Cause and effect wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:27 AM:JoAnn Walker complains about “No help from Congress” on gas prices. Since they adjourned for their August recess oil prices have fallen 23%. Before the recess the Democrats were threatening to clamp down on oil speculators and taxing the oil companies’ windfall profits.
No new drilling. Standing up to Big Oil. Prices fall dramatically. Hmmm.

P.S. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, JoAnn.

Put on your tinfoil hat wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:46 AM:Before reading any letter that starts with, “Recent allegations surfacing on the Internet…”

I have to ask wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:59 AM:Janet Price writes, “Pelosi and her "do-nothing" party will do and say anything if they think it will benefit them politically.” in regards to a (non)vote on off shore drilling.

My question is: If the public is clamoring for new drilling and believes that such drilling would lower the price of oil, and further believes that Pelosi and the Democrats are standing in the way, just how would that benefit them politically?

To Irene Edwards wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:02 AM:Now I've heard everything!!!! Is Irene Edwards actually implying that Barack Obama is guilty of identity theft? Excuse me but the is the most the ridiculous thing about him that I have heard!!! I have seen Barack Obama Pledge Allegiance to the flag and as far a wearing a flag pin on his lapel I have seen that too. Since when does an accessorie determine if a person is qualified to be President. I think Mrs. Edwards must sit around and listen to all the negative reports being presented by the right wing. I'm sorry to say this and with all due respect to Mrs. Edwards I believe she is too ignorant to address this issue with any credibility.

To Irene Edwards wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:14 AM:Did you watch any footage where Obama supposedly remarks about the 57 states? Simple mistake. He visited 47 states "with one left to go,Alaska and Hawaii not allowed to go". Thats a total of 50. Simple mistake. You never make mistakes? Sad how people will blow even the simplest mistake out of proportion.

Georgia On My Mind wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:27 AM:The funniest thing I heard this week was McCain saying, “In the 21st century, countries don’t invade other countries.” Somebody should tell the Iraqis.
Second funniest thing I heard was Obama calling for a UN Security Council resolution to end the violence in Georgia. I’m sure he had a plan to get Russia not to use their veto.
Russia’s having their own WMD problem with their neighboring countries. In this instance WMD being Want More Democracy.
The Bush Doctrine: Any country with nukes can invade and occupy any other country it says threatens their security no matter how flimsy the rationale.

Paul wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:33 AM:Red hostage in a blue state

To Joann Walker

Blaming problems on the Dems when you know the republicans have been in control for 8 years is not only inaccurate, it is dishonest. If you think the dems are responsible for high gas prices, time to do more reading and less writing...

Paul wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:41 AM:Let's see, Joanne W, what the gop stands for:

war without reason or end or accountability; tax cuts for the rich no matter how much we have to borrow; right to be alive but no money for proven quality of life programs like prenatal care and head start; freedom for corporations and servitude for the workers; money for killing and nothing for anything else; enrichment of the few at the expense of the many (and the environment); ignoring science to make room for their cartoon deity, and on and on.

i have a slightly different take: righties have pushed their agenda of hate and superstition and greed and tried to drag the rest of us backward with them. this election should be a wake up call to all the Joanne's of the world-you and your ilk have held back human progress long enough

Paul wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:46 AM:Supercilious Kirk clings to obsolete idea

John Musser of Vista has it exactly right: people like kirk are wrong more than right, but expect us to take them seriously. I feel the same way whenever i hear a neocon (or con) talk foreign policy)

sure tire inflation works better than drilling but you can't expect a genius like dick kirk to do any actual research (that's passe in today's right wing)

Paul wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:51 AM:For Pelosi, politics above service

come on janet price

so it's pelosi and obama and the dems who want highter gas prices and less freedom? what a joke

since bush and the gop took over gas has nearly tripled, and the republicans have violated our 'freedom' in more ways than we can count. but i'm supposed to worry about the left? give me a break, and realize that the idea that the right stands for freedom is dead!

Same Question wrote on Aug 16, 2008 7:08 AM:Yeah,why Didn't TRI-city Hospital put this measure on the General ballot in Nov.. Look like some one has a lot to gain $$$ wise if this measure go through.


A lot of people I know haven't received their Ballots or throw them away mistaking them for junk MAIL.

Stylish and comfortable wrote on Aug 16, 2008 7:22 AM:Is Peggy Sloan really asking us to base our vote on McCain’s choice of footwear?
Does she get her shoes at PayLess?
Any podiatrist will tell you to buy the best shoes you can afford.
I wonder how much the shoes cost that McCain wore as a POW for six years?

Omigod wrote on Aug 16, 2008 7:26 AM:"...and politicians playing politics."

The Wit and Wisdom of JoAnn Walker

Chuck wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:28 AM:As is typical, not one liberal has taken the US/Georgia side in he dispute, but instead they are prancing around in celebration of the Russian invasion of Georgia, and threat of annihilation of Poland. Its just the liberal way. They bash Bush for invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and turn around and support the Russian invasion and other Marxists like Chavez. It just goes to show you the marxist intents of the liberals

Chuck wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:30 AM:>>>Is Peggy Sloan really asking us to base our vote on McCain’s choice of footwear?>>> Why not, you're basing your choice of Hussein based totally of the freebees and marxism he has to offer.

chuck wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:35 AM:>>>I love to cook and would be eager to buy a unique designer salt from Carlsbad.>>> Its a great idea, use the rainbow colors in it, and sales form San Francisco and Sacramento will make you very wealthy

Chuck wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:43 AM:>>>Yeah,why Didn't TRI-city Hospital put this measure on the General ballot in Nov.. Look like some one has a lot to gain $$$ wise if this measure go through>>> I guess they think their rates can't cover their costs. I checked in at 8am, was taken to the patient ward at 9am, my doctor came in and did the 10 minute procedure right there, and I was on the way home at 11:45. And just the hospital charge was $13,895. If they can't make money on that hourly rate, they need alot more than a bond issue.

Chuck wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:51 AM:>>>Barack Obama, who leads in every major national poll, made a major speech to more than 200,000 people in Berlin>> First of all, he's not leading in every major poll, and second of all, I could get 200,000 to come to my intermission speech in Berlin if I paid for a rock concerts with top bands.
Thirdly, if the NCTimes didnt cover it, they probably didnt mention that Hussein canceled his trip to visit wounded soldiers in Germany, because he was not allowed to bring in the media for the big photo-op. Hypocrites will always be hypocrites

christimarie wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:51 AM:I appreciate Peggy Sloan's letter as that is exactly how I feel. I was a regsistered Republican for 35+ years before switching to non-partisan. I can no longer stomach the hypocracy of the Republican Party and its failed leadership. Peggy Sloan's reference to McCain's buying habits just shows how out of touch he is with the average American. And no wonder he had "no comment" when he heard about Edward's indescretions. His are even worse. He married the other "bimbo" after leaving his first wife who was disabled. And what a piece of work this Cindy McCain is. She stole drugs from a charity to feed her drug habit in the '90's. Just recently she plagiarized recipes from a television network. What a scummy first lady she would make. I am sick of all of them.

Paul wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:54 AM:To Chuck

2 points

Georgia attacked and killed ethnic russians in ossetia prior to russia invading georgia

and

who did chavez invade? did i miss something, or did you?

Pluto wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:57 AM:Peggy Sloan is right. It's maddening that hard-core Republicans have no shame. After eight years of ruining our country and the Middle East, they still think we should listen to their hate-radio ranting. Happily, I know several Republicans who have some common sense want the best for our country. I don't think McBush has a chance in November. The truth will out.

Shill wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:07 AM:John Musser is right. Richard Kirk is nothing but a shill for whatever the right wing is selling. Frank Rich's column last week had it right. Titled "GOP: The party of stupid", he said that they are using oil drilling as a mantra, hoping the mindless chanting will obscure any real thought or talk about the many serious failures of the McBush administration, and the deep do-do they have gotten us into.

Apollo wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:07 AM:Re: JoAnn Walker (letter)
I find a point of agreement with JoAnn Walker.
I can't wait for her (and her "ilk") to be "from" California, either.

Ron wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:09 AM:Wow! Talk about the commencement angry Liberal! Woo-Wee! Wouldn't you hate to be around Peggy Sloan?

What have I been telling you about the "Battered Liberal Syndrone?"
And Barry Obama just keeps on giving.

Band of crooks? Dodd & Conrad sweetheart deal with CountryWide while others were losing their homes.

Trampled on our Constitution?
Obama voting Yes on the FISA bill giving telecom companies retroactive immunity.

Iraq? Take your pick... immediate withdrawal to 16 months to 2013 with residual forces agreement.

"Fake war"? 77 Senators & 296 House memebers voted to authorize military action in Iraq. That's why the resolution was named: "Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002."

The country will go further into debt?
A non-partisan group has scored the Obama budget and shows by the end of his first term, the debt will rise by $3.4 trillion.

Oh, there is so much more.
Hillary fighting the Obamaman in Denver.
So supposed "unity" of democrats is a farse, a fabrication.
And speaking of Denver...
If the Obamaman does not have to gut's to stand up to the Clinton's, at his own convention, how good a diplomat could he ever be with Iminthemoodforajihad? Or Putin? Or Chavez?
It's called: "Gett'n rolled."

Ms M wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:12 AM:Did anyone see the clip from Faux news with Hannity saying that McBush had special circumstances for leaving his wife. He was a POW for 5 1/2 yrs. and folks need to take that into consideration - so his behavior was just fine. WOW! That is what is called a "con" job - and no one does it better.

Ms M wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:20 AM:Chuck
[-] wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:28 AM:As is typical, not one liberal has taken the US/Georgia side in he dispute...um Chuck, just who threw the first stone. I think what is typical is the cons walking in lockstep with this administration. Throwing their support behind our bully president. Chuck, how do you think the folks in Georgia got the weapons for the invasion? Shouldn't you also question why a little country like Georgia would pick a fight with a giant like Russia? Maybe because they had assurances from their friends in this administration. Chuck, you need to ask questions of your leaders - not follow blindly and accept everything as true especially since it is proven that they lie! Oh yes they lie - big time.

OBAMACAN wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:25 AM:Irene Edwards's letter shows just how reliable her "recent Internet allegations" turn out to be.
She states as "fact" that he does not salute the flag or wear an American flag lapel pin. Aside from the silliness of relying on such superficial symbols as a substitute for serious policy proposals, she is simply WRONG. It is easy to go to YouTube and find actual video of Obama not only saluting the flag, but leading the flag salute. And while it is true that he does not always wrap his lapel in an American flag, he often does, especially when traveling on foreign soil, and there are plenty of photos confirming that.
And at least Ms. Edwards has a sense of humor, bringing up the gaffe thing.
Yeah, Obama proved he isn't the silver-tongued messiah his enemies ridicule him as by a slip of the tongue confusing 57 PRIMARIES with 57 STATES (the primaries also include such non-state jurisdictions as DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and others).
He did not make serious gaffes regarding serious foreign policy matters, as McCain did (hmmm, isn't that supposed to be McSame's strong point?), where he repeatedly confused Sunni and Shia until corrected by former Democrat Lieberman, showed why he thinks the Iraq war is relevant to terrorism because he thinks it borders Pakistan, repeatedly (not once, but over and over) referred to Czechoslovakia, which was divided many years ago.
Oh yeah, as SDRaoul noted several days ago, McShame has the Georgia president (who initiated the military action there) on speed dial - because his top foreign policy advisor, Randy Scheunemann, is registered as their paid "foreign agent" lobbyist!
You think our foreign policy is in shambles now? Just wait till McSenile is running things.

Reality Check wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:34 AM:A CNN reporter said this morning from Georgia that he stood and watched Russian troops destroy a railroad bridge today after the "cease fire" went into effect.

All Liberal pro-communist true believers, let's say in unison:

"IT'S BUSH'S FAULT!"

Thank you.


Thabk you.

Paul wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:41 AM:Ron will be bummed this fall when he realizes that very few agree with his reactionary thinking
also, of course democratic politicians aren't perfect and if dodd and conrad did anything illegal they should be held accountable.

ron, you often resort to personal attacks, and rarely argue the issues-today is a case in point. instead of telling us why mccain and the gop deserve another chance you make up a malady, Battered Liberal Syndrome (get it everybody?, it's like Battered Wife Syndrome only for liberals! Way to use a sexist reference AND question the manhood of liberals at the same time -mccain has also made wife-beating references).

on taxes, no way obama's plan creates more debt than mccain's-i encourage readers to do the homework-even the Wall Street Journal favors obama on the economy, saying that more deficit spending is wrong

ron and mccain/bush's pro-corporate views are the minority, thankfully

Ron wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:41 AM:I hear ya, JoAnn Walker, I hear ya!

Yes, we are Red staters held hostage in a blue state. Since 1971, the Liberal Democrats have held control of our legislature. Again this year, we face a $16 billion deficit, with Liberals only wanting to apply Herbert Hoover fixes, thus guaranteeing a further slide into the recession.
I'm not so much concerned about my life, or lifestyle. I believe I'm pretty secure, done some smart things, diversified to the point where what happens inside California does not totally affect me.
But for the little guy, the men & women trying to make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck these clowns in Sacramento will doom them.
Like all Liberals, they say... they will only tax those who can afford it.
Right! Even if that were possible, which it is not, but if it were.. the raises, the healthcare, and other benefits of low end workers will suffer.
And as the cost of doing business inside California rises, so will the cost of living inside California.
On top of a really bad ethanol deal affecting food prices, and rising costs to transport food and household items, will come this, from Sacramento.
It is a calculation to sqeeze those trying to climb the ladder, into enslavement, with no other options.
For me, personally. Sacramento can do what they like, our Founders gave us the liberty to move from one state to another should one particular state go bezerk. But, it's expensive to move, and it will be more so the longer you stay in California. As for me, the time has come to start thinking about retiring in another state. It will not be California. California has chosen the socialist model of government, and I just can't handle that.
For those I leave behind, think sliding scale socialist, and then think rice paddie. Cause that's exactly where California is heading.

LOBOTOMY wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:43 AM:Lobotomy’s ain’t cheap

Well, now we know what happened to Chuck (8:43 AM). $13,895 for a 10 minutes medical procedure does seem a mite expensive, but then lobotomys ain’t cheap.

These procedures often result in major personality changes and possible mental disabilities. Lobotomies were used in the 20th century to treat a wide range of severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, clinical depression, anti-social behavior and various anxiety disorders, as well as people who were considered a nuisance.

Ron wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:46 AM:Seminar poster alert!

"christimarie" @8:51 AM.

And probably done by the same person who likes to steal other's handles.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:56 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:28 AM:
Difficult to take the Georgian side when they fired the first shots killing 12 Russians and wounding another 150. Then, they proceeded to try to cleanse the population. The South Osettians and Ahkazians do not want to be part of Georgia. They have a different culture and language. Those citizens prefer to be independent under Russian protection or to be outright members of the Russian Federation. Bush is using cold war language and propaganda. The mass media is doing the same. Russia is back. She is not the Soviet Union.Russia is not a communist sate. Russia is doing what any world power has done for centuries operating in her self interest and reasserting herself as a world power. Look how the US has behaved for the last eight year internationally. We really need to check our skivies before tooting off against Russia.

Ron wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:57 AM:"Cause and effect" @5:27 AM: tells
JoAnn Walker; "Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, JoAnn."

This is so typical liberal short term thinking, not the long term, strategic thinking that is done by conservatives on a regular basis.

Perhaps it is time to remind my good friend, that 80% of all income taxes paid inside the State of California, are paid by those making more than $500,000 a year. And that forcing those very needed taxpayers out, will doom this State.

Also, it should be noted this Congress did nothing, nothing to affect oil prices. This was an example of the market working. I said a long time ago, the market would not support $140-150 a barrel oil, because users could not afford the spiked pricing. Amoung these are trucking, airlines, and other transportation, including mass transit, as we have seen with NCTD cutting staff and routes to accomodate oil pricing.

As I have also stated before, many business people can simply move their businesses outside the State, and still do business inside the State, out of reach of Liberals who want to tax your shirt off.

Remember, as the old saying goes, the door swings both ways. Without the high end taxpayers, this State will be left with a slumping into extinction middle-class, and low income people using more & more State services that funding will prove to be lacking. As you will have driven out those paying the largest.

American priorities wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:57 AM:Shoes and a haircut

So McCain buys $500 shoes? And John Edwards a $400 haircut? So who’s complaining? The shoes make McCain look presidential, and he is using lobbyist money to pay for them.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:59 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:43 AM:
Hospitals are never paid their full charges. If you paid charges, that means that Chuck does not have insurance. In that case, that is your faoult.

Social acceptance wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:07 AM:You’re excused, Johnny

Johnny McCain is excused for his infidelity, says Hannity on Faux News 9:12 AM), because he was mentally unbalanced after being a POW. WOW! POW! WOW!
Has he recovered yet? Can we excuse him if he starts another war?

Hey Chuck wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:09 AM:Chuck
[-] wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:30 AM:
>>>Is Peggy Sloan really asking us to base our vote on McCain’s choice of footwear?>>> Why not, you're basing your choice of Hussein based totally of the freebees and marxism he has to offer.

You really need to read the posts more carefully before you respond. Who is this "you're" to which you refer?

sdraoul wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:13 AM:Check out the anger and hatred of those among us who bemoan the past eight years.

Watch them attack Georgians for allegedly shooting Russians. Where is George Patton when we need him. Waych the US cut Russia off at the financial knees. Watch the Poles, Estonians, Latvians, Ukranians and Lithuanians line up witht he US and take our missiles and soldiers while wagging their middle fingers at the butchers who occupied them for 70 years.

Watch Obama screw up as he did with hsi first proclamation on Georgia (a UN mediator and a UN resilution).

Watch Obama demonstrate over and over that he simplye doesn't know whta every intelligent person knows -- Russia has a veto on any UN action.

Watch Obama apologize for not ending his vacation and coming back to do something other than body surf while allies are being slaughtered by Russians.

Watch Obama continue his campaign to all 57 states -- no there weren't 57 primaries. In fact there were less than 30. For Abama nuts, a primary is where people cast ballots secretly not in hoems and halls in what are called caucuses.

Remember Obama nuts, Hilalry received more votes and won more primaries than Obama did. He won only vecxause he carried some of the undemocratic caucuses and because or proportional representation, the msot stupid method known to man.

And on and on...

SOLON wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:17 AM:TO: Cause and effect

The effect of your blog is continuous bemusement. I am glad yours was the first comment of the day, because it will pop up on the blogger’s screen all day long, giving continuous chuckling.

Please, submit your commentary as a regular letter to the editor so the wider readership of the NC Times can enjoy your clever retort to the laughable Jo Ann Walker’s absurd comments.

Ms M wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:17 AM:Reality Check
[-] wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:34 AM: ...."IT'S BUSH'S FAULT!" NO, it's not Bush's fault - it's Georgia's. But Bush, as Putin said, should "KEEP OUT OF OUR BUSINESS".

Tax Cheaters wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:28 AM:Who is paying the taxes?

So, Ron, if a plantation owner has 99 slaves and makes $50 million, guess who pays 100% of the taxes. You got it: the slave owner. (9:57 AM)

This doesn’t seem fair, does it? The slaves should be paying 99% of the taxes, shouldn't they? After all, look at all the free benefits they get.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:40 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:51 AM:
Old stuff. Chuck. We both know that polls do not matter any more. Votes are what count. Yeah those pesky Germans came just for the rock concert. That is why the Germans were waving American flags and shouting Obama, Obama, Obama.
Obama did not visit the wounded in Germany due to confusion over the visitation criteria. He did not want it to seem as using the troops. Obama, however, did visit wounded troops in Baghdad.

GAY MAN wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:41 AM:Thank you, Dick Eiden for your letter today, but you need not be overly concerned. California is moving into the future. The Golden State always been the nation’s leader in embracing the future. We do it in technology, innovation, and human and civil rights. Extending the right of marriage choice is the Civil Rights issue of our generation, and because Californians have a sense of fairness, they will reject Proposition 8. The polls clearly show this. History shows this.

The people of North County respect the bold leadership of people like Dick Eiden. The gay community, as with all segments of our population, have always relied upon citizens like Eiden who speak up for what is just and fair.

Karl wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:44 AM:Good Morning all,
18 holes of golf and lunch under my belt by 10:30 am, It just doesn't get any better than this. Why am I addicted to golf? I believe Robert Lynd explains it perfectly.

"It is almost impossible to remember how tragic a place this world is when one is playing golf."

Truer words were never spoken. Now I get to tend to my flowers yeehaa, life just doesn't get better than this. Anyone else having a great day? Let's hear today about something good that is happening with everyone's life and drop the politics for one day please. Break it out Alf, are you still sanding that deck? If finished how does it look?

Yadda Yadda wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:44 AM:Fake war"? 77 Senators & 296 House members voted to authorize military action in Iraq. That's why the resolution was named: "Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002."
Yeah and Bush and his administration told them and the American people 935 lies to get them to do so.

Nick wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:45 AM:Here is a bit of news you won't fine in The NC Times or any of the major news agencies.

Carol Paul, Dr. Ron Pauls wife, has been in ICU in a Houston area hospital since Monday. She is preparing to undergo her 3rd sugery since being admitted and Dr. Paul has been by her beside every minute she has been there.
She is in a serious but stable condition, but doctors have a positive outlook.
Dr. Paul and his wife Carol have been married for 51 years, but have been together even longer. They fist met when she asked him to a Sadie Hawkins dance.
Nope, you folks won't here about this, to many other important things like Obama and his hollow speeches or McCains ethics.
A true Americans wife is in trouble, but it's not even news worthy.
Yeppers, American is definitely in a sad state.
I send Dr. Paul and his wife my best wishes and hope for a speedy recovery.
Cheers, Nick.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:51 AM:Reality Check[-] wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:34 AM: Why would that surprise you?
The Russians will destroy military bases, bridges, vechiles, military supplies and bases etc as they withdraw.
That is what military forces do whent they withdraw. Russians want to make sure that they are not attacked as they leave. Also, the Russians want to hinder any repeat incursion into South Otessia. The cease fire provides that the Russians will stop the advance and shooting at the Georgian military. Nowhere does the agreement prohibit Russia from blowing up bridges. So, Reality Check, please check reality.

Greener Than Gore wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:51 AM:China has surpassed the US in greenhouse gasses, according to the UK Guardian:

(Quote) But according to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, soaring demand for coal to generate electricity and a surge in cement production have helped to push China's recorded emissions for 2006 beyond those from the US already. It says China produced 6,200m tonnes of CO2 last year, compared with 5,800m tonnes from the US. Britain produced about 600m tonnes.(UNQUOTE)

Now, NBC is broadcasting the Olympics from China in TERRIBLE conditions. NBC is the GREEN Network, and their outdoor sets are AIR CONDITIONED!

Yes, NBC is air-conditioning the OUTSIDE!

How "Green" is THAT?

GAY MAN wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:52 AM:Chuck ... hates everybody. He hates black people, immigrants and poor people; he hates gays, he hates liberals (especial Christian liberals), and he hates the liberal founding fathers of our nation who had the outrageous audacity to state that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are self-evident rights.

He casts ... aspersions against gays about the silliest of trivia (8:35 AM).

Chuck wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:54 AM:>>>Did anyone see the clip from Faux news with Hannity saying that McBush had special circumstances for leaving his wife.>>> Why would anyone waste their time listening to Hannity. I tried about a year ago, and he just cycles the same morons on his show- Coulter, Morris, Sharpton, Gingrich, Rove, etc. But, I guess it gives Republicans an outlet, as CBS, NBC, ABC MSNBC, CNN, CSPAN, NPR are all shills for the liberals.

Karl wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:03 AM:Okay I'll try again. What a great day.

Wow it just doesn't get any better than this my friends. It's 10:30 am and I'm finished with lunch and 18 holes with my buds. Now I get to tend to my flowers for a couple hours and then walk my mother-in-laws standard poodle for a couple of hours around the neighborhood (this dog is a people magnet, especially kids).

Come on all you political hacks, jump in today and let us know why your Saturday is a great day. Lay off the political crap for one day and tell us why today is special for you. Alf, is the sanding done? Judging from your posts about building your own abode, when finished the deck will probably be awesome.

Jump in Chris, what makes your boat float outside this blog? Raoul, I'm sure that you care about something other than right wing politics and illegal immigration. Don't be shy, I'll be back by 4:00 pm or so to see if anyone has the blog courage to jump outside the box on this fine day.

Peace

WeatherChannel wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:06 AM:I've been tuning into the weather channel lately thinking they were different. And then you hear the whole global warming agenda from the liberal racketeers. (in other words, they are probably owned by CNN, ABC, CBS or NBC) And, I swear last night that these nutcases were licking their chops at the possibility that the storm near Cuba would intensify into a hurricane and whack Florida's west coast. They couldn't contain their excitement because no storms have damaged the mainland in 2 years. They were even talking about 40-50K casualties in Hispanola.
They had the same excitement as liberals do when the name Hussein is uttered

Hey Ron wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:09 AM:Would JoAnn Walker’s letter be an example of BCS (Battered Conservative Syndrome)? I suspect there’s going to be a nationwide outbreak starting in January. Perhaps you could put your conservative long-term strategic thinking to good use and develop an effective vaccine. The talk radio and Fox News placebos you guys have been taking aren’t working anymore.

Chuck wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:14 AM:>>>who did chavez invade? did i miss something, or did you?>>> He invaded and nationalized many Venezuela industries, so now its full of socialists. The capitalists grabbed what they could and moved to Panama, fueliing an enormous boom there. Panama City will surely be the Hong Kong of the west in a very short time

Karl wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:22 AM:Oops forgot to mention. Go Chargers!!! Sorry Alf my friend, my seat on the bandwagon had seatbelts.

richard wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:29 AM:Obama didn't commit wiretapping crimes. That was GWB, who started doing it when he entered the White House. And since most people in this country believe the office of the President, what did you expect telecoms to do when ordered to comply, disobey an official order that they were told was essential for national security? Nice try to denigrate Obama though.
Again, wearing a U.S. flag as clothing is illegal, according to official rules of flag etiquette. Obama didn't do it probably because Bush's style of "leadership" caused other loyalists to also wear such a lapel. I blame no one for wearing or not wearing them. And by the way Obama does occasionally wear one. What matters to me is a person's heart and soul in honoring the Constitution, not whether he is a jingoist violating flag etiquette by showing off the lapel, or one too shy to do so, or one who doesn't even think about it. So what?
A liberal is not a pro communist. It's impossible to be liberal in charity, mercy, and other qualities and be a perosn who bleives in oppression. Oppression comes form ultraconservatives who feel you must behave and believe as they do. Liberals don't promote Russia. But they do denounce people for instituting unnecessary violence against another people, as some in Georgia obviously did, as some in Russia later also did when they overreached and attacked uninvolved parties in Georgia, and of course the most famous of all, when GWB ordered our U.S. military to invade Iraq, who did not attack the World Trade Center and yet most servicemen were fed that vitreol from Cheney who desperately wanted it to be true.
And this 5 year war has the most significant impact on higher oil prices. News flash, it's not Obama who is responsible for that==he was and is agasint the Iraq ivasionk, jsut like Gerlad Ford and most Democrats. Even the ones who authoized the use of a force as a police tactic , not a n actual war agianst Iraq, changed their minds quckly when lering the turth. Agqain, nice try to shift blame form where it belogns.
And how is it that someone with 'no experience' has been incredibly able to pull off 'increasing gas prices', 'losing a "war" in Iraq', etc.?
What I want in a President a zero experienced civilized woodsman from the hills with zero political baggage to become chief. His advisors would I'm sure quickly help him with stupid buraucratic details while at least we'd have a civilized human to serve the country, instead of some self serving know-it-all reformed sinner who has misinterprets what is actually important to God. No one is perfect, but mistaking something as that God verbally ordered us to invade Iraq is far worse than sad because those same loyalists now denounce Obama for not accepting that the surge has 'worked.' What do you mean by 'worked'. The old tension was between Iraq Sunni and Iran Shia. Now it is completely shifted to being further west, where East Iraq is Shia, melded with Iran, and the tension is between East Iraq and West Iraq which is allied with Sunni Arabia. All for a trillion dollars, still owed, only 2 billion thus far having been paid by us U.S. taxpayers (GAO). Maybe since China is removing oil under Florida offshore regions, they'll agree not to demand our Iraq loan back, and we can charge them for any additional warming of the Caribbean waters that could come with it. My preference was to use synthetic gas and do no drilling anymore are all, but oil companies have blocked its production for so long most people think it doesn't even exist. I've said too much for one morning.

Nick wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:39 AM:Hmmmmm...."Paul" doesn't like the fact that "Ron" always changes the subject and resorts to picking on Libs.
Well "Paul", I tend to make good points on the issues, but most Liberal Dems are to blind, stubborn or ignorant to actually see the truth in front of their faces.
Most are to wrapped up in their hatred of GWB and The Republican Party to actually realize what kind of change America really needs.
It's is this mentality and close mindedness that makes it easy pickens to bash Liberal Dems all day long.
They set up the bowling pins, and personally, I rather enjoy knocking them down....lol.
Come on, really, all Dems really have is that they are tired of GWB and McIdiot is just more of the same.
Obama is nothing more than NOT a Republican, and all he has is empty hollow speeches. The man hasn't even finished a full term in the Senate, has literally NO accomplishments to speak of, NO foreign policy experience, and has yet to lay out any real facts on his ideas and solutions.
No, he just keeps talking about change because he knows that's what the Liberal Dems want to hear, but when you ask him the specifics on his "change", he doesn't have the foggiest clue.
He is a wordsmith, nothing more, nothing less.
How can you not pick on people who blindly follow the blind?
The same exact questions Liberal Dems ask of anyone who supports GWB of The Republican Party, can be said of themsleves. ... Cheers, Nick.

OBSRVATION wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:42 AM:Mr. Bush, joined by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, also sought to reassure nervous Georgian leaders that the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia will remain a part of their country, even after negotiations resume over a long-term solution for the area's troubles. Russian officials have said that Georgia can "forget about" retaining the regions.

Focal Point wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:46 AM:American priorities: I had a wonderfull breakfast at the Santa Fe Restaurant in Encircles. Please add that fact to American Priorities.

OBSERVATION wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:50 AM:The reality is that international relations are changing,” said Pawel Swieboda, director of demosEUROPA, an independent research organization based in Warsaw. “For the first time since 1991, Russia has used military force against a sovereign state in the post-Soviet area. The world will not be the same. A new phenomenon is unfolding in front or our eyes: a re-emerging power that is willing to use force to guarantee its interests. The West does not know how to respond.”

Chris to Nick wrote on Aug 16, 2008 1:05 PM:First of all do you think that we will only put patriot missles in Poland and never put offensive missles there. Our government is a bunch of liars and can't be trusted. Remember the camel only wanting it's nose in the tent. Now my point on Palestine is this. When the time between when the Israelis came back from the Babalonian captivity and when supposedly this diespora took place in 70 CE Palestine was supposedly an Israeli country. So why was it never called Israel until 1948 CE? After all the Jews said it was their land duing that period and they have a right to come back and claim it. You realize that I have been following the war since it started and have heard from numerous sources what was in the book "Bleeding Afghanistan" but this is the first place that I know of that has put it alltogether. So when I talk about a book it is not because I was unaware of what it was saying until I got the book. But as is typical people who don't want to hear it just dismiss it.

David wrote on Aug 16, 2008 2:18 PM:I don't wear a flag pin, yet love my country.
I don't wear a mom pin, yet love my mother.
I show my love and respect daily with my actions and in my prayers and try not to judge others by appearance.

Real American hero wrote on Aug 16, 2008 2:24 PM:Did anyone see the picture of Pistachio, the chihuahua (Animalypics)? This dog'is CHEATING! There's no way this dog could be of legal age to participate in the Animalympics (in dog years of course). I could still see the dog's baby teeth and the dog could have easily gotten some fake documents to lie about it's age! It's a proven fact, younger dogs do better in the Animalympics. This dog has such an advantage over the other dogs. CHEATERS!

California needs to evolve wrote on Aug 16, 2008 2:55 PM:Hey Dick,

You need to procreate to evolve. Same sex couples can't procreate ( well the women can, in a lab ) But I think you know what I mean.

Besides, you make it sound like California is a four legged creature that needs to walk up right. This is a state no a creature.

This is how it is Mr. Eiden, not everyone thinks like a liberal. Not everyone agrees with same sex marriage. Many still have faith and values. Most believe in the almighty LORD. We will let the voters decide and whom ever wins , wins.

Reality Check wrote on Aug 16, 2008 3:03 PM:Ms. M: Please join Alf, DD, Greenergy, APOLLO and SALON is two choruses of L'Internationale!

All together now...

Apollo wrote on Aug 16, 2008 3:22 PM:Re: SDRaoul (10:13 a.m.)
SDRaoul is lecturing everyone else about anger and hatred?
The angriest, most hateful hatchet man on the blog is now going to scold us about anger and hatred?

SOLON wrote on Aug 16, 2008 3:24 PM:No laughing matter

What Bush-Cheney have done to this country is frightening. The wealth, economic power, military might and diplomatic leverage of what was once the mightiest nation on earth have been so eviscerated in fighting highly expensive and depleting wars which have gained us nothing and gravely weakened our security. Our enemies are plotting in secret, biding their time until the opportune moment when they can humiliate and expose our weakness, as Russia has just done in a silly battle over the tiny province of South Ossetia.

And people like Chuck blame us ordinary patriotic citizens for the lunacy of this White House regime (8:28 AM). The Chucks of America are the domestic enemies who blame us liberal patriots, rather than the looney leaders in the Bush administration who have driven our nation into this precipitous decline.

We must sweep this GOP mob out, eradicate them completely, and replace them with smart and wise leadership. With such new leadership, the American people will unite once again and our nation can begin to heal. It may take generations, but we can do this.

Ron wrote on Aug 16, 2008 4:03 PM:Every once in a while, you get to what I like to call, A Teaching Moment.

Take a look at the question asked by "Tax Cheaters" @10:28 AM:
QUOTE: "Who is paying the taxes?
So, Ron, if a plantation owner has 99 slaves and makes $50 million, guess who pays 100% of the taxes. You got it: the slave owner." END Quote

I'm sorry to say that THIS passes as intelligence on the Left. This thinking that somehow our capitalist system is representive of plantation owners & slave holders. Total Marxist in orientation, and in thought. But, it is, what it is. And this is why California will be sunk, it will be by the hands of people like this.

Sir, for your information the 80% of higher end taxpayers pay most of the freight in this State. As do the top 50% of taxpayers nationally pay 96% of all income taxes, while the lower incomes, some 65 million taxpayers barely pay 4%. I believe your burden is quite light, by comparison.
Our progressive income tax system is designed for those with the most, pay the most, AND THEY PAY. Massively.

But it's never enough, right? You can't seem to rub two nickels together, and somehow with all this largest provided by the upper-classes, you still can't do it. Why is that?

SOLON wrote on Aug 16, 2008 4:12 PM:I can’t stand golf.
Golf can ruin your life

In fact I disapprove of golfers and when I see golf clubs or golf balls lying about I cringe.

Why ? The first company I worked for had a strict policy: "If you don't play golf, you don’t climb the corporate ladder".

Everyone played, from the tea lady to the cleaning staff to the receptionist and even the doorman outside the building. Everyone stupidly played golf, of course, but nobody moved up the ladder except the boss.

But I was hellbent on changing that.

I went off to purchase myself a bunch of clubs, took an afternoon off to practice my swing and set off early one sunday morning to meet up with the boss and the other suckers. I placed my ball on the tee, I paid no heed to the fact that everyone else was warming up and stretching. I just wanted to smack that little round sucker to the green in 1 shot so that I could get over this golf thing as quick as possible and return to the safety and comfort of my home.

I swung that club like a mighty axe and put all my force into that swing, in the hopes of perhaps skipping the 1st hole altogether and aiming for the green on the next hole. The way I figured it was just easier to bypass all the holes and get out of there as fast as possible. It was early, it was cold and I hadn't even had breakfast yet.

What happened next can only be described as the most horrendously painful moment of my adult life.

It felt like a cross between a splitting hernia, childbirth (possibly, I wouldn’t know but hey), a stab wound and a swift kick in the 'nads all at the same time down the middle of my back. That was over fifty years ago.

I think the pain and ripping sensation can only be compared to grabbing your bottom lip and pulling it over the back of your head. Twice. I tore the muscle that runs down alongside your spine. I let out a blood curdling howl that could be heard probably as far away as the 14th Century. I hobbled away like the injured puppy that I was, humbled by a ball and a metal stick.

Three weeks of acupuncture and deep tissue massage later put me right again, but I sold my clubs to another sucker who had joined the company and was looking for golf clubs, also looking to climb the ladder.

When I took his money and handed over the clubs he asked me if there was anything else he needed.

I replied “Decent medical insurance” and walked on. Back in the 1960’s we workers had good company insurance.

Golf is not for me. I enjoy working in my garden in the mornings. It is a constructive and rewarding pastime. I picked a small bucket of figs. Then I picked almost a bushel of beautiful tomatoes this morning, which I distributed to my neighbors. This is such a blessed time with my neighbors. One gave me three of the biggest avocados I have ever seen -- Reeds. Perfectly round, like a small bowling ball. Another neighbor let me hold her beautiful little baby. What a delight!

Then I had lunch. There is nothing more delicious than two slices of toasted whole grain bread, with one very thick slice of tomato and a thick slice of avocado. The Reed is so big you need only one slice.

Now, golf is OK, I suppose. I’m glad Karl finds playing golf so restorative to his spirit. But I’d rather grow tomatoes and visit neighbors.

SOLON wrote on Aug 16, 2008 4:16 PM:FocalPoint ...
... has his priorities in good order! (11:46 AM)

Ron wrote on Aug 16, 2008 4:24 PM:And then, every once in a great while.. you get a double, in one day!
Yet another Teaching Moment.

Take for example, the question asked of me by "Hey Ron" @11:09 AM.
QUOTE: "Would JoAnn Walker’s letter be an example of BCS (Battered Conservative Syndrome)? I suspect there’s going to be a nationwide outbreak starting in January. Perhaps you could put your conservative long-term strategic thinking to good use and develop an effective vaccine. The talk radio and Fox News placebos you guys have been taking aren’t working anymore." END Quote

First of all to my good friend, you have not been paying attention, nor reading my posts daily. Like I have said, READ EVERYTHING! Even if you violently disagree with it, because you can always learn something. I suspect my good friend has scrolled past, or used the (-) to purposely read only those things he/she agree's with. That's sort of like an echo chamber, and not very enlightening.

As to being a Battered Conservative, I'm not aware that any such thing actually exists. At least, not in my circle of friends. You see, we see what happens either Statewise, nationally, even locally, and we respond, we do not react. If the State raises our taxes, we respond with higher prices, given certain market conditions. For those who are not reliant upon the largest of the government, as many are, we have other options, of our own making.
As Thomas Jefferson once said: I find that the harder I work, the more luck I have. Good advice.
So for someone like me to get all bogged down by some ankle bitting politician trying to reach into my wallet, is at best, a nuisance. He does not prevent me from success, he may slow me down, but my success does not come from him, it comes from my own hard work, my intellience, and god given skills & talents.
But, I will say this about certain politicians, and you should take note of this. They can be frustratiing, in that, they do not want to reward hard work, effort, sacrifice, and playing by the ru