George wrote on Nov 3, 2008 1:28 AM:The Sprinter may very well be the lowest-cost rail system in the United States at $22 million per mile, but NCTD's slogan is "We move people". Let's take a look at cost per person and compare it to regular freeway lanes!

With 8,000 boardings per day (that's 4,000 round trips) the Sprinter cost over $60,000.00 per boarding to construct.

Two freeways lanes running at half capacity during the same operating hours as the Sprinter would handle 33,000 "boardings" per day. Those two lanes would cost $660 million -- not much more than the Sprinter -- and the construction cost per boarding would be a mere $20,000.

The cost of the freeway solution is one-third of the Sprinter. Although it is less expensive, it provides higher capacity, extended flexibility, and on-demand 24-hour service availability.

How nice for a change... wrote on Nov 3, 2008 2:03 AM:...not to see a single word of hatred leveled at Senator Obama, or homosexuals.

But sadly, within a week, I'm sure we'll be back to witnessing the more routine hatred espoused by all too many letter writers and posters here.

Yeah, that's right, it will be back to hating Hispanics, legal or otherwise!

Vote Yes on eight wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:26 AM:Another reason to vote YES on 8 is that if it does not pass then homosexual practices of all kinds will get a big status boost, not just the nice loving couples portrayed in the pro-gay marriage stories. This will greatly increase the amount of it that will taught in the public schools. Some literature has already been passed out under the desk to young teens in schools by advocacy groups that says homosexual activity is natural and good. and "You will not know if you are homosexual until you give it a try." Obviously some schools which are now giving out condoms for regular sexed teens will also give them out for teens to experiment with homosexuality. If Prop 8 is rejected it opens up for schools to pass out that instructional stuff in classes from which parents will not be allowed to have their kids excluded. A man who seems to know a lot about it tells me that is how a lot of people get started with the practice is experimenting with it while young.

Vote Yes on Eight wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:32 AM:Another problem in giving the final approval for gay marraige is that parents will no longer be able to oppose theaching about it in schools. Since any opposition to gay practices willnow be considered hate speech. People in Canada are already experiencing being prosecuted for even publishing articles on public health problems causedby homosexual activity. and articles about psychological problems caused by homosexual activity. You can Google it to verify my statements herein. PLEASE VOTE YES ON PROP 8

Union Elections wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:49 AM:It is unthinkable that a large number of congress have bought into this desire by unions to eliminate the secret ballot for represention by a union. That would obviously not be a fair election. In real life in the past they used big thugs or social pressure to get employees to sign cards requesting a formal secret election conduvted by the state or federal authorities. In my early career I was sent to observe manufacturing methods in a large factory where there had been a six months long strike where two unions were competing to represent the workers. There had been violence. Some workers were working and a car load of thugs drive out to the workers home outside of town and shot off shotguns at his occupied house. After the strike was over most of those who had chosen to work experienced problems from those who had striked. One man was shoved down a long flight of factory stairs breaking a leg. Others had their personal tools stolen, or even work on their machines ruined while they went to the rest room. I know of this first hand. It is inconceivable to me that all those Democrats in Congress and the Senate would cave in to give that power to unions to eliminate the secret ballot for union representation. Thet do not deserve to stay in power any longer. Out with them.

Wanda wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:03 AM:I agree with Michelle Presnall, late night trains to downtown San Diego would be great.

Observer One wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:05 AM:There is a letter today from a woman who wrote that she was injured in an accident and taken to a hospital in a helicopter. Later she got a bill for over $24,000 for that and her insurance limit for ambulance was $1,000. Well I say that is wrong. The medical emergency costs of transportation to an emergency hospital should be primarily borne by the public, like fire and police protestion. You and I are not exempt from being in such an accident even while we fancy ourselves as being excellent drivers. Two cars approaching each other at 60 mph are closing in at 176 feet per second. Something can go wrong and a good driver can be hit by a bad driver in a fraction of a second.
If my home were broken into and something stolen would the police bill me for taking the report, investigating, checking several suspects, finding one who leads them on a wild car chase and wrecking one police car. Than goodness they do not do it that way. I say they should charge off the costs of the medical helicopter the same way. It is there ready to be used and its being there ready is a valid charge to all of us equally, who knows when an unexpected heart attack, or a stray bullet from a shootout somewhere or a drunk wrong way driver will hit us headon.

Observer One wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:24 AM:Obama has bought into the false belief that we have to reduce CO2 byt large amounts soon and that the way to do this is the scheme where an govermnment agency is set up to give out CO2 allowances to businesses and factories.
Then they will lower the quotas each year toaccomplish the reduction. It will be allowed to buy some from other companies, but mainly they will all be bought for money from the government agency. Thus some businesses will go out of business each year, some willincrease their prices and be able to stay in business. Now it just happens that one of thegreat pluses in our economy is the availability of electricity at a modest cost for the amount of work that is done by electrical motors for example. Obama has bought into the plan that will gratly increase the cost of electricity, and probably eliminate much mining of precious resources.
Well th eEU has already started this self destructive plan. At first they ewanted th eairlines to pay $3 billion per year to be allowed to fly their planes which emit CO2. Later the agency decided the airlines should pay $18 billion instead. The airlines objected saying they could not compete with non-EU aitrlines. The EU agency has passed restrictions on the EU auto industry which they have studied andfound they could not meet the imposed requirements and willbe forced out of business unless relief is granted. The EU steel industry says they can not meet th emandated reductions and stay in business. The politically appointed bureacrats say that is just to bad, but you get no relief.
Now then Obama has bought into this economic CO2 nonsence quagmire. He studied law,not engineering. This nonsence will ruin our ecomomy and lifestyle unless stopped. McCain has bought into it to some degree too,but there is a lot more reason to berlieve that he will consider the arguments on both sides of the issues and moderate his position as the realities become appearent. Vote for McCain as a safer choice.

Observer One wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:46 AM:Obama has a great speaking voice. I read a book published over a hundred years ago that pointed out that with as certain vibration in one's speaking voice that the attention of the masses will be gained and follow him. The book described this further. I have kept this in mind as I played tapes, records and CDs of famous persons like Martin Luther King, President John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, and others and its all there, just like the book written a hundred years ago says. Anothe rpointof interest is that thesame speeces read by a person with a good voice, but not this special voice has only a small effect on the listeners. Did you see the pictures in the paper of Obamas audience where tears are flowing down their cheeks from hearing his acceptence speech?
Wellhe is good at that. BUT that does not mean he is ready to be THE President yet. Maybe with 10 more years in th eSenate he will learn more about how the economy works and the Federal administrative offices work. Or he could run for mayor of a large city, or even run for governor of a state and serve in those positions for a few years. Ms Palin is some experience in these positions already even though Alaska has a small population she has shown herself to be a fast learner.
If John is elected She will continue to be learning the ropes fast. Biden does not appear to be a good prosect to become the president ever. Vote for McCain and Ms. Palin for the good of our country.

Ron wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:04 AM:Let me put this as simply as I can for the same person who writes under many, many different names, yesterday they wrote under the aka of...
"Double Standard" @1:27 PM.

There is NO double standard.
Except in the media circles, where 70% of Americans say they believe the press is in cahoots, in the tank, in the bag..
for NObama. So, let's be clear...
It is an unfair advantage for NObama.

As to the particular's of your question:

McCain was exonerated by the New York Times. You DO believe the New York Times, don't you?
Or we could go wtih the 4/5's rule... You DO know what the 4/5's rule is don't you? That's where the other 4 Senators were Democrats? So, again, like the collaspe of Fannie & Freddie, it's a Democrat scandal.

Now, as to McCain seeking political support from pastor's. That's right, he went once, maybe twice to churches to seek political.. let me say that again.. "POLITICAL" support.
He did not become a member, he was not a member for 20 years.
Key difference. Just in case you missed that part.

McCain's appearance's on G. Gordon Liddy's radio show? Your kidding me, right?

Now, as compared to NObama who has spent his entire life, basically with known communists, socialists, and radicals. You simply read his own book, and he spells it out. You start with known communist Frank Marshall Davis, sittin around Frank's apartment smoking cigarettes, drinking beer, reading communist poety, and talking about life.
NObama says it right there in his own book, he was searching for the Father he never knew, Frank fulfilled some of that, he then moved onto Carl Davidson, friend of Ayer, former SDS in Chicago, who then introduced him to Gerald Kellman, Saul Alinsky mentee, who gave NObama his first community agitating job. I mean...
It's ALL there, if you read his own book. He tell's you who he is.

Ron wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:20 AM:My job, as I see it. It to educate, the uneducated. "Ms M" {Nov 2}@2:00 PM obviously needs my assistance.
So... just for her, I will say it again.

This is really, really beginning to get comical....

As the weeks, and months have gone by.. everytime another NObama alliance has been exposed, "he never knew."

Have you noticed that? LOL
Cause I sure have. Every single time a very questionable associate of NObama came out, He never knew. He just didn't know they were that Radical...
He just didn't know they felt that way...
He just didn't know how they were associated with other known radicals...
He Just Didn't Know.

Today, we have NOBAMACAN't @9:33 AM making yet another excuse about NObama's illegal alien Aunt.
He just didn't know.

Ayers he didn't know.
Wright he didn't know.
Gerald Kellman He didn't know.
Carl Davidson he didn't know.
Father Phlager he didn't know.

He just didn't know.

Now, he dind't know about his Aunt living in a Boston public housing, while on the run from immigration.
He didn't know about his own half-brother living on $12 bucks a year.

He just didn't know.

Sounds to some of us, like willful blindness.

If he never know's anything, can can he make a judgement? Because, if it's all about judgement, he ain't showing any.
Because, he can not see.

In regards to Bill Ayers, the story on Ayers has changed, which is the only kind of change you should expect to see from Barackous NObamous.
But, at first he said about Ayers, "hey, I was only 8 years old."
Then, after it was exposed he sat on the Woods board with Ayers for many years, he said: He's a guy who lives in my neighborhood.
After, he was told that Ayers said he wasn't sorry for setting bombs, and killing Americans, wished he had done more. NObama said: I thought he was rehab'ed?
The question is, if you can't recognise a terrorist, after sittin with him for many years, how then will you be able to other terrorists? This shows an extreme lack of discernment.
But, he's promising you a "tax cut", right? You know, Lenin promised his people bread too, but you never saw Lenin standing in a bread line.

Roger wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:21 AM:G. Lance Johannsen is right about crosswalks down by the beach. Those electric cross walks in Del Mar seem to work pretty good.

Be a whole lot cheaper to hire crossing guards. Have noticed that motorists are more than willing to stop for bikini clad lovelies in the cross walks.

Bob wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:35 AM:Roger, at 6:21 AM, is right. Bring on the buxom crossing guards!

Ron wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:43 AM:I want you to see how the Liberal mind works. This conversation yesterday between "Wiz" @ anytime and other's in regards to Marx and the Communist Manifesto.
You have to be paying attention, and read, very carefully, what exactly they say. For example, Wiz has always defended Marx's Manifesto under the guise "that it is not written that way" regarding "The Plank's" some other posters have pointed out.
He is correct, technically.
The formatting of the Marxist Manifesto is not written out in "plank form", but within it's pages are "theme's", that Marx thought important, and in need of change. {see! there's that word again?!}

This is where you gotta be careful in arguing with Wiz, while he is "technically" correct, "it's not written that way", old Soviet leadership often spoke of the Planks in their political speeches.
So, they knew what the deal was, and it is a very artful, tactical dodge by the Wiz to not answer the question directly.

But I want you to also see the "next phase" of argument, the next line of moving off point, and re-structuring the direction of the argument, into a sphere he then can defend from.
Again, not answering the question, it's re-direction to more favorable ground.
It's a very, very common Leftist debate tactic.

Quickly...
Here is comes, so pay attention:

Wiz: "So I'll ask "Floyd" the same questions I asked those who commented earlier:
Is every single thing that Marx said evil, just because he said it?
...Do you oppose public schools?
Do you want to return to the days of child factory labor?"

Did you see that? Hey, even Hitler made the trains run on time, and we know why.
You'd die, if they didn't.

But I just wanted you to see the slickmister in action. It was something that Bill Clinton, himself, would be very envious of.

Also, let me address this other person... I'll call him: "The Tag Along."
Whatever Wiz says, he echo's.

"Republican Socialist" {Nov 2}
@1:59 PM, who is sometimes Lib Jim, and other's...

Watch the repeat of the Wizzer's question...

"OK, then, Ron at 12:15 p.m., I will ask you a shortened version of the same question that DD posed:

Do you oppose public schools?
Do you want to return to the days of child factory labor?"

The perfect NObama supporter.

Here Is Why wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:45 AM:Why are so many writers hedging on saying what will go wrong if Proposition Eight is defeated? They are afraid they will be ridiculed. I will give it a shot anyway. There will be years of not enough rainfall. Trees and undergrowth will die. There will be great forest fires. Then there will be years of floods and will wash down huge amounts of mud and some mountain highways. The floods will cover many populated areas for many miles North, South and West of Sacramento, and cause destruction all around Southern California. Some ancient volcanoes in California will explode. I will not predict which ones. Remember how Mt Saint Helens exploded in 1980? The Northern California Cascade Mountains are on the same volcano mountain chain and several of these will explode again. There are also other locations further south known to geologists that could explode.
There will be major earthquakes on the San Andreas and Hayward earthquake faults and other faults destroying thousands of homes and hundreds of lives, if not thousands of lives.
Notice that I did NOT say that all of California West of the San Andreas Fault, which is located on the Pacific Plate, would break off from the Continental Plate and fall into the ocean. Notice I did NOT say God would do it to punish the people of the State. I did not even say Mother Nature would do this because the people of the state failed to pass prop 8. And the above is not why I am voting YES on 8. I think it is the right thing to do and there will be many unintended adverse social consequences if traditional marriage is not protected.

Bad Headline wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:50 AM:Steam distillation by the USN Aircraft Carriers is the best water purification method, beating Reverse Osmosis. Didn't the editors read down to the second-to-the-last sentence in Archie McPhee's writing before they came up with a headline for his letter?

Update for Reardon wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:51 AM:"Reardon
[-] wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:06 PM:Obama says he will bankrupt the coal industry, and that under his administration, electric rate "will necessarily skyrocket."

The interview was in the San Francisco Chronicle, but the audio is all over TV tonight."

I know it's hard to get the actual facts when you only listen to Limbaugh, but let's try posting his actual words and let others decide for themselves what he means. I know Reardon, novel concept for you.

Obama said, "...every unit of carbon or greenhouse gases that was emitted would be charged to the polluter. That will create a market in which whatever technologies are out there that are being presented, whatever power plants are being built, they would have to meet the rigors of that market and the ratcheted-down caps that are imposed every year.

So if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can. It's just that it will bankrupt them because they're going to be charged a huge sum for all that greenhouse gas that's being emitted. That will also generate billions of dollars that we can invest in solar, wind, biodiesel, and other alternative energy approaches."

What's wrong with that?

To Vote Yes on 8 wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:54 AM:"A man who seems to know a lot about it tells me that is how a lot of people get started with the practice is experimenting with it while young."

Oh you mean, Some Guy? Yeah, I know that guy. Some Guy told me that a lot of people get started in homosexuality by experimenting when young. Some Guy seems to know what he is talking about. Some Guy has a lot of experience with gays, of course.

Criminelly, do you listen to yourself when you speak? D'oh! Is that you, Skip?

Ron wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:55 AM:And I got another question for my dear friend "Double Standard" {Nov 2}@1:27 PM.

In Barackous NObamous's book, he writes about "...white folks greed, run's a world in need..."
Obviously, due to the strength of the mentoring ability of the wrong Rev. Wright on the young NObama still searching for his long, lost Father.
This phrase, from his new Father figuire, the wrong Wright, comes this sermon, and make's it's way into the pages of a "memoir." His personal autobiography. Can you explain that?

And lastly, if NObama believes, as the wrong Rev. Wright obviously believes that: "The world is run by Rich White people..."
Do you think his tax plan as anything to do, whatsoever...
With what he learned in the wrong Rev. Wright's church?

To Observer One wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:59 AM:"Ms Palin is some experience in these positions already even though Alaska has a small population she has shown herself to be a fast learner."

I wonder if you could give just one example of how Palin has shown herself to be a faster learner? Thanks in advance. Advance campaigning for herself in 2012 does not count.

Wanda wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:02 AM:Observer One, at 5:46 AM, points out that Obama is quite good at oratory. McCain has been doing this for quite some time, but isn't actually very good at it.

Obama is quite good at organizing a campaign. McCain has been doing this for quite some time, but isn't actually very good at it.

Obama was right about the ruinously expensive, counterproductive war in Iraq. McCain...

Do you see a pattern here?

Here Is Why Is Funny wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:06 AM:Any reason why you have to make up a lot of unrelated reasons to support your vote instead of just admitting you don't like gay people?

DD Wiz wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:52 AM:Ron's Evasive Dodge
The post from "Ron" (6:43am) takes 391 words to complete dodge and evade the very simple question.
Since he is having such a hard time with this, I'll repeat it:
Do you or do you not agree that one can disagree with most of Marx, including the overall theoretical model, while still agreeing with him on a few of the details?
Do you or do you not agree with Marx on the abolition of slavery?
If so, are you a Marxist?

Right Opinion but Wrong on Facts
The published letter from Steven Holman is correct in stating his opinion that socialism does not work. I agree with him. Socialism on the extreme left has never been successful, just as total economic deregulatory anarchy from the extreme right has never been successful. That is why I support true Adam Smith-style capitalism, which is based on private-sector entrepreneurial markets operating within the protective structure of the same kinds of appropriate regulations that allow rules for sports and rules of the road to enable the existence of athletics and driving. This system is known as "capitalism." It was Adam Smith who invented that term to identify the system of regulated private-sector markets he espoused.

Holman does, however, make two serious errors in his FACTS:

1. He claims that FDR's New Deal programs worsened the Great Depression. Actually, the opposite is true. When FDR took office, unemployment was running more than 25%. By his first year in office, it had dropped to 21.7% and dropped steadily every year until 1938 when rumblings of war in Europe caused a small uptick, that was then erased by preparations for World War II. But prior to 1938, the steady reduction in unemployment can only be attributed to FDR's very successful New Deal.

2. He states that capitalism is expressed in the Constitution. As much as I support Adam Smith-style capitalism, it is not mentioned at all in the Constitution. The Constitution establishes the parameters of our political system, which is a republic with representatives chosen mostly through democratic means. Capitalism or Socialism are economic systems. You could have a democratic capitalism or socialism, depending on how the political leadership is selected. Capitalism refers to market economics while Socialism is centrally-operated public (government) ownership of productive resources, sort of like what the Republicans are doing in Alaska and what they are doing with their current corporate takeovers.

If Adam Smith were alive today, he would be a Democrat.
In fact, his reincarnated version (Warren Buffet) IS a Democrat!
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

Alf wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:52 AM:In his letter Dan Norwood says -
"Well, it’s here, water supply is low ...... If we don’t have a very wet winter, we’ll have rationing by spring. But let’s keep building!"
And then he asks "Is anyone out there paying any attention to this?"
I am.
Ever since that "smelt decision" I have been pointing out the hypocrisy of cities and their water departments calling for conservation
while still continuing to issue new water meters
AND
Cities still issuing NEW construction building permits.
YES, I have listened,
the local water and building departments have not.

As a separate issue -
Do NOT discriminate!
Vote NO on Prop. 8!!
Regards, Alf.

Gotta Wonder wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:56 AM:"My fellow prisoners" John McCain
Just one more day to go.

Alf wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:03 AM:Well, "Vote Yes on eight" at 4:26AM and 4:32AM just made 2 posts with nothing but lies and hyperbole.
It seems that "Vote Yes on eight" does not know that other states have their own, different, Constitutions and laws
AND
that Canada is a completely different country with a different government and different laws (one example is that in Canada DUI is a felony).
Lies, distortions, hate and religious bigotry permeate the yes on 8 rhetoric.
Do not discriminate!
Vote NO on Prop. 8!
Regards, Alf.

Alf wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:10 AM:Well, "Bob" at 6:35AM,
then stopping wouldn't be the problem,
going again would be diffcult
(unless the wife was present).
Regards, Alf.

Karl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:17 AM:Update for Reardon @ 6:51 AM:

So Reardon says the same thing Obama says in fewer words.

What's wrong with that?

Karl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:23 AM:"Bob" at 6:35AM, to be politically correct we should probably allow the ladies some fun, have Ron and Alf parading across the crosswalks in their speedos.

DD Wiz wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:31 AM:Ron's Evasive Dodge
The post from "Ron" (6:43am) takes 391 words to complete dodge and evade the very simple question.
Since he is having such a hard time with this, I'll repeat it:
Do you or do you not agree that one can disagree with most of Marx, including the overall theoretical model, while still agreeing with him on a few of the details?
Do you or do you not agree with Marx on the abolition of slavery?
If so, are you a Marxist?

Right Opinion but Wrong on Facts
The published letter from Steven Holman is correct in stating his opinion that socialism does not work. I agree with him. Socialism on the extreme left has never been successful, just as total economic deregulatory anarchy from the extreme right has never been successful. That is why I support true Adam Smith-style capitalism, which is based on private-sector entrepreneurial markets operating within the protective structure of the same kinds of appropriate regulations that allow rules for sports and rules of the road to enable the existence of athletics and driving. This system is known as "capitalism." It was Adam Smith who invented that term to identify the system of regulated private-sector markets he espoused.

Holman does, however, make two serious errors in his FACTS:

1. He claims that FDR's New Deal programs worsened the Great Depression. Actually, the opposite is true. When FDR took office, unemployment was running more than 25%. By his first year in office, it had dropped to 21.7% and dropped steadily every year until 1938 when rumblings of war in Europe caused a small uptick, that was then erased by preparations for World War II. But prior to 1938, the steady reduction in unemployment can only be attributed to FDR's very successful New Deal.

2. He states that capitalism is expressed in the Constitution. As much as I support Adam Smith-style capitalism, it is not mentioned at all in the Constitution. The Constitution establishes the parameters of our political system, which is a republic with representatives chosen mostly through democratic means. Capitalism or Socialism are economic systems. You could have a democratic capitalism or socialism, depending on how the political leadership is selected. Capitalism refers to market economics while Socialism is centrally-operated public (government) ownership of productive resources, sort of like what the Republicans are doing in Alaska and what they are doing with their current corporate takeovers.

If Adam Smith were alive today, he would be a Democrat.
In fact, his reincarnated version (Warren Buffet) IS a Democrat!
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

Posted 7:52am -- SIX later posts processed and this one skipped -- re-posted 8:20am
Guess today it's my turn to have posts blocked or skipped for no reason.

Surfer wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:32 AM:Observer One[-] wrote on Nov 3, 2008 5:46 AM: All the points in your post have been being discussed for the last two years. Maybe you missed it? Presenting the Republican and McCain talking points on the eve of the election is just a wee bit late. I recommend Farmer's Brothers coffee. Smell it and drink it. See ya in four years.

Alf wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:34 AM:Well, "Karl" at 8:23AM,
I don't know about "Ron", but me, in a speedo??? Not hot.
Regards, Alf.

Are wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:35 AM:Ron, Ace, Bill & Reardon the same person? I have never read so much tripe from know-it-alls that love to throw insults at the people they are espousing to educate?

Smart tactic, like the Republican presidential campaign has been using.

All = idiots IMHO.

Art wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:52 AM:I always thought insurance was supposed to protect us from financial loss. With health insurance premiums approaching $1,000/month (mostly paid by employers with an employee paying 10% or so), arbitrary caps on medical insurance benefits are criminal. If the medical plan doesn't pay a claim for vital and necessary medical service, it's not insurance.

Alf wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:10 AM:Well, "DD Wiz" at 8:31AM,
it's the "all or nothing" syndrome with "Ron".
Too many people demand that sort of binary thinking, you're either "X" or "Y" with no shades of gray, no suble hues. Even the "Worlds Smallest Political Quiz" has room in the spectrum for such nuances as "liberal Libertarian" and "conservative Libertarian"!
Do not discriminate!
Vote NO on Prop. 8!
(I'll stop using that on Wednesday.)
Regards, Alf.

To Karl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:11 AM:"Karl
[-] wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:17 AM:
Update for Reardon @ 6:51 AM:

So Reardon says the same thing Obama says in fewer words.

What's wrong with that?"

I beg to differ. Reardon did not use the same words and his conclusion was not the same either. Try some critical thinking for a change.

Short-Sighted wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:17 AM:I see that the conservo elistists are trying to scare the rest of us by accusing Obama of causing the coal industry to go bankrupt. This makes sense to them because they don't believe in Global Warming or Green Energy. They are terrified of losing their status quo that is killing the planet and ignore the benefits of the Green Energy Economy that will create thousands of new jobs that will NOT include working in the coal mines.

This election is between the Old and the New. McCain represents the status quo that is killing us. Obama represents the new way, and offers hope to many.

The young people will decide this election. The young people are engaged, but will they vote?

Tomorrow will tell.

OBAMA COMES

Karl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:19 AM:Alf @ 8:34 AM, well Alf, you missed the joke. Regardless of the motorist's sex you my friend and I might add myself at our ages in a speedo, would definitely stop traffic.

Poor Karl is Confused wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:20 AM:Or maybe not. We seem to be divided between those who are Pro Green Energy and those who are Anti Green Energy. Those who are Anti Green would of course be horrified if the coal industry went bankrupt because they were forced to pay fines for polluting the atmosphere. Those who support the future of Green Energy think it would be terrific to fine the polluters and use that money to promote the new Green Economy.

Maybe Karl isn't confused after all. He knows where he stands.

And his time is over.

Obama/Biden TOMORROW

Obama is nice but wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:22 AM:We got CHANGE since the Democrats got control of congress two years ago. Several trillions lost in pension and retirement accounts because congress pushed banks and FannyMae to make sub-prime loans, and failed to come to grips with the need to set up rules for unbridled hedge fund speculation, credit default swaps and naked short sales of stock, allowing speculators who used no oil themselves to run up the oil futures market by buying huge quantities of oil with almost nothing down, then selling it at a huge profit. We got change alright. Here people were employed and thearea was booming for th efirst six years of George Bushes presidency,then Democrates were elected to a majority in Congress and thing have been downhill ever since. Do we need more CHANGE by Democrates. Like control of thehouse by left leaning Nancy Polosi, control of the Senate by the left leaning loser, Harry Reid, and then if they add one of the most left leaning Senators,Obama, as president, then we will be in great trouble.

Surfer wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:26 AM:Art[-] wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:52 AM: So right Dude. It is more like highway robbery. See ya.

Reardon wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:28 AM:To Update: Thank you for printing Obama's exact words that do say exactly what I said he said.

That was excellent except you left out his analysis of what his plan would do, so let me quote that: ""Under my plan of a Cap & Trade system ELECTRICITY RATES WOULD NECESSARILY SKYROCKET"

So everyone who wants their electricity rates to skyrocket should vote for Obama.

We deserve the government we vote for.

Regarding Ace wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:32 AM:Ace (aka Ron, Reardon, Bill, and fellow Limbaugh clones) has been so kind to point out to us in recent days that if it wasn't for his generous largess and unselfish soul, we the working people wouldn't have a job at all! And now that we have chosen to vote our conscience, Ace, our Slave Master, has informed us that anything that might be fair to us is bad for him, and he will take his business across the border where business owners are treated much more fairly than in the United States under President Obama.

In a country such as the United States where everyone is supposed to have an equal chance to be successful, the Aces of our country would have us believe that because they are richer than the average working man, that they are somehow smarter, because otherwise why would they be richer?

It of course has nothing to do with a level playing field, or tax breaks for the rich but not the middle class, or ethical behavior in business, or favors for the rich kept to the rich; Ace and his ilk would have us believe that we should be grateful to them because they are kind enough to offer us a job, on their terms.

Ace and his contingent argue that if we don't give him and his rich buddies a special break and allow them to keep and control more money than everyone else, then they will bury us by removing their generous willingness to pay us a, er, decent living wage.

Take your football and go home, Ace. We don't want to play ball with you any more. In fact, we think we will stand up for ourselves and toss your kind right out of office and business.

And don't think we will fail because you weren't here to give us a hand up.

The American People are ready to reclaim the mighty work ethic that made this country great. Obama will bring opportunities for all to build this country up once again as a great world leader.

You cannot keep us down Ace. Our anger at you and your kind is mighty.

Have fun in Mexico. I have spent many years in Baja, and it's a beautiful place.

I love Mexicans too. Doesn't that just grind your gears?

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Best Blogs wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:33 AM:Today has the best blogs of all...Alf and his ilk in speedos! Good lord what is the world coming to when you have to gross us out so early in the morning! Hilarious!

Quoted Without Comment wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:38 AM:COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire--USNewswire/ -- Mike Carey, president of the Ohio Coal Association (OCA), today issued the following statement in response to just-released remarks from Senator Barack Obama about the nation's coal industry.

"Regardless of the timing or method of the release of these remarks, the message from the Democratic candidate for President could not be clearer: the Obama-Biden ticket spells disaster for America's coal industry and the tens of thousands of Americans who work in it.
"These undisputed, audio-taped remarks, which include comments from Senator Obama like 'I haven't been some coal booster' and 'if they want to build [coal plants], they can, but it will bankrupt them' are extraordinarily misguided.

"It's evident that this campaign has been pandering in states like Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana and Pennsylvania to attempt to generate votes from coal supporters, while keeping his true agenda hidden from the state's voters.
"Senator Obama has revealed himself to be nothing more than a short- sighted, inexperienced politician willing to say anything to get a vote. But today, the nation's coal industry and those who support it have a better understanding of his true mission, to 'bankrupt' our industry, put tens of thousands out of work and cause unprecedented increases in electricity prices..."

Karl wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:39 AM:When all the gloating is over about a week from now what shall we move on to here on this blog? I suggest that we call for a full scale FBI investigation into the housing loan scandal. I believe that will bring the lefts and rights together on one issue since player's from both party's are involved.

Peace and prison sentences to the manipulators of the housing loan scandal

vote yes on eight Alf wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:45 AM:To Alf and anyone else from vote yes on eight. Your attack at 8:02 AM against my posts at 4:26 AM and 4:32 AM is overly critical and incorrect. you said they are nothing but lies and hyperboly.
Just what in either post do you think is a lie. Perhaps your own bias has effected your judgement. Of course I know that each state has a different constitution and laws. I also know well over 20 have passed laws to change their constitutions to define marriage to be one man with one woman. I also know that California parents are supposed to be able to have their child excused from sex education class by law, so gays got the state legislature topass pass a state LAW to remove homosexual education from the sexual education classes and put it into social studies and intentially left out the right of parents to have their child excused from this indoctrination. Therecan be no question whatsoever that the homosexual lobby and gays in the California legislature are going to ever increasing extremes to indoctrinate children into total acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle.

sdraoul wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:52 AM:Poor raoul" leaves much on the field doesn't he?

If McCain wins PA, he wins for he will undoubtedly win Ohio and Florida.

The rule of thumb is who wins two of three states (Florida, Texas and California) wins the election because the math is there.

It is possible that if McCain wins Florida he may still lose but not if he carried Ohio, PA and Florida.

If Obama loses we will be blamed as flaming racists and that's OK, because we who are for McCain recognize that the only racists are Obama and his Chicago thugs. Then we will be blamed for the race riots that black writers have been predicting for months.

Remember, Obama reminded us that he doesn't look like all those dead white guys on our money.

We'll see. McCain would have won by ten points if not for the economic melt down that Barney Frank, Chris Dodd and Obama advisors from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac hadn't brought on.

If McCain loses, I’ll shrug my shoulders and lick my writing lips for I will have such a target rich Presidency and Congress to dissect for the next two years before republicans take over the Congress again in reaction to the excesses Pelosi, Reid and Obama will bring on. If McCain wins I’ll be rolling on the floor.

Reardon wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:56 AM:Are Ron, Ace etc the same person?

Nope.

"that love to throw insults..."

Do you mean like: "All=idiots IMHO?"

sdraoul wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:11 AM:DD is wrong as usual. Alaska retained mineral rights when it became a state. That is not socialism. That is business.

Other states tax oil producers by their production. In Alaska, oil companies pay a royalty to the state because they have a franchise to pump oil, not to own it.

The same holds true here in the lower 48. Teapot Dome for example was a government owned patch of land complete with mineral rights.

The Naval Reserve by Bakersfield is the same. private companies pump the oil and pay the federal government per barrel.

Ownership of mineral rights and other rights like water are contractual rights instituted by all levels of government in the U.S. and such has been the case since the founding of the country.

As to whether or not capitalism is mentioned in the Constitution, DD must read this in the Constitution before he makes silly remarks:

5th Amendment -- No one shall be denied"...nor be deprived of life liberty, OR PROPERTY, WITHOUT DUE PROCESS OF LAW; NOR SHALL PRIVATE PROPERTY BE TAKEN FOR PUBLIC USE WIHTOUT JUST COMPENSATION."

Private property being the cornerstone of capitalism and being sanctified in
the Constitution by protections of "due process of law," the Constitution clearly is designed to foster and protect private property and the capitalism it is part of.

To this day, the average Brit, or Frenchman or German does not own his own home or commercial property. Our constitutionally protected ability to own private property is what separates us from our European cousins.

The Constitution and its protection of individual rights and rights to private property is clearly stated for all to read, if they bother to do so-- in the Constitution.

Truth wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:19 AM:Have you heard the term LIVs? It pertains to Low Information Voters. LIVs make up 80 percent of voters, probably more tomorrow. They will decide the election. They will determine the future of our country. To my friends Alf, Ron, DD, Karl, Surfer et. el., argue until your heart's content, but it will be what it will be. Regards, C-1.

Gotta Wonder wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:21 AM:Share the wealth: Kinda of interesting. When Republicans share the wealth, its called business. When Democrats share the wealth, its called socialism.

DD Wiz wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:23 AM:"Skyrocketing Electric Rates"
The post from "Reardon" (9:26am) tries to use scare tactics about "electricity rates" that would "skyrocket" under Obama.
No, "Reardon," just try for once to wrap your mind around the big picture here.
Not all rates would "skyrocket," only those from non-renewable FINITE FILTHY FOSSIL FUELS purchased from dependence on terrorists and dictators.
My house is powered by sunshine.
My electric rate won't go up at all.
And what Obama wants to do (which I support) is to make the same system I enjoy more widely available to everyone who wants it.

And for "sdraoul" (10:11am) he says that having the Alaskan GOVERNMENT retain mineral rights is not "socialism," it is "business." "sdraoul" clearly has no concept of definitions of economic systems. When the GOVERNMENT owns/operates BUSINESS, that is SOCIALISM!
Comprende?

As for the post from "Are: (8:35am), "Ron," "Ace," "Bill" & "Reardon" are not all the same person.
And calling them "idiots" serves no point.
Certain conservatives routine call liberals "idiots" -- we don't need to sink to their level, just as Barack Obama kept to the high road and encouraged his crowds to vote, not boo.
Peace, prosperity and sunshine to all, DD Wiz

Surfer wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:23 AM:Quoted Without Comment As I write, the mountain tops are being blown apart through coal producing areas. The residue coming down stream is poisoning the residents. That is real disaster.

Surfer wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:25 AM:Truth[-] wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:19 AM:
Dude, what will be will be. There is one day left. Thanks for dropping by C-1.
See ya.

CIA wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:27 AM:Ron is Rush Limbaugh.

To Reardon wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:27 AM:"So everyone who wants their electricity rates to skyrocket should vote for Obama."

Sorry, Reardon. I am going solar/wind and will produce my own electricy. Your point does not compute.

You do, however, illustrate my point about those who choose to ignore alternative energy to make their point.

Oopsies.

to yes on eight wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:31 AM:If you want "lies" pointed out, let me say that you, like so many others, use the word "indoctrination" when describing what the discussion of homosexuality's effect is on kids. This is a kind of uber-lie, a lie used to justify all sorts of other lies. There are facts that pertain here: decades of research has shown that people do not become homosexual through indoctrination. Even children raised by gay couples are no more likely to be gay than are kids raised in straight households. So your belief that gays are out to indoctrinate people into their lifestyle is false either via ignorance or intention. I am offended by anyone whose desires for how society should be are based on falsehoods. If our public schools say that homosexuality exists and that most homosexuals, like most heterosexuals, have normal happy lives, these are simple facts about society and have absolutely no "indoctrinational" impact on anyone. Why should your clearly irrational fear dictate the behavior of anyone? Doesn't that strike you as terribly unfair?

Ms M wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:31 AM:sdraoul
[-] wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:52 AM:....If, IF, IF, IF, IF, IF, IF, IF, IF,IF ,IF...well Raoul FACT is PRESIDENT Obama!

C-1 Been Lurking wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:34 AM:Forgot all about you and haven't missed you a bit. Doesn't surprise me you have been lurking. Your day is about done. As Surfer says, See ya.

Reardon wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:36 AM:Surfer: I'll make several bets:

1) Yo' ain't got no solar-electric home

2.) Yo' Momma don't use no washboard.

3. You ain't got no idea that 50% of the nations electricity comes from coal.

to Truth wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:36 AM:Thanks for the post about LIVs. This is the sad state of democracy in America, I'm afraid. The candidates and their supporters and talking heads, knowing this, play to the LIV in their ads and speeches. I heard someone on the radio tell why he was voting for McCain, for example. He said he would not/could not vote for anyone with the name Hussein. I don't mean to pick out a republican here. It just struck me as LIV in extremis. It's too bad the candidates or their campaign chiefs reinforce this so much. They seem to want the LIV to believe more and more strongly that all the issues are so simple that LIV is the way to go. Which came first, the stupidity of the American voter or the politicians' tendency to treat the American voter like s/he was stupid? Certainly each creates the other.

oh raoul wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:41 AM:I suppose there will be people who will yell "racist" if Obama loses. I won't. But regardless of this, or of whether Obama wins or loses, you, my friend, have proven to us perfectly clearly that you are a racist. You have insisted that people like Obama and Colin Powell could not have accomplished what they say they did without those being gifts based on their color. You've insisted that if a Black man, and only a Black man, earns a degree, a job, or a grade, the burden is on HIM to prove it was NOT a gift. That, as all here know, is racism. Sorry if you don't recognize this.

Karl Wants To Know wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:43 AM:What we will be discussing after the election is over?

I started blogging here four years ago when George Bush was reelected. I was so taken by surprise because this was AFTER the Katrina disaster and the documentation of lies by the Bush Administration. I came here to find out WHY ANYONE voted for Ge