Bill wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:33 AM:Yeah Chris Pulse is a real work isnt he?

He doubts that anyone can actually save money when times are good. Of course we all know that NOBODY does that right Chris? Instead of treating my home like an ATM after paying it off, I refinanced it and reduced my loan to value ratio to 40% and took the other 60% and bought a few O'side condos on short sale.

Of course, the media will NEVER talk about people like me because NOBODY does this right Chris?

We are being told that weve had 8 years of economic stagnation and thats nonsense. Ive done quite well the last 8 years because I SAVE MY MONEY.

Now, I have condos that actually produce a positive cash flow after the tenant pays the mortgage.

Apparently Chris thinks nobody practices this archaic concept of saving.

Why?

Because then he cant make his outragous claims about policy failures.

Its all about personal decisions and choices Chris.

Foreign to you isnt it buddy?

Bill wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:38 AM:Helen Lindner is right on the money.

Even though Im conservative, I support gay marraige and dont feel it has any effect on anyone. Two gays marrying doesnt damage anybody in any way.

When that decision came down, every happily married couple out there was still happily married so I dont understand why so many people are against something that doesnt effect them in any way.

One has the right to be gay in America.

chuck wrote on Sep 17, 2008 3:41 AM:The news is reporting that a man was paid $12,000 to stay in bed for 84 days. Thats less than public school teachers make for doing the same amount of work

To Nathan Wesley wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:21 AM:You said 'God help us all.' Please be more specific. Are you referring to the Republican God or the Democrats' God. If you want answers, please specify which God you are referring to. My God is better than your God. OMG!

Response to Gary Walker wrote on Sep 17, 2008 4:34 AM:I have this very same conversation with my son on a daily basis. I sacrificed deeply for his education. I listen when he talks, (it's my secret), yet when I feel the need to express my valid opinions, I fear being labeled as a bitch. He says 'it's OK to be a bitch. Conviction should be paramount to nasty labels. OK, so I'm a bitch. I'm female and I have strong and valid opinions.

Alf wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:28 AM:I'm ambivalent about the letter from Rosalie Parkinson.
On the one hand I agree that abortion should not be a serious issue when our American Troops are being killed in Iraq and our economy is in the toilet.
On the other hand I believe that the abortion issue is part of the "package".
That "package" consists of -
attempting to overturn Roe v Wade,
attempting to mandate "abstinence only" sex education,
continued war-mongering (which is definitely NOT "pro-life" to anyone),
continued failed economic policy,
continued assaults on our Constitution by both the executive branch and the legislative branch,
continued erosion of our Constitutional rights AND
attempts to merge religion into government, specifically the fundamentalist religious-right.
Any one of these is horrible enough to vote for someone other than McGWB/Palin.
Taken as a whole, a whole "package", that list spells complete disaster.
Regards, Alf.

Chuck wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:34 AM:For all of you AIG bailout whiners, consider one thing. AIG pays out annuity payments to old ladies, who combine it with their Social Security and manage to pay their monthly assisted living and drug bills. If AIG were allowed to disappear, what would you do with the old ladies?? throw them out in the streets? One way or another their had to be a bailout. Now go round up the AIG board members and officers, take their houses and pensions away from them, put them in orange jump suits and chains, thow them in a plane and make them bail out over San Quentin. But instead, Bernanke and Paulsen will be sure they get their employment contract bonuses.

Alf wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:40 AM:The letter from Jeff Clark says that he "loves" his childhood friends
AND
at the same time says that he will vote to keep them second-class citizens,
to keep them from marrying their partners.
Since "civil unions" do not confer all the legal benefits as marriages, he wishes to condemn his friends, which he supposedly "loves", to being second-class citizens.
Regards, Alf.

Ron wrote on Sep 17, 2008 5:52 AM:LOL, are you sensing the panic out there by the Left? This letter today by Nathan Wesley is a real hoot!

His main concern? An American theocracy
and religious zealots.

Has he not been around lately? I mean..
You got Nancy Pelosi out there saying God gave us Barack Obama.
Obama's giving speeches from a Barackopolis complete with styofoam Greek columns.
The whole Democrat party is comparing Barack to Jesus the community organizer.

Ron wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:00 AM:What about the fetuses that have seen the light of day, Rosalie Parkinson?

One of the method's to get rid of a child is a saline abortion. That is where a saline solution is injected into the mother's wob, to burn the child to death, so she can then deliver the child dead.
In the mind of Barack Obama, once a child is slated for death, even if it survives the abortion, it is still marked for death, and should die.
Even after that child has taken it's first breathe, since the mother has already decided it should die, in Barack's mind, it's a done deal.
How's that for compassion?
We don't even do that to convicted death row inmates who have survived our attempt to put them to death.

No trial
9 months
no appeals

Marriage is a sham to begin with wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:00 AM:"...it threatens an institution that I hold sacred."
They always say that but they never say how.
"I feel marriage is an organic and powerful union between a man and a woman..."
Long before gay marriage became an issue,and could've possibly had an effect on traditional marriage, 50% of marriages ended in divorce. What's been threatening the institution all this time?
If heteros are free to get married and divorced as many times as they want within any time frame they want, what kind of sacred institution is that?
If people who support Prop 8 do so out of the convictions they state and not for some other reason, they would also support a measure outlawing divorce.

Ron wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:06 AM:Exactly, John Schueler.
"You know, Mr. Crews' party of choice was cruising along; all they had to do was to wait until November..."

First we had the coronation of Hillary Clinton, surpassed by the coming of the messiah.

And now...
The "North County Times Letters page is filled with hateful comments from liberals who are scared stiff..."

That pretty well sums it all up.

Ron wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:15 AM:Obviously, Trent Hamlin does not get out much. CNG hype, my eye.

Virtually all of San Diego Metro Transit buses are run on CNG. Heck, I just read the other day, that as a part of the drilling contract between Santa Barbara and PXP to either buy new, or convert to CNG.

He does bring up a good point, however.
CNG has only about 40 percent of the energy per pound when compared with gasoline.
Which is why I'm still heavily invested in oil, which will continue to be the fuel for the engine of freedom for at least the next 20-30 years.

Ron wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:24 AM:You know, Buddie Gran. I've said exactly that, that if he is sooooo
concerned about how America has mistreated people's, start with those we first mistreated, and move.
If you really want to right the wrongs of the past, then move. Get out of your house, and give it back to the Indians on which it sets. That's if.. you truly want to do the right thing.

Otherwise, it's just more symbolism over sbustance, lighting candles instead of feeding the homeless, talking about the poor Indians, yet staying in your house when it sit's on former Indian ground. Give it back.
Don't just just your mouth about it.

Ron wrote on Sep 17, 2008 6:52 AM:What really drives the Left nutty is really two things, Ronald Hutchison.
First is buyer's remorse. They all bought the Barack hype, and now they all know the messiah has no clothes,
and they should have bought Hillary.

Second, if Sarah Palin is successful, she will have attained the second highest office in the world, and all..
without the help of the liberal feminists. Leftists, and feminists have long thought that "their" candidate would be the first to attain such a high office, and now those hopes are dashed. Sarah Palin is NOT the feminist model, man-hating, pro-choice, atheistic. She is the exact opposite in many ways. In fact, didn't someone say just the otherday day, that the only thing she shares with them is a chromosome? LOL {and this just shows how miserable they are about their own lives}

For those of us old enough to remember the Justice Clarence Thomas hearings.
This is a public lynching by the Left, the feminists, who we all now know are NOT for all women, they are for all liberal women. Just as the NAACP, should be renamed the NAALCP.
And as Justice Thomas found, and stated so correctly, QUOTE: "This is not an opportunity to talk about difficult matters privately or in a closed environment. This is a circus. It's a national disgrace. And from my standpoint, as a black American, it is a high-tech lynching for uppity blacks who in any way deign to think for themselves, to do for themselves, to have different ideas, and it is a message that unless you kowtow to an old order, this is what will happen to you. You will be lynched, destroyed, caricatured by a committee of the U.S. Senate rather than hung from a tree." END Quote

Clarence Thomas was raised by his grand-parent's who lived in a one room house, without running water, or a toilet.

And then we saw the exact same disgusting behavior by Leftists who threw Oreo cookies at then Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, "in "black-face",
who was raised by his widowed mother who did other people's laundry, rather than accept public assistance.

Ron wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:00 AM:Marilyn Davey asks: "How can I know if Sarah Palin is qualified to run our country if the press is not allowed to interview her?"

Well, she's had one interview with Charlie Gibson, and tonight, as i understand it, she will have an interview with Sean Hannity.

What is the problem for Marilyn Davey?
Like all leftists, She doesn't watch Fox.

But, I'll tell you what this "why doesn't she give more interviews" is really all about by the left.
The want to press to destroy her, for them.
They are as afraid as they have ever been, cause they know they had this thing. And now... it's gone.
She is simply a target of opportunity.

Palin is a sideshow wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:17 AM:Ronald Hutchison lists all the things he likes about Governor Palin. I wonder if he knows that McCain:

Said in 2000 if his 15-year-old daughter got pregnant the final decision whether to abort would be up to her.
Also said he would not ban abortion in cases of rape or incest.
Slammed Palin types as “Agents of intolerance.”
Voted against a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
Is still against drilling in ANWAR.
Believes in global warming.
Said in a debate during the primaries that he believes in evolution.

Most of the critical thinking Republicans out there are aware of these things. If elected McCain will relegate Palin to funeral attending, ribbon cutting duties. If the growing segment of the Party infatuated with Palin believe she will have any influence on governing in a McCain presidency they are sadly mistaken and don’t know the Real McCain.

Vista Granny wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:31 AM:Ron keeps referring to the "child" when he talks against abortion. Does Ron know that most abortions take place at a time when the average person could not tell the difference between an unborn chicken and a human? Really, Ron, we all start out looking pretty much like fish and go through a kind of "evolution" right there in our mommy's womb. As an older person, I marvel at the way attitudes toward pregnancy have changed over the years. (You can all just think about that one for now -- maybe I'll explain later.)

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:50 AM:Panic on the left?? OMG!

No copy and paste Ron, Obama has withstood the Evangelical right Palin craze and is still ahead in todays poll on Fox Propaganda.

We are now back to talking issues, conservative total failure. McCain is talkig reform and change. Why Ronnie??? It's been the radical right in charge of our country for 8 years, why would change be needed if they were successful or their ideas right? Total failure! The Democrats are not in charge in Congress, they don't have enoguh votes, but Republicans did for the first part of Bush's reign of corruption. Bush can veto any bill presented.

But Ron explain why McCain wants reform??

Lets see what Republicans have brought us.

War in Iraq with no end.
Bin Laden still on the loose.
An American city still in ruins and billions wasted.
Republican politicans going to jail and being indicted for corruption 10-1 compared to Democrats and then fighting every bill in Congress to address ethics.
Discrimination/Prejudice and Hate as conservative talk show host after talk show host is fired, sanctione or suspended.
Bankruptcies at all time highs
Foreclosures at unheard of levels
Gas prices three times as high and Oil company profits soaring into the hundreds of billions
Middle class salaries falling yet tax breaks to Corporate America.
Civil rights violations from illegal wire taps to the elimination of Habeus Corpus.
Loss of jobs to countries outside of America. Unemployment growing.
Corporate America failing- after the discusting Enron saga of the early Bush years.
Christian right selling out to Conservative politicans and instead of talking love/feeding the poor/helping their neighbor they talk of war/prejudice and hate.
Approving of torture and rendition.

Conservatives need change because America hates the direction Republicans have taken us. Do you for one instant think that if McCain were elected that any Republican would be fired from their position except the cabinet? Of course not, everything would be the same.

We are desperate for change and America will vote change, and trust me when I say it won't be Ron's America of hate any longer.

Oh Bill....we don't care about how much money you have.

sdraoul wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:51 AM:On Barack Obama, Geraldine Ferraro: "Could I have said ... his experience is what puts him there? No. Could I say because his stand on issues have distinguished him? No ... If Obama were a white man, he would not be in this position. ... He happens to be very lucky to be who he is.

In other words, kiddies, Obama is an affirmative action baby in all respects, including his "prestigious"
appointment to editor of the Harvard Law Review in which he didn't manage to write any articles for (with one possible exception) during his entire year on the job.

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:54 AM:Vista Granny, all copy and paste Ron has to talk about are the social issues of Abortion/Gay Marriage/Immigration and Race. Republicans have failed at everything else they touch and the emotional issues that drive the Christian right is all he has left. Republicans are failures, and corrupt failures at that.

He Said wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:58 AM:Chuck wrote 5:34 AM:. Who's whining and why should they? The money was a loan not a gift with a combined interest rate of over 11%. The Fed also has an ongoing option to purchase AIG's stock at a considerably reduced price (probably for resale to private equity?).

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:04 AM:Sdraoul how can someone be so wrong on every issue as you and Ron. I did go back and read the total bill #99 and all you got out of it was sex education for grade K? Again, this type of issue is all the right has left. Of course any educated person would understand that the teaching to grade K would be not the same as grade 10 or 12, but not the mentally challenged right thinkers. They don't understand that the education for grade K was to teach about proteecting themselves from sexual predators. I guess all they have on their minds are the other subject matter, not the use of protection, disease and all the social issues kids need to know about because even the best parents cannot protect their children when only teaching abstinance. But if you want to know more go ask the Palins.

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:08 AM:He said is sugar coating the AIG bailout with the best case scenerio. Thats if the economy gets better and if certain divisions turn themselves around from the influx of capital. Bottom line is that the bail out is a risk to the American people. That's just a very short version and to me its far too many ifs, but what the heck, Republicans always have a few billion extra for corporate failures.

Ms M wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:12 AM:sdraoul
[-] wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:51 AM:...um since when is Ferraro an authority on affirmative action? So what if Obama IS a product of affirmative action. If he is then I'd say affirmative action is working. Your racism is so loud I can't hear a word you are saying.

Good try Ed Gallo wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:15 AM:Your motives are clear!!! Everything you and your cohorts do is a direct attack on the Latino community in Escondido. I know you need to sugar coat your racism but it is what it is and it is plain old racism. It may be true that there are two separate and distinct ordinances but it is not true they have two totally separate objectives. Like I said you and your cohorts are always finding ways to oppress, repress, and strike fear in hearts of the Latino people who live in Escondido. Disgusting!!! I think something is beginning to happen in your consciousness why else would you write this letter? I hope you come to your senses sooner than later. Stop the madness already.

not two

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:18 AM:Vote out Republicans is what my moniker stands for.

Lets look at the recent history of McCain on Economics 101.

"Economics is not something Ive understood as well as I should".

"Americans are better off then they were 8 years ago"....no wait..."we're worse off then we were four years ago".

8 times in six months he is quoted as saying this very same phrase- "the fundalmentals of our economy are strong"

"We're in a total crisis caused by Wall Street greed"- which he has historically supported 88% of the time.

His ecomomy advisors have said this-
"America is just a bunch of whiners"

"Neither John McCain or Sarah Palin are capable of running a company".

Isn't the American government our largest corporation?

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:22 AM:to Ms M do you know what the statistics show from the representation at the Republican National Convention? 93% white. 77% men. 1.2% black. 3.4% hispanic. They have never believed in "equal opportunity". We need a new direction that includes all men and all women with equal rights for all. Not just for the white evangelicals.

Republican Socialist wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:22 AM:The Republican Socialists are finally in control!

Republican Socialism for corporations and rich people:
bailouts, buyouts and takeovers to protect the elite, but nothing for workers and consumers.
Socialize losses but privatize profits.

Jack_D wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:27 AM:Ron criticizes liberals for not watching Fox "News". Well, Ron, we don't need to—we have you here to regurgitate Republican talking points. I'm sure the "interview" with Sean Hannity will be fair and balanced. It's not as though Hannity is an extremely partisan Republican. Oh, that's right, he is.

Calm before the storm wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:28 AM:No panic on the left here, Ron. You win some, you lose some. I believe my Party took the gamble or as Bill said, “a roll of the dice” when they nominated Obama in the first place.
I suspect after the debates Obama will pull back ahead and win, ideally with McCain winning the popular vote and Obama winning the Electoral College vote. That would be too funny.
But for a segment of the population, enough to sway the election in an election that should’ve been a lock, that not voting for a black man with a funny name might trump everything else is the real lesson here. We’ve a long way to go.

Alf wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:28 AM:Yup, "Ron" at 6:00AM,
to someone who does not want to be preganant,
outlawing abortion truly is a punishment with-
No trial
9 months
no appeals
PLUS 18 years at hard labor.
Regards, Alf.

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:29 AM:When was the last time anyone called a Democrat or a liberal a racist? Did you ever wonder why?

The Democratic south turned in the late 50's early 60's to being a strong Democrat haven. But as the social issue of race began to grab the nation, fundalmentists and conservatives switched sides and now the south is strongly conservative. The party of Abe Lincoln was Republican but today, the north would have been today's Democrat.

Prejudice and hate are the backdrops of conservatives and it is clear on this blog as well as all the others. Instead of gay marriage in the 70's it was "interracial marriage" they wanted the institution of marriage protected against. There were the same arguments as today asking if two men can marry why cannot people then want to marry animals. The same was said about marriage between races. Pretty sick huh?

Marlowe wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:34 AM:Yes, the bump that the GOP got from the Palin splash seems to be just about over. As people recover from the fun of the party and its heady buzz, they are waking up and actually seeing McCain and Palin, and they are liking what the see less and less. And for good reason. They are seeing, for example, that Palin is a twin of W. They are seeing that so many things these two say have been outed as lies. They are seeing through the purely phony "we'll bring change to DC", seeing that everything they say they will "change" are policies and people they themselves are associated with. McCain is getting more and more desperate. His response to the financial crisis that was partially caused by his own biases towards deregulation and greed-promotion is comical: the economy is sound and the American worker is great. The same American worker that McCain/Bush/Gramm governmental philosophy has put out on the street as he watched his job go overseas, his benefits shrink, his salary decline as the CEOs of his company get wealthier and wealthier. All these truths are beginning to shine through the glare and glitz of that Palin smile and chutzpa. Some Americans are even saying, "Hey, we'd like our lives to be better!" and seeing that "stay the course" is exactly the opposite of how that should come about. As an Obama supporter, I'm feeling pretty good right about now. The debates are coming up and we know that the best the right will do is yell that the "elite" (i.e., intelligent) Democrats are unfairly "picking on" poor John and Sarah. That'll be the platform they enter November with. Pitiful. Me? I say that the more John and Sarah say to us all, the better Obama will do.

Alf wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:36 AM:Well, "Vista Granny" at 7:31AM,
one must leave some mystery, ja?
Regards, Alf.

Three D wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:37 AM:Ronald Hutchison's letter tries to transform our secular democracy into a theocracy, and he cannot keep his facts straight.
He bases his support for Palin on her religious views, calling them Biblical and Christian, but they are not.
He refers to her anti-abortion stance, which has no basis whatsoever in the Bible. The Bible has many references to birth, death, life, pregnancy and the formation of fetal development in the womb. Any one of these would have presented a perfect opportunity to discuss abortion, which was known and practiced in those times, yet the Bible writers never once condemned or even hinted at criticism of abortion.
Hutchison claims that Palin "believes in Jesus Christ." Having exchanged letters and comments with him in the Faith and Values section (where it is more appropriate), Hutchison should know better. Palin belongs to the Assemblies of God, which like other evangelical sects follows the teachings of Paul, who was strict, harsh and bitter, and directly opposes the teachings of Jesus. I have cited many examples of how Paul directly opposes and contradicts the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus teaches that salvation is through universal compassionate love for all people (neighbors, enemies and the "least of these") expressed actively through deeds (Matt. 25:31-46; Matt 22:36-40; Luke 10:25-37). He says if you DO that, you WILL BE SAVED, and does not predicate it on faith. Paul teaches the exact opposite, that you are saved through faith and NOT WORKS or deeds (Romans 3:28; 4:6; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; II Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5).
Jesus elevates women such as Mary Magdalene and the sisters Mary and Martha to unprecedented status for those times; Paul forbids women teaching in the churches (1Cor 14:34-45), which Palin overtly disregards, to stay home ad take care of the children (1Tim 5:14) and that wives should be submissive to the mastery of their husbands (Eph 5:22-24; Col 3:18-19).
Jesus taught that the servant would be elevated to the greatest of all (Matt 20:27; 23:11; Mark 9:35; 10:44); Paul openly endorsed slavery (Eph 6:5; Titus 2:9-10).
On a non-religious note, Hutchison claims that Palin is "pro-U.S." Yet her husband was a 7-year member of a secessionist organization, whose conventions she spoke at several times including this year, and whose founder expressed hatred for the United States and its flag. I can just imagine the outcry if Obama or Biden had such ties to such an openly anti-American organization in a time of war.
Blessings,
3D

VOR is right wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:39 AM:This year's Republican convention set an all time record for low minority representation. They don't have to say a word to prove that they are playing for the votes of racists. Their behavior and decision-making says that loud and clear. If blacks are not kept from voting, as they were in the last elections through some of the dirtiest, most unAmerican tactics ever, and if young people turn out, Obama will win easily. All the GOP has going for it now is a willingness and a determination (not blinking) to play dirty and do anything, legal or illegal, to grap the White House. One can hope that Americans will not fall for this or allow it to happen. As more and more of see that the GOP is playing for the racist vote, we will become reinvigorated with the amazing, historic event that electing Obama would mean. We know from international polls that people of other countries, including our closest allies, are pulling for Obama by a FOUR to ONE margin. That, my friends, is meaningful. Americans are realizing that simply by electing Obama, our standing in the world will dramatically regain some of its former dignity. As the man says, that's a change that we need right now.

Oh Ron wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:44 AM:These anti-choice folks chant endlessly that "it's a child". No, that's a lie. Perhaps it WILL BE a child. But then perhaps it will also be an adult, a retiree, a teenager, a 30-something, and any other age-of-the-future. Calling the embryo a "child" is a lie that is designed to tug at our heartstrings in a way that calling the embryo a "retiree" could never do. Let's try the truth for a moment: the embryo is....an EMBRYO! Now wasn't that refreshing. You guys should try uttering the truth now and then...you might get to like it!

Chuck wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:46 AM:>>>Two gays marrying doesnt damage anybody in any way>>> But, it wont ever stop. Now the gay racketeers want to start indoctrinating the little kindergarten kiddies, they've infested the Catholic church in order to ruin it, they constantly sue the Boy Scouts and now have it that your third grader must make a gender choice in the 3rd grade despite what he sees when he looks down.. Once you let them change the traditional definition of marriage, they'll want to change all of our culture. Let them create their own culture- start a gay church, start the gay Boy scouts etc, etc

Chuck wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:49 AM:>>>What about the fetuses that have seen the light of day, Rosalie Parkinson?>> They are all in Planned Parenthods frozen beaker locker until stem cells are approved. And then they'll be on TV: "Get your life-saving stem cells her for just 5 easy payments of 39.99, plus shipping and handling"

Chuck wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:54 AM:>>>Marriage is a sham to begin with>>>

LOL, you are a product of a marriage, and gay marriage will produce no product, no matter how much they try, and try, and try and try.

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:57 AM:Chuck is a shinning example of conservatism at its highest moral peak. He is a mirror of Sarah Plain, he possibly could be her spokesperson.

What about John wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:02 AM:From reading the conservative bloggers here, one would think that Governor Palin is running for President.
Funny how they never mention their support for McCain or have anything good to say about him.

Reardon wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:13 AM:AlF: A Libertarian Constitutionalist would argue that Roe v Wade must be overturned.

The Constitution is clear – if the power is not enumerated in the Constitution, the power is reserved to the States or the people. (10th Amendment.)

Roe v Wade is a righteous decision, reached extra-constitutionally. It relies on a "penumbra upon a penumbra" -- it is a right (abortion) derived from another right (privacy -- neither of which is in the Constitution.

The ends do not justify the means.

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:15 AM:How can they "what about john"?

The President of the United States is a figure head of our country. A great President surrounds himself with the greatest experts so he is advised on every issue of the day. Hopefully he chooses experts who are not driven by ideology but by love for doing whats best for the country.

But the President is also the voice and face of America. He represents America in the way he speaks and presents himself to the world that we need, both our allies and our enemies.

Have you watched John McCain speak? Have you watched the way he presents himself. I see four more years of a bumbling, stumbling man just as we have had for the last 8 years. Someone who is so out of touch that they cannot speak the language, do not understand todays technology and surely havent the ability to REMEMBER what they said five minutes ago.

A leader is also someone we look to when times are tough. Have we heard from our current President lately? I guess a little too busy from the recent wedding and going to the Olympics to address us on this financial crisis. It's kind of hard to address America when you've been wrong on most everything. I want a President who leads when he stands before us. John McCain is not a leader and thats why they have thrown Palin out there because she is the leader for the far right loons. She says that she knows God's will and my gosh, and he wants to drill, drill, drill in Alaska. She knows it!!

Oh Chuck wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:16 AM:"...you are a product of a marriage."

40% of babies born in the U.S. are not. About 20% of marriages (traditional) do not produce a product. What's your point?

Reardon wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:22 AM:Marlowe: The question is not regulation or deregulation -- it is something entirely different: REFORM.

The facts are obvious: Reform of Fannie May and Freddie Mac has been blocked for many years by Chris Dodd and Barney Frank for their own political purposes, and Chris Dodd (in particular) has milked it for campaign donations beyond comprehension.

There will be an inquest. Regrettably, there will not be a trial. There should be. The political appointees of those two institutions are getting SEVERANCE PAY, when they should get jail.

The House and Senate oversight committees are the dog that did not bark. Where were THEY?

Marlowe wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:24 AM:As I said above, the more we see of McCain and Palin, the more it will be obvious what kinds of people they are and what kinds of leaders they will be if elected. From the AP, QUOTE GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is effectively turning over questions about her record as Alaska's governor to John McCain's political campaign, part of an ambitious Republican strategy to limit any embarrassing disclosures and carefully shape her image for voters in the rest of the country. Republican efforts include dispatching a former top U.S. terrorism prosecutor from New York, Ed O'Callaghan, to assist Palin's personal lawyer working to derail or delay a pending ethics investigation in Alaska. The probe, known as "Troopergate," is examining whether the governor abused her power by trying to remove her former brother-in-law as a state trooper. O'Callaghan is just part of a cadre of high-powered operatives patrolling Alaska as reporters and Democrats scrutinize every detail of Palin's tenure in government, plus her family and friends. One strategy: Carefully coordinate any information that's released. The McCain campaign is demanding that it becomes the de facto source for answers about the operations of Alaska's government during the past 20 months. Palin's normal press secretary, for example, now turns away inquiries from any reporter who isn't permanently based in Alaska, referring questions to the presidential campaign. Trouble is, some of McCain operatives only recently have arrived in Alaska and struggle to explain Palin's positions on arcane state issues. ENDQUOTE Oh, well, you know the rule of law and freedom of the press are not things we really want or need from our leaders. This is already reminding me of the Florida recount fiasco in 2000. The cadre of high-powered lawyers dispatched by the GOP. The do-anything efforts to control the process of law and the press. The failure to distinguish between "reporting the news" and "image management". Yes, it's all so, so familiar. Is this the kind of change McCain/Palin will bring to DC? Is this how you "clean up" Washington? No: it's precisely, exactly the opposite.

reparations wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:25 AM:I am having trouble figuring out John Schueler's last line about "reparations". I can say "reparations" just fine. Is this some new neo-conservative code word for "Obama"? What does "reparations" have to do with anything in his letter? Maybe I should listen to more right-wing talk radio. I don't get it.

Apollo wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:43 AM:Re: Reardon (9:13 a.m.)
Reardon, you mischaracterize both the law of the decision Roe v. Wade (410 U.S. 113 (1973)).
This was not a close case. It was a 7-2 decision. You misstate the role of the word "penumbras" of rights in Roe. The case does mention these, but in reference to the case of Griswold v. Connectiuct (381 381 U.S. 479 (1965)) which was also decided 7-2. Griswold, which was specifically in regard to the legal right of adult married couples to use contraception, established a Constitutional right to privacy and, yes, it cited "penumbras and emanations of penumbras" in reaching its conclusions.
In contrast, the court in Roe discussed this point, but rejected it. It said that the right of privacy was directly implicit from the specific rights of the 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th and 14th Amendments.
It also bowed to the "intent" of the original framers, since abortion through the time of "quickening" (maternal perception of fetal movement) was universally legal in the original 13 states and would have been considered private matters by the original Founders. Abortion did not become widely illegal until the late 19th century.
While the word "privacy" does not exist in the Constitution, the rights enumerated explicitly in the several Amendments cited, and in the historical perspective of the framers' intent, clearly describe that right. Hunting and fishing and farming are also not explicit in the Constitution, but few would argue that the Framers' didn't have an intent that people had the freedom to do these things (to the extent they do not infringe on the equal rights of others).

Karl wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:49 AM:From yesterday's blog early this morning;

Confussed
[-] wrote on Sep 17, 2008 7:03 AM:Why is it that the Republican Party is totally convinced that they are the only party that can solve all the catastrofic problems that have been caused by their party?

Nick, are you there? I believe you've answered this one before. I'll let you take this one also.

soaring eagle wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:55 AM:Good try Ed Gallo @ 8:15 AM:

Good try, let's make this a racist issue and cry foul. Your schtick is getting old. The first issue was illegal immigration and the second is parking. Believe it or not some people here in Escondido have a problem parking anywhere near their homes. The problem is homes that were designed as single family residences are being used as multiple family residences. Do more Latino families live in this condition than other races? I don't know for sure do you?

Hardly wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:04 AM:Hardly is Palin righteous and intelligent and everything that Americans want in a leader, irrespective of party affiliation. She doesn't have to be but she is shrill, condesending and down talks to an entire segment of the American public. How can this be good? How can any of you neocons feel good about yourselves to bash the "liberals" (doesn't that term means open-minded?). Better that we have politicians, on all sides talk in adult, mature ways about issues that matter - not alienating double speak that is pointless and empty.

Reardon wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:12 AM:I find it fairly interesting that those same Bloggers who decry our violations of Iraqi sovereignty are suspiciously silent about the violations of Pakistani sovereignty, with both ground troops and missile-firing Predator drones.

While Pakistan is protesting vigorously and threatening to retaliate, the liberals are silent.

Is it because Obama took Pakistan off the table by threatening to attack them early in the campaign?

Must the left now remain silent, and hypocrites?

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:14 AM:It's Chris Dodd and Barney Franks fault?? OMG!!!

Reardon doesn't believe in regulation or deregulation, he believes in reform.

Here are your FACTS Reardon something you don't provide.

In 2005 when Republicans had control of Congress and of the veto party they could not bring a reform bill through, not because of blockage by Democrats but because of the inner squabblings of the Republican dominated House.

In 2006 as soon as Franks became the committee chairman he worked with who? The White House and Treasury Secretary Paulson to push through a bi-partisan reform bill which gave Bush all the powers of reform he requested. The bi-partisan vote was 313-104! The bill had been sitting in Republican committee for over a year and four months after Franks began running things he passed the bill. What blockage right???

Additionally, when the House committee was considering the stimulus package in early 2008, Franks proposed to Mr. Paulson that in addition to raising the jumbo loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, they include the GSE reform that the House had passed. Paulson, a conservative did not agree, fearing that it might slow things down.

Where do you think the blockage occured on this reform?? Because it was not 100% in favor of the corporations but had Affordable Housing provisions which of course Cinservos are against. You know, everything for the corporations and nothing for the people.

Reardon why is it conservatives just watch Fox News and read Worldnetdaily and Newsmax. Don't you want to tell the truth when posting? Or is it just lies you want to parrot?

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:26 AM:Flip Flop, Flip Flop....

Which ever way the Bush Administration goes, so sways the lies of John McCain's opinion.

Yesterday McCain said about the failings of AIG:

"No, I do not believe that the American taxpayer should be on the hook for AIG and I’m glad that the Secretary Paulson has apparently taken the same line."

Today's quote, after the bailout:

"I didn’t want to do that. And I don’t think anybody I know wanted to do that. But there are literally millions of people whose retirement, whose investment, whose insurance were at risk here. They were going to have their lives destroyed because of the greed and excess and corruption."

Those same actions would have happened during his less uninformed opinion of yesterday too, I guess he just didnt care then.

Yesterday concerning banking regulation his opinion was and I quote:

"Of course I don’t like excessive and unnecessary regulation.”

Today's quote:

"Do I believe in excess government regulation? Yes.”

Now for a sensitive issue, do you think the memory lapses are because he is older or is he just ignorant to eveything. Oh...but he did remember for the 35th time to congratulate Palin on here stand against the Bridge to Nowhere. If only he knew about the internet, he could learn so much.

Alf wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:15 AM:I haven't yet read the entire opinion on Roe v Wade, "Reardon" at 9:13AM,
it all boils down to Right A and Right B, liberally interpreted, result in right C.
The following quote is from that decision -
"Appellant would discover this right in the concept of personal "liberty" embodied in the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause; or in personal, marital, familial, and sexual privacy said to be protected by the Bill of Rights or its penumbras, see Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479 (1965); Eisenstadt v. Baird, 405 U.S. 438 (1972); id., at 460 (WHITE, J., concurring in result); or among those rights reserved to the people by the Ninth Amendment, Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S., at 486 (Goldberg, J., concurring).".
In terms of Constitutional Rights, I believe that there should always be a widening of their definition(s) rather than a narrowing. I also believe that is the M.O. of the Supreme Court.
More learned scholars than I have been tangling with that ever since then.
Regards, Alf.

Reardon wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:20 AM:To VOR, who I hope will quote a bill and comments that Obama sponsored and wrote on this subject:

I did quote an effort at reform yesterday, but at the risk of boring those who may have read it last night, I will repeat it:

Comments by McCain in 2005 on a Bill he SPONSORED:

(QUOTE)For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—known as Government-sponsored entities or GSEs—and the sheer magnitude of these companies and the role they play in the housing market. OFHEO’s report this week does nothing to ease these concerns. In fact, the report does quite the contrary. OFHEO’s report solidifies my view that the GSEs need to be reformed without delay.

I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation.

If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole.
I urge my colleagues to support swift action on this GSE reform legislation.
(UNQUOTE)

Here is the truth: DEMOCRATS, led by Barney Frank and Chris Dodd, BLOCKED reform of Fannie May and Freddie Mac.

Period!

BTW, the largest recipient of campaign funds from employees of those entities was Barack Obama ($112,000)

VOR wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:22 AM:You want Liberals to do what, Reardon? We leave pre-emptive strikes, torture, killing of civilians to your war lust Reardon. What did I hear yesterday from some Conservo? That's right, lets turn Pakistan, Iran and Iraq into a parking lot. Typical conservo thinking. It's not about terrorists to them because of course, they feel all Muslims are terrorists. Kill one, why not kill the whole bunch.

I say this, what right, if we are not threatened, do we have to attack another country? Would we ever accept Canada sending strike teams in here? Of course not. They would ask our permission. Instead, we think we are judge, jury and of course the most popular to our Republican friends--torturer and executioner. To some, we are God's chosen people, just ask Sarah Palin.

Get over it, we're not. If our military is threatened we should use Pakistan as our ally. That's what Bush has told everyone, that we are allies. If we are not, find and kill Bin Laden at all costs and then get the heck out of there. We weren't there before and now we are there with a bullseye on our back.

We have major issues here domestically. Our infrastruture is in tatters and we are fanatical about attacking any Middle Eastern country. War lust as America falls apart. Be afraid, be afraid we have heard after 9-11 and the fear gave us 8 years of Republicans. Time is over for fear. We need brave people to lead us and its not Grumpy McBush or people that would vote for him--

Duh wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:24 AM:It's because Pakistan is where are our real ememies are and have been roaming free since 9/11, Reardon.
We've all been wondering what's taken so long.
Just another example of Bush heeding Obama's advice.

Alf wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:27 AM:Well, "Reardon" at 10:12AM,
while I do not condone the U.S. invading ANY sovereign nation without just cause,
at least Pakistan and Afghanistan were places that the terrorists actually were and still are.
Do we have the right to enter a sovereign nation that harbors a criminal of any kind and seize that criminal or is that the stuff of treaties and cooperation?
Regards, Alf.

jla wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:35 AM:Ron - You have been Hannitized. Its obvious that you have been brain-washed by a HATER. Drink the Kool-Aid Ron Please.

What did he say wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:35 AM:Ron wrote, "We don't even do that to convicted death row inmates who have survived our attempt to put them to death."
Survived our attempt to put them to death? Like the guy who got fried alive in the electric chair in Florida found to be still breathing so they hit him with more juice?
All death sentences end with the phrase "...until you are dead."

Chuck wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:36 AM:>>Good try, let's make this a racist issue and cry foul.>>>
We like good racist issues. Liberals love o throw the word at people, just so they can pat themselves on the back, just like they pat themself on the back when they talk to a black person

To soaring eagle wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:37 AM:The only one crying foul here is Ed Gallo. Here is an excerpt from an an article printed in the North County Times on 9/9, "In response, Gallo and Abed touted the city's robust economic development in recent years and some sharp reductions in crime. They also said the downtown hotel will be an economic catalyst, and that the parking ordinance is