Dude Clay wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:13 AM:Except for a few guys with a pocket protector for each day of the week, WHO CARES?

Why do you waste our time with this stuff...was it a writing assignment to finish your GED??

Good grief!

Amei friend wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:15 AM:Why should tax payers pay for a rail system for anyone to get from Escondido to San Diego...they don't bring any money to spend...let them have a rail system to get them to Toledo, Ohio or somewhere!

Give me a break Erin wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:17 AM:How much money can people from Temecula and Murrieta bring to our area. They can't even make their mortgage payments on houses that are among the cheapest in California!

Hey Tom and Sandy wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:20 AM:Do you really think anything someone in the downtown area has to say is going to sway my vote? Yeah, like I'm going to look for a financial planner in a homeless shelter!

Come on Timothy wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:23 AM:Quit your whining. You don't make any money, so your solution is more me to pay more taxes so you can comfortably get around town.

Maybe you should give up college so you can work harder, put some money away, and pay for your own transportation...then go to school!

Lets see if I have this right Frank wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:27 AM:Obama "...intends to bring the value of the dollar back to the consumer, away from the investor who has insider trading knowledge."

Yeah, and I, like the next American candidate for Miss Universe, "...intend to end world hunger, educate all the children of the world, and save the Pandas!"

Yo David Johnson wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:29 AM:Can you name a good habadasher so I can get a tinfoil hat as fashionable as yours?

Duh Bob Ference wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:30 AM:Yeah, it did look like a temple...I think they were trying to make it look like one!

Let me explain Linda wrote on Sep 2, 2008 3:33 AM:Its not rocket science...people vote for "certain" people, because they only have so many choices!

Who do you vote for? Pee Wee Herman?

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 4:39 AM:LOL, all the liberaLS cab talk about is Palins 17 y/o pregnant daughter. I wonder if they'd be spewing this much hate if she was a lesbian? McCain talks about oil & Gas prices and the effect it has on jobs, inflation, and the stock market values of everyones 401-K plans and liberals are beside themselves that Planned Parenhood hasnt grabbed Palins daughter. Hussein had the opportunity to waltz into the White House, now he'll go down in electoral history standing next to Mike Dukakis

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 4:42 AM:>>November, the 11th month, has a name meaning "ninth month," and December, the 12th month, has a name meaning "10th month." How could such a perplexing set of errors have occurred?>>> Mr Northcote, they had public schools way back then, too. (and probably union tenure, too)

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 4:47 AM:>>>Sen. Obama tried to upstage JFK's 1960 acceptance speech given at the L.A. Coliseum>>>
Hussein may have arrive on a chariot, and waved his staff and the crowd, making them swoon and faint at his very presence, but as they say in Brooklyn, "Senator, I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine, and Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy". Instead of arriving at the stadium on a chariot, it would have been more appropriate for him to arrive on the symbol of the Democratic party. (A jackass)

No McCain wrote on Sep 2, 2008 6:23 AM:If McCain cared about New Orleans and the Gulf Coast he could have done something these past three years since hurricane Katrina. When Katrina first struck, he was celebrating his birthday with President Bush in Arizona. Since then, he could have made Gulf Reconstruction his issue, he could have excoriated his party for pushing federal dollars into the hands of cronies, for providing inadequate resources, for allowing the further destruction of the wetlands that serve as the only natural barrier to storm surges. He could have taken on the insurance companies that have been serially screwing the residents of the gulf. But he was too busy pushing for more troops, and more war and running for president. Now, when a few more Hurricanes come during his convention, he postures to appear as if he cares? The irony is astounding.

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 6:23 AM:Please ignore the initial 9/11 reports from CNN and MSNBC that WTC Buildings >>>1, 2 and 7 were controlled demolitions. Please disregard the NYFD stating they need to get people out before the next bomb goes off. Please overlook Dan Rather's commentary: "For the third time today, it's reminiscent of those pictures we've seen too much on television before when a building was deliberately destroyed by well-placed dynamite to knock it down>>>
Sir, please check into the local looney ward and outfit yourself with on of those cute canvas jackets with lots of straps and buckles, and by all means take your meds before you turn your computer on again. Your party already knows that Bush orchestrated 9/11, all by himself

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 6:48 AM:tHE McCain camp is calling the media's coverage of Palin 'offensive'. It's McCains own fault. He should have found a VP who befriends terrorists, and who makes shady real estate deals with criminals, and then the liberals would have nothing to complain about. Or, even better, he should have nominated a gay as VP.

Some month names are misnamed wrote on Sep 2, 2008 6:49 AM:Cool thanks for the info, that could be the next million dollar questions and I will know the answers. I love crazy trivia. Thanks Clay

All hail Ron the feminist wrote on Sep 2, 2008 6:59 AM:Listen to Ron yesterday sounding like he's been reading The Second Sex. Naturally, he continues his war of words with the liberal that exists only in his head, the only liberal he's smarter than. As a liberal and as a feminist, I have admiration for Ms Palin's career. I find her positions on the issues that I've heard about so far repellant, and some of them, I believe, are downright nasty to women. Unlike feminists, Ms Palin believes women, even women who've just been brutally raped, have no choice over the fertilized egg that may be implanted in them. Unlike feminists, Ms Palin believes that there should be NO education about sexuality except to "just say no", which, the research tells us, is a failure. So, Ron, see if you are capable of understanding this. A feminist believes that women are equal to men and should have as much choice in their lives as men do. So we salute Ms Palin's successes and decisions to serve. But we also strongly disagree with many of her political beliefs as being anti-feminist, anti-woman, because they remove choice from women and do so in a thoroughly paternalistic way. So please, Ron, try to understand the difference between trashing Palin and trashing her opinions. Finally, just as a practical matter, I am curious as to how she and Mr P plan to manage the family with a vp job to do. Because we live in a patriarchy, this question has not come up when men have run: we good little Americans just assume that wifey will do the job of raising the kids and being praised to heaven for it. Ms Palin is in an interesting position: she is and is not a feminist, as I've said. I wonder how she and Mr P will handle the awesome job of raising the kids. I know, it's their business. But what's "their business" has not exactly been respected when people run for office (at least not if it's Obama's church or Edwards' affair), so it's par for the course to be curious about this, just as curious as you, Ron, are about whether Edwards is a daddy. So, to recap, listen carefully: as a feminist I celebrate Palin's career and detest her anti-feminist politics. You see women, like men, have a right to strong political opinions. And women, like men, must take responsibility for those opinions. Comprende?

No McCain wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:14 AM:Sarah Palin and her husband were members of the Alaskan Independence Party in the 1990's. This is a party that questions Alaska's statehood, calling for a vote for Alaskan "Independence". Some in the party even propose having Alaska join Canada. Sarah only joined the Republican party when it became politically expedient in her run for Mayor in 1996. But have her views really changed? Perhaps she would still put Alaska first over the needs of our country if she were to become VP.

Yokozuna wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:19 AM:As uninteresting as Mr. Northcote's letter it does bear some corrections. Note the following from Thinkquest.
"At first the Roman calendar consisted of ten months. This changed when Julius Caesar, a dictator ruled and added the month of July, which is named after his name. His son Augustus Caesar ruled after Julius, and like his father he too added his own month, August. In short, the names of the months on the Gregorian calendar had a Roman origin."
Please note the additional two months were not added at the beginning of the year.

No McCain wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:20 AM:The Alaskan Independence Party was founded by Joe Vogler. Mr. Vogler has been quoted as stating "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions." This was the party of Sarah Palin, the woman McCain supposedly vetted as his running mate. In reality, he only met her once before last week, and the FBI has admitted they did not vet her at all.

WhatCouldBeMoreHateful wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:39 AM:What could possibly be more hateful to liberals, and especially Hussein.
McCain picked a woman, a heterosexual woman that fishes, hunts, skins, owns guns, is an NRA member, is raising a Downs syndrome baby, and has a daughter who is a heterosexual, who didn't go running to Planned Parenthood for abortion counseling. I'd say Palin pretty much the height of a hateful candidate, as far as liberals are concerned, and boy, is the hate spewing forth. LOL. You better tell Hussein Dukakis to back off

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:42 AM:>>>added the month of July, which is named after his name. His son Augustus Caesar ruled after Julius, and like his father he too added his own month, August>> Didnt Obama try to add a 13th month during his annointing. Maybe I can go on vacation on Hussein 16, 2009??

Oh Please wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:50 AM:Chuck et al: Listen to you whine. You don't like it when the libs and the Democrats apply the slimly Rovian book of slander and lies or misinterpretation of the truth to your candidates and families.
Too bad, Chuckie. You have been one of the top instructors of it on this blog. Blaim yourself if we are apt students.

Alf wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:01 AM:The letter from Bob Sheard talks about the expense of the process to desalinate water and the cost of desal water.
With NEW water meters being installed every day, even if current users cut back, the demand for water will increase.
The Delta Smelt Decision, the lack of rainfall, the lessening of the Sierra snow pack all combine to make water a more scarce resource every day.
Unless we get significantly more than average rainfall and snowfall for at least 2 or 3 years in a row, we will absolutely need desal plants, as in more than one, as in reeeeaaal soon.
I still am of the opinion that I'll reduce my water usage even more than I have already if and only if there is a moratorium on new water meters.
Until the local governments demonstrate that they are going to do what they tell us to do, to reduce water usage and demand by ceasing to install NEW water meters, they will remain being viewed, at least by me, as complete hypocrites and do not deserve to have their words be heeded.
Regards, Alf.

jvc wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:03 AM:It's PeePee Wee Herman!

Alf wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:06 AM:Thanks, "Chuck" at 4:42AM,
for the humor. It was much needed.
Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:18 AM:Well, "Chuck" at 6:23AM,
David Johnson also missed the part of the instantly Photoshopped images of the airliners flying into the buildings.
What David Johnson might not realize is that most newscasters haven't seen all that many airliners fly into big buildings but they have seen probably hundreds of scenes of buildings being "imploded", footage of such "implosions" are often used in movies as well. David Johnson fails to ask what else can newscasters use as a frame of reference.
Regards, Alf.

Karl wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:22 AM:Oh Please @ 7:50 AM:

"Too bad, Chuckie. You have been one of the top instructors of it on this blog"

Okay Professor Chuckie, where's my diploma?

Campaign lesson for Republicans wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:22 AM:All you Republicans out there, repeat after me: "What's wrong with that?". Again: "What's wrong with that?" This will be a sentence that you will be using a great deal in the coming months as statements, simple declarative true sentences, will be made about Ms Palin. Not attacks, just simple declarative true sentences. She backed Buchanan for President. Ready? "What's wrong with that?" She wanted Alaska to secede from the union. Here we go: "What's wrong with that?" She's being investigated for abuse of power. C'mon, everybody! "What's wrong with that?" She was hardly vetted by McCain and not vetted at all by the FBI. You know the line: "What's wrong with that?" The key: practice, practice, practice...because the simple declarative true sentences are in their very early stage. McCain and Palin need you to be ready with that repsponse. Class dismissed.

question for what could be more hateful wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:32 AM:Can you please cite any statements that Barack Obama has made that are critical of Ms Palin? Thanks in advance. And don't forget, at least half of the things that you say liberals hate about Sarah are true of Hillary, heterosexual, heterosexual daughter (though not pregnant and so not having to wonder about consulting PP). Poor conservative hate-mongers. For less than a week, they've had a taste, a mere taste, of what it's like to have a candidate be raked over the coals. This is something they thought only they had the right to do, because all Republicans are so perfect and upstanding. And listen to them howl about it. And yet, unlike those of Republicans, just about every sentence that is being said about Ms Palin is, um, TRUE! No one has insisted that Sarah is a Muslim. No one says she cavorts with terrorists. No one says that when she smiles at her hubby, that smile is a secret terrorist code gesture. No one says she trained with Saul Alinsky. Just simple truths. She backed Buchanan. She was an Alakan sepratist. Her daughter is pregnant, five months, and is only now talking about intending to marry the fellow. You know, TRUE sentences, NOT hate-mongering, swift-boating attacks. Get used to it folks, this is only the beginning of what we learn about Ms Palin. And get used to the implications of this pick for what it says about McCain's famous "judgment". Not that it's Palin, but that a vp was picked in such a hurried, incomplete, irresponsible, and shoddy manner. That's the point. It's about McCain.

Asteroid wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:36 AM:I’ve said it from the very beginning; one of the biggest mistakes of the Bush administration was rolling over and taking the blame for the New Orleans, Katrina debacle. Does anyone wonder what it cost for the recent evacuation of New Orleans for the anti-climactic cat 2 hurricane? Did anyone notice that kind of response when the Midwest was being flooded most of the early summer? Did you ever even hear FEMA mentioned while people sat on their roofs and watched their belongings float by? But that’s how it will be from now on; every time a tropical storm event occurs in the Gulf, millions of tax payer dollars will be spent to taxi New Orleans government dependant residents back and forth to safety.

Cluck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:54 AM:... Yeah those abstinance only campaigns are just another failed conservative policy. And now the self righteous conservative talking mouths are so dismayed over the "nastiness" directed towards her. Really? My, how so very "conservative" of you to forget the slime you throw. Granted, their slime is lies so I guess we should all just "keep our sense of humor" about it. But when you get real, well that's another thing all together. I for one commend her decision to keep the baby. And I find it iRONic that conservatives say the same thing. A decision implies there is a choice. She can thank liberals that she lives in a country where she can make such a "decision".

Alf wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:55 AM:Thanks, "Asteroid" at 8:36AM,
for proving "News Flash" at 5:35PM on Aug. 31st correct on at least one count.
Go look it up, it only takes a few clicks and a scroll.
It would appear that you'd prefer to be sorry than safe.
Regards, Alf.

To Julia wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:59 AM:Oh come now Julia you don't have a heart! You don not have compassion for the plight of others! Your letter is full of your constant diatribe against immigrants. My heart bleeds for you, boo hoo!

Cajun wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:01 AM:Asteroid[-] wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:36 AM:
Semms you are saying that we should give every body an equal opportunity to drown.

sdraoul wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:01 AM:From todays Wall Street Journal Online (for DD's pleasure):

"According to memos disclosed Sunday in the New York Times, even senior officials at the State Department and Pentagon opposed the surge. President Bush, heeding Generals David Petraeus and Ray Odierno as well as John McCain, overruled the defeatists and ordered a renewed U.S. commitment to Iraq.

The Anbar handover is above all a tribute to the hundreds of Americans who have fought and died in places like Fallujah, Ramadi and Hit over these last five years. Over the horizon of history, we tend to recall only the successes in previous wars at such places as Guadalcanal, Peleliu and the Chosin Reservoir. We forget that those wars and battles were also marked by terrible blunders and setbacks, both political and military. What mattered is that our troops, and our country, had the determination to fight to an ultimate victory. So it is with the heroes of Anbar."

Military Experience wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:04 AM:Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, considers Palin "extremely responsive and smart" and says she is in charge when it comes to in-state services, such as emergencies and natural disasters where the National Guard is the first responder.

But, in an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, he said he and Palin play no role in national defense activities, even when they involve the Alaska National Guard. The entire operation is under federal control, and the governor is not briefed on situations.

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:05 AM:>>>Okay Professor Chuckie, where's my diploma?>>> Would you recognize it, if I gave you one!!???

Which reminds me of the time I volunteered to work in the Gaslamp for one of the Superbowls here. I was assigned to Budweisers brewing school. My job was to pour small taste-test quantities of beer in cups and distribute them as the brewmaster talked about how that beer was made. Then, at the end, I handed out Bud School diplomas as people left. This is where I made a huge error. One kid, probably a drunk gang member got pushy and demanded his diploma to be handed to him immediately, and after doing a bit of taste testing myself, I may have been a bit off. And I said to the guy, Here's your diploma, and I know its the first one you've ever seen. The brewmaster came up to me privately and said "thats the funniest thing I've heard in my life, but it's not how we want people to associate Budweiser with, so button it up, or go home" It was hard, but I buttoned up

jvc wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:06 AM:We should truly outlaw abortions that has given the Christian Right and
Republicans a rallying cry for its members! And since the Christian Right
and Republicans are made-up of the wealthy in our society, they can take care of these children!The Christian
Left, who are among our poor and support abortion on demand can never support unwanted children even with mandated assistance of as long as five years for poor mothers!

Double Standard wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:08 AM:Second submission attempt:

To: What Could Be More Hateful at 7:39 a.m.

YOU JUST DON'T GET IT, DO YOU.
It is not about one family's personal challenge. It is the repeated hypocrisy of conservatives:

NOT INCLUDING mere money scandals such as defense contractor profiteering by supposedly military hero Randy "Duke" Cunningham betraying those he sent into combat, liberals are sick and tired of Republicans and conservatives campaigning on "family values" and lecturing everyone else about their private lives when they can't control their own:
--Sen. David Vitter (R-La) - one of the strongest proponents of strong "social conservative" intrusions of government into private lives.
--Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) - voted against same-sex rights, while carrying on repeated same-sex dalliances, including at his favorite hot spot, the Twin Cities airport! (Free tours for RNC delegates.)
--Rep. Mark Foley - supervisory role over Congressional pages and wrote legislation to protect children while engaged in predatory and lewd behavior with Congressional Pages.
--House Speakers Newt Gingrich, Bob Livingston and House impeachment prosecutor Henry Hyde, all carrying on full-on affairs while prosecuting Bill Clinton for oral sex.
--Alaskan Gov Sarah Palin - outspoken supporter of absitnence ONLY in sex education and opposed to ALL reproductive choice (not even for rape or incest), but who had a baby 7 months after her wedding, and whose abstinence-only sex education worked so well for her daughter, and who allowed her daughter to make the "choice" about her pregnancy, thouse she won't allow anyone else's daughter the same right.

And then there are the Republican pornographers:
--Lynne Cheney, author of "Sisters," a novel replete with explicit lesbian sex scenes.
--Phil "Nation of Whiners" Gramm (author of the bills to deregulate speculation in oil futures trading and subprime lending markets - how's that workin' out for you? - oh, and author of John "I don't understand the economy" McCain's economic policy) - who produced the porn flick "Truck Stop Women" -- which was subtitled on one poster: "No rig was too big for them to handle"
--Bill O'Reilly -- who wrote his porn novel "Those Who Trespass" years before getting hit with his sexual harassment lawsuit from co-worker Andrea Mackris.

In contrast, the Clintons worked through adversity and preserved the sanctity of their marriage. Their daughter was a model child and honors student. Yet Republicans made fun of her and ridiculed her, when she was only TWELVE! Talk about HATEFUL!!!
The Obama's and Bidens have exemplary family values and model families.

Liberals don't care about other people's private lives. But we are sick and tired of being lectured to by those who are much worse. HYPOCRITES!

SOLON wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:21 AM:Whom comes first?

News of Mrs Palin's former membership in the Alaska Independence Party comes as the latest in a string of potentially embarrassing disclosures about her past.

The party has lobbied since the 1970s for the right to hold a referendum on whether Alaska should secede from the United States. Its motto, "Alaska First", contrasts sharply with the John McCain campaign slogan: "Country First."
Just where does her loyalty lie?

Okaaaaaaaay wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:35 AM:I can't let this post from yesterday go by without comment. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Ron arguing in favor of Pro-choice:

"Ron
[-] wrote on Sep 1, 2008 9:19 PM:
I think your post exactly phrases what I've been trying to say, Thank You!
"Ron and straw as usual" @8:34 PM.

Thank you for pointing out that each individual women in America needs to think exactly like you think.

And then, and only then... could she ever be thought of as a real woman.

Do you hear yourself talking?

Like I said, she can not make her own choices, she has to chose what you want her to chose, to meet your definition.

Told ya, liberal menu of choices.

My friend, that is thought police stuff.

Inbelievable..."

Yes you are, Ron. Unbelievable.

thanks raoul wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:36 AM:I agree that the handover of Anbar to the Iraqis is great news and our military should be proud of its work. I don't really get, though, how you manage to give Bush and McCain so much credit for this. McCain was one of many, many voices urging Bush to increase the size of the US force in Iraq going back to the early days of the invasion. In fact at first, McCain stood with Bush and Rummy insisting that a larger force was unnecessary. The McCain/Bush/Rummy position at that time was a large factor in causing the deadliest months of the insurgency to begin with. Then McCain switched his opinion, to his credit, and joined the chorus of people screaming for more troops. Finally, after a couple of YEARS, Bush made the decision, now called the "surge". It's bizarre to me that you applaud Bush so enthusiastically for this. His stubborn reluctance led to the deaths of many Americans and God knows how many Iraqis. It allowed the situation in Iraq to get completely out of control (you might read accounts of what Iraq was like in the worst months of the insurgency...hair-raising...and Bush still refused to "surge"). Finally, after all this true horror, Bush gives in, and you call him a hero for "saving the day"! And you attribute the surge idea to McCain, when in fact he was one of hundreds who felt this way, and was not even there in the beginning? What a strange, partisan-blinded person you are, raoul. Do you think no one out here reads? Or thinks? Or knows anything? Good grief!

Karl wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:41 AM:Chuck, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Budweiser many, many years ago. You've read the stories of child prodigies who graduate from college before most graduate high school, well I was one of those child prodigies that graduated from the University of Budweiser. I think this is the reason that I have only one lonely brain cell and one lonely feeling left.

After years of using my handy BA from the UOB I have decided it is time to go for the masters. I have already been accepted to the University of Coors Light in Boulder Colorado (they even have a golf team). Is it as cold there in the winter? Is the ocean temperature as warm at the Colorado beaches as it is at our SoCal beaches?

I've seen the curriculum and I should be sporting the Masters on the wall in about 6 months and then on the the University of San Jose Cuervo for the PHD.

Peace

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:42 AM:>>>The entire operation is under federal control, and the governor is not briefed on situations.>>> That is contrary to Callyforneya whre Ahnuld controls the National Guard, and has told Bush more than once, to shove it when it comes to the use of the National Guard

McCain and the Republicans wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:43 AM:Hey, you all should check out the official Republican platform. Fascinating. Did you know the word "McCain" does not appear in it? Did you know it includes stands on issues that are directly in opposition to stands McCain takes on those issues? While everyone was celebrating how "divided" the Democratic party was because of Hillary and Obama, who happen to agree on just about every iota of policy, here are your stalwart Republicans, flouting their opposition to their own candidate in their own official party platform. Fascinating time to be alive, isn't it?

Wow Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:45 AM:How shocking to hear that someone has ever had the opinion that you should button it up! So what you're saying is that you've been insulting and stereotyping people all your life, and that your inability to see that it offends people is an old story. Well thanks for sharing!

SOLON wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:48 AM:McCain is a dangerous loose cannon

My personal feeling is that the pregnancy of Palin’s daughter is not the business of the public, and the public has no right to make a moral judgment of the 17 year old daughter. Nor should we make a moral judgment of the mother, Sarah, unless she was negligent in her responsibility in educating her daughter in sex education and use of condoms; or unless she failed to be truthful with McCain and his party in the vetting process. The fundamentalists of the religious right will likely react negatively, and this will hurt McCain’s election chances.

Nor should the girl’s pregnancy reflect upon John McCain unless he failed to vet Mrs. Palin fully or simply he failed to reveal the information to his Party. Such deceit character is not acceptable for this nation’s leader.

I hope McCain loses big time, but not for the reason of this 17 year old girl. I hope he is rejected because the public comes to understand that McCain justifies the bombing and killing of hundreds of thousands Vietnamese and Cambodian children and innocent civilians in a criminal, immoral and unnecessary war, and has never expressed any contrition. To this day he does not admit that air strikes against and slaughter of Iraqi and Afghan children and civilians is a war crime. We do not need another criminal mind in the White House.

The most troubling conclusion about McCain is that he is shallow, undisciplined and irresponsible. He is no mere maverick. He is a loose cannon rumbling across the deck of the ship of state, out of control, unpredictable and very dangerous.

Karl wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:49 AM:Chuck, You'll know the diploma is hanging when I sign in as Doctor Jose de la Coors Budweiser PHD.

This will be my second PHD. I already possess a Poway High Diploma.

esteban wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:51 AM:Thanks Clay, that's been killing me all my life.

Focal Point wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:53 AM:sdraoul[-] wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:01 AM:
My Dad was at Guadalcanal, 2/11 1st Mar Div and at Peleliu, Silver Star, two purple hearts. My father in law was at Chosin with the 7th Marines. The first war was part of a World War. The second was a UN war in which the US led in the fight against communist aggression. They have nothing to do with Iraq. Iraqi war was never necessary period. Iraq did not attack us. Anbar was a success due to the dedicated tenacity of our armed forces but also because the Suni's decided it was not in their interest to fight us anymore and because our government is making payments to them.
This is common knowledge If you are paying tribute to the actions, sacrifice and victory of the Marines in Anbar, I concur.

Focal Point wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:57 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:05 AM: Well, pard, all the cowhands around the fire think that this was a grand yarn.

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:59 AM:Aimee Bui thinks the taxpayers should build her a railroad from Escondido to San Diego. Why doesn’t she organizer her economic laggards and build their own railroad. Aimee just wants a free ride at the expense of the economically productive class.

Joan wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:06 AM:How nice of you to share this information with us, Mr. Northcote. I was not aware, but found it quite interesting. I am sharing your info with my grandchildren. Just goes to prove, you're never too old to learn new things. Thank you.

Whew wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:19 AM:Thank God it was Palin's daughter and not one of Obama's. Many Americans would not be as understanding. A black unwed, teenage mom in the White House? Forget about it.

Silence of the Wolves wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:23 AM:C'mon! Gimme a break! Does ANYONE seriously believe that Ron, Raoul and Chuck - not to mention all the hatemongers of right wing radio - would be calling on us to respect people's privacy if the shoe was on the other foot - if it was the Democrat who made a hasty, unvetted, shoot-from-the hip choice of the candidate to be a heartbeat away from a 72-year-old four-time cancer survivor?

COUNTRY FIRST FAMILY SECOND wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:27 AM:At age 44, Sarah Palin is still very capable of having more children herself. If elected as VP, and if she finds herself suddenly President: what if she also finds herself pregnant yet again? Clearly birth control is NOT something this family supports. And this family has proven that their "Abstinence Only" ideals DO NOT WORK, especially for them!

Having a lot of children does not a family make! It’s fairly common knowledge that when a teenage child becomes pregnant, usually something is missing in the family. Usually the case is that mom and/or dad are not all that available as parents to their children.

But maybe Palin and McCain are showing the world that a Man can handle a large family on his own while his other half is busy running the White House. Proving that the 'traditional' family that conservatives always we all must strive for is really not necessary. A man can do it alone.

Sounds to me like it’s a fairly easy step from that stance to the one that says gays can raise children. After all, what children really need is a responsible and loving adult at home to raise them. Right Sarah?

How does McCain and Palin think that ANY parent, mom or dad, can deal with a family of 5 children that include a son freshly deployed overseas as a soldier in an ugly war, a daughter dealing with adolescence, another in grade school, a new-born infant with downs-syndrome and an unmarried teenager pregnant with their grandchild to be born just as before inauguration of the highest offices in the world???? PLUS DEAL WITH: Russia, Iran, North Korea, Columbia, Darfur, China, Iraq, Afghanistan, Al Qaeda, the Taliban, Hurricanes, terrorists, nuclear proliferation, oil crisis, house markets failures, bank failures, global warming (just to name a few very real issues) and God Knows what else will be throw at the world over the next four years???

Who can deal with all that at the same time? NOBODY. And if Sarah finds herself in the fairly likely position of Commander in Chief, she will be faced with some VERY DIFFICULT decisions: the needs of her young and expanding family and the needs of the turbulent and ever-changing world.

No one should have to make that choice. And no one should suffer for whichever choice she makes. Her family deserves the attention they require from BOTH parents and this country and the world deserve the attention we all require from our leader.

Pretty simple really, Sarah Palin is years from being ready to be President of the United States. Maybe in 2016, at age 50 and with a smaller immediate household, she can manage to be a good parent and a good president but today, she obviously cannot be good at both at the same time.

esteban wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:30 AM:The liberals may be loons, but I believe most of them do not buy into the "US orchestrated 9/11" thing. Anyone who believes that really should have to start over in education and should have to give back any and all diplomas. But I suspect the believers of that garbage would never hold any kind of diplomas.

esteban wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:34 AM:Solon, so does that make Obama better? I think not. McCain ain't great, but voting for Obama is a vote for a mushroom cloud over your hometown. Thanks.

Christian man wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:37 AM:Stop blaming all "LEFTs" for attacking. I 'm a hard-right Born again Christian and was already appalled at a 'Mom of 5!" running for the VP - new baby? what? Disabled new baby? What what? now, the lady who wants our respect is the same one who has been lying to many about her "sick" daughter at home, who was kept at home to hide her pregnancy , which I get, but to win the VP slot she suddenly drags her out of the house , where it could have been kept a private matter, and has her daughter holding the baby just to cover her stomach - to hide ? are you kdidddddding me ? This is ridiculous and with all the other lies, I'm DONE DONE DONE. Cut her loose now , she'll be lucky enough to keep her gov't job. it's over now. Family values what a joke she doesn't represent me.

Small correction for Solon wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:38 AM:On Sixty Minutes in, I believe, 1999, John McCain DID say that he had been a war criminal for bombing villages and the children who lived in them. But he did not, as you correctly say, apologize for this. On the contrary, he got back in that cockpit again and again. When an accidental explosion on his carrier did to his compadres what he had been doing to those children, he was, he admitted, horrified. But he still got right back in that cockpit to burn more villages. Decades later, he was among the loudest cheerleaders for the similar bombing of a major capital city, population more than one million. Both of these campaigns were based on lies sold to the American public as reasons for war. By all moral reasoning, wars should be fought in self-defense as a last resort. Neither of McCain's wars come anywhere close to meeting these criteria. The man has no respect for the sanctity of human life, that's for sure. As long as it's dressed up in a military uniform, McCain thinks murder of children is just ducky. I could never vote for such a person either.

Apple Pie Mom wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:41 AM:I am a Republican and a Christian and I won't vote for the McCain/Palin ticket.

It isn't the circumstances, but the candidates response to these circumstances. The Governor should not have accepted the nomination. Her family has gone through major changes this year, yet she is willing to move over 4,000 miles away.

SHAME on those of you who compare this to Biden who traveled 75 miles to the Senate and had his mother move in to assist him with his young sons during the tragic death of his wife and daughter.

I listened to Focus on the Family for 15 years, but that ended last week. Dr. Dobson has a lot to account for as he takes his flock astray to persue his own political aspirations.

Other Republican Moms -- I emplore you to write to Dr. Dobson and tell him the truth in love. We have listened to him talk about the value of motherhood above all else. That we should work with our spouses through all things -- even infidelity. Yet he supports a ticket that smacks against all those values we hold true.

I am truly disappointed in his leadership.

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:41 AM:>>>Chuck [-] wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:59 AM:Aimee Bui thinks the taxpayers should build her a railroad from Escondido to San Diego. Why doesn’t she organizer her economic laggards and build their own railroad. Aimee just wants a free ride at the expense of the economically productive class.>>>>

I see some liberal, devoid of any character, finds it necessary to use my name to make a post. It just shows how desperate you truly are

Old Timer wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:43 AM:A subject written about constantly is that "I am not going to pay more tax for Schools, Hospitals, Mass transit etc. etc" What is not written about is how under trickle Down economics, increased national debt has increased your taxes way more than a hospital, school etc. and most of you are not smart enough to see this. The real culprit is the hidden tax imposed by all the wasteful spending that the Republicans did when they were throwing money around like they didn't care where it came from. Now the falling dollar is a hidden tax that causes inflation not just for our generation but for generations to come. A real tax increase on future generations while claiming to not increase taxes. Republicans must stay up late at night figuring how to best fool the American foolish.

How Does She Do It wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:44 AM:... Fair is fair.

Does Linda Setter really not understand how political decision making works?
Bill was against Obama in the primary because the choice was between Hillary and Obama.
With that as the choice, be believed that Hillary was the better choice.
Now here is a surprise for you: HE STILL BELIEVES THAT.
But Hillary is no longer an available option.
Now the choice is between Barack Obama and John McCain.
Barring some unforseseen tragedy, one of those two men will be sworn into the presidency on January 20, 2009.
That is the choice.
Between those two options, Bill Clinton sincerely believes that Barack Obama is the better choice.
Not perfect. Just better.
Does Setter also condemn all the Romney, Giuliani and Huckabee supporters who are now behind McCain? (You know, the ones not voting for Ron Paul or Bob Barr.)

Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:47 AM:>>>So what you're saying is that you've been insulting and stereotyping people all your life,>>
Yes, as they do to me. I must admit, I get joy out of pushing peoples buttons. But, I don't intend it in a hurtful manner (most of the time)especially if that person is bigger than me.

Apollo wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:50 AM:Re: SDRaoul (9:01 a.m.)
So what was your point, Raoul?
The purpose of the surge was to quiet the hotspots long enough for the political rapprochement to occur. Our brave military did their part. So where is the POLITICAL rapprochement this was supposed to enable? Obviously the political side, the Bush administration, dropped the ball, fumbled the play, struck out - you pick the metaphor.
The military did their job, but THE SURGE IS AN ABYSMAL FAILURE.
In the meantime, our initial victories in Afghanistan have been reversed, the Taliban is resurgent, and Osama bin Laden thumbs his nose at America and plots the next invasion.
We cut and ran from the real war on terror.
THE SURGE IS AN ABYSMAL FAILURE.

Nick wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:55 AM:The other day, "Gracchus" did not like the fact that I call Obama a liar. When I pointed out that I do this because of his refusals to take money from Big Corporations and Lobbyists, all the while doing so.
My friend "Gracchus" says that this was not a lie, but a change of tactics, and if I can't see the difference than there is no use arguing the point.
While I understand your point "Gracchus", it is that very statement which solidifies my point that Obama is indeed a liar. You see, if he had never accepted a dollar from Lobbyists PAC's and Big Corporate donors thru "Joint-Committees" BEFORE his bold claims, you would be correct.
The fact of the matter is that he has been taking Lobbyists money from day one and it goes back to his days in Chicago.

This is a quote straight from Obama's website on ethics:

“I am in this race to tell the corporate lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over. I have done more than any other candidate in this race to take on lobbyists — and won. They have not funded my campaign, they will not run my White House, and they will not drown out the voices of the American people when I am president.”

— Barack Obama, Speech in Des Moines, IA, November 10, 2007

There is a great website called "Open Secret"(I know it sounds fishy, but it's not)which is the Center for Responsive Politics and is a nonpartisan guide to money’s influence on U.S. elections and public policy.
Give it a look "Gracchus" and I think you will find it to be very informative on finance in all areas of Government.

What I really found interesting were the ones running for re-election in the House and the Senate.
In The House, the majority of people in the pockets of the PAC's and Lobbyists were Democrats, where as in The Senate, the majority were Republicans.

Check out the webiste "Gracchus", I think you will find it very insightful and usefull.
Cheers, Nick.

Greenergy wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:11 AM:I suspect that the real reason the price of oil dropped more than $4 a barrel when all drilling stopped in the Gulf due to weather (thus conclusively disconnecting the link between more drilling and lower prices) is that Big Oil has recoiled in terror at the prospects of a Republican/Alaskan (separatist?) taing over when Pres McCain's head explodes and nationalizing (i.e., socialism) the oil industry like she did in her state.

In the meantime, all those Republican apologists (Ron, Raoul, Chuck, I'm talkin' about YOU) need to go back and re-read the list of Republican scandalmongers and hate speech in the blog by "Double Standard" at 9:08 a.m.
Then stop all hate speech against liberals until you have answered every one of those.

Oh Chuck wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:16 AM:It's obvious that you get pleasure out of pushing people's buttons. But I don't believe you when you say you don't intend it in a hurtful manner. I've been reading your posts. They seem to be quite straighforwardly hurtful in their intent. If you were a gay man reading the posts of Chuck, how else would you take them other than hateful? What will you say, Chuck? The gay reader doesn't count? Deserves it? Well, hey, those are hurtful too! No, I don't believe you don't intend harm and hatred, and I don't believe you are so dense as to really believe you are as innocent of these as you claim. I think you are simply a bully, filled with rage and bile, and toss in little "I don't mean harm" phrases when you think, for a moment, how awful your views and posts actually are. Sorry. I take people at their words. I'd do some serious soul-searching if I were you. It's not nearly all as funny as you think.

Focal Point wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:26 AM:Chuck[-] wrote on Sep 2, 2008 9:42 AM: The subject is the Alaskan National Guard and the comments of its Commanding General. But, I have a feeling that Chuck is using this a segway to another wonderful yarn. So, come closer cowpokes to the fire. The Master story teller is almost ready.

Gotta Wonder wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:28 AM:Nick[-] wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:55 AM: Hey Nick thanks for the info. I am always looking for more sources that check out the sources. Regards Gotta Wonder

Its settled then wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:36 AM:Gracchus makes the point. And now it is agreed. If you decide to vote in November, you will be voting for a man who has lied. There.

RAOULS POINT wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:37 AM:Apollo at 10:50 a.m. asks Raoul what is point was.
Don't you get it, Apollo?
HE DIDN'T HAVE ONE!
His McCaindidate is being revealed as a shoot-from-the-hip loser so he's trying real hard to "move on."
Raoul was just trying to change the subject.

hardtack wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:38 AM:Frank Crowley’s economic insights raise more questions for Crowley than Crowley seems to be willing to acknowledge.
Crowley says: “Bush devalued the dollar with his policies.” Has Crowley not noticed that Democrats are equally adept at passing pork laden appropriation bills?
Crowley says: “[the devalued dollar] results that Americans pay more for imported goods.” Has Crowley asked himself what motivates Americans to buy imported products in the first place?
Crowley says: “[Obama] will strive to eliminate the federal deficit and bring fiscal responsibility back to the federal government.” Does Crowley not think that every administration since Woodrow Wilson has “strived” to do the same thing – like an alcoholic “strives” to not have another drink?
Crowley needs to come up with something a lot better than this to get me to pull the lever for McBama.

thanks esteban wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:40 AM:Ah, the famous mushroom cloud is back. You may be right, but remember: the closest thing to a mushroom cloud over the US happened on the watch of George W Bush. The one President that failed to protect us from an actual disaster of a terror attack. The only one. A fact that will not go away. So if you voted for Bush in 2004, you literally voted for the candidate that had allowed the attack to occur. The candidate whom McCain has agreed with more than 90% of the time. I just don't see that your political acumen is anything to brag about, esteban!

Ron wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:42 AM:They are taking the bait, folks.
Hook... line... &... sinker.

You do not want to compare Palin to Obama. DON'T DO IT!
Proper comparison: McCain to Obama.

Your only making our case for us.

Inquiring Minds wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:43 AM:Attention to Tabloids: A tabloid recently was correct about John Edwards and his affair to remember. Well, it is rumored by a tabloid that GWB and Laura will be divorcing after the elections. Inquiring minds do want to know?

OBAMA MAMA wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:43 AM:Best commentary yesterday was by OBAMACAN, in response to Ron’s attempt to choke off free speech and exchange of ideas:

This was her powerful commentary once again:

"C