John wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:42 AM:Yea, Larry. Voting present 130 times is great preparation. Never had to make a decision till now and now Obama changes his mind on almost every issue.

chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:42 AM:The news is reporting that Palins glasses have started a fashion frenzy. I'm sure glad when Hussein donned that Muslim dress that no fashion frenzy was created then

Chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:48 AM:>>>>>It is disappointing that a newspaper, no matter how small, fails to use basic spell-checking capability. You are distributed to school children>>>
What would students know about spelling. Todays public school students are only versed in diversity, their civil rights under SB777, and how to properlyfit a condom to a cucumber. Spelling, math, language arts, and the physical and social sciences are left to the junior colleges. (And SAT scores and exit exam scores prove it)

Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 5:16 AM:I'm telling ya folks, the Lib's just can't keep their mouths shut.
But they just can't help themselves, they know sooo much more than you or I, just your average everyday, working, American. The continuing derogatory out bursts from the liberal elite about We the People, is just more of the same, par for the course for those who reside inside the bubble that is Washington D.C.
If they are not telling their favorite liberal audiences those red staters are "clinging to their gun and their religion", they are talking down their nose's about Wal*Mart Mom's, or making off color jokes about Shotgun Marriage's.
Working Mom's are great until she's a conservative who praises Jesus. Balancing a family life alongside your career is wonderful until your a Republican. And having your 17 year old becoming pregnant apparently now show the entire world your parenting skills suck.
Two things long gone unspoken, well, at least in public by the liberal elite.
One, What used to be spoken, almost whispered in polite liberal dinner parties, the real feelings of liberals about those "other's" who reside in the rural sections of the country, is now wide open, and now said without shame.
And two..
If gotten away with, all working Mom's, and Dad's, will be savaged for their homekeeping skills.
But the lib's just can't help themselves, they've been quiet far too long, to tell you what they really think of you rubes. They could never invite one of us to those elitist parties, because.. What would that say about them, to their friends?

Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 5:37 AM:Really, I'm surprised that Joseph Grant is not goning off on one of his usual 2nd Amendment rants. Guess.. Barack Obama say's it's ok now to own em, after he said he liked the D.C. gun ban. One thing I can look forward to with Barack, change. Yes, he will definately change his mind, no matter what he has said before.

Left out of this letter are all the unphathomable flip-flopping done by Barack Obama. I mean... if at first you tell your supporters that you'll fillibuster a bill granting retroactive immunity to Tel-Com's, and then you don't. What does that say? I know what it tells me, he really don't care what you think.
Take Nancy Pelosi on impeachment. The Left, by enlarge, wanted her to impeachment GWB. And she lead you along during the campaign, talked around the edges about how it was possible to do, and left the definate impression that she was inclined to do so, once in office. But.. Once in office, off-the-table. A total slick marketing and packaging campaign. Absolutely brilliant, on her part. Because she know's she can get away with it, and you won't hold her accountable.

Oh, and speaking of Equal Rights...
Were you aware, or do you even care, Joe Grant? That, if your a woman working inside Senator Obama's senate office, chances are your making $6,000 less than your equally qualified male counterpart.

So, Hope & Change: Barack Obama/Nancy Pelosi style equals: Wiretapping is good, no one will be held accountable, and women are not equal.

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 5:49 AM:From yesterday, "Freddy" at 8:40PM, nails it!
Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 5:57 AM:In his letter, Josef Horowitz says that Democrats want to raise taxes while Republicans want to lower them.
He may be right.
He ignores the FACT that GWB has demanded and Congress has provided hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars for GWB's folly in Iraq.
Those HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of dollars ARE BORROWED!
How does he or anyone else propose that we PAY BACK those hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars if we do not raise axes??
I forgot, according to Republicans money does grow on trees!
Just print up some more!
Debt, we don't have no stinking debt!
Regards, Alf.

Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:28 AM:Well, well, well... the plot thickens in the Biden home. Maybe, over a bagel, some juice, and a little coffee?
Apparently, Delaware senator Joe Biden’s son, R. Hunter Biden work at Oldaker, Biden & Belair, a D.C. lawyer-lobbyist shop who represented MBNA America Bank, a huge credit card empire.
Hunter, it now seems, headed that effort with the help from a relatively new Senator, the one Barack Hussein Obama. Where now the record shows, he asked for, and received some of the $3.4 million in earmarks specifically for credit card and banking clients of one R. Hunter Biden,
As it turns out, MBNA is Senator Biden’s largest contributor. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Biden raised $147,700 from MBNA.
And it just so happens, that Hunter Biden was pushing it as a paid for lobbyist, the same bill his father was pushing, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.
I'll bet those train rides home on the Amtrak would have been interesting.
Or a beer, a glass of wine, or some dinner. I wonder... who picked up the check? Hunter, or Old Joe?

Gotta Wondr wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:49 AM:Do your homework: As if the school kids would have noticed the misspelling. She must be a retired teacher needing to correct somebody and or anybody.

Gotta Wonder wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:51 AM:Palin makes it possible to vote for McCain
Would you still be voting for the ole fella if Palin's daughter had chosen abortion resulting in being disowned by her mother and finding herself on cold Alaskan streets?

Gotta Wondr wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:54 AM:Ethics without attitude: Gotta wonder, Don, why you have the time to listen to Dr. Laura much less time to criticize her program. Get a life. What happened to Rush, Sean or Savage?

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:58 AM:The earth-shattering news that occupied over 70 percent (over seventy percent!) of the front page of the North County Times edition that I get in Encinitas was about the -
Chargers losing!
These are the same Chargers who were threatening to leave San Diego if they did not get a new stadium!!
How soon many forget their treachery!
How soon many forget their disloyalty!
How soon many forget the greed and tricks of the Chargers and the Spanos family!
Regards, Alf.

Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:01 AM:Your actually trying to argue that, Larry Falick? That Bush only had just six years of executive experience?
And that Ronald Reagan only had eight years as the governor of California?

Your serious? Your kidding me, right?

If that is the prerequisite, general government experience; Then answer me this: Why isn't Joe O'Biden on the top of your ticket?

I think America's beginning to get this too! Just in:

McCain/Palin 54, Obama/Biden 44

Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:10 AM:Some history....
Fannie Mae was created in 1938 as part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal. For thirty years, Fannie Mae was a monopoly over the mortgage market. In 1968, due to fiscal pressures LBJ "privatized" {not really, gave special treatment & advantage over other private institutions} Fannie Mae in order to remove it from the national budget.
In addition, due to it's closeness to the government, and given it's history.
Fannie and Freddie are notrequired to hold as much capital like other private financial institutions. Also, they are allowed to sell mortgage-backed securities with only half {1/2} as much capital backing them up as would be required of other financial institutions. And, a carve out in regulations through the FDIC, that govern solvency of all financial institutions, do not apply equally to Fannie and Freddie. Normally, financial institutions are supposed to maintain capital/asset ratio's greater than or equal to 3%. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are exempt from this.
Also, Fannie/Freddie are often refered to as "the Spine" in our mortgage industry, do the the sheer amount of under captialized loans held by them, in comparison to other lending firms.
Also, FNMA is also exempt from state and local taxes. In addition, FNMA and FHLMC are exempt from SEC filing requirements.

My point being, this left-over dinosaur from the FDR days, and semi-released, made semi-private by LBJ is nothing than more of the same, of interjecting artificiality into the marketplace.
Take a look at MediCare, again, with it's introduction, insurance companies no longer insured many seniors, changing the insurance pool. Again, injecting artificiality into the marketplace.
This is much of the long sad history of many, many New Deal programs that can't function, and are failing.
Social Security, broke.
MediCare, broke.
Every level of Government, broke.

Ronald Reagan was right. the worst thing you could hear, was: "I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help."

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:23 AM:The letter from Josef Horowitz states "Democrats are weak on national security ... opposing the Patriot Act and other measures to keep America safe".
Golly gee, why would any true patriotic American, Democrat or Republican, oppose something that contains parts that are blatantly un-Constitutional?
Secure our borders?
GWB, a Republican, has dragged his feet about as much as he can to keep from securing our borders and championed legislation to give amnesty to illegal aliens.
Go after the perpetrators of 9/11 and their sponsors?
GWB, a Republican, went from Afghanistan, where they were,
to Iraq, where they were not.
Threaten to veto any spending bill that didn't include funding for his folly in Iraq?
GWB, a Republican, did it over and over and over again.
Regards, an unabashed Libertarian, Alf.

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:26 AM:The letter from Larry Falick makes only one mistake.
He tries to use facts in an arena and to people who are confused by facts and are more concerned with their opinion than facts.
Regards, Alf.

oh raoul wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:28 AM:When you say 911 happened under Bush's watch, raoul knee-jerks the memorized line: the planning was under Clinton's watch and Clinton let Bin Laden get away. Now picture this: let's say Obama wins the Presidency and 9 months later, God forbid, we are hit by an al Qaeda attack once again. Do we hear raoul saying "Not Obama's fault: it was planned with Bush in office and Bush let Bin Laden get away!" ? Somehow, I don't think so. But, raoul, please correct us. Say it here, on this space, loud and clear for all of us to read. If we are attacked under a President Obama, do you promise, hand on the Bible, to blame Bush in exactly the same way you blame Clinton? Ball's in your court, raoul. Looking forward to your answer.

Gotta Woner wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:28 AM:ALASKAN JET: McCain states that Palin sold the Alaskan Governor's jet on E bay for a profit. Turns out it was sold privately at less than the asking price. Did they every correct the misinformation (nice word for lie.)? Doubt it!

Oh Please wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:29 AM:chuck[-] wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:42 AM: Why is Palin against the ocular contact industry? Why does she hat the poor?

DD Wiz wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:34 AM:The published letter from Josef Horowitz claims to show "what it takes to be a Democrat," but since nothing he describes accurately reflects our party, he really shows what it takes to be a Republican: go after the Democrats' strongest positions by simply lying about them. His examples:

National Security: He says Democrats oppose measures (he cites the Patriot Act and working with the U.N.) to keep America safe. The Democrats oppose those measures that do nothing to keep us safe but only weaken the civil liberties that keep us strong and free. Working with other nations, which Dubya's daddy did in the first Gulf War, is the best insurance against forcing us to spread our resources to thin.
And the biggest point that he seems unable to grasp: Democrats have consistently opposed the diversion of our resources away from the real terrorists who invaded us, who are presently along the Pakistan/Afghanistan border, which McCain did not even understand. We do not support the war that cuts and runs and diverts our resources from where the real terrorists are, just for the same of a few wealthy oil investors profiting from defense contracts and oil profiteering.

Tax Increases: Just keep repeating the unqualified mantra "tax increases" without specifying which taxes are being discussed. Bush/McCain want to lower taxes by huge amounts on the very few at the top of the economic food chain who have already benefited the most. Obama and Democrats support a progressive tax rate structure, in which taxes are lowered far more than under the McCain proposals, for 95% of the people. Is Horowitz lying or does he just not grasp how progressive tax rates work? Or maybe everyone he knows is in that top 5%. I see he didn't mention "elitism," as when the spoiled, ne'er do well son and grandson of admirals dumps his first wife to marry a young, wealthy beer heiress and becomes one of the richest men in America, and then calls his opponent "elitist" who has a teensy fraction of that wealth, all of which is handed to him by no one and is completely self-made.
Peace (and sunshine) to all, DD Wiz

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:37 AM:Well, "Ron" at 5:16AM,
you say "Working Mom's are great until she's a conservative who praises Jesus.".
Praising Jesus has less to do with it than hypocrisy (pregnant teenager) and GWB/McGWB rhetoric, the likes of which many of the American People are tired of hearing.
"Stay the course" is not only trite, but staying the current course, espsecially in Iraq is recognized by over 65 percent of the American People as being the wrong way to go.
The way to reduce the National Debt is NOT to keep borrowing money, especially for GWB's folly in Iraq.
Regards, Alf.

OBAMACAN wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:40 AM:John at 1:42 a.m. is just another conservative doing what conservatives do: spouting off about things he knows nothing abut. Voting "present" is a unique parliamentary procedural move in the Illinois legislator, and Obama (who was in a safe liberal Chicago district and did not need to use it) voted "present" at the request of fellow liberals who were not in safe districts, as a tactical maneuver.
It had nothing to do with "not taking a stand."
But John's comment has everything to do with spouting off about subjects on which he is utterly ignorant.

He Said wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:40 AM:Go get 'em Ron. The Dem's strategy is going no where. Keep seeing all the anti Bush stuff even though he is not running? That's part of the plan to keep his sorry presidency in the lime light and link the Repub's candidate (didn't matter who it was going to be)with a more of the same label. McCain is breaking that stereotype. Next strategy, trash the VP candidate. Even Hillary is smart enough to stay out of that one. The Dem's constant barrage of Palin is backfiring. People relate to her as a real person - not one of those Washington congressional insiders who can't keep an approval rating above 20%. Keep it up Dems. Check out the USA/Gallup polls released today.

Ms M wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:09 AM:He Said
[-] wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:40 AM:...Just how can you say McCain is not Bush who voted over 90% of the time with his president. Just because McCain woke up say about a week ago and decided to throw his party under the bus so he can run on "change". Give me a break. Tell me, just how is McCain different than Bush.

Republican Socialist wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:13 AM:Those Republican Socialists are at it again:

1. Republican nominee selects as his running mate the governor of the only Sociliast economy in the U.S. (Alaska, financed by the commercial oil ventures it owns [and if there was any doubt about that, Ron and Raoul, CSPAN rebroadcast last night a debate from her 2006 gubernatorial campaign in which there was extensive discussion of managing the commercial oil operations THEY OWN - also, I got to actually watch her express support for that "Bridge to Nowhere." The debate obviously occurred while she was still for it before she was against it].

2. The Republican Administration went way beyond financial bailouts and guarantees and SEIZED private corporations yesterday. Shades of Harry Truman and the steel industry!

Send those Commie Republicans back to the USSR:
Union of Subsidized Socialist Republicans!
No wonder they call it the RED STATES!

Got no beefs with Sarah wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:13 AM:So she flip flopped on earmarks.

So her own solution to teen pregnancy didn't even work in her own home.

So she lived 800+ miles from her office, so she could be close to her family, which is more important than the hassles of her job.

So she hides from media interviews and press conferences.

So she goes to Michigan and recites the same funny little quips she entertained us with in her convention speech.

So she has a higher than normal chance of assuming the highest office in the land then other VPs have, because of the age and health issues of her running mate.

What's not to like?

Especially if you are a Democrat!

Chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:19 AM:>>>The Republican Administration went way beyond financial bailouts and guarantees and SEIZED private corporations yesterday>>> And the next thing we'll hear is that the executives got multi-million dollar buyouts of their employment contracts. What they should get is an orange jumpsuit and a set of chains for the next 20 years

Chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:22 AM:>>Tell me, just how is McCain different than Bush.>>> McCain is different from Bush to the extent that Hussein is different from Stalin and Lenin- Both about the same with some minor differences

Chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:27 AM:>>>Republican nominee selects as his running mate the governor of the only Sociliast economy in the U.S. (Alaska,>>>
If so, then why is there so much spewing hate against Palin by the liberals. Socialism is the M O of liberals. The liberals are so desperate for socialism, they want to turn healthcare over to the same morons who have bankrupted SocialSecurity, and they think by hosing the employers in this country with massive new taxes, that employees will have record pay and benefit increases, as they pay $7 for a gallon of gas and $6 for a box of Wheaties or CornFlakes

Nick wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:33 AM:One thing that Geoffrey King leaves out in his letter on the article about incomes in Escondido, is that there are MORE Illegals in Escondido than ever before.
I'm sure the research in the article he speaks of didn't poll those here Illegally working under the table.
I'm willing to bet there are more people working in Escondido, than not working.
The difference is the majority are mostly Illegal.
Cheers, Nick.

SOLON wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:34 AM:Chuck’s vicious anti-Semitic attacks

Chuck continues his vicious anti-Semitic attacks. Yesterday he displayed his hatred with ‘Barack Hussein?? Does that sound like a good Christian name to you, or does sound mid-eastern, maybe Saudi or Yemeni to you??’ (Sep. 7 - 8:33 AM)

Ron conducts his tireless, daily hateful anti-Semitic campaign of prejudice against foreign names. The vast majority of Americans have names derived from foreign lands, from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, Russia, China, Japan, Egypt, Lebanon, India, Hungary, you name it -- and every nation of the world. There are more Wong’s than Smith’s listed in the San Francisco phone book. There are more Juan’s than Chuck’s in North County. Chuck is a minority, not because of his odd name, by because of his small mind. There are many bloggers on this site, some with varying degrees of intelligence, but none is so mean-spirited as he. Ignorance is tolerated; a mean spirit is not.

How twisted that Chuck has such a hate for Jewish, Hebrew and Aramaic names. Many Christians have Biblical names that are Jewish and Aramaic. Some of our presidents have names of Aramaic origin. Chuck’s hateful prejudice exposes his small mind.

SOLON wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:35 AM:Requirements to be a right-wingnut Republican:

Gullibility, a weak mind governed by fear and willingness to follow Darth Cheney or some other dangerous Führer.

Thank you Josef Horowitz.

Ted wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:36 AM:It doesn't matter if anyone has what it takes to be a democrat or republican. We would all be better off if we were independents. If you shed the labels, you can think for yourselves and stop letting the parties and pundits decide who you are for. Being republican is supposed to mean improving our national security (more than democrats do). So tell me how the Iraq war does that? Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld decided to attack Iraq after 9/11 and had nothing to do with WMD. Richard Clark, head of counter intelligence, was astounded when he heard "Iraq" after 9/11. Iraq had nothing to do with the terrorist attack. So a trillion dollars and thousands of lives later, here we are. McCain wants to continue that when even the Iraqi's want us out. Iraq was and is, the wrong war at the wrong time in the wrong place with the wrong enemy.

Nate wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:36 AM:I am surprised and upset the the NCT editors that let Chuck post his dribble EVERYDAY!!! There are intelligent people on this board right and left. He is Not intelligent and his cut and pastes are only here to excite people. He is borderline racist. If you are muslim, gay, black, or any other gender or creed you are offended by his posts daily. He does not care for discussion. My guess is he is a single old man. I feel bad for him. I would like to hear other thoughts on this subject if this get printed

Gotta Wonder wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:38 AM:oh raoul[-] wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:28 AM: No one knows when the planning took place.
No can say with certainly when the planing occurred unless you were present. Planning could have happened under either President or partial during the watches of both Presidents. The actual attack was carried out under Bush's watch.

sdraoul wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:49 AM:The propaganda that McCain voted 90% of the time with President Bush is a lie. President Bush had no votes in the Senate thus McCain couldn’t have voted with Bush 90 percent of the time. Moreover, almost all votes in the Senate are unanimous, thus a review of Obama’s spotty senate record would show that he votes more than 50% of the time with the President’s wishes..

On the other hand, Obama voted 100 percent of the time with Harry Reid and the AFL/CIO labor unions.

Government run by the unions and a true draft dodger, Harry Reid, or by McCain and Palin.

Take your pick. A ticket with a hero and a state Commander-in-Chief or a Man who voted "present" 140 times in the state senate to avoid taking a position on controversial issues. Take your pick.

Now, Obama creates another lie by stating that he had "thought" about joining the military when he graduated from high school in 1979. He didn’t, he says, because the Vietnam War was over, thus he wasn't needed. What bull!

American troops were out of Vietnam by 1972 thus no Americans fought for 7 years before Obama graduated. Notice Obama didn't say in the interview that he thought about joining a specific branch, which most people would state in similar situations. Another Obama fabrication and fantasy!

He never though of joining the military, never. He never mentioned it in the two books he wrote about himself. if he had we might believe him, but he didn't.

He Said wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:50 AM:to Ms M @ 8:09: I'm sorry, I guess you don't realize I don't have to tell you anything. McCain has spoken regarding change and the public is buying it.

SOLON wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:51 AM:Prerequisites to qualify . .

. . for highest offices in the land: (1) For president you must be captured by the enemy and tortured in Guantanamo (2) For vice-president you must be live in a inner city ghetto and have a child out of wedlock.

Thank you Carolyn Dorroh, for your insight (letter today). Now we understand by there are so many qualified leaders created by America.

Ms M wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:51 AM:Nate
[-] wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:36 AM:...He's not borderline - he is racist. Also extremely immature. I believe in freedom of speech, but in an arena were civil conversation should be the norm then Chuck should be censored. He brings literally nothing to the table except having a venue to spew his hateful opinions.

Reardon wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:53 AM:The only advantage to the presidential horserace is that it pushed Global Whatever off this page!

But I would prefer even Global Whatever to discussions of eyeglasses and ponytails!

Alf: Nice catch. You did not refer to the "San Diego Chargers." They aren't -- they are the Alex Spanos Chargers. San Diego has zero say in anything except how much the subsidy.

Chuck to Nate wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:54 AM:>>>> I feel bad for him. I would like to hear other thoughts on this subject if this get printed>>>

It appears you are so intelligent that your intolerance (the same intolerance you accuse me of) leads you to plea for my censorship, like the good little liberal you are.

Abstinence wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:05 AM:Since Sarah Palin has demonstrated so conclusively that "abstinence only" does not work, maybe the best way to prevent unwed teen pregnancy is to encourage same-sex relatonships?

Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:06 AM:I really gotta hand it to ya there
"Wizzer" @7:34 AM....

He begins with.."Democrats oppose measures.."
Really? Which one's Like maybe FISA and Immunity for Tele-Com's, like the one, "The One" voted for, aka Barack Obama? He's keeping your civil liberties safe?
Dubya's daddy? LOL
You mean the first Gulf War?
Where Joe Biden, this supposed all-knowing, foreign policy expert who was pulled in to give young Barry his Gravitas?
That same Joe Biden who voted against the 1st Gulf War, when the rest of the world, including.. ALL of our "Friends", where finally on our side? That Gulf War & That Joe Biden?
Your kidding me? Right?
In regards to the Pakistan/Afghanistan border, is that not the same area young Barry said he'd bomb, then invade? Without Pakistani permission? Perhaps, even without UN permission? Or Allied permission? Talk about unilaterial.
Well..
And is this not the same redeployment talked about by that huge military expert John Murtha, who wanted us to redeploy in Okinawa? And got Haditha wrong? I did not know Al-Queda was in Okinawa, did you?
That same military genius?
Who by chance, also is know as ABSCAM Murtha, because during an FBI sting many years ago, he said: Well fellas, let's do business for awhile, and then I'll think about it.
They were offering him a bribe at the time, he didn't take the bribe, but he definately thought about taking it.

Oh Please wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:13 AM:sdraoul[-] wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:49 AM:
You are really hung up on alleged draft dodging and the desire not to serve in the American people. Millions of Americans did not want to be drafted. Many fled to Canada. More would of if a lottery system had not been introduced. Millions of American men have not joined the military since the end of the Vietnam War. No shame in it at all. If people want to serve in an all voluntary armed forces fine with me. If they do not wish to serve that is fine with me. Obama does not have to serve in the military to be President. He can be just like Dick Cheney with better things to do.

He Said wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:14 AM:Mr. Falick's letter really doesn't offer much. Unfortunately, Mr. Will did not qualify his quoted statement but probably did not include government service only. Mr. Falick does have a contribution to society though having symbols at least phonetically named after him.

Global Whatever wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:14 AM:Reardon at 8:53 a.m. seems relieved that the "presidential horserace ... has pushed Global Whatever off this page!"
That is because both candidates have acknowledged the reality of climate science.
While one, McSame, is still in the pocket of the oil company lobbyists running his campaign and has not backed up his lip service with actual votes, the reality climate science has now achieved the same political CONSENSUS (at least among actual presidential nominees) that it achieved long ago in peer-reviewed scientific journals, despite all the naysaying from the Flat Earth deniers who still have not explained the source of their special "insider knowledge" that sets them so far up above real scientists.

Chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:15 AM:>>>maybe the best way to prevent unwed teen pregnancy is to encourage same-sex relatonships?>>> Thats exactly what the gay racketeers have been doing. And then Ahnuld of Callyforneeya got into the act by promoting SB777

esteban wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:17 AM:Oh Linda...I'm sure OPD has more important thing sto do than ticket lil johnnie for his skateboard. Priorities Linda, priorities.

Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:19 AM:Oops!

Just in...

Biden's draft deferments equal Cheney's during Vietnam War.

DD Wiz wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:21 AM:The post from "Ron" (9:06am) confirms yet again that he does not actually read or understand the posts he purports to respond to.
The ultimate non-sequitur -- he disagrees with my statement denying Democratic opposition to national security legislation by citing examples of Democrats voting FOR national security legislation, even when compromises required going along with imperfect bills that included details they opposed.
And, of course, he was completely unable to respond to my points about the Democrats' support for war against the real terrorists, instead of the Republican diversion to wars for oil, and he still "clings to" his support for borrow-and-spend deficit spending while failing completely to understand the progressive tax structures to end the war against the middle class, restore broad-based general prosperity, and return to budget surprluses.
Peace (and sunshine) to all, DD Wiz

gracchus wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:21 AM:chuck, at 8:22 a.m. you make an incredibly ignortant and vituperative remark. you claim that there are minor differences between obama and lenin and stalin. i suppose your foolish and infantile observations titillate obama's opponents. but indicate a complete lack of decency.

someone compares mccain to bush. and then you compare obama to lenin and stalin. might i conclude, then, that bush is the same negative character as lenin and stalin?

more to the point, chuck, just what similarities do obama, lenin, and stalin share? tell us, so that we can know that you actually put some thought into your inane snipes.

Chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:22 AM:Hussein promises you change. He's right, after the massive new taxes, the commodity inflation, the price of gas, price of food, and the medical delivery system takeover, CHANGE IS ALL THAT WILL BE LEFT IN YOUR PAYCHECK. And change is all that your 401-K will be worth as the markets will plummet and the global warming racketeers will have more money than the industrial risk takers of America

Draft Dodger wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:22 AM:No problem with Biden's deferments.
Big problem with Cheney's deferments.
Biden was not supporting sending other parents' kids into battle.
Cheney was.

Great News Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:38 AM:If, as you claim, "Biden's draft deferments equal Cheney's during Vietnam War," it doesn't matter if the Republican or Democratic ticket wins...

If the GOP wins, McCain will be a carbon copy of Bush.

If the Dems win, Biden will be a mirror image of Cheney.

Seems everyone is a winner!

Marlowe wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:38 AM:I don't get Ron's point about how liberals don't like Palin because of her political views. Of course we don't. Has nothing to do with her being a woman, a working mom, or anything else. As for anyone, she is 100% entitled to her beliefs, way of life, right to speak out. But she is running for vice president, so her views could have enormous impact on my life and the lives of my countrymen. So I criticize her for her views. What's Ron's issue with this? Is he trying to say that because liberals are feminists that it's somehow hypocritical of us to criticize Palin's views because she's a woman and working mom? Is that Ron's understanding of feminism? That anything a woman utters is automatically correct to feminists? No, that would be an idiotic thing to believe. Lot's of criticism was aimed at Hillary this primary season by liberals for her war votes, etc. Ron, what the heck are you talking about? You are making no sense at all. Is this yet another episode of the ongoing battle between Ron and his imaginary, straw "liberal"? "Liberals say they support working moms...until they are Christian!" Well, duh. Did anyone say we didn't support Sarah's right to be a working mom? Not that I recall. We just, to repeat, DISAGREE WITH HER. Oh, never mind, Ron. You aren't interested in actual debate, only defeating your imaginary, straw friend. You go, dude!

Goofy Libs wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:46 AM:Abstinence
[-] wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:05 AM: Are you trying to be the libbos poster child for defining the "Goofy" lib platform?

Puzzling Polls wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:55 AM:Read an article by Zogby that says the polls this year are not accurating reflecting the minds of the American People. He says he has not gotten poll results from anyone under 29 in the last three months. It seems strange that in a country where 23% of the people do not want more Bush that they would go crazy for a female Bush? Are the American people that dumb, really?

More likely the polls this year are unbalanced because they do not reflect cell phone users. Who are the majority of people under 29. Who prefer Obama over McCain by 20 points.

Contrary to what anyone says, this race isn't over yet.

nate wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:14 AM:I am not going to turn this int o a who is smarter contest. Everyone should have a right to post if they contribute something of value. Your points can not be heard or considered because of the way you say them. Maybe you an I can meet for some coffe and have a civil converation on issues, instead of name calling and personalities. And for your info i am not a liberal but independent. You know one of those voters McCain needs to win.

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:16 AM:Well, "sdraoul" at 8:49AM,
what's with the word game??
McGWB voted for the same things that GWB wanted 90 percent of the time.
Therefore, McGWB voted "with" GWB 90 percent of the time.
Did you ever here of the phrase "I'm with you" (meaning "I agree with you")?
Regards, Alf.

Oh raoul wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:19 AM:Tell me about how much thought Sarah Palin gave to enlisting when she was 18. And Ron says Biden was Cheney-like in deferments. Like Obama's lack of experience, the presence of a Republican in the same boat nullifies this as an attack point. Repubs don't holler about Palin's inexperience. Repubs never hollered about Cheney's deferrments. End of story.

According to raoul wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:22 AM:Let's think for a moment of every person that has been elected to be Governor and has served for at least a year and a half. Many hundreds of people. According to raoul, each and every one of them, just for having served in that office, are fully ready to command the armed forces of the USA. Interesting.

Ms M wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:27 AM:So Palin is ready to be CIC. The following is an excerpt from and article on the net:

Gov. Sarah Palin made her first potentially major gaffe during her time on the national scene while discussing the developments of the perilous housing market this past weekend.

Speaking before voters in Colorado Springs, the Republican vice presidential nominee claimed that lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had "gotten too big and too expensive to the taxpayers." The companies, as McClatchy reported, "aren't taxpayer funded but operate as private companies. The takeover may result in a taxpayer bailout during reorganization."

Economists and analysts pounced on the misstatement, saying it demonstrated a lack of understanding about one of the key economic issues likely to face the next administration.

"You would like to think that someone who is going to be vice president and conceivable president would know what Fannie and Freddie do," said Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. "These are huge institutions and they are absolutely central to our country's mortgage debt. To not have a clue what they do doesn't speak well for her, I'd say."

Unfortunately for Palin she will need more than a couple of months to learn all that is needed in our very complicated/complex times. Fortunately for Americans a couple of months is enough time to show us just how unready she is to be CIC.

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:32 AM:Well, "Reardon" at 8:53AM,
I don't know about Global Whatever, but
even if the Chargers hadn't lost the Superbowl some time back while playing like high school third-stringers, that threat of leaving unless they get a new stadium sealed the deal.
I will never go to a Padres or a Chargers game, EVER.
Petco Park, my tush!
Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:43 AM:The letter from Robert Strimple shows that he does not understand that, while there is a similarity between the two, Christian morality and the law are completely separate issues.
He also fails to specify how expanding the traditional definition of marriage damages it at all.
Now that "gays" have married in California, I'm sure that his and/or all other heterosexual marriages are damaged beyond repair.
Regards, Alf.

Bill wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:53 AM:Larry Falick doesnt comprehend the difference between EXECUTIVE experience and just plain old experience.

Voting with a group of others isnt leading.

Oh Please wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:57 AM:Ron[-] wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:19 AM: Glad to hear it. Glad to hear that there was one Senator who had brains not to go to the 'Nam." Biden probably had better things to do. So what!

Oh Please wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:01 AM:OVER, Del. (AP) | Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, received five student draft deferments during the Vietnam War, the same number of deferments received by Vice President Dick Cheney, and later was disqualified from service because of asthma as a teenager.
Did Cheney have asthma as well? You left that little tid bit out. Got to watch Ron. He only copy and paste's what supports his viewpoint.

John wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:16 AM:No sooner had the Labor Day speeches extolling American workers ceased than the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives decided to bring up a bill this week to inflict 550,000 stab wounds onto those American workers.

That's right: A week after we hear that official unemployment is at a 5-year high, House leaders are going to try to move a bill to offer 550,000 MORE permanent green cards, above the 1 million immigrants already planned!
Way to go Democrats!

Freddy wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:18 AM:And I actually always thought of the military as an ennobling and, you know, honorable option. But keep in mind that I graduated in 1979. The Vietnam War had come to an end. We weren't engaged in an active military conflict at that point. And so, it's not an option that I ever decided to pursue.” Obama was not asked what branch which he considered if he considered one at all. Obama merely stated that he had considered the military. I did too after high school. Just proves that Obama and me got some smarts. We went to college.

You over due this POW hero thing. How long ago was that Vietnam War anyway? Is McCain can use it to slide into every political office? I have never seen any real hero flatter himself with publicity. Got one from the Batan march and survivor of the Japanese prison camp. Big time decorations. He never says a word. As for Palin, being CIC of the Alaskan National Guard is no big deal. How many Moose or Bears in that unit? Couold cut you some slack if she was CIC Texas National Guard or California National Guard. You are talking about Alaska. And whats the big deal about being a mayor of a 9,000 town. You people really have been perfuming that manure that is being slung around/ But, sooner or later, it just smells.

gracchus wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:13 PM:sdraoul, i shall quote from your diatribe of 8:49 a.m.:

"The propaganda that McCain voted 90% of the time with President Bush is a lie. President Bush had no votes in the Senate thus McCain couldn't have voted with Bush 90 percent of the time. Moreover, almost all votes in the Senate are unanimous, thus a review of Obama's spotty record would show that he votes more than 50% of the time with The President's wishes.."

sdraoul, it makes no sense. if, as you write, mccain can't vote with bush, how can obama? you are wrong when you assert that almost all senate votes are unanimous. perhaps much legislation in the senate is passed by acclamation. controversial legislation is not passed unanimously.

i thought that the last u.s. troops departed from viet nam in 1975, not 1972. perhaps you use a different calendar.

the issue of obama's military service is irrelevant to his qualification to serve as president of the united states. past military service is not a requirement for holding office.

it might surprise you, but wearing a military uniform is not the only manner by which a citizen of this country might serve its people. the draft had ended when obama was still a child. after he reached majority, the united states was engaged in no conflict which demanded that its citizens don a uniform en mass. if people want to serve the country by wearing the uniform, that's fine. but it certainly doesn't confer on them any civic superiority to those who haven't served the country in that capacity.

no one disputes that john mccain is a war hero. the question is whether that experience is sufficient reason to consider him presidential material. i don't think so. most of the presidents of the united states during the last quarter of the 19th century were civil war veterans. but none of them stands out notably.

mccain wants to maintain gw bush's tax cuts for the wealthy. he proposes that we might be in iraq a hundred years. he pandered to jerry falwell after this divine attacked him viciously. his choice of sarah palin as vice-presidential running mate is clearly a bone thrown to the extreme right of his party. despite the respect that i hold for him as a former naval officer and a productive u.s. senator, i don't think that his vision for the country is a good one.

i suppose that you do like mccain's vision for the united states, sdraoul. so why don't you make a case for maccain's proposals, rather than throwing out erroneous claims and irrelelvant information about obama?

Chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:15 PM:The news is reporting that scientists find odd gender differences in how people walk. It's certainly true on how people walk in San Francisco on a Friday night, and how people walk on Wall Street in NY. I didnt need a study for that

jvc wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:21 PM:A country with a free-market economy?
The only thing free about our economy is to bail out the rich!

Chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:27 PM:>>>even if the Chargers hadn't lost the Superbowl some time back while playing like high school third-stringers, that threat of leaving unless they get a new stadium sealed the deal.>>> It's called the process of negotiation. How many times in your life did you negotiate a pay raise, or negotiate deals with your kids?? That is no reason not to go to a game. Now, if they are playing like third stringers or doing tribal dances after each play and you're tired of the antics, thats a reason not to go

Chuck wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:34 PM:The news is reporting that 3 Britons Abdulla Ahmed Ali, Assad Sarwar and Tanvir Hussain guilty of conspiracy ob bomb plots. Of course the headline only says Three Britons. You have to dig into the story to understand they are about as British as Tojo was an American

Alf wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:49 PM:Well, "John" at 11:16AM,
to what party does GWB belong?
Wasn't GWB pushing for amnesty for illegal aliens not that long ago?
Hasn't GWB been dragging his heels about securing our borders?
Remind me again, to what party does GWB belong?
I don't believe that he's a Democrat.
Regards, Alf.

Gotta Wonder wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:51 PM:John[-] wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:16 AM:
American workers can get those available jobs. All they do is go get them. Oh that is right. Americans will not do hard physical labor in the sun. Americans can not qualify for the available computer jobs. American companies have to recruit from India. So, get it right. There is American unemployment growing because our economy is not growing. All segments are being affected. It is just your Republican conservative free market economy adjusting itself. Isn't it? I mean that is all I hear on this blog anyway.

Focal Point wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:55 PM:John[-] wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:16 AM:
Engineering jobs and c