It is simple wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:38 AM:All this fuss and smoke about prop 8. Simply. If you believe marriage is a union between man and woman --vote yes. If you believe otherwise -- vote no. but vote

Disgusted wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:45 AM:letters concerning Oceanside elections all select 3 members. The same three for each side. What about those of us who want to be selective and vote across lines? The vitriol on both sides disgust me.

The Truth Shall Free Us All wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:27 AM:Walter Freeman:

Walt's upset because the right didn't see, and talk enough, about "An American Carol".

Its not suprising, Walt. The movie is loaded with sarcasm and humor; unlike you, these are things that the typical right winger doesn't get!

MaryRose Consiglio:

Your statement about Joe the Plumber asked Obama a question is correct, but its amazing that McCain talks more about HIS conversation with Joe as much as he uses "my friend."

McCain wouldn't be giving Joe a second thought if he didn't there was a political angle he could exploit.

You also go on to "...wish the media was as diligent in telling us about the background of the man who would be our president and all the details of his (Obama's)..." background.

MaryRose, I think the media tried that, but as I stated before, it proved to be "a dog that won't hunt".

If the McCain campaign had spend more time talking THE issue America was really concerned about, instead of making up a new non-issue each day that nobody cared about, McCain might have this election wrapped up, instead of teetering on the brink of a loss of landslide proportions.

Gene Doiron:

Because of his strong endorsement of Obama, Gene asks, "How can we trust this man's judgment?" He goes on to blame Powell for Mr. Bush's foley.

Ya just had to know it won't be long before yet another American hero would be bashed by a Republican. Its become a matter of fact that to too many neo-cons, that anyone who squestion the decisions of a Republican administration, or speak favorably of a Democrat, they obviously are not "real" Americans, Christians, Veterans, etc., etc.

Gene, your attitude is appreciated, because it is attitudes like your that turns the undecided, non-partisan voters, towards the otherside.

Thanks for your help, Gene!

Robin Hvidston:

You express your angst over assumptions being made that Obama has a lock on the election. I agree, that might be putting the horse before the cart.

You conclude, "The American people have not voted.... America loves a winner, but I maintain America does not fancy "counting-your-chickens-before-they-are-hatched" arrogance."

Well, polls aside (which you don't put any stock in, anyway), I've heard both McCain and Palin, as well as nearly all the talking heads on the Fox News Network proclaim victory for the GOP.

So, I guess each side is pretty even in the hubris department.

Since they are, I guess that leave America voting on issues...and, my hunch is that that is going to be one heck of a victory celebration in Chicago a week from Tuesday!



Robin Hvidston


After all, Colin Powell was a key player at the congressional hearings leading up to the Iraq war. He very effectively laid out the intelligence data, and by the weight of his personality, helped sell to the American people the war in Iraq. A war that most of American society disdained and that killed many of our finest young people needlessly.

A darling of the media, Powell will be free from scrutiny for his part and culpability in this war.

Gene Doiron

The other foot wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:37 AM:Kinda funny Hugh Penton and the Wall Street Journal editorial board didn’t seem to have a problem with an unchecked right-wing President and Congress from 2002-06.

Earth to Robin wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:14 AM:Newsflash for Robin Hvidston, on Laura Ingraham’s radio show last Monday John McCain said, “I can assure you, we're going to win this thing!"
Is this the type of arrogant, premature chicken counting to which she refers in her letter? The closest Obama has come is, “I’m optimistic about the outcome.”
With a ten-point spread, McCain’s words are delusional while Obama’s are reasonable.
But then, that’s why there’s a ten-point spread.

The vision thing wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:17 AM:The last time we had a Republican president and a Democratic Congress in an economic downturn at election time a Democrat was elected President. The new President and still Democratic Congress made the tough choices to right the economy. It took a while to fully kick in.
They were vilified by the Republicans. That vilification, a House banking scandal and a failed heath care proposal helped the Republicans regain control of Congress in the next election.
So, Republicans at the very least will have to hope the current economic crisis lasts well into 2010. America’s continuing pain, which they are perceived to have caused in the first place and are now being punished for, is the GOP’s best strategy for future gain.
Now that's a forward looking Party.

What would Tonya say wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:24 AM:In light of the Texas white female McCain supporter who has been arrested for lying about being physically attacked by a 6'4" black male Obama suppoter, i would appreciate having Tonya Jamois enlighten us on what she thinks it would say for our country if John McCain was elected?

jvc wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:26 AM:Where is the outrage toward public
union PAC's that are undermining the electoral process? Where is the conflict of interest doctrine for highly paid public unionized employees
that are politicizing self-interest? Should a voting electorate be about a vote against the entities of self-
interest endorsements? Is electoral integrity about freeing ourselves from the peddlers of self-interest?

Greencinitan wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:40 AM:For Hugh Penton: I'd much rather a liberal supermajority than the corrupt, selfish, and incompetent "conservative" majority we have had for 5 of the last 8 years. Look at the mess they got us into with the war, the economy, energy, degrading public confidence in everything because indeed we can't rely on FEMA or the FDA or the SEC or the FBI or the CIA to do their jobs. I'm excited and hopeful at the prospect of thoughtful, open-minded, fiscally responsible leadership for a CHANGE!!!

GOV FOR US GOV FOR US wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:00 AM:I say lets all vote democrat. That way we can have the Government run our lives for us. Think about it, free housing, free healthcare, groceries, cars everything free provided by the Gov. Why should we have to work and save and do anything on our own. The Gov will take over all the money and distribute it equally among us all, but wait why would we need money. If the Gov is going to save us and take care of us then lets just give it up to them. Quit fighting it and vote Democrat we will have a utopia just like New Orleans before that evil President Bush sent that hurricane to destroy it. Come on America close your minds and vote Democrat after all they are smarter than all the rest of us. There is no chance at all that they will mess anything up, no dem has ever made a mistake ever just ask them and they are always right arent they. So lets get eveyone on board I am going to my part will you?

Down and out in Washington DC wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:32 AM:A few months back I wrote that McCain’s best argument would be against one party rule and for divided government. Never mind that not too long ago he was much in favor of one party rule. Or that his Party’s one party rule is the primary reason for their upcoming debacle.
Now I see that with only two weeks to go, that argument is popping up. A little late I would say. Not to mention the downside.
The Wall Street Journal, urging McCain’s election to prevent one party rule, presupposes a defeat for Congressional Republicans. In North Carolina, Elizabeth Dole, running a commercial urging her reelection to prevent one party rule, presupposes a McCain defeat.
It looks like they’re trying to tell us something. When the GOP’s most realistic election night hold on government is to have at least 41 votes in the Senate, so their only function is obstruction, things are looking mighty bleak.

Ron wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:36 AM:"Wizzer", "Wizzer", "Wizzer"...
what am I ever going to do with you?
True to typical leftist form, in your
Oct 24, 8:12 PM post... BUDDY!
You changed the question! Again!

I has asked a previous poster: You show me, where, and in what chapter of Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations" where he ever... EVER talks about wealth redistribution? Show me!

Now, that was MY question...
Here, is the Wizzer response:
"Ron" specifically asks for documentation regarding the claims that Adam Smith supported regulations to protect workers, consumers and renters."

Now, did you see a response there? Cause I sure didn't. I got a bunch of gobbledy-gook.
And let me say this. As I've said the English language is not all that precise. In fact, it's fairly inaccurate, especially when words take on partisan or ideological meaning.
In many cases, people on the right, and people on the left are talking right past each other. Take for example, the following statement made by Wizzer:

"Regulations concerning wages, rents, and consumer protection are covered extensively in various chapters throught Book One "Of the Causes of Improvement."

Now, understanding Smith, as I do, I understand his general tenet of "natural regulation" of resources.
In that, if you set the wage too high you don't get proper productivity, if you set the rent too high, you'll not get a renter.
When my progressive friend reads this, he reads "control", exactly as Reardon had covered yesterday. The assumption by liberals/progressive/whatever else they are calling themselves today... are, that "Rich people" are so driven by their only self-interest, that it will only lead to greed, and a level of opulence that will distract from normal economic transactions.
Hardly the case. On the contrary, it is because of greed, and self-interest that ALL are driven to contribute in a division of labor, to whatever degree they can. So, the guy who sharpens the nails, sharpens them faster because that's all he does, and he has the experience to do it at a profitable pace. The nail sharpener is also a free agent, meaning he can then take his skill to another for higher wages.
And through this single-minded self-interest of the nail sharpener, he makes nails, that are then sold so other's can then build their houses.
This is the "invisible hand" as spoken of by Smith. And the divisions of labor are in the interest of productivity, not class warfare as my leftists friends would argue.

Yes... and much to the chagrin of my dear, dear friend, and other's..
It was Adam Smith who said: "...Labor, like other commodities,..."
Yes, Labor has a price. And it is up to each man, or woman to decide whether the price they are willing to sell their labor for, is worth it.
Given natural supply and demand of market conditions, if you ave too many nail sharpeners, you'll not get paid very highly.

Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:01 AM:While MaryRose Consiglio shares here thoughts on Obama and "Joe the Plumber", it is obvious she has not seen the original 5 minutes, 47 second "raw footage" from which this tale was spun ( ABC News, still available on YouTube). There was more to this dialog than the "spread the wealth around" snippet that has been repeated and spun ad nauseum.

Whether you agree with Obama or not, it is clear from watching this that her assertion: "An Obama administration will not countenance questions and will surely punish achievment to spread the wealth" is nothing more than mindless regurgitation of Fox News spin, and has little, if any, connection with truth.

Ron wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:07 AM:And let me be clear here about the government numbers from both the LBJ and the Clinton administration.
It's not that I "somehow" think they are bogus, Wizzer.
I KNOW they are bogus, and fraud.

Only in a government accounting scheme you could be allowed to keep "books" as dirty as these.
For example, If I took my own employee's retirement money to balance my company books? Would you consider me a felon? I think you would.
Cause's that the exact scenario used in the LBJ unified budget, and it is the same scenario accepted by every administration since. Using other people's retirement money to balance their budget.
Also, another big gripe of mine is, you never say what actually happened, that LBJ cut Fannie Mae precisely to balance.
He cut government.
And the only reason you won't say that is, it gives credence to conservative thought. Which is really funnny to because, with each new "stimulus package" these liberals cook up, it gives even more credibility to the idea that putting more money into citizens pockets helps the economy. Tax cuts work, the difference here is very key though.
For conservatives, we understand this very basic principal that it's "their money", and the government is simply being allowed to use it.
For the liberal, it is all the government's money, and WE will send you back some of OUR money when WE think you deserve it.
The key difference being, liberals want you to believe they hold your financial furture, hence they shall decide when you deserve more of your own money.
So, they dish it out when it suites their particular political goals, that year.
On the other hand, if the government takes in too much money, conservatives believe it is an obligation to return it to those who earned it.
But I digress....

As to the Clinton numbers...
one look no further than who ran OMB during the years (96-98) one Franklin Delano Raines. Yep, the same guy who cooked up the numbers over at Fannie Mae.
But, if I did want to see a similarity, a commonality between these two "supposed "balancing", I'd have to say both cut government. LBJ cut Fannie, and Clinton cut the military.
So, there's your evidence.
But, let me say this as to you insistence that I "buy" these bogus number because they come from the Bush adminstration.
Folks, this is an old a leftist trick, as there ever was one. It presupposes that I naturally buy everything that came out of the Bush administration, and two...
that all government numbers are "the gold standard."
Far from it, my dear misguided friend.
And it is a little Saul Alinsky ju-jitsu, ta boot.
I mean, really. Why would the Wizzer promote these numbers, when he openly says that everything else Bush and his administration has done is messed up?
But in this one case, this specific case.. he cites them?
Yep, he's crazy.. like a fox.
But, nice try.

DD Wiz wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:09 AM:Basic Capitalism of Adam Smith
The post from "Ron" (7:36am) misrepresents and distorts both my comments from yesterday and Adam Smith's theory of capitalism as espoused in "Wealth of Nations" that I have to suspect he has never actually read the five-volume tome or, if he has, then it is a case of intentional misrepresentation.

I did not disupute the point about market forces or that there is a commodity component of labor. What I have repeatedly pointed out, and where "Ron" makes his huge evasive dodge, is that Smith, like modern Democrats, understood that without the protective framework of appropriate regulations, the "enlightened self interest" that guides the "invisible hand" could degenerate into the "opulence of unrestrained greed" (all terms from Smith).
Smith understood that self-interest, "greed" if you want to call it, is not "good" or "bad" -- it is just there, it is just a force of nature that exists. But it is powerful. And it can be channeled into powerful market forces that can be used to shape and carve prosperous economies, but what "Ron" and the neocons want to do is to just pull out the dams and levees of restraint and let it rush downward in an uncontrolled rage of destruction.

Deregulated market economies have always failed, just as do their opposites, socialism. The balance lies in the moderate middle, where history has ALWAYS shown that broad-based prosperity is generated by market economies, using market forces, but channeled and controlled by a framework of regulatory protections that harness the energy while allowing an infinite range of business decisions within the structural protections of that framework.
Hoovernomics, Reaganomics, Keatinmonics, Bushnomics and McCainomics all lead to the kind of market collapses we are seeing today. Sorry, "Ron," people are on to you.
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

To Ron and DD wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:11 AM:Just gotta love your posts. Keep them up!!

Bob wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:24 AM:In response to Lisa Baxter's, letter in response to Tonya Jamois' letter, while this is unfortuanate, it's not just Tonya and it's not just conservatives. Party affiliations have become similar to religous denominations and children are raised from birth to believe what their parents believe.

Imagine the bedtime stories Ron's children grew up with! They're probably still afraid to get out of bed for fear that fuzzy thinking liberal under the bed will grab and eat them.

Plumb the depths wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:33 AM:Poor Joe the Plumber. The unlicensed plumber. The delinquent taxpayer plumber. The plumber who made $45,000 last year and is “about” to buy a quarter million dollar business. The plumber whose house is worth less than Sarah Palin’s clothing allowance.
It looked to me as though Obama relished the question from Joe the Plumber and gave Joe the Plumber a carefully reasoned and thoughtful answer.
Obama told poor Joe the Plumber that with Obama’s tax cuts Joe the Plumber would’ve had more money in his pocket all these years and Joe the Plumber could’ve bought the business sooner.
And if Joe the Plumber did buy the business, Obama told Joe the Plumber, Joe the Plumber would get a 50% tax credit on health insurance for Joe the Plumber’s employees and Joe the Plumber would pay no capital gains taxes on any future appreciation of that business. So that poor Joe the Plumber might actually pay less in taxes under Obama’s plan than under McCain’s.
Obama finally told Joe the Plumber that under his plan all the other plumbers out there making less than $250,000 will have more money in their pockets to be able to buy their own business someday.
Needless to say that after Joe the Plumber’s initial question and Obama’s response Joe the Plumber was left somewhat muted. Until Joe the Plumber went on TV and called Obama’s plan (drum roll please) socialism and Social Security a joke.
I think we’re all a little tired of Joe the Plumber, MaryRose.

Roger wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:41 AM:DD Wiz, at 8:09 AM, quips: "Sorry, 'Ron', people are on to you" (speaking, of course, to the people who haven't discovered what the [-] below Ron's name is for).

As the 8:11 AM poster points out, the rest of us love these exchanges. Do hope DD Wiz is doing this for us and not suffering from the dillusion that, for the first time in his life, Ron is going to shut up and listen long enough to learn anything.

Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:02 AM:The 5:14 AM post reminded me of McCain's comment assuring us the economy was "fundamentally sound", just days before the proverbial .... hit the fan.

But, mostly, his "I can assure you, we're going to win this thing" reminds me of Baghdad Bob (aka Comical Ali), the Iraqi Information Minister.

Almost sorry that in, another ten days, we won't be seeing any more of this silly old .... and Carnbou Barbie.

Duke wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:13 AM:What's up with this "The Truth Shall Free Us All" poster at 3:27 AM? The truth sure didn't free me! I'm stuck here in this crummy prison cell in Tucson, AZ.

Joe the Plumber wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:16 AM:It is pity that I feel for innocent dupes like MaryRose Consiglio whose letter shows she is victimized by the fraudulent propaganda of right-wing hate-media and Republican spinmeisters.
No, it isn't even spin.
The "facts" are completely made up.
LIE: She says the Obama people investigated Joe the Plumber (who is not really a plumber, who owes back taxes, who is a McCain donor, would benefit from Obama's plan and isn't really named "Joe"). It was the news media, AFTER McCain, not Obama, made him an issue by introducing him by name and using that name 21 times in the final debate. McCain later even apologized for how he disrupted "Joe's" life.
Consigliere goes on to recite the litany of people whose ALLEGED wrongdoing was before Obama was born (Davis) or when he was a child (Ayers/Dohrn) or distorted by the media (Wright) and whose connections are remote and tenuous at best.
Consigliere conveniently omits far more serious ties of DIRECT AND REPEATED INVOLVEMENT by McCain with Keating (collapse of financial institutions), Liddy (unlike Ayers, convicted) and Abramoff (also convicted), or the fact that McCain was the KEYNOTE SPEAKER at the 2006 ACORN conference, praising them effusively, long after any ties to Obama were distant memories from 12 years ago.
Hypocrisy.
Lies.
Pity the poor victims of Republican propaganda, for they know not what they do.
Really.
They know not.

Fred wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:34 AM:The 8:33 AM poster quips: "It looked to me as though Obama relished the question from Joe the Plumber and gave Joe the Plumber a carefully reasoned and thoughtful answer". Anybody who has watched the entire 5 minute, 47 second exchange would have to agree. This is still available on YouTube, and worth watching.

Unfortunately, those who have seen nothing but the "spread the wealth around" snippet, repeated and spun ad nauseum, are going to think whatever they were told to think.

Simpler than that wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:36 AM:If you believe that homosexuals should be denied legal rights that heterosexuals enjoy, vote Yes on 8. If you believe that heterosexuals should not be privileged under the law, vote no on 8. Simple is right. As simple as being an American who treasures the Constitution. Or as simple as being a bigot.

Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:52 AM:The heretical 9:16 AM poster quips: "The 'facts' are completely made up". GASP!

Obama didn't really pal around with Groucho Marx and John Lennon?

Colin Powell and Warren Buffett aren't comminists?

I've been duped?

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:52 AM:There is just too much liberty goin’ on!

“Are we going to take the hands of the federal government completely off any effort to adjust the growing of national crops, and go right straight back to the old principle that every farmer is lord of his own farm and can do anything he wants, raise anything any old time, in any quantity, and sell anytime he wants?”

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, responding to the US Supreme Court striking down the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), 1936

(Herein, the lesson in Liberty, as insight into the mind of the main Democratic Party icon.)

Ron wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:55 AM:And, again...
It's not that "The Wizzer" @8:09 AM
Have read different books, it's not.
We've read the same book, but we both come at it from two different perspectives. This was what I was referring two about "talking past" one another. But I want you to notice something that I notice of most leftists, my good buddy Wizzer is no exception.
Take a look at what he concludes as a result of our exchange.
QUOTE: "...I have to suspect he has never actually read the five-volume tome or, if he has, then it is a case of intentional misrepresentation."
END Quote

Now, I don't doubt he has read Wealth of Nations, only that we may disagree on its meaning. But, with most leftists, there is always or nearly always this need to challenge the integrity of the challenger, and demean him.
And not to discuss meaning or the substance of the previous question.
I don't expect him or other's to stop doing this, and this is not crying about this, this is simply par for the course in any political exchange by partisans.
But, in his response he must put forth, as any good debater would, this presumption that his opponent is not up to the task, and all other comments roll from there.
It's a great debate tactic, however, it is lacking in substance.
But, more to the point....

So now, he's been schooled about division of labor, and that labor is treated as a commodity by Smith, so... moving forward.
Now, what does he want to talk about?
That I'm somehow "dodging" an issue?
What dodge? I very specifically asked: Show me, in what Chapter We find Wealth Redistribution according to Smith?
Where is it?
No, he like most leftists wants to move to another question, thus framing the debate a different direction, they hope, in their favor.
Again, another great debate tactic, but very short on substance.

And let me right now attack this misquote of the meaning behind Smith's distaste for "opulence."
Smith believed in maximizing, and efficiency. He believes that "opulence" was a waste of resources, a diversion away from natural and needed productivity.
But, let me put out this thought, just for kicks....
Can anyone here tell me, they've never spent their money on "opulence?"
No Big Screen TV's? No BMW's? When a Yugo would do just fine?
How about some bobbles for the wife? Anyone?
You’re kidding me, right? LOL

Messiah wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:09 AM:As a liberal, I laugh at the sarcastic efforts to paint Obama as a self-styled messiah. But on the other hand, in a sense, there is something to it. This election is a test for the American people. Do we want Rove-style lies, spinning, smearing, and distraction to be the ruling form of our elctions? Or do we want to switch over to electing a person who has maintained his composure and his principles. In other words, we know that Obama is not running against McCain/Palin. Obama is running against a secret group of handlers who have selected and shaped McCain and Palin to be their front people. So that he could be President, McCain has been willing to change his views on many issues, he has gone along with the selection of Palin despite his own wish to have Lieberman or some other close, experienced leader as a running mate. McCain, it is clear, has sold his soul to the neocon handlers. Palin, so far, displays a willingness to President of the United States in the age of American economic uncertainty and international terrorist threats, not even considering that the job might be too much for her. McCain does as he's told, Palin doesn't blink. No matter. It's the suits in the back rooms that will continue their hold on America if McCain/Palin win. Obama is not a messiah: he's just Obama, an actual person running for office. If he winsl, we get President Obama; if he loses, we don't know who we get, but they never ran for anything, and they plan to continue benefitting from the neocon agenda of the last 8 years.

Quoted Without Comment wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:22 AM:"In a meeting with the editorial board of The Standard-Times, Rep. Frank, D-Mass., also called for a 25 percent cut in military spending, saying the Pentagon has to start choosing from its many weapons programs, and that upper-income taxpayers are going to see an increase in what they are asked to pay.

The military cuts also mean getting out of Iraq sooner, he said."

Ron wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:28 AM:You know, finding comfort in life is a wonderful thing. Whether you find it as my good buddy "The Wizzer" @8:09 AM does in his concept of a protective framework of the appropriate regulations, enabling the "enlightened self interest" guiding the "invisible hand" preventing the degeneration into the "opulence of unrestrained greed."

That's a pretty high threshold, my friend.

He then goes onto to state: "The balance lies in the moderate middle, where history has ALWAYS shown that broad-based prosperity is generated by market economies, using market forces, but channeled and controlled by a framework of regulatory protections that harness the energy while allowing an infinite range of business decisions within the structural protections of that framework."

Now, that's a lot of good sounding chatter from my good friend, but.. as I said before, the meaning of the words, and the phrases take on very different meaning.

This one phrase, in particular warms every leftists heart: "...but channeled and controlled by a framework of regulatory protections..."

This is what I like to refer to as "The Smart Guy" Approach. It presupposes that certain elites are smarter than the rest of us, and required to make us do the right thing. This is where they get this idea that "only those who love government, can run it properly."
Even though our founders said: "It was, at best, a necessary evil."

But the part I like best, is this next one: "but channeled and controlled by a framework... while allowing an infinite range of business decisions within the structural protections..."

Now, that's funny, cause he says it twice. Look at the "control" words:
"channeled", "controlled", "structural",
"framework"... BUT... BUT...

"...allowing an infinite range of business decisions..."

Within the framework, the "smart guy's" set up, you have limited choices, not infinite decisions.
And this is why I always say: The Liberal Menu of choices.

Words mean different things to different people, English is an inexact language, and people come to accept terms and their meaning within their particular circle, or ghetto's, as I like to call them. I find this description fairly accurate, in that, within each culture, are sub-cultures, who devise their own "speak", this is
Lib-eze, if you will.
And something else I've spoken to, many times.

Alf wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:29 AM:Well, "Fred" at 9:34AM,
Frank Zappa had it right when he wrote "I'm the Slime".
"That's right, folks..
Don't touch that dial"
Regards, Alf.

Quoted Without Comment wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:34 AM:John Kerry wants New Deal II
Backs big fed stimulus
By Jay Fitzgerald

Jay Fitzgerald has been a journalist and blogger for years. He's now the general economics reporter for the Boston Herald.

The nation’s battered economy needs an old-fashioned “Rooseveltian lift” of regulatory reforms and government spending on the infrastructure, clean energy and other sectors, U.S. Sen. John Kerry said yesterday.

Kerry, facing a re-election challenge from Republican Jeff Beatty, rejected GOP calls for more tax rebates to stimulate the economy, as was done last spring."

“I am for a stimulus package. I am not for a stimulus package that just sends out checks,” said Kerry at a Boston Herald editorial meeting yesterday.

Instead, Kerry said the nation needs to spend more in areas that will both help the economy in the short run and long run - such as on roads and bridges, clean energy initiatives and life sciences."

Fred wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:46 AM:The 3:27 AM poster, in response to MaryRose Consiglio's letter, quips: "If the McCain campaign had spent more time talking THE issue America was concerned about, instead of making up a new non-issue each day that nobody cared about, McCain might have this election wrapped up...". I disagree.

Not sure what "THE issue America was really concerned about" is, but, take your pick, I doubt (as did his campaign staff) that he would be doing a whole lot better had he taken "the high road" and debated issues with Obama.

If THE issue was continuation of the Neo-Orwellians' ruinously expensive, counterproductive war, he would have lost.

If THE issue was continued deregulation of his corporate "sposors", he would have lost.

If THE issue was health care, he would have lost.

Pretty much whatever THE issue was, he would have lost.

I would hope (but doubt) he has enough moral character to regret his sleezy campaign, but it was his best chance.

MarkyMarx wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:46 AM:Hey Wanda, I just heard that Mike Nifong will be defending Ashley Todd, traitor. I thought he was on our side. Power to the peeps!

Obama cool and correct wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:50 AM:TRUTH: It has been easy for the past few days and today to hear the complete correct verbiage of Obama and 'plant' Joe.
youtube has it.

google:
Joe the Plumber And Barack Obama (What Actually Happened)(FULL)

5:38 (5 minutes, 38 seconds)

Ron wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:55 AM:So, what we really have here, and I really appreciate Reardon's take on it today. That is too funny, my good friend: "Too much liberty out there."!!

But what we really have here is an interpretation of Smith though Marxist precepts. Where now "opulence" is anyone who makes more than $250K a year.
You see, that's the liberal menu, that's this "channeling and controlling" of market forces, through "regulatory frameworks", they speak to. So that THEY may "harness the energy" and dispurse it into
a finite range of acceptable business decisions within the liberal structure.

And the liberal solution to natural market forces is: Redistribution.

Thomas Jefferson understood this concept to, of granting to each man the rewards of his own industry:

"To take from one because it is thought that his own industry and that of his father’s has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers, have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association—the guarantee to every one of a free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it."

"A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor and bread it has earned -- this is the sum of good government."

Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:08 AM:The quote provided in the 10:34 AM post sounds a whole lot like what those silly politicians over in Ireland tried, and just look what happened to them!

We need to quadruple defense spending and cut out education all together!

DD Wiz wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:17 AM:Tinfoil Hat "Voodoo Economics"
The post from "Ron" (8:07am) still does not explain why anyone should place the slightest shred of credibility in his made up, paranoid conspiracy theory tinfoil hat "voodoo economics." Since he has repeatedly been caught fabricating phony facts, misrepresenting official statistics and his viewpoint has been proven repeatedly by history to ALWAYS lead to economic devastation, there is simply no reason to respond to the rantings of someone who still does not explain why he and he alone has the special "insider" knowledge to know more than the Office of Managmenet and Budget (OMB), Warren Buffet and Paul Volcker (most successful Federal Reserve Chair in history).

Since "Ron's" rambling rant does not give any reasons for taking it seriously, there is no reason to.

Official U.S. Government OMB budget history website at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2008/hist.html
(Managed and maintained the last 8 years by the Bush Administration)
Caution: According to Voodoo "Ron," these figures are fraudulent and you should listen to him and him alone as he passes out the Voodoo Kool-Aid.
Note: I don't doubt that the career accountants at OMB keep clean books using standard accounting practices no matter who is in office, but it is pretty hard to accuse OMB of favoring Democrats while the Department has been under Republican control for eight years.
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:19 AM:Prop. "A" the “parcel tax" for fire equipment, is a blatant attempt to subvert Prop.13,

IT IS A PROPERTY TAX, and trying to call it a "parcel tax" (as if "parcels" are not "property").

If Prop. A passes it will open the floodgate for other subversions of Prop. 13.

Richard wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:33 AM:How can we trust Powell's argument? simple. After he presented the exagerations given to him at the U.N. he eventually realized what they all were. Especially when our military investigated all the suspected sites and found them clean. He changed his opinion of the Iraq invasion, correctly said it was not necessary for our national defense, and that Obama, ambassador Wilson, and many many others were right. That is when Bush fired him. Powell flip flopped from a mistake and has not changed back, even though it has led to great harm to himself from his own GOP. So what is not to trust about that?

Alf wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:34 AM:Well, "Quoted Without Comment" at 10:22AM,
the blood and the approximately $10 BILLION dollars a month that is hemorrhaging in Iraq could be used to far better purpose elsewhere, preferably some in Afghanistan and the bulk of the money not spent could remain just that,
NOT SPENT!
Wow, reducing spending by reducing senseless military actions,
What a novel concept!!
Regards, Alf.

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:48 AM:AlF: I read it is the military should not have so many 'weapon systems.'

"has to start choosing from its many weapons programs" is the quote.

Iraq is NOT part of the military budget, it is a separate Congressional budget item, and it can be stopped by the Democratic-controlled Congress at will..

Your obsession with Iraq clouds your vision.


Your obsession with Iraq clouds your vision.

Teaching Violence wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:53 AM:Lies at McCain/Palin rallies.

"The McCain campaign has sent Sarah Palin out armed with some of the most incendiary rhetoric seen in modern times. Their speeches and rallies ... instigate violence and hatred, to their immense, unending shame. Even Republicans and conservatives are lashing back against the irresponsible, disgusting actions and words of the McCain campaign. ...

Constantly calling their opponent a ... "friend of terrorists" is not only a despicable lie, but an instigation to violence in this day and age. These actions and words are shameful and grotesque. I believe they reflect McCain's true character, and the total lack of character in Sarah Palin. His "anything to win" attitude, willing to betray his own values, and her willingness to repeat any lie or slander handed to her, paints an honest picture of these two candidates." ...

The picture shows the top Republican candidates. The corrupt, dishonest, dishonorable McCain and Palin.

"Unless they make an active effort to calm their supporters and bring them back from the edge of the hate-mongering, deadly speech they're engaged in, McCain and Palin will forever be seen as the most shameful, dishonest candidates in the history of our nation." Thank You GGH

sdraoul wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:59 AM:"Shya Ellis-Flint" and her letter mislead on whether or not Maj. General Hoar is correct in his statement that Brian Bilbray didn't vote for the new GI Bill.

The question is: Did Brian Bilbray vote for the GI bill that became law? YES, he did, Shya, yes he did.

General Hoar is wrong and is being used by people we can't trust to do the right thing.

Bilbray voted against a version of the bill that had a significant tax increase. When that was taken out, He voted for the bill that became law.

Perhaps that is too simple for people like Shya to understand but for a three star General to be fooled is a misplacement of 37 years of military service and subsequent pension we are paying for.

Richard wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:06 PM:Excellent point. The largest earmark, pork expenditure we've ever had is the bombing, invasion, surge and hundreds of other operations, etc. we've had on a country that was not a threat to our national security.

more than one Gary Walker wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:06 PM:There must be more than one Gary Walker in Escondido. The letter today was well thought out, reasonable and focused on the facts. There is this other Gary Walker from Escondido who doesn't like anything Mexican. They can't be the same person, can they?

NO on 8 wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:17 PM:Monogamy.

All must have the same equal rights.

You will continue to have the choice to attend services/worship.

You will have the choice to ignore religious services.

Equal Rights

Vote NO on 8

DD Wiz wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:30 PM:Tinfoil Hat "Voodoo Economics"
The post from "Ron" (8:07am) still does not explain why anyone should place the slightest shred of credibility in his made up, paranoid conspiracy theory tinfoil hat "voodoo economics." Since he has repeatedly been caught fabricating phony facts, misrepresenting official statistics and his viewpoint has been proven repeatedly by history to ALWAYS lead to economic devastation, there is simply no reason to respond to the rantings of someone who still does not explain why he and he alone has the special "insider" knowledge to know more than the Office of Managmenet and Budget (OMB), Warren Buffet and Paul Volcker (most successful Federal Reserve Chair in history).

Since "Ron's" rambling rant does not give any reasons for taking it seriously, there is no reason to.

Official U.S. Government OMB budget history website at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2008/hist.html
(Managed and maintained the last 8 years by the Bush Administration)
Caution: According to Voodoo "Ron," these figures are fraudulent and you should listen to him and him alone as he passes out the Voodoo Kool-Aid.
Note: I don't doubt that the career accountants at OMB keep clean books using standard accounting practices no matter who is in office, but it is pretty hard to accuse OMB of favoring Democrats while the Department has been under Republican control for eight years.
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

Posted 11:17am and skipped -- re-posted 12:30pm

OBSERVATION wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:32 PM:A majority of likely voters in a new Washington Post-ABC News national poll now have unfavorable views of the Alaska governor, most still doubt her presidential qualifications and there is an even split on whether she "gets it," a perception that had been a key component of her initial appeal."

Alf wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:55 PM:Well, "Obama cool and correct" at 10:50AM,
I watched that video and, if it has not been messed with, shows that
"Joe the plumber" completely misrepresented himself
AND
that the McGWB harping on the "spread the wealth" phrase has been used completely out of context.
I'm still writing in Ron Paul because Obama, although not as bad as McGWB/Palin, is still not good enough.
Regards, Alf.

DD Wiz wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:00 PM:Prop A "Fire Tax"
The post from "Reardon" (11:19am) expresses his opposition to Prop A.
I do believe we need this funding, and I do not agree that this is "a blatant attempt to subvert Prop.13" since Prop 13 allows voters to vote for property tax increases.
Since "Reardon" has repeatedly stated in the past that I am "always" wrong, I hope "Readon" will not be to disappointed to hear that, while I disagree with his reasoning as noted above, I do agree with his conclusion.
I am voting against Prop A.
My reasoning is quite different thant "Reardon's," and is based on the excellent points made this morning in published letters from Gary Gonsalves and Carlsbad's mayor Bud Lewis, that this proposal is extremely regressive, taxing all parcels the same, whether they be a tiny owner-occupied dwelling or a large commercial center worth millions.

OK, now I have explained why I agree with you on a proposition, even though for quite different reasons.
Several days ago, I noted that I was voting AGAINST Props 7 and 10, which purport to promote alternative power and alternative automobile fuels respectively, joining conservative, liberal, libertarian and environmental groups in opposing them.
The conservatives and libertarians are opposed because they generally oppose environmental efforts by government and the liberal and environmental groups are opposed because, even though we support these goals, we oppose the specific efforts by corporate special interests to corner the market and obstruct small business competitors, which both of these propositions do.

So I am going to repeat my question to "Reardon," "Ron" and "hardtack," which so far all of them have dodged and evaded.
Even though I expect your reasoning will be quite different than mine, have you taken a position yet on Props 7 and 10 which I oppose?
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

Alf wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:06 PM:Well, "Reardon" at 11:19AM,
"Parcel Tax" and "Fee" and (fill in the blank with another euphemism) are all tricks to make us do to ourselves that which the legislature can not, by law, do to us. ("Hey, the people voted it in, not us" says the government.)
Sort of like the term "enemy combatant" being coined and used specifically to attempt to circumvent the Geneva Conventions and the Constitution.
The sad part is that it worked for a while.
Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:15 PM:Well, "Reardon" at 11:48AM,
Should anyone really care whether the $10 BILLION per month is a military budget item or a separate item?
I do not.
It is still $10 BILLION per month that we can not afford.
More accurately stated, we can not afford it (Iraq) without our "credit cards" backed by China and other countries.
Regards, Alf.

Asteroid wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:16 PM:I’ve been reading this incessant crap (an understatement) for the past three or four day’s and finally found a spare 5 minutes and 38 seconds to view the entire “what really happened” Joe the Plumber video. So what! From what I just viewed I’d say I’ve seen the entire thing already. I didn’t see him force himself on the Messiah; he certainly wasn’t confrontational or rude. So again, So what, what’s your point. Once again this is why I don’t argue with liberals. I don’t debate children; I don’t try to teach my pets human skills such as eating with fork and knife. It’s just a very unproductive endeavor. Hank put it correctly the other day while quoting Mark Twain; “never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”

Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:35 PM:Well, Alf, at 12:55 PM, I voted for Ron Paul in the primaries (and back in 1987) but, at this point, that silly old influence peddler and Caribou Barbie have driven me to vote for Obama.

Voter wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:36 PM:I find it very sad that anyone can justify the inhumane treatment of animals because of money. You are truly heartless. No farms will leave the state or good out of business, they will simply treat the animals better and raise prices. And if you don't like that trade-off, don't eat eggs.

P.S. No one should be eating veal anyway.

California native wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:42 PM:re:Prop. "A" the “parcel tax" for fire equipment, is a blatant attempt to subvert Prop.13

Reardon, you are incorrect. Check your history of prop 13. This is not a subversion of prop 13. This is a part of what was put into place with prop 13. It lets the CITIZEN's decide themselves if they want to tax themselves on property by requiring a 2/3's majority to pass. Prop A requires a 2/3's majority to pass just as was intended in prop 13 as per Howard Jarvis and Paul Gann in 1978.

Richard wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:45 PM:Those opposing our entry into Iraq do not have a 'distorted' view. They may sound 'weird' to some, but that's because they hear and believe the truly distorted view invented by Cheney, which was and still is acted upon by Bush.
It's already been proven that we didn't belong there, and that we now don't belong there either. The distorted obsession is not from that side, but from the side promoting our stay, no matter how many thousands in Iraq protest it in the streets, no matter how many refugees leave their land, no matter how bad our economy gets as a result of the spending there. Remaining there, as though we had the rights of unwanted relatives, without even the hint of a thought or mention of the remote possibility of even a horizon for a possible timeline for withdrawal, is far more than distorted; it became an obsession.

FF wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:49 PM:I agree vote no on Prop A. Every reason stated in today's letters is correct except those presented by the self serving Fire Chief Manchor.

How can you say more firefighters, engines and other equipment will not help. They have much worse fire and winds in Los Angeles County and save much more than we do. Check the Los Angeles Times and see how much quicker personnel and equipment are on a fire there, and how much quicker the fire is contained and controlled.

Remember the fire department responds to a lot more than just wildfires.

Chief, it is so obvious that what you really want to do is protect your paid, volunteer fire chief's position at the cost of the public you are sworn to protect. Please, retire now.

tjefferson wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:55 PM:The neo-cons on this board don't seem to be aware of the fact that laisez faire capitalism and trickle down economics have been a failure and have caused disaster for the second time in less than 100 years. They love to quote, out of context, words of the founding fathers in a pathetic attempt to prove their arguements. But the neo-cons are not really quoting from the founders. They are actually quoting the distortions from other right wing bloggers who twist the words of the original document or conveninetly leave out words from the original that completely change the meaning of the quotation.

Today on this board we find "a
wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own persuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor and bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government."

This distorts Jefferson's meaning and exposes the fact that Jefferson's real words contradict the neo-con arguement against government regulation.

Jefferson wrote: (neo-con omissions in caps) "Still one thing more, fellow- citizens - a wise and frugal government, WHICH WILL RESTRAIN MEN FROM INJURING ONE ANOTHER, shall OTHERWISE leave them free to regulate their won persuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. THIS IS THE SUM OF GOOD GOVERNMENT AND THIS IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE CIRCLE OF OUR FELICITIES."

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:59 PM:Alf: You are into "bank shots" today -- using posts to perpetuate your onsession without so much as a shred of replying to the post.

Why don't you just post your opinions without bogus references to posts?

Oh Please wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:04 PM:Plumb the depths I suggest that Joe the Plumber move to Alaska. He would still have to refuse the yearly buy off from the oil company. That's socialism.

Oh Please wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:06 PM:GOV FOR US GOV FOR US[-] wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:00 AM:I am with you. I jsut voted Democratic ticket all the way. Thanks for your daily macro.

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:08 PM:DD; The REAL reason to oppose Prop. A is that police and fire protection are the PRIMARY function of government, and should be fully funded before public art and oversized pensions for bureaucrats.

typical of politicians, they make me vote on fire protection, but I never get to vote on public art, pensions, or the 42.6 million slush fund available to each County Supervisor.

I never replied to your questions on the solar/wind initiatives -- why should I when we agree?

What? You want "dittos?"

That would be boring!

GAY MAN wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:10 PM:It is NOT simple (1:38 AM)

What is "simple" about depriving citizens of their Constitutional right to marry? Would it be simple to rescind inter-racial marriages? Would it be simple to revoke liberty, "the pursuit of happiness", or even life itself?

It is never "simple”" to take away constitutional rights.

Weak minds need myths wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:24 PM:“Joe the Plumber”

… is a MYTH! He is not really a plumber. He does not even have a license. He has no “executive experience” as a businessman. He is a flaky fiction. But weak minds love mythical heroes to fulfill their mythical fantasies.

Hey Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:29 PM:Did they teach any polisci/government classes at RingKnocker U?

You claim, "Iraq is NOT part of the military budget, it is a separate Congressional budget item, and it can be stopped by the Democratic-controlled Congress at will."

Hardly, a Democratic congress can certainly pass legislation (provided the Republicans do not filabuster), but in the case of stopping the Iraq War, the President would certainly veto it.

With a veto, despite their majority, the Dems don't have enough to over ride a veto.

But, all that will change next year, and your error due to misunderstanding of the government you were once an employee of will be accurate.

SOCIALISM wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:34 PM:There are two kinds of Socialism:

(1) Corporate socialism, also known as Fascism, crony capitalism and soak-the-poor.

*2) Popular socialism, also known as just socialism and as soak-the-rich.

After decades of the former have finally led to the catastrophic destruction of our currency and the whole world economy, the world is being forced into the latter. The current fiscal holocaust is to capitalism what the fall of the Berlin Wall was to Communism. Death for crony capitalism, and death for Communism.

Oh Please wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:40 PM:Robin Hvidston; Guess you do not like anybody giving an opinion on TV other than the ones who support your candidate and philosophy. It is typical of the cry baby whiner. What are you going to say after the election? Nothing but whaaaaaaa.

To Messiah wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:43 PM:I nominate your entry @ 10:09 as comment of the year..beautifully expressed and reasoned..Bravo.

QUOTED WITH COMMENT wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:44 PM:25% cut in military budget (10:22 AM)

Barney Frank has a lot of nerve, speaking out and saying the obvious! The nerve of that man!

We have no choice in the matter. As the price of oil sinks for Saudi Arabia, and as exports dry up for China, they will inevitably conclude that they can no longer afford to fund the Bush War.

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:47 PM:To Hey! ALL spending bills MUST be initiated by The House of Representatives.

The President PROPOSES a budget!

A president can ONLY veto something that is first sent to him -- so if the Congress sends him nothing, he is powerless.

If Congress does not send the President an appropriation, there is NOTHING a President can do to spend one red cent! (Well, a little more, but not enough to wage a war, or fund a military.)

Got it?

Rons SMART GUYS wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:51 PM:Ron misidentified the “smart guys” (10:28 AM)

The smartest guys were those corporate shysters in that room at ENRON. At least until they moved to Wall Street. It pays better there.

to Asteroid wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:56 PM:I don't understand your post at all. I also don't argue with petulant children who don't understand the real world. Your use of the "Messiah" word seems to be a clue to your anger.

Dear Fred-- wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:04 PM:You addressed the hypothetical “What if’s” for John McCain, and I thank you for that. Well said (10:46 AM).

The big issues are:
(1) - The $150,000 wardrobe of WalMart mom, Sarah Palin
(2) - That black preacher, whatzzizname, from South Chicago
(3) - That education professor, whzzizname, from the Uni. of Chicago
(4) - Joe, the fictitious plumber
(5) - Redistribution of more national wealth to the wealthiest 1% to prevent out-of-control redistribution of the wealth to the bottom 95%.
(6) - flag pins on lapels.

If McCain can solve these problems, he can handle anything.

Homosexuality is not normal wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:07 PM:If even kids are feeling attraction to the same sex they should be treated by a Christian counseling group. Its not normal. Never has been. Yes on 8!

Bold Print wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:09 PM:Bold print is likened to what some call, "A chihuahua complex" or "little man syndrome", or just a childish tantrum, they don't have it, so to speak, so they overcompensate with the Bold print. It's only one or two of you who use, and abuse it all the time anyway, just consider this, Bold Print is harder for some to read.

Regina wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:20 PM:There has been a lot of talk about the Wood, Sanchez, Lowery ticket (if you want to call it that). I see a Chavez, Kern, Feller ticket on the council right now. I have seen Mayor Wood split his vote and vote with others on many occeasions but I have a hard time recalling a vote where the KFC group split. I really think that our Mayor will police the situation and make sure that everyone has a right to make his or her case and then the council will vote and it takes 3 out of 5 to carry a motion so let's stop acting as if 3 votes are some sort of crime. Vote for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery to stop the KFC bloc so we can give everyone a chance to win a vote now and again.

Oh Please wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:20 PM:Asteroid[-] wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:16 PM:
You must be very lonely. I suppose that you just post here to read your declarations which have so far can be regarded as so much, "crap." I find your effort at jocularity quite puerile.

Pink the Plummer wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:26 PM:hehehe..hey it works for me !
Besides you know who I am.
Joan Gardner's letter above begging for you to vote for Gallo was sickening ,made me GAG!I know she is his friend.I've known it for years.I've even known Ed Gallo for 32 years.He was a Jaycee.So were many.But Joan really needs to open her eyes,or getg glasses like I did.
Look around at Escondido... Gallo's "artwork" is everywhere.Right along side Abed's.We have a
- $9.8MILLION $$$ DEFICIT for 07/08
$18 MILLION $$$ + gift to a wealthy hotel developer.For a hotel we cannot support.Marriott's have their own hotel kitchens,restraunts/cafes & room serviceI've stayed at them .No need for any other eateries.Developer will bring his own workers to build...no new jobs for residents.Developers time to get financing on the rest to build lapsed...did the council take that opportunity to back out and save the city? NO..they extended it to January 2009.Have you ever seen any developer finsh on budget when the financing is delayed in the beginning? No...excuse January 09 will be...oh that budget was figured at that days rates....we need more$ more$ more$....we get the shaft!
$1 MILLION wasted on shopping carts & graffiti ,carts are the property of the retailers.Their responsibility not the tax payers.
How's your children's schools?
Makes me wanna GAG...kids get the shaft too.
The LOWEST median income in No County.
Unless you are on the City's payrolls.

ERTC...no new business or high paying jobs as promised.
Under staffed Firestations
14 new police cars collecting dust.
Under staffed Police Department
Center for the ARTS 14 years and it has NEVER supported itself.As was promised by the City when concept was proposed.This council keeps extending the excuses to waste MILLIONS on this money pit.A pig is a pig with or without lipstick.
$ 250,000.00 wasted to protect Council during the Rental Ban fiasco.
$300,000.00 wasted on legal fees for the Rental ban.A FEDERAL JUDGE informs the City Council IMMIGRATION IS NOT in the City Council JURISDICTION.WASTED
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I am not saying we do not have a problem here...but the Council has no jurisdiction and they knew it.The taxpayers were played to get Waldron re elected.Gallo & Abed supported her in this knowingly.Wasting more tax dollars.

City has 1207 employees...they got a $2000 stipend(gift) from the council...
did you? Why can't they maintain the streets of Escondido? Last week I went down Grand Ave...the potholes were so big they needed zipcodes.Count the out of business store fronts.Look around at the blight ,the unfinished over development projects..we now have a monument to all of those blighted projects a $250,000.00 stoplight at Woodward & Escondido Blvd...when a simple stop sign had worked for years.

Escondido branded Racist City nationaly because of the rental ban fiasco and continuing.
$50,000.00 spent on the Walker Study ,results...Escondido has no parking problem...it warns the city not to attempt this program...city council ignores study.We pay the City Attorney $225,000.00 annualy + full benefits + a $10,000.gas allowance and he cannot keep this Council out of law suits!
Been to Palomar Hospital lately?
Pray Lee Thibadeau is elected to the PPH Hospital District Board.He did wonderful work in San Marcos.

Sewer system near capacity.Will we even be able to flush next year?
170 fees raised....how is your water,sewer & trash bill?
100 year old dam negelected and ready to burst...you now live in a flood hazard area...YOUR homeowners insurance fees will reflect this....nice gift for the taxpayers...as usual we get the shaft --------------------->
I have to stop getting the shaft,how about you?
If you
want more of this
----->re elect Gallo & Abed.

if YOU want this to END.....
and responsibility / accountability to begin and continue....
ELECT RICHARD BARRON & OLGA DIAZ

please excuse any spelling errors. I am just sick of being shafted!
signed,

Pink :p
proud member of gagabedgallo
google it

Alf wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:28 PM:Well, "Reardon" at 1:59PM,

FIRST, it would help if you stated to WHICH of my posts you are referring.

SECOND, a "parcel tax" to compensate for inept priorities and operation of our fire departments solves nothing, unless throwing money their way is the answer to all problems.

THIRD, the economy is fairly important to most people and the drain on the economy caused by our continued presence in Iraq is a drain that can and should be stopped. NOW!

Regards, Alf.

Oh Please wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:29 PM:Reardon[-] wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:48 AM: It can not be stopped at will. We need 60 plus Senators to do be able to close a Republican filibuster and to override a Republican President's veto.

Hey Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:34 PM:You weren't unrestricted line and surface warfare, were you? Kinda can tell by you short fuse that you weren't in the navy that needed real leaders...airdale, I'm betting, or some service corps.

Bet you never listened to the real leaders in the Navey...the guys in the goat locker.

budget wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:35 PM:Reardon: Finance Bills must originate in the House of Reps. That does not mean that the actual budget is developed in or by the house. In fact, we oth know that OMB has quite a bilt in budget development."ssued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Budget of the United States Government is a collection of documents that contains the budget message of the President, information about the President's budget proposals for a given fiscal year, and other budgetary publications that have been issued throughout the fiscal year. Other related and supporting budget publications, such as the Economic Report of the President, are included.
A budget wuldnever ben developed or passed if you had to depend on the Hose to develop the actual budget.

budget wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:37 PM:Reardon: Disregard my previous blog. Reardon is right.

Mother of all flip-flops wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:40 PM:Wanda, how does one go from Ron Paul to Barack Obama – throw darts at a board?

Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:41 PM:The 2:56 PM poster quips: "I don't understand your post at all".

Just be grateful. It's a good thing.

Should you wake up one morning and find that Asteroids posts make sense, get help.

John wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:44 PM:I am so looking forward to the new Democratic president, congress and senate. It will be so nice to flush the toilet on the last 8 years of crap.

Bob wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:50 PM:Actually, Reardon, at 2:08 PM, I wish you had replied to DD Wiz. Many of us learn stuff on this board. Some of us even read your posts :)

Ron wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:53 PM:And, yet one more time....
Asked and unanswered by not only my good friend "The Wizzer" @11:17 AM...

Anyone remember the question?
Ok, I'll repeat the question:

Show me, in what Chapter of "Wealth of Nation's" Adam Smith speaks to wealth redistribution?
Which book? Which Chapter? Which Page?

Where?

Here was my answer, from the Wiz:

"Tinfoil Hat "Voodoo Economics"

Was that a Yes? or a NO?

But, see what I mean? Cornered, no room to manuver, they change the subject, and attempt to make YOU the subject.
This is the liberal debate tactic, lacking substance, of course.

Ron wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:01 PM:And so worried about the peer-review on thsi page, although he proports it as a "gold standard", I that my buddy not only had to post @ 11:17am and then skipped -- and re-posted @ 12:30pm.

Yep, that's showing some confidence in our system. LOL

Wow! that last one must have really punctured some thin skin, cause he had to make sure he got heard?

Like I said, look at the number of "control" words he used to describe his theory, as opposed to the "liberty" I like to speak of.
That'll tell you everything you'll ever need to need.

Regarding Asteroid wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:01 PM:Let me explain. Mike went to the considerable trouble to view the Obama-Plumber conversation in its entirety. What he saw (what EVEN he saw) was a Presidential Obama speaking well and with respect to an American with different views. In other words, Mike saw that what "liberals" have said about this interaction (as about so many things) was accurate, and what conservatives have said about this interaction (as about so many things) was a lie based on a snippet out of context. Now someone with integrity might say, in Mike's shoes, "Heck, I was sure wrong about that one!" But, alas, this is Mike. When shown evidence like this, he says it doesn't count, and then repeats his memorized insults of "liberals". That's Mike. That's the opposition. In a nutshell. Priceless.

Oh Messiah wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:05 PM:To Messiah
[-] wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:43 PM:I nominate your entry @ 10:09 as comment of the year..beautifully expressed and reasoned..Bravo.

Signed, Messiah

Ron wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:07 PM:The short answer, and I know how you love my "short" answers....
But the short verison from me, is this.
They have enough money "Wizzer" @
1:00 PM for Prop A, the "Fire Tax."

They need to be using MY money a little more... NO, let me re-type that...
A LOT MORE WISELY for me to turn over any more to them.

So I've answered you question, so, you'll not not need to repeat it.

Any answer yet on wealth redistribution and Adam Smith yet.
Just a piece of advice...
It ain't there.

Typical Libs wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:17 PM:See this is what WE have to look forward to if Obama wins. Cry baby, don't ask hard questions or else or how dare you ask Biden or Obama a hard question except what kind of cookie do you like. I hope Obama does win so the "I told you so" can come out!

WFTV-Channel 9's Barbara West conducted a satellite interview with Sen. Joe Biden on Thursday. A friend says it's some of the best entertainment he's seen recently. What do you think?

West wondered about Sen. Barack Obama's comment, to Joe the Plumber, about spreading the wealth. She quoted Karl Marx and asked how Obama isn't being a Marxist with the "spreading the wealth" comment.

"Are you joking?" said Biden, who is Obama's running mate. "No," West said.

West later asked Biden about his comments that Obama could be tested early on as president. She wondered if the Delaware senator was saying America's days as the world's leading power were over.

"I don't know who's writing your questions," Biden shot back.

Biden so disliked West's line of questioning that the Obama campaign canceled a WFTV interview with Jill Biden, the candidate's wife.

"This cancellation is non-negotiable, and further opportunities for your station to interview with this campaign are unlikely, at best for the duration of the remaining days until the election," wrote Laura K. McGinnis, Central Florida communications director for the Obama campaign.

McGinnis said the Biden cancellation was "a result of her husband's experience yesterday during the satellite interview with Barbara West."

Ron wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:18 PM:I'd like to compliment my good friend "tjefferson" @1:55 PM on his recap of history.

Unfortunately, for you...
It still does not change the real Thomas Jefferson's original intent when he sat down with James Madison and wrote this magnificent, and wonderous document for us.
And I'll even use your own quote, to prove it, ok?

QUOTE: Jefferson wrote: (neo-con omissions in caps) "Still one thing more, fellow- citizens - a wise and frugal government, WHICH WILL RESTRAIN MEN FROM INJURING ONE ANOTHER, shall OTHERWISE leave them free to regulate their won persuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. THIS IS THE SUM OF GOOD GOVERNMENT AND THIS IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE CIRCLE OF OUR FELICITIES."
END Quote

Now, when they wrote this, did they set up a myriad bureaucracies to "restrain" people from harming each other?
NO... they did not.
They set up, a Court system.
As Inspector Clouseau would say at this time: Problem sol'vid.

OBAMA COMES wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:27 PM:campaign trail

* McCain scrambles for foothold Play Video Video: McCain scrambles for foothold CNN
* John McCain and Barack Obama are spending millions on new campaign commercials Play Video Video: John McCain and Barack Obama are spending millions on new campaign commercials Reuters
* Third-party candidates Play Video Video: Third-party candidates CNN

Bitter infighting over 'diva' Palin in McCain campaign: report AFP – Republican presidential candidate John McCain stands on stage at a campaign rally at the New Mexico State …

Oct. 25 (Bloomberg) -- Democrat Barack Obama widened his lead over Republican John McCain in most national polls and surveys of key states as the U.S. election contest heads into its final full week.

The Illinois senator was up 8 points over presidential rival McCain in an average of 16 polls taken during the last week, according to RealClearPolitics.com. Last week, Obama was up about 6 points.

Asteroid wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:45 PM:to Asteroid
[-] wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:56 PM:

What does it mean when a liberal points out someone’s anger? Why can't someone be angry and correct at the same time? You could have left it at “I don't understand your post at all.” Again; this is why I don’t argue with liberals, THEY DON’T UNDERSTAND

DD Wiz wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:19 PM:No Dittoheads Here
The post from "Reardon" (2:08pm) acknowledges agreement as to the CONCLUSION of how to vote on Props 7 (alternative energy) and Props 10 (alternative auto fuels) but says he ignored the points previously because "dittos ... would be boring."
Naw, "Reardon," not dittos. Only semi-dittos.
I suspect the reasons for WHY you and other conservatives would vote the same are still very, very different.
Point is, when the Republican, Democratic and Libertarian parites, along with all legitimate environmental groups known to "DD Wiz" as well as both "DD Wiz" and "Reardon" agree to oppose them, these gotta be two BAD initiatives.
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

Mother of all flip-flops wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:29 PM:“Socialism,” I think you pretty well “got it” @ 2:34 PM!

All of which is to say: GOVERNMENT – i.e., politics, – i.e., regulation of markets ( either by law, subsidies, or taxation) going all the way back to the “robber baron” days of railroad and shipping monopolies, lies at the feet of GOVERNMENT interference in the free market process.

You are absolutely on to something. Thanks for your insight.

Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:32 PM:The 2:56 PM poster makes note of Asteroid's anger. This goes back to the bobbing for french fries incident.

To Alf wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:48 PM:Were Frank alive I believe he would be running for President, and he'd have my vote. RIP, Frank.

Oh Greenspan wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:49 PM:I saw that Alan Greenspan said to Congress that he still has no idea how this financial disaster happened. I guess ignorant Al just doesn't read the NCT letters or blogspace. Unlike Al, the NCT has, apparently, dozens of people who know exactly how this all happened. Strangely, many of them disagree with one another. Many are just sure it's all the doing of the Democrats, some naming Bill Clinton, some Barney Frank. Other sages take an even broader stroke and simply pile the whole mess at the feet of the "liberals". Just as many, however, point their razor minds at the Republicans, John McCain, Phil Gramm, and the greedy bankers and financiers. If only Greenspan would read our local geniuses, I'm pretty sure that his immense ignorance of things financial and economic would clear up quickly.

FF wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:50 PM:Reardon is correct. Public safety, police and fire, is the only obligation government must meet. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors refuses to do so, in direct violation of the state constitution.

There is enough money ($750+ million) in reserve to create a county fire department right now.

Skip wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:02 PM:NCT should not be posting comments by children under 18 years old. Shame on you, this little girl has opened up a whole can of worms.

Just call me conservative, but I was going to vote NO until I found out the California Teachers Union paid $1,250,000 towards No. Now I already voted and it is YES on 8.

My wife jokingly says that the teachers are paying for No, because they will have to hire more teachers to teach their agenda. Now I am starting to wonder.

My daughter can be as gay as she wants, as long as she is over 18 and not living in my house.

Vote NO on Propositions wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:03 PM:Let's not forget the local (city) propositions. These especially are deceptively written by hired hands that have special interest in sliding them past the taxpayers. Escondido voters have Proposition T which is being backed by a highly paid bond consulting firm, architectural company, and local general contractors who have millions of dollars to gain if it gets approved. Taxpayers are being led to believe that this huge bond won't affect our taxes.
That's impossible! Bond = taxes.

Escondido is a fairly small city with a high percentage of renters who don't pay property tax. Repaying this $98M bond will fall on those of us who own property. We will be paying at least until the year 2054, and probably beyond that.

Voters need to step back and vote NO on any propositions that require huge bonds yet claim don't affect your taxes. We are being deceived.

jvc wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:07 PM:PROP 13 is immoral!
PROP 13 is a scheme that was voted on by and for a segment of the electorate to protect self-interest!
PROP 13 created a state government funding system of unfunded mandates!
PROP 13 is a tax shelter to protect
property from being properly assessed!
PROP 13 is explicitly responsible for
deficit spending!

MarkyMarx wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:08 PM:Weak minds need myths
[-] wrote on Oct 25, 2008 2:24 PM:

Oh... so right on dude!! All these week minded neo cons just blow my mind. They even believe Rev. Right and Father Flagger are for real people. And how bout all the dissing of Bill Ayers, who cares about what he did before our Messiah was born. For the love of ghonga man, the man is a respected college professor. Joe the plummer my eye. Power to the peeps!

Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:25 PM:Just like the 3:09 PM poster, I'm embaressed that I don't know how they do that bold print either.

Syl wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:27 PM:The comments by Ms Parish are awful and inappropiate. We do not believe in letting our children date anyone before the age of 18.Where are her parents, and I hope the NCT had a signed release before publishing this letter.

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:47 PM:To Hey: two years enlisted, FT3, qualified both surface warfare and submarines. Qualified for Command of Submarines.

Bad guesses on your part, but about the same quality as your government/political knowledge.

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:03 PM:Ron: Don't hold your breath.

I am still awaiting someone showing how McCain's father helped McCain graduate from Canoe U.

Most people just run the clock out hoping that you may forget by tomorrow, or find something "more important" to worry about.

Bill wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:07 PM:Have any of you Obama supporters actually read his tax plan?

Tell me.....

Whats in it that excites you?

His tax cut for most Americans is EXACTLY what most got under Bush.

Oh and you know that sagging stock market?

When the market does return, plan on paying 30% instead of 15% in capital gains taxes.The rich arent the only ones that are effected by increases in capital gains taxes.

That goes across the board too.

But can some of you tell me what he means when he says that small businesses wont pay capital gains taxes?

Businesses dont pay capital gains taxes unless they liquidate.

This is a brain dead claim.

The future President of the USA did not know this basic fact. My gues is that he did but he knew that you wouldnt know that.That one sounds good but its a whopper of a deception.

So whats in that for the middle class?

If Obama supporters actually read his plan, they might see that it doesnt give them any more tax relief than they got under Bush.

In fact, it taxes them even more.

So whats in it for you?

The perception is that the middle class gets a bigger cut than they did under Bush and thats a flat out lie.

He never mentions the dividend tax either and that effects many middle class Americans. Did I mention he wants increase taxes on gas and energy too?

All of this is in his plan.

But I hope you Obama supporters dont plan on your children inheriting your estate. The estate tax had all but disappeared, but under Obama, it will get new life. There goes the idea of you sharing any of your money with your heirs when you die.

So far, theres nothing in it for the middle class.

Nothing more than teaching those rich people a lesson.

Anyone who thinks that raising taxes on the rich wont effect them deserves what they get.

I challenge any Obama supporter to find some type of benefit for the middle class in Obamas plan.

Lets hear it.....

Gullible Americans!

His tax plan doesnt match the rhetoric he spews.

So will someone please tell me whats in it for the middle class?

RE Think of the gay kids vote no on 8 wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:21 PM:I take it that because this person is posing as a minor, then the NCT is not posting any comments on this Letter.

This is wrong. I am sure there are plenty of people who would like to comment on this letter.

Let children post in the children's section.

Ms M wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:29 PM:Typical Libs
[-] wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:17 PM:..I saw the interview and am very glad that they are refusing to give interviews to that station - Biden, nor his wife or anyone else for that matter does not have to put up with that trash. No it's typical con madness. Instead of asking him indept questions about the issues - she slings the cons talking points and we all know that all she is slinging is trash. Check out the video - it's on the net. The following somewhat describes the interview:

...Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden gave it to Florida WFTV anchor Barbara West Thursday when she asked him a slew of questions straight out of John McCain's talking points....

....Yes, tough questions are great Mr. Jordan, but not if some of them are 100% false or aim to equate the Democratic candidate for president with socialism and Karl Marx....

...Shame on Barbara West, WFTV, Orlando, for her ignorant confrontational interview with Joe Biden.

...It was absolutely ugly in nature, used ignorant talking points...

Pathetic! You cons have no shame.

Gotta Wonder wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:33 PM:Adteroid: I do not know if we bed wetters are capable of your request due to all the crap you have put forth since your return. You criticize a blogger for not leaving at that. But, you in the past and now again in the present insult people with your discourtesy and carping.
Don't be concerned with arguing or debating with liberals on this blog. Make your futile and puerile statements. Then, as is your habit, slither away to the safety of some rock
Just do not blame us for your ineptitude.

Roger wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:37 PM:RE: Wanda's 5:32 PM post

"...bobbing for french fries..."?

Tell me you made this up.

Surprise wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:41 PM:Skip[-] wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:02 PM: LOL Is that all the research you did/ Check out who is financing the yes on 8
group from outside the state. The funds are from by the Catholic Church and the Church of Latter Day Saints. There are all sorts of organizations pro and con on this one. I am just surprised that you were surprised. I rather doubt that you were going to vote no. Fess up, Skip.

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:09 PM:jvc: Prop. 13 was a people's revolution against a do-nothing legislature that failed to obey the will of the people.

It was passed, overwhelmingly by the voters, despite the most despicable scare tactics.

If you don't like it, put the Prop.13 repeal on the ballot -- and prepare to get creamed!

It never ends wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:09 PM:Skip, you were never going to vote no on 8, why do you lie?

Gotta Wonder wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:18 PM:Homosexuality is not normal Treated by a Christian counseling group. Who will be treating the Muslim, Jewish or Hindu homosexuals?

DD Wiz wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:29 PM:Chapters from Adam Smith
The post from "Ron" (3:53pm) sinks even further, if that were possible, into despeation.
Give us hope, "Ron," is this a literacy problem, attention deficit or you just trying to make up your own creative "facts" in that alternative universe of yours?

I'm not going to keep repeating myself for you, "Ron."
You asked for specific references. My post yesterday at 8:12pm responded to your challenge to another poster (who had referenced my comments) by citing specific Book and Chapter for numerous specific statements.
As to page number? Are you kidding me?
Do you know nothing about the printing and publishing of books?
If there is one edition (even with reprints) of a book, you can reference page numbers.
Books such as Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations that have long been in the public domain with numerous printings by numerous publishers in numerous printings have a wide range of formats, with widely varying pagination depending on typeface, type size, page size and margins.
Do you really not understand this or are you trying to obfuscate the issues?
Only those who have something to hide try to confuse in this manner.
Thank you for this candid, if obtuse, admission.

As for the post from "Bold Print" (3:09pm), do I detect a bit of jealousy?
Perhaps a bit of bold print envy?
(With appreciation to Caro Cogitatus.)
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

Dan wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:36 PM:The Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released a study Tuesday showing clearly that the gap between rich and poor is widening in Europe and North America. The report, which covers developments spanning 20 years in 30 countries, contains some interesting nuggets:

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:44 PM:Wanda: it is a simple MS Word trick.

Go to the North County Forum annual meeting of liberals. DD will show you.

It is a liberal symbol on this Blog -- sort of like wearing a different colored ribbon, which shows, "I care more than you do.'

Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:00 PM:Thanks, Reardon, at 8:44 PM.

Mostly, thanks for tipping me off to the bold print being a "liberal symbol". I've got enough trouble without everybody thinking I was "that way".

Reardon wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:18 PM:Dan: I skimmed the OECD report and it attributes the disparity to low-skill and low-education.

DUH!

In a country where K-12 "education" is absolutely FREE, and 13-16 is almost FREE, exactly to whom do we attribute this "low-skill and low-education?"

Despite massive advances in medical science, it has yet to provide either motivation, or diligence.

Most people have glowing examples of the problem right in their own families, and they KNOW that redistribution of wealth is temporary. All things being equal, in a year the poor will be poor again because their motivation, skills and education still have not changed!.

jvc wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:28 PM:The state is beyond creamed as it is now!Bailout Wall Street milliomaires,
bailout property owners with zero tax assessments and bailout students with free tuition! SPREAD THE WEALTH!

Joan Says wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:34 PM:Joan Gardner (letter writer) says:

"Ed chooses fiscal responsibility over political expediency..."

HA HA HA HA HA!!!!

Would that be when he voted to raise the pay of the council members?

Would that be in his complete and relentless support of the very, very, very costly proposed parking ordinance (you know, Joan the one you completely and relentlessly support). You know the $280-350,000 parking to implement ordinance!

Or would that be when he was on the council when the whole "misplaced decimal" point happend? Has anyone heard about quality checking documents? No lame excuses, please - not when the misplaced decimal point involved the reality of $900,000+ vs. $98,000 - HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!

Just because Ed Gallo is a friend of yours doesn't make him a good council member (don't forget he was endoresed by the firefighters union in 2004).

And as far as negative campaigning...well, just drive around town and see those horrible anti-firefighters union campaign signs. Low. Super Low. And super stupid!!!

SHOUT OUT TO ESCONDIDO FIREFIGHTERS: Say NO To Gallo - vote him OUT in November!!!

Replace the incumbents with WINNERS DIAZ & BARRON!!!

Wicked Wanda wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:43 PM:I think the other Wanda is is envious of Sarah Palin...

jvc wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:55 PM:There are those that say that I should formulate an initiative on the ballot to countermand PROP 13...
I do not kill geese!

Bo Knows Best wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:06 PM:Wanda
[-] wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:00 PM: Boys, I fear we have a female(?)version of _ _ _, Could there be more then one _ _ _? God help us all! Say it ain't so Bo.

DD Wiz wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:20 PM:North County Forum
The post from "Reardon" (8:44pm) once again jumps to conclusions and, once again, gets it wrong. How can one person get it so wrong so many times?
NO, "Reardon," I am not a member of North County Forum.
When they were first founded, about 12 years ago, it was supposed to be a non-partisan gathering of liberals, including Democrats, Greens, Socialists and Independents. But the Founder was an active Green and increasingly moved the North County Forum toward Green party interests.
After Nader took enough votes away from Gore to bring him within the cheat-proof majority so that Republicans could steal the election, many Democrats were greatly angered with the Greens.
But when Nader again ran in 2004 and many of the North County Forum people supported him over Kerry, and the North County Forum leader made it clear to me when we had a one-on-one breakfast together that the pro-Green trend would continue, many of the Democrats including me went our separate ways.
I am a Democrat, an Adam-Smith style supporter of market entrepreneurship, and I am not a leftist, Socialist or Green.
I have many personal friendships with North County Forum people and occasionally participate in their events, as they also sometimes participate in events for the Democratic Party.
But I am not a member, do not attend or participate in most of their events (and only one of their annual galas in the past four years), and I am the wrong person to recommend as a guide to the NCF.
But they are a bunch of really nice people, if sometimes misguided.
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

tjefferson wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:39 PM:This is for Ron at 4:18. You are not my friend. My friends are literate and educated.

Jefferson did not "sit down" with Madison to compose the words I quoted at 1:55. My quote was from Jefferson's first inaugural speech. Neither Jefferson nor Madison needed help from each other to express their opinions.

Jefferson made it clear from the words I quoted that "government will restrain men from injuring one another" that he was refering to regulation. He wrote "OTHERWISE leave them free to regulate their own persuits . . ."

Jefferson used the word "regulate." He couldn't have made it clearer.

Skip wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:44 PM:OK OK I'll admit it.

Vote No on Yes!

One of the Bad Guys wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:21 PM:Reardon at 9:18PM, I am one of the bad guys, or if you prefer, one of the 5% Obama is using to anger, divide, scare, and brainwash the other 95% in order to get elected, I have homes in other states as well as my home in Carlsbad.
In one state for example, $18.000.00 of the $22,000.00 annual property tax bill goes to the School District where the home is located, and the rest to the County, So I must disagree when you say, "In a country where K-12 "education" is absolutely FREE, and 13-16 is almost FREE". Nothing is Free my friend, Nothing, Not even in the brave new world as seen by Obama. Other than that, Keep it up, I enjoy reading your work.

Roberto1 wrote on Oct 26, 2008 1:59 AM:Thersa Vavrek letter to the editor, says McCain supporters are prejudiced then gives an example...What about the man who robbed a white woman at an ATM then carved a letter "B" on her face for Barrack on her face when he noticed the McCain bumber sticker on her car?

Alf wrote on Oct 26, 2008 6:22 AM:Well, "jvc" at 6:07PM,
you are wrong when you say "PROP 13 is explicitly responsible for
deficit spending".
Government agencies who refused to operate within their budget are responsible for "deficit spending", aka running in the red, aka living beyond their means.
What do you do if circumstances force you take a slightly lower paying job with no big jump in pay every year?
Do you continue to spend, spend, spend, as if you still had your previous job?
If so, then you are behaving like city and county government, stupidly and foolishly.
If not, why not?
Maybe you cut back on those nice vacations to France and you go to Coco's instead of Black Angus and you go to Men's Wearhouse to buy $500 suits instead of stop buying $5,000 suits.
Prop. 13 was to try to keep the county from raising both your assessed valuation AND your tax rate unhindered.
Prop. 13 imposed a limited budget on agencies who thought that the sky was the limit, that didn't care who they taxed out of their house as long as they got their ever-skyrocketing budgets.
If we, as Citizens must live within our means, so must government.
Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:00 AM:Well, "Roberto1" at 1:59AM,
are you talking about the "ALLEGEDLY" disturbed woman who was "ALLEGEDLY" attacked.
Are you talking about the "ALLEGEDLY" disturbed woman who had a MIRROR-IMAGE "B" on her face, the one that no evidence has yet to be found that there even was an attacker, let alone a 6' 4", black, Obama supporting attacker.
A ton of Swiss cheese has fewer holes in it than her story.
Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:04 AM:Correction to my last post, the line that said
"and you go to Men's Wearhouse to buy $500 suits instead of stop buying $5,000 suits."
should be
"and you go to Men's Wearhouse to buy $500 suits instead of buying $5,000 suits.".
My apologies.
Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:06 AM:Oops - I should have noted that the correction was to my 6:22AM post.
Regards, Alf.

Gott Wonder wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:11 AM:Roberto1[-] wrote on Oct 26, 2008 1:59 AM: The alleged victim has admitted that she lied. The alleged victim was arrested for filing a false police report. The alleged victim has a history of mental illness and will be examined. The alleged victim is for John McCain. Coo Coo,Coo, Coo Gotta wonder who always accept fiction as fact before investigation.

To Roberto1 wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:39 AM:Don't believe everything you read...no wonder everyone is a xenophone. We need to stop jumping to conclusions.

Skip wrote on Oct 26, 2008 11:23 AM:I finally got used to the word "Xenophobe" thanks to roberto1.

Now what in the heck is a "xenophone"

Did you mean "xenophon"? Greek soldier and writer. A disciple of Socrates.

But Skip wrote on Oct 26, 2008 1:52 PM:Everyone knows that a xenophone is the phone belonging to a xeno and an odometer is a device that measures odos. Or it could be a tyyppo.

Roberto1 wrote on Oct 26, 2008 4:31 PM:Ok you guys win, all McCain supporters are xenophobes and racist.