Chcuk wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:49 AM:The news is reporting that the Russians are shooting civilians and journalists in Georgia. Apparently, their Vladamir Murtha is not doing his job by jailing and chaining those Russian soldiers. And, of course you wont hear people like Chris ever condemn the Russians, just as he has never condemned the terrorists for 9/11, bombing market squares, bombing orphanges, bombing hospitals, bombing bridges and pipelines, etc

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:55 AM:>>>William Ficere (Letters, August 12) complains about increased corn prices and blames Obama?>>>>
Well, lets see. Bush wants to drill, McCain wants to drill and Pelosi, Hussein, Reid, Clinton won't even allow the proposal to drill to come to a vote. Drilling brings down gas prices and eases pressure on the grain commodity inflation Pelosi won't allow the vote because she knows when all the democrats vote NO, and the 80% of Americans who favor drilling see the names of the NO voters, the liberals will have an electoral armageddon.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:59 AM:Calls to drill oil are foolish. Yea, sure they are Mr Wilder. China is drilling, so is Russia, Venezuela, Mexico, Indonesia, all the Arab states, most of the African states, and people like you would rather pay them $700 billion a year and have your employer taxed to death. There is a reason the approval rating of Congress is just short of 1/4 of Bush's approval rating, and its because there are too many of you in Congress

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:04 AM:>>>I've always tolerated, rather than liked, Escondido>>> Thats because the sheeple buy the "we're doing it for safety" line from the police. Lets be clear. What law enforcement does is tops 20% for safety, and 80% to raise money for their raises, benefits and pensions. And if you dont believe me, see how long it takes for them to respond to crime, because they're all sitting at the bottom of a hill, writing the old ladies tickets.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:14 AM:>>>Republicans against women>>> LOL. You must be kidding. If you don't like what you're making(which is what you agreed to get paid), then find another job and work yourself up the pay scale. Why do you need a Daddy (can you say that word in California?) to watch after your pay. There is another way to get higher pay. Instead of running to a lawyer because you were shorted 15 minutes on your time card, try working another hour or two without getting paid, because its a universal law of business that when you do more than you get paid to do, you will eventually get paid more for what you do. It worked for me. The majority partner in a competing business saw my car in lot when he got to the office, and saw it when he left. Guess what, a year later he offered me a huge raise over what I was getting paid at the other firm. I know its a concept that is totally hateful to liberals, but, give it a try- it does work.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:20 AM:>>>I would like to take a moment and thank Pala Casino for the wonderful skate park they just built.>>> LOL, the bottom feeding lawyers are cringing, because the casino can tell them to go shove it when little Johnny breaks his arm and sprains his ankle doing tricks he shouldnt be trying. See, little Johnny and his parents are the ones taking responsibility and are glad to do it. The bottom feeders prefer to make someone else responsible- as that is how liberals survive- by making it all someone else's fault

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:24 AM:From the North County Time article about student testing:
QUOTE: "Of the 375,000 students who took the tests in spring in San Diego County, 51.2 percent passed the English portion of the test and 46.5 percent passed the math exam, a new report from the California Department of Education shows." END Quote

If you further study those numbers, you will see, the longer a child stays in public school the stupider they become.
When tested at the 4th grade level, they do better, by 7th, they do worse.
And by 10th grade they do even worse.

The public schools have ceased to be the dream of Thomas Jefferson, an equilizer of people's, and has become a tool of the Left to control the masses over time.
Ever year we allow this system to operate, we doom more & more children to a life of enslavement.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:24 AM:>>>In this time of economic (and environmental) crisis, does it make sense that Brian Bilbray is taking advantage of a taxpayer-funded allowance for political mailings>>> Yes it does. Its a political season and he's providing jobs with local priting offices by doing what is perfectly legal. By the way, you liberal shills are always looking to get into the back pocket of Uncle Sam, so why can't Bilbray do what liberals running for election do.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:30 AM:Bush should move 100 or so F-16's into Georgia to help repel the Russian invaders. You'd think the liberals would love that idea, they've been bashing Bush for 7 years calling Afghanistan and Iraq invasions to the point that Chris is a supporter of the terrorists against America. So, liberals should highly favor the US trying to help a small country repel the socialist and marxist invaders

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:39 AM:Obviously, Douglas Dunn missed my post from the otherday regarding votes for the 2005 Energy Bill, Senate bill S.10, the supposed "secret Cheney energy bill" written by oil company lobbyists.
Despite what Mr. Dunn may say, Obama voted for this very bill. Now, you can say who has been in charge, and all that other baloney.. but when it came down to THE vote on THIS bill, Obama voted Yea. Obama had the chance to stop the oil companies, and he did not.
Also, we keep hearing about the "68 million acreas of leased public lands the oil companies are sitting on." That particular quote is from one senator, One Jeff Bingham, Democrat-New Mexico.
It should be noted that Mr. Binghma himself voted Yes on senate bill S.10, the Cheney seret Energy Bill.
So, I must ask all of my good Liberal/Progressive/Whatever they are calling themselves today...
Why did they vote for it?
Obama has said, he voted because the bill included huge incentives for alternatives. If you look at the goverment charts on the deployment of alternatives, you will see them dead flat during the Clinton years, and peaking in the Bush year.
Also, it should be noted for the record the two who voted against this bill, Hillary Clinton and John McCain.
Now, who really favors Big Oi & Big AG?
So, fellas... you can't have it both ways.

As to John Edwards' affair, he told us all that he told 99% of the truth.
Were simply waiting for the other 1%.
Who's the baby's Daddy?

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:44 AM:I'll assume from Martin Hershfeld lettery today, that she's one of the 24% of those who are against drilling anywhere, at anytime. Good for her.
Can I also safely assume that she is not using ANY oil for her transportation needs? That she has purchased her bus pass, and is using mass transit on a daily basis?
That I will not be passed by her in a car with her Obamo08 sticker on it?
And that car NOT being a hydrid or electric?

I've inflated my tires... NOW CAN WE DRILL?

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:47 AM:Perhaps you should bring that up with Barack Millhouse Obama, Robert Tormey?

On second thought, he pays his female staff about $6,000 less than their male counterpart too.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:51 AM:Republicans against women: Its simple. Business is used to paying women less. In fact, its bottom line depends upon paying women less. Equal pay for equal work means an increase in labor cost factored into the selling price of their product or service which makes them less competitive which means loss of profit. Of you could follow the conservative line about working more than you are worth in order to be paid someday what your worth. But, ladies you have been doing that for centuries!

OBSERVATION wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:01 AM:WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush on Friday chided Russia for Cold War-style behavior, saying, "Bullying and intimidation are not acceptable ways to conduct foreign policy in the 21st century. Bush said the United States stands "with the people of Georgia and their democratically elected government." He said the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity "must be respected."

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:05 AM:Man, are the Lib's all in a panic or what? LOL.. Charles Wilder is one of those 24%er's who I'm hoping is himself "beyond oil", riding his bike, not eating too much, and turning off his air conditioner.

Did I not tell you, that overtime they would begin to cave in? Yes, yes I did!
That's why around these parts, I'm known as the Prophet.

But, leaving that aside for the moment...

This is not good for the Democrat party, and the Democrat party will not do anything, that is not good for the Democrat party. Notice, I never said what is good for the American people, because the two are not connected.

Remember, "good news in Iraq, would not be good news for Democrats?" Just as impeaching Bush was supposed to be good for the country, but it was not good for Democrats. Immunity for telecoms was supposedly not good for Americans, yet Obama voted for it.
Liberals/Progressives/ and whatever else they are calling themselves today.. do has a reason to be bitter, because they have been abused, by their own. Not by Bush, not by Cheney, not by Republicans... by DEMOCRATS! LOL
This is what I like to refer to as "Battered Liberal Syndrone."
It is real, and yes.. there is a cure.
Quit being a victim of your party, and throw the rascals out. Redeploy THEM to Okinawa.

But, here is the hope by these liberal Democrats. This year, they will be forced to vote up or down on drilling, and they will because of pressure by regular Americans be forced to open up more areas to drill.
Their hope is for next year. that they will take more seats in both the House & the Senate, so then they can repeal the drilling sites, and implement the "Bus Pass Energy Plan." Oh, no... it won't be them riding the bus, or riding a bike.. that kind of stuff is for you, the "little people", the rice paddies workers.
You'll get a preview in about 3 weeks when the Democrats hold their convention in Denver. I have it on good authority, that the streets have been cleared of all the homeless, so the big oil guzzling Limo's with air conditioning running at full blast can roll. Of course, after arriving on their private jets.
For you, for me, for the rest of us pee-on's, they have something completely different in mind. Think rice paddie...
The Prophet has left the building.....

To Randy White wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:17 AM:NO ONE should be driving on the road without insurance or a license! NO ONE should be driving when drunk especially after a long night of bar hopping in Pacific Beach! NO ONE should be speeding! NO ONE should be crossing double yellow lines! NO ONE should be running red lights or not stopping on stop signs! NO ONE should be driving without seatbelts!NO ONE should be fighting like little children on the road quenching their road rage. NO ONE should be passing up cars when other cars are in opposite lanes! What part of NO ONE do you understand?

Paul wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:17 AM:'Realize now that if an illegal crashes into you with no insurance, you have to pay! Your rates increase, and you have to claim on your insurance, uninsured motorist (if you carry it)'

hey, Randy, what does a person's immigration status have to do with insurance? Are you saying that all legal citizens carry insurance, because if so you are wrong. Are you saying that if there were no illegals in the country you would drop your UM coverage, because if so you would be foolish. Also, UM claims do not increase your rates.

Basically your obvious point that people should carry UM is true, then you threw in a little immigrant bashing because you can't help yourself?

One last point, look at the bill from your company-the UM part (UMBI and UMPD) is cheap

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:17 AM:Chuck: Reports are not facts. But there are certain facts that the Georgians came into South Otessia killed 12 Russian soldiers, wounded 150 and then began terrorizing the non Georgian population. You and our government conveniently ignore this fact. It turns out both Russia and our C. Rice warned the Georgian Prime Minister not to military enter South Otessia. He did it anyway. The result is in the headlines.

Paul wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:23 AM:Thanks to Robert Tormey for pointing out the anti-female nature of the GOP-you are right on there, sir

Paul wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:37 AM:>>>Republicans against women>>> LOL. You must be kidding. If you don't like what you're making(which is what you agreed to get paid), then find another job and work yourself up the pay scale

Chuck, are you joking? So if you're a woman (or minority or homosexual) and you're paid less than others for the same job, you should go out and find another job in the same rigged system? In civilized countries women receive retirement credits for running a household and raising kids.

that doesn't even make sense to you-and the writer's point about the GOP being anti-women could have pointed out other sexist aspects of the gop platform as well-good luck arguing this one, Charles!

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:20 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:14 AM:
The issue is discrimination. The issue is equal pay for equal work.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:23 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:24 AM: I am surprised at you, Chuck. The author wants to reduce government spending of your tax dollar. All you can do is call her a liberal. The letter writer is against all franking. It is a dream on her part. But dreaming is American.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:26 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:30 AM:
Now you are acting really crazy Chuck.
Do you think for one minute the Russians would permit it. They have the weaponry and the will to make sure those jets never even land in Georgia or anywhere in their sphere of influence. You must think Russia is Iraq. We are dealing with a resurgent nuclear world power.

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:34 AM:>>>Paul @ 7:23 AM:
"Thanks to Robert Tormey for pointing out the anti-female nature of the GOP-you are right on there, sir" >>>

If so, Democrats had their chance to vote for a woman, but chose a man.

How do you square that?

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:42 AM:>>>Focal Point @ 8:20 AM:
"Chuck, The issue is discrimination.
The issue is equal pay for equal work." >>>

And then we have this:

"On average, women working in Obama's Senate office were paid at least $6,000 below the average man working for the Illinois senator. That's according to data calculated from the Report of the Secretary of the Senate, which covered the six-month period ending Sept. 30, 2007. Of the five people in Obama's Senate office who were paid $100,000 or more on an annual basis, only one -- Obama's administrative manager -- was a woman.

The average pay for the 33 men on Obama's staff (who earned more than $23,000, the lowest annual salary paid for non-intern employees) was $59,207. The average pay for the 31 women on Obama's staff who earned more than $23,000 per year was $48,729.91. (The average pay for all 36 male employees on Obama's staff was $55,962; and the average pay for all 31 female employees was $48,729. The report indicated that Obama had only one paid intern during the period, who was a male.)" End Quote

Source: NewsMax July 1, 2008

To Paul wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:54 AM:The fact that the Equal Rights Amendment failed aside, women might get less pay for doing different jobs than men, but the myth that women are getting less pay for doing the same work is unfounded. Isn’t Pelosi getting the same as Speaker of the House as a male Representative would? More liberal smoke attempting to blame Republicans for inaction on the part of Democrats.

richard wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:58 AM:Liberals blaming others for being at fault, yes, that's exactly why Bush is an ultra liberal. He blames Iraq for what was his own fault, increasing anthrax production here that led to the deaths of U.S. citizens. It wasn't Iraqis, but he blames them anyway. And blaming Iraq for the possibility they might WMD the Eastern US seaboard. For falsely blaming Iraq, Bush is being bizarrely ultra liberal on that issue, and I agree with you on that, hands down.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:26 AM:>>>Chuck, are you joking?>>> No I'm not joking. If a woman makes a deal to take a job at $75,000, she should not have the right to run to some bottom feeding lawyer because the man they hired yesterday got $85,000 for similar work. It's called deal making, or negotiation. If I went to Bob Baker and grinded out a $18,000 deal and your wife went in and got taken for $26,000, do you think she deserves a refund??

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:29 AM:Equal Pay: Listen to the Cosnervatives going nuts with all their tangents attempting to lose the issue of equal pay for women for the same or similar work.
I do not care who is the culprit or the political party membership etc. Women are not part time non career persons in our economy. They are full time bread earners, in many cases head of household and doing the same or similar work for less pay in comparison to men. Women need and should be paid the same pay for the same or similar work. This means all women in the work force doing the same or similar work as the men. What the Speaker of the House is paid has nothing to do with the real working world.

Floyd wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:29 AM:In a given day, a typical man will speak approximately 600 words while a typical woman emits closer to 3,000 words. There is obviously more content in a man's speech, which is why he gets paid more. If women would concentrate more on communication instead of merely creating a barrage of words, they might get paid more.

Karl wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:38 AM:In my industry (construction) men for the most part are paid more than women. I believe this is because construction was a male dominated industry for many years and still is. When I ran a medium/large construction company I hired the best I could regardless of sex, race, religion etc. My philosophy was that our company was only as good as our worst employee and our worst subcontractor. The most experienced and brightest were men while I was doing the hiring. This is slowly changing as women are making inroads in the project management field. I can quarantee you that even in a male dominated field like construction, companies will hire anyone who is organized, dedicated, can build a good product and have a good relationship with their clients. All the companies that I know will pay according to those abilities.

I have a great feel for the construction industry and don't know squat about others but I find it difficult to believe that there are neandrethals out there that do not compensate according to ability. It's just plain stupid. Now my experience is limited to a company with about 45 employees and excellent contributers stick out like a sore thumb in a company this small. I would hope that they do in large companies also but maybe people like Paul have experience lately that I do not.

Apparently Chuck is a Girl wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:39 AM:Chuck's heartwarming story about how he worked hard for no pay and got offered a big raise surely illustrates that if Chuck, being a woman, can do it, then other women can as well. Thanks Chuck, appreciate your helpful anecdote.

Shocking News wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:42 AM:Saw on CSpan this morning that deployed troops are donating money to Obama six to one over McCain. Surely this is incorrect? Our troops are not cowards, these are people who are willing to lay down their lives for their country. Why DO you suppose they are heavily favoring Obama over McCain? So basically, CSpan is saying that the troops know something that Chuck, Ron, and sdraoul do not? Shocking.

Media Matters wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:43 AM:From today's NY Times:

(Quote)It was nearly 2 a.m. on Wednesday when President Nicolas Sarkozy of France announced he had accomplished what seemed virtually impossible: Persuading the leaders of Georgia and Russia to agree to a set of principles that would stop the war.

Handshakes and congratulations were offered all around. But by the time the sun was up, Russian tanks were advancing again, this time taking positions around the strategically important city of Gori, in central Georgia.

It soon became clear that the six-point deal not only failed to slow the Russian advance, but it also allowed Russia to claim that it could push deeper into Georgia as part of so-called additional security measures it was granted in the agreement.

Mr. Sarkozy, according to a senior Georgian official who witnessed the negotiations, also failed to persuade the Russians to agree to any time limit on their military action.
By mid-morning,

European officials were warning of the risks of appeasing Russian aggression, while Georgian officials lamented the West's weak leverage. (UNQUOTE)

OBAMA MAMA wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:43 AM:McCain’s INFIDELITY --

-- Question of the month: "Why would revelations of past adultery and lying have derailed an Edwards nomination, but not McCain's?"

We have letter writer Douglas Dunn to thank for not only raising this important question, but for phrasing it so succinctly. Can Chuck explain why McCain’s reckless youth is any different from that of George W. Bush?
Both men were reckless playboys, neither of which learned to calculate the fallout from their recklessness nor to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. These traits became engrained in both men at an early age. MAMA has seen too many men in her lifetime like these, and I have no respect for such men.

Sad Actually wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:45 AM:I can't help but feel sorry for Ron, needing to pat himself on the back every day and needing to anoint himself "Prophet" because no one else will.

George says he is "The Decider".
Ron says he is "The Prophet".

I believe this is called "selfism".

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:45 AM:Restore US to its greatness:

It is extremely painful to face the truth of what has been done to our country in the last eight years, as we have veered sharply from those things that made us a great nation, and now we are being superseded by a repressive and totalitarian super nation, China. I applaud letter writer Jeff Lassle for his terse letter today, expressing his deep concern.

Lassle reminds us what we can do to reverse our course, and get this nation back on the high road: When you step into that polling booth, you may want to greatly consider what made this great country and vote as our forefathers, who built this country, did.

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:51 AM:At long last ...

Today for the first time in days, I was able to post a comment on my first try. For days now, it has taken two tries, and occasionally three. I read all the comments yesterday, and affirm that it happens to myself as well. Well, let’s see how this one goes ...

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:59 AM:It's time for folks to realize that the whole Dems vs Repubs nonsense is exactly what those in power want and it is what is driving this Country into the abyss. It's time for a change and I don't mean Obama. It's time for a Revolution folks. It's time to rid ourselves of BOTH Parties.

Americans have grown up in a society that, while it appears to be free and open, is anything but.
America is controlled.
From the education system to the media to the government, America has been infiltrated by those wishing for a communist/fascist-type World Government System.
First of all, you need to question all your beliefs and “knowledge” because you were educated in a school system that’s far removed from the 19th century American school system that focused on putting out people skilled in reading, writing, and math.
Over the last six or seven decades, there has been a deliberate attempt to dumb America down.

"We no longer see the teaching of facts and information as the primary function of education."
- Dr. Shirley McCune, at the 1989 Kansas Governor’s Conference

"If every parent in America knew what was really going on in the public schools, there would be a revolution."
- columnist Thomas Sowell
What Sowell is speaking of is the change in focus where children are being taught labor skills and are being subjected to a curriculum that focuses on changing their behavior and social behavior.
The focus is getting children to accept a socialist-type society led by a strong police state atmosphere.

More to come.
Cheers, Nick.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:01 AM:>>>The letter writer is against all franking. It is a dream on her part.>>>
No she isnt. That letter writer is a democratic shill whose group attacks Bilbray on a daily basis in this newspaper. If sending out election materials is the best they can come up with, why waste the ink of the NCTimes???

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:06 AM:An astute OBSERVATION ...

... made by OBSERVATION (7:01 AM) about the revival of the Cold War, which clearly exposes the hypocrisy of the United States shouting accusations at Russia.

How mocking of his own self is Bush for accusing Russia of doing exactly what he himself has been doing for the last eight years. On the news this morning I saw the U.S. envoy in Poland with the Polish prime minister where both signed the agreement which permits Bush to place eight long range ballistic missiles in Poland, in Russia’s back yard. Do we not remember how the United States under Kennedy reacted when the Soviets placed missiles in Cuba? We came within an inch of nuclear war. Now we are doing the same thing, except we are encircling Russia with a ballistic missile system in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania.

We accomplish this by bribing and browbeating their government officials, because popular polls show overwhelming disapproval of such missile placement.

And do sign such a cold war agreement on the same day that Bush, McCain and WAR Sec. Gates are shouting invectives against Russia because of little South Ossetia? How self-accusatory can one get?

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:07 AM:And a little more food for thought people:

The U.S. media is controlled. It’s designed to get you arguing or talking about the death penalty, abortion, Democrat vs. Republican, Left vs. Right, conservative vs. liberal, which rock star parties hardest, which actor/actress lost the most weight, blah, blah, blah.
All the while, the corrupt officials in the U.S. Government are passing draconian legislation or Presidential Executive Orders that have slowly built the United States police state.

"The main purpose of the Council on Foreign Relations is promoting the disarmament of U.S. sovereignty and national independence and submergence into an all powerful, One World Government."
- Admiral Chester Ward, former CFR member and Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Navy

Here’s the thing… It doesn’t matter what anyone tells you concerning some stuffy Democrat vs. Republican definition when the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) conspiracy includes members of both parties.
The CFR shadow government has been working to destroy America’s sovereignty since 1921 in pursuit of World Government.
Ever wonder why your life never really changes whether a Democrat is president or a Republican is president? Sit back and really think about that… both parties are part of the U.S. Government deception. Both parties pass police state legislation such as that passed in the name of those false “Wars” called the War on Drugs and the War on Terrorism.

A Democrat vs. Republican definition simply doesn’t matter!

What matters is rooting out the CFR agents who are working toward a North American Union and the official demise of America and the United States Constitution.
Who’s behind the CFR and the plan for Globalization/World Government?

Ultimately, it’s the international bankers and industrialists. When you thoroughly investigate Federal Reserve banking history and money creation as we have, you see clearly that the official Democrat vs. Republican definition has been created by the banksters.

The bottom line is that the people who are the producers in America are being scammed by the banking elite.

While the producers slave away in their little shack homes, the bankers create money from nothing and steal the wealth of the land through the Federal Reserve, the illegal United States central bank. The bankers produce nothing and contribute nothing but misery and slavery to the people.

Educate yourself on why things will never change as long as people keep voting in “Democrats” or “Republicans” who are simply CFR puppets. Educate yourself on why your debt is impossible to pay off because the interest must be paid with more borrowed money.

If you really want change people it's time to break from the norm

The Campaign for Liberty!
Cheers, Nick.

Alf wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:09 AM:Well, "OBSERVATION" at 7:01AM,
it really is too bad that GWB does not see how the actions that he chides are EXACTLY what he did to Iraq.
I forgot,
God spoke to him, so -
GWB's actions are absolutely justified.
Bull feathers.
Regards, Alf.

Ms M wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:10 AM:This is an excerpt from an article posted 8/14:

"Why do the troops hate the troops?"

Honestly, after years of hearing that if you don't support the Bush military policy, you don't support the troops, you have to wonder what the neo-cons will do now. Today, a study by the Center for Responsive Politics reported that members of the military are giving more donations to Senator Obama than Senator McCain, and when you just examine those troops who are deployed, Obama attracts more donations by a 6 to 1 factor.....

It seems that the military is looking for a "commander in chief" who is not a warmongerer. They are tired of being used by the cons to fight unnecessary wars. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Oh brother wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:22 AM:I am so sick of reading Chuck's and others negative comments about women and just about every other topic. Please editors, can't you give these boys another blog area to clog up? Our comments on important local issues are becoming lost in their childish back and forths.

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:24 AM:Our oil is OUR oil !

All US offshore oil is extracted from public lands, and such oil belongs to this nation. For the right to drill on any new public lands, President Barack HUSSEIN ("the GOOD and HANDSOME") Obama must see that it is dedicated exclusively for domestic use by Americans. We must have new legislation for this new oil forbidding its sale on the world market.

Leaders of foreign oil nations have done this for generations. Before Dubya hung Saddam by the neck, oil was plentiful in Iraq and sold at 5 cents a gallon. The Bush occupation has increased that by over 45 times higher. Oil in Mexico is so cheap even today that Americans have been crossing the border to fill up, forcing the Mexican authorities to collect taxes at the border. And Venezuelan oil is provided to the Venezuelans at a deep discount. Same in Indonesia. So why is Bush such an oil ogre? Why does he hate his own people? Or, rather, why does he love the Oil Ogres more than the American people?

We must cease permitting Exxon/Mobil and Chevron to gouge Americans consumers and extract egregious profits at our expense.

Poor Randy wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:41 AM:"so my voice will count and people will listen and obey!" Your voice doesn't count your vote does!!! You want us to listen and obey, you? I pay over $200 a month for my car insurance and I am glad I have it!!! Why must we be concerned about what others do? If I am protected why should I worry about Joe Blow. If I thought the way you did than I would be worried about the liability limits others carry on their insurance policies. It is none of my business how much coverage you carry just like it is not any of your business if I have insurance or not!!!! Why do you worry yourself over things we cannot change. Serenity Now!!

To Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:48 AM:Ron asks: "If so, Democrats had their chance to vote for a woman, but chose a man.

How do you square that?"

The man was the better candidate. The sex of the candidate is of no consequence. Why would you think otherwise?

Rons Confusion wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:50 AM:Well Ron, you are one of the very few people on this blog who think that people vote according to sex or skin color, so I understand why you are confused as to why, even though liberals agree that women should get equal pay for equal work, it does not necessary follow that women should get the job by virtue of their sex.

Glad I could help out.

DD Wiz wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:51 AM:The post from "Ron" (6:39am) shows his failure to grasp the realities of politics compared with the purity of extremist ideologies. It is the same shallow thinking that, on the opposite end of the political spectrum, convinces liberals to vote for the losing purity of a Ralph Nader rather than the victorious pragmatism of a Gore or a Kerry.
As so many others have stated, no one considers Obama perfect or "messianic" except those such as "Ron" (who now, at 7:05am, narcissistically calls himself the "prophet" unless it was a typo meaning to use the word "profit"), who will never ever vote for Obama under any circumstances.
Obama is a politician. The art of politics is to get the possible -- to achieve as much as you can. That often involves compromise, especially in a legislative role. There were many aspects of the energy bill that Obama opposed, just as there were many aspects of the recent Telecom bill that Obama opposed, but in order to get some concessions rather than get nothing, he agreed to certain compromises. This was especially true when negotiating from a minority position in 2005.
Many of us might have drawn the line as to where we would compromise in different places than Obama, or in other instances, from the Clintons (such as on NAFTA or the welfare "reform" bill of 1996). But we do understand the reasons why effective leaders choose to draw the line somewhere, and to enter into compromises, rather than come away completely empty-handed, as the extremists would do. And the fact remains that, on energy as well as other issues such as healthcare, Iraq, consumer protection, worker protection and fixing the economy that "nation-of-whiners" McCain has repeatedly stated isn't even broken, an Obama presidency will be tremendously different than McCain bringing four more years of the same failed policies, which is why the few (as "Ron" claims to be) who benefit from those excesses are so terrified of having their free ride of corruption and corporate welfare coming to an end.

As for "Ron's" pathetically voyeuristic interest in the private sex life of a private citizen, I am more interested in the integrity of the current nominee from a major party who has repeatedly lied this year about how his dishonored his sacred vows and commitment to traditional marriage.
Peace (and sunshine) to all, DD Wiz

Unload the Oil Stock wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:57 AM:I can only wonder when the Chucks and Rons will connect the dots and realize that EVERY SINGLE AGGRESSIVE ACT OF THE UNITED STATES IN THIS CENTURY IS BASED ON THE CONTROL OF OIL. When we get off the oil teat we will have no more need of war. Perhaps they already know but are in favor of war. My advice is to start selling the oil stock because pretty soon it anit gonna be worth beans. The warmongers day is done and oil is over.

Ugly statistics wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:58 AM:27 comments. first 12 by Ron and Chuck.
7 of 27 from Chuck. 7 of 27 also from Ron. 14 of 27 from Ron and Chuck. 5 of 27 from Focal Point. 19 of 27 from Chuck, Ron, and Focal Point.

Don't ya love it when internet trolls take advantage of a good thing?

Media Matters wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:09 AM:The latest international rankings are announced by the Wall Street Journal, and we rank second in the world just behind Japan in corporate tax rate!

Now if your corporation is in a high tax state, like California, the corporate tax rate is even higher than in Tokyo – so we can say, “We are Number One! We are Number One.”

I am sure you have read the headlines of all of those terrible corporations that pay no taxes? Well, an analysis of the corporations paying no taxes shows that 85% also made no profits, which of course is unfair to liberals, I suppose. (General Motors lost $10 billion in the year in which they paid no taxes.)

(Senator Byron Dorgan {North Dakota} cited the GAO finding that 28% of large U.S. corporations paid no income tax in 2005. "It's time for big corporations to pay their fair share," Mr. Dorgan roared.)

European nations corporate tax rate averages 10% lower than U.S. corporate taxes, and we wonder why corporations move offshore, or as Budweiser did, to Europe. That is considered “unpatriotic” -- as if there is some virtue in holding still to be punished.

Obama and the Democrats in general, want to RAISE corporate taxes. Of course they expect corporations to hold still for this.

Good luck!

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:09 AM:The liberals apparently are willing to defend the Russians against the Georgians. I have a sneaking suspicion if Bush decided to take Cuba, they'd be screaming at the top of their lungs, calling for impeachment, and calling America an imperialist invader.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:16 AM:>>>"Of the 375,000 students who took the tests in spring in San Diego County, 51.2 percent passed the English portion of the test and 46.5 percent passed the math exam, a new report from the California Department of Education shows>>> And dont forget that 60% of seniors can't pass the exit exam, which is 8th grade equivalency. I'm sure glad Uhnuld threw $60 billion at the teachers yoonyun, He got a great return out of that money

Media Matters wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:28 AM:The Gallup Daily Tracking Poll has Obama and McCain tied today at 44%.

Considering the visceral hatred for the Bush administration over so many issues, can anyone explain why Obama does not have a solid 12 point margin?

I knew it wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:37 AM:I see that in Georgia (the US state) a carcas that has been identified as bigfoot was discovered. I also see that this event was not covered in the NY Times or Washington Post, proving for once and for all that Bigfoot is a conservative.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:40 AM:In a move surely to please the liberals, the Russians have now threatened Poland, and Neville Bush sits in Texas eating tacos.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:45 AM:>>>"Why would revelations of past adultery and lying have derailed an Edwards nomination, but not McCain's>>> Thats easy, when people have to choose between having a job, gas they can afford and food they can pay for, they will vote for that, as opposed to Hussein, a Muslim and marxist, who thinks your gas is too cheap, food is too cheap, and he'll give you unemployment if your job goes away

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:50 AM:>>>CSpan is saying that the troops know something that Chuck, Ron, and sdraoul do not? Shocking.>>> No, CSPAN is a liberal shill and will say anything they want to support socialism

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:52 AM:‘Bullying’ unacceptable
Aug. 15: President Bush says Russia needs to stop pursuing a policy of confrontation and isolation and its actions in Georgia have hurt its credibility among other nations.
MSNBC
This is public propaganda. Blaiming Russia for what happend to Georgia. Georgia is the one who fired the first shots killing 12 Russians and wounding another 112. Georgian President did it because he thought that Georgia had the military protection of the US and NATO. Bush is lying to the American people and the world on Georgia just like he did on Iraq. Then Bush signs a missle treaty with Poland which the Russians will view as a real threat.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:53 AM:>>I see that in Georgia (the US state) a carcas that has been identified as bigfoot was discovered>>> Yea, and superman flew in from Krypton. Finish dressing your Ken & Barbie in their uni-sex outfits (SB777 conforming) and eat your peanut butter and jelly sandwich

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:56 AM:Chuck
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:26 AM: No Chuck that is called discrimination. It is not an indidual case but a common business practise. Same way on promoitons that need to be based on merit and accomplishment instead of the good ole buddy, boy system.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:59 AM:>>The Gallup Daily Tracking Poll has Obama and McCain tied today at 44%.>>> I can explain it. There are apparently 44% voting morons who think Obama will lower gas prices & inflation, and protect jobs. But, when they go into the booth, the big question will pop up:: My Job, or $6 gas, $7 Wheaties, and a huge tax increase for my employer that will get me layed off

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:59 AM:Chuck
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:01 AM: How would you know? Have you met her?
Ever had a conversation with her. Maybe you have seen her voting regislation paper work. I rather doubt it. It is just your deluded mind at work.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:04 PM:Chuck
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:09 AM: Why take Cuba. In ten years, it wall fall into our lap. You need wake up. Your solution for every problem is a barrel of a gun. Not that way int he 21st century according to GWB.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:07 PM:Chuck
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:40 AM: Russian statement was in reply to a missle treaty placeing American missles in Poland. Bush and his Polish buddies are provoking the Bear. She feels threatoned.

Chuck is right wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:08 PM:We should attack Russia immediately. Launch the nukes, get it on. Anything less is pantywaist liberal nonsense. Let's do it! Let's end the world. (BTW, there is enough of an American population that feels this way also answers Media Matters' question about why Obama is not way ahead of McCain...that and a chunk of plain old racism. No one can doubt that there is SOME part of the voting public that simply would not vote for a Black candidate. How many percentage points would Obama be leading by if he were white?)

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:16 PM:Chuck
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:59 AM Polls are just polls. They do not matter. We have not even had the conventions yet. Fire works and debates yet to occur. You people waste your time over polls. Don't you know that many people lie.

What wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:23 PM:Ahhh...Focal Point..."Russia feels threatened."

By interceptor missiles, designed to shoot down ICBMs?

You are joking.

Right?

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:27 PM:>>>Russian statement was in reply to a missle treaty placeing American missles in Poland>>>> Sorry, they are defensive missiles and have no warhead and are designed as a shield against Russias offensive missiles. Do not the Poles have the right to defend themselves. Its amazing how you liberals spit your hate at America all day long, and at the same time defend Russia on everything

Alf wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:38 PM:Well, "Karl" at 9:38AM,
when I worked in Chula Vista,
it was a woman who was the fastest and best electrician that we had work for us.
No bull, I watched 4 other electricians do the same job on other portable buildings (the small ones that are right next to cell towers) that had the same specs and she did the job in 2/3 the time.
An added bonus, she was pretty as well.
As a contractor, she got paid by the job (the same $ as a male), so she had more time to do more and, therefore made more $$ than her male counterparts.
Regards, Alf.

A man of principles wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:47 PM:So Bush lashes at Russia for "bullying". Remember when the US leader could make such statements and be taken seriously? When we stood for something? Since Reagan, we've invaded Panama, Granada, Iraq, among others. Bush's little invasion of Iraq was a great military duel between the greatest power in world history and a nation with no WMD's, no air force, and hardly an army. Bush's exit will by itself do wonders for American foreign policy and world standing. Does Russia have any reason to fear the US at this moment? I didn't think so. Does any nation or person in the world have a reason to admire Bush's condemnation of "bullying"? I didn't think so. January 20 can't come soon enough. With luck and a LOT of skill, McCain or Obama might be able to begin rebuilding what America used to mean to the world. It will take guts. The new leader will have to insist that this goal is more important than oil company profits and similar competition. Are McCain or Obama up to it? Let's pray that our next President has the strength and soul to inspire us and the world again, and to stand up to the corporate money that put him in the White House.

Chuck is right again wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:01 PM:I have no doubts that if the US invaded and, as Chuck puts it, "took" Cuba, liberals (along with everyone in the world that favors the rule of law) would be outraged. Notice how Chuck condemns the Russian action against Georgia, but salivates at the notion of our "taking" Cuba.

Chris to Chuck and Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:14 PM:I just got another book called "Bleeding Afghanistan" by Sonali Kolhatkar and James Ingalls. It tells how our military indescriminately kills innocent civilians but we neve hear about it. Oh, of course we hear all about what supposedly other countries do but our government, military and the press make sure we don't hear about our atrocities. So once again who are we to point fingers.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:16 PM:What[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:23 PM:
Russia feels threatened by the encroachment direct or indirectly by proxy.
The missiles being placed in Poland are not ICBMS. Does not matter if I am joking. Russia is not joking. She is beginning to act based upon perceived or real threats.

Chris to Bill wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:18 PM:So the land doesn't belong to the Palestinians. Tell me if the land of Palestine belonged to Israel way back then why wasn't it called Israel instead of Palestine. Huh. Anyway as I said all you can do is blow smoke and going around with you in circles is pointless.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:21 PM:What[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:23 PM: ... Yes, Russia does feel threatened by missiles designed to shoot down ICBMs. A reduction in her possible outgoing ICBMs upgrades the US ability to strike her enemy. It gives the US additional leverage which Russia obviously wishes to decrease.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:24 PM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:27 PM:
You really need to pay attention, Chuck.
Per GWB these missiles are placed to intercept a possible terrorist attack or an Iranian attack. Now the Poles can put US missiles on the territory. But, like the Russian General just stated today. Poland will become a nuclear target.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:30 PM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:27 PM: Oh Chuckie, I do not hate America. I spent 27 years defending her and will do so again. My rants are about the lies and distortions going on in the press and the propaganda put out by the Bush administration. Bush for the last eight years has had a policy of placing weapons that threaten Russia (perceived or real) in former nations of the Soviet Union or Warsaw Packs. Instead of reducing tensions and creating posetive negotiating environment, Bush prefers to try to intimidate Russia. Well, the results are in the head lines. I am old enough and smart enough not to be some xenophobic jingoist and merely accept the crap that comes out of Bush's mouth.
I am tough enough to laugh in your face when you state or infer that I hate America. Those who hate America are the liars and policy makers that just might get us all dead.

Focal Point is obviously right wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:31 PM:For someone to say that Russia shouldn't fear defensive missles is nuts. As Focal Point says, if a country takes away my ability to retaliate to a strike, it just got one whole lot weaker. If Russia made a deal with Mexico to install missles all along the US-Mexican border which could shoot down any American launches, would the US be cool with it? In addition, we might add that the US has been at least as aggressive militarily as Russia has, probably more so. Putin is the one who fears being thought of as a Neville Chamberlain. And Russia's memories of Hitler are one heck of a lot more vivid than are ours. I'd feel better if either McCain or Obama were at the helm right now. Cheney and Bush have thoroughly proven themselves to have a misguided view of foreign policy. They owe it to the US to run out the clock doing as little as possible.

Chris wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:44 PM:Just remember what a fit we had when Russia put missles in Cuba. Oh, thats different because we make the rules.

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:50 PM:to OBAMA's MAMA @ 9:43 AM:

Would you like to instead talk about the JFK years?

Why in the heck does a 30 year old story, that was already vetted, and aired by McCain's own home state newspaper, the Arizona Republic, have to do with John Edward's?

Besides, we want to know who the Baby's Daddy is!

snerd wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:51 PM:The comments from DDWiz concerning the need for compromise are right on the mark, as usual. There is a myth that this country was founded by rugged individuals, but in reality that is just a myth. The Founding Fathers compromised on many issue in order to bring about the greater good which in their minds was the defeat of the British and the establishment of a new country. The same myth applies to the westward movement. In order to survive people had to work together. So while there may have been some rugged individualism the settlement of the west was made possible by citizens ability to compromise. The inability of some people to compromise about anything is readily apparent on this blog. Could you imagine trying to get anything done with people like Ron? Or poop humor Chuck? The ability to compromise is a sign of strength, not weakness.

snerd wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:57 PM:Isn't it amusing how Ron excuses McCain's infidelity because it happened so long ago, but readily attacks Clintons infidelity even though it happened a long time ago. Gee, do ya think he picks his opinions depending on which political party someone is in? Rather than applying critical thinking, issue by issue. How un-American.

Apollo wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:11 PM:Re: Ron (1:50 p.m.)
Okay, help me out here. I really am trying to understand Ron's thinking.
He criticizes Obama Mama's reference to McCain's marriage-wrecking adultery that happened 30 years ago (coupled with new lying about it from THIS YEAR), by bringing up JFK's dalliances (which did not end his marriage) from 45 years ago?
Is this really how the conservative mind works?

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:12 PM:The fact of the matter...
"To Ron" @10:48 AM & "Rons Confusion"
@10:50 AM: is that I, as I always do, have already addressed this very issue.

It's called Mascot politics.
You guy's have opted out of a very good, and qualified woman candidate, for an unqualified, black candidate. And you have done it, because voting for a black man says more about you, and your guilt, than it says about him.
And that's why he's your candidate.
Pure & simple.

You really should read Thomas Sowell's article about this, all very interesting. And Mr. Sowell would know a thing or two about these kind of political choices, he's a black man.
Of course, in your circle, you'll probably classify him as an Oreo, and Uncle Tom, or some other such nonsense, because he's also a conservative.
And we all know, blacks's can't be conservative. Right?

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:13 PM:Ummmmm....."Chris", the problem with your 1:44pm post is that Russia deployed Nuclear Missles in Cuba and the interceptor is not nuclear or intended to drop in stationary targets.
The Interceptor to be deployed in Poland is for shooting down Nuclear Missles.
You can't comapre the two. Sorry amigo.

Besides, in all there were 60,000 troops, three R-12 missile regiments and two R-14 missile regiments. Troops were transferred by 86 ships, that conducted 180 voyages from ports Baltiysk, Liepāja, Sevastopol, Feodosia, Nikolaev, Poti, Murmansk. Between June 17 and October 22 there were transferred 24 launching pads, 42 R-12 rockets, including six training ones, some 45 nuclear warheads, 42 Il-28 bombers, a fighter aircraft regiment (40 Mig-21 aircraft), two Anti-Air Defense divisions, three mechanized infantry regiments, and other military units - some 47,000 troops in total.

See the difference? I know you still don't care or get it.
Cheers, Nick.

This Before the Debates wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:14 PM:General Election: McCain vs. Obama
Poll Date Sample

Obama (D) McCain (R) Spread

RCP Average 07/31 - 08/14 -- 45.2 41.7 Obama +3.5

Gallup Tracking 08/12 - 08/14 2690 RV 44 44 Tie

Rasmussen Tracking 08/12 - 08/14 3000 LV 47 45 Obama +2

IBD/TIPP 08/04 - 08/09 856 RV 43 38 Obama +5

Pew Research 07/31 - 08/10 2414 RV 46 43 Obama +3

CBS News 07/31 - 08/05 906 RV 45 39 Obama +6

Time 07/31 - 08/04 808 LV 46 41 Obama +5

Guess they haven't gotten Chuck's memo yet.

Ms M wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:15 PM:An excerpt from an article:

Over the past few weeks, the Republican National Committee has made it a point of pride to send out memos portraying a great fissure between the respective camps of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.... ..It's enough to give the impression (certainly, it's designed to give the impression) that chaos is ripping apart the Democratic Party, leading waves of Clinton backers to the precipice of defecting to John McCain.

It is almost completely untrue. In actuality, as Marc Ambinder noted on Friday..., ....the two Democrats are far closer towards political unity than imagined when their primary fight ended.

"This is all a tempest in a teapot driven by a whole lot of media sources and the RNC looking to make trouble," said Mike Berman, a longtime Democratic hand and friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton.

You know this just goes to show how pathetic the cons are. They are doing this because their candidate cannot win on his own merit. If your candidate can't win based on their platform - then they shouldn't be in charge. It is so obvious that the cons don't deserve another term. Books full of lies, ads full of untruths - it's ugly and Americans should be sick of it. It is so sad that games have to be played to win. But you know, with the dishonest con administration we have had the past 7 plus years - I'm not surprised - it is expected - the cons don't know any other way to do things execpt to keep conning away!

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:16 PM:WASHINGTON — The United States and Poland reached a long-stalled deal on Thursday to place an American missile defense base on Polish territory, in the strongest reaction so far to Russia’s military operation in Georgia. Here is an example of the clever misinformation being put into the media. The negociations for placement of missiles in both Poland and the Cezh Republic have been conducted for over two years. Yet, this article wants you believe that the plan was the result of the Russian incursion into Gergia.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:24 PM:Shaky and near tears following a difficult, nearly five-hour meeting with her, Saakashvili answered his own question: "Not only those people who perpetrate them are responsible, but also those people who failed to stop it."Now here is a real leader for you. Saskashvili blaims the Russians and the West for the invasion of Georgia. Both the Russians and Sec Rice told you not to attack South Otessia. But, no you want and did it anyway. Now you are boo hooing without take responsibility for your decision.

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:31 PM:The term "Palestine" is cognate with the word Philistine, and the Philistine people dominated the southern coastal plain during its earliest recorded history (i.e. during the periods of Egyptian and Assyrian empire).

The Philistines were a people who inhabited the southern coast of Canaan, their territory being named Philistia in later contexts. Their origin has been debated among scholars, but modern archaeology has suggested early cultural links with the Mycenean world in mainland Greece. Though the Philistines adopted local Canaanite culture and language before leaving any written texts, an Indo-European origin has been suggested for a handful of known Philistine words

The Philistines lost their independence to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria by 732 BC, and revolts in following years were all crushed. Later, Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon eventually conquered all of Syria and the Kingdom of Judah, and the former Philistine cities became part of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. There are few references to the Philistines after this time period. However, Ezekiel 25:16, Zechariah 9:6, and I Macabees 3 make mention of the Philistines, indicating that they still existed as a people in some capacity after the Babylonian invasion. Eventually all traces of the Philistines as a people or ethnic group disappear. Subsequently the cities were under the control of Persians, Jews (Hasmonean Kingdom), Greeks (Seleucid Empire), Romans, and subsequent empires.

Most authorities agree that the Philistines are not autochthonous to the regions of Israel/Palestine which the Bible describes them inhabiting.

Food for thought.
Cheers, Nick.

retrogrouch wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:32 PM:Chuck,
From the number of blogs that you have
posted in the letters section it appears that you may be spending alot of time at the office, but little of it working.

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:38 PM:"Ms M", when are you going to get it thru your thick head that the whole "Liberal vs Conservative", "Democrat vs Republican" garbage is THE VERY PROBLEM with this Country and our Government?
Day in and day out with you it's the same old nonsense, "It's you Cons".
You sound like a broken record. You Dems are always whining about change, but elceting a Dem or Repub IS NOT CHANGE!
Don't you get it? Quit acting like a Party talking head and actually think for yourself and open your mind a little and try and see the big picture.
You and I have found middle ground on issues in the past and I know you and I want the same thing for this Country.
Yes Maam, it's time for change from the same bovine excrement from BOTH of the 2 Major Parties. Neither serve our best interests "Ms M'.
If you haven't checked it out yet, I think you should.

The Campaign for Liberty.
Cheers, Nick.

Thanks to Chuck and Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:40 PM:Over the past few years I have seen many people on this blog illuminated by the rantings of Chuck and Ron. I wish to extend a sincere congratulations and thanks to both, for being the very epitome of exactly how we DON'T want our country to be.

If you both had been around here in the run up years to Bush, he may never have been elected.

Thanks, once again, for helping to elect our future president, Barack Hussein Obama. We liberals could have never done it without your example.

Alf wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:43 PM:Although I usually disagree with the extremism of "Chris", the post at 1:44PM bears repeating -
"Just remember what a fit we had when Russia put missles in Cuba. Oh, thats different because we make the rules.".
Now, if the idea of ANYONE placing ANY missiles (for ANY purpose) at or near any of OUR borders bothers you, why do you think that Russia should not be bothered and ACT accordingly?
Regards, Alf.

To Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:47 PM:I feel ya, brother, but it won't happen before this year's election.

The Republican Party has finally destroyed itself. They can't even stir up enough interest in their own party to attend the convention. Everyone knows it's a lost cause already.

However, the Democrats will get one more chance. Should Obama be successful he will be re-elected, but should he not, the Democratic Party will also end at that point.

Then we will finally see the rise of alternate parties.

Another GOP senator to skip convo

Sen. Pat Roberts (KS) is now the eighth Republican senator to announce that they will not attend the GOP Convention in St. Paul, Minn., next month.

Roberts spokeswoman told the Topeka Capital Journal today that Roberts will be campaigning that week, finishing up his 105 county statewide tour during the convention week.

Four others who've announced they won't be attending are -- Ted Stevens (AK), Elizabeth Dole (NC), Gordon Smith (OR), and Susan Collins (ME). All are running for re-election and are in close races. (Collins may have the easiest race, but she's never been a close ally of McCain.)

Three other GOP senators who are retiring this year have also said they'll skip the St. Paul festivities -- Larry Craig (ID), Chuck Hagel (NE) and Wayne Allard (CO).

And the list could grow. Two more GOP senators locked in tough re-election races -- John Sununu (NH) and Roger Wicker (MS) are still undecided about attending.

This just in: Schwartzenegger declines, as well.

Racial Politics wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:48 PM:"If you look at folks of color, even women, they're more successful in the Democratic party than they are in the white, uh, excuse me, in the [laughs] Republican party."

--Howard Dean today (Breitbart TV video clip)

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:52 PM:Well "Chris", I read the first 7 or 8 pages of the book you recomended online and am of the opinion that it is a very one-sided and biased piece.
I have a feeling the authors had their own personal agenda in mind when they did they're research and it's obvious.
Of course, this is the kind of biased stuff that you thrive on, so it's no wonder.
Now, since I gave yours a try, it's your turn. Might I recommend Steve Coll's "Ghost Wars" for a more balanced and unbiased view of what's happening in Afghanistan.
I doubt you will, but you never know.
Cheers, Nick.

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:55 PM:You are right "To Nick", that's why I love Ron Pauls idea for starting at the bottom of all local and state governments and ousting the Dems & Repubs alike. 4 years from now we will finally have the real change Americans are looking for.

The Campaign for Liberty!
Cheers, Nick.

Apollo wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:56 PM:Re: Nick (2:38 p.m.)
So, Nick, when are YOU going to get it through YOUR thick skull that "The Campaign for Liberty" is not going to elect anyone president.
The next president of the United States, barring some unforseseen tragedy, will be either Barack Obama or John McCain.
That's your choices.
All your wishing, dreaming, fantasizing, ain't gonna make your "Campaign for Liberty" guy take the White House.
DDWIZ at 10:51 a.m. is right. Politics is about strategy to get as much as you can, and when you can't get everything you want right now, get what you can and position yourself to get the rest of it when you can.
Idealism is wonderful, because it sets the goals that you can be striving toward.
But idealism at the expense of pragmatism sabotages everythng.
Ask the "Green" voters how many pieces of environmental legislation they have passed, compared to how many they have sabotaged by electing Republicans.
Ask the Nader voters in Florida how many of them would like to take back their 2000 vote.

Alf wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:02 PM:Speaking of political parties,
the Big Two offer to pick your pocket, the amount is really rather similar,
but they serve the best interest of their party,
not in your best interest,
not in the best interest of the Constitution and
not in the best interest of the United States of America.
Are our borders secure?
NO.
Is our economy in the toilet?
YES.
What ACTION has either party taken to address AND REMEDY BOTH of these issues?
NONE.
GWB in Iraq.
The Cheney Branch.
Pelosi "off the table".
Congress voting to keep funding GWB's INSANITY year after year.
Congress voting ALONG PARTY LINES when GWB vetoes a bill so that there can be no over-ride.
Congress voting to continue the rape of our Constitution and our Constitutional rights.
Yup, the two party system is right on track -
the track taking us to hell.
Regards, Alf.

Ahhh...ARF wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:05 PM:Dear ARF!: The old Soviet Union, and now the Russians had, and have missiles near (just a few miles) our coasts for decades in submarines, and we had and have missiles next to theirs.

What? Because you don't see them, you don't think about them? They cannot be wished away.

And, yes, Moscow and most Russian cities have interceptor missiles ringing them, also, and we have ships at sea (particularly off Japan and Korea) with interceptor missiles.

Israel has them also -- some provided by us, and some of their own design.

Apparently nearly everyone can have interceptor missiles, but Poland can't?

I'll bet you have a good reason.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:14 PM:Apollo[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:56 PM:
That is true. The mission now is recruitment for the future elections. This is the time for Campaign for Liberty to organize and recruit. It calls attention to the condition of the country, the platforms of the parties, the historical record, the gradual decline of the United States, and the need to restore the Constitution. I have read the Liberty platform and agree with it about 95%. I joined with the reorganization that very little can be done to influence the present election. But, the future is bright.

Rosa wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:23 PM:This is the 2nd story in the last year about this little boy Cameron. First, his parents thanked Palomar Hospital for trying to save him and all of the care they received after the fact and now a bench in his memory. This not only tells me that his parents loved him but that he was loved by many,many others.God Bless this family and comfort them in their grief.

Ken wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:33 PM:It's really too bad that the majority of voters have no idea about the Skull and Bones and the Council of Foreign Relations and the various other organizations of elitists that all hand pick the future presidents (you really don't believe Bush won in 2000) and support and own the PRIVATELY OWNED Federal Reserve Bank. These private parties get richer every time they print up more money and we taxpayers have to pay interest on every dollar.
By the way the 16th amendment (paying taxes) was never ratified by the proper number of states, so paying taxes is unconstitutional, but will the hand picked government tell you about that, and take money out of their greedy pockets, NO.

McCain and Obama are both hand picked by the controlling elitists and they will continue to do as they are told, if you think there is change to come it will only come from the people who are pulling the strings not from the elected president.
Ron Paul knows the positions of these elitists and doesn't like what is store for the USA from these greedy people.

I would really hope if you vote that you would do your research and chose the right person for the USA, not the one that can speak well with a written speech in front of his face, or the one that got shot down and held as a POW, but the one that sees how bad off the USA is and will do anything and everything for this country and our forefathers that built this country.

OBAMACAN wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:35 PM:Ron at 1:50 p.m. completely misses the point of the question raised in Douglas Dunn's letter or Obama Mama's 9:43 a.m. supportive response.
OK, Ron, granted that JFK and Bill Clinton were both very naughty boys, though neither of their actions ended their marriages, as also is the case with Edwards - looks like Democrats take their vows through better or worse far more seriously in honoring the sanctity of marriage.
Nor is the point that it happened long ago - Apollo at 2:11 p.m. is right on pointing out the insanity of replying to McCain's CURRENT LIES THIS YEAR about cheating that wrecked his marriage, by citing even older naughtiness from JFK that did not wreck his marriage and which he did not lie about in the current campaign.
Memo to Ron: JFK isn't running this year and either is Edwards.
McCain is.
Obama Mama is right. Dunn gives us the "question of the month."
Now Ron, pay attention to the actual question. Don't pull the ol' switcheroo.
The question is:
Why do all the pundits keep saying that if Edwards had gotten the nomination, these revelations would have derailed that nomination, but new revelations (see L.A. Times 7-11-08 and Newsweek 6-30-08) about McCain's affair which wrecked his marriage and his lying about it THIS YEAR don't.
That is the question to be answered.
No substitutions, please.

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:41 PM:Chuck will love this poll:

According to an analysis of campaign contributions by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, Democrat Senator Obama has received nearly six times as much money from troops deployed overseas at the time of their contributions than has McCain, and the fiercely anti-war Ron Paul, though he suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination months ago, has received more than four times McCain's haul.
 
Despite McCain's status as a decorated veteran and a historically Republican bent among the military, members of the armed services overall -- whether stationed overseas or at home -- are also favoring Obama with their campaign contributions in 2008, by a $55,000 margin. Although 59 percent of federal contributions by military personnel has gone to Republicans this cycle, of money from the military to the presumed presidential nominees, 57 percent has gone to Obama.

So we see that our military has lost all confidence in Bush as a Commander in Chief, and believes McCain is McSAME. McSHAME !!

OMG wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:48 PM:Thanks to Chuck and Ron [-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:40 PM:
I couldn't agree more.
Chuck is the grade school smartaleck that sits in the back of the room and mocks what the smart kids say, but has never had an original thought of his own. Ron is the guy that doesn't know how to end a conversation and continues to talk after you have walked away. And neither of them have anything interesting to say.

OBAMACAN wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:50 PM:To Ken at 3:33 p.m.
Do you honestly believe that this conspiratorial "established order" you believe in, without any evidence, picked Obama over Hillary Clinton?

Ms M wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:51 PM:Nick
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:38 PM:...Day in and day out with you it's the same old nonsense, "It's you Cons".
...Nick well isn't it the cons? I don't think that what the cons have done to this country is nonsense and will continue to do with McBush in office. Just who has been in charge. Heck, Obama hasn't even been sworn in and according to the cons on this blog everything is his fault. It's typical, folks can disparage Obama all day long - but you don't want to hear Bush/cons bashed. Well Nick, I will be here continuosly talking about the cons. You see I am continuously reminded of the con job they have done on America!!!

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:52 PM:You go right ahead and talk, and chatter, and whine away about a 30 yeard old story. I'm telling you, in the National Equirer, Maury Povitz style of news reporting, all anyone is concerned about right now is who is the real Daddy? Will he please stand up!
The only people concerned about an ancient McCain story matter is those on the extreme Left. You know you do not have a good candidate, you know you just were a step away from nominating Edwards, all sighing relief now....
And that the Hilster is gunning for Obama on the floor with all her minions. And that's what's got you worried? Right? "OBAMACAN"
@3:35 PM?

The McCain story, is a NON-Story.
Only in YOUR mind, and your small circle of friends, is it a story.

Your living in the past, Man! I thought all you guy's were Progressives? Or whatever it is your calling yourself today.

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:01 PM:Is it Ron’s baby???

Know the thinking of right wing Fascists, if OberFührer
Ron (1:50 PM) has his say, he would strap the woman down and forcibly extract a DNA sample. If Ron were wrong, nothing would be said. If Ron were right, what would he do? Do you see the treachery of such rightwing nut minds? Total State Control, invasiveness and repression.

To SALOON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:03 PM:Shhhh. The answer may be racial politics, and you don't even want to hear that answer.

Or if "racial politics" is too heavy for you, perhaps we should use the politically correct term, "Solidarity."

Ms M wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:14 PM:I am the first to agree that our political structure today is the pits. Over the years our government has evolved into an extension of big business. Take the money out of politics and the people win. Now, that said with an election a few months away it is what it is. So what do we do? Vote for the better (notice I said better) of the two or stay home. I am supporting Obama because the thought of the repubs. running our country further into nothing really scares me. It will be really interesting to see just how soon after the election is over that the movement starts to build a strong third party. Hopefully, it has already started - if not then 4 years from now we will still be whining!

Emulating the Israeli evil -- wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:17 PM:Human Rights Campaign has confirmed that the Russians dropped a cluster bomb on the Georgian town of Gori, killing eight people, including a journalist.

This is DESPICABLE. The Russians emulate the evil of the Israelis, who dropped numerous cluster bombs on Lebanese children in 2006. Now we know where the Russians learn the art of modern evil -- from the Israelis. This is very troubling.

Union Watcher wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:19 PM:From today's WSJ: "Meanwhile, General Motors said it will announce a multimillion-dollar investment next week in its Lordstown, Ohio, plant..."

Since GM is losing BILLIONS of dollars a year, why not expand into in a non-union state, as all foreign car makers are doing?

Because, the UAW would shut down GM completely! This is just another case where GM, and all northern industrials are being held captive until finally, to compete, they must close and move their manufacturing and assembly overseas.

At which time the Liberals blame the corporation, and not the union.

This is what passes for logic among the Left.

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:20 PM:Well "Apollo", it's dense thinking such as yours, WHY no 3rd Party gets elected.
The whole idea of The Campaign for Liberty is just that.
To help and change the mindset of folks like you who think that ONLY a Dem or Repub can win.
If the majority of Americans voted for a 3rd Party and NOT Obama or McCain, exactly how would either of them win?
They wouldn't!
That's why Americans need to get off of their collective lazy butts and actually do their homework.
Instead, they choose to be complacent and lazy and either do the "same 'ol, same 'ol" or wait until the last minute and swallow the falsehood propaganda dispensed by BOTH Parties the weeks before the election.
The fact that you can't believe that a 3rd Party can win shows you are not open minded at all.
A mind is like a parachute "Apollo", it only works when it is open!
Cheers, Nick.

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:22 PM:I was talking to a friend of mine's little girl, and she said she
wanted to be President some day.
Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I
asked her, "If you were President what would be the first thing you
would do?"
She replied, "I'd give houses to all the homeless people."
"Wow...what a worthy goal." I told her, "You don't have to wait until
you're President to do that.
You can come over to my house and mow, pull weeds, and sweep my yard,
and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store
where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use
toward a new house."
She thought that over for a few seconds while her Mom glared at me,
then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, "Why doesn't the
homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the
$50?"

And I said, "Welcome to the Republican Party."

Her folks still aren't talking to me.

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:25 PM:>>>>Why do all the pundits keep saying that if Edwards had gotten the nomination, these revelations would have derailed that nomination, but new revelations (see L.A. Times 7-11-08 and Newsweek 6-30-08) about McCain's affair which wrecked his marriage and his lying about it THIS YEAR don't.
That is the question to be answered.>>>

McCain's 30-year old affair is not a story. ONLY for you.
Yawn.

Now, if you can tell us Who's the Baby's Daddy? I'm all ear's, as Ross Perot once said. Didn't Barry Obama say that too?

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:29 PM:And one more thing "Apollo", you say that "idealism at the expense of pragmatism sabotages everythng".
You couldn't be further from the truth.
In your world someone should throw out their ideals because the slimey, lying and corrupt politicians have you so brainwashed into thinking that you can't actually change things.

If more people actually stuck to their ideals(especially the ideals most politicians had when running for their office), then those ideals would actually BE pragmatic.
Again, it's people like you, who think like that, for the reason there is NEVER really any poitive change.

I don't ever expect you to change your way of thinking, but their are plenty of people on these blogs who have already opened their minds and made the change for the better.
I have a feeling Millions of Americans will follow suit and then American can finally begin a return to the great Country it once was, without any help from you.

Bill One wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:52 PM:I just read the article "Groups sue to throw out forest plans" in the State section of the news. It's all about enviro groups suing cause they didn't get their way. I have stated in previous blogs how the enviro groups opperate. Here is yet another story confirming that. After going all through stake holders meetings and negotiations the state came up with a good plan that takes "ALL" peoples interest in the forest under consideration. But the enviro nuts want the forest closed to all but hiking. Anything else isn't acceptable to them. So now that they didn't get that, they sue!!

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:53 PM:It’s another Bush LIE

Bush's new deal with Poland gives that country millions in aid, stokes Russia's paranoia and decreases America's security. It is terrible policy.
Bush has promised Poland tens of millions of dollars in defense assistance to buy its agreement to deploy 10 anti-missile interceptors he says are necessary to counter a future Iranian missile threat. Here is the punch line: the interceptors don't work and Iran doesn't have any missiles that can reach Europe, let alone the United States. Wait, there's more.

After insisting for two years that the anti-missile base had nothing to do with Russia and was all about Iran, missile defense proponents now say it is all about countering Russia. They cite the conflict in Georgia as justification for their rush to deploy a technology that does not work against a threat that does not exist.

The Bush administration had gone to great lengths to assure Russia that the proposed anti-missile bases in the Czech Republic and Poland are not intended to offset a threat from the Kremlin.

It is another Bush LIE .

Well, forget all that. Citing the looming specter of a reborn Russian Empire, Senator John McCain's foreign policy advisor Randy Scheunemann argued this week the bases were necessary to push back against Russia

They mismanaged the relationship with Russia, passed up Putin's offer to cooperate in missile defenses against Iran, wasted $60 billion over the past seven years on anti-missile weapons that have never passed a realistic test, wasted trillions of dollars and thousands of lives on an unnecessary war in Iraq, yet now they insist that we trust them this time.

Only fools trust Bush at this point.

Alf wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:03 PM:Well, "OBAMACAN" at 3:35PM,
the "Ron"s of this world, more often than not, do no believe that "what's sause for the goose is sause for the gander".
Their m.o. is to deflect, redirect, change the subject, make invalid comparisons that have nothing to do (except very tangentially) with the issue at hand, use "straw-man" arguments, etc.
At least "Ron" does not resort to as much overt name-calling as "sdraoul".
The glancing insult is another part of the m.o., use of the diminutive - Obama becomes "Barry" while McCain stays "John".
My own insults are to use "GWB", "president" and "McGWB" although I do ask, upon occasion, whether someone has even one functioning neuron remaining.
Regards, Alf.

Oh Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:03 PM:We KNOW the McCain infidelity is a non-story, as you put it. That's why the poster asked the question: WHY is it a non-story when the infidelity of others IS a story? You just repeat: "It's a non-story". Ron: WHY is it a non-story? Is it because it's old and known? So if Edwards' affair had turned out to be a decade ago, it would also have been a non-story? Please, try, when you're asked a question, to answer. Repeating the question is not an answer. BTW: loved how you said the other day that you were starting to read the Enquirer now. Shows perfectly that you are driven by only one thing: the desire to find stuff you can use against your foes, regardless of truth, integrity, or anything else. Ron, you are the ultimate cherry-picker. LOL

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:07 PM:No "Ms M", I could care less how long you bash on Cons, as you like to call them.
You have just again proved my point on the blind and ignorant mindset of Democrats. You folks are so wrapped up in your Party nonsense that you can't see the truth in front of your face. Democrats are not the answer to Republican, they BOTH suck! Obama is not going to lead us back to the promised land...lol.
The man is bought and paid for by the Trilateral Commission and the Council on Foreign Relations( whom his wife is on the Board in Chicago). Obama and his wife are elitists who have nothing in common with middle class America.
McCain is a former member of the Trilateral Commission (there's no such thing). Both will do the bidding of the ones who pull the strings in this Country.
Seeing as how you have the close minded views as "Apollo", don't take it to personally when I continue to bash on Dem's, Obama, and your posts.
Just like your rhetoric, mine will never stop, until we have this Country back.
And when that day comes, all you johnny-come-latley Dems will act like you actually had somethin to do with it, which couldn't be further from the truth.
Cheers, Nick.

Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:27 PM:Did I really hear that the total nutcase Condi Rice, now wants to rebuild the infrastructure of Georgia?? She should have been pointed Secretary of the Dogpound, where she would be more qualified

Ms M wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:33 PM:Nick
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:07 PM:...You have just again proved my point...Nick, I really hate to tell you this but, YOU NEVER EVER HAVE HAD A POINT!!!!!

Oh Chuck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:42 PM:Of course Bush is offering to rebuild the infrastructure of Georgia. Did you forget why Bush is in office and whom he serves? His buddies the war profiteers don't need the US to be AT war with a place to profit from a war, nor does it have to be US taxpayers that foot the bill. Let the no-bid contracts for rebuilding Georgia begin! PayyyyDayyyy! Yeeha!

to Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:44 PM:That's an interesting story about the little girl you talked to....oddly I read the same story on the internet a couple of years ago. I guess you just can't tell a story without making yourself the center of it.

OBAMA MAMA wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:50 PM:Now y’all listen up to MAMA:

Train up a child in the way which he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it Proverbs 22:6

We saw the way in which Herbert and Barbara Bush trained up their child: He used to cross the Texas border into Mexico to get drunk on tequilla. He was arrested in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 1976 for influence of alcohol. He pled guilty, paid a fine, and had his driver’s license suspended for 30 days. He was a besotten drunken playboy, once arrested for drunk driving in Canada in his youth. His Texas driving records have been misplaced, and are not available.

He joined the Texas Air National Guard, went AWOL, refused to take a drug test or answer any questions about his drug use. By joining the Texas Air National Guard, he was able to dodge the draft for combat duty in Vietnam.

He graduated from Yale with a low C average. He was a cheerleader, but not a very good one, but he was kind of cute. All puppies are cute, even pit bulls and Rottweilers. MAMA has seen many a cute little boy grow up and become a mean killer. Bad killers kill two or three people. War criminals kill many thousands.

Little baby Bush ran for U.S. Congress and lost, so he began his young business career in the oil business in Midland, TX, in 1975. He bought an oil company with money loaned him by a rich Arab friend of his daddy’s, but he couldn’t find any oil in Texas. The company went bankrupt shortly after he sold all his stock, and Bush made a nice little pile of money.

He bought the Texas Rangers baseball team in a sweetheart deal that took land seized by emminent domanine and using taxpayer money to swing the deal.

Honey, there is lots LOTS more about the youth of this man, but nobody wanted to hear about water than had already run under the bridge.

Now this Ron character is trying to tell MAMA (3:52 PM) that nobody wants to hear about all McCain’s p-ss that has already run under the bridge and out to the sea. The smell is gone, the yellow has faded and nobody cares anymore.

Ron is telling MAMA that a young man’s background and history of graft, corruption, irresponsibility and idiocy is irrelevant. MAMA says Ron should go sit on a corncob. I say the best way to tell what kind of grown man a youth will become is to look at the clear record.

Of course, Baby Bush was struck down by Jesus as he traveled the road to Damascus, and was born again and saved of all his sins -- so all that stuff don’t matter no more. Once saved, always saved, they say. Bush ain’t never goin’ to Hell, no matter how many young men he sent there himself.

Well, Honey, MAMA is telling’ you it DOES MATTER. MAMA is telling you that you better go back and study McCain’s youth and early adulthood if you want to understand his character -- or lack of it. Y’all better get busy now and find out about McCain’s behavior in his younger years. ALL of it.

The future of this great nation depends on it.

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:06 PM:Short and to the point...
"Oh Ron" @5:03 PM:

Here's why Edward's IS a story, and McCain's old affair ain't.
Ya ready?
The real story is, there was NO story until after he lost his bid. That's THE story. All the while, under the noses of all the press, the MainStream Press that is, he was doing his mistress.
And THAT's why it's a story.
It's a story about how the Press fell down on the job, again!
Clearer now?
I think I'm losing IQ points just explaining all this, over, and over, and over again.

Point Of Order wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:08 PM:Don't say you "could care less" when you mean to say you "couldn't care less". It changes the meaning completely.

Nick wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:09 PM:My point exactly "Ms M". How could you miss it, all you had to do was read. "You have just again proved my point on the blind and ignorant mindset of Democrats". See, your self consuming hatred of "Con's" doesn't even let you digest and comprehend 3 or 4 simple paragraphs.
Nothing finer than sitting here with a cold beer, smelling the sweet smell of the BBQ, while you Dems sit and stew in your hatred of anything not Liberal...lol.
Cheers, Nick.
Thanks, Nick.

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:11 PM:Rebuild Georgia? ?
Chuck, you don’t put 2 + 2 together (5:27 PM). Of course Condi is offering Mikheil Saakashvili aid to rebuild. It’s the least Bush can do after leaving his Georgian buddy in the lurch against the big Russian Bear. Did you think Bush was going to march into South Ossetia and start a hot war over this tiny province of some 75,000 residents?

Bush lost so much face over leaving his Georgia buddy in the lurch, that Bush has do what he will not even do for Iraq: rebuild it. Seems the Russians were a mite more merciful to the infrastructure of Georgia than Bush was to that of Iraq. Bush has been exposed as a fangless Chihuahua. I hate the way he has humiliated our country.

Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:16 PM:Hey "MAMA" @5:50 PM:

NEWSFLASH!!!!!

Bush ain't running....

just in.

Alf wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:34 PM:Well, "SOLON" at 6:11PM,
were I to add something to your post, it would be to change your last sentence -
"I hate the way he has humiliated our country [and continues to humiliate our country]."
A special place in hell is reserved for GWB, The Cheney Branch, Pelosi, the rest of Congress and people who drive old VW vans uphill in the left lane.
Come to think of it, the people who drive old VW vans uphill in the left lane are 25 steps closer to the surface.
Regards, Alf.

To Israeli Evil wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:38 PM:You have a lot of nerve talking about the Russians using cluster bombs when we stand here knowing that we the United States have secret prisons around the world where we use TORTURE. Not to mention we have an interrogation room in the basement of the White House. Honestly, shut up.

Apollo wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:40 PM:Re: Ron (6:06 p.m.) and SDRaoul (8/13 - 8:58 p.m.)
Truly hilarious, a real gut-buster- trying to watch Ron and Raoul squirm as they try to explain why Edwards's years-old affair (that did not break up his marriage) is a story when he is not a candidate, while McCain's years-old-affair (that did break up his marriage) with current lies about it THIS YEAR, is NOT a story while he IS the candidate.
Amazing, incredible, and just oh, too funny!

hardtack wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:44 PM:Aah! Now I remember why I dislike pseudo-“liberals” and Democrats even more that pseudo-“conservatives” and Republicans. Now I recall why I changed my registration to “Independent.” Thank you, Dunn and Wilder. (Hmm – “Dunn & Wilder” – has a nice ring to it – like a firm of litigation lawyers.)

We Shall See Ron wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:44 PM:Ron says: "The McCain story, is a NON-Story.
Only in YOUR mind, and your small circle of friends, is it a story."

Tomorrow night at 5 pm both McCain and Obama will be interviewed at the Saddleback Church in Orange County and will be asked "several very personal questions". Let's meet back here on Sunday and find out if McCain's infidelity is a non-story.

Ya wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:55 PM:To Israeli Evil[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:38 PM: The US cluster bombed Vietnam.
We probably also used them in Iraq as well.

Funny is right wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:58 PM:I join Apollo (God of reason) in laughing at the Rons and raouls. Raouls says because McCain isn't a Roman Catholic, adultery is cool! Woo hoo! This is great news for me, being non-Catholic! Ron runs all over creation to avoid the problem and pays for a subscription to the National Enquirer. The past, he says, is the past, and then yammers about Obama's connection to Saul Alinsky. Too funny. I have given up caring that much about who "wins" in this country that has become a third-world political cesspool, but reading the Rons and Raouls is a never-ending delight for their demonstration of how we got to be the cesspool that we have become. I, like many, will vote for Obama because the raouls and Rons oppose this, and they are so morally weak that anything they oppose just has to be on the right track, relatively speaking. But what would this space be like without Ron, raoul, Chuck and their "ilk" (what a wonderful word I've learned here!)? A whole lot less humorous, a whole lot dispicable. Is life not infinitely entertaining?

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:02 PM:Ahhh...ARF[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:05 PM: You would be surprised that the Russian subs are tracked from their bases. The US shadows them all the time.
Of course, Poland can set up so defensive misses on their own soil. They, on the other hand, will be targeted by the Russians for nuclear destruction. The bottom line is that the Russians perceive them as a threat and part of the Bush containment policy.

Ms M wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:04 PM:Nick
[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:09 PM: ....um Nick, let me rephrase my statement "YOU HAVE NEVER EVER EVER HAD A POINT!!!!!"

Now I do need a drink - Happy Friday and a safe and enjoyable weekend to all!

Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:05 PM:Richard; My post is not to rag on you. Berlin was attacked by Soviet Armies under the command of Marshal G. Zhukov.
No American forces participated in the battle for Berlin. Gen Eisenhower felt that he should not waste American lives on the enterprise as Berlin would be in the Soviet sphere after the war. Gen Keitel signed the surrender document. Hitler did no surrender. He committed suicide in order to avoid it.

OBAMA MAMA wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:15 PM:MAMA raised some smart kids of her own, some a little smarter than the others, but I never saw a kid as unteachable as Ron. NEVER!

Listen up one more time, Ron: BUSH IS INDEED RUNNING. He is running in the history books, and there are great tragic lessons which must be learned from the story of Bush, or our nation is doomed to repeat those same mistakes in the next president if we do not completely vet the candidates, even the one who claims to be a war hero. Yes, even McCain’s war record must be questioned and vetted. His scholarship record, he youthful study habits, his youthful exploits and capers, and his school reputation, his love and courtship, his religion, his business deals and practices, his congressional votes. A man who would lead our great nation must pass through the fire. We must never let a sloth like Dubya occupy the White House again.

If MAMA had her way, we would give the candidates an IQ test and an exhaustive query into their knowledge of and beliefs about Constitutional government and law. They would have to prove their knowledge of history’s and explain the import of great events. They must be vetted on their character, their trustworthiness, their leadership qualities and their ethics in government.

MAMA does not care one whit about their religion. Oh, yes, Ron. George W. Bush IS running. Until you learn this, you will not advance to the next grade. Any man who is mentor to McCain is running.

sdraoul wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:23 PM:Obama Mama proves once again that she is an ...

Bush didn't avoid the draft, he joined the Texas National Guard and spent almost THREE YEARS active duty training to be a pilot which he became. he was a volunteer. He NEVER went AWOL.

His last year he accumultaed the required 50 points necessary to fulfill his obligation. He didn't have to attent drils, no reservist need to, he or she can make the points in many ways other than weekend drills.

Obama never served in any service, military or civilian. he organized poor people to demonstrate on the street agaisnt the very corrupt political.

Bush graduated from Yale. Et tu, Obama Mama? John Kerry had lower test scores, lower grades and almost flunked out of Yale.

John Kerry was so low rated in his tests to join the Navy he didn't qualify for pilot training as Bush did. Kerry qualified to be a "boat driver" which is in Navy lingo not a highly respected occupation when compared to flyers.

We don't know anything about Obama's grades or test scores and we don't know if he would have qualified to be a boat driver for he never took any qualifier tests for the military because he "served" as a street organizer of poor Chicago blacks.

We do know that Obvama is an affirmative action baby who claims he didn't mark race on his Harvard application. But we know that isn't true because Harvard would not have accepted his applciation if that portion would have been blank.

For example, federal law requires that any college that accepts federal money and Harvard does, must require that information and report it to the government.

Another Obama lie.

ISRAELI EVIL -- wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:23 PM:Yes, the United States used cluster bombs massively both in Vietnam and in Iraq. And to further compound our war crimes, we supplied the cluster bombs which Israel used against the Lebanese children in 2006.

So the United States, when it accuses Russia, is looking at itself in the mirror, and sees its own finger pointing at the criminal.

Gotta Wonder wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:49 PM:sdraoul[-] wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:23 PM:
This is not even entertaining. The subjects introduced here by Pancho have all been discussed ad nauseam on this blog previously. But, if we laughed at him once, we can laugh at him again. Here that! Its the audience laughing at the blog jester.

SLEUTH -- wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:56 PM:ALERT! ALERT!

From Global Research - August 13, 2008

The World it at a very dangerous crossroads. America in alliance with NATO and Israel has embarked upon a military adventure. 
The Bush administration has launched with the approval of the US Congress a naval blockade directed against Iran, which could be a first step towards an all out war.  
Military sources report a massive deployment of US and allied naval power in the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea directed against Iran.
There has been a virtual media blackout regarding this naval deployment. The Western media, including the printed press and network TV have failed to meaningfully address these war preparations. 
While war plans directed against Iran are casually acknowledged, the broader implications of a war on Iran are rarely analyzed. 
The US media has become a unconditional mouthpiece of the Pentagon. The Islamic Republic is relentlessly accused, without a evidence and substantiation, of developing nuclear weapons, as well as working hand in glove with Al Qaeda.

Seems the Russian Bear upset the best laid plans of the Pentagon mice. The Pentagon and Cheney were caught off guard, and are screaming blood murder about Georgia and South Ossetia. Russia stand at the ready to snap the oil pipeline running from the Caspian to the Mediterranean. It runs just a few miles south of Ossetia.

H-m-m-m-m. Lots of rumors and mad jockeying going on. Spy satellites are switching positions.

To Obama Mama wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:03 PM:Considering Obama Mama is concerned about the youthful adventures of presidential candidates, Obama Mama should check out Jerome Corsi's book, The Obama Nation. Drugs and alcohol there too, but most important are the people he sought out as mentors, friends and associates. Marxist mentors Saul Alinski and Frank Marshall Davis. Bombers William Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. Politifal fixer, Tony Rezko. Anti-America pastors, Father Jeramiah Wright and Father Michael Pflager. Association with Raila Odinga of Kenya. Check out Louis Farrakhan, Malcom X and other Muslim extremists. An interesting gang of terrorists, Marxists, radicals and.....We should be worried, very worried.

Oh raoul wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:03 PM:Obama headed the Harvard Law Review. Et to, raoul? Seriously, dude: are you a journalist or a mere propagandist? Have you any respect for anything other than backing your guy? Does truth matter? Do intelligence and hard work mean nothing to you? Would you sell out all these for the sake of a political advantage? C'mon, Raoul, give us the scoop on who you really are. Look at Obama's life and accomplishments. Forget the election: surely you have to admire the guy. Can you admit this? McCain may win because he is more experienced, because enough Americans are scared, because enough Americans are racists. I can live with that unfortunate reality. But raoul, do you have any integrity? Can you look at the man, Obama, and give credit where it's due? Oh, never mind. I forgot who I was talking to.

To Sleuth wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:13 PM:So you are saying that Bush is committing suicide and taking everyone with him? Will he go so far as to start WWIII in ernest in order to keep the presidency? I am sad that I believe it could be true. I still hold out hope that there is a higher power who will give us a hand and tilt things in the right direction just long enough for us to still find hope. Where is Superman when you need him.

For Gosh Sakes Reardon wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:17 PM:Corsi is a freak, one of those "Truthers" who believes that Bush pulled off 9/11. He has already been debunked and Obama's team has already published a detailed 43 page response. He references himself in his book's footnotes for cryin' out loud! Wait a minute! Is Corsi Ron's pen name?

Fifth Column Redux wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:59 PM:With the American Left providing political cover, Russian troops continue to advance into Georgia in order to demolish the fledgling democracy.

Russia has also threatened Poland, and may have the Ukraine and still more oil and oil transportation systems in their sights. As the Russian armor rolls, the American Left can only cry, "It's Bush's fault."

Apparently the American Left hates Bush more than they do Communism's return -- but that is not much news.

I suspect the American Left hates chocolate ice cream more than they do communism's return.

That was not always the case. There was a time when the Left was divided between pro-communist political factions, and pro-democracy political factions but the pro-democracy faction (including Daniel Patrick Moynihan) has declined – but if you want a good read, just read the NY Times brief book review (1999) of A Covert Life by Jay Livingstone – the review alone (”Under the Beds of the Reds”) may open your more recent eyes to an earlier brand of American Fifth Column

To For Gosh Sake wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:06 PM:The name "Corsi" has never passed my lips, or been on the end of my fingertips. I have never read his book, or recommended it, or even mentioned it. EVER!

Reardon

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:07 PM:Bush went AWOL, then deserted

Bush didn't fulfill the "military service obligation" he signed:
An article in the September 20 edition of U.S. News & World Report reported:

"Because Bush signed a six-year 'military service obligation,' he was required to attend at least 44 inactive-duty training drills each fiscal year beginning July 1. But Bush's own records show that he fell short of that requirement, attending only 36 drills in the 1972-73 period, and only 12 in the 1973-74 period. The White House has said that Bush's service should be calculated using 12-month periods beginning on his induction date in May 1968. Using this time frame, however, Bush still fails the Air Force obligation standard."

Just as there are so many myths and so much coverup about Geoge W. Bush's military record, we find the same about John McCain. We will be looking in coming weeks at McCain's military record with close scrutiny to expose the myths.

To Focal Point wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:10 PM:Ahhhh....WAS a shadow.

SLEUTH -- wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:16 PM:SLEUTH does not say this, of course (8:13 PM). All this information comes from Global Research.

SOLON wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:41 PM:Now let’s look at McCain’s Military Record:

There is so much myth about McCain as a military hero. Forget what we know about deserter George Bush. He is already washing out to sea.

But tomorrow, we will start exploring and exploding some of the myths about John McCain.

Obamas Military Record wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:50 PM:It will not take much time or space for Saloon to address Obama's military record.

Ken wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:27 PM:Obamacan it's people like you who are making it so easy for the One World Government elitists to take over the sovereignty of the United States and take away our constitutional rights at the same time.
I cannot make you open a book or investigate what is really happening but when you find out it will be to late.

Have you heard of the North American Union? Were those illegal secret meetings in the media? No. Why? Because they don't want Americans to know about their deceitful ways that are destroying the USA.

This has been going on for many many years and it is about to come to a disastrous head real soon.

There is nothing I can do about you being undereducated in this department, the government wants us to be uneducated as a whole society, but just because you don't want to believe it or haven't heard of it doesn't mean it hasn't taken place, it doesn't make it a myth. It is true and real.

As for Obama winning over Hillary, yes I do believe that a secret meeting was held and came to an agreement and went with Barack 1) because he is of color and 2) his wife is a big part of The Council on Foreign Relations.

To Brigette Moistner wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:25 AM:Glad you're happy with the skate park. I myself never go to the reservation.However an issue was brought to my attention the other day. How safe is the water supply on the reservation.Does the EPA monitor the water on the reservation regularly if at all? What is the source of the water supply for the casino, skate park and other public facilities.There is a countless number of septic tanks that may be seeping raw sewer water into the underground water supply. Does anyone have any information? Thanks.