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Will Obama promote American values?


Friday, April 25, 2008 8:54 PM PDT

Is presidential candidate Barack Obama a Christian? We all know that Obama proudly advocates that the Rev. Jeremiah Wright brought him (Obama) to Jesus, but what many people don't realize is that the Jesus, to whom the Rev. Wright brought Obama, is a black Jesus.

Christianity comes from the scriptures of the Holy Bible which makes it quite clear that Jesus Christ was a Jew, not a black man. It makes sense then that Obama's Church and the Rev. Wright promote a black value system, an African ministry and even gave a Lifetime Achievement Award to Louis Farrakhan — widely known for his hate and condemnation of the socalled "evil white man" and especially the Jewish race.

Christians following the words of the Holy Bible don't advocate hate for any race while promoting a ministry of Jesus Christ's love to all people of all races and cultures. Common sense makes it clear that the Jesus, which the Rev. Wright brought Obama to, is not the Jesus Christ of the Holy Bible who was, without dispute, a Jew and the Son of God. According to the Bible, the primary law covenant which Jesus Christ advocates is to "Love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus Christ didn't say to minister only to the black man and condemn the white man, nor did he say to damn America, any nation or any race of people. So yes, maybe the Rev. Wright brought Obama to someone named Jesus, but that Jesus is in opposition to Christ Jesus of the Holy Bible.

Since the Rev. Jeremiah Wright has been Obama's spiritual adviser and mentor, will Barack Obama make a good president? Will Barack Obama promote American values or just black values? Will Obama promote unity among all Americans or just African Americans? If any man attended and supported a church that promoted strictly a "white value system" and only a "caucasian ministry" he and his church would not only be labeled a racist, all would know that the man and his church are racist!

Barack Obama's famous quote: "My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it."

Bryan Stamos
Lodi

Reader Feedback

Lodian wrote on May 6, 2008 7:38 PM:

" Brian: P.S. No one is having a serious conversation with you. "

Lodian wrote on May 6, 2008 7:36 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 6, 2008 9:25 AM:
"We're having a serious discussion here.
Go back to your crosswords."

Your wife finished all the crosswords already. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 5:58 PM:

" FROM REUTERS: The office of the official responsible for protecting federal workers from political interference was raided by F.B.I. agents on Tuesday as part of an investigation into whether he himself mixed politics with official business.

Man, it is just astounding. Is there any nook or cranny of this Administration that has not been soiled by corruption? "

sam wrote on May 6, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Thanks Leonard for the email and for correcting me.

Clinton is the town not the Senator.

I stand corrected. Boy, it is all over internet that he IS Hillary's pastor. Weird !

Sorry for spreading the rumors. "

sam wrote on May 6, 2008 12:39 PM:

" The irresponsibility here is on the media, who wish to blow out of proportion those issues which will inevitably divide Americans, by focusing on the behavior of Barack Obamas former Pastor, while ignoring other transgressions by the pastors of Presidential candidates, even though Hillary Clintons former Pastor has actually been convicted of a crime.

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/80486/
"

sam wrote on May 6, 2008 12:38 PM:

" Hillary Clinton has nothing to apologize for, nor should she feel tainted because her former Pastor, William Procanick has been convicted of sexual child abuse of a seven year old girl. By the same token, Barack Obama has no responsibility for the words of Rev. Wright, nor for the words of his successors in the pulpit. "

sam wrote on May 6, 2008 12:37 PM:

" UTICA -- When the Rev. William Procanick put his hand on the Bible during his sex-abuse trial in Oneida County Court earlier this year, he swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
But as the former Clinton pastor was sentenced Friday to three years in prison for inappropriately touching a 7-year-old girl at his home last March, Judge Michael L. Dwyer said Procanick sacrificed his honesty the day he testified. "

sam wrote on May 6, 2008 12:35 PM:

" UTICA A former Hillary Clinton pastor told jurors in Oneida County Court Thursday that there was nothing sexual about the way he massaged a 7-year-old girl who was spending the night at his home last March.

But in a phone conversation recorded by Oneida County sheriffs investigators, the Rev. William Procanick is overheard telling the girls mother he was wrong to have caressed the girls body that night. "

rwayne wrote on May 6, 2008 10:18 AM:

" In reading responses already posted it is good to see that most readers reject the not to suttle racism of Mr. Stamos. Also, his interpretation and understanding of Jesus which is woefully uninformed. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 9:31 AM:

" Be kind to The Dreaded Rear Admiral. I think he is still a little hung over for the Workers Parade festivities on May Day. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 9:26 AM:

" Our Dear Comrade, The Dreaded Rear Admiral wrote on May 6, 2008 9:23 AM:

" Leonard says he sympathizes with Gadzooks yet he proposes the government
have complete control


Perhaps you also either missed or misunderstood the part of my post where I said that I thought Gadzooks needs would be better served by PRIVATE insurance?

Why do you comment on posts you haven't read? Do you just honestly enjoy making a fool of yourself? "

Brian wrote on May 6, 2008 9:25 AM:

" Lodian wrote on May 6, 2008 9:22 AM:

" Brian: You have serious things to discuss with your wife already. "

What, your lies about me?

We're having a serious discussion here.
Go back to your crosswords.

"

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 9:23 AM:

" Our Dear Comrade, The Dreaded Rear Admiral wrote on May 6, 2008 9:19 AM:

Perhaps you should explain to to my wife that my life insurance policy will go right to the governemnt and she won't get a cent of it under your proposal


My dear Marxist friend, perhaps you missed the post in which I specifically said that I did NOT think that life insurance policies, which are paid to the beneficiaries, not the estate, would be taxed?

Or perhaps you simply did not understand what you read. I have heard that the Communist school system wasn't that great. "

Brian wrote on May 6, 2008 9:23 AM:

" Leonard says he sympathizes with Gadzooks yet he proposes the government
have complete control.

Liberalism is truly a mental disorder.

Leonard isbound and determined to leave his "Marx" in the world, "

Lodian wrote on May 6, 2008 9:22 AM:

" Brian: You have serious things to discuss with your wife already. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 9:20 AM:

" When we consider the Dreaded Rear Admiral's ongoing advocacy of a system which robs the living of their wealth and redistributes it to serve the masses and their national interest, it is hard to escape the conclusion that this man is some sort of a Marxist.

Comrade Dreaded Rear Admiral, could that possibly have been the Soviet Navy in which you served?

:) "

Brian wrote on May 6, 2008 9:19 AM:

" Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 8:39 AM:

" The Dreaded Rear Admiral: How is it more ridiculous to tax the dead once than to tax the living year after year after year? "

L, I agree
with Cogito's assessments of you.

Perhaps you should explain to to my wife that my life insurance policy will go right to the governemnt and she won't get a cent of it under your proposal. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 8:57 AM:

" What I am talking about has much more to do with Horatio Alger.

We would be giving people the bootstraps to pull themselves up by. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 8:55 AM:

" I am hardly robbing from the rich to give to the poor.

What I am doing is quite different. I am giving all people the tools and the opportunity to make themselves rich.

Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish (and give him a loan to buy a fishing boat) and he will eat for a lifetime. "

Cogito wrote on May 6, 2008 8:52 AM:

" Leonard, when you were a young boy, was your favorite literary character Robin Hood? You have a lot in common with his idealism, even though modern times have forced yours to be much more complicated. Your book would look more like a Tolstoy novel. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 8:39 AM:

" The Dreaded Rear Admiral: How is it more ridiculous to tax the dead once than to tax the living year after year after year? "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 8:38 AM:

" The Dreaded Rear Admiral wrote on May 6, 2008 8:32 AM:

" Leonard, your proposal is ridiculous.
Are you also going to deny the survivors
of the dead life insurance policies too?


I don't see why one would. "

Brian wrote on May 6, 2008 8:32 AM:

" Leonard, your proposal is ridiculous.
Are you also going to deny the survivors
of the dead life insurance policies too? "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 7:55 AM:

" Gadzooks: I do sympathize with your situation.

Its hard to imagine how you will ever be able to sock away enough money to care for someone like that in perpetuity after you are gone.

To me, it seems that situations like yours would be better handled by some sort of insurance. I don't think anything like that exists today but it is exactly the sort of service that might be provided by tomorrows entrepreneurs, if they were given the freedom, the opportunities and the resources to make this a better world. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 7:40 AM:

" gadzooks wrote on May 6, 2008 6:43 AM:

" I have an adult disabled son who will never be able to completely care for himself, even though he does have a part time, low wage, no benefit job. If I am not able to will enough money for him to have a paid caregiver, he will end up on the streets or locked up in an institution.


What a crummy system we have. Wouldn't it be great if we could change it?

Sadly, we never will until citizens like you and I start to search for other, better options. "

gadzooks wrote on May 6, 2008 6:43 AM:

" Leonard, your little scenario is not something nice to think about for those of us with serious family responsibilities. I have an adult disabled son who will never be able to completely care for himself, even though he does have a part time, low wage, no benefit job. If I am not able to will enough money for him to have a paid caregiver, he will end up on the streets or locked up in an institution. Your fantasy is cruel, at best. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 6:28 AM:

" Of course, its never going to happen.

But it is nice to think about. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 6:27 AM:

" That said, in the grander scheme of things I think many people are motivated by a desire to leave a better world for their children and grandchildren.

What better way to do so than to create a world in which your descendants can live as free and prosperous people, a world in which they can actually use the wealth that they create, a world in which they are answer to themselves instead of some multigenerational amalgamation of wealth and power.

I think that would be a real legacy to leave to our children. "

Leonard wrote on May 6, 2008 6:24 AM:

" Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 9:14 PM:

But why build wealth and prosperity if it's going to be someone else's money upon your death?


Ummm.... to eat, to put a roof over your head, to enjoy the fruits of your labors? Why do childless people work? I don't think that the desire to leave an inheritance really figures that largely into the average persons daily motivation.

"

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 9:26 PM:

" I'm sure wherever he is, he's on task, and on subject. The poster child for anal-retentive. "

voter wrote on May 5, 2008 9:24 PM:

" Where's our new friend, "Eugene", tonight? "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 9:14 PM:

" Leonard, I will never get "used to income tax". I'm in the 25% bracket, and self-employed. So add 15% more on top of that. We paid more than 40 grand to the feds this year, I feel the pain. But why build wealth and prosperity if it's going to be someone else's money upon your death? I want my family, or a charity to get it, before some nose picker I don't even know gets it. It's my property, I earned it, and a big part of my motivation in doing so is to leave a legacy to loved ones. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 6:28 PM:

" If my system were already in place and someone suggested that you should start paying the government a percentage of your monthly income so that the next 10 generations of Kennedy's can get by without doing a lick of work, you would be OUTRAGED! "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 6:24 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 3:20 PM:

In your system, that right would need to be severely compromised.


Our property rights are already severely compromised by income tax. You just don't see it that way because you are used to income tax.

Which is worse, for the government to tax you once when you are dead and cannot use the money anyways or for the government to take from you every month funds which you absolutely need to create wealth and prosperity? "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 6:16 PM:

" People have been evading taxes since long before Jesus told his followers "to render unto Caesar".

If the strongest argument against my system is the fact that people will inevitably try to evade it, I would say I am doing pretty well. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 3:20 PM:

" Leonard, your idea, which I do find some nobility in it's idealism, would turn into a highly governmentally regulated and administered house of cards. And that's not anything remotely close to capitalism. Read the book "Eat the Rich", by P.J. O'Rourke. The guy is a humorous writer, I think you'd like it. In it he attempts to find out why some countries are more economically successful than others. He concludes that the most important thing is property rights, both real and intellectual, that separate the good from the bad. In your system, that right would need to be severely compromised. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 2:52 PM:

" Say I have a company worth 1 billion dollars. So what's to stop me from paying my child 1 billion dollars in salary for the last year I own the company. The company would be left bankrupt, or my kid could buy it at face value. Either way, my kid gets the money. Unless of course you establish something even more anti-capitalist than tariffs, a maximum wage. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 2:46 PM:

" In other words, no more NAFTA.

Danny H will love it!!! "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 2:18 PM:

" Here is the part where I diverge from the path of pure capitalism.

In order to succeed, my program would have to be accompanied by some sort of protective tariff system that would defend American owned businesses from overseas monopolies. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 2:17 PM:

" I suspect that, in the long run, the effect of this policy would be to replace jumbo sized companies like Mondavi with an array of smaller companies whose purchase price would not be overly onerous for hard working descendants.

What you would lose in terms of economies of scale would more than be made up for by the increase in competition. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 1:32 PM:

" Leonard, read the story in "business" today regarding the vintner. It reinforces my belief that people who learn their trade from an early age by being immersed in it, will be better at it as adults. This guy makes some of the finest local wine, he deserves the family vineyard. Who would go the extra mile to own the best vineyard, if you had to give it to the government upon your demise. Who would work hard for the family business as a kid, if you get nothing for it. The recipient would be more undeserving in my world. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 12:24 PM:

" Oh, yeah.... I inherited it.

DOH! "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 12:00 PM:

" Sounds good.

I have packing that is going to grab something if I don't get working on it.

Every time I move it is twice as hard as the time before.

Where does all this junk come from? "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 11:51 AM:

" LOL Leonard, yeah me too. The problem is that my grandson is grabbing my face and begging to play his Scooby Doo games on my computer. I don't know how much longer I can hold out. The little dude is RELENTLESS. I'll pick this up later, thanks. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 11:50 AM:

" My system is, at its core, the antithesis of Marxism. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 11:50 AM:

" How is it "Marxist"?

In Marxist systems, the means of productions are owned by "the people" operating as a collective entity.

The entire point of my system is to put the means of production in the hands of individual entrepreneurs. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 11:48 AM:

" Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 11:46 AM:

" Leonard, if everything is being bought up by big money, you will create monopolies, not encourage competition.


Part of the benefit of this system is that it would concentrate power in the hands of individuals, not conglomerates (see my previous post). "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 11:47 AM:

" Once again, that's Marxist. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 11:47 AM:

" Cog: You do realize that I am making this up as we go along. Its not like I am reading from a playbook or something.

There is no "Lenny's Manifesto".

Still, as far as we've gone, I still think my system would be better than the status quo. Keep raising the objections, however, and we will see where it goes. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 11:46 AM:

" Leonard, if everything is being bought up by big money, you will create monopolies, not encourage competition. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 11:45 AM:

" Major corporations would not be allowed to bid on the returns from estates. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 11:41 AM:

" Leonard, in 2004, Constellation brands paid 1.36 BILLION for Robert Mondavis holdings. I doubt any GROUP of vintners, at the top of their game, have that kind of capital. So in your world, only large corporations could buy out highly successful family business. Is that what you want. Major corporations owning everything? "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 11:41 AM:

" If so much capital had been accumulated by one business that no one could reasonably be expected to purchase it intact, then it would have to be broken up into purchasable units.

Competition is the life blood of capitalism. The break up of monolithic business holdings would inevitably result in increased competition and greater economic health. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Leonard, if Mondavi had paid his kids 10 million dollars a year, they couldn't buy him out. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 11:24 AM:

" If Robert Mondavi's children were really that good at their trade, they would have accumulated enough capital to buy their father's business.


"

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 10:59 AM:

" Leonard, I disagree. I'm a 2nd generation person in my business, as is my sister. Growing up surrounded by a craft or trade gives you an advantage over the newbies. Are you suggesting that you or I could buy a vineyard and be as good of growers as Robert Mondavis children? Now THAT'S absurd. My sister and I are easily in the top 10% of our profession, largely because we were exposed to its workings at an early age. A florists child will grow up to be a better florist in the majority of cases, I have no doubt. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 10:58 AM:

" Cog: No plan is perfect. You just have to do the best you can.

I do not suggest that my plan would be perfect or "Utopian" (as you so frequently suggest).

What I do say is simply that my plan would be better than the status quo.

Nothing you have said so far has challenged that assumption. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 10:50 AM:

" So Leonard, in your Utopia, the word "legacy" would be banished from the lexicon under it's current meaning. I might agree with you if we would start with the children of movie stars. But, they would probably all band together to give each others kids all the acting jobs. Therefore, maintaining their legacy. Other businesses could do that too, looking out only for each other, and discriminating against any outsiders. There would be ways around your plan, there always is. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 10:46 AM:

" There is a name for the economic system in which inherited capital is concentrated in the hands of a ever decreasing circle of oligarchs.

It is called Feudalism and it is where this country is heading if something isn't done to change things. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 10:44 AM:

" My approach is essentially Capitalist to the core. Businesses would be owned by those who were most able to make them successful as reflected by their own accumulation of resources.

Those who work hard and enjoy good luck will prosper greatly. Those who are either lazy or unlucky will not. The market will decide everyones fate. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 10:41 AM:

" The entrepreneurial spirit is what made America great while the landed aristocracy of Europe, with their inherited estates and titles, moldered in the economic doldrums. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 10:40 AM:

" Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 10:29 AM:

"in your world, every time a successful business owner died, instead of their children inheriting the business, it would be liquidated or sold to the highest bidder.


The assumption that a florists son will necessarily be a good florist is absurd. If, at the time of their parents death, the children's success had earned them enough capital to purchase the business, they would be free to do so.

Otherwise, the business would go to an individual who had, through their own drive and success, accumulated enough capital to purchase it. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 10:40 AM:

" True that Leonard. The thing is that most of their family tragedies since the 60s have been self-inflicted. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 10:36 AM:

" Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Since the Kennedys have only shown a propensity to glom off of Joe Sr.s estate. How would that group of ethically challenged alcoholics ever hope to make a living?


The fortunes of some would inevitably suffer but most would benefit. The Kennedy family is probably used to tragedies by now.

:) "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Since the Kennedys have only shown a propensity to glom off of Joe Sr.s estate. How would that group of ethically challenged alcoholics ever hope to make a living? "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 10:29 AM:

" So in your world, every time a successful business owner died, instead of their children inheriting the business, it would be liquidated or sold to the highest bidder. Do you really think our nation could maintain our business status with a policy like that? That would be economic suicide. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 10:28 AM:

" No matter how far you cut programs, the Government will always have to fund itself through one form of tax or another.

Inheritance taxes are the ONLY taxes that do not redistribute the wealth of living individuals. As such they are much less socialistic than any of the existing tax programs. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 10:23 AM:

" Cog: You have heard the old saying that "you can't take it with you"?

Dead people can't own anything. An inheritance tax appropriates money from an estate, not a person. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 10:18 AM:

" Leonard, I'm assuming you're referring to your 100% inheritance tax, if it's another tax I'm forgetting, please refresh me. Because I'm always in favor of tax cuts. "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 10:15 AM:

" O.K. Leonard, in both cases I believe in letting the person who EARNED the money decide what to do with it. You believe, along with Obama, that it's fair to take it away from the person who earned it, in order to give it away to someone who didn't. That's Marxist. "

Leonard wrote on May 5, 2008 5:01 AM:

" Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 12:02 AM:
" What bugs me about Obama is when choosing between tax policies that would raise federal revenues while giving tax cuts, and raising taxes in areas where it has been proven to lower revenue, he would choose to punish people in the name of "fairness".


How is this different than your position on my plan to reduce income taxes across the board while encouraging entrepreneurship?

I believe one of your specific objections to this plan was that it was not fair

:) "

Cogito wrote on May 5, 2008 12:02 AM:

" What bugs me about Obama is when choosing between tax policies that would raise federal revenues while giving tax cuts, and raising taxes in areas where it has been proven to lower revenue, he would choose to punish people in the name of "fairness". This shows him to be either economically ignorant, or vindictive. The scarier one would be vindictiveness. He's a millionaire who hates the rich? Or only those who are wealthier than him. "

Giovanina wrote on May 4, 2008 11:30 PM:

" Obama will lose. He may stand for Socialist-Marxist values but not American values. So sorry Socialists, you will not win. You will not get your revolution. Muahaha "

Lodian wrote on May 4, 2008 11:22 PM:

" Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 7:08 PM:
"Better than 95% of American are against gay marriage."

Where did you get this figure?
"

Lodian wrote on May 4, 2008 11:21 PM:

" Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 7:08 PM:
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news about Obama. But he will sign the Gay Marriage Act of 2009 if he gets elected."

Why should I consider this bad news?

"

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 8:33 PM:

" voter wrote on May 4, 2008 8:15 PM:
" Eugene, were you ever a Navy SEAL? "

Excuse me, but Euu, a better question for you might be have you even been with a Navy Seal?? "

Leonard wrote on May 4, 2008 8:26 PM:

" Chuckle.... I too smell the Dreaded Rear.

It looks like he is on a regular rampage tonight. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 8:25 PM:

" Ohhh, Cogito, I am so about being spoiled. "

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 8:18 PM:

" Yeah, I take exception to the "spoiled" remark too. I may be childish, but, much to my chagrin, I'm not spoiled. The difference between a man and a savings bond? Savings bonds mature. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 8:15 PM:

" Eugene, were you ever a Navy SEAL? "

nextel wrote on May 4, 2008 8:13 PM:

" I'll bet my rapture fast track that Eugene is our multiple personality friend Brian, that took up shop on his ol ladys lap top. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 8:11 PM:

" " I can see this blogg is full of a bunch of spoiled children"

I love it. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 8:09 PM:

" Cogito, if I said purple would that send him to another site???

fuchsia...

egg shell...

turquoise...

poof... did it work???

"

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 8:09 PM:

" Cogito, Mom always liked you best. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 8:07 PM:

" Stop. I can't stop laughing! "

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 8:07 PM:

" I have to go now, mom said I have to go to bed at 8:00. Toodles. "

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 8:05 PM:

" Eugene, oh yeah! Well neener! 10 for 10 :-p "

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 8:03 PM:

" Sam, you said "pink" and it reminded him of another website. 9 for 9 "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 8:02 PM:

" OMG, I lost Brian. Anybody see him??? "

Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 8:01 PM:

" I can see this blogg is full of a bunch of spoiled children.

I left my mark. At least I contributed
to the subject matter.

Have a nice life Lodians. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 8:00 PM:

" Euu, I love prayers for me. Thank you. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 8:00 PM:

" Cogito, I am working on getting some glasses.

But I can see pink... OMG, that is one amazing color. "

Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 7:58 PM:

" Sam, then you are ok with Obama repealling the Defense of Marriage Act?

I'll pray for you.

"

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:58 PM:

" Voter, you are never out of line. "

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 7:57 PM:

" Eugene, I happen to know Sam, and he's blind too. 8 for 8. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:56 PM:

" I'd love to hear the source of your statistics, Eugene. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:56 PM:

" Cogito, you go guy. A "Cheese Burger in Paradise" is always well appreciated. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:56 PM:

" Eugene, this is a community atmosphere--a big mix of opinions, but no one too constipated regarding the "rules". "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:54 PM:

" Euu, for YOUR record I am a black gay man. "

Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 7:53 PM:

" voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:48 PM:

" Oh great, a gay basher. "

Voter, you're out of line. 95% of Americans are against gay marriage.
The subject matter is "Will Obama Promote American Values?

95% of Americans don't believe he would be promoting American Values by legalizing gay marriage. Call it gay bashing if you must. "

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 7:53 PM:

" Sam, I consider a good cheeseburger is a steer reaching its full potential. Eugene, Now I'm 7 for 7. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:51 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 7:23 PM:" Sam, I have always been a big fan of horse racing. But after yesterday"

I love horses. When we make them believe to run themselves to death is the thing to do, I do not want any part of it. But heck, I am a vegan. Animals are here for us to cherish, not to abuse.
"

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 7:51 PM:

" Eugene, now I'm 6 for 6. I can do this all night. "

Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 7:48 PM:

" Some of you are 5 for 5 in violating the comment rules. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:48 PM:

" Oh great, a gay basher. "

Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 7:46 PM:

" Of course this part was conveniently left out by Sam.

Obama backs the "complete repeal" of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a law passed in 1996 that gives states the option of not recognizing another state's "gay marriages." It also prohibits the federal government from recognizing "gay marriage." Homosexual activists long have viewed it as a significant legal barrier to nationwide legalization of "gay marriage."


"

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:39 PM:

" voter, I really want the name of the article. It was a great blog. The "navy seal" comment was over the top.


"

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:38 PM:

" voter, wierd comments from Eugene.. I agree.

I too suspect a troll. Eu, are you a troll??? "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:37 PM:

" Or maybe, just maybe, it is the Navy SEAL . . . "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:36 PM:

" I'll bet our new friend Eugene gets paid to troll the internet and plant anti Obama invective. I came across this just last week on another web site and it surprised me. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:34 PM:

" Eu, come out come out... we know who you are. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:33 PM:

" nextel, amen... and we know Eu is a "sir". "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:32 PM:

" Eu, you "stumbled upon this blog"?

Yeah, I believe that. "

nextel wrote on May 4, 2008 7:31 PM:

" Eugene, ya frickin kidding us? Baptist Press with a Christian perspective is your source? He supports Civil Union rights, not Gay Marriage. Plenty of real issues about Obama that can be debated, this is not one of them Sir. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:30 PM:

" so Eu, where is your proof that Obama wants gay marriage???

He is ok wth civil unions within the states but says gay marriage as a federal law is not something he would support.


"

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:28 PM:

" . . . sorry! site. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:28 PM:

" Eugene, PALLEZ. this blog has 714 bogs and you have issues about being on topic.


You are too funny. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:28 PM:

" Eugene, you've posted a link to a heavily biased sight. But even then, that article says nothing about Obama signing a Gay Marriage Act of 2009--something that doesn't even exist. Are you a paid blogger for the religious right? "

Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 7:24 PM:

" Sam, I'm new here. Aren't comments unrelated to the story not allowed?

I stumbled upon this newspaper searching
the web. Does this blogg not have a moderator? I want to talk about Obama.
Unless you are contributing it should be decent of you to take your unrelated conversation elsewhere. "

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 7:23 PM:

" Sam, I have always been a big fan of horse racing. But after yesterday, I'm beginning to change my mind. If one more horse has to be put down in the next two triple crown races, there will be HUGE fallout. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:21 PM:

" weird.. LNS said my post could not be posted... so they posted it twice.


"

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:20 PM:

" Cogito, I swear the death of the horse was horrific to me.

I personally, hate horse racing. But I was reminded several times today about Hillary's prediction. Sorry if you saw it as sick... actualy I did too... but that was her prediction. "

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 7:20 PM:

" Eugene, count me in as one of those people against gay marriage. But, I'm pro civil union. I think the reason many politicians are pro gay marriage, even though it is unpopular, is that most of them are Lawyers. If they lose an election, they will be forced to go back to work. Gay marriage opens up a completely new opportunity for Lawyers to make money, it's called gay divorce. Many gay couples are very wealthy........mo money, mo money, mo money! "

Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 7:19 PM:

" http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27778

I don't know where I heard it first.
I'll post this one. It's revealing. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:19 PM:

" cogito, I swear the death of the horse was horrific to me. I, personally, hate horse racing. But I was reminded several times today about Hillary's prediction. Sorry if ya saw it as sick... I did too... but that was her prediction. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 7:16 PM:

" Eugene, he said he was AGAINST gay marriage. I saw the speech. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:11 PM:

" Cogito, your comments make me chuckle. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 7:10 PM:

" Eugene, what is your source of that information? "

Cogito wrote on May 4, 2008 7:09 PM:

" Mind if Cogito chimes in every once in a while, if nothing more than to referee? Sam, your post about Hillary and the filly was pretty sick, yet very poignant. So that makes it o.k. with me. Brian, as a fellow conservative I must chastise you over the pleasuring remark. If one were so inclined, there are much better websites than this that would better facilitate ones visual stimulation. Using this website, well, that would be sick. But, whatever floats your goat! "

Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 7:08 PM:

" I hate to be the bearer of bad news about Obama. But he will sign the Gay Marriage Act of 2009 if he gets elected.

The subject matter on this blogg is "Will Obama Promote American Values"

There's one strike against him. Better than 95% of American are against gay marriage. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 6:42 PM:

" Leoanrd, cool May 4, 2008 6:38 PM comment. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 6:41 PM:

" We are always up for a good debate, Eugene. Have at it. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 6:40 PM:

" He's blown a gasket tonight. Go check out the Bikini Bar blog--he just told Lodian to "go f yourself." "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 6:40 PM:

" Eugene, go for it... but please no lies. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 6:39 PM:

" Leonard, remember he likes the lap dancers. "

Leonard wrote on May 4, 2008 6:38 PM:

" Brian, you got drunk, you said something stupid and you embarrassed yourself.

So be it.

People say stupid things when they are drunk all the time.

I once told a girl that I was a professional football player after I had a beer or twelve.

What you need to do here is man up, admit your mistake and move on. "

Eugene wrote on May 4, 2008 6:38 PM:

" Shall we start with a list of pros and cons about Obama? "

Leonard wrote on May 4, 2008 6:33 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 6:10 PM:

You all just keep on jacking off on this post


One word to describe that Brian fellow.

C-L-A-S-S-Y! "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 6:21 PM:

" Just how are you connecting Obama to Islamic banking? This sounds like an interesting tale. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 6:10 PM:

" Leonard, I thought you were above this kind of stuff. You and your peanut gallery can continue with your speculation without me. You all just keep on jacking off on this post. I've said my peace about Obama and Islamic Banking. Those that are interested in my posts probably don't comment anyway.
I know many people in Lodi who have learned things from my post who commend me for going up against a bunch of liberals. Carry on. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 5:23 PM:

" It was about 5 months before skilos disappeared. How long has skilos been gone?? "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 5:23 PM:

" voter, 2 years ago??? "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 5:22 PM:

" ok, ok... I now this is off topic. But Friday Hillary said to bet on the philly in the Derby. She said it could be an early predictor of the presidential race.

I am so sorry that the philly broke her legs and had put down on the track, but Big Brown won.

Can I chuckle at Hillary's prediction? I know...sick.



"

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 5:17 PM:

" Anybody remember the time frame for that blog? If you could narrow it down to month and year, we could find it that way too. "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 5:15 PM:

" Hey Leonard, do you remember the article name of that blog??? I would love the search the archives if I had a lead.


"

nextel wrote on May 4, 2008 4:53 PM:

" Kinda sad actually, I think that most folks in Brians shoes would take their many faces and recycled opinion to a fresh crop of readers at this point. The right thing to do though, would be to come clean and try to reclaim some credibility. Brian, Like your jelly bean eating hero Ronald says "pull your self up by your boot straps boy!" "

Leonard wrote on May 4, 2008 4:09 PM:

" Well, that is three eye witnesses to Brian's Navy SEAL fiasco.

In a court of law, that would probably be enough to convict.

Brian, do you want to face up to the facts now or should I bring on the two other blog regulars who I know recall your...ahhh... naval indiscretion? "

Lodian wrote on May 4, 2008 1:42 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 1:26 PM:
"I'm not going to feed the troll anymore."

Brian: Is that some kind of personal euphemism? "

sam wrote on May 4, 2008 1:38 PM:

" Nextel, your May 4, 2008 12:19 PM blog is the truth.

I was on that blog. Wow, a name from the past... "Skilos".

Boy do I miss Skilos. He had a lot of knowledge to share.

"

Lodian wrote on May 4, 2008 1:36 PM:

" nextel: Nice post. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 1:26 PM:

" nextel wrote on May 4, 2008 12:19 PM:

" To whom it may concern, I have been reading these blog's since they started and do remember Brian saying that he was a Navy Seal. I also remember Brian saying that he supported Al Gores view on Global warming, because of a family member in farming that had noted changes in climate. I miss hearing Skilo's diatribes about "anyone who hates Bush policies, hates America." Lucky for us though, we still have the #1 Bush water carrier and fiction writer of these blogs "Brian."

I'm not going to feed the troll anymore. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 1:23 PM:

" Nextel, Hate is a strong word. I would never say those who hate Bush policies
hate America.

I save my hate for terrorism. So should you. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 1:20 PM:

" Nextel, I have a credibility problem with many of Al Gore's views right now.

Frankly, I have many disagreements with Bush too. Am I less inclined to be one of his water carriers? Under some circumstances? maybe. However,Overall I'm a Bush supporter through thick and thin.
If that ruffles your feathers, so be it. "

voter wrote on May 4, 2008 1:20 PM:

" Thanks, nextel! Can we appoint you the blog historian?

My face hurts from laughing. . . "

Lodian wrote on May 4, 2008 1:14 PM:

" LOL! "

nextel wrote on May 4, 2008 12:19 PM:

" To whom it may concern, I have been reading these blog's since they started and do remember Brian saying that he was a Navy Seal. I also remember Brian saying that he supported Al Gores view on Global warming, because of a family member in farming that had noted changes in climate. I miss hearing Skilo's diatribes about "anyone who hates Bush policies, hates America." Lucky for us though, we still have the #1 Bush water carrier and fiction writer of these blogs "Brian." "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 11:52 AM:

" I wish Skilos was here. Or did he go the way of one of your many aliases? "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 11:49 AM:

" Leonard, I consider you a man of intelligence. Yet the very fabric that makes this nation what it is is being widdled away By Islamic banks gobbling up huge portions of assetts in many of our dominant investment firms.

You know Leonard, under Islamic banking there will be no more tax writeoffs.
And you don't own your house until it's completely payed off. This is just the tip of the iceberg. These facts are on Islamic banking sites. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 11:44 AM:

" Is this the subject matter you want to discuss? Is your lie that I said I was a navy seal that important to you to rehash.

Perhaps we could discuss how Islamic Banking is spreading like wildfire. You don't support Sharia, yet you are reluctant to talk about. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 11:41 AM:

" Leonard wrote on May 4, 2008 11:28 AM:

" Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 8:15 AM:

As far as military service. I never said I was in the military.

Unfortunately for you, I am not the only person here who remembers the night on which you claimed to be a Navy SEAL. Heck, the blog is probably archived if someone wanted to look for it.

In your defense, I will concede that you seemed to be pretty drunk when you made it. That said, claims like that are not a laughing matter.

Leonard, I thought you were through with your cheap shots. "

Leonard wrote on May 4, 2008 11:28 AM:

" Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 8:15 AM:

As far as military service. I never said I was in the military.


Unfortunately for you, I am not the only person here who remembers the night on which you claimed to be a Navy SEAL. Heck, the blog is probably archived if someone wanted to look for it.

In your defense, I will concede that you seemed to be pretty drunk when you made it. That said, claims like that are not a laughing matter. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 10:11 AM:

" I'm not sure I subscribe to the notion
that Obama is Muslim. However, there is no doubt he has questionable attributes that may lead someone to think he has ties to Islam. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 10:07 AM:

" http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch/archives/018087.php

There are no taxes in Islam. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 9:48 AM:

" I cannot stress more the need for those who bury their head in the sand about Islamic Banking must read Mark Steyn's book "America Alone". "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 9:46 AM:

" The Prime Minister has said Britain must become the global centre of Islamic banking. More and more public companies are being taken over by Islamic interests; we now have sharia-compliant mortgages, and the Treasury is moving towards a system of Islamic bonds. The government seems completely unaware however that sharia banking comes with a devastating IOUthe Islamisation of all those who use it.
-Another exerpt. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 9:42 AM:

" These funds offer little transparency. They fail to disclose either the radical ties of the scholars who are advising and running them or the tenets that dictate the structuring of the investments. The prospectuses explain simply that the investments are ethical or socially acceptable, when in fact they're grounded in a religious doctrine that threatens America and the West. The main purpose of Shariah law is to promote Islam as the only legitimate governing system and to help establish its rule worldwide. Shariah-compliant finance is a means to that end. - An exerpt from this article I posted. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 9:33 AM:

" http://www.spectator.co.uk/melaniephillips/539066/the-war-against-the-west.thtml

Here's the article about some of the attributes of Islamic banking. Read it fast before Leonard sites it as poppycock. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 9:30 AM:

" I'm wondering how much money came from Islamic Banks that fueled the sub- prime
debacle.

They say it hasn't affected them. Is this their way of saying our money is safer in their banks? They are honest
when they tell you 3% of your money goes to charities. One of those charities is Jihad. How quaint. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 9:08 AM:

" I found it offensive that G74 would suggest that I have thin skin because
because I want to defend my strong beliefs in certain things. You've even got G74 hurling cheap shots at me, Leonard. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 9:04 AM:

" Leonard, you just keep on dreaming that
the Islamists don't want complete control over the entire banking system
and I'll keep on telling you Mormons have no intention of wanting complete control over the entire banking system. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 8:58 AM:

" Leonard, use your brain. Obama has huge credibility issues.

It's not just about Hillary wanting the nomination more than him. It's about the future of this country.

"

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 8:53 AM:

" Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 8:42 PM:

" Brian: I am curious. What, specifically, do you think the effect of Obama attending school in Indonesia will be?

Leonard, I am curious. What specifically, do you think the affect of Romney being a Mormon would have been?

I counter your question with mine as an example of how much we know about Romney
and how little we know about Obama.
Obama hasn't been quite as forthcoming or honest about himself as Romney has.
It seems to me people who want Obama as president shouldn't be so sensitive about what people want to know about him.
"

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 8:32 AM:

" Howard Dean doesn't have the courage to admit he is wrong about saying McCain wants a war with Iraq for 100 years.
He just continues to take what McCain really said out of context just to advance his prejudices. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 8:27 AM:

" The picture of Democrats as people who don't know anything about most issues and lie about the issue they do know something about is not exactly an effective recruiting tool.

THIS is why Al Gore loses all credibility with me. He no longer uses the term Global Warming as much because he know the planet is not warming. The terminology is now Global Climate Change. It seems to me Al Gore is finally coming to his senses and is finally realizing people are getting wise to his spin that humans are responsible. It's all about money. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 8:19 AM:

" Are you going to read that article I sent you or are you just going to sweep it under the rug just as you have swept anything questionable about Obama under that rug too?

I feel sorry for you and the rest of the liberals who don't have the courage
to fight for the preservation of America. "

Brian wrote on May 4, 2008 8:15 AM:

" Leonard Wrote: You can lie about politics, you can lie about history, heck, you can even lie about your own supposed military service, but please, do not lie about me. "

Some more of your cheap shots Leonard?

As far as military service. I never said I was in the military. You ran with that lie about me when Skilos was around. And Skilos wasn't even talking about me. REMEMBER? So you labeled me as the "Dreaded Rear Admiral" just to support your own stupid way of questioning my credibility.

"

Gator wrote on May 4, 2008 7:33 AM:

"

Dogs bark,but the Caravan moves on!! "

Leonard wrote on May 4, 2008 6:54 AM:

" Lodian: Yeah, the picture of Republicans as people who don't know anything about most issues and lie about the issue they do know something about is not exactly an effective recruiting tool.

Contrast that with G and Cogito who have actually led me to reconsider a couple of issues on which I thought I had made up my mind.

If I was the GOP, I would find some way to gag B. "

Lodian wrote on May 3, 2008 10:25 PM:

" Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 9:07 PM:
"I occasionally wonder whether Brian isn't really a clever liberal working to subtly discredit the Republicans."

It's funny you say that, Leoanrd, as I often thought the same thing about "real facts" and Christians. He always seemed to do more harm than good.
"

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 9:07 PM:

" I occasionally wonder whether Brian isn't really a clever liberal working to subtly discredit the Republicans. "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 8:45 PM:

" The Dreaded Rear Admiral wrote on May 3, 2008 7:55 PM:

Since you seem to consider Sharia banking something to consider


Man, you are just as dishonest as the day is long. Where have I ever, once, suggested that I support Sharia?

You can lie about politics, you can lie about history, heck, you can even lie about your own supposed military service, but please, do not lie about me. "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 8:42 PM:

" Brian: I am curious. What, specifically, do you think the effect of Obama attending school in Indonesia will be?

"

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 7:55 PM:

" Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 6:21 PM:

" Chuckle.... you wonder what, exactly, he is afraid you will expose.

Given Brian's recent impassioned defense of the... ummm... "adult entertainment industry", I suppose it could be anything. "

L, I don't visit those sites nor do I visit cabarets. I am a capitalist though. It is Tim's right to have this
bar. Since you seem to consider Sharia banking something to consider Tim's bar will probably not be here anymore if this banking system becomes reality here.
And then all your little luxuries you enjoy will go away too. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 7:49 PM:

" Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 6:01 PM:

" Brian, I sent you an email about the Islamic Bank thing. I think you are operating under at least a couple of misconceptions.


There are no misconceptions. It is you that don't understand how this system
will transform this country into
something you won't like. Talking to you is like talking to a wall. See what I mean? "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 7:44 PM:

" To say that a school in Indonesia will not have religious doctrine given that Islam is the dominant religon there is also obsurd.

Leonard, if you can't see what will happen to this country if Islamic banking takes over and what effects it is already having in Britain as it slowly becomes more prevalent there I can only pray that you someday will understand before it's too late HERE. "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 6:21 PM:

" Chuckle.... you wonder what, exactly, he is afraid you will expose.

Given Brian's recent impassioned defense of the... ummm... "adult entertainment industry", I suppose it could be anything. "

voter wrote on May 3, 2008 6:06 PM:

" Brian writes that arguing with a lefty is ". . . like talking to a wall." LOL! I guess a stack of facts must look like a wall at times.

Leonard, I'm prepared for Brian's tirade of name calling to begin. But more often lately, he whines that I marginalize him and attempt to "expose" him. LOL

"

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 6:01 PM:

" Brian, I sent you an email about the Islamic Bank thing. I think you are operating under at least a couple of misconceptions.
"

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 5:52 PM:

" voter wrote on May 3, 2008 5:44 PM:
" Obama attended the Basuki School in Jakarta, Brian. It is a public school--completely non-religious. The students were from many religious backgrounds and the school policy is to respect all.


This has been pointed out to Brian on at least five separate occasions.

There is absolutely no way that Brian is going to let the truth get in the way of his lies. Its just not in his character.

My guess is that he will respond by calling you some sort of name. "

voter wrote on May 3, 2008 5:44 PM:

" Obama attended the Basuki School in Jakarta, Brian. It is a public school--completely non-religious. The students were from many religious backgrounds and the school policy is to respect all. You can check out a CNN report here:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/22/obama.madrassa/

I hope you can let go of your ridiculous claims now. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 5:17 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:26 PM:

" Leonard wrote, 'Ahhh... yes! The strawmen!'

Ahhh... yes! The over-used clever retort offered by lefties with no valid argument. Original!!

G74, there are many clever retorts lefties use. I.E. hatemonger, racist, homophobe. They pride themselves with these retorts to end an argument they cannot win. When I hear these retorts
it's time to walk away. It's like talking to a wall. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 5:00 PM:

" nylodian wrote on May 3, 2008 4:49 PM:

" Brian: re: "And it doesn't matter to you what questionable character and attributes Obama has."

LOL! Apparently you haven't even bothered to read this very blog, where you would would see, in print, my posts criticizing Obama's credibility on the Wright issue and his "clinging" comments. But go ahead with the personal attacks to think yourself more "credible".

I can't find it. I don't want to take 20 years to realize your post. So, unlike Obama, I admit I was wrong about you. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 4:50 PM:

" Please Leonard, you're embarrassing youself. There is plenty of references to Obama attending a religious school in Indonesia. Even his campaign headquarters can confirm this. What is with you and others that you can't even admit you are wrong. I know more about Obama that you do. This is why I won't vote for him. It's not a question of who he is as much as what he doesn't want us to know about him. Wake up! "

nylodian wrote on May 3, 2008 4:49 PM:

" Brian: re: "And it doesn't matter to you what questionable character and attributes Obama has."

LOL! Apparently you haven't even bothered to read this very blog, where you would would see, in print, my posts criticizing Obama's credibility on the Wright issue and his "clinging" comments. But go ahead with the personal attacks to think yourself more "credible".


"

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 3:55 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 3:45 PM:
" nylodian, you're still a whiner. It doesn't matter why I call you a whiner.


Again with the personal insults.

Brian, this kind of name calling is a very poor substitute for actual thought. "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 3:53 PM:

" This is exactly what I mean when I say that you you are an critical consumer of media.

You will believe anything, no matter how absurd or unfounded, as long as it agrees with your preconceived prejudices.

"

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 3:52 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:26 AM:
" Leonard, I don't know.


That's OK Brian, I knew that you didn't know. In fact, I knew that you don't have a clue about this issue even though you have been harping on it for months now.

The simple fact is that you read it on some right wing nut jobs blog,you didn't bother to check if it was true and you then proceeded to repeat it over and over and over,completely discrediting yourself in the process.

"

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 3:50 PM:

" It won't be up to the voters anyway whether Obama or Hillary gets the nomination. The superdelegates will decide. A socialized approach. I thought this was a democracy. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 3:45 PM:

" nylodian, you're still a whiner. It doesn't matter why I call you a whiner.
And it doesn't matter to you what questionable character and attributes Obama has. Don't come crying to me if he gets elected because people like you who voted for him didn't see the writing on the wall about him. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 3:39 PM:

" nylodian, there are volumes of disortions about the right and, perhaps,
a few pages about the left.

I'm sure there probably is some left wing
hacks still printing up bumper stickers
"Bush Lied and People died".
"

nylodian wrote on May 3, 2008 3:38 PM:

" Brian: Yes, you "covered" the madrass issue with an inaccurate statement that Hillary was responsible for spreading the rumor.

So your definition of whining is when someone calls you out on your "facts"? LOL! "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 3:35 PM:

" nylodian, Your buddy,Howard Dean, the chairman of the DNC is still spreading the lie that McCain wants a war with Iraq for 100 years. He also says McCain wants to deny healthcare to children. These are 2 of the most ridiculous statements I have ever heard. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 3:30 PM:

" nylodian, I've already covered he did not attend madrassas. He did attend a school with a predominent Muslim attendance. Are you to say you have evidence he did not attend this school?
It seems to me those in the Obama camp
should expect distortions just as McCain
and Hillary expect it. Stop whining. "

nylodian wrote on May 3, 2008 3:24 PM:

" Hillary and her campaign are flawed, but the lies about Obama attending a madrass originated in the right-wing media. "

nylodian wrote on May 3, 2008 3:21 PM:

" Brain: re: "I know they don't call them madrassas in Indonesia. This was a rumor Hillary spread about him attending madrassas."

No, it was your buddies at Fox News, who ran this story back in Jan. 2007 based on an unsubstantiated article from Insight Magazine, and then a pundant on Fox blamed it again, without any basis in facts, on the Hillary campaign. CNN and NY Times debunked both allegations.

video.aol.com/video-detail/ cnn-debunks-false-obama-madrassa-smear/2120483161 "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:57 AM:

" I'm sure you can snope snopes and find out many of their claims as true or false are not accurrate. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:52 AM:

" He attended a school that was populated by students, the majority of which were Muslim, since Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world, by population. That, however, does not make Obama a Muslim any more than my attending a predominantly Catholic college makes me Catholic.

Obviously this school taught Islam in some form or another. To say he was not influenced by attending a school
with a predominant Muslim attendance is obsurd. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:41 AM:

" nextel wrote on May 3, 2008 11:35 AM:

" Have the few bloggers here here that deal in facts ever turned Brian onto Snopes?

I know about snopes. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:40 AM:

" Leonard, Given the fact that you revere Obama so much one would think you would want to know as much about the man as possible. There are many references on the web about him attending religious schools in Indonesia.

the liberal media is so
afraid to offend Obama they are reluctant to ask him pertinent
questions. It is because of Fox and conservatives that he is being scrutinized. "

nextel wrote on May 3, 2008 11:35 AM:

" Have the few bloggers here here that deal in facts ever turned Brian onto Snopes? "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:26 AM:

" Leonard, I don't know. I know they don't call them madrassas in Indonesia.
This was a rumor Hillary spread about him attending madrassas. Just as we have religious schools here whether they are Catholic, etc. they have religious schools elsewhere. "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 11:20 AM:

" Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:09 AM:
" I don't hear any questions posed to Obama about Islamic banking given his
past as an atendee of Islamic schools in Indonesia.


I am just curious. What was the name of the Islamic school that you claim Obama attended?

"

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:12 AM:

" I'm anxious to hear from those that think I am all wet on this issue.

Islamic banking is already here. Just ask someone in the Dearborn, MI area. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:09 AM:

" I don't hear any questions posed to Obama about Islamic banking given his
past as an atendee of Islamic schools in Indonesia. I would like to hear his thoughts on the Sharia. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 11:06 AM:

" Had the British not discovered all the oil in the Middle East perhaps Islamic banking would have gone the way of the dodo bird.

With all due respect to all the good Muslims, I don't know how Islamic banking can survive in the U.S. if it doesn't take complete control of the
U.S. banking system. It will be a cold day in hell when this happens. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 10:54 AM:

" Woops, sorry for the double post :} "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 10:53 AM:

" http://www.islamic-banking.com/ibanking/index.php

This is scarry stuff. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 10:42 AM:

" http://www.islamic-banking.com/ibanking/index.php

This is scary stuff. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 10:40 AM:

" Leonard, The owner of the business next to where I work has family in Austin.


You didn't wear out your welcome in Lodi? ARRRR:) Try the Texas wines!!! "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 10:31 AM:

" We already have Sharia banking nipping at the heels of U.S. banks. Let's not add salt to the wound. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 10:29 AM:

" As I said, it is getting easier to invest money in offshore markets away fro the greedy haqds of the U.S. government. I wouldn't want to encourage this more as a result of a 100%
inheritance tax. "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 10:16 AM:

" I suspect the living feel the pain of income tax a lot more than the dead would feel the pain of an estate tax. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 9:39 AM:

" Leonard wrote: Would you rather penalize the young who, needy or not, will receive no benefit whatsoever for the money they put into the system?

Well Leonard, you did say in so many words that those being born into wealth
should not be allowed to have this wealth for doing nothing. It seems to me
your proposal punishes those in the "Tomb" and the "Womb". ARRRRR! "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 9:30 AM:

" If the government allowed a portion of
the social security tax deducted from incomes to be invested by the person they could collect a lot more interest than the government gives back to them when they retire then maybe I could consider your proposal, Leonard.

This would be a good start. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 9:26 AM:

" Too much government control over our money is one step closer to a complete socialized society. What little bit of socialism we have here is enough. "

Brian wrote on May 3, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Leonard, the rich already hide their money in offshore banks.

Your proposal for a 100% inheritance tax will not only get more of the rich to hide their money in these banks, the U.S. banks will open banks offshore out of the U.S government's greedy hands. It is already really easy for a U.S citizen to invest money in foreign markets. Your proposal will only encourage more money going elsewhere. "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 9:03 AM:

" If I could get the President to take a single policy initiative for his last 6 months, it would be for him to reintroduce his Social Security reform plan.

With the election coming up, there is no way it would pass but at least it would remind all of the parties involved that this problem HAS TO BE FIXED and that both the Republican led Congress and its Democrat led successor have not done a single thing to fix it. "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 9:00 AM:

" sam wrote on May 3, 2008 6:06 AM:

" Leonard, I agree that the system is broken. What I do not agree is penalizing the elderly.


Would you rather penalize the young who, needy or not, will receive no benefit whatsoever for the money they put into the system?

The time when we could have fixed the system in a way that would have been equitable to all is decades in the past.

Because of that failure of leadership on both sides of the aisles, we now have to make hard decisions that inevitably will end up penalizing someone. "

sam wrote on May 3, 2008 6:06 AM:

" Leonard, I agree that the system is broken. What I do not agree is penalizing the elderly.

I see first hand how one old couple keep working. One volunteers her time while the other still works to make money. They are upset and mad that their benefits may be changed. I agree. You cannot ask someone to pay in all their lives (well heck, they are still paying in in their 90's) and then say "oops, we goofed. You don't get what we promised because you are hard workers." "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 5:28 AM:

" President Bush encountered all of this when he tried to reform Social Security. The President put forth a plan to salvage the system. His plan was universally attacked from all sides which I suspect means that it was a pretty good plan.

Unfortunately, he did not have the political capital to push it through and so, here we are, entering another political cycle with no progress towards reform.

In the meantime, every day the situation gets worse and worse and the system moves steadily towards insolvency. "

Leonard wrote on May 3, 2008 5:22 AM:

" sam wrote

I also believe that once someone has paid into the system all their lives, they should not have the rules changed on them once they are elderly


I am jumping in late here and I may have missed something but I will say the following.

This system has been mismanaged by both parties for a generation. As a result, we have come to a time when we have to make some hard choices. The system that comes out of those choices may not be nice or fair but it will be better than total collapse. "

sam wrote on May 3, 2008 1:11 AM:

" If we have a system where we are all required to pay into it, then we all have the right to draw from the system when we hit the reuired age. "

sam wrote on May 3, 2008 1:08 AM:

" Well thank you, Lodian.
I too believe that someone who has paid into the system, should receive medicare benefits. That is and was my point.

I also believe that once someone has paid into the system all their lives, they should not have the rules changed on them once they are elderly. "

Cogito wrote on May 3, 2008 12:32 AM:

" Leonard, I meant to correct you on something earlier, GNP is not "made", as you suggest. GNP is PRODUCED! Those who produce, reap the rewards in a capitalist economy, unless your a silver spoon, like a Kennedy. Then, the production was by an ancestor. "Made" suggests getting paid, whether or not you manifested a product. GNP, is strictly about production. "

Lodian wrote on May 3, 2008 12:07 AM:

" Of course I think a 90 year old should keep their money.

There are two different conversations going on here. "

Lodian wrote on May 3, 2008 12:06 AM:

" sam: I felt that you were attacking girard74. I believe you know of his condition, so yes, I thought you were harsh and got personal. "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 9:10 PM:

" I attacked you??? WOW, that is rich. "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 9:08 PM:

" You cannot change the rules when they are 90.

Girard, you are the one claiming I making this about the disabled. My point was about the elderly who have played by the rules all their lives. Now because they are hard working and still making money in their 90's, McCain wants to change the rules. "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 9:08 PM:

" Everyone works and everyone collects... geez it isn't that difficult.
If my in laws contribute to medicare for 75 years of their lives, they have the right to collect benefits due to them when they retire NO MATTER HOW MUCH they make. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 9:05 PM:

" No, sam - goodbye. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 9:05 PM:

" Sam, if I hurt your feelings, then I AM sorry. But don't believe for one minute that you are incapable of hurting others.

Your attacks upon me were without merit; you had no reason, NONE, to treat me in the manner that you did. You were angry? So was I; and I still am.

I've learned that there are no 'friendships' on the blogs; no 'trust'; no respect.

RF had one thing right; integrity is important. He was nuts; but he was right. I'm not going to let anyone attempt to destroy it further. And I don't want to be angry anymore. "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 9:01 PM:

" Amen,
Good night. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 8:56 PM:

" Since this nonsense evolved, the 'flavor' of this forum has turned from debate to either a 'Day Care Center,' or a 'War Zone.' Either one is useless.

I've got a new crop of debating wannabes hurling the insults, names, irresponsible claims, etc. - and for what? I guess when they see 'girard74,' it must be open season. After being called a liar and accused of violating peoples' trust, things that normal-thinking bloggers here could not possibly subscribe to about me, I must be a marked man for the brainless.

This just isn't fun anymore. And that's a pity. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 8:52 PM:

" EVERYONE can work and contribute.'

Just WHO is 'EVERYONE?' "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 8:47 PM:

" You do not know people in their who sit and do not work??? You do not know lazy asses?

I do. Why should my in laws in their 90's be deprived of their medicare benifits because they DO STILL work and make money? They have paid in all their lives. Tell me, why should they be deprived??? "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 8:39 PM:

" sam wrote, 'I know lazy asses who sit in their 50's and 60's because they "cannot work". Wrong, they are lazy asses. EVERYONE can work and contribute.'

Just WHO is 'EVERYONE?'

In addition to discussing her own disability level, sam wrote, 'In today's world, you can reinvent yourself despite limitations. You can blog, you can get a job.'

Just where did I misunderstand/misconstrue/screw up? "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 8:33 PM:

" ... and will I defend the disabled??? Hell yeah. They are wonderful people, who are very much alive and productive inspite of their disabilities.

Well, most of them are. "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 8:31 PM:

" Girard jumped in accusing me of talking about the disabled. Give me a break. "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 8:31 PM:

" I said they have paid in all their life. They have a right to claim their benefits. I said what McCain would suggest would award the lazy asses who do not want to work and penalize those who work hard, even into their 90's. to contribute. I said every one who pays into medicare has the right to receive it.

"

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 8:30 PM:

" Lodian, what the heck are you talking about.

I was having a conversation with Cogito about how McCain wants to deprive 90 year olds of their medicare benefits if they make over so much a year. I believe the elderly who have contributed deserve to get their benefits. Lodian, don't you??? "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 8:03 PM:

" Finally, and I'll let this go. I've only responded here tonight because you put yourself out there. I didn't like it, but I was resigned to carry on as if you and I had never conversed before.

But you asked another to read what had transpired on this and another blog in order to understand where you stood on this entire debacle.

I did the same thing as well as re-read a number of times to make sure that I didn't royally screw up. I cannot see where I did.

However, if I hurt you, I AM sorry. It was not my intent. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 7:59 PM:

" Sam wrote, 'I am not an elitist because I can see value in a disabled person.'

I used this characterization about you because it was apparent by what you wrote that since 'you' could reinvent yourself, everyone else can as well. If not, then they're just lazy. Any reasonable person would have read what you wrote the same way.

Usually when someone calls me a name (and I care what this person thinks), I immediately ask them to describe just why they think that way about me. That's all you had to do, and I would have responded just like tonight. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 7:55 PM:

" Sam - I also don't understand how you would think I've 'given up.' I've never given that indication. To the contrary, most of my writings have been positive and upbeat - in spite of the challenges that I have faced and will continue to endure for the rest of my life.

My own children view me as an inspiration to THEM. They see what these maladies have done to me, yet I'm still here; talking with them each night; doing the very best that I can.

I have no intention of giving up, ever. "

Lodian wrote on May 2, 2008 7:54 PM:

" sam: Just because one's body cannot do what one wants it to do in any way means that person has given up. To the contrary, as you may be able to attest, people in such circumstances have fought very hard through a lot of pain in efforts to remain successful valuable contributors to society. Many are extremely valuable to society and in many ways. Many can no longer control what their body will allow them to do. Please have some compassion. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 7:47 PM:

" Ive dismissed the OTH matter as far as she is concerned; I wont discuss it any further. But I certainly could be angry about the way that you reacted to me. I have no way of knowing whats going on in other peoples lives-how in the world could I? As this pertains to me, I was personally attacked. Regardless, in the absence of a clear understanding provided to me why I should back off, I simply wont. If I was to behave in such a manner against anyone I would expect them to react in much the same way. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 7:46 PM:

" As far as sarcastic and hypocritical, cmon sam, all of us harbor these qualities to some degree. On these blogs they are more often than not exaggerated. During this particular discussion, we were on separate sides; why cant the debate heat up a little without either of us taking it so personally? "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 7:46 PM:

" About you being clairvoyant, I wrote to you, what might be "obvious" to you isn't necessarily the case. Your arrogance (again) is coming through loud and clear. Now you're clairvoyant? This was in response to your statement that, [o]bviously to you the guy who sings "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran is the most mature candidate. It's your vote. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 7:45 PM:

" I never suggested that you post anything about yourself insofar as your disabilities. I write what I do because this is how I communicate; my style. If that offends you, then theres not much I can say about that. Are you suggesting that I was belittling you or expecting you to expose yourself in any way? "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 7:45 PM:

" Sam-for the record, I never said you were arrogant. In response to your claims that, [w]rong, they are lazy asses. EVERYONE can work and contribute, and [i]n today's world, you can reinvent yourself despite limitations. You can blog, you can get a job, I asked you, [p]lease tell me you aren't that arrogant, expecting you to explain your statement further. Anyone who takes the time to put forth their opinions here displays different degrees of arrogance-it simply cannot be helped. My further instance of describing your arrogance was a reiteration of what I stated before that you never responded-to. "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 5:59 PM:

" You sound like you have given up. That is your right. Call me all the names you want, but I choose not to give up on me, and to to give up on other disabled people.
I choose not to post my treatments and my drugs. They are not what defines. I believe EVERY person, even the disabled are valuable to us as a society. No need to respond, girard. I know we do not agree. Peace Out.
"

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 5:58 PM:

" This comment still angers me. Disabled people are very productive and very employable. I am not an elitist because I can see value in a disabled person. And I am not arrogant because I choose to defend their abilities to remain contributors to our society. "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 5:58 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:53 PM:
" No sam, there are those who cannot work. To imply that "all" who are deemed disabled are employable goes beyond the pale. My congratulations to you for rising above your misfortunes. However, the disability program is designed for those who cannot work. I find your stand on this somewhat elitist. Not everyone is like you; or perhaps you believe everyone should be? Please tell me you aren't that arrogant. "

"

Lodian wrote on May 2, 2008 5:56 PM:

" Oh, Brian. "

Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 5:15 PM:

" Leonard wrote on May 2, 2008 2:31 PM:

" That's not to mentioned your source who was fired from the Reagan Administration for espionage or the women you were so hot on who turned out to be associated with a scheme to fund terrorism.

You need to actually think about these sources before you uncritically regurgitate their manuscripts

L. i HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT "

sam wrote on May 2, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Leonard, did you hear McCain today?
"My friends, I will have an energy policy that we will be talking about, which will eliminate our dependence on oil from the Middle East that will -- that will then prevent us -- that will prevent us from having ever to send our young men and women into conflict again in the Middle East, McCain said.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24432706#24432706
"

Leonard wrote on May 2, 2008 2:31 PM:

" That's not to mentioned your source who was fired from the Reagan Administration for espionage or the women you were so hot on who turned out to be associated with a scheme to fund terrorism.

You need to actually think about these sources before you uncritically regurgitate their manuscripts. "

Leonard wrote on May 2, 2008 2:29 PM:

" Brian: You know the source I am referring to.

I really don't want to rehash that issue but if you don't think there is something unsavory about that source, there is something very wrong with you. "

Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 1:33 PM:

" Actually it's the weeklystandard.com. Bill Crystal is one of the great minds in the conservative world. I joined a Prager meet up group here in Phoenix.
I suspect Leonard would consider these people in this group of the unsavory variety. Quite the contrary.

I did ponder a liberal meet up group but the first one I looked into overspent their budget printing up "Bush Lied and People Died" bumper stickers. You should see the warehouse they have them in. It's huge. "

Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 12:51 PM:

" L, I'm not surprised you would consider
townhall.com, realclearpolitics.com, or the americanthinker.com unsavory since you lean to the left on most occasions. Is the americanstandard.com unsavory too. "

Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 12:48 PM:

" Leonard wrote on May 2, 2008 8:45 AM:

" Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:29 AM:

" Yes Leonard is nuts.

Have you ever thought about dropping the personal insults and dealing with the issues at hand?

For the record, I never said that you are a "hate".

What I DID say was that you are an uncritical media consumer who will freely cut and paste without a thought to the source. The result is that you sometimes regurgitate material from some pretty unsavory sources and, in the process, make a complete fool of yourself.

L, it is your opinion the sources are unsavory. "

Lodian wrote on May 2, 2008 12:26 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:29 AM:
"Yes Leonard is nuts. He claims that because Jesus never spoke of Homosexuality verbatum he must then condone it.

You are playing with fire, sir."

Are you worried about his salvation, Brian?
"

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 8:51 AM:

" Brian suggested, 'G Obviuosly you haven't been on the receiving end of some of his smear campaigns.'

Leonard and I have had many heated and controversial "conversations" over the past few months; the majority of which were insightful and provocative.

I have, however been the recipient of a few "smear campaigns," but not from him. I've learned to simply ignore those who participate in these types of discourse although it did take some time for me to fully accept the education that was being afforded to me in this regard. "

Leonard wrote on May 2, 2008 8:50 AM:

" nylodian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:37 AM:

" Brian: what did Jesus say about married men getting lap dances and visiting prostitutes?


Chuckle... its like a little heterosexual Folsom Street Fair right here in Lodi. "

Leonard wrote on May 2, 2008 8:48 AM:

" Hmmm.... that should have read:

"For the record, I never said that you are a "hate mongerer". "

Leonard wrote on May 2, 2008 8:47 AM:

" nylodian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:35 AM:

I am suddenly leery of Jimmy Dean products right now


Jimmy Dean is an Irish company? Just steer clear of anything that tastes like pork.

:) "

Leonard wrote on May 2, 2008 8:46 AM:

" Brian: I think you would enjoy these blogs a lot more if you made an effort to actually engage some of the ideas and concepts that are being traded amongst the participants. "

Leonard wrote on May 2, 2008 8:45 AM:

" Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:29 AM:

" Yes Leonard is nuts.


Have you ever thought about dropping the personal insults and dealing with the issues at hand?

For the record, I never said that you are a "hate".

What I DID say was that you are an uncritical media consumer who will freely cut and paste without a thought to the source. The result is that you sometimes regurgitate material from some pretty unsavory sources and, in the process, make a complete fool of yourself.

"

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 8:38 AM:

" Hang on Brian. If you want to take it in that direction, be my guest; but I'm not going to play.

I've learned that the discussion of religion outside of the Religion Page on any forum starts uncontrollable and often "violent" rants. Regardless of the religious "slant" of this particular letter-to-the-editor, I've had my fill of that and refuse to engage. "

nylodian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:37 AM:

" Brian: what did Jesus say about married men getting lap dances and visiting prostitutes? "

nylodian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:35 AM:

" Brian: I fully admit I fell for it, but since Leonard actually used the term "modest proposal", the title of a well-known satirical essay about a "solution" for the poverty in Ireland, I think it is safe to say he was joking.

I am suddenly leery of Jimmy Dean products right now, LOL. "

Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:29 AM:

" Yes Leonard is nuts. He claims that because Jesus never spoke of Homosexuality verbatum he must then condone it.

You are playing with fire, sir. "

Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:26 AM:

" girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 8:11 AM:

" Brian wrote, 'You keep on dreaming he's pulling your leg.'

I'm really not concerned. Because if he "is" serious about such a proposal two things are certain: 1. he's nuts; and 2. no one either here or anywhere else would ever seriously considered such a proposal.

I'm sticking with my original thought regarding Leonard's humor; he's too bright to believe such nonsense, regardless of how he feels about the "obscenely" wealthy (and where they get their money). "

G Obviuosly you haven't been on the receiving end of some of his smear campaigns. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 8:11 AM:

" Brian wrote, 'You keep on dreaming he's pulling your leg.'

I'm really not concerned. Because if he "is" serious about such a proposal two things are certain: 1. he's nuts; and 2. no one either here or anywhere else would ever seriously considered such a proposal.

I'm sticking with my original thought regarding Leonard's humor; he's too bright to believe such nonsense, regardless of how he feels about the "obscenely" wealthy (and where they get their money). "

Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:06 AM:

" G74, It is my thick skin that has kept me away from considering Obama.

You say Leonard is humorous. I agree.

He is humorous that he would welcome his proposals in a heartbeat.

You keep on dreaming he's pulling your leg. "

Brian wrote on May 2, 2008 8:01 AM:

" Although Leonard has good intentions, I have to reitterate the mountains of liberalisms that are now policy.

I don't know how many times I have been raked over the coals for saying something construed as crazy. I'll have to put together some reasonable proposals and see what happens.

Lodian says, Oh Brian. But I've seen what she has done to a blogg by getting a pass when she rants about something insignificant or has personal converstaions with nylodian, voter, that aren't even the topic of the letter.

It seems to me the rules change here by the day. "

nylodian wrote on May 2, 2008 7:57 AM:

" Okay, I finished the thread. Leonard was pulling a Johnny Swift. My apologies. :p "

nylodian wrote on May 2, 2008 7:45 AM:

" Girard: I don't think Leonard is a paradox - I think the term "liberal" is overused, and often inaccurately. I have rarely met a person who's beliefs are unilaterally "liberal" or "conservative". I believe the majority of Americans are somewhere in the middle. "

nylodian wrote on May 2, 2008 7:42 AM:

" Leonard: I agree that the middle class is endangered, but your proposal of 100% across the board on inheritance tax would do further damage. IMHO. It is not right for people who come from the working low-middle classes to save all their lives so their kids could have some security only to hand it over to the government. I agree with Hillary to keep the current system where for now, households under $2 million are exempt. It will go up to $3.5 million in 2009 before it's up for the repeal. "

girard74 wrote on May 2, 2008 12:08 AM:

" Brian - Lodian's correct. Thicker skin is all that's required here. The other trick is to argue your side with conviction and as much knowledge that you can muster; there's nothing better than researching as you go along to find just the facts you need to throw your opponent(s) off balance.

For me the most important things in debate are to maintain my dignity and integrity. Everything else is just "talk." I do my very best not to belittle, demean or otherwise impugn anyone's character. While I expect that in return, that isn't always the case. Se la vie! "

Lodian wrote on May 1, 2008 11:10 PM:

" Oh, Brian. "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 10:25 PM:

" Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:30 PM:

" Brian, is it really more comfortable for you to just call people names than to actually think about what has been said?

Thew only name I called you was a marxist. I lost count how many times you called me a hatemonger because I disagreed with your position. Even you can't deny marxism has it's positive attributes. It just happens to be you are focusing on it's negative attributes. I've never considered being called a conservative a bad thing. We have faults too. Not as bad as marxist, though. "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 10:10 PM:

"
Leonard Wrote: Brian, if you want to spend the rest of the night calling me names to make you feel better about yourself, feel free.

It would only enable you to rehash your suspicion that I somehow am connected with the Arayan Brotherhood because you think I posted the Black Value System from an Arayan site. GOOD NIGHT LEONARD:) "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 10:01 PM:

" G, re: your 9:46 post, scary huh! "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 10:00 PM:

" G74, I do and I don't. I know he has a sense of humor and I know you say he likes to rock the boat. But sometimes....

This is what scares me about liberals.
If they can convince people that their joke is not a joke they will follow through with the joke because that's what the people wanted. There are mountains of liberalisms that started out as jokes that became reality. Liberals just love to profit off of other people's sufferings. "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:52 PM:

" Costco hides their money in Panama.
That's why their prices are so low. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:52 PM:

" Brian - you really don't feel your leg being pulled by Leonard, wherever he might be tonight? "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:50 PM:

" Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:37 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:35 PM:

Somebody has to pay for that education.
That 100% inheritance tax is where it will come from. They'll be a lot of people out there reluctant to make a lot of money

Given the opportunity to make as much money as they can with a diminished income tax load, why wouldn't people want to do what they can to get rich? "

Leonard, there will be a lot more people hiding their money in offshore banks where the money is immune from
an inheritance tax. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:46 PM:

" Whoa - Cogito - get out of my head!!! "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:44 PM:

" G'night Lennie, thanks for the fun. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:44 PM:

" Thanks for the show, Leonard. Nighty Night! "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:42 PM:

" Actually, there's not much left to say. It has been entertaining, that's for sure.

It is so absurd I'm certain that some legislator will introduce it as a serious idea. Just wait and see. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:42 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:40 PM:
You may be changing my mind. I want to open the "Kennedy gun range, swimming,drunk driving, and ski school". You know it would be a huge hit.


C, if you think you can make a living and maybe even a fortune doing that, go right ahead. Sometimes, the best business ideas come straight from the outfield.

That said, I really am off to bed. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:41 PM:

" Actually Cogito, Dick Cheney already cornered the market on the gun range. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:40 PM:

" G: The remark about the Federal Reserve was off the cuff because Cogito is so afraid of the government.

Alternatively, the tuition part could be handled by entities like Sallie Mae and the business loan part could also run by similar entities.

I've got an early day tomorrow, so that's it for me.

If you want to talk about this tomorrow, I'll be glad.

Brian, if you want to spend the rest of the night calling me names to make you feel better about yourself, feel free. "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:40 PM:

" Leonard, anyone wanting to start a small business will get the money? So you propose zero oversight with this money? You may be changing my mind. I want to open the "Kennedy gun range, swimming,drunk driving, and ski school". You know it would be a huge hit. "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:38 PM:

" Leonard, you still haven't explained to us how being born is doing nothing. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:37 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:35 PM:

Somebody has to pay for that education.
That 100% inheritance tax is where it will come from. They'll be a lot of people out there reluctant to make a lot of money


Given the opportunity to make as much money as they can with a diminished income tax load, why wouldn't people want to do what they can to get rich? "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:37 PM:

" I'm still playing along, Leonard, because this is quite fun. It was your "100% tax" and your suggestion that the "Federal Reserve" somehow become involved in this little plan that tipped your hand.

Just how much longer are you going to keep this going? I know the answer - as long as it keeps going, huh? "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:35 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:30 PM:
" What you propose is very similar to what the Bolsheviks did in Russia. Take things away from their owners, and give it to whomever you deem worthy. Very unAmerican.


Man Cogito, you truly are incapable of thinking outside of the box.

The only property that would be redistributed would be that of dead people and, as they say, you can't take it with you anyhow, so they would not be feeling the loss.

In any case, their offspring would have exactly the same chance to make a fortune for themselves as everybody else. "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:35 PM:

" Leonard wrote: No, while people are alive, they could do whatever they wanted with their money (provided that certain measure were taken to prevent people from evading the system). As for college tuition, there wouldn't be any since all education would be free.

Somebody has to pay for that education.
That 100% inheritance tax is where it will come from. They'll be a lot of people out there reluctant to make a lot of money. Say goodbye to capitalism.
The government will eventually have to provide all the services because no one will want to compete. Sounds like Marxism to me. "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:34 PM:

" Doing nothing as a reward Leonard? How about taking money away from people to give to some welfare queen who's only job in life is to stay knocked up? "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:34 PM:

" Actually we have, Leonard.

I (and maybe others) do not believe it to be a "reward" for anyone to receive money or other things of value through an inheritence. Luck, perhaps, but not a reward. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:33 PM:

" But Leonard, you have got one heck of a sense of humor. I've wondered about that part of you; but you're more like Bob Newhart with the way you pulled this one off. My hat's off to you! "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:32 PM:

" Brian, if we tax the oil companies more, they'll pass it on to the consumers. The Government will get their windfall, and we'll get the shaft. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:32 PM:

" girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:28 PM:
" If by chance you're not kidding, here's what would happen if your proposal were to come to fruition.


G, I have absolutely no expectation that my plan will ever be implemented.

I am not talking about what will happen, I am talking about what would be fair.

So far, none of you have provided any explanation of how it is fair for people to be rewarded for doing nothing. "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:30 PM:

" What you propose is very similar to what the Bolsheviks did in Russia. Take things away from their owners, and give it to whomever you deem worthy. Very unAmerican. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:30 PM:

" Brian, is it really more comfortable for you to just call people names than to actually think about what has been said? "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:30 PM:

" And just how would they exact justice against these "evaders of the system" once they're dead? "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:29 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:26 PM:
" Who will handle the money if not a "governing" body. What small businesses will get the money.


Any individual wanting to start a small business would qualify for a loan. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:28 PM:

" If by chance you're not kidding, here's what would happen if your proposal were to come to fruition.

While on his/her deathbeds, multiple toilets will be heard flushing for hours on end as the shredded cash is being swallowed up by the sewer systems around the country.

Anyone forced to endure what you suggest would rather their money be destroyed than subjected to such a ludicrous program. "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:28 PM:

" Leonard's proposal sounds awfully similar to Hillary's plan to tax the oil companies more for making bigger profits.

This is the standard liberal philosophy
that people that make a lot of money are bad.

Leonard, looks like your kids won't be inheriting any money from you if you were to strike it rich on some investment if you're proposal somehow becomes reality. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:28 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:24 PM:
" Would you disallow parents helping their children to purchase their first home? What about paying their college tuition?


No, while people are alive, they could do whatever they wanted with their money (provided that certain measure were taken to prevent people from evading the system). As for college tuition, there wouldn't be any since all education would be free. "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:26 PM:

" Who will handle the money if not a "governing" body. What small businesses will get the money. You couldn't give a leg up to minority business. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:25 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:19 PM:
" Leonard, 100% inheritance tax? It's official, you're a Marxist.


Yeah C, lots of Marxist try to promote small businesses and entrepreneurship while lowering income tax.

Does using labels make you more comfortable with not thinking? "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:24 PM:

" Would you disallow parents helping their children to purchase their first home? What about paying their college tuition? Because that gives them an advantage over the others whose parents can't afford to. Would you allow their parents to pay for dining out after the age of 18? Aren't these things being denied similar to you're type of fairness system? "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:23 PM:

" girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:22 PM:
" Wow, I'm sorry. You stated "no interest." Okay, so who gets the no interest payments?


The payments would go back into the system. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:23 PM:

" Okay Leonard - now I get it. Ha ha ha!! You got us good!!! That Federal Reserve remark was the other shoe being dropped.

You're laughing real loud about now, huh? "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:23 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:20 PM:

I wonder if Leonard will punish all those with too much money.


Perhaps you missed the part where I said the money would be used to reduce the Federal Income tax.

Or, perhaps you are just so poorly educated that you couldn't understand what you read.

My plan would deal with that problem. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:22 PM:

" Wow, I'm sorry. You stated "no interest." Okay, so who gets the no interest payments? "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:21 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:16 PM:

I would rather see bratty trust fund kids get their families fortune than the government.


Wrap your mind around this, C.

The money would be going to education and small business, not the government.

If the government was really a road block, the whole thing could be handled by some non government entity like the Federal Reserve. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:21 PM:

" Leonard wrote as part of his modest proposal, '3) Part of the revenue is used to provide no interest small business loans to anyone who wants to start a business.'

And just "who" would receive the payments (with the small amount of interest) from those who received these business loans? "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:20 PM:

" I wonder if Leonard will punish all those with too much money.

It was capitalism that they were able to get this wealth. Now they will be punished by an anti-capitalistic system
for being capitalists.

Leonard, are you aware how foolish and selfish your proposal is?
"

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:19 PM:

" Leonard, 100% inheritance tax? It's official, you're a Marxist. "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:16 PM:

" I would rather see bratty trust fund kids get their families fortune than the government. And, those are the choices. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:15 PM:

" Leonard asked, 'I am curious, however, to know how y'all morally justify giving money to people who have never done a lick of work in their lives.'

I've got a BIG problem with MY money being given to lazy, entitlement-driven people through all of these tax-funded giveaways.

I have no problem with anyone receiving any amount of money from relatives or anyone else who desires to give it to them. "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 9:14 PM:

" Are you kidding Leonard? In Europe, the majority of the wealthy are heirs. Very few, compared to the U.S., ever get the opportunity to rise to the top. In fact, the blue blood Europeans look down their noses at the nouveau riche. The worst thing they can say about you is "they had to buy their own silver". In our country, we admire those who can buy their own silver. Unless we have jealousy and failure issues. We live where the government is supposed to serve at the behest of it's citizenry, bot not be a nanny state. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:13 PM:

" If you're not kidding then you do harbor incredible resentment against those who have trust funds.

By the taking of our money through earnings taxes, the government does little to "earn" it; submitting money that has already gone through what may already be multiple tax cycles by tacking on an "obscene" death tax is tantamount to Uncle Sam literally stealing it. "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:13 PM:

" Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:02 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 8:59 PM:

It is just the roll of the dice that some are born into money and some are born into poverty.

Are you arguing that people should be rewarded for doing nothing?



I never thought of being born as doing nothing.

It's God's choice where a soul ends up.

I get the feeling you have contempt for the souls that are born into wealth.

Take it up with God. It's his fault according to you. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:12 PM:

" I am curious, however, to know how y'all morally justify giving money to people who have never done a lick of work in their lives. "

nextel wrote on May 1, 2008 9:12 PM:

" You make some great points Leonard. The greed in Corporate America today is criminal to me. The working man is getting screwed with-out a kiss with stagnant wages that don't keep up with the cost of living or health care cost, While everybody from middle Management and up are making crazy compensation. The assault on labor started with Mr barrow and spend Reagan and has been creating the obese top heavy Corporate world we see today. This Country was at it's best when it honored labor that fueled our industrial might through the 2nd war and into the 70's. "

leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:11 PM:

" Y'all can call me a Marxist or what ever other name makes you feel better about yourself without dealing with the question I posed but this is what I honestly think would be fair. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:11 PM:

" Now Leonard, I know your tongue must be planted firmly within in your cheek with that "modest" proposal. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:08 PM:

" This is my modest proposal as far as the inheritance issue goes.

1) All inheritance is taxed at 100%

2) Part of the revenue is used to provide free education or technical training for anyone who wants it.

3) Part of the revenue is used to provide no interest small business loans to anyone who wants to start a business.

4) Any remaining revenue is used to reduce the federal income tax.

Such a system would restore the moral justification for capitalism by giving every individual an equal opportunity to succeed or fail. "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 9:07 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Leonard, are you suggesting that after a lifetime of hard work and success, The government should get everything, or at least a large percentage, of what you've worked for? That's not liberal, that's Marxist! "

Cogito, the harsh word "Marxism" has been replaced by "Redistribution of Wealth". It's the same but liberals think we aren't wise to this slight of hand they use. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:05 PM:

" Leonard wrote, 'I am just saying that the practice of rewarding people who have done nothing other than being born undermines the moral justification for capitalism.'

I'm going to jump in here, if that's okay with you Cog.

By "reward" do you suggest that by permitting people to keep what is inherently theirs should be considered a "reward?"

The idea of penalizing those who have done so well so as to pass down whatever amount they please to their heirs is, in and of itself, immoral. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:02 PM:

" Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 8:59 PM:

It is just the roll of the dice that some are born into money and some are born into poverty.


Are you arguing that people should be rewarded for doing nothing?

"

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:02 PM:

" Yet I agree wholeheartedly with Cognito that from whatever source ones money is obtained (hard work, luck, inheritance or wherever), the government should not claim dibs on any of it simply because it is may be a lot. (A lot, of course being subjective no matter how anyone looks at it. What may seem like obscenely rich to you may not receive the same classification from others.) "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 9:02 PM:

" Leonard asked, 'G: I am curious. Do you consider me to be a "far left liberal"?'

Actually, I'm not really sure where you stand on the scale from right to left. In that light you're something of a paradox. That is one reason why we often DO agree on many issues. Perhaps you think I'm on the "radical" right? I certainly don't believe what I've revealed about myself here on these blogs defines me as such; but how have you evaluated "my" position, since you asked for my opinion? "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:01 PM:

" Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 8:48 PM:
" Leonard, are you suggesting that after a lifetime of hard work and success, The government should get everything, or at least a large percentage, of what you've worked for? That's not liberal, that's Marxist! "


I'm not suggesting anything. I am just saying that the practice of rewarding people who have done nothing other than being born undermines the moral justification for capitalism. "

Brian wrote on May 1, 2008 8:59 PM:

" Leonard wrote:
Vast inheritances undermine that justification by offering the highest rewards to those who have done nothing to earn them, other than being born.

Well Leonard, One does not have a choice what they are born into.

It is just the roll of the dice that some are born into money and some are born into poverty.

One could construe from your statement that the innocent souls born into wealth should be punished for this when you know damn well only God knows where they end up.

That said, Should we punish God too? "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Leonard, are you suggesting that after a lifetime of hard work and success, The government should get everything, or at least a large percentage, of what you've worked for? That's not liberal, that's Marxist! "

Cogito wrote on May 1, 2008 8:28 PM:

" Leonard, since you're referring to the obscenely wealthy who have inherited their wealth, you must mean the Kennedys. This is a family, led politically by uncle Teddy, that have all their wealth tied up in trusts to avoid taxes. When Joe Kennedy died, the family paid 0.4% inheritance taxes. Yet he's pro tax, Liberals love to raise taxes on other peoples money. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 6:02 PM:

" G: I am curious. Do you consider me to be a "far left liberal"?

I am puzzled by this label since my views on the 2nd Amendment, the Death Penalty and our ongoing commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan do not exactly endear me to the members of that group. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 5:59 PM:

" The moral justification for capitalism is that it rewards hard work. No matter how lowly ones origins, anyone can succeed if they work hard enough and get the right breaks.

Vast inheritances undermine that justification by offering the highest rewards to those who have done nothing to earn them, other than being born.

"

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 5:57 PM:

" girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 3:04 PM:

Added emphasis on "obscenely," huh Leonard? Why is it that those who are successful and desire to remain that way by earning as much as they possibly can are deemed to be "obscene" or even worse in the eyes of liberals on the far-left of that group


When I refer to the "obscenely wealthy" I am generally referring to people who inherited their fortunes. Admittedly, there were a few entrepreneurs who benefited from the Bush tax giveaways but by and large, those in the top 1% did little or nothing to earn theirmoney. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 3:04 PM:

" Leonard wrote, 'Yes, the obscenely wealthy..'

Added emphasis on "obscenely," huh Leonard? Why is it that those who are successful and desire to remain that way by earning as much as they possibly can are deemed to be "obscene" or even worse in the eyes of liberals on the far-left of that group? Just what is it about capitalism that is so distasteful?

Even if these people give "obscene" amounts to charity, they're still harshly criticized because they enjoy certain tax benefits from their generosity; thereby negating what could very well be their true intent - a desire to help. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 10:18 AM:

" It has been interesting to watch the way the devaluation of the dollar has driven oil prices. Before the dollar sank, I would not have anticipated that this would be a consequence of its devaluation. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 9:30 AM:

" If the top 1% of Americans made 100% of the GNP, they would pay 100% of the taxes.

That is until the GOP started collecting first born children in lieu of tax dollars. Where there's a will there is always a way to screw the poor. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 8:37 AM:

" Cogito wrote

" the top 1% of taxpayers pay more, and the bottom 50% of taxpayers pay less under Bush than they did under Clinton.



Yes, the obscenely wealthy paid a higher percentage of total taxes in spite of the Bush tax give away because their share of the GNP expanded at an accelerated rate under Bush.

Similarly, middle classes paid a lower percentage because their share of the total GNP shrank. This trend will continue to accelerate as the gulf between rich and poor grows ever wider.

Soon, the middle class will be an endangered species. "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 7:49 AM:

" It also appears that in my example of my banking account that the first example of $.01 shows it to be a positive number. The dash preceding it should have it read -$.01 (a negative number). I just hope when I post this the same problem doesn't occur.

It should be -$.01 (there, that should insure its proper placement). "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 7:47 AM:

" I accidentally omitted the word "off" in my previous post that should have read, "... We try as we might to stave it [off] to the point..."

I certainly hope that this error caused as little angst as possible. My most humble of all apologies. :-) "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 7:43 AM:

" Getting back to my obsession with "recession," here's another take.

My bank has a definition of "overdrawn" as it pertains to my checking account. If my balance reaches -$.01 the account is determined to be overdrawn.

Now, what if I log onto my banking center only to discover that they charged me the typical $35.00 for being overdrawn only to discover that I really had +$.01 in the bank?

So, I call them about it and they say, "G74, you were close enough to being "overdrawn," that we determined that you "were" overdrawn, therefore we charged you the fee.

Does that make any sense? "

girard74 wrote on May 1, 2008 7:39 AM:

" Leonard wrote, 'I would have gladly paid higher taxes to insure that you stayed alive and and were able to continue to contribute to society in ways like posting on these blogs.'

And Leonard, I appreciate your sentiment as well as your generosity.

Keep in mind, however that ALL of us are going to die - not a question of "if," but "when." We try as we might to stave it to the point of dismissing its possibility altogether.

None of us know the hour of our departure; all the taxpayer-paid healthcare in the world cant prevent it. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 4:53 AM:

" I had a very good friend who died almost three years ago now because he did not have health insurance. The world is a much poorer place without him. I would gladly pay more taxes if it meant not losing the Ben's of this world to conditions that could easily be resolved with a good diagnosis and a simple prescription. "

Leonard wrote on May 1, 2008 4:52 AM:

" G: It all very fine and well that you were prepared to provide for your self and I am glad to hear that the vet thing worked out. That said, if it hadn't, I would have gladly paid higher taxes to insure that you stayed alive and and were able to continue to contribute to society in ways like posting on these blogs.

"

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:19 PM:

" So don't we (who can) owe it to ourselves and our children to look beyond the "toys," trips, fancy cars and all these "valueless" things and take care of ourselves?

Where did this entitlement mentality come from? We've been spoiled and coddled to the point where many of us truly expect that our kids "should" take care of us; and if not them, then the government.

Now just how arrogant is that, really? As I asked earlier, if healthcare now, what logically is to follow? When do we lose complete accountability for our selves? Isn't anyone else embarrassed/ashamed as much as I-am? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:14 PM:

" Yet before I learned of my veteran's benefits on that Thanksgiving Day in 2005, I had resigned myself to the fact that I was indeed on my own. I did not expect anyone or anything else to bail me out because of my inability to prepare for what eventually happened to me.

This is where we as a nation have gone astray. Everyone lives for "today," with little regard for any future events that could literally kill us.

And many who suddenly find themselves in a like situation somehow turn to the government to blame AND to seek a solution. (okay-one more) "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:11 PM:

" Well, I'm still waiting on the final decision on my service-related disability, but all indications are that it's a go, so I have a little retroactive benefit coming my way here soon - that makes me a little more comfortable.

Then in 2006 I (along with my doctors) discover my Stage IV cancer.

So, what's my point?

By living my life in the manner that I have, I have been provided with health insurance as well as a rather nice SS Disability benefit. If I hadn't done what I've done, I would be dead right now, not boring you with these words. (final-cont...) "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:08 PM:

" It was simply by chance that I happened upon a distant relative during a Thanksgiving dinner in 2005 when the conversation turned to health care; not too unlike our conversation here.

I learned that as a vet, regardless of how I am injured or sick if I fall within a certain economic area, I am entitled to coverage. I thought - great!

So as I'm going through the process of getting signed up as they're reviewing my medical records from 1980, it's revealed that my back injury was due to an injury sustained way back then. Voila! Even better! (continued further) "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:05 PM:

" voter wrote, 'Girard, you can not get routine healthcare at an emergency room--why do conservatives keep bringing this up?'

I didn't mean to suggest that anyone could. By use of the word 'emergency' I thought that would suffice. I was wrong.

However, emergency care is available to all who need it.

Standard health care then should be a right? Who should pay for it? You? Me?

Prior to my realizing that I was eligible for veteran's health benefits and after losing my employee-provided care, I was on my own. And I did it on my own for a number of months. (continued...) "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:56 PM:

" So it's good to hear that Canadians buy insurance when traveling here. It's good to see that our neighbors to the north take a little more personal responsibility when coming here than our neighbors to the south. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:52 PM:

" Voter, next time you're abroad I want you to check out the superior results of another socialized system in those same countries, then compare it to ours. It's called socialized dentistry. "

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:36 PM:

" Again, please tell me why conservatives always hold up the Canadian healthcare system as their opposition to universal healthcare??? There are so many other models out there functioning very well with high public satisfaction. Even with it's faults, the average Canadian would not want to switch to the US system--next time you are there, ask them. I have. As for Canadians buying health care in Sears, I saw it. However, on checking just now, I see that it is travel healthcare insurance for Canadians coming to US on vacation and it's popular! "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:29 PM:

" Voter, I read of a Canadian woman who needed knee surgery so bad she could barely walk, and had to use crutches. It took almost 2 years for her to receive the surgery. When it was over she had to go to rehab for her addiction to the painkillers she had to take during her long wait. Yeah, great system. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:22 PM:

" Leonard, you say foreclosures are the worst since the depression. Well, that's what happens when you loosen the rules up to allow lowlifes who can't afford to buy houses, to buy a house. 20% down, 30 years at a fixed rate. That group is rarely foreclosed upon. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:17 PM:

" If our health system goes social, can you imagine the extra pressure that will be put on the Canadian system as a result? Where will their citizens seeking superior health care go then? The waiting period will get even longer. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:14 PM:

" Leonard, the top 1% of taxpayers pay more, and the bottom 50% of taxpayers pay less under Bush than they did under Clinton. Google "who pays the taxes" for yourself and stand corrected. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:09 PM:

" Voter, I did some research on private health insurance in Canada and only found it to apply to foreigners and students from abroad living in Canada. Could you please provide me with some links where I can find Canadians buying health insurance in Canada for American doctors practicing in the U.S. exclusively. Because in Canada, unlike the U.S., doctors will not treat foreigners who do not have health insurance. Neither will Mexico for that matter. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:03 PM:

" G seems to be obsessed with the word recession.

As a consequence, he appears to be unable to see the forest for the trees. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:01 PM:

" On the other hand, people fear that the economy is headed for serious trouble because of the combination of a significant credit crunch, a severely deflated dollar and skyrocketing fuel and food prices. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:59 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:17 PM:

To hear it be told, this recession was nearly a depression!! It was far worse than anything that's happened since 1929, to hear the moaners and groaner


You are conflating two separate but related issues.

The foreclosure rate is, in fact, the worst since 1929. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:57 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:24 PM:

Health care is not a "right" either in ethical or moral terms. A doctor is charged to "do no harm."


Actually, if you read the full oath, it goes a lot further than that.

I, myself, was surprised. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:55 PM:

" Darn you G!

We have our discussions and our arguments, you get in your points, I get in my points and about half the time I think I do pretty well.

Then you have to go and tell me that your doing all of your work while you've got a head full of opiates.

You sure do know how to take away a guys sense of accomplishment.

:)
"

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:39 PM:

" The country's which provide even just the most basic universal healthcare services find this saves money--that's right--it's cheaper to provide preventative and routine care than deal with a constant flow of emergencies. Not only is this economically preferable, it is the moral thing to do. "

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:36 PM:

" The number one reason for bankruptcy in this country is family healthcare crisis--and most often these people had insurance and were denied or had gigantic co-pays. "

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:34 PM:

" Girard, you can not get routine healthcare at an emergency room--why do conservatives keep bringing this up? People with chronic conditions need regular care to avoid a medical crisis which lands them in the emergency room costing thousands of dollars. Often they can't pay this--the hospital takes a hit--cost of healthcare goes up for all. Many with a decent income cannot get insurance at any price due to preexisting conditions and are financially ruined the next time they have an emergency. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:26 PM:

" Leonard wrote, 'Ahhh... yes! The strawmen!'

Ahhh... yes! The over-used clever retort offered by lefties with no valid argument. Original!! "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:25 PM:

" Health care is not a "right" either in ethical or moral terms. A doctor is charged to "do no harm."

Anyone who arrives at an emergency room needing care is never turned away; if they are then laws are being broken. Go after the law-breakers.

For you, me and the rest of the citizenry to be saddled with socialized health care would not only bankrupt the country, but would unfairly penalize the folks who DO take their personal lives seriously and PROVIDE for themselves and their families.

Again, what happened to responsibility, self-determination and one's own pursuit of happiness? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:20 PM:

" 4% of mortgages are behind; that leaves 96% being paid on time. The glass is either half full or half empty, depending upon how miserable anyone wishes to be. I choose the positive outlook.

Regardless, many of these mortgages are failing because of unscrupulous lenders loaning money to people who had no means to repay or were too ignorant or lazy to read the contract to realize that their interest rates would jump 10 points in as little as two years into the loan.

And this is the administration's fault to hear the loonies on the left. What happened to common sense? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:17 PM:

" Spoken like a true liberal, Leonard.

All the chatter and enthusiasm about a "recession" that is certain to derail any Republican chance in November now being called into question. So now it's any type of economic downturn that causes the angst and horror among Americans.

To hear it be told, this recession was nearly a depression!! It was far worse than anything that's happened since 1929, to hear the moaners and groaners.

Now, if integrity is to play out, the left will need six more months for a recession to be deemed a reality. Oh, what will they ever do?!?. Who's disingenuous now? "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:15 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:04 PM:

And just why do WE believe it is a "right" that we be afforded health care? "


Something about the Hippocratic Oath, I suppose. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:09 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 3:38 PM:

But what about those who are losing their homes yet have an Escalade or two in the driveway; multiple cell phones; satellite TV in each bedroom; the finest brands of clothing; get most of their meals from BK or McD; etc?


Ahhh... yes! The strawmen!

A favorite subject of conversation amongst the GOP apologist. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:06 PM:

" girard74 wrote

It is generally accepted that a "recession" exists after two consecutive quarters of economic loss.


What you fail to grasp is the fact that while the economy may be staggering forward and the recipients of Bush's tax cuts may be getting ever richer, times are hard and getting harder for many if not most Americans.

We do not have to meet the technical definition of "recession" for the gulf between the rich and the poor to get even wider, especially at a time when Americans are losing there homes at the highest rate since the last Depression.
"

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 5:57 PM:

" NY, photovoltaic cells capture sunlight and turn it into electricity--so yes, it's solar. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:55 PM:

" Voter - and then there are those who believe the health-care system in the United States is dreadful. Often these are the ones demanding coverage for all managed by the government.

The answer truly lies somewhere in the middle. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:54 PM:

" I'd like to add about Nuclear Energy that many people today don't realize the technology, operations, procedures and equipment have improved greatly since 3 Mile Island. "

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:51 PM:

" I find it interesting that those opposed to universal healthcare always point out how awful they believe the Canadian system to be. Canadians can buy a US health insurance policy inside any Canadian Sears store. I've seen it. Is Sears breaking the law? But, internationally, there are MANY models of universal coverage--some are really great. Some require consumers contribute (like Japan). Some provide a basic level of service for all--not fancy, you might wait for a non-emergency procedure, but also have private insurance for those who want better. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:43 PM:

" Cogito and voter: Is photovoltaic technology the same as solar? "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:43 PM:

" The Canadian healthcare system is mediocre at best. 70,000 Canadians had surgery, paid for out of their own pockets, last year in the U.S. It is illegal for Canadian citizens to buy U.S. health insurance. Their law, not ours. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:43 PM:

" Cogito, I'd still like to see the sticker; I'm sure that'll be a shock. But for me it doesn't matter. I've got my '03 Kia Rio and except for a sticky clutch it still runs fine.

It doesn't help me pick up the babes, but it's all mine. ;) "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Cogito - I'm way at the bottom of the economic ladder and I find a way to pay for what is needed.

We also don't run to the doctor with each sniffle or sneeze. The Internet provides a lot of information for minor (emphasis on minor) self-diagnosis and treatment. And our daughter is well-taken care of on our own dime. Sure, we do without some things, but that's how we make it work. Not everyone can do it, I know.

I'm lucky because I'm a disabled veteran. Yet that's earned; not handed out. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:40 PM:

" Girard, the cars I saw were concept cars that were fully functional. I saw them on a documentary on a HD channel. All the top European automakers are on this thing, it will work. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:37 PM:

" I'd like to chime in on healthcare. 10 million americans without healthcare make over 80,000 a year, another 10 million make over 50,000. Those in the first group can afford it, in the second, can supplement it. There are many millions more who could get it free, but are too lazy or dumb to sign up. That leaves 20 million we can help. We don't need to dismantle private healthcare for less than 10% of the population. We do need to help them though. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:36 PM:

" Cogito wrote, 'They perform well, look beautiful, and have tons of extra room inside because the motors are under the floorboards. I'd put my money on that.'

How much do they cost now (if they can even be bought)? And what is their projected cost after all the R&D? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:34 PM:

" Nuclear is great. But some still remember Three Mile Island and Rancho Seco. One melted down and the other was a white elephant costing millions.

Certainly the technology has improved since the 80s. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:32 PM:

" Cogito: I agree with you. I hope our nuclear plants will follow suit SOON with Japan and France and recycle the spent fuel. It's the best for mass generation we have for now, until something better comes along. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:31 PM:

" Nylodian - I know about medications. But get this, I only have catastrophic health care for my daughter because I am on disability and cannot afford basic care; so between her mother and I we pay for visits to the Urgent Care Clinic and pay for our prescriptions.

A pharmacy opened in Lodi on Cherokee Lane that truly does provide medications for less. What would have cost me $20 for antibiotics at Walgreens or even Wal-Mart cost me $6.50 at this pharmacy.

I'm just saying we've got to learn to make things happen for ourselves, that's all. "

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:29 PM:

" I've read about that, Cogito, and it looks really promising to me. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:29 PM:

" I suppose my point is after this election cycle listening to these candidates promising virtually everything to everyone, knowing full well that 90% of what they promise is a pack of lies, I get perturbed.

And then when a glimmer of good news comes to light - that perhaps we really aren't in a recession (and that IS good news), water is dumped on it out of political expediency for one party or the other.

The most frustrating part is that people really BELIEVE what McCain, Clinton and Obama are promising. And they'll quickly forget after November. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:28 PM:

" Girard: I agree that there has to be personal responsibility, but it is hard to see people who ARE working one or two jobs but can't afford the dentist or get antibiotics when they get really sick. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:26 PM:

" Nylodian, I believe the answer to the future fuel question will be electricity. Although many of todays methods to produce it are somewhat dirty, and extractive, it's still the cleanest we have. We need to bring back nuclear, for the short term anyway. What I would like to see is photovoltaic technology put into use. Your car could recharge itself by just sitting outside. The Europeans are doing some really cool things with electric cars. They perform well, look beautiful, and have tons of extra room inside because the motors are under the floorboards. I'd put my money on that. "

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:25 PM:

" Girard wrote, "There IS a limit and to provide health care for an entire nation is absolutely impossible to afford/manage".

Two thoughts: This sounds as if you feel that a certain planned amount of needless death and human suffering is somehow acceptable. And, as a nation we are spending more per person for care than even the countries with the best healthcare systems in the world. There are plenty of healthcare dollars if managed better. In Japan, the insurance cost is split 3 ways--50% govt., 25% employer, 25% consumer. Everybody's covered at a lower rate. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:25 PM:

" Nylodian - Sure, those that truly need the help should get it. We're the most giving nation on the planet - why not keep some of that charity at home instead of shipping it to the four corners?

Imagine living in the 19th century when living conditions were of such a nature there is no way any of us would survive. I admit that's not fair given that we don't live in those times.

Yet, these were folks with a lot of guts and determination hell-bent on taking care of themselves and their families. We've somehow lost something along the way. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:22 PM:

" Girard: I now live in an area vastly different from Lodi. If you sell a house in Lodi for only $300 grand you can buy a HUGE "ritzy" house by the country club (think Forest Lake, not Woodbridge) here. Outside of the school district and utility plants, there are few good jobs here. Most county and city jobs are part time. There are working people living in houses that would be condemned in Lodi. A lot of people truly cannot afford healthcare. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:19 PM:

" Voter - yes, how would Jesus feel? When He walked the earth, there were no benefits provided AT ALL. Yet he espoused giving unto Caesar what's his and unto God what's His.

You're right though, we live in a wonderful society that does provide for the safety and welfare as well as the future of our nation (police, fire departments, education). But certainly that must end somewhere, don't you think?

You might think it silly, but what's next - auto insurance; clothing allowances; meal tickets?

There IS a limit and to provide health care for an entire nation is absolutely impossible to afford/manage. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:15 PM:

" nylodian - you're hitting the nail pretty close to the head. In order to find alternative solutions to the fact that oil will not be around forever, some other "things" will need to take a hit. I think there are some (with major influence for some reason) who actually believe we should be living in Utopia - no pollution; no poverty; no pain; and everyone is happy and successful.

That level of expectation is obviously impossible to obtain. Yet anything short of that is discarded as being irresponsible toward the planet. It's beginning to be a no-win situation. "

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:14 PM:

" Why believe that anything should be provided if that is your argument? Let's charge for police and fire calls. Why should we have a free public library--can't hard working people buy their own books? And what's with public education--if people care about their kids, they'll pay to educate them. We provide these things because they are the bare minimum of human decency and necessary for the health, safety, and long term stability of society. People without regular access to healthcare suffer and/or die needlessly every day. How would Jesus feel about that? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:11 PM:

" All I am trying to say is that there is plenty of responsibility to go around. Yet to hear it not only here on these blogs, but almost every time I turn on the television, people are hurting and it's the GOVERNMENT'S fault. What ever happened to personal accountability/responsibility? How do I convince my own children that they need to learn to be responsible for themselves because they truly aren't entitled to anyone else bailing them out? We've become a nation of pansies and whiners - and yes, I'm whining about that because I'm tired of it. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:09 PM:

" cogito: Some farmers are getting screwed in the ethinol deals. We have a ethinol plant here that has yet to open, and many local struggling farmers (a lot of dairies have gone under here) supported it, thinking their corn would be bought and used. But nooo, the company made sweet deals with big farmers in the mid-west to buy their corn. So how is this helping our local economy? It's a shame. Now environmentalists say farming for ethinol will lead to more co2. Oil isn't the answer, ethinol isn't, what is? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:07 PM:

" voter wrote, 'Lots of very hard working responsible people are losing everything.'

No doubt. Yet how is this any different from any other generation? There are always "winners" and "losers" in the economy game; and it IS a game.

I wonder how many of these folks who were suckered in with bad mortgages might also have been duped to play the stock market over the Internet? The market is nothing more or less than legalized gambling - how many are losing their shirts now who would not have even thought about dabbling with money they could not afford to risk before? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:04 PM:

" Voter - I obviously didn't make myself clear.

My words were to convey just how bad off are the majority of Americans? If they (we) can afford these luxuries that we've come to expect, and yet are clamoring for health care benefits to be provided by the government (or anyone else), just how disingenuous is that?

Because the rest of the world has health care (like you, I'd have to study that further); yet how long do they have to wait for that health care?

And just why do WE believe it is a "right" that we be afforded health care? "

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Regarding the foreclosures: while I would agree with you that some consumers were no doubt irresponsible, this sounds like blaming the victims to me. Lots of very hard working responsible people are losing everything. "

voter wrote on Apr 30, 2008 3:58 PM:

" I am somewhat intrigued by your challenge, Girard, although don't have time now for lengthy research and discussion.

You asked,
"And how many of them claim not able to afford their own health care?

Let's look at those stats for a change. Then compare them to the rest of the world. . ."

When Bush took office there were 38 million uninsured Americans--down 4.5 million over the two previous years. Now we have 47 million uninsured Americans. Comparing this to the rest of the first world is easy. Everyone in the rest of the first world is covered. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 3:38 PM:

" Let's talk "disingenuous" shall we?

Sure, there are those hurting. Fuel prices are high and some folks are losing their homes. Under ANY economic conditions these things happen.

But what about those who are losing their homes yet have an Escalade or two in the driveway; multiple cell phones; satellite TV in each bedroom; the finest brands of clothing; get most of their meals from BK or McD; etc?

And how many of them claim not able to afford their own health care?

Let's look at those stats for a change. Then compare them to the rest of the world. Disingenous? You bet! "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 3:06 PM:

" Talk about disingenuous, Chuck Schumer is so unhappy with today's news he's insisting that even though the numbers don't qualify this as a recession, it still must be one. Yeah, who's unhappy now?

Hey, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that everything is "peachy keen." But for the past couple of months it's been "RECESSION, RECESSION, RECESSION, RECESSION!!!" Now when the numbers reflect that it is NOT a recession by definition, those who can only benefit from it BEING a recession are running for cover; finding other reasons to scare people and force those numbers down for the next quarter. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 2:59 PM:

" Leonard stated, 'I do have to say, however, that I find it amusing to watch our friends on the Right lower the bar for economic success ever lower.'

It is generally accepted that a "recession" exists after two consecutive quarters of economic loss.

This is what has been drilled into our heads by both sides of the aisle as well as from many economists.

Since this has not occurred, how then can this be determined to be a recession?

The "bar" hasn't been moved at all. The economy simply hasn't reached the threshold determining it to be in recession. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 2:53 PM:

" Leonard wrote, 'Your attempts to put words in the mouthes of those you disagree with is, to say the best, disingenuous.'

I sure would like it if you could provide me an example of how I attempt to put words into others' mouths. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:58 PM:

" I do have to say, however, that I find it amusing to watch our friends on the Right lower the bar for economic success ever lower.


"

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:56 PM:

" G: Your attempts to put words in the mouthes of those you disagree with is, to say the best, disingenuous. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:40 PM:

" No doubt the economic news released today is horrifying to our friends on the left. But they'll wriggle around it for sure; I'm never surprised at the artful way politicians can make some believe that up is down, in is out and when the economy is not in the tank, it somehow must be. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:34 PM:

" None of which is an argument for a gas tax holiday. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:32 PM:

" Leonard, which opens the door for other, more efficient, less expensive commodities to take it's place. Capitalism rules my friend. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:27 PM:

" Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Leonard, it will never get more expensive than the market will bear.


True, but as a commodity become scarcer, the price will increasingly determine the market.


"

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:26 PM:

" Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:23 PM:

" P.S. Leonard, I'm pretty sure that what happens in 2100 will be irrelevant to me.


Given the fact that you support a President who has run up the biggest deficit in history, I do not find that surprising. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:24 PM:

" P.S. Leonard, I'm pretty sure that what happens in 2100 will be irrelevant to me. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Girard, that's why those on the left retire poorer, they buy into the doom and gloomers lie of bad economic times and never participate in the investments necessary to build a nest egg. I just bought a vacation home in the mountains in this terrible real estate market. Watch it grow in value. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Leonard, it will never get more expensive than the market will bear. Why don't YOU take a class on economics. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:12 PM:

" Leonard, my life's experience has taught me not to believe anything a scientist reports to the media. You know what they call those willing to compromise their integrity for the money. The scientific community is full of them. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:09 PM:

" Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Leonard, in 2100 minimum wage will probably be 10,000 dollars an hour


If it is, then gas will be $50,000 a gallon. The point is that, over the long haul, it isn't going to get any cheaper or more abundant. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:08 PM:

" Cogito: You've been smoking some bad statistics. The Bush Administration released some completely fictional estimates of ANWAR's capacity when they first seized power but those statistics have been completely repudiated by the scientific community and subsequently retracted by the Administration.

Of course, that doesn't keep them from showing up in the wing nut news on a daily basis. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:07 PM:

" I certainly believe those who will at least recognize the modest gain in the economy will likely attempt to dismiss what has become the benchmarks defining a recession in favor of political posturing. A good economy does nothing for the Democrats. If Hillary or Obama even hint that things are not as bad as they have been touted to be, that will destroy their chances.

I would really hate to be in their shoes.

Even Lanny Davis is now looking at only the 4% of troubled mortgages and ignoring the 96% that are being paid on time. What a world!! "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:03 PM:

" Cogito - of course before wages reach that level (way before) there will be an upheaval to our economic system that will force major corrections. I am afraid that things will get much worse before they get better.

That being said, reports today are that the economy is NOT in a recession. The stock market closed April way up. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 1:01 PM:

" Nylodian, what's a crime is that corn growers are experiencing huge profits all while still receiving government subsidies. Why isn't anyone proposing a windfall profits tax on corn growers? Millions will starve to death worldwide when we start converting crops into fuel. It could kill as many people as Rachel Carson. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Leonard, in 2100 minimum wage will probably be 10,000 dollars an hour. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:48 PM:

" Leonard or anyone: what do you make of the wheat and rice shortages being blamed on ethinol? Do you think there IS a shortage or a PROJECTED shortage? "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:46 PM:

" I'm sorry I misunderstood you Leonard, but for this summer you're probably right. But, old wells are being brought back on line as we speak. Couple that with new offshore oil and other sources and you could easily reach 10%. Now you have a sufficient amount of product to significantly affect the import market. The effect that ANWAR would have on local ecology is almost insignificant. There is nothing out there. They say it would be the size of one letter on a newspaper page, and only in the winter when there's snow on the ground. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:42 PM:

" Cogito: Perhaps you need a math refresher course.

The fact that people will probably be paying $10,000 for a barrel of oil in the year 2100 does not mean that the resource is infinite.

As with any other finite resource, oil will inevitably become more and more expensive as reserves are exhausted. Some day, in the distant future, the last drop of natural occurring petroleum will be used and the user will probably pay a fortune to do so. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:41 PM:

" What I find astonishing are those who actually "hear" what these guys say and while having absolute proof in the form of recordings and/or video that conclusively reveal either distortions or blatant lies and thus dismiss this evidence as irrelevant or a "vast left/right wing conspiracy."

Now before I get a lecture on Bush, please be advised that I have not claimed that the criminal allegations are not true; yet I cannot in good conscience accept them as truth without further conclusive proof. I still contend that if the proof is there, move ahead against them. Otherwise, wait. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:38 PM:

" Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:32 PM:

" Leonard, not in our lifetimes buddy. When we die, internal combustion from fossil fuels will still rule the day.


Do you realize that, if gas prices rise by the same percentage they have under Bush, by the time the next president completes their second term, gas will cost $10 a gallon? "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:38 PM:

" I'm sorry I misunderstood you Leonard, but for this summer you're probably right. But, old wells are being brought back on line as we speak. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:33 PM:

" As for the effect of US Drilling restrictions on global oil markets, it has been estimated that the entirety of the oil deposits in the ANWAR reserve would only fuel the US for 215 days if they could all be instantaneously extracted.

To claim that plundering this wilderness area over the course of a decade or more would have a significant effect on global oil prices economically absurd.

"

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:32 PM:

" Leonard, not in our lifetimes buddy. When we die, internal combustion from fossil fuels will still rule the day. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:30 PM:

" Nylodian, yeah right, he never heard any of those things. Were talking here about a man who supported Farrakhan both verbally and financially, and helped to organize the Million Man March. To which, by the way, he attended with Obama in tow. The things he's saying now are the things he has always said and believed. You can tell by listening to Michelle Obama, that she buys into a lot of Wrights beliefs also. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:29 PM:

" Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:23 PM:

" Leonard, since the fringe groups of the left have defined the finiteness of this commodity


No matter how many wilderness areas you plan to rape in the future, the supply of refined gasoline and oil for this summer (the proposed tax holiday) will remain finite.


"

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:27 PM:

" cogito: I agree it is likely Obama is "done" as far as the General Election, but then again, November is a long way off. Many people are wary of voting for a one-termer. McCain needs a strong VP on his ticket.

As far as Hillary's rep goes, unfortunately, we've heard it all for decades and are somewhat desensitized to it. Any mud on the shiny new Obama would get more attention in the General Election, IMHO. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:23 PM:

" Leonard, since the fringe groups of the left have defined the finiteness of this commodity, by standing in the way of more drilling and refining capacity, don't you think they should bear the brunt of the responsibility for these high prices? Not to mention our dependency on imported oil. The real truth being that there is plenty of oil still in the ground. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:20 PM:

" cont: When Obama said he sat in the pews for 20 years but NEVER heard Wright say those things, I honestly heard Bill Clinton's "I never had sexual relations with that woman" echoing in my ears. Same shhhtuff, different politician. And girard, I too caught piece that Obama had previously voted for the gas tax suspension. Again, same shhhtuff, different politician. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:17 PM:

" girard and cogito: good points. I personally wonder about Obama's comment on clinging to religion out of frustration was misstatement. Coming from a man who was raised in a secular household, who found religion as he started getting involved in political causes, and chose a church with a polarizing political agenda, one wonders if he does understand and respect those who come from a deeper religious background. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:09 PM:

" Well hello, Grampa Pone! :-) "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:31 AM:

" Ivan Dixon wrote on Apr 30, 2008 9:09 AM:

" Wouldn't it be nice if Brian just posted his own words instead of regurgitating the words of some media whore wing nut from the wrong side of the dial?


Before anyone starts running to the moderators, this post was mine, not Ivan's (or, as we call him around here, Grampa Pone).

Dad was futzing with my computer this morning when he came over to pick up Lennyette and he apparently forgot to log off. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:28 AM:

" I guess that should have read that "The price of a finite commodity is". "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:23 AM:

" Prices of a finite commodity are determined by what the market will bear.

Reducing the portion of the price that goes to taxes does not change the final calculation to determine that price load.

Increasing consumption of that finite commodity will, however, inevitably lead to higher prices. "

ccinlodi wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:21 AM:

" Mr Stamos you wrote: "If any man attended and supported a church that promoted strictly a "white value system" and only a "caucasian ministry" he and his church would not only be labeled a racist, all would know that the man and his church are racist!"
Good point, Mr Stamos; I think we saw this while Mitt Romney was active. And I think since your letter was published, all we hear about Obama is how he no longer respects his minister. Since when was religious intolerance an American Value? is it the media inciting readers or readers inciting the media? "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 11:21 AM:

" A further drawback to a gas tax holiday is the fact that, on the off chance that the savings are passed on to the consumer, they will only serve to increase demand which will increase the price of oil.

Such an increase will inevitably result in an even higher price at the pump when the tax goes back into effect. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 10:41 AM:

" You too, Cogito. Didn't mean to leave you out today. Please, blog on. :-) "

Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 10:39 AM:

" Good debate/conversation girard and Leonard. I'm ejoying it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 9:45 AM:

" Leonard wrote, 'I think the money would be much better spent as incentives for consumers to buy more efficient cars.'

In the long run this is a good idea. However, any suspension of the tax would have to be temporary and designed to be a quick, short-term "solution" (term used very loosely) for the problems at the pump.

Personally, I cannot afford to upgrade to any type of car, efficient or otherwise; I would suggest there are many more like me than those in a position to enjoy whatever incentives might be afforded.

Find alternative fuels; find more (our) oil in the meantime.
"

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 9:40 AM:

" I would vote nay.

I suspect that whatever savings might conceivably be expected by the consumer will simply be taken up as profits by the oil companies.

I think the money would be much better spent as incentives for consumers to buy more efficient cars. Not only would this reduce our dependence on foreign oil but it would also increase car sales and, in doing so, stimulate the economy. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 9:30 AM:

" Leonard asked, 'G: What is your opinion of the calls to suspend the gas tax?'

In an atmosphere of "are we in a recession or not," the general consensus would be that we are (although the normal indicators have not yet been reached). As such, any relief provided should be considered if for nothing else to subdue Joe Citizens' concerns. Of course along with this tax rebate that goes out soon, none of these actions will do little if we are actually heading for or actually in a recession.

I would vote "Yea." "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 9:22 AM:

" G: What is your opinion of the calls to suspend the gas tax?

Yea or Nay? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 9:21 AM:

" In further support of my contention that technology is outdistancing candidates' rhetoric is Obama's recent scoffing of the President's proposal to suspend the federal tax on auto/truck fuel during the summer.

Did Obama really believe that his own support of similar legislation while he was an Illinois legislator would not be discovered? At that time fuel prices were topping $2/gallon and the tax that was ultimately suspended was $.05/gallon. (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hLPqTxd4Fe7e5EymHU-kTUgweRDQD90BPHC01)

When these types of "gaffes" start to add up, the sum could very well "define" just who Obama really is- a typical politician. Or is he just a liar? Or both? "

Ivan Dixon wrote on Apr 30, 2008 9:09 AM:

" Wouldn't it be nice if Brian just posted his own words instead of regurgitating the words of some media whore wing nut from the wrong side of the dial? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:36 AM:

" Cogito suggests, 'Obama's done.'

Hmm, do you suggest that he might not win the nomination? Or is this your opinion regarding his race to the White House if he does become the nominee?

At any rate, if what you state is true and Obama is indeed "done," this would appear to be the Death Nell for the Democrats this year (as I suggested earlier). Clinton, with her incredibly heavy and extensive baggage, cannot possibly survive what will certainly be a raucous and revealing presidential campaign; her character and negative numbers are near guaranteed to disqualify her right out of the convention gate. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 30, 2008 8:30 AM:

" In my opinion, Obama befriended Wright in order to use his clout in the black community. He needed his cache' in order to get elected early in his career. Now Obama realizes that Wright's politics don't play very well on a multi-national, multi-cultural stage. So he's decided to throw him under the bus. Wright feels betrayed by Obama, probably realized he's been used, and will use his clout in the black community to put him in his cultural place. Wright obviously has a big ego, and will not stand for his name being dragged through the mud. Obama's done. "

Brian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:54 AM:

" It really shouldn't be an issue what I did. G74 was the only one who was politely critical.

Those that are raking me over the coals
tend to not agree with any of my comments anyway.

The issue of a former Hamas solicitor who now solicits money for Obama will eventually surface. I am also anxious to hear from Wright about how Obama
REALLY has known the jist of his positions for the last twenty years.
Wright will expose Obama. I can't wait. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:18 AM:

" With President Bush's approval ratings in the tank (lower than any other in modern times) along with the questions of his entire administration's handling of critical issues such as the war, the economy, New Orleans, etc., this election should have been a relatively easy Democrat rout; but 2000 should not have come down to the wire that it did either. Remember, eight years of Clinton were then described as the "best of times," yet Gore could find no room on Clinton's coattails.

If the Democrats are turned away again this year, they will have no one to blame but themselves. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:08 AM:

" And now if it becomes generally accepted that Obama has fundamental problems with the truth, how will this bode for him come November as he is now "nearly" the presumptive nominee?

McCain, despite his age and differences within his own party (which very well may be to his advantage regarding independent voters) has not been saddled with the integrity question.

If he is successful in keeping up with the rigors of a hard-fought campaign between his party's convention and the election, and if nothing now unknown comes to the surface to derail him, it is conceivable that he will indeed win. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 30, 2008 7:00 AM:

" bry wrote, 'So Obama is either a liar or ignorant & naive.'

And if Obama is a liar, that puts him in infamous company with his current presidential Democrat contender.

But to listen to the Clinton supporters it doesn't seem to matter that she's pathological; these "misstatements" or "forgetfulness" episodes are so easily written off as proof of her "humanness." In the primary this might fly; but in the general election (if she is to make it that far), with all of the "Bush lied" rhetoric put forth about his administration, she could not possibly survive, let alone win. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 3:35 AM:

" At least the Aryan Brotherhood does not appear to have been involved in this latest incident. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 30, 2008 3:31 AM:

" voter wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:22 PM:
" I'm chuckling because Brian is plagiarizing again (I checked).


LOL!!!

He's like a child that cannot learn. Time after time he has been caught playing this trick and in every instance, he has been made to look the fool.

Still, nothing will stop the man from uncritically plagiarizing whatever source happens to be convenient, no matter how disreputable it might be. "

bry wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:16 AM:

" So who is lying? Is Obama lying about not knowing Rev. Wright's hate for America and the "evil white man" or is Rev. Jeremiah Wright lying about Obama's political posturing and lying to get elected. If Obama is lying and posturing to get elected, will he make a good president? If Jeremiah Wright is lying, why did Obama for 20 years accept him as his counselor & pastor? Is Obama that naive & ignorant or is he hiding the truth? So Obama is either a liar or ignorant & naive. No wonder the lefties love him. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2008 12:08 AM:

"
Brian: FYI

plagiarize

to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source

to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plagiarized
"

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 10:28 PM:

" Brian - as a suggestion, even though we're limited to 100 words here, if you're going to copy a substantial amount of information from a source not yours, it's best to copy and paste the URL after it. Since the URL is really only one word, that really isn't much to sacrifice in light of the criticism that's sure to follow if you don't offer credit to the source. Again, just a suggestion. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 10:22 PM:

" Brian stated, 'You can deny it all you want but Obama is a Muslim posing as a Christian.'

This is one of the things that I insist on clear and conclusive evidence before making that determination.

If, in fact this is true (and I do not believe that it is with all that is known at this point), then there would be a very big problem. Not that he is Muslim; but that it would have been so well concealed.

Again my disclaimer - The only thing that makes me even think this is true is his middle name; and that's not conclusive. "

Giovanina wrote on Apr 29, 2008 10:16 PM:

" Someone made a comment about Iran, don't remember who.
Iran will always be a threat under a muslim sect that believes that the Caliphate needs to be established, and the whole planet under his rule.

If you read The Next War, by Caspar Weinburger, you will see the countries that will continue to be a problem until a democratic government is established. The book was written a long time ago, and is still common reading for policy makers. "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 10:11 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:57 PM:

" In September 2007, McCain stated that he was a Baptist of many years and that he was a 15-year member of the North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix.

This church is three miles from me. It's a huge church. "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 10:07 PM:

" His penetration of the White House would be the icing on the cake for Islam's twenty year plan to conquer America.

You can deny it all you want but Obama is a Muslim posing as a Christian. "

Giovanina wrote on Apr 29, 2008 10:05 PM:

" Obama will lose. After watching his speech tonite, I can see he is done for. The shiny ballon is now deflated.

Stop bashing the Republican candidate, there isn't one. McCain is a Dema-lite. lol.

Girard, I also see the hypocrisy, and the development of conspiracy and delusion that affects these Socialists on this blog. Accusatory without evidence.

They get their talking points from this website. You will see the similarities.

http://answer.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ANS_homepage "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 10:05 PM:

" voter wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:22 PM:

" I'm chuckling because Brian is plagiarizing again (I checked). And the Hamas smear was fairly entertaining too. Glad to see you take a wait and see attitude with that. "

Voter,Yes I did copy and paste that from the American Thinker. Do you have some evidence to the contrary that black liberation theology doesn't condone this in some form?

I'm sad you find it entertaining that a former Hamas solicitor is now a solicitor for Obama. Are you also entertained that Obama is this close to penetrating the White House? Cont. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:57 PM:

" Voter, I think it's prudent for everyone to take a wait and see approach as we enter the mean season in the political arena. There are going to be a lot of semi-truths and innuendo thrown around by both parties, and especially the fringe organizations who support them. Hopefully the truth wins out. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:57 PM:

" In September 2007, McCain stated that he was a Baptist of many years and that he was a 15-year member of the North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix.

Evidently this church does not require the traditional baptism to become a member. However, I would think that if he has been a member of this church for 15 years as he states and there is no evidence to repudiate his claim, how is this an issue for or against him? Certainly 15 years is a long enough period of time for one to become ensconced in whatever denomination they choose to belong.

(http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070917/29334_McCain:_I'm_Baptist,_Not_Episcopalian.htm) "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:43 PM:

" Leonard wrote, '...so perfectly illustrates the GOPs self serving HYPOCRISY regarding Obama.'

It's hardly hypocrisy. Had no one confronted Obama on the Wright issue, Obama would have never brought it up on his own to denounce it or anything else; and neither would any Democrat for that matter. Why would they? That would only serve to feed political fuel to the opposition-that wouldn't make any sense at all.

As for the religious persons in question, the Democrats have every opportunity to present whatever conflicts they believe exist between them and any candidate, including McCain. Then McCain would be forced to respond. "

voter wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:22 PM:

" I'm chuckling because Brian is plagiarizing again (I checked). And the Hamas smear was fairly entertaining too. Glad to see you take a wait and see attitude with that. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:13 PM:

" Voter, just curious, what had you chuckling? "

voter wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:06 PM:

" Just reading and chuckling.
Brian, did you just copy that post from the American Thinker website or somewhere else? "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:01 PM:

" All the kooky talk about the government infecting blacks with HIV is a fine example of how the left will promote a lie to nurture alienation and grievance. To listen to Wright -- more an apostle of the left than the Christian church -- the model for blacks is alienation, deep resentment, separation and grievance. All of which leads to militancy. Militancy is important. It's the sword dangled over the head of society. Either fork over more tax dollars, government services and patronage or else. I'm dubious Obama doesn't embrace this.
"

Cogito wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:55 PM:

" Sam, you don't have to agree with someone on "everything" to like and respect them. some of my best friends are people who I have very little in common with politically. How much do you and your spouse agree on? Wouldn't you seek their endorsement in a political campaign? I think Obamas new tactic of distancing himself from Rev. Wright could backfire on him. I'm enjoying the ride. "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:47 PM:

" Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 12:12 PM:

" Personally, I would like to see every Republican who has called on Obama to denounce Wright make similar demands on their own leaders to denounce Pat Robertson, Oral Roberts and all the other anti American religious fanatics that the GOP has coddled over the course of the last two decades. "


Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 12:10 PM:

" Perhaps now McCain will repudiate the "Reverend" Hagee in similarly strong terms. "

-Leonard's liberalism inhibits his ability to be a methodical thinker. Let's not forget his contempt for Bush too. "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:35 PM:

" Cogito, you noticed how O'Reilly has been careful how he criticizes Obama too. I listen to him on the radio home and it's quite obvious his intentions are to coax Obama into coming on his show and then go for the jugular. However, he may not. O'Reilly on several occasions expresses his likeability of Obama even though he disagrees with him politically.
I do have to say for myself Obama
is good at keeping his cool under pressure. This is an endearing quality that Howard Dean doesn't have. "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:27 PM:

" I do feel that us Republicans are held to a higher standard than Democrats because we have earned it. Democrats have been the party of the fringe for so long it may take a generation to shake it. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:10 PM:

" And then they follow up with Howard Dean. It's like they're begging to fail. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:07 PM:

" You know Brian, I never thought that the Democrats could ever put anyone more of a horses hinie than Terry McAuliffe in charge of their party, but I was way wrong. WAAAAAY wrong. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:04 PM:

" Don't worry Brian, if there's any truth to it, Rush, Hannity, O'Reilly, Savage, and Fox will be on it. Don't miss Hillary on O'Reilly tomorrow night. Politics make strange bedfellows indeed! Maybe Obama will quit turning him down and go on too. "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:50 PM:

" The drive-by media and the left are presently burying a former solicitor of money for Hamas now soliciting money for Obama. This man is under investigation by the FBI. Neal Boortz brought this to light. There is a link on Obama's campaign site that reveals this. Evidently you go to one of the links. I'll have to check. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:49 PM:

" I fully understand the tactics of politics. The more one side can get away with, the better.

In this day of the Internet, cable news and instant replays sent to our telephones, there is little chance that what could be gotten away with even ten years ago is no longer the case. Yet there are those who truly believe that the People are as stupid as they would like them to be.

I don't like to talk about Hillary, but in this case it is most appropriate. Her blatant lies, something she cannot stop committing, are her undoing because of technology. "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:44 PM:

" When you have the Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean even advancing the lie that McCain wants war with Iraq for a hundred years and the denial of healthcare for children how can anyone have any respect for the left?

G74, is it only you and I that knows the full jist of what McCain said about a hundred years in Iraq? I do suspect that the left loves to take things out of context. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:41 PM:

" Cogito - I think that is a "fact" that many choose to ignore as insignificant or not relevant. Yet Obama himself has spoken the words today that make all of this very relevant indeed. And unfortunately for him, it very well may be too little, too late. Unfortunately for the Democrats, Obama is 99% assured of the nomination. This issue will follow very close behind him after the convention seals his fate; and this and other issues for Obama may seal McCains fate as well as the next President of the United States. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:18 PM:

" You people are conveniently ignoring one important FACT! McCain never spent 20 years attending any of these pastors churches, had his wedding performed by them, or children baptized by them. Wright is an albatross around the neck of Obama that, if he gets the nomination, will lose him the election. It's beginning to sound now, after the most recent interview, that he is purposely sabotaging it. He's showing him who has the most power. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:14 PM:

" Leonard wrote, 'Things that would be condemned (rightly) as treason if they were said by a Black Democrat are ignored or even celebrated when they are said by a White Republican.'

Leonard, I'm being serious here. Who is ignoring these treasonous things being said by white Republicans? What I mean is yes, the "right" is quick to jump on anyone on the left who fits this description (and as you state, rightly so); my question is where is the "left" when they should be doing the jumping? Is it your contention that the media is in the tank? Or who? "

sam wrote on Apr 29, 2008 6:50 PM:

" Marly, I agree. McCain is hiding his true religious beliefs. He picks a religion that is "convenient" and electable. And how about Hagee???
McCain and his staff actively sought out Hagee's endorsement, he appeared and campaigned with Hagee, he said he was proud to be backed by Hagee. Hagee is, in short, part of McCain's political strategy. Now he tells us he doesn't agree with Hagee about everything.
I agree... "very suspect". "

Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 6:23 PM:

" Its all part of the same old story.

Things that would be condemned (rightly) as treason if they were said by a Black Democrat are ignored or even celebrated when they are said by a White Republican.

"

Marly wrote on Apr 29, 2008 5:39 PM:

" Leonard, what I find amusing is that no really cares about McCain's religion. He was baptized Episcopalian and last June in an interview he said he was an Episcopalian. Now he is Baptist? He has never been baptized a Baptist. But he is one now. Very suspect. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 4:47 PM:

" Arghhh!!!!

My Kingdom for an edit button!!!

What I meant to write was:

I mentioned the issue not because I actually expect a single ranking Republican to denounce Pat Robertson but because their refusal to make such denunciation so perfectly illustrates the GOPs self serving HYPOCRISY regarding Obama. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 4:45 PM:

" The issue doesn't have legs because the majority of the Republican base is quite comfortable with the fact that their leaders are in bed anti American fundamentalist religious fanatics.

I mentioned the issue not because I actually expect a single ranking Republican to denounce Pat Robertson but because their refusal to make such denunciation so perfectly illustrates the GOPs self serving outrage regarding Obama. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 3:49 PM:

" Actually the "break" should come from the Democrats. Normally they/liberals aren't timid about bringing their opposition to task. An example is this incessant argument about McCain's claim that he wants to be at war in Iraq for 100+ years. Anyone who listens to what he said knows that is not the case. Yet, in the hope that their interpretation of his words gains a least a little traction they continue with the rant.

The same would apply if there was any like situation with Republicans' pastor/priests/mentors if there was anything there that would grow legs. Evidently there isnt. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 1:53 PM:

" Give me a break.

The GOP's courtship of ultra right pastors like Robertson and Dobson has transcended pandering.

You might recall that Bush promised in 2000 to bring these ultra fundamentalist fanatics inside the White House decision making process.

Amazingly, this was one promise that he actually kept.

The result has been a hundred million dollar jackpot both in terms of influence and in terms of actual faith based give aways.
"

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 1:20 PM:

" Actually I think it would behoove the Democrats to call for the denouncement of Robertson, Roberts, Hagee and others by Republicans. During the Wright debacle, the majority of Democrat leaders were silent in their stand on the matter. Obama himself admitted that Wright went beyond the pale; as a result he knows that his relationship with his pastor has caused him incredible harm.

It was the questionable relationship that existed between Obama and Wright that caused the problems. There has been little, if any evidence (other than anecdotal) that this same type of relationship exists between Republican leaders and their pastors. "

sam wrote on Apr 29, 2008 12:57 PM:

" Amen, Leonard. I agree 100%. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 12:12 PM:

" Personally, I would like to see every Republican who has called on Obama to denounce Wright make similar demands on their own leaders to denounce Pat Robertson, Oral Roberts and all the other anti American religious fanatics that the GOP has coddled over the course of the last two decades. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 12:10 PM:

" Perhaps now McCain will repudiate the "Reverend" Hagee in similarly strong terms. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 11:19 AM:

" I have been listening to Obama's press conference regarding his relationship with Reverend Wright and I can say for the first time during this conflict, Obama has indeed stepped up and said the things necessary for this matter to be placed behind him. Although it comes at such a late stage in the debacle, at least it did come. Surely after Wright's performances during the weekend became the last few straws on Obama's weakening camel.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out during the next week or so before North Carolina and Indiana. However, I am satisfied. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 10:00 AM:

" Lodian - over the years I've "graduated" from vicodin to methadone to percoset to oxycontin back to vicodin to morphine and now to vicodin AND morphine.

Of course then there's the side-effects of taking all these pain medications that I won't bore you with.

On top of that most of my salivary glands were destroyed so I use "artificial saliva," my thyroid was severely damaged; most foods taste like crap and the stuff I DO enjoy is nearly impossible to swallow. Often times I cannot speak and sleep is rare and never restful.

Other than that, I'm dandy!!

But then, that's just me. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:53 AM:

" Wow, girard. You go through a lot everyday. I believe I have a high pain tolerance, but cannot imagine what you deal with in having chronic pain every single day. My mother in law has too many prescription meds in her cabinet for chronic pain. I bet you have a house full as well, huh? My mother in law says she keeps the pharmaceutical (sp?) companies in business. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 5:07 AM:
"G: I am glad to see that your hiatus was short. I really do enjoy your POV (no matter how far off the mark it may be at times). :)"

I agree, Leonard. I enjoy the POV from both of you. It's great reading your posts back and forth. Very educational...can be entertaining too. ;-)
"

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:46 AM:

" Lodian- the chronic pain I experience is the result of an injury to my lower back sustained in the Air Force long ago. In 1999 the disk ruptured and along with that damage, seven surgeries and scar tissue strangling the nerves, it's pretty bad.

As a result of the surgery to my neck for cancer and the after-effects of radiation and chemotherapy, my life has turned into something I never thought possible in my worst nightmares.

It has taken a lot of time to come to terms with all of this; yet my faith in God and my kids' support helps tremendously. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:41 AM:

" girard: Geez, you sound like you go through he11...and often. I'm so sorry about that. I too know the pain of cancer, but I'm not in pain like you are on a daily basis. God bless you. Hang in there. And I am THRILLED that you are here posting. Don't stop! "

Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:38 AM:

" girard: I see. Thanks for the explanation. It's odd how the punctuation will show up at first, but when I hit "post comment" and it's on screen, it all goes away (the punctuation that is). Guess it's another glitch we have to live with. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:35 AM:

" Lodian - thank you for your support. I have been very careful in how I treat other people here; mostly because I believe unless otherwise merited they deserve my respect, as I also deserve theirs.

But more than that because of the pain that I deal with daily and the fact that I literally live day-to-day with the knowledge my cancer "will" return at any time, I take refuge in my conversations here. As it helps my pain, it also provides me with a respite while waiting for the results of the monthly battery of tests to determine my status. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Lodian - as for the punctuation, for me if I use ", ' or ... and then move my text over to Word to spell check and proof-read; and then copy and paste back to the blog, those characters are transformed into the types not acceptable according to the LNS standards.

This is their further attempts to keep us to the 100-word-limit. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:07 AM:

" Has anyone else noticed that some punctuation is deleted from posts? I think you mentioned it a couple of days ago, girard. Wonder what's up? Sometimes it makes the post read strange. Geez, it's hard enough getting a point across with punctuation! :-) "

Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:04 AM:

" Brian: What is your problem? You can't take a joke? If you don't want people, like voter and me, to crack jokes about you defending prostitutes then don't defend prostitutes, don't post or get thicker skin. Sheesh, some people. Sorry if I hit a personal nerve with the whole prostitute thing. Besides, voter started it (sorry voter LOL :-). "

Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:59 AM:

" Girard: I didnt read anything from you that was disrespectful, rude or attacking in any way. People jumped in hard to defend OTH, from what I dont really know exactly, and thats where it all went down hill. Its sort of weird really as most everyone here knows you to be someone of good character and integrity that would not question someone else without good reason. For Gods sake, you even gave RF a chance to explain himself. A lot of good that did as he is a nevermind. IMHO, you were in the right and it was appropriate that OTH apologize this morning. I think OTH should have explained herself in why she made those comments to you, but whattayagonnado? Hope all is well. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:13 AM:

" nylodian - I, like you also deal with pain of such a magnitude that the amount of opiates I consume during each day would likely choke a horse.

"Blogs" and "debating" have been excellent tools in helping me cope with the pain untouched by these medications. Becoming immersed in a good dispute really does transport me to a level where, at least for a time, my mind pays attention to something else thereby relieving me of some of the discomfort.

There is, however the risk that if conversations go "wrong" that the opposite occurs; the pain is intensified. That's what's happened here. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:05 AM:

" I would like to say that there are some days I am more raw emotionally (pain does that to a person) and it takes more effort not to get my feathers ruffled or lash out. It's human nature. I hope we all keep a healthy perspective with blogging and that everyone here continues to participate in exchanging their ideas.
Peace and hugs! "

WY wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:02 AM:

" G74... I look forward to all the characters on the boards. You being one of them. I have cried over things written on the boards. Mostly when my brother was in Iraq but cried non the less. I have many times brought my anger and frustation to the boards. I've made mistakes from doing so. Thank you for standing down, and being forgiving to my friend OTH. You're a good man. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:02 AM:

" OTH - I DO accept your apology. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 8:00 AM:

" My understanding of this forum may differ from others. First and foremost this is a debate site. And I enjoy a good argument. Recent events have caused me to wonder now what quality of debate is permissible. While I have always proof-read my work before posting, now I feel forced to dissect everything down to the nth degree - for fear of being led down this path again.

With few exceptions, I have engaged in discourse with many people here that has gotten very involved, complex and vigorous yet at the end we moved on with no harm done. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:54 AM:

" Please don't misunderstand; my anger has dissipated - that's an emotion that should not be held on to too tightly.

Yet OTH was correct when she stated that "...from the beginning have developed a certain amount of trust in one another even though we've never met."

This level of "trust," because we haven't ever met is different from our close friends and our families. It is much more fragile; not designed to be unconditional.

As such, I believe that the trust that I have placed here has, in fact been violated. This is something that I must deal with on my own. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:49 AM:

" sam wrote, "I NEVER SAID that. I said I emailed you stating that Real Facts needed a hug."

Obviously I misunderstood what you wrote. I apologize for my mistake. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:47 AM:

" I am no longer angry with anyone here. "

Brian wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:36 AM:

" Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 6:46 PM:

" Brian: So, since youre defending prostitutes on the Bikini Bar blog that must mean I can't chew gum and walk at the same time? Huh? Youre not making any sense Brian. Is this some weird prostitute gum-chewing thing youre into or what? Youll have to explain.

Lodian, you have some proof that all those women at the bar are prostitutes?
Perhaps you should write a letter of apology to all those women.
Perhaps you would prefer the women at this bar that MAY be prostitutes walk the streets and be on welfare?
"

WY wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:20 AM:

" The boards can be emotionally charged at times. I have taken things to heart and attacked Leonard in the very beginning of my blogging. He is a good guy and I beleive forgave me. "

WY wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:15 AM:

" OTH... I love you sister! take care.

G74... You're a good man.

a game of tether ball anyone??? "

sam wrote on Apr 29, 2008 7:02 AM:

" griard74 said "As sam publically stated that she had sent me a personal e-mail message with reference to OTH, I have also reviewed all of those messages (not with a search engine) and have been unable to find the referenced message."

I NEVER SAID that. I said I emailed you stating that Real Facts needed a hug. "

OTH wrote on Apr 29, 2008 5:59 AM:

" My fellow bloggers

Again I offer a sincere apology to each and everyone of you.

I hope everything can get back to some semblance of normality.

I will be out of town until the middle of May. PEACE "

OTH wrote on Apr 29, 2008 5:56 AM:

" girard

Once agaiin I offer you a sincere apology.

I made a mistake and it snowballed out of control. You have a right to be angry.

Having said that I hope you will choose to accept my apology

"

Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 5:07 AM:

" G: I am glad to see that your hiatus was short.

I really do enjoy your POV (no matter how far off the mark it may be at times).

:) "

Leonard wrote on Apr 29, 2008 5:05 AM:

" Sigh.... folks, can we all just get on with it?

It is as if the cancer that was RF had metastasized. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 12:17 AM:

" I am no longer angry with anyone here. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 29, 2008 12:15 AM:

" Okay, WY. As far as I am concerned and knowing sam as well as I do (which isn't all that well, but I think I'm a good judge of character), I'm willing to let this go.

I've stated my side and while I am still confused, I realize there is nothing else that can be done. I have never been one to harangue anyone for the sake of anger.

I'm confident in my own integrity and in how I treat other people. As such, the benefit of any doubt is now given to OTH and sam. I'm finished with it - completely. "

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 11:44 PM:

" G74...OTH won't come back to the boards with you upset at her. I know sam well, and she's protecting OTH. I know why also. Let it be, n keep your heart tender. I know you can.
"

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 11:32 PM:

" oh my goodness...

Please everyone. Writing and texting will set you up for misunderstandings. This has happened to me four times this past week.

voter... you're cool. Your spirit is good "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 11:26 PM:

" Good night all; you too, Sam. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 11:22 PM:

" Voter - and while I've exhausted my brain and arguments for myself here I haven't overlooked your most recent post.

I have always been very careful to couch my words with great care in order to avoid those very things you mention. I always keep the "gloves" on unless forced to remove them by others - and that has been very rare. Even in this instance OTH (on the Wal-Mart blog) criticized my empathy and compassion which caused me to explain that I wasn't attempting to argue that aspect of the case. It was clear I was discussing the legal characteristics. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 10:27 PM:

" So if someone would just help me to understand why I went through this exercise I would certainly appreciate it.

As sam publically stated that she had sent me a personal e-mail message with reference to OTH, I have also reviewed all of those messages (not with a search engine) and have been unable to find the referenced message. If she would be so kind as to re-send that message to me-perhaps it would jog my memory (yes, I do have a limited short-term memory) and permit me to respond accordingly.

Other than all of this, there's nothing else to do. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 10:22 PM:

" As sam encouraged Lodian to do, I have also just read the entire Wal-Mart and Obama blogs to determine if and where I may have stepped over the line.

Even though subjective, in "debate" terms I have been nothing less than a gentleman. My references to sam being "arrogant" were first posed as a question to her because I didn't actually believe that she was. Later because she was reading something into what I had written, I asked her if she was "clairvoyant."

And aside from the "agreeing to disagree" situation with OTH, I cannot find where I personally offended her. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 10:00 PM:

" So, Lodian - please do read what sam has requested that you look into. If you find anything that would cast me in the same light that OTH claims, please bring that to my attention. If I have done anything inappropriate outside of the boundaries of spirited debate I need to know; I think that most of those here who have kept up with the LNS blogs realize that I would never intentionally hurt anyone. However, if egos have become bruised as a result of legitimate arguments, I'll find it nearly impossible to disassociate myself from that. "

voter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:59 PM:

" Continued--those comments labeling an argument stupid or whatever can be easily tossed aside when the opponent is an unknown--they can't when you feel that you "know" someone. It feels personal. "

voter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:57 PM:

" Something to think about--sometimes when we think we are attacking an argument, it feels like a personal attack. You can type that an argument is stupid, imbecilic, loco, dimwitted, or a thousand other adjectives and while you truly mean "the argument", that's not what is received. The other person feels that have been named a fool, and sometimes that's what people mean to imply. Since we are not face to face and can't pick up on the pragmatics of conversation, it's hard to know what to think at times. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:55 PM:

" I can only think that there are some here who are understandably "gun shy" because of the RF situation. If this is the case I am very surprised because those who have taken such measures against me were involved to some degree during that melee. I've never failed to defend those who he maligned and I have been relieved with his departure.

That being said, I don't believe that the pendulum should swing so far the other way as to avoid controversy altogether. Aside from the occasional good-natured conversations and banter, what would be the point of the blogs? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:51 PM:

" On this blog as it refers to OTH, I mistakenly assigned a quote to her where I should have given credit to another. When I was informed of my error I immediately took responsibility for it and apologized. For that I received a "no problem" from OTH.
I did take issue with the equating of Cheney to Hitler as well as a few other items, but no where did I accuse anyone of anything.

My comments to Sam were directed to what she "posted," not her character. What she "said" made her appear to be something that perhaps she is not. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:47 PM:

" From that point on I merely stated my opinion regarding contracts, Wal-Mart's expectations and the possible expectations of the injured woman, her family and the attorney representing her.

With all of the maligning against Wal-Mart in this instance as well as all over, I believe that when they aren't wrong, it should be pointed out. Certainly I cannot understand how anyone would/could take that personally.

This IS how debate works. I even went on to explain my definition of the adage, "agree to disagree" to another who questioned my earlier post. I answered it with logic and without accusations toward anyone. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:43 PM:

" Yes Lodian - please do read it all. And unless I've been mistaken all along, the point of these boards is to engage in debate. We debate what has been published in the LNS; and then we debate amongst ourselves. I've never attacked anyone's character, honesty, integrity or anything else personally - and in these instances this bears me out.

If, as sam suggests that OTH was having problems, there was no way that I could know that. If by not "agreeing to disagree" put her over the top, I can only claim ignorance to her condition, whatever that might be. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:41 PM:

"
re: Hwy 12

yes...

We drive around it. More gas, more

miles...

but we stay alive! "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:39 PM:

" sam: I liked OTH too, until she did this same thing to me on a couple of blogs. Just thought you should know that this isn't the first time. It's not that I don't "like" OTH anymore. It's just that I now personally have a more clear view where she's concerned. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:38 PM:

" I agree... off topic... way off topic..

But until someone invests the money and puts in a 4 lane road with shoulders wide enough to pull off and center barriers, that road will remain a death trap.

We drive around it. More gas, more miles... but feel safer. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:34 PM:

" re: HWY12... that road is going to be a death trap for a long time. I hope my great great grandchildren get to drive a safer route in that direction someday. Ill never see the day. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:34 PM:

" And Lodian, I really like OTH. OTH has been here as long as the blogs. I would not be here defending OTH to cause trouble.

"

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:31 PM:

" Lodian, it started on the walmart blog. She asked to agree to disagree. It then moved over here. Read it all. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:30 PM:

" It's interesting how someone can see something completely different than another here on the boards. OTH launched a personal attack on girard. Thats how I see it. Whatever her reasons were, personal, private or otherwise, I think she should address girard's request. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow. Nighty night all. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:27 PM:

" You did not think I was funny, and had a good comeback. Can't remember it, but I was silenced. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:26 PM:

" Lodian, often times these blogs are not just comments but turn into debates.

On the Hwy 12 blog, I did offer you a clip board so you could stand by the road on Hwy 12 and actually count the semis passing by used by farmers. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:24 PM:

" OMG, Lodian. You had me. I had no come back. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:24 PM:

" Lodian, I am not holding a grudge.

G is against OTH. He needs to accept the apology and move on. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:21 PM:

" won the blog? lol... that struck me funny. :-) "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:20 PM:

" sam: Don't hold a grudge. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:19 PM:

" voter, nice 9 pm blog "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:16 PM:

" You went on and on. You won the blog. I conceded. You buried me. Did I take it personal??" Nope. Were you brutal? heck yeah. You can hold your own. Blog on. That is why the blogs are here. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:16 PM:

" Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:52 PM:
" sam: What? When have I ever "brutally" attacked you? That's a really odd thing to say."

No lodian, you are great in your blogs. It was the highway 12 blog over a year ago. You wanted to ban all trucks on Hwy 12. I said farmers needed the trucks. You said "pickups" I said use semis. You asked me for a count.. an exact count for the semis needed to serve the islands. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:09 PM:

" Everybody... go sleep on it. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:06 PM:

" girard74 wrote "...I would be irresponsible if I didn't find a way to bring the situation with OTH and me to a conclusion."

That's because you have integrity. "

voter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:00 PM:

" What has occurred, Lodian, amounts to nothing less than a family argument. Someone gets their feelings hurt and people take sides--the situation rapidly escalates. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:58 PM:

" Good night sam. I am hopeful that this will resolve itself. I have no idea what is going on. Yet because I "do" know you probably better than anyone else here, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, even though you have not afforded me the same.

However, because of what has gone on here during the past few months, I would be irresponsible if I didn't find a way to bring the situation with OTH and me to a conclusion. Because this is what I believe should be done, I cannot simply back off. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:58 PM:

" What in the world has happened here tonight? Is there a full moon or what? "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:55 PM:

" sam: girard never attacked OTH. You have it backwards. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:54 PM:

" girard74: Please come back tomorrow. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:54 PM:

" sam wrote, 'Well then preserve your honor and attack the heck out of OTH. Go for it.'

I have no intention of attacking anyone! But I want some finality to this debacle. I've been here long enough and have contributed enough to deserve at least a little respect. Even to those I am opposed to, unless they attack me, receive my respect.

Why should I not expect the same? "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:53 PM:

" sam: You are sounding irrational. Go get some sleep. Take a fresh look at this in the morning. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:52 PM:

" sam: What? When have I ever "brutally" attacked you? That's a really odd thing to say. Now you're after me? What the heck? Maybe you need to go get some sleep.
"

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:52 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:47 PM:" sam asked, 'AND did I not tell you that in a personal email??? Or did you forget??'
Of course I forgot!! Am I to remember everything that is sent to me."

So why email you??? You just said you forget what is emailed to you. So if that is the case, goodnight. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:50 PM:

" What? When have I ever "brutally" attacked you? That's a really odd thing to say. Now you're after me? What the heck? Maybe you need to go get some sleep. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Voter - RF is an anomoly. I only used him as an example - of course I know there is no comparison here. But I only know that because I "thought" I understood some of the people here better than I obviously do. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:47 PM:

" sam asked, 'AND did I not tell you that in a personal email??? Or did you forget??'

Of course I forgot!! Am I to remember everything that is sent to me. I find it hard to remember what my own kids tell me from one day to the next. Radiation to my head caused definitive short-term damage to my short-term memory.

Yet, before this conversation got so out of control, why didn't you simply send me an e-mail gently reminding me of whatever it might be causing OTH a problem? Why wait until all of this garbage has been transferred between us? "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:45 PM:

" Lodian, I am trying really hard to ask you if that is the OTH you know??? You said it is.

I know it is not. It is not my place to reveal what I know. But I am willing to stick my neck out to defend OTH. And ya know , Lodian, I stuck with you when RF said you were real_facts.

Have you attacked me??? Brutally several times. But I defended you knowing you were not real_facts.





"

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:44 PM:

" Geez Louise! "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:44 PM:

" sam: Come on... girard never attacked OTH. Do you know OTH personally? "

voter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:43 PM:

" Girard, RF was/is ill--it was obvious--that's what was going on his life. Mental illness. The way some people baited him disturbed me. You would not treat a mentally ill person on the street this way. RF was treated differently because RF had zero respect. On the other hand, both you and OTH have earned respect. It seemed like the wisest thing for other posters to do was to back away and let the two of you settle it. Taking sides creates more conflict. Just look at this board tonight. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:43 PM:

" Sam wrote, 'So cool, now , according to you, I am a "sarcastic, hypocritical, arrogant, clairvoyant, elitist"?'

Ahhh, so that's it. You're upset that the 'debate' got a little heated? If you read what I've written, my characterization of you in this regard was aimed at what you have "stated," not who or what you are. With your claims that YOU were able to rise above your disability and reinvent yourself and find viable employment, you stated that EVERYONE should be able to do the same thing. And you insisted on this. That makes you appear "elitist" and "arrogant." "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:43 PM:

" sam: Why are you backing OTH on what was clearly a personal attack that girard didn't deserve? Does anyone deserve that kind of attack on one's character just because we disagree with him or her? "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:40 PM:

" Well then preserve your honor and attack the heck out of OTH. Go for it.


"

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:39 PM:

" sam: What do you know about OTH that you're not telling us. Is there a problem? "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:39 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:36 PM:" And you know, Sam - maybe, just maybe something was going on in RF's life that no one knew about. Maybe he needed a hug too."

AND did I not tell you that in a personal email??? Or did you forget?? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:39 PM:

" I will NOT back off! Just who are YOU to demand that I or anyone else step away from something as important as this? You've been dubbed the Blog Officer? Just where do YOU get off?

How do you know something's not going on in my life; or anyone's life?

YOU back off!

Yeah, I'm pissed off big time! And this is something that I do NOT enjoy. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:36 PM:

" And you know, Sam - maybe, just maybe something was going on in RF's life that no one knew about. Maybe he needed a hug too.

How in the world am I (or anyone else) to know this unless we're what it is?

Back off? Why? Why should "I" back off? OTH shot her mouth off and then ran off leaving only a milk toast apology for what? How would I know?

If you know something that could help me to understand don't you think you have a little responsibility to put that forward? Not the details, but something more than nothing? "

voter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:36 PM:

" Fair enough, Lodian. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:36 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:26 PM:" Finally (and I do mean finally)-when I have days where I am not "up to snuff," and my physical or emotional being are not where they are normally."

BINGO. Do ya think maybe OTH is not sharing what is going on in OTH's world???? Life gets in the way and works on ALL OF US, not just you.

Back off. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:35 PM:

" sam: OTH has done this to me too. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:34 PM:

" voter: I think we owe each other respect. People that personally attack others and then leave the discussion/board lose my respect. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:31 PM:

" So cool, now , according to you, I am a "sarcastic, hypocritical, arrogant, clairvoyant, elitist"? Nice touch.

My point, which you are refusing to hear, is that maybe, just maybe, something is going on in OTH's life causing OTH to "react" differently.

Think outside your world. Think about someone else besides yourself. Maybe, just maybe, OTH needs a hug, needs some understanding and some patience. Back off. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:30 PM:

" Happy trails, girard. You're a good guy. Most everyone here knows that to be true. Please post whenever you get a chance. The boards wouldn't be the same without your good character and integrity added to it as often as possible. Take care. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:30 PM:

" sam wrote, So now how does OTH attack your integrity if OTH has no clue who you are??'

Here youre sounding more like RF with this kind of logic.

But that IS the question isn't it? She made accusations without providing proof. She intimated that she has information proving that I have done things that violated the trust of others; she claims that she believes that I have lied.

For anyone to make such claims and then turn tail and run can only be characterized as a coward. Is that what she is, Sam, a coward? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:26 PM:

" Finally (and I do mean finally)-when I have days where I am not "up to snuff," and my physical or emotional being are not where they are normally, I do back away from these forums. Debating takes quite a bit of energy as well as concentration to make sure that what I write is truly what I mean. If for any reason I doubt my own abilities in this regard, I simply hold my tongue and wait until my mind is clearer and healthier.

I would hope that others might try and do the same thing, although that's up to them. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:24 PM:

" Doesn't everyone know that everything we post is for the world to see? FYI... it's called the WORLD WIDE WEB. (WWW) "

voter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:24 PM:

" Lodian, we don't "owe" each other anything other than simple earned respect--and sometimes even that goes out the window when people are heated up--I'm not excusing it--it is what it is. Often people leave discussions when things get too hot--that seems wiser than the alternative. We've all read arguments that were patently ridiculous, even from some intelligent posters at times. We can ask, but can't force people to back up every statement. Too many weird arguments and a person loses respect all on their own. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:24 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:09 PM:
" Sam - I don't "know" anyone here."

OK, you do not knw OTH. OTH does not know you. You are an imaginary blog guy. So now how does OTH attack your integrity if OTH has no clue who you are??




"

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:22 PM:

" sam wrote, 'If that preserves your honor, go for it.'

Wow-the sarcasm is so thick it's dripping through my monitor.

With all the talk of RF's disrespect and demeaning remarks on this board and the cyber "war" that it caused, I am absolutely shocked that you would take this path. I sense that something else must be going on here; although for the life of me I cannot determine what it might be. I never thought I would use the word "hypocrite" in the same sentence as your name, sam - but without further information I don't know what else to think. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:21 PM:

" girard74 8:09 PM: Well said.

"

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Then carry on, girard74, and do not "back off" .

If that preserves your honor, go for it. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:16 PM:

" Sam - here's the "apologies" from OTH -

"To my fellow bloggers
My sincere apology for the uproar."

OTH's apology to me -

"girard
I understand now what happened. You have my apology."

Sam - do you not see a difference?

And regardless, this "apology" was regarding the Internet misunderstanding. She never addressed the accusations that impugned my trustworthiness or explain how I violated the trust of others.

These allegations require further explanation on her part or a complete and full renunciation of her own words by her - not by you. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:14 PM:

" voter: I respectfully disagree. I saw that OTH made some statements that were untrue (IMO) and girard asked for clarification, or verification. He was respectful in his request. OTH refused to back up her personal comments. I think girard deserves a response. Hopefully OTH will respond shortly. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:10 PM:

" Finally, no one ever suggested for anyone to lighten up during the RF marathon. No, no no! The rallying around those offended and demeaned by this individual was swift and it never let up until it apparently finally ended. And because RF attacked peoples integrity, honesty, veracity and character that was the best course of action to take. I see no difference here regardless of what someone is going through. How could I possibly know what is going on? How can I decide the quality of one's words if by not asking for explanations especially in a case like this? "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:10 PM:

" OTH has done this to me too on other blogs, maybe once or twice. She goes off without much to go on and then sort of disappears. Be honorable OTH and face girard with an explanation. What you said was not right and girard deserves a response, let alone an apology. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:09 PM:

" Sam - I don't "know" anyone here. So when someone wants to debate with me, fine - let it rip! But when they take shots at my honor and integrity, not to mention to accuse me of violating the trust of others, for me to "back off" is out of the question.

Regarding the discussion OTH and I had, I never accused her of anything at all. I vehemently voiced my opinion about Wal-Mart. If my not agreeing to disagree caused her to post the venom that she did against me, then that speaks volumes to her own character and honor. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:07 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:41 PM:The apology you heard was nothing more than words uttered out of embarrassment."

Not so. OTH would never apologize unless OTH meant it. That I know for sure about OTH. "

voter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:06 PM:

" Girard, no one thinks that OTH should get "a pass". However, as a neutral observer who respects both parties, I don't think you realize that you played into that situation too. OTH wanted to let something drop, and you wouldn't give it up--just pressing on and on. Sometimes ya gotta back away from the keyboard--we are all guilty of taking things too far at times. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:05 PM:

" sam: LOL Yep, I can hold my own with the best of them on most topics, though there are plenty I just enjoy reading. I certainly don't know everything and do enjoy learning things from the sharp minds here on the boards. Its fun, entertaining and sometimes down right crazy. Girard is someone that helps keep the balances against the crazy people. Girard74 has always been one of the sharp minds, with character, that I enjoy here. His character, integrity, sharp mind and wit are a huge asset to these boards. There is a small group of people here that keep me coming to the boards and girard is one of them. I really wish he wouldnt leave the boards. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:02 PM:

" Then it sounded to me like OTH felt you were posting stuff on internet. OTH obviously did not understand the power of google.

Why did OTH blow??? Maybe something is going on in OTH's life that is beyond the blogs. Ever think of that??? You know OTH. Did that sound like the OTH you know? That did not sound like the OTH I know and love.

I love OTH enough to know to back off. Life happens.. lighten up. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:01 PM:

" G, so that is how it is??? WTF??? Weird comment from you.

I have blogged with OTH here for years. I know OTH is an honorable and sincere person. OTH disagreed with you on 2 blogs and blew it.
I could "feel" the breaking point when OTH said you both should "agree to disagree." That is not like OTH. "

voter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:56 PM:

" I don't think you can fairly compare anyone on these boards with RF. In my opinion, he was/is ill. Many of us get carried away from time to time, commit enormous gaffes, and hurt each other's feelings in the process. A simple apology was made--I know that's not always enough to right the situation when feelings are still raw. "

voter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:51 PM:

" For what it's worth, Girard, your reputation has not been besmirched. We know who you are, a person of integrity. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:45 PM:

" For how long have people here railed against RF for his outrageous accusations; his insults; his defamation of peoples' character, integrity, honor and even their salvation.

Yet, here we have the idea that OTH should get a "pass" because some don't like the way I debate? OTH committed the same offenses that RF did. Where have the integrity, honor and decency gone in such a short time? Absolutely amazing.

I would not have expected this from the majority of posters here; and to not denounce it is to accept it. The "victims" of RF had supporters; where are they now? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:41 PM:

" sam - OTH, on the other hand spewed forth his/her accusations and ran without an iota of proof. The apology you heard was nothing more than words uttered out of embarrassment - and even then they were posted in response to the least of his/her outrageous claims against me.

While she doesnt owe me anything; there at least should be some explanation as to how I violated peoples trust; as well as her assertions of things she believes not to be true that I have posted. OTH in this instance is an exact replica of RF; unfortunately I see no difference. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:41 PM:

" sam - so that's how it is, huh? At least whenever I have made comments and criticisms about what is posted I have the courage to back up what I believe. I've always believed that debate is not for the faint-hearted - it takes thick skin. My comments directed to you were directly aimed at what you "stated" regarding disabled people. It had nothing to do with your character, veracity, trustworthiness or sense of honor. (Continued) "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:17 PM:

" did I hear correctly?? Brian likes hookers and lap dances??? OH my.
WY.. I need to borrow it again...

Bahahahahahahahahahahahahah "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:16 PM:

" Lodian, are you kidding me??? When did you ever need someone's help on a blog... you are quite competent. Blog on. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:13 PM:

" Being the "elitist,arrogant, clairvoyant" that I am, even I heard OTH apologize.

Give it a rest and leave OTH alone. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 6:46 PM:

" Brian: So, since youre defending prostitutes on the Bikini Bar blog that must mean I can't chew gum and walk at the same time? Huh? Youre not making any sense Brian. Is this some weird prostitute gum-chewing thing youre into or what? Youll have to explain. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 6:40 PM:

" girard74: Please don't leave us with the Brian's of the world. We need ya! "

Marly wrote on Apr 28, 2008 6:35 PM:

" wow, Brian, your Mama must be so proud. I am sure your wife and daughter are too. Way to go. "

Brian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 5:33 PM:

" Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:07 AM:

" voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:23 AM:

" Brian's busy promoting lap dancing this morning. "

You're right. I saw that he was on the "Bikini Bar" blog defending the worlds oldest profession.

Lodian, yes I do have the ability to do several things at once.

Careful tripping over yourself trying to chew gum and walk at the same time. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 4:28 PM:

" Girard74: Happy Trails to you. You'll be missed here and I hope you come back soon. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 4:06 PM:

" Nylodian -my comments about over-reacting were not in response to you, per se; but because if it were turned around I might feel that someone like me just "might" be thought to be moving to quickly and rashly. I really wanted to emphasize that what OTH has done was/is no miniscule error or miscalculation. This is the kind of thing that causes derision; I haven't changed my mind about stepping back because after the RF debacle I had decided that for all the enjoyment I receive from these blogs, it simply isn't worth going through that kind of angst again. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 4:04 PM:

" WY stated, 'maybe OTH is at work????'

Of course I've considered this. However, this barrage of accusations began late last evening. As they were being posted I responded in kind requesting for the "verification" that OTH indicated she/he had. Even as early as this morning, OTH made additional entries in this regard and had not addressed the pointed questions that I made in response to his/her claims against me aside from the misunderstanding of how the Internet behaves. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 3:10 PM:

" OTH: Care to elaborate on your comments? Time to back up your words. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 3:06 PM:

" girard: Please don't take a break from the boards, especially because of this OTH thing. No one here questions your sincerity, character and honesty. Please stick around. Without people like you here these boards will be infested with RF types. "

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 2:10 PM:

" Take a break. I do. This place sucks butter milk sometimes. "

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 2:08 PM:

" RF never really came at me hard. I don't know why. I'm a wicked lil sinner from my head down to my toes. I try to be a better person. It works for a bit then that wild irish girl pops out want'n an ice cold Lemmon Drop. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 2:05 PM:

" Girard74: I don't know what the origin for this conflict is but I personally never meant to insinuate that you were over-reacting. I honestly hope you'll stick around, but if you need to take a break, I respect that. "

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 2:05 PM:

" Sorry I can't spell anything today. Just sound it out , OK "

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 2:03 PM:

" G74... OTH hasn't made any comments sense ten to eight this morning... maybe OTH is at work???? Just hang fire g-man. Keep your heart soft still. Texting and writing like this can tend to get people MISUNDERSTOOD. And maybe OTH did jump to comclusions about you because of her new found knowledge of the "power of google" OMG ... I won't even go there. I trip up myself on techno-schit. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 2:03 PM:

" WY-RF came at me hot and heavy as well. Even though I attempted to "help" the guy he was relentless in his attacks. I don't think gender has much to do with what goes on in here.

There is much "said" here that I find dubious in nature; absent proof to the contrary however, I remain silent and allow truth and facts to bear out what people claim. To make the types of statements that OTH made against me are unconscionable and forgiveness (whether it is desired or not) may be a long time coming. Yet, I haven't even been asked. "

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 1:57 PM:

" G74... I don't know where OTH came from with the comments but, I haven't been here for some time reading every lil thing. I mean after dealing with RF maybe us chicks are just a bit gun shy. It was always defensive writing for the most part. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 1:55 PM:

" WY - I did respond to OTH asking him/her to provide me with the "verification" she/she claimed to have. I received nothing in response aside from what I take as a weak apology only for the misunderstanding regarding the Internet posts.

The defaming of my character/honesty is far more important to me than whether or not anyone believes I've posted others' comments elsewhere on the Internet. To that OTH has remained silent. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 1:52 PM:

" OTH still has some explaining to do. Aside from the Internet posting confusion he/she also stated, 'I think there's a whole lot that you've claimed on these blogs that's just not true. You have zero credibility with me.'

AND

'The people that have been on this blog from the beginning have developed a certain amount of trust in one another even though we've never met. You've broken that. So, you want to talk arrogance?'

Again, while no one is required to believe what I say, to suggest that I have lied and/or violated peoples' trust requires a modicum of substantiation. "

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 1:51 PM:

" Well this is where you need to converse with OTH and you both need to do the right thing, explain and forgive. People are suspicious by nature. Work it out. :)

I don't think I spelled suspicious right. I need sp ck. "

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 1:42 PM:

" We've all do techno-dork stuff. I did, and sam had to explain it to me too. I felt dumb and moved on. She's my google girl.
Take a break but then get your azz back here and blog on with us. The blog bugs, from time to time. I had no idea that my words could be taken from this site. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 1:41 PM:

" WY - first your posts can be found by doing a goggle of "wy" and "lodi". The first one containing WY is at: www.lodinews.com/articles/2008/03/20/news/3_council_raise_080320.txt.

However, for those of you who may think I am overreacting, please do this for me.

Read OTH's posts to me and substitute your own screen-name where "girard74" appears. These accusations went way beyond any sort of "misunderstanding" about how the Internet works. These were blatant attacks attempting to undermine my character; suggesting that I have "broken faith" with people here. This offends me beyond anything you folks might imagine.

This reeks of "RF"ism and I'm sick and tired. "

WY wrote on Apr 28, 2008 1:24 PM:

" OTH.... Where are my post other than here? "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 10:22 AM:

" Just an FYI to OTH and everyone else...many of these blogs and responses have been posted many times on other sites. I have seen a lot of these blogs/posts on independent sites. Just Google it. This is no way means that any one of us have posted the words on those sites. Other sites, independent from the LNS, have links to many of these blogs (including all of our responses). "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 10:18 AM:

" OTH: Maybe a more heartfelt apology, from you, to girard74 would be helpful in convincing him to stay around and hang out with us. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 10:15 AM:

" girard74: Say it ain't so! Keep blogging friend. You add a lot to these blogs. Please stay around. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 10:12 AM:

" Girard74: I'm sorry to read that. I personally learned from your posts and thought you brought much to consider on these blogs. I wish you well and hope you'll come back soon. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:31 AM:

" So while it makes no difference to many here, I've decided to take a hiatus from this forum and work on other, more worthwhile endeavors.

To those who I have come to know and respect - my best to you; and keep the faith.

To those I don't know and probably do respect, also my best to you.

To those who fall into other categories, good bye. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:28 AM:

" I know that I've encouraged others here that in order to participate in debate, one needs to acquire some thick skin. And as far as that is concerned mine is adequate to withstand the most formidable of opponents.

Yet, I thought with the exit of someone who took great effort to create chaos and undermine the intent of just what is supposed to go on here that we all might have learned a lesson or two.

I know who I am and what I've written. I've never lied or misled anyone; I don't need to. However, I cannot tolerate being accused otherwise. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:22 AM:

" I know what you meant. However if you have a subscription to the paper, LNS will let you access the archives for free.

But you can also get them for free through google. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:20 AM:

" g74, it is NOT a glitch in the software.

Someone took the name girard and is impersonating you. Call Simon and get it fixed. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:19 AM:

" sam wrote, 'g, you do not need to "pay" for archived blogs.'

What I was referring to was accessing archived blogs contained on the LNS web system. After they end a blog, they require a fee in order to search and access them. I suppose this is a good way for them to swell their coffers as they try to keep their heads above water determining whether or not the 'printed' word is actually dead. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:14 AM:

" 'girard' is not me, but the comments attributed to 'girard' is mine from last evening.

Once again either the LNS has a glitch in their system or someone is trying to mess around with me. Or, as is their absolute right, they are using the screen-name 'girard.' However, to cut and paste my comments under their own screen-name while not 'illegal,' it certainly is unethical. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:09 AM:

" What I don't understand is OTH's comment that I've lied on these blogs. Sure, there may be some confusion as to what Google does or does not create out on the Internet.

But I was accused of violating the trust of bloggers right here; as well as stating, 'I think there's a whole lot that you've claimed on these blogs that's just not true.'

While we're all entitled to 'think' what we like, once someone makes a claim regarding my truthfulness, it's tough to un-ring that bell.

Also, note the recent post by 'girard,' - again, I didn't do that; it's not mine. "

Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:07 AM:

" voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:23 AM:

" Brian's busy promoting lap dancing this morning. "

You're right. I saw that he was on the "Bikini Bar" blog defending the worlds oldest profession.
"

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:51 AM:

" But I can definitively state that I have never even "borrowed" anyone's work ever without giving full credit. That being said I've never posted LNS blogs (archived or otherwise) anywhere.

I cannot even access archived items because I simply don't want to pay for them.

When someone states they can "verify" their claims I expect that such proof would be forthcoming. OTH - do you have anything further to add? "

OTH wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:50 AM:

" To my fellow bloggers

My sincere apology for the uproar. "

OTH wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:49 AM:

" girard

I understand now what happened. You have my apology. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:34 AM:

" Whoa, everyone settle down! Group hug!!! ;) "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:24 AM:

" g, you do not need to "pay" for archived blogs. GOOGLE the name of the article along with Lodi News sentinel and google will give you the archived article. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:18 AM:

" G, I do not think OTH is trying to "rock her world" her her comments.

I cannot speak for OTH, but I believe she is experiencing the power of GOOGLE. (Damn I am glad I bought their stock).

I have a feeling that is what she is referring to. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:15 AM:

" OTH, I can understand your friustration with our blogs ending up on the web, but that is what GOOGLE does.

Google "girard74" and google will send you to blogs he has posted. Google "lodi ca greenbelt" and you will see blogs I have participated on. Googling "sam" won't give you much because the name is common.

That is the nature of the world wide web. Nothing you post on internet is private and it lives on forever. "

sam wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:01 AM:

" Bryan, I hope you have the opportunity to listen to Rev Wright's speech to the National Press club today. It just finished. It was on MSNBC. I am sure they will be showing it again.
He is intelligent, articulate, funny, and well worth a listen.
Please do not sit back and judge him by the snippets I am sure all the news stations will play to give his speech their slant. I enjoyed it immensely. It is worth watching the ENTIRE speech. "

Ivan Dixon wrote on Apr 28, 2008 6:56 AM:

" OTH, I don't think I understand what you are getting at here. Can you please summarize you case against Girard for those of us that are coming in late? "

OTH wrote on Apr 28, 2008 6:27 AM:

" girard

Do a web search under your blog name. There are several LNS blogs listed under your blog name. If you didn't post them maybe it's a coincidence that someone from Lodi with your blog name is listed. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 12:30 AM:

" But I can definitively state that I have never even "borrowed" anyone's work ever without giving full credit. That being said I've never posted LNS blogs (archived or otherwise) anywhere.

I cannot even access archived items because I simply don't want to pay for them.

When someone states they can "verify" their claims I expect that such proof would be forthcoming. OTH - do you have anything further to add? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 28, 2008 12:26 AM:

" Cogito - thanks for the support. Yet, I can't help but wonder where (and why) this is all coming from all of a sudden. OTH and I recently disagreed on a different LNS blog; I was my "usual" argumentative self, but I don't think I caused any trouble worthy of this kind of response.

Although I'm secure within myself I do find it difficult to swallow when someone fires off accusations and then offers nothing to back them up. More than anything it's frustrating.

But if this rocks OTH's world, then I suppose he/she is entitled to his/her fun. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 28, 2008 12:07 AM:

" Girard, if you ever find any of my research helpful, and wish to use it on other blogs, please feel free. I probably took it from someone else anyway. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 28, 2008 12:04 AM:

" OTH, since Girard and I are the only common sense conservatives I ever encounter here on a regular basis, who would he be taking from? And why? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:45 PM:

" I sure hope someone here isn't attempting to cause trouble (again).

For the record, I've never lied to anyone about anything on these blogs. I've never posted any blogs (archived or otherwise) anywhere for any reason.

If people don't trust me, that's their right. Accusing me of lying or doing unethical acts is not anyone's right.

I "post" on these blogs primariy for fun and because I find it stimulating (usually). If friendships form then that's an added bonus.

If anyone has anything to "say" about me then just come out and say it. Otherwise, an explanation from OTH should be quickly forthcoming. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:31 PM:

" OTH - How have I broken trust with anyone on these blogs? Once again, verify it. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:29 PM:

" OTH wrote, 'As far as I'm concerned personally I don't trust you. IMHO I think there's a whole lot that you've claimed on these blogs that's just not true.'

I don't care if you trust me or not. But list anything that I've written that is just not true. Again, verify it. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:28 PM:

" OTH wrote, 'You post peoples comments on another blog without their knowledge?'

I have NEVER posted an LNS blog on any webpage. What are you talking about? Verify it. "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:27 PM:

" So were you mining the blogs here to make yourself look good? Talk about arrogance.

You post peoples comments on another blog without their knowledge?

This is all verifiable by the way.

As far as I'm concerned personally I don't trust you. IMHO I think there's a whole lot that you've claimed on these blogs that's just not true. You have zero credibility with me.

The people that have been on this blog from the beginning have developed a certain amount of trust in one another even though we've never met. You've broken that. So, you want to talk arrogance? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:24 PM:

" OTH also asked, 'when you first showed up on a religious you let it be known you posted on the big kids internet blogs.'

And what do you mean by this? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:23 PM:

" OTH asked, 'How many archived blogs fromm the LNS have you posted on the internet?'

Just what are you talking about here? "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:21 PM:

" girard

Let's talk about arrogance. How many archived blogs fromm the LNS have you posted on the internet? Does the LNS you are doing that? Do your fellow bloggers know you are doing that? No? Why?

Leonard is front and center. WY and myself and several others.

You made the comment a couple of weeks ago that LNS blogs were your first foray into the blogasphere. However, when you first showed up on a religious you let it be known you posted on the big kids internet blogs. Cont'd "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 9:18 PM:

" You know what they say, when life gives you wax, make candles!:-) "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 9:05 PM:

" Cogito

Actually you're right. My ears are full of wax. :) "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 9:05 PM:

" OTH - as far as what you "know" about who I would or would not vote for, your own arrogance is telling. I have never "announced" who will get my vote. I certainly have stated my criticisms of each of the candidates as the process has been unfolding. As you can tell, I am very opinionated.

But for you to even suggest who may or may not gets my vote is silly. Of the three remaining, the only candidate NOT in doubt (for me) is Hillary Clinton. She wouldnt get my vote if she were the only one running. "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 9:04 PM:

" girard

No problem. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:59 PM:

" OTH wrote, 'Please show me where on here I have mentioned Cheney in a post?'

You are absolutely correct. I erroneously used your name when I was referring to a previous post by Leonard. I apologize for the error. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:58 PM:

" Unless you don't want to believe your lying ears. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:58 PM:

" OTH, watch it on you tube and know you're wrong. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:55 PM:

" Voter - if what you state is true, and I have no reason to discount what you put forth (for now), and these are documented "crimes" perpetrated by this administration, then it makes no sense whatsoever why they wouldn't be brought to justice; either through impeachment or by securing an indictment.

If, however, this "evidence" is anecdotal or cannot be substantiated, then it makes sense to hold off. As I've stated ad nauseum here and previously, I believe there are former and perhaps present members of this administration who may shed light on this matter after the administration ends in 2009. "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:54 PM:

" girard
As far as Sam being arrogant? Projections are valid my friend.

Please show me where on here I have mentioned Cheney in a post?

As for your song and dance about maybe you would vote for Obama but he would have to explain himself 100%? BS I could have told you on another blog a month ago you weren't going to vote for him. Sounded good.

If you can feel good about voting for McCain please do. You're a Republican, why would you vote for Obama? "

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:50 PM:

" Girard, not only did the administration know about torture, they orchestrated it to the point of scripting the torture sessions of some prisoners. This is well documented. I could provide links if you haven't heard of this. Also, the Yoo memos from the justice department include all kinds of disgusting "acceptable" torture techniques--including the poking out of eyes. A few months back, a group of elderly WWII vets came out against all forms of torture--they were the ones who interrogated the high value prisoners of that war and believe they got better info without torture. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:45 PM:

" Leonard asked, 'G: Do you believe that people have been tortured by American personnel following Administration orders?'

I believe that there are "things" that go on during war that defy reason. Wars are not exercises of democracy (as far as our country is concerned); they're waged to protect democracy even when those actions run contrary to our way of life. Yes, it's a paradox. Does torture occur? Yes it does. Does the administration "know" about it? Probably. Do I like it? No. Do I understand it? Yes.

I was lucky while in the Air Force; I didn't serve in a war. "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:43 PM:

" Cogito

Sam is right about bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran because I heard the same thing.

Or is this another of his misunderstood 100 years war commeents? "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:41 PM:

" Cogito, you are correct.. he calls it The "Bomb Iran" song and then proceeds to sing "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb..." and start laughing. SICK

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hAzBxFaio1I
"

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:41 PM:

" Leonard wrote, '...but I think there is more than enough evidence for reasonable people like you and me to come to relatively well supported conclusions.'

If people like "you" and "me" have come to these conclusions, why then haven't others in higher positions, determined this as well?

Impeachment, by its nature, is purely political - it's designed that way. In 1997 it was doubtful that there would be a conviction of Clinton; yet the House stood behind their beliefs and went forth with the process anyway. What have they to lose here if they're right? Certainly more evidence would come to light. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:36 PM:

" I'd love to talk about this all night but I have an 8 am flight out of SFO tomorrow so I have to go to bed if I am going to be on the road by 4:30.

Buenos Noches, to all. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:35 PM:

" Leonard wrote, 'I can only speculate that the partisan schism that has riven this country has also blinded your moral vision.'

I would suggest that your speculation on many other matters may be in error. No one should be convicted of anything based upon opinion or what people "think" is the truth. There needs to be "proof" in order to secure justice.

Absent any other explanation from Congress, you or anyone else, the only conclusion that I can arrive at is that the "proof" is simply not there.

This is why I have been waiting until 2009, when perhaps Powell might come forth. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:35 PM:

" I think the Congressional leaders have made it clear that they will not pass articles of impeachment unless they have at least some hope of getting a conviction in the Senate.

The Republican follies of the 90's are too fresh in people's memories to rip this nation apart yet again in a act of futile partisanship.

Given the GOP's steadfast refusal to act in a moral fashion on this issue, I believe justice will have to wait until after these individuals leave office. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:31 PM:

" G: Do you believe that people have been tortured by American personnel following Administration orders?

To me, there is no doubt that this has happened. The Administration itself has as much as tacitly admitted it and various officials, including Cheney have come very close to openly admitting it.

Certainly, matters have been clouded by the Administrations unprecedented abuse of government secrecy but I think there is more than enough evidence for reasonable people like you and me to come to relatively well supported conclusions.

"

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:27 PM:

" To be specific Sam, he said "that old Beach Boys song bomb Iran?" then he sang "bomb, bomb, bomb". He never sang "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran". I know I'm nitpicking, but lets get it correct. He was fielding a question from a person wondering when we were going to do something about Iran, before they go nuclear. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:26 PM:

" Leonard asked, 'I don't know G, why haven't you?' in response to my question about why good men haven't come forward to rid the nation of president and vice president who he believes to be criminals.

I haven't because Im not convinced that theyre criminals; or did I already state that?

My question in this regard was directed, through this blog, to the Congressmen/women who, like you, believe that this administration has committed these atrocities. I thought perhaps you, or others like you, could shed some light on why they have not put some action behind their lofty words (rhetoric). "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:22 PM:

" Sam - what might be "obvious" to you isn't necessarily the case. Your arrogance (again) is coming through loud and clear. Now you're clairvoyant? "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:16 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:47 PM:
" Why wait for history? If this administration is so rife with criminals and outrageous crime, just why haven't "good" men come forth to rid this nation of them?


I don't know G, why haven't you?

I can only speculate that the partisan schism that has riven this country has also blinded your moral vision. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:15 PM:

" well there ya have it, G.

Obviously to you the guy who sings "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran is the most mature candidate. It's your vote.

"

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:11 PM:

" Gadzooks, me too, I can't understand why anyone would be against the torture of terrorists. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:10 PM:

" At the beginning of the seven-week period before the Pennsylvania primary, it was generally conceded that McCain would lose tremendous ground by not being in an ongoing contest. Obama and Clinton would take the spotlight off of him and onto their campaigns.

Now I already made up my mind about Clinton; she's just bad for America (IMO) but I was still unsure about Obama. These past weeks have helped me considerably to form my opinion that neither of the Democrats have the intestinal fortitude, maturity or qualifications to be president. Their pettiness and general silliness of their campaigns prove that to-me. "

nextel wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:10 PM:

" May,2006 McCain voted against an amendment that would have provided the VA with an additional $20 million for healthcare facilities. (s,amdt 3704; 5/4/2006. September,2007 Mcflop voted against the Webb amendment that would have provided all troops in Iraq have at least as much time home and in training as in theater. (s.amdt 2909, 2910; 9/19/2007. It's all @ Senate.Gov roll call for every arm chair flag waver to see. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:09 PM:

" I think we could do nothing more to punish Afghanis than to make them live in Afghanistan. Why would we nuke them? The best we could hope for would be a few hundreds of dollars worth of damage. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:02 PM:

" The top 1% of taxpayers paid more than 11 times more money in taxes than the bottom 50% combined in 06. Half of our country is sponging off the government and contributing little to nothing for it. "

nextel wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:00 PM:

" March,2006 McCain voted against increasing VA medical services funding. (s,amdt 3007 to s.con.res 83; 3/14/2006. April 2006 McCentury was one of 13 Republicans to vote against $430 million for VA outpatient care and facilities. (s.amdt 3642; 4/26/2006. "

gadzooks wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:58 PM:

" What perplexes me most about McCain is his flip-flop on the torture issue. "

nextel wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:54 PM:

" October, 2003, McBush aka McCain voted to table an amendment by Senator Dodd (D-CN) that called for an additional $322 million in safety equipment for soldiers in Iraq. (S,Amdt, 1817 to S, 1689; 10/2/2003. March 2004 McCain voted against establishing a VA reserve fund to treat Vet's (S.Amdt 2745 to S.con.res95; 3/10/2004. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:54 PM:

" I corrected myself sam (on Obama and Iran). I did not lie. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:53 PM:

" No sam, there are those who cannot work. To imply that "all" who are deemed disabled are employable goes beyond the pale. My congratulations to you for rising above your misfortunes.

However, the disability program is designed for those who cannot work. I find your stand on this somewhat elitist. Not everyone is like you; or perhaps you believe everyone should be? Please tell me you aren't that arrogant. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:51 PM:

" Obama is NOT salivating over Iran. That is a lie.


"

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:50 PM:

" girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:46 PM:
" Actually, I meant that Obama is aiming for Afghanistan"

Hell ya, he wants to finish what we started. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:49 PM:

" hey nextel, can you tell me why McCain is against the new GI bill???

Thanks for any info. "

nextel wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:47 PM:

" August,2001 McCain voted against increasing the amount available for medical care for Vet's by $650 million. (S.Amdt. 1218 to Amdt. 1214; 8/1/2001, April,2003, McCain voted to table a Senate vote to provide more than $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve equipment in Iraq. (S.Amdt 452 to S.762; 3/2/2003. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:46 PM:

" G, I am classified 100% disabled. Fine I lost a career and had to move on. I have a great new career now.

In today's world, you can reinvent yourself despite limitations.

You can blog, you can get a job. If a 90 year old can still be productive and make money, the sky is the limit.



"

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:46 PM:

" Actually, I meant that Obama is aiming for Afghanistan. His Iran stand has yet to be determined. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:45 PM:

" Sam - from what I can tell, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama appear to be salivating over Iran. Clinton has even admitted to considering dropping nukes on them. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:43 PM:

" sam wrote, 'We ALL pay in... we ALL collect.'

This cannot be true. The system is designed around the fact that not "all" will collect in either disability or retirement payments. As with insurance policies, the actuary tables are built to determine just how much needs to come in; statistics determine how many will/will not live to collect; and then how much is needed to pay out.

If "all" collected, it would have not lasted nearly as long as it has; but yes fundamental changes will be needed in order to get it back into "profitability" as it pertains to payouts ahead. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:42 PM:

" Stop the insane war. Put all the guys in Aphganistan and finish what we started.

Iraq is a "baby bush " war. They "dissed" his daddy. We all know it. It is not against terrorists. Al Qaeda was not there until we opened up the place for them.

Now Bush and McCain are drooling over Iran??? So we take benefits from our 90 year old citizens to appease the war lords??? Sick.

"

nextel wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:40 PM:

" Where the hell do ya start with this political retread McCain AKA McBush. The guy flip-flops more than a damn pancake and forgets what he had for lunch without a teleprompter. No one should try to use McCain's Military record of imprisonment in N Vietnam,his "concern" for America's young,or his level of "support" for our uniformed fighting men and women in any fashion or way to demonstrate his suitability to be President of the United States. Loosely falling words and bloviation may persuade millions, but the unvarnished record cannot be spun. It's in black and white,and available for any&all. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:38 PM:

" No sam, there are some who cannot work. And for these people in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, they are required to endure a long, arduous process where 90% are automatically denied.

SS Disability is not a hand-out or welfare. During the course of our working lives we are required to contribute to this system. It is very much like an insurance policy that when needed, it provides proceeds based upon the "premiums" we pay into it. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:36 PM:

" Where would you start Sam, less armor for our soldiers? "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:33 PM:

" We ALL pay in... we ALL collect. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:33 PM:

" cool, cogito, tell me if I make over $200,000 when I retire that I cannot have medicare... ok... but do not expect me to contribute a cent.

I know lazy asses who sit in their 50's and 60's because they "cannot work". Wrong, they are lazy asses. EVERYONE can work and contribute.

The uneducated jerk sits back and say "well i did not want to put out to get an education so let those rich guys support me." WRONG. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:27 PM:

" Gee Cogito, if I had to cut the budget... gee let me think... STOP THE FRICKIN WAR. It is a no brainer.

We are spending more than $300 million a day. I heard that ever 4 person family in Iraq could be given $400,000 a year salary and we would save money.

Why cut the medicare of 90 year old US citizens??? "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:27 PM:

" Sam, I agree that there should be no Medicare for the wealthy, or Social security either. The problem comes in with the definition of wealthy. There should be a gradual step out system. We need to make sure none of our elderly are made destitute by the cost of medical care. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:23 PM:

" OTH, your charming comments regarding the parting of water and water into wine exposes at least your stand on issues for what they are - shallow and weak.

To compare Cheney to Nazi war criminals is not only ridiculous it furthers my contention that those who have no proof of their claims rely upon such outrageous statements to rally like-minded half-wits behind their "cause."

Again, why has no Congressman/woman brought charges against this administration? This is not a rhetorical question; it begs for an answer. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:23 PM:

" fine, cut medicare for the wealthy... tell me up front and I will not pay anymore.

Why do my in-laws... who still put in 40 hours a week in their 90's, get punished because they are NOT lazy and refuse to sit on their asses and cry "poor me... I cannot work anymore." "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:20 PM:

" Sam, if you had to cut your household budget, wouldn't you start with the most costly expenditure? Medicare is 56% of the budget, that's where I would start too. The problem is that the left in this country has no problem ginning up fear in order to promote their agenda. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:19 PM:

" My position on this administration has always been clear. If crimes have been committed, prosecute the criminals.

On the other hand, in all administrations mistakes have been made; yes, some of those mistakes have been terrible, but they were mistakes all the same.

There's this continuing rant about WMDs, war for oil, etc., etc. Unless and until positive proof is presented that indicates guilt beyond a reasonable doubt (and that standard is absolute for me), then I'll wait for someone like Powell to come forward to shed a better light on what has occurred.

Absent that proof, the accusations are without merit. (IMO) "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:17 PM:

" cogito, seriously??? a man who sings "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran." .. and thinks he is cute????

What an idiot. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:13 PM:

" Voter, a smart president doesn't micromanage every little detail in every department. When they do, you get the Carter administration. What a smart president does is put an expert in the job, like Reagan did. But since Obama is a Socialist/Marxist look out for who he appoints. I think that as an overall economic direction for our country, McCain is way smarter than Obama. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:11 PM:

" cogito, my in-laws.... they have been republicans for 70 plus years... they are in their 90s, and are so afraid of McCain. He said because they make money he wants to cut their medicare benefits. WHY? How can anyone change what benefits people in their 90's get???

McCain wants to change medicare rules, great... tell me now and I will quit paying in and save for myself. Don't tell me to contribute all my life and then say "Gee, you are so successful you get no benefits."
That is just WRONG. "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:09 PM:

" girard

Have you parted the waters today?

Turned water into a little wine?

I've always wondered what intellectual perfection is like. Sadly I've never encountered any. We just kind of muddle along. :) "

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:07 PM:

" I was only trying to confirm Girard's position based on his post. "

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:05 PM:

" What claims did I make??? It's kinda been a slow day with lots of joking around on the boards. "

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:04 PM:

" You know, Cogito, Bob Greenstein, the director of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (a non-partisan research organization), called McCain's economic program "one of the most fiscally irresponsible plans we've seen by a presidential candidate in a long time." "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:01 PM:

" I'm sorry, not Leonard, but Voter. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:59 PM:

" Leonard, if you, or anyone like you, have any concrete evidence to support your claims, you have the right to bring charges against anyone in the current administration. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:56 PM:

" Obamas answer to the capital gains tax question during a recent debate may have been the dumbest response concerning fiscal policy I have ever heard. Really! It spoke out loud of his Marxist approach to economics. Obama looks and sounds good as long as he is speaking of grand idealism. But his incompetence comes out in the details. "

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:54 PM:

" Girard, just so I know where you are coming from, is it your position that Bush/Cheney et al. are not guilty of any wrongdoing in the past 7/8 years? Or are you unsure and assuming that a lack of prosecution so far would lead to this conclusion? "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:51 PM:

" My reasons for voting against Obama begin with his lack of political experience. Our next president will need to tackle a lot of important issues, and need to surround himself with able, competent people. Obama lacks the connections to those kind of people compared to McCain. Couple that with the fact that Obama sticks by his "friends" that include a hate-monger pastor, and an unapologetic convicted domestic terrorist, and it makes me doubt his abilities to do so. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:47 PM:

" Why wait for history? If this administration is so rife with criminals and outrageous crime, just why haven't "good" men come forth to rid this nation of them? The Declaration of Independence was clear in that "...it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government..."

Why then, as is so vehemently suggested that this president, vice president and others are so horrific, has Congress made no move to impeach?

Although conviction of Clinton was always in doubt, at least he was brought forth to answer for his high crimes and misdemeanors. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:43 PM:

" Sorry for going off topic, sometimes I am just going through my day when I am struck out of the blue by how bad things have actually become. "

Cogito wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:23 PM:

" I don't know how you people could be so wrong about what God looks like. He's a little guy, with a bad toupee, thick horned rimmed glasses, and a big cigar. You can check it out in the original, and the sequel. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:09 PM:

" Torture is illegal under international law.


Those, such as Cheney, who institute programs of torture are, by definition, war criminals. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:05 PM:

" I have no doubt that many members of this Administration will be judged to be war criminals by history. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:04 PM:

" The fact that good people will not repudiate Cheney and his thugs is, to say the least, deeply disturbing.

"

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 6:01 PM:

" G: Let Cheney pour a little acid on your face and then tell me what you think.

The policies that this man has advocated are monstrous.
"

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 5:48 PM:

" Come on G, Bryan starts with lies about Obama and you expect people to take this blog seriously??? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 5:41 PM:

" What I find interesting on these blogs is the folks who condemn others for their beliefs that Obama may be the anti-christ (which I do not believe), yet don't blink an eye when equating the vice president with Nazi war criminals. I suppose I'm the only one who recognizes the hypocrisy. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 2:56 PM:

" Its interesting how much context determines the course of our lives. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 2:55 PM:

" A friend of mine said the following about the Vice President in a recent email and I really do believe that it is true.

If Dick Cheney had lived in Hitler's Germany, the Allies would have tried him and hung him at Nuremburg. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 2:06 PM:

" OTH, oh no, Thank You! "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:57 PM:

" Sam I love it. We need to sign you to a contract for comedy writing. Very good.

LOL "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:56 PM:

" voter

LOL "

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:47 PM:

" I think I've found the source of Mazie's claims that Obama is the anti-christ. There is a new email circulating that says as much--found it on the "what's new" list at snopes. I don't know what's sadder--that someone would waste time sending that around or that people would actually believe it.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/antichrist.asp
"

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:42 PM:

" Leonard, I think I remember something about that attack against McCain back in 04 by Karl Rove, et al. Didn't they claim he had fathered an illegitimate black baby? Business as usual--I guess they know that people will believe anything they want to hear and that no lie is too ridiculous. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:37 PM:

" L, glad I could make ya chuckle... "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:22 PM:

" sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 12:43 PM:

"Just exactly how many is a brazillion?"


Literally LOL!!! "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:20 PM:

" OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 12:03 PM:
" T&C
My bad. I should have specified the post was sarcasm.. It was so off the wall I didn't think anyone would take it seriously.


Sarcasm of this sort just doesn't work with Repugs because, if McCain were a democrat, it is exactly the sort of Swift Boat attacks that they would be carrying out against him.

Bush actually used a variation on this against McCain in the 2000 South Carolina primary. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:18 PM:

" Leonard, AMEN. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:18 PM:

" T & C wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:28 AM:

Here It Is In A Nutshell Readers! The democrats are not for strengthening the economy thru Big Business


George W. Bush has essentially spent the last seven years allowing Big Business to rape the American economy and the only people who have benefited have been the Halliburton share holders.

I don't see much of evidence to support the contention that offering Wall Street free use (or abuse) of our collective bums is going to improve the lot of the average American. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Voter... you made my day. "

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:12 PM:

" Please forgive me for this, but I think that Sam has started something here that needs further discussion.

How many members of the Bush administration does it take to change a light bulb?

1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed;

2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed;

3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb;

4. One to arrange the invasion of a country rumored to have a secret stockpile of light bulbs;

5. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Halliburton for the new light bulb;

6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a step ladder under the banner: Light Bulb Change Accomplished;

7. One administration insider to resign and write a book documenting in detail how Bush was literally in the dark;

8. One to viciously smear #7;

9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong light-bulb-changing policy all along;

10. And finally one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a light bulb and screwing the country.
"

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 1:11 PM:

" G: My take on it is that the GOP is the actual anti-Christ. Reagan was just one of its more obvious avatars.

I mean, can anyone seriously say that Dick "Pour Acid In Their Eyes" Cheney is not the spawn of Satan? "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 12:43 PM:

" It was reported on MSNBC that Cheney briefed the president this morning and told Bush that three Brazilian solders were killed in Iraq. To everyone's amazement all the color ran from Bush's face, then he collapsed onto his desk, head in hands, visibly shaken, almost whimpering. Finally, he composed himself and asked Cheney. "Just exactly how many is a brazillion?" "

girard74 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 12:13 PM:

" Leonard wrote about Ronald Reagan, 'The Mark of the Beast. You can't argue with it. We are already living in the End Days.'

While I recognized Leonard's attempt at humor in that post, I still have a little problem with equating 666 with Ronald Reagan's name. There were (and amazingly still are) many who truly believe(d) that our 40th president was the anti-christ; now that he is gone that conclusively proves that he was not (not that I need(ed) any convincing). "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 12:09 PM:

" T&C
Just one question. The Republicans have had 8 years to strengthen the economy. Where are we at this point? Massive debt, a war with no end in sight. Thousands of young men and women killed or maimed and a VA medical system so overburdened it's almost useless.

The administration said they didn't think we would have so many wounded needing treatment.

One more question, what did they think was going to happen in a war? Just asking. "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 12:03 PM:

" T&C
My bad. I should have specified the post was sarcasm.. It was so off the wall I didn't think anyone would take it seriously.

Like I said, my bad. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:45 AM:

" Raymond, relax.

Oth was matching Mazie's lie with a touch of well appreciated sarcasm. "

T & C wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:37 AM:

" Hey Oth:

Please provide the link to back up the below statement!

"However I did hear the other day that McCain was brain washed by the vietnamese to come back to the U>S. go into politics, and run for president so he can turn the U S over to the communists".
"

T & C wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:36 AM:

" Don't ANY of you reader's get it YET? Every CANDIDATE is going to tell every segment of the voters WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR! But do they EVER FOLLOW THRU AFTER ELECTION? NO!!! The house and senate can BLOCK by 2/3 majority what a president wants passed, and the president can Veto what he can veto! The result is LESS AND LESS promises are kept to those who voted them in! It has ALWAYS been that way, and will never change! We need a president who will help our nation faster then helping ungrateful nations! Help America First! "

T & C wrote on Apr 27, 2008 11:28 AM:

" Here It Is In A Nutshell Readers! The democrats are not for strengthening the economy thru Big Business, and they are not for a strong military. Demos are for "Social Programs", which by the way put NO ONE TO WORK! Hillary and Obama scare the hell out of me. On the Flip side McCain is for Iraq, and I want out troops out of Iraq! Hillary says she would nuke IRAN if necessary! What do you think the price of GAS per gallon would be then? We citizens are in a NO-WIN situation with our next president! Lord Help Us! "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:55 AM:

" Leonard, nice 10:09 post. (chuckle) "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:47 AM:

" "End Of Days"... one of my favorite Arnie movies. Right up there with "I'll be back." "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:41 AM:

" Mazie

If you would go to Snopes.com on your computer they will tell you all about Obama NOT being a Muslim. They will also tell you that Jewish Studies were not removed from Univ. of Kentucky to passify Muslims.

However I did hear the other day that McCain was brain washed by the vietnamese to come back to the U>S. go into politics, and run for president so he can turn the U S over to the communists.

Makes about as much sense as some of the other apcray floating around about Obama. "

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:25 AM:

" As for the End of Days, I assume you speak in jest. Haven't the devout of every era convinced themselves that they were living in the End of Days? I think that's part of the insanity that Billy speaks to. "

voter wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:23 AM:

" Brian's busy promoting lap dancing this morning. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:09 AM:

" Mazie wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:37 AM:
" I honestly believe that Obama is the anti-christ.


I don't think so.

Its not like each of his names has six letters like:

RONALD- 6
WILSON- 6
REAGAN- 6

The Mark of the Beast. You can't argue with it. We are already living in the End Days.

:) "

Leonard wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:03 AM:

" I wonder what happened to Brian.

Its like he disappeared or something.... "

Marly wrote on Apr 27, 2008 10:01 AM:

" Mazie, that is a lie.

I can understand you not wanting to vote for him, but do it for a "real" reason, not because of a lie you choose to spread. "

Marly wrote on Apr 27, 2008 9:59 AM:

" Sam, Nylodian is correct. Just sign up on Obama's website. They also will give you previously made calls to listen to.
It is actually enjoyable and you get to talk to some very nice people.
Let me know how it goes. "

jeff wrote on Apr 27, 2008 9:08 AM:

" Mazie, I honestly believe we have had the anti-christ among us for several years now. He currently resides in the vice presidents office. "

Billy Rubin wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:59 AM:

" "Religion causes insanity" is a truth evident to any impartial observer and should be applied whenever it is appropriate - such as this blog!

It's only my condensation of someone else's "Religion drives some people crazy", said to me years ago by a very wise old lady.

"

Mazie wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:37 AM:

" I honestly believe that Obama is the anti-christ. And he is a Muslim, not a Christian. It will all come out after he is elected, then everyone will be sorry. IMHO. "

sam wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:19 AM:

" Thanks nylodian. "

nylodian wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:56 AM:

" sam: re making phone calls: in my experience they give you a script, a list of people and phone numbers and you write down who you called and their response to report back to the campaign. If you sign up on the website, someone will contact you shortly.



"

nylodian wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:54 AM:

" In my opinion, any merit for a good argument went out the door with the "black Christ" deal. Who the heck knows how Christ will appear next time? We all know the historical Jesus was Jewish. (I personally hope the second coming will be as a Japanese woman to spite the bigots.)

As Marly said "" AND, IMHO, God is a supreme multi colored being.
He is the creator of ALL of us."

Amen! "

OTH wrote on Apr 27, 2008 7:41 AM:

" Sam

I'll get permission from Billy next time I promise. :) "

sam wrote on Apr 26, 2008 11:31 PM:

" OTH said "Religion does cause insanity"..

Geez, OTH, that is Billy's line... and, I have to agree with you... and Billy. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:19 PM:

" In case there was any doubt, I guess this letter proves that Obama will not be getting a large share of the racist half-wit vote come November. "

nextel wrote on Apr 26, 2008 7:46 PM:

" Bryan, if your gonna judge Obama for Rev Wright and his dumb @ss comments from behind the pulpit, then You also need to judge "circle the drain McCain" the same way for hitching his wagon to this freak Rev Hagee. You remember some of the stuff that came out of this guy's cake hole Bryan..."Katrina happened because of homosexuality." or "Catholicism is the great Whore of religion." The fact that Obama is half white also makes this little smear LTE a joke. "

OTH wrote on Apr 26, 2008 7:28 PM:

" I have to agree with Marly.

IMHO you are racist. Half of your letter is references to religion and then at the very end you slide through the back door with your thinly, and I do mean thinly, comments about Obama.

Please define for me how a black value differs from a white value, or a hispanic, or chinese?

What is clear IMHO, is a bigot is a bigot is a bigot no matter what color. Do you believe blacks have bigots and white folk don't?

Religion does cause insanity. "

Leonard wrote on Apr 26, 2008 7:08 PM:

" Marly wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:11 AM:

The last time I saw God he looked Mexican to me.


Chuckle, was he on a tortilla?

I have never given much thought to Christ's race but now that am thinking about it, I suppose he would look something like the Syrian grave paintings from that era that are on display at the Met in NYC. Those folks aren't black but they aren't white either.

They had sort of a darkish olive complexion, if I recall.

I am often amazed by the ridiculous things people come up with to worry about. "

sam wrote on Apr 26, 2008 6:15 PM:

" Marly, having worked for Obama, have you made calls on his behalf??? The reason for my question is that I want to make calls for him to voters in Indiana, but I am wondering what it is like. Any input?

FYI most of my favorite bloggers cannot spell. Including me. Who cares. It 's a blog. "

Marly wrote on Apr 26, 2008 5:48 PM:

" and my spelling is pathetic... fill in the missing pieces. "

Marly wrote on Apr 26, 2008 5:47 PM:

" AND, IMHO, God is a supreme multi colored being.
He is the creator of ALL of us.


"

Marly wrote on Apr 26, 2008 5:43 PM:

" Mr Stamos, I think your rascism is showing... IMHO.

I am an Obama supporter and have been a part of his campaign for almost a year. I think he is an amazing man, a loving family man, a sincere Christian, and believe he will be an outstanding president.

With a caucasion mother I cannot even imagine him given God a "color". "

voter wrote on Apr 26, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Bry, watch this interview. It may clear up some of your misunderstandings.

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04252008/watch.html
"

bry wrote on Apr 26, 2008 4:26 PM:

" Oth, The point has nothing to do with political parties. It has to do with a presidential candidate that supports an anti-American racist preacher and a racist Church that is fixated on skin color & race, rather than promoting a love toward all men. I don't care what race or color Jesus Christ was while on earth but that is clearly important to Obama's Church and his racist mentor (Rev Wright)who deny's the scriptures. Your last question needs to be answered by Obama, Rev. Wright, & the Trinity Church as they are ones preaching a Black values system. "

OTH wrote on Apr 26, 2008 3:55 PM:

" Bryan

Are we supposed to let the Reverend Hagee decide what's good for America? He is the spiritual advisor to the Republican candidate.

However he is white and I suspect that's where your coming from. IMHO

Do blacks have different values than whites or Hispanics? Chinese? Japanese? "

dogbark wrote on Apr 26, 2008 2:47 PM:

" just remember dragonfaire, the the Lodi Germans weren't even welcome in Germany.
So I guess they've gorgotten how to even say velkommen. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 26, 2008 11:47 AM:

" In the last book of the original "Left Behind" series, although a fictional account, the actual return of Jesus is portrayed. I somehow recall that He returns in the "image" of each of us; black for blacks; white for whites, etc. Now, LaHaye and Jenkins didn't go so far as to portray Him as a Her, but it did provide excellent food for thought as to what He very well might be like.

Of course we aren't supposed to know at this point. The definition of us being created in His "image" simply has to satisfy us for now. "

sam wrote on Apr 26, 2008 11:33 AM:

" dragonfaire, well said. "

dragonfaire wrote on Apr 26, 2008 11:26 AM:

" When I moved to Lodi from the Bay Area as a child, I mst admit I was completely shocked at the predominance of prejudice attitudes. Even the folks in Ironwood Michigan, where most names end with ski, and there was little racial diversity, welcomed people for who they are. There is nothing less righteous than thinking one is better than someone else because of race. There are a lot of people to both like, and some not, but shouldn't that be based on the quality of the person?
I believe Obama stands for what's good about America. "

OTH wrote on Apr 26, 2008 10:40 AM:

" Marly

With maybe a little Native American thrown in? "

dogbark wrote on Apr 26, 2008 10:39 AM:

" I thought the Samaritans were black?
And Simon of Cyrene who was forced by the Romans to help Jesus carry the cross.
And if God (the Father) created man in his own iomage, what is wrong with portraying Jesus as black?
Or John as Sammy Davis Jr.? "

voter wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:29 AM:

" This thread reminds me of the book, "The Messiah of Morris Ave.". The premise is that Jesus returns to Earth in the Second Coming as a poor Hispanic man and is initially marginalized and ultimately "crucified" again by the folks claiming to be the most Christian. His followers are called left wing hippies and commies. It was a great read and VERY consistent and complimentary to the biblical Jesus--more of a political statement. Read the reviews on Amazon.com "

jeff wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:25 AM:

" Bryan, thanks for the saturday morning humor. Seriously, really? "

voter wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:18 AM:

" Presumably, Jesus spent at least some of his early years in Egypt and didn't stand out in any way. I guess that rules out the accuracy of that blue-eyed white man with long flowing blond locks you envision him to be, Bry. "

voter wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:13 AM:

" This letter is filled with rather sad ignorance based on "black people are scary" sentiment. My Stamos, if you take issue with Mr. Obama's positions on issues, then you should voice them. "

Marly wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:11 AM:

" The last time I saw God he looked Mexican to me. "

sam wrote on Apr 26, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Actually OTH, I thought God was a Japanese woman??

bry, obviously never met a black jew. Me thinks he needs to get out more. "

OTH wrote on Apr 26, 2008 7:59 AM:

" What if God is a woman? "

girard74 wrote on Apr 26, 2008 7:05 AM:

" Stamos stated in pertinent part, '...and especially the Jewish race.'

This is a common misconception. "Jewish" people do not comprise a race; it is a religion. "

girard74 wrote on Apr 26, 2008 5:45 AM:

" The author insists, 'Jesus Christ of the Holy Biblewas, without dispute,the Son of God.'

There is little doubt that this particular letter will draw quite a bit of attention not only on the blogs but in published responses as well.

As a Christian even I have to admit that the absence of "dispute" referring to Jesus being the "Son of God" has little basis in fact.

In reality, since Jesus walked the earth there has been nothing but dispute in this area. What an audacious claim by the author. Christianity will certainly play a major part in this Presidential election. "

Comments on this story are now closed.



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