:Re Maxwell letter.. What type of thinking process creates the talking points of this letter? Both the individual premises and, therefore, the conclusions aren't worth discussing. Are these types of people serious or was this another one of those "satire" letters. Love, She Said

He Said to Asteroid wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:08 AM:You shouldn't have mentioned the 20 foot pole. Now you'll get comments from the greenies about putting a wind turbine on the top of it.

Reardon wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:27 AM:Asteroid: Good work!

The Loony Left (Alf, Chris and SALOON) have already chosen sides in the Georgia/Russia debacle, and have chosen (Drum Roll, Please!)

RUSSIA!

Of course we are all shocked!

Chris's post at 2:04 will be spread far and wide, at least by me, and included in a future column on the Loony Left -- the only question is: Should I clean up the numerous misspellings?

I suppose since it is a quote, it needs to be published warts and all. It does give the post a certain proletariat flavor.

To Darrell wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:37 AM:McCain is just as much "a smooth (maybe not as smooth) talking stranger who doublespeaks and makes rosy promises" who will "control everyone and everything" as well. Even if McCain is elected president, you will still be bitter and "clinging to your right to remain bitter" with or without change.

Chuck wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:39 AM:>>have already chosen sides in the Georgia/Russia debacle, and have chosen (Drum Roll, Please!) RUSSIA! Of course we are all shocked!>>>
Its just the way it is with the parrots. As soon as the word America or freedom pops up, the parrots scream "No". Polly wanna cracker???

Thank you wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:01 AM:for helping me decide, Jeff Schlick. As previously mentioned, your endorsement (and the San Diego minutemen's endorsement) is the kiss of death. I will surely vote for anyone BUT your so-called "nightmare team".

To Thank You wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:14 AM:Ditto

Nick wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:15 AM:As usual "Chris Pulse" is out in lleft field when it comes to Arabs and Muslims. He actually laughs at the notion that they wish to take over the world. He couldn't be further from the truth.

Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In it's fullest form, it is a
complete, total, 100% system of life - legal, political, economic,
social, and military components. The religious component is a beard for
all of the other components.

Islamization begins when there are sufficient Muslims in a country to
agitate for their religious privileges. When politically correct,
tolerant, and culturally diverse societies agree to Muslim demands for
their religious privileges, some of the other components tend to creep
in as well. Here's how it works.

As long as the Muslim population remains around or under 2% in any given
country, they will, for the most part, be regarded as a peace- loving
minority, and not as a threat to other citizens.

This is the case in:
United States: -- Muslim 0.6%
Australia -- Muslim 1.5%
Canada -- Muslim 1.9%
China -- Muslim 1.8%
Italy -- Muslim 1.5%
Norway -- Muslim 1.8%

At 2% to 5%, they begin to proselytize from other ethnic minorities and
disaffected groups, often with major recruiting from the jails and among
street gangs.

This is happening in:
Denmark -- Muslim 2%
Germany -- Muslim 3.7%
United Kingdom -- Muslim 2.7%
Spain -- Muslim 4%
Thailand -- Muslim 4.6%

From 5% on, they exercise an inordinate influence in proportion to their
percentage of the population. For example, they will push for the
introduction of halal (clean by Islamic standards) food, thereby
securing food preparation jobs for Muslims. They will increase pressure
on supermarket chains to feature halal on their shelves -- along with
threats for failure to comply.

This is occurring in:
France -- Muslim 8%
Philippines -- Muslim 5%
Sweden -- Muslim 5%
Switzerland -- Muslim 4.3%
The Netherlands -- Muslim 5.5%
Trinidad & Tobago -- Muslim 5.8%

At this point, they will work to get the ruling government to allow
them to rule themselves (within their ghettos) under Sharia, the Islamic
Law. The ultimate goal of Islamists is to establish Sharia law over the
entire world.

More to come.
Cheers, Nick.

Nick wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:16 AM:More on Muslims:

When Muslims approach 10% of the population, they tend to increase
lawlessness as a means of complaint about their conditions. In Paris ,
we are already seeing car-burnings. Any non-Muslim action offends Islam,
and results in uprisings and threats, such as in Amsterdam , with
opposition to Mohammed cartoons and films about Islam. Such tensions are
seen daily, particularly in Muslim sections, in:

Guyana -- Muslim 10%
India -- Muslim 13.4%
Israel -- Muslim 16%
Kenya -- Muslim 10%
Russia -- Muslim 15%

After reaching 20%, nations can expect hair-trigger rioting, jihad
militia formations, sporadic killings, and the burnings of Christian
churches and Jewish synagogues, such as in:

Ethiopia -- Muslim 32.8%

At 40%, nations experience widespread massacres, chronic terror attacks,
and ongoing militia warfare, such as in:

Bosnia -- Muslim 40%
Chad -- Muslim 53.1%
Lebanon -- Muslim 59.7%

From 60%, nations experience unfettered persecution of non-believers of
all other religions (including non-conforming Muslims), sporadic ethnic
cleansing (genocide), use of Sharia Law as a weapon, and Jizya, the tax
placed on infidels, such as in:

Albania -- Muslim 70%
Malaysia -- Muslim 60.4%
Qatar -- Muslim 77.5%
Sudan -- Muslim 70%

After 80%, expect daily intimidation and violent jihad, some State-run
ethnic cleansing, and even some genocide, as these nations drive out the
infidels, and move toward 100% Muslim such as has been experienced and
in some ways is on-going in:

Bangladesh -- Muslim 83%
Egypt -- Muslim 90%
Gaza -- Muslim 98.7%
Indonesia -- Muslim 86.1%
Iran -- Muslim 98%
Iraq -- Muslim 97%
Jordan -- Muslim 92%
Morocco -- Muslim 98.7%
Pakistan -- Muslim 97%
Palestine -- Muslim 99%
Syria -- Muslim 90%
Tajikistan -- Muslim 90%
Turkey -- Muslim 99.8%
United Arab Emirates -- Muslim 96%

And a little more to come.
Cheers, Nick.

Nick wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:18 AM:And the final bit on Muslims:

100% will usher in the peace of 'Dar-es-Salaam' -- the Islamic House of
Peace. Here there's supposed to be peace, because everybody is a Muslim,
the Madrasses are the only schools, and the Koran is the only word, such
as in:

Afghanistan -- Muslim 100%
Saudi Arabia -- Muslim 100%
Somalia -- Muslim 100%
Yemen -- Muslim 100%

Unfortunately, peace is never achieved, as in these 100% states the most
radical Muslims intimidate and spew hatred, and satisfy their blood lust
by killing less radical Muslims, for a variety of reasons.

'Before I was nine I had learned the basic canon of Arab life. It was me
against my brother; me and my brother against our father; my family
against my cousins and the clan; the clan against the tribe; the tribe
against the world, and all of us against the infidel.' -- Leon Uris,
'The Haj'

It is important to understand that in some countries, with well under
100% Muslim populations, such as France, the minority Muslim populations
live in ghettos, within which they are 100% Muslim, and within which
they live by Sharia Law. The national police do not even enter these
ghettos. There are no national courts nor schools nor non-Muslim
religious facilities. In such situations, Muslims do not integrate into
the community at large. The children attend madrasses. They learn only
the Koran. To even associate with an infidel is a crime punishable with
death.

Therefore, in some areas of certain nations, Muslim Imams and extremists
exercise more power than the national average would indicate.

Today's 1.5 billion Muslims make up 22% of the world's population. But
their birth rates dwarf the birth rates of Christians, Hindus, Buddists,
and Jews, and all other believers. Muslims will exceed 50% of the
world's population by the end of this century.

I know that these figures are to hard to actually understand for people like "Chris Pulse". They stand by their ignorant and biased opinions no matter what. Sad but typical.
Cheers, Nick.

Sure Jeff wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:23 AM:That's all we need in office are a bunch of one issue candidates!!! Thanks for the heads up now I know who NOT to vote for not that I would ever consider voting for Issa or Bilbray. What are they going to about the foreclosure crisis facing Americans. What about the gas prices, inflation, recession, unemployment, etc. Jeff Schw ilk must have a very inflated opinion of himself to think his endorsement of a candidate will help get them elected. Your are definately a funny man.

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:24 AM:To "Greenergy" {Aug 12} @11:52 AM who said:

"...an uneducated, gullible American..."

I will apply Rule #107 - Know when to abandon ship if it ain't floating.

And also Rule #71 - Research, research, research. And when you are done researching, research some more.
You don't seem to know or understand Americans, at all.

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:44 AM:One needs only wonder why Chris Pulse would obsess over supposed Palestine lands, when he, himself, lives on land that was once inhabited by the Kumeyaay.
Is this not typical liberal behavior, that he should tell other's how to live, yet.. is not subject to those same rules?

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:00 AM:I recently read an article called "The Audacity of Nope."

Apprently within the body of Obama’s “Oil SENSE Act”, it would
repeal the 2005 Energy Policy Act’s authorization to inventory all known oil reserves with newer 3-D technology.
Obama has introduced S.115 in 2007, that would remove the inventory authorization, thus taking us back to
Carter era 2-D maps drawn with pre-PC technology.
With the current knowledge base, which is between 20 to 40 years old, depending on the region.
One really needs to question this mantra of 68 million acres of leased public lands idea. Because, if you dealing with such ancient technology,
We have no idea what’s really out there.
Do we?

Today, we have the ability to survey in 4-D. Some 70 percent of 4-D wells hit oil. Because we can quantify subsea deposits, and track their flows.

"Obama’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Drill policy spurns these marvels and embraces outdated information gathered with obsolete instruments. This is the audacity of ignorance."
`Deroy Murdock

And here I thought all you lib's were really behind using the latest & greatest science? Unless, and until it gives a true picture to the American people of what you are holding out on them, for the last 30 plus years.
That's right Folks! THEY are afraid you will know to much. And they won't stand a chance.

OBAMACAN wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:53 AM:Darrell Beck's letter, reinforced by the comment from "Right to be Bitter" at 12:59 a.m., sums it up perfectly: the cranky bitterness of hateful conservatives. They are "bitter" and they admit it.
In the meantime, as to the quote from Obama, they take it out of context. He clearly stated, and issued subsequent further clarifying statements, that he was referring to the fear and bitterness felt by many insecure Americans after the campaigns of fear-mongering by the current administration.
He said that the natural consequences of such fears is, of course, that they turn to those sources of comfort and security that they can always rely on, and these include religion and their Second Amendment rights. Nothing in his original or clarifying statement denigrated guns or God; he only identified those as the sources of security people turn to for support.
In his own life, he said, he finds God to be his "rock" that he also turns to for security.
And the letter from J. Howard Crews rightly notes the hilarious idiocy of the McSame campaign trying to support a multi-millionaire Washington insider against a hardscrabble minority who has had to work hard for everything he ever achieved, and trying to paint the latter as the "elitist."

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:00 AM:Hey "Reardon" @7:27 AM

Speaking of the The Loony Left...

Why is it, that these are the very same people who demand we quit being the world's cop, while out of the otherside of their mouth, decry that we have not done enough to prevent such tragedies. And often they lament, that famous Rodney King statement: "Can't we'all, just get along?"

It is a basic failure to understand the world in which we live. As I have said:
They have "their interest's", and We have "Our interest's."

And I really gotta wonder why there has been no outcry against the slug's, the Lib's like to call "our friend's", the Euro's? What are we now, with them? 0 for 2? First Bosnia, now this? And with the fine exception of France's Pro-American/freedom Nicolas Sarkozy, the rest of those do-nothing types are once again ignoring stuff happening in theirn own backyard, and crying like the welfare babies they are, why is the United States doing anything to bail us out of this situation? Total welfare queens...

But, I will agree. Reading Chris on any given day is the same as reading the World Worker's Daily, which is why all his posts have a certain proletariat flavor.

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:04 AM:I need t self-correct, my "Ron"
@7:03 AM was in error, as my crack research team has informed me.

My observation at that time was: "Observation has observed Crasher Rule # 151: Never leave a fellow crasher behind wearing a funny jacket."

It has been brought to my attention, that it is NOT rule # 151, but Rule # 112.
My apologies.
Now.. Court is adjourned!

Chris wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:08 AM:Asteroids comments about his flag pole is nothing new. He demostrates the true qualities of these flag wavers. Arrogance, beligerence, no concern for others.

Chris to Nick wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:11 AM:You have a point about the Arabs but why pick them out since what you say about them is true of all peoples. But the fact is not only do we take over when we have the demographics but we go into other counties and take them over by force and put in a government that will do as we wish. Who are we to point the finger at anybody?

Focal Point wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:15 AM:Bush Warns Russia to Honor Cease-Fire Agreement. While you people are yaking about Chris Pulse, Bush is entering us into a high stakes poker game with the Russians. Problem is he does not even have a pair while the Russians are holding a full hand of aces. So, get ready for a big bang because the cowboy is back in the saddle and just happy as can be to start another war.

Chris to Reardon wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:15 AM:Did you bother to read the column by Gwynne Dyer in todays paper concerning Georgia. Of course not, as you don't bother with educating yourself. You are too busy trashing those of us that do.

Conservative wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:21 AM:Nick, you outdid yourself today. Your multi-page exposé of the promise that the religion of peace holds for the world is politically incorrect and would be refreshing for its honesty, if it didn't presage the end-state of the world as we know it. Unfortunately, a majority of the contributors to this blog will either not take the time to read it, or they will disbelieve it if they do, because it doesn't fit their false paradigm. There is truth in the adage "Ignorance is bliss."

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:26 AM:It has recently been said, that Obama has over exposed himself, meaning.. that Americans as a whole, are growing tired of being lectured to by a newbie junior Senator.

His basic theme of "We Can't" doesn't sit well with my circle of friends, all regular Americans. We get up, go to work, play by the rules, pay our taxes, raise our kid's, and try to do the best job we know how to do.
But then to have this guy, a public servant no less, demand that We change what has made us successful, is just arrogance beyond belief.

We can't eat so much, we can't drive so much, we can't cool ourselves so much... just reeks of liberal elitism for such a young man.

I think Darrell Beck is right, that Americans should be wary of smooth-talking strangers who speak in platitudes, doublespeak and make rosy promises.

His Newer Dealism should worry all Americans, promise after promise, on top of another promise, and a pledge to cut taxes for the 95%, while socking it to the upper 5%.
Last time I saw the pledge, that promise... it was 1993 and Bill Clinton.
Only then he retroactively raised taxes, and said: {in my best Billy bob Clinton voice} "I worked as hard as I could.. but.. you know.. those Republicans.. well, they just went bananas, ya know? And I just want you to know, I've never worked harder on this than I've worked ever before in my entire life. Except when I was juggling three mistresses, and a girlfriend under Hillary's nose, but I want all my fellow Americans to know I worked, and worked harder to save as much as I could to help you, cause I feel your pain... but, I just couldn't ignore all the debt run up by these Republicans, so I have to raise your taxes. I know.. I know, I said.. but that was then, and after I saw how much damage was done, I had no choice, no choice.. but to raise everyone's taxes down to the $33,000 level. I just had no choice, I just want you to know that."

Alf wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:33 AM:Well, "Thank you at 8:01AM,
"To Thank You" at 8:14AM and
"Sure Jeff" at 8:23AM,
who I will vote for is no mantioned in the letter by Jeff Schwilk.
I am not such a reactionary that his endorsement would cause me to change.
Regards, Alf.

City of Oceanside discriminating wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:39 AM:A reader today encourages those over 50 years of age who can volunteer 6 hours a week to become Senior Volunteers of Oceanside Police.

The 22 year old college student with some spare time on semester break need not apply?

The 37 year old small businessman who would be willing to perform the duties descripted in the writer's letter should just wait 13 years?

I would suggest, to eliminate the cry of discrimination, that OPD drop the pretense of "senior" volunteers, and offer the same responsibility to any taxpaying citizen.

Judge Jury and Executioner wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:45 AM:Ron doesn't understand why this court, like others, does not encourage a defendant to represent himself.

Even after correcting his apparent freewheeling literary license, he makes another mistake.

Ron correctly represents Maxine Waters using the term "socializing", but there is not a dictionary (abridged or otherwise) that equates in any manner the verb "socializing" to the noun Socialism.

Fear mongering is not taken lightly in this court, therefore, no, there is no overturning in the conviction or rights to appeal.

Ron should have excercised his right to remain silent, and obtained a lawyer, before digging the hole any deeper.

Next case!

To Ron and Asteroid wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:57 AM:Ron I do not know where Chris Pulse lives so I will not comment other than to say we are all living on land that belonged to the others like the Mexicans and Native Americans, what is your point? AS teroid, I am what you would label as a liberal. I love my country!!! I tear up everytime I hear our National Anthem and I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States. However your arrogance and rude tone leads me to believe that you are an instigator and provacatuer. I have seen your type running around town with American flags screaming about Patriotism. I find them and you disgusting. It is not the flag blowing in the wind that sounds like fingernails on a chalk board to a liberal it is your lack of consideration for others that is ringing in this liberals ears.

bogie wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:11 AM:To "Thank You" and "To Thank You". Brilliant way to decide how to cast your vote. I gotta' hand it to both of you Mensas, your system saves a lot of time. What are your strategies for picking local Judges? How about propositions? Please let me know so I can stop flipping a coin come election time. My old silver dollar is getting worn out along with my eyes and it is hard to tell heads from tails. Come to think about it, its hard to tell a Democrat from a Republican these days the way they both change their minds and lie so often

Ms M wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:22 AM:Nick
[-] wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:18 AM:And the final bit on Muslims:...whew thank goodness!

Ms M wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:25 AM:(CNN) – Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili on Wednesday called for John McCain and other American leaders to do more for Georgia in their response to the conflict in his country.

“Yesterday, I heard Sen. McCain say, ‘We are all Georgians now,’” Saakashvili said on CNN’s American Morning. “Well, very nice, you know, very cheering for us to hear that, but OK, it’s time to pass from this. From words to deeds.”...now let's see what McBomb comes up with now! I hope they are not looking for troop support from McCain - we ain't got none - or didn't anyone tell McBomb that!

Where is my absentee ballot wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:36 AM:After I read Jeff Schwilk's letter today I wanted my absentee ballot to make sure I vote for everyone but those he suggested. Who does he think he is? What makes him think he can dictate to us on who to vote for? I read an article about this man and he and the group that he founded were called Maladjusted Misfits just why would he think his opinion is valuable? I think Jeff Schwilk should understand that some of us are more concerned with all the other crisis' happening in San Diego than being overly consumed by the illegal immigration problem.

esteban wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:36 AM:Chris, we are the US of ^%^%%^&% A!!! That's who WE are to point the finger!!!! You really need to leave my country.

Chuck wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:03 PM:>>>Bush is entering us into a high stakes poker game with the Russians.>> If we send Vladamir Murtha to Russia, their army will immediately become panty-waisted, too --> rules of engagement that favor the terrorists, and Russian soldiers in chains being falsely accused

Liberal Manifesto wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:22 PM:The daily news is a perfect example of what is wrong with America!

Michael Phelps is a typical Ugly American, hogging all of the swimming gold medals! He is not letting others play! This is unfair! American individualism is certainly on display here. We do not play well with others.

In fact, the entire Olympics would be unfair, since there are winners and losers – but the Olympics are in China, so that is O.K. because China is an egalitarian society, and is rapidly ridding the world of nasty coal by burning it.

Then, Phelps admits that he consumes 12,000 calories a DAY! What about the starving children in Africa? Obama has already said that we can no longer eat all we want, and 12,000 calories is simply obscene. Obama will settle Mr. Phelps hash when Obama is President!

Then the United States PROVOKED Russia to move several army divisions across the mountains to liberate Georgia, after we had courted Georgia, teased them, enticed them – but finally said “No” to their interest in joining NATO. America is certainly to blame for this, and America will continue to be to blame when Russia also takes over the Ukraine. Russia is right, and America is wrong! That settles THAT!

Then there is Iran – we have already broken Iraq and now we are threatening the peace loving people of Iran. Iran needs peaceful nuclear energy because some day they will run out of FILTHY FINITE FOSSIL FUEL, and they need thousands of centrifuges for…well, whatever they are and whatever they are for, I am sure it is peaceful.

We are just awful! We cause so much harm, and we pollute, and we consume, and we...we...

Well, Obama will make us good again. And he will give us all free things, and stuff.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:25 PM:esteban[-] wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:36 AM:
No esteban, You should leave my country.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:42 PM:THE SPARK THAT LIT THE FIRE:
"the first hours of August 8, 2008, a mass incursion of Georgian troops and armour to a South Ossetian-controlled territory and repeated shelling of Tskhinvali began.[29] AFP, quoting a spokesman of the Georgian Interior Ministry, stated that three Russian Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft had intruded on Georgian airspace, attacking some targets in the Tskhinvali region. On the same day, twelve Russian peacekeepers were killed and nearly 150 injured."[30]

Extreme Patriotism wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:59 PM:"esteban
[-] wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:36 AM:
Chris, we are the US of ^%^%%^&% A!!! That's who WE are to point the finger!!!! You really need to leave my country."

Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. ~James Bryce

Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism - how passionately I hate them! ~Albert Einstein

Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons. ~Bertrand Russell

Do not... regard the critics as questionable patriots. What were Washington and Jefferson and Adams but profound critics of the colonial status quo? ~Adlai Stevenson

Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let men label you as they may. ~Mark Twain

He is a poor patriot whose patriotism does not enable him to understand how all men everywhere feel about their altars and their hearthstones, their flag and their fatherland. ~Harry Emerson Fosdick

Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind. ~Albert Einstein, The World As I See It, 1934

You'll never have a quiet world till you knock the patriotism out of the human race. ~George Bernard Shaw

It is not easy to see how the more extreme forms of nationalism can long survive when men have seen the Earth in its true perspective as a single small globe against the stars. ~Arthur C. Clarke

The stench of the trail of Ego in our History. It is ego - ego, the fountain cry, origin, sole source of war. ~George Meredith, Beauchamp's Career

I couldn't help but say to [Mr. Gorbachev], just think how easy his task and mine might be in these meetings that we held if suddenly there was a threat to this world from another planet. [We'd] find out once and for all that we really are all human beings here on this earth together. ~Ronald Reagan, 1985

We need a type of patriotism that recognizes the virtues of those who are opposed to us..... The old "manifest destiny" idea ought to be modified so that each nation has the manifest destiny to do the best it can - and that without cant, without the assumption of self-righteousness and with a desire to learn to the uttermost from other nations. ~Francis John McConnell

Patriotism, the virtue of the vicious. ~Oscar Wilde

Our country is the world, our countrymen are all mankind. We love the land of our nativity, only as we love all other lands. The interests, rights, and liberties of American citizens are no more dear to us than are those of the whole human race. Hence we can allow no appeal to patriotism, to revenge any national insult or injury. ~William Lloyd Garrison, Declaration of Sentiments, Boston Peace Conference, 1838

Patriotism is a kind of religion; it is the egg from which wars are hatched. ~Guy de Maupassant

Truth is stranger than fiction wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:09 PM:CNN reports:

John McCain's wife was hospitalized with a minor hand sprain after shaking hands with supporters, the senator’s campaign says.

What they might be reporting someday:

If elected John McCain will be hospitalized, also with a minor hand sprain after giving middle-class Americans the finger.

Soaring Parakeet wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:21 PM:Liberal Manifesto[-] wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:22 PM: What a waste of your day. You must be NCT and computer addicted. Get outdoors, feel the sun on your face, take a deep breath and then take a liberal to lunch.

DD Wiz wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:25 PM:The post from "Judge Jury and Executioner" (10:45am) rightly finds "Ron" guilty of many distortions of fact, but also misses the point.
While I find many points of agreement with the Hon. Maxine Waters, esteemed congresswoman from Los Angeles, I am no "dittohead" and have no problem saying when I simply disagree with her.
I do not see a role for socializing private corporations.
While I have many objections to the manner in which the Big Oil Bullies operate their business of manipulating dependence on non-renewable FINITE FILTHY FOSSIL FUELS that require public policy oversight, taking over private production of consumer products is not the answer.
Peace (and sunshine) to all, DD Wiz

Nick wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:35 PM:Well "Conservative", you are right about ignorance being bliss.
"Ms M" proved your point in her response to my posts on Muslims, not to mention her hilariously blind following of the lying and slimey weasel named Obama.
Cheers, Nick.

Georgian Aggression wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:36 PM:Georgia, with an 'army" (26,000) far smaller then the New York police force (38,000)attacked the tiny and unarmed Russia, and deserves to be beaten.

Liberals of the World, Unite!

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:00 PM:"To Ron and Asteroid" @10:57 AM:

You ever hear the term, you need to clean your side of the street, before looking at mine?

Oh, and that reminds me...
When I see more of your 24%-ters driving a Prius, with your Obamo08 stickers on them, then I'll assume your doing the work you intended me to do first.

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:03 PM:>>>Bush is entering us into a high stakes poker game with the Russians. If we send Vladamir "John" Murtha to Russia,>>>

He might be able to persuade them to redeploy to Okinawa.

To Extreme Patriotism wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:10 PM:Thanks for all the great quotes. So true, so true. This is my favorite; Patriotism, the virtue of the vicious. ~Oscar Wilde. Yes those who call themselves Patriots are definately without a doubt vicious.

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:23 PM:Just some random thoughts here....

It is said by liberals, that the Press in American was asleep at the wheel when Bush took us to war in Iraq.

Can it now be said, they were again asleep at the wheel, when one of the leading Democrat Presidential candidates was blatantly having an affair under their very noses, during the height of the Democrat primary process? And nobody in the Main Stream Press got it?

It took the much maligned American supermarket tabloid, the National Enquirer to get the story right?
The affair began shortly in 2006, and by the end of 2007, a love child still evaded notice when in The ENQUIRER's Oct. 22 issue, they published a picture of a pregant Rielle. And still, nobody in the MSM got it?

Now, the question is, at least.. in my mind. We're they caught up in all the hype surrounding the Edwards campaign?
Maybe a little to close, and friendly with it? Secretly wanting Edwards to win? Or was this just another time when the entire American press were asleep, excepting of course, the National Equirer?

This is why I say: READ EVERYTHING!!!!
Even if you disagree with it, you can learn. Not all side got a corner on "the truth." In today's world, you will only find it throught a multitude of publications, some critical thinking, and a knowledge of history.

As King Solomon once wrote:

"What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun."

Focal Point wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:28 PM:WASHINGTON – John McCain's chief foreign policy adviser and his business partner lobbied the senator or his staff on 49 occasions in a 3 1/2-year span while being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by the government of the former Soviet republic of Georgia. Yep. There is that John McCain international experience again.

hey extreme patriotism wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:28 PM:You forgot; "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." Chris

To Truth is stranger than fiction wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:31 PM:Very clever!!! The sad thing is that it is true John McLaim is going to put the screws to the middle class. Thanks for the laughs.

Nick wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:45 PM:How about my response to my amigo "Chris" Mr Ed?
Come on with it.

OBAMACAN wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:04 PM:You are so right, Ron at 2:23 p.m., about the national "mainstream" press being a disgrace for missing the story about a years-old adultery by a major candidate who then lied about it during the current campaign.
Oh, but, No, I am not talking about John Edwards. He is a nothing. A has-been. A FORMER one-term senator and candidate.
I am talking about JOHN McSHAME, the actual current nominee of the Republican Party.
Since stories have been reported by mainstream sources such as Newsweek (June 30) and the Los Angeles Times (July 11) using court records and other documentation to confirm that he was carrying on his lengthy affair with Cindy while still living with his first wife, Carol, you know, the one who waited for him through those years of POW captivity, and then LYING about the chronology during this year's campaign.
So, Ron, you gonna hold McPain to the same standard? The mainstream media to the same standard for a Republican as for a has-been, old-news Democrat?
Where are all the worldwide banner headlines and days of 24/7 cable news coverage?

hardtack wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:22 PM:So, Nick, can we assume that when the voting Muslim population in the US reaches 51%, they take it all – – since we are a democracy that doesn’t use the Constitution anymore?

Here Come Da Judge wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:25 PM:A federal court "overseer" has asked a federal judge to seize $8 BILLION from the California treasury, to pay for new medical facilities for California prisoners.

Instead, could we pay Mexico to house our prisoners? Many are from there anyway, and are currently living better in prison than they ever lived in Mexico!

But, heck, California has a great surplus so another $8 BILLION is no problem.

Say what wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:39 PM:As regards the 10:39 post: Did “City of Oceanside discriminating” accidently fail to mention the homeless, or lawbreakers who are assigned community service, or was “City of Oceanside discriminating” discriminating?

Ron wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:54 PM:Why all this incessant interest in John McCain's martial history, "OBAMACAN"
@3:04 PM?

That's been fully vetted, aired, and people yawned about it, it was so long ago, water under the bridge, and all.
Now, don't get me wrong, it is a charactor issue, but which standard are we NOW judging it? I mean...

When Bill Clinton was in his mess, the left attempted to say "Move-On", nothing to see here, besides.. he needs to get back to doing the important work of the American people. We have the "Bill Clinton standard" of it not being important, and now you say, this 30 plus year old story is NOW an issue?
Come on...

By the way, have you heard the latest?
In 2006, Obama trip to visit Raila Amolo Odinga. Odinga is the head of the National Muslim Leaders Forum [NAMLEF}, called the Orange Democratic Movement. The ODM is definitely no democratic political party. The ODM is dedicated to overthrowing the legitimate democratic government of Kenya.
And Odinga is not really concerned how he achieves his objective. It matters little to him if he assumes power by hook or crook, he determined to become the president of Kenya. And vows
he will be president for life.

Obama's bias for Odinga was so blatant that the current government complained that Obama appeared to be Odinga's stooge. Not only did Obama campaign for his Islamic friend, he convinced former Clinton adviser Dick Morris to become Odinga's campaign adviser.

Odinga bothers the US because, Raila Odinga cut a deal for support from Vladimir Putin and the former Soviet Union. And, He incited his tribal followers to go on a murderous rampage in towns that were primarily Christian.

Interesting, huh?

Ms M wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:02 PM:Nick
[-] wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:35 PM:..um Nick - shucks forget it - major waste of time!

Just Asking wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:09 PM:Fairly often supporters of “drill here, drill now” have been accused of owning oil stock or otherwise to have been in the pockets of Big Oil.

I suppose that there would be a conflict of interest if one was to have a financial advantage.

Then how about Nancy Pelosi?

Her own investments include a sweetheart 2007 IPO of Good Old T-Bone Pickens natural gas-powered automobiles. Pickens wants the wind power project to free up natural gas to be used in automobiles as a cleaner fuel than gasoline.

Now that investment has made lots of financial progress, and Nancy has made REALLY GOOD MONEY.

(Good for her! My personal experience with Liquefied Natural Gas is several decades old, and it may be viable today, but in the old days, LNG escaped the cryogenic tanks at a rate of 2% a day, and you could tell the drivers because they had no eyebrows or facial hair!)

But for the stock Nancy owns to really take off, oil and gas must remain expensive and T-Bone must get LOTS of subsidized support. If gas dropped precipitously, natural gas could not compete.

So, it is in Nancy’s economic advantage NOT to drill. Is it possible that her reluctance to permit a vote on drilling just MIGHT have some personal economic advantage.

You see, if a Blogger has an economic advantage that is minimal because Bloggers do not wield any political power.

But, how about the most powerful elected woman in Washington, third in line to the presidency, and the one person best positioned to permit or stop oil drilling?

Bill wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:13 PM:Chris

Wikipedia also says that Aarafat refused 97% of the occupied territories in Oslo. You have steadfastly denied that but now cite Wiki.

You called that a lie but Wiki says its true.

How convenient.

Do you cite Wiki only when it fits your agenda?

Palestinians are direct descendents of the Phillistines. They were Slavic nomads that migrated from waht is now known as Greek Macedonia and settled in the fertile crest region centuries ago.

Over the years, they have bred with Arab conquerors.

I have told you this before but you ignore me each time.

Palestinians were squatters and were formerly referred to as Phillistines and not Palestinians.

That area was Judea after a rebellion was quashed. The area was also known as Phillistina. Only MUCH MUCH later did it become known as Palestine. Never was it a soveriegn state and was once a province of Israel and once a province of Jordan.

The modern vernacular at that time referred to it as Phillistina.

Also,you cite the Egyptians losing the Gaza in 67. UNEF forces were kicked out by Nasser so Egypt could mount troops in an attempt to strike Israel and it was met with a pre-emptive attack.

Israel had no plans of taking it until then. Now, the Palestinians turn it over to Hamas for agressive purposes. The Golan Heights and Hebron are high points where Israel has used for defensive purposes and not the agressive ones you have claimed many times.

Ive been there.

Have you?

How can you support someone who wants to kill others toward their goal of world domination?

Your ignorance of Middle East affairs is staggering for someone who claims to be "educated".

Reardon wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:35 PM:Most of my conservative brethren will not acknowledge this fact, but the truth is we are spread too thin to be a force in the Russia/Georgia conflict. We are struggling on two fronts and Russia knows we have no teeth. Lip service is all we have and I hope it works and stops the escalation of violence.

Nick wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:38 PM:Well "Hardtack", you are correct on both points.
If the Muslim population were to become 51% of our population, they would definitely take it over.
Look at how much we bend over for Illegals and the Pro-Illegal crowd in this Country. Remember "Hardtack", we must always be P.C....lol.
The Constitution? You mean that thing I took and oath once to uphold that GWB uses for toilet paper?
That piece of paper that is supposed to keep us a Democracy?
Shoot "Hardack", the Liberal Dems want to turn America into a Socialist Country and give into every whiner who comes down the turnpike.
You don't think they actually have the spine to stand up to a bunch of demanding Muslims do you?
Of course, Obama will just want to sit and chat with them...lol. That's about all he's good for anyways, a lot of talk!
Cheers, Nick.

Alf wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:48 PM:Well, "Reardon" at 7:27AM (if you are the real "Reardon"),
I hold any country in contempt that acts, without just cause, as the aggressor -
the U.S. invading and occupying Iraq
AND
Georgia attacking South Ossetia.
NEITHER Iraq
NOR South Ossetia
did anything that warranted or provoked the attack on them.
Unless you call having something that the aggressor wanted to be just cause.
Regards, Alf.

OBAMACAN wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:09 PM:Get your story straight, Ron at 3:54 p.m.
If you think that John McCain's marital history of adultery with LIES about the time line during THIS YEAR's campaign, then why are YOU the one making such a big deal in your 2:23 p.m. web comment, about how important it is for the mainstream media to be following up on John Edwards's marital history, and he isn't even a candidate any more?
He is a has-been, one-term senator who holds no current position.
You are a huge, double-standard hypocrite.
But from the same party that conducted the witch hunt against Bill Clinton for oral sex while they were all doing much worse, we expect nothing less.
Thank you for this perfect demonstration of Republican "ethics".

By Any Other Name wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:51 PM:Alf:The 7:27 was Reardon, the 4:35 was not Reardon but the Twit. Reardon also was Just Asking, Here Come Da Judge, Georgian Aggression, and Liberal Manifesto.

Nick wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:01 PM:Funny "Obamacan", your man Obama isn't even a "has-been" one term Senator yet, and has accomplished NOTHING in his political career to speak of.
This is the man people like you want as President...LOL.
Sure, lets' talk about ethics.....

SOLON wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:13 PM:Georgian Arsonist

Focal Point focuses on a vital point: who started this stupid little war against South Ossetia? Thank you, Focal Point (12:42 PM) for stating the facts.

The American press is idiotically falling once again for the jingoism of the White House propagandists and war mongers. You won’t get the facts from the White House operatives, nor from the politicians. I was startled to read the real truth in a column in today’s NC Times, editorial page, by Gwynne Dyer. He’s a Brit, of course. The American press either doesn’t get it, or is too intimidated to state the truth.

Dyer states the obvious: George Bush and John McCain have been humiliated by this