As am I, but there's no better place to witness it than reading the comments of the likes of Anita (who is, at best, incoherent) and Feisty!

This has no effect on the lives of ordinary Americans...just like Sarah Palin's Twitter misspelling, Obama's sleepover in Chicago, or Sarah Palin's too-close-for-comfort-journalist neighbor. It is, however, good fodder for the crazies on this blog to make "snarky" comments and engage in a little "LOL-ing"!

There are PLENTY of corrupt Dems out there...unfortunately for the American people, corrupt politicians have become the status quo.

Little girl I see that you JUST can't leave well enough alone can you? Anyone that reads your twaddle and communicate with you in my opinion is as dense as your are. I don't recall voicing an opinion to you today and if you don't care for our discourse-- why not ignore it...that's what I do to you. Now move along and find some children to play with because I'm an adult that don't converse with little children...run along now chit.

Jill-- If you have a problem with LOL- ing you know what to do. I'm ROTFLMAO!! at your stupidity. If you don't like it then start your own blog.

Yet you took the time to respond?

Anita -

I frequently read Jill's comments. When I have more time, I look forward to at least trying to communicate with her on the issues that do have an effect on the lives of ordinary Americans. And maybe even getting her to see things from "our" perspective once in a while.

But I guess that makes me dense, too?

Maybe if you did a little more LOLing you would come across as so uptight... just a suggestion...

Ahhhh Jill dear... some things do remain consistant around here! Nice to see you're as bitter as ever... :0))) Come on babe... try the popcorn will ya? It'll help you lighten up!

And JoAnne: I'm glad to see you enjoy Jill... you're free to read & comment to whomever you want! In the meantime... save the snarky remarks if Jill's not our cup of tea. Your nativity is getting in the way! See your comments about putting me down regarding Bill Fairfax. I've been around here a lot longer than you and all is NOT what it appears... do some homework!

Progressive Code of Honor Rule #1 - You never diss a fellow leftie - we agree to disagree respectfully... that's what sets us apart from the righties...

And BTW... Noticed who fired the first shot?

Jo-Ann;

You're REAL new on this blog and what you chose to dabble in is your business. We have a history with many of the RIGHT-WINGERS on this blog that evidently you need to be aware of. You also seem to have a problem with the discourse that we are engaged in from time-to-time; but before you complain, or seek to pass judgement; you should consider learning who your enemies are before you pass judgement.

The MAJORITY of us are LOYAL to our PARTY and passionate about our opinions. Many of us have been out here fighting since the campaign started. Do you have a problem with the discourse out here as well? BTW...thanks for taking the bait.

Jill & Jo Ann

You are swimming with sharks, and Fiesty & Anita are here on a regular basis, as most of us liberal lefties are. Please respect their opinions, as you expect us to respect yours.

Listen to you two - you act as though you own this board. You could learn something from JoAnn - she may not agree with Jill, but at least she's willing to listen and try to persuade her to see things from her perspective. Do you honestly think flinging your nastiness around is going to change anyone's mind about anything?

While, admittedly, I took a personal shot at Anita and Feisty (only because I do not think they contribute anything substantive to the dialogue), I ALWAYS refrain from the "us v. them" mentality in which so many on this blog seem to love to indulge. What is remarkable is that that very mentality originates in those who elected President Obama (aka, "Mr. Hope and Change") to the White House, who ran, largely, on the promise of reaching across the aisle and bringing a certain level of civility to Washington. Apparently, his supporters (well, at least the majority of supporters on this blog) did not get the message.

I am not beholden to any particular party, but I am a registered Democrat and largely vote for the "blue" candidates on the ballot (don't care if you all don't believe me). And yes, I'm young, but what is sad is that at my young age, I've already grown tired and/or jaded by our political system and the news media that covers it. What is most disappointing, of course, is the disillusionment with the news media, who can't even be trusted anymore to offer facts untainted by opinion.

And Anita, dear, I'm sorry but I do have a problem with adults who are attempting to engage in intelligent conversation through the written word by typing such childish nonsense as LOL. Feisty, I'm not bitter, but I am quite tired of the news media putting out these kinds of sensationalistic stories and representing them as "news"....

JoAnne, I do not think that people expressing their opinions, which may differ from mine occasionally (but less often than you think as referenced by your comment about "our perspective"), are dense. I do, however, find that those who continuously refer to Bush and Cheney as criminals and continue to blame everything bad that happens on them quite tiring. I am interested in opinions, but I'm not interested in bashing someone or the political party that you may not agree with. What happened to congenial discourse? (And yes, I admit that I shouldn't have personally attacked Anita or Feisty, but they represent precisely what I loathe.)

Knew it wouldn't be long before Officer Short Pump from the FR Police arrived... LOL Read it again and try to comprehend this time will ya?

Where did anyone mention that we own the board... Jump to conclusions much do you?

(And yes, I admit that I shouldn't have personally attacked Anita or Feisty, but they represent precisely what I loathe.)

_____________

Ditto Darling!

Nothing is worse than a phony Democrat. Jill all the time you've spent here when have you EVER said one positive thing about your supposed party? We'll be waiting...

Perhaps things would be different if we took the time to call out the scum in our own parties when they reveal themselves to be scum AND took the time to call out our own party when they decide to trump up charges over nothing in order to sensationalize things and rile folks up.

Until that happens, then don't be surprised when people continue to immediately form ranks around 'their' guy and gleefully excoriate people from the other side when they turn out to be slime. Look at Orrin Hatch yesterday. When it was just Blumenthal who had 'lied about his military record numerous times,' (something I am still on the fence about since no one can produce anything other than one confirmable instance and another instance in which he said something false yet also accurately represented his military record over the course of the same speech), Hatch was more than willing to show righteous indignation and insist that someone who did something so dastardly should be fined or jailed or both.

However, as soon as Kirk was proven to have done roughly the same thing, along with bragging about his 'award' both in open session of congress and, most damning, using the lie as part of his official website, Hatch was very quick to say that this sort of thing was not what his amendment was intended to combat. I personally do not care about Kirk or Blumenthal and think the issue is for the local voters in those elections to decide. But Hatch's move is so transparently partisan that anyone can see it. Until the right calls out that behavior and doesn't hide it behind pitiful justifications and rhetoric that has absolutely nothing to do with the issue being discussed, then do not be surprised that the left wing engages in the exact same behavior when it's someone on the left doing something similarly sleazy and stupid.

Unless you are willing to condemn the behavior in those who are ideologically similar to you as well as those who are ideologically opposed, then there's no point in talking about it. If you decide to couch it in yet another attack on the president, then you aren't saying what you really believe and the whole topic is pretty disingenous.

I would just like to put in my two cents worth concerning President Obama reaching across the aisle. He did just that numerous times and all he got was his hand slapped. So you can't say he didn't try.

Jill; just because you don't THINK that I contribute interesting dialogue to this board doesn't mean that other people that read it agrees with you. It's not about YOU. Your posting stating this certifies my thoughts about you. You are VERY childish. Don't tread into uncharted waters unless you're prepared to face the danger that lurks in them.

Lizzy; You're just plain ignorant and a butt insky-- get yourself some business and stay out of ours. If you like the magpies, then you have a right to communicate with them; so have at it. BTW...I doubt that you Becker's and Rusher's know what civil passionate non-violent political discourse means.

Hey, Michael, I personally never said anything about Blumenthal nor Kirk, but I did notice several posters here defend Blumenthal (oh, it was only a "misstatement"...nothing to see here) and then gleefully slam Kirk. So, it is not just Republicans who are quick to slap on their petty partisan blinders.

Perhaps you were not speaking directly to me, but nonetheless, I COMPLETELY agree with your post. However, it has to start somewhere...people can't keep playing the blame game because it merely creates this vicious cycle of finger-pointing.

Anita, you give yourself WAY too much credit. I don't know what was so childish about my post, but whatever. You just continue living in your own little fantasy world.

Feisty, I do not really have such great feelings about my party right now, as it, much like the Republican party, is leaning more and more to the far left. That is not where I am; I'm more center-left, and I kind of get irritated when the party is hijacked by extreme left-wing liberals (i.e., Nancy Pelosi).

Jill-- I knew that you missed me but I didn't think it was this much....poor little girl... (OMG). You stepped into this because Red and I were minding our own business; and if you don't care for our language or slang talk-- then I suggest that you stay away from other blog sites.

If you're seeking HIGHER standards then you shouldn't be interested in politics; because there is no such thing as polite anything in politics. Stop picking fights that you have NO way of winning. I've ignored you from time-to-time and evidently you took that as a sign of defeat-- you were sadly mistaken; I just get tired of attempting to communicate with a fool.

I really don't like you and I avoid discourse with you because regardless to what is said-- it's not to your satisfaction; you're really too frigid to be so young and if you have plans of marriage-- I suggest that you lighten up sweetie and learn how to text. LOL and those words are used when texting... if you stop being a political HACK you would be received much better from both sides...sheese...

But Jill:

Without comparing Obama to Bush and Cheney or vice versa, and gaging them on their own merits while in office Bush and Cheney were terribly incompetent and did gather many of the storm clouds that have produced the lightening, thunder and rain that befell this country after Obama became President. So yes, they can be blamed for having a hand in many of the ills we face today.

We're still waiting Jill... for just ONE time you've EVER said anything positive about the Democratic party!

You compain about all the bashing but are the first to fling the mud! Unlike you.. I bash and am proud of it!

I can understand not agreeing completely with eitherparticular side (there are a lot of things that President Obama has done I'm not happy with DADT - Afghanistan - Drill Baby Drill) but that doesn't mean I'm going to claim to be a Democrat out of one side of my mouth and with the other @!$%# and stomp my feet!

And the other thing that's ironic is you claim to be bi-partisian yet sure do more than your fair share of sucking up to the right wing nitwits!

Uhhhhh.. last time I checked that's called double standards!

You can respond with whatever... as far as I'm concerned... discussion over - you've proven not what you stand for but what you stand against! Case Closed!

Thanks for the marriage advice, Anita. I will choose to ignore it, however, as I'm happily in a serious relationship with one of America's finest (a soldier), so I think whatever I'm doing, I'm doing it right. By the way, are you married? I would be surprised if you said yes, but I do believe that there's someone for everyone!!

It's not that whatever is said is not to my satisfaction, it's just that usually, you (and some others) are doing nothing but blaming Bush and falling back on racism. I don't care for that at all, and I don't respect statements like that because they're more damaging than constructive (and no, I'm not referring to actual instances of racism, which do occur, but I don't believe for one minute that all people who disagree with President Obama hate him because he's black or that white people are worried because they will soon ...that's utterly ridiculous).

Why can't politics be polite? I don't get that at all. Yes, people can disagree, but it's about civil discourse, and at the end of the day, why can't we all just agree to disagree as opposed to calling the person who doesn't agree with you names.

So in other words if we all just follow along with your likes & dislikes the world will become whole again...?

What part of 'unique' don't you get?

Personally I've never been a fan of the Stepford Wife scene...

Jill:

Good luck with getting our brave solider to the alter; and BTW...I am not married because I chose NOT to be. I too have a VERY special man in my life that LOVES my personalit, respects me and loves the HELL out of me. You're right; there is someone for everyone and I've got mine.

I noticed that you bought President Obama's race into this ...AGAIN; and you've spoken of racism...AGAIN. At no time has any of those subjects been mentioned on this blog today; so where are you getting those thoughts from? Are they YOUR true issues? They appear to be because you're the only person that's mentioning them.

Jill...you are questioning why politics can't be polite...just pounded the nail in you coffin. MY GOD Child! You really don't understand anything do you? The majority of us out here do agree to disagree; it people such as you and your comments that cause us to retort indifferently to you. Do you think that it's okay to attack someone and they respond to you by offering to flowers? You started this exchange...didn't you? You really do have issues...

Feisty, never did I say that people should just agree with my likes and dislikes. I am merely speaking on the lack of civil discourse. And where did you come up with the comment about "Stepford wives"? That one doesn't make any sense to me. As far as your comment about double standards goes, you think that being "bipartisan" means sucking up to the right wing, which only further illustrates that you are unable to apply bipartisanship to your own thought process.

Anita, I have no issue with racism, but you do. Your last paragraph didn't make any sense, in particular about the so-called "nail in my coffin." Whatever that is supposed to mean. You're the one who said politics can't be polite.

CA, as far as Bush and Cheney go, while I agree that the actions they took while in office are relevant, I disagree with the notion that it is "fact" that they were incompetent...it is opinion, and it is the opinion that I share with you. However, not everything that is going wrong in the world today is Bush's or Cheney's fault. That is where I have an issue, because so many seem to go there when they can't defend our President on his own merits.

And by the way, CA, I generally have no problem with you. You take the time to put your ideas together rationally, and I agree with you at times. Even when I don't, you generally aren't mean-spirited about it, and that is greatly appreciated.

Anita, I have no issue with racism, but you do. Your last paragraph didn't make any sense, in particular about the so-called "nail in my coffin." Whatever that is supposed to mean. You're the one who said politics can't be polite.

It's not that whatever is said is not to my satisfaction, it's just that usually, you (and some others) are doing nothing but blaming Bush and falling back on racism. I don't care for that at all, and I don't respect statements like that because they're more damaging than constructive (and no, I'm not referring to actual instances of racism, which do occur, but I don't believe for one minute that all people who disagree with President Obama hate him because he's black or that white people are worried because they will soon ...that's utterly ridiculous).

These are both statements of yours that have NO baring on the present exchange and conversational engagement. I was in a hurry and make errors in my last posting. However, you seem to have issues about those things that I've posted as your statements. Are you on special medication or something? Because you appear to have problems with comprehending what you post.

I'll bet that everyone that reads this and your posting will agree with my analysis of you. Now run along and find some POLITE politics or political discussions where you'll be allowed to spew nonsense while our nation is concerned about our Eco-system, that Bush, Cheney and the Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats voted in favor of screwing up. Jill...if you want to run with the big dogs-- you gotta learn how to survive....

I realize this is a 'dead' issue; but Jill, I remember making a comment about Oklahomans loving them some conservative moronic politicians and you personally attacked me. So, please spare us the molotov cocktails with the crab walk back from the edge. When you've been proven WRONG about something, I have NEVER once seen you apologize. When you've offended someone, I have never once seen you apologize. In fact, it is very easy to watch you defend W and Cheney because it appears you are able to justify any behavior that suits you. And I think it is obvious from this thread that Anita, Feisty, me and others are seeing the exact same behavior. Some would say it's a lack of maturity and others would say it's a character flaw. At this point, I'll leave the jury out. Good day to you.

Clara:

It wasn't dead because our resident perpetrator of higher education is insisting on fighting with everyone-- she refuses to admit that she is out of line. All opinions on this blog are regarded as important to someone whether be agree with them or disagree. This one wants to have her way is her problem which further shows her immaturity, she will learn that we don't coddle brats out here.

Amen, but dont worry there are 3 waiting to take his place!

Red; you picked that last one up quite nicely! lol!! :)

Steve; So did you! lol!!!

Hi, Frank. Got a good laugh at that mental picture. You're right, it's not just one party and it gets old. I couldn't resist noting that lately the GOP chairpersons seem to be making big headlines with spending donor money.

Sadly Jody, You are right. That hasn't been a strong suit of ours lately! ;-)

What a breath of fresh air...a conservative that's not spewing hatred, lies, and talking points. Just rational statements. Good job "Grimey"

Grimey is one of my fav posters. Always polite and insightful. Glad you are around Grimey!

excellent use of the movie simile, Grimey! Thanks for the laugh!

Exactly! It's up to us to call a halt to ALL of it! That is the only way that it will end. It's up to us voters to make it right. Great post voted!

CA:

That was an excellent posting-- I especially enjoyed the Animal Kingdom remark! LOL!!

You are SO right, the republicans would be dangerous if not so impotently hillarious

You know it Ron!

We have each others backs at all times... not just when it's convenient!

Professor; Thanks for the clarification, well said . So was Mac's, Michaels and sis everyone! This is what we do.

Actually, Red, you DON'T have each other's backs at all times. JoAnn had the temerity to suggest she enjoyed the posts of someone you don't care for, a fellow Democrat no less, and you responded by dictating The Rules of First Read according to Feisty Redhead.

You're one of the reasons that this is less a site for intelligent discourse and more a site for liberals to get together and high-five one another. That's why there are so few conservatives on here - debate is almost non-existent.

In defense of my friend Elizabeth-- please don't refer to my friend as Red, the use of that name is only reserved for friends. Second of all you are dipping into something that doesn't concern you; but this comment does concern me because the exchange started targeting Red and I.

I expected Jo-Ann to comment to me; that was why I stated that anyone that converse with Jill is "dense". Since Jo-Ann is of the opinion that this site needs to be "upgraded" and she has taken it upon herself to be the "Up-grader- in-chief" she deserved to be put in check.

I don't know who the hell told you that you were intelligent-- why you all couldn't even select an intelligent Vice President or an intelligent President for that matter. You SPEAK of intelligent discourse when all you people do is call people names on this blog. Many of us were here before you all thought about coming to First Read.

We know that we don't own it but us Liberals stick together. You all are always complaining about MSNBC being the Liberal Arm of the media; yet you seek yo disallow Liberals on a site where we've been since the elections. The only DEBATE that you Conservatives want to engage in is blaming Obama for your chit piles, insulting him, lying and further denigrating our nation. I'm sorry but as long as I can post out here...it aint happening

This begs the question Liz... if this site is so bad and uncivil then what the HELL are you doing lurking around here?

I laugh my a@@ of at you and the Jill's that constanltly complain about lack of civility and but here you are?

Why? Other than to indulge in your 'better than thou' attitudes? You had no business sticking your nose in where it didn't belong... as the conversation had NOTHING to do with you!

But that's what you do here... lurk around and attack! Show us something where you've contributed... we'll be waiting as Jill has yet to come up with something positive about her 'so called' party!

Anyone out there want to be on when either of them get back to us? LOL

B.S. The republicant's only force out the centrists and moderates seeing there is only room under the "Big Tent" for teabaggers and right wing whackos. Anyone who even smiles at President Obama is toast {Charlie Crist} it's ALL we've got to "get" Obama not HELP THE COUNTRY...

What I really like about this new First Read format is the "Ignore Author" button. I just hit the button on the above and the blog just got more intelligent.

You call out this lady and then you go directly into one of your dumb-ass smears.

Jill F

I dont post here very often lately, but I 've read enough of your posts to seriously doubt you are a true Democrat, you are the ultimate DINO and you have never had anything good to say about our President or show any support for the party. All you have are criticisms. You need to get a little of life's experiences under your belt before you start spouting more of your take on how we liberals, progressives should live life according to Jill's rules. Now take a hint and think it all through before you post again.

Typically, I don't attach people personally, but I comment on what someone posts. That is not a personal attack. This thread? Yes, I said that Anita and Feisty were among the dense posters here.

Jill: You are lying through your teeth. You ATTACK comments by calling our comments ignorant and stupid among other things and you just commented that we were "among" the dense posters. If that's not insulting and nasty then I'd like to know what your definition of nasty and attacking comments are. You are a very lucky young lady; because I'm not cussing your butt out behind those remarks. I'm glad that you started this little titillate-- now everyone is aware of your brain deficiency and higher education that you hold in such high regard-- if you've got it; why flaunt it?. There is no fool like a "want to be" educated FOOL.

Anita, you are still not making any sense.

Jill it's because in addition to being an ass; your a dense ass as well. If YOU made any sense; you would be able to understand my posting. I can't impart common sense where common sense doesn't dwell.

NewDay... You NAILED her to a 'T'!

Happy to be of service, Feisty!

Thanks NewDay! BTW... did you get an invite for our Newsvine group from Clara? We would love to have you join us...

That Clara...she's quite the clever one :0)))

Yes, I did. I joined. Not sure what it means, since I am not a technomom, though my cherubs say I am improving!

I know how you feel... the upside is that between all of us... we seem to find our way around :0) Kinda the group effort 'thingy'!

Thanks Newday! I really do hope that she thinks about her actions and attitude because they suck.

I think so too! Later, Anita!

Hello Linda:

I do recall us all posting comments about this article (please read above). We just happened to have had a slight differ on opinion from this young lady that decided to attack two of us out of the blue. I aim to please when ever I'm attacked-- I have ignored several; but in doing so people have a tendcy to take it for granted that it's okay to continue doing it-- it get's muddy out here in the pit. Have a great evening.