Yep. Weiner vs Whiner, the victory is always clear. Morning Joe is too decaffeinated for me. Matter of fact, I put my box on Cartoon Network when I'm away from the house and sleeping at night, just so MSNBC doesn't get ratings from me. Besides I can't have my kids turn on the TV and see that filth.

That's me practicing my Conservative side. :^p

Feisty,

Good morning, great post to start the day.

I was watching Joe this AM and Congressman Weiner did not let up. Joe is a Rush wantabeeee, he had no real defense to Mr. Weiner, and in his typicaly style he kept on interrupting him and got mad that he was pointing at him (kinda like calling Joe out).

In keeping with you post today allow me to add the following.

Yesterday the State Aid Bill passed the House with a 242 Yes versus 162 No votes. Two republicans joined our side and 3 democrats deserted.

There has been a bevy of misinformation on this bill. According to the CBO this bill is paid for. Money is coming from the closure of a tax loop hole that actually rewarded corporations for sending jobs overseas. Well over 100,000 – 150,000 jobs will be saved. These people will continue to put money back into the economy instead of being on Unemployment. Our friends across the aisle tried to stop this $26 Billion dollar bill saying it would add to the deficit and then propose to keep the tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% that would have added $800 Billion dollars to the deficit as it would not be paid for.

There is an idea for you. Put 100,000 – 150,000 people on unemployment / welfare, erode their buying power that would have gone back into the economy (all this adding to the deficit) and to really kick them while they are down, let’s jack up the deficit another $800 Billion Dollars to give the top 2% a tax cut that they do not even need.

The republicans keep reminding us every day that they are not for the middle class (those that are not in the top 2%) again and again, day in and day out.

The obstructionist party has to be stopped come November and in the future. They have no new ideas other that to go back to the Voodoo and trickle down economics that got us into this mess to begin with.

They still want less regulations of businesses even as they are faced with the failure of Wall Street, Big-Oil etc., that happened because in a large part of the de-regulations of these industries and others. They now do not want to work. They want to take November and December off because they are afraid the democrats will continue on our mission to improve the lives of every American.

Question: Does this Republican Business Model remind you of anything we have seen before in history where power and wealth is concentrated in top 2% of the population and the other 98% fight for the table scraps??????

This is where we are headed people. Those misguided soles on the right do not even realize that they are going to go down in the same boat we democrats are in. Gives new meaning to an old movie I once saw on TCM.

My prayers go out to the family of Sen. Stevens and I wish them well.

I found what Rangel did on the floor of the house yesterday repugnant. He took what was a debate on saving jobs to a discourse about himself. I do not know if he is guilty or not. This is not my call. But if he and others are doing unethical practices, whether they be democrats or republicans they need to be expelled from their jobs. I fully support Nancy P. in her efforts to drain the swamp.

Hi Feisty, And what are you going to offer us?

a) Walters?

b) Rangel? Hahahahahahahahahah

Good morning Fiesty and all,

Great post, glad I caught that exchange between Rep Weiner and Jos S. I dont usually watch, as I find it hard to do so. Scarbourough is such a blowhard.

Charlie Rangel is an embarrassment, let's hope he is out of there soon. I fully support Speaker Pelosi and the leadership in their efforts.

Good Morning Fiesty,

Great Post

I turned in at the last of the exchange; so I'll catch it on line. Morning Jerk really needs to go to Fox where he belongs. While he's at it; he should take that Pat Buchannn wiiith him.

Right on Feisty, as usual right on the mark. Love watching Weiner eat these fools alive. They have no clue or chance dealing with him. He's so far over their heads and talent level I laugh out loud watching them try and out duel him. Love it.

you tell em Juven,

signed, Mark Foley, Duke Cunningham and Larry Craig

HaHaHaHaHaDooooooooooooorrrrkkkkkk

Let's get off our butts!! So you're saying you Liberals haven't been doing your job for the past,hmmmmmmmm 4 years?? What you don't realize is that this Congress and Senate has been in charge since January 2007 and just excellarated this train wreck in January 2009. Hey, don't blame me, look at the election last night and Obama's approval rating.

"Are these the people you want to hand the ‘keys’ back to? If not, let’s get off our butts and make SURE that’s not going to happen!?

For a people that preaches "look forword", I find it funny that most post is still blaming "Bush"

Here's something from the Governor of Hawai'i had to say.

http://hawaii.gov/gov/news/releases/2010-news-releases/governor-lingle-statement-on-26-billion-federal-bailout-bill

Well at least the Democrats cut 12 Billion from Food Stamps to pay foir this. States are losing funding because of this, but hey, at least the Union go theirs........................I love seeing Government emploded................

Paul, i thought it was 'Clinton's Fault"? (heard that for 3 years-under those rules, the democrats have a little more time)...............

here's to the republicans having it two ways..................

............

............

US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired

Good Morning, Yesterday as the State Aid Bill passed the house, here on this blog in the afternoon there was a attack on all union workers not just teachers. the complaint was that union workers make too much, there not needed any more, they are the cause to all our problems. Well retired last night i have to think to my self, union workers ie, plumbers, electricans, pipe ffitters, carptners and other union trademen has to go to school for 5 years before they graduate as jounerymen. to them this is to everybody else graduating from college. during those 5 years they are taught in the field and class room and its not easy, only 1/2 of first year apprentices make it to become jounerymen.

Now they do make a good dollar, Good Middle class dollars.

Yesterday i could not believe that some here were attacking there very own, while defending the rich and tax cuts, the very rich folks who could give less than a dam about if these folks work or not. i just could not believe what i was reading. had to comment.

retired, another great post keep them coming.

Clinton's fault for what? News flash there Glen, I voted for him the second time........

My Paul... You're twisting & spinning rather early this morning! lol

I guess I would be too if I had positively NOTHING new to offer! Refreshing to see at least the opposition recycles SOMETHING!

Retired - Gingerbread Mamma - Tom & Beverly; Thanks for the kind words and adding your 0.02!

I only listen to Morning Jerk on my ride into the office - but the 'sparks' were flying out of my speakers this morning! ;0) We progressives NEED to start using OUR 'back bones' for a change and NOT let the righties talk over us!

Just wondering..

Did you get this post straight from the DNC handbook.. I think you touched on EVERY talking point they have.

Paul, FL;

We do not blame GW per se, we blame his administration and we are going to keep reminding the American people who got us into this mess and why in the he!! would anybody want to put into office people that are going to take us back to that very same agenda that nearly bankrupted this country got us into two wars, one by lying to the American people and members of Congress etc.

We deserve politicians that work for all Americans not just the few.

Right now Republicans do not fit that bill. They just are not for the middle class, small business, teachers, fire fighters, police etc. Just look at all the bills they have blocked. They have demonstrated over and over again that they are the party of wall street over main street, big business over small business and the richest 2% over the 98% of the rest of us.

And by the way, the bill is paid for, and you think it is a good thing that some people will no longer have access to FOOD?

See, you guys just keep proving our points over and over again. One would think you would learn, but guess not.

Paul, your argument sounds good but omits the facts--Bush vetoed or threatened to veto anything the democrats tried to do. He said he would veto the Veteran's benefit bill, any war funding bill that set timelines in Iraq, any bill that established equal pay for equal work, and the list goes on.

Party of fear? It's you democrats who love to play the fear factor with your new religion of global warming . Something always has to be wrong for you clowns to be happy.

Feisty: Great post!! Well said. I hadn't planned to comment today, but the words just came through my fingers.

Clinton's fault for what? News flash there Glen, I voted for him the second time........

So since you voted for him "the second time" he could have no fault? Am I missing something here?

I think this is a big problem among voters today... They are so desperate that their "side" (how I hate the term) wins that they are willing to distort the facts and outright lie to make others think they're right. No wonder we can make no progress on the streets. We have our heads too far up ours rears!

And am I the only one who thinks that MSNBC is going out of their way to format things on the website in such a way as to alienate their users? Give us back the old format MSNBC! The new formats suck!

somedude-506636

Party of fear? It's you democrats who love to play the fear factor with your new religion of global warming . Something always has to be wrong for you clowns to be happy.

_______________________

Doesn't matter that this summer is the HOTTEST on RECORD in many places around the world... right?

Yeah... we're the clowns alright... whatever...

If one's idea of the "best chance this country has at maintaining the ‘middle’ class" is the belief that everyone should be placed on the same rung of the economic ladder, then, for sure, the democrats are the party to vote for because that is clearly their ideology. If on the other hand, one believes individuals should determine their positions on the rungs of the economic ladder based on their ability and the amount of effort they are willing to expend climbing the rungs of the economic ladder, then any party other than the democrats is the party to vote for.

What has the party of NO done to enhance my life?

Your question presumes that government is the solution to life's problems. Republicans have done just as little to enhance my life as the democrats have. The marketplace of cooperation and innovation has enhanced my life, not some power seeking politician.

Live life for yourself and your family, not as a serf to political lords.

Jeff,

While they "train" for their trade for those five years they are getting paid while learning (by the way it's 3 years). Am I correct? A college kid is not being paid and most have to pay for their education which can take years to pay back. So while the plummber is making money the college kid is in the hole.

Now if this Plummber doesn't join a Union he gets pretty much forced out of a job. Am I correct on this? Now you say, "now they make a good dollar, Good Middle Class dollars" In your opinion what would that be? 50K, 100K 200K 250K I've read up that Plummers can make up to 250K. I think that's awesome, but the norm is 55-150K, which is still good money and they do work long hours.

So in your opinion, what is Middle Class? How much should Middle Class pay in taxes?

Paul Florida

Didn't Reagan keep blaming Carter even though his second term.

You GO Redhead! You've got 'em nailed! They hate TRUTH. They hate REALITY.

RFMR,

The party of no is the one in office.
No..... we have a filibuster proof majority and we don't have to listen to the other party's ideas.
No... we don’t care what the people want we are going to give them more regulation
No....we don't care what the people want we are going to tax them into prosperity
No... we don't care that illegal immigration is putting a huge drain on our social services, these are potential Democratic voters
No...we don't have to research anything first. Just enact it and we can figure it out later.
No...we don't have to research anything first. Just fire them or hire them and we can apologize later for our mistakes.
No...Charlie Rangel should be allowed to retire with dignity, even though he is a criminal.
No....it wasn't the Dems and Queen Barney that established a policy of lending money to people that could not pay it back. Freddie and Ginnie.
No....it wasn't the collapse of the housing industry, fueled by the above lenders that put this economy where it is today.
No....we are the nice guys and are going to make sure that you get unemployment checks even though it's putting us deeper in debt. Just don't tell anyone that we are the reason you are unemployed.
No... we are not socialists. We just want to take care of you because that's our job. We will control healthcare and big business and banking because the guys running it now don't know how to make this the most prosperous country in the world.
No...just because we haven't gotten around to doing anything to improve our situation doesn't mean that we carry any blame here. It's not our fault.
No... we are not going to let go of the "Blame Bush" mantra. It gives us
a common cause.
No… I didn’t really listen to what Rev Wright was saying all those 20 years.

socialcapitalist -- the problem with your argument is that if individuals determine "their positions on the rungs of the economic ladder based on their ability and the amount of effort they are willing to expend climbing the rungs of the ladder," then there should be no inherited wealth, and an individual's rung on the ladder should not be used as a reason to promote his or her offspring. The Democratic party is a capitalist party (it is not the Socialist party, nor the Green party, nor the Worker party), and the Republican party is a capitalist party, but the current Republican party seems to favor inherited wealth rather than merit, or wealth as a sign of merit. People who begin life without any wealth expend more time and energy than anyone else trying to "climb the rungs," but the Republicans don't seem to value them because they are not visible at the top of the ladder.

Jody

Didn't Bush also vetoed the bill for CHIP.

Love it when the Tea Party wins, SO MANY of their candidates are in trouble in the general election. The Republicans will a good year this Fall because the winds blow so strongly against the party in power this year, but remember that weather and climate are different things. Demographics still run against modern Conservatism over time http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/2010/06/demographic_party_change.html . Especially given the rise of the Tea Party I don't see the GOP adapting to changing reality, and that's been compounded by a strategy of whipping up the base and hoping you can score enough independents to put you over the top.

I see the Dayton win in MN as a good thing rather than a bad thing. The Democratic candidate will do fine in the Twin Cities as they do in all major cities. A Democratic candidate who can do well in the rural areas makes the task that much easier.

TRR,

I don't know if Reagan was, I was in High School until 86 and join the Army in 88, so I don't know....maybe? you tell me

SocialCapitalist - If you want to climb a 98 foot ladder that only has 2 rungs - be my guest!

JohnB, - I'm with you... with every tea party candidate that wins the Democrats chance in the victory in the General Election increases 10 fold!

See Grimey's (the reasonable Republican)comments below! He see the writing on the wall! ;0)

Great Post Feisty!!!

Fiesty,

Now how can I twist your words around? You wrote it................kind of like this qoute:

"We progressives NEED to start using OUR 'back bones' for a change and NOT let the righties talk over us!"

Why start now? You tried in January 2007 and again in 2009. Stand up and be proud!!! hehe Who are these Righties you talk about? I know you called me one, even your Head of Homeland Security said I was one

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/16/napolitano-stands-rightwing-extremism/

The dems think the answer to everthing is spend, spend, spend.

Feisty, I want to contribute to your comment a short article I read on the Texas Observer website. It critiques a major underpinning of the Tea Party movement - it's touting of its own morality and Christianity.

Why the Tea Party is Un-Christian

by Katherine Dobay

Published on: Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Perhaps nothing is as demoralizing as religious hypocrisy; it destroys not only perpetrators but witnesses. Every time a non-believer observes adherents acting in contradiction to the precepts of their faith, the non-believer is only strengthened in his resistance to God's call. We are not talking about the usual human failings but outrageous, repugnant, destructive violations. The scandal of false Christianity forms an insurmountable stumbling block for some who are being called to conversion. For this reason I am exposing the hypocrisy of Tea Party members who claim they are defending Christianity--a way of life they don’t follow.

Nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus exhort his followers to be nationalistic. All that Jesus said regarding the political state was that we must pay our taxes. Believers ought instead to be patriots of heaven, as Paul explains in Philippians 3: 20 "For our citizenship is in heaven..." Nor did Jesus instruct his followers to stem the tide of what the world considers progress by force, but to be set apart as pure examples of godliness. For the end times we are told only to prepare for Jesus' return by keeping ourselves in fit spiritual condition. In fact, Jesus reserved his direst warnings for members of the church themselves, whom he warns against false teaching and ear-tickling; even love of country can be an idol or a kind of heresy if placed before love of God and fellow man.

Jesus never delegated the authority to judge the nations to any of his followers. Instead, he promised to come back and sort out sheep from goat. Jesus clearly states that only those of his children who do his will, that is: feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked and visit prisoners and the sick, will receive the reward of eternal life. The good news we are told to spread in the Great Commission is not the gospel of economic doctrine or political philosophy, but the message that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Some of the fruits we can expect when we do God's will include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That sure doesn't sound like the Tea Party rally to me! When we disobey God's will in favor of our own however, the results can be anger, greed, division, strife, gossip, ugly speech, hatefulness, and every manner of uncleanness.

We have seen some fruits of the Tea Party movement which many consider a dangerous faction exploiting tough economic times and the fears of suffering people to prosecute a political agenda. In seeking to control and manipulate a society they claim to be "saving", they are only succeeding in tearing it apart. Individuals in the Tea Party who claim to be Christian have a lot of explaining to do, for biblical teaching is full of calls to submit to secular authority, trust in God, and to pay taxes. "Pay everyone what he is owed: if you owe the tax collector, pay your taxes; if you owe the revenue collector, pay revenue; if you owe someone respect, pay him respect; if you owe someone honor, pay him honor" (see Romans 13: 1-7). No exceptions were allowed. Paul did not say to pay only as much as you feel is right. He did not say you could feel sorry for yourself to the point of open rebellion. He did not say submit only to those authorities of whom you approve, but said to give respect where it is due. The president of the United States is owed the respect of all Americans.

If conservative Christians are concerned about a world which seems to be falling apart, their duty in obedience to Christ is to pray, fast, be holy, serve others and spread the Gospel. We are to begin with ourselves. We are to evangelize our own families, churches, workplaces and immediate communities. We are to pray the prayer of the humble tax-collector (reviled then as now) "O God! Have mercy on me, sinner that I am!" and not the prayer of the proud Pharisee, "O God! I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity--greedy, dishonest, immoral, or like this tax-collector!" ("Thank God I am not lazy like those people on welfare; that I am so hard-working and deserving of all my riches!"). Isn't it ironic that early Christians under pagan Roman rule flourished in holiness and martyrdom, yet today some Christians manage to feel persecuted while living in the greatest democracy in history and enjoying material blessings undreamed of by their distant kin? Jesus warns them: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18: 10-14).

Katherine Dobay is a born again Christian and lives in Marble Falls.

http://www.texasobserver.org/thewholestar/item/16829-why-the-tea-party-is-un-christian

Paul-Florida

In the chicago metro area with local 130 & 597 its 5 years, plumbers don't make 250k per. they make 43.00 per hour with 5 per hour in fringes(health, retirement, disability, workerscomp) yes the union worker pays for his retirement and health ins. you have business owners that don't make 250k. also as you say they are being paid while in school, well when there is a layoff, the apprentice has to go back to the hall and wait on the bench till he is called to another company. while there are layed off they don't go to school. they have to wait. as you say get paid while in school is true but that only happend if your lucky enough to work those 5 years straight though with out a layoff.

during the clinton administration when the economy was rolling it was middle class wages that paid off the deficts. union guys, teachers, cops, firemen were enjoying good prosperity and it showed when clinton left office and there was a surplus. I'm not saying the middle class paid off our deficets but WE did out part paying off the deficets just as the rich did there part giving us the debt with there tax cuts.

also i would ask you paul, would you let a non Skilled non union person work on your house!!!!

also of times non union construction workers are a hazard, they have not been through to Osha safety training classes which the union pays for, manditory drug testing which the union pays for, when they get hurt and the non union companies don't have health ins, they have to bleed the free health care system. see where i'm going.

union workers means skilled workers, non union workers means non skilled. which would you want. also non union companies charges they same labor rates as union companies, but the union company has to pay there workers 2 times as much as the non union companies that put those profits right in there pockets.

Didn't Weiner let the Rethugs have it about 3 or 4 weeks ago about how they like to amend this and amend that?

The question should be, how many candidates will win with Obama supporting them????? I only know one.............is there more? Time will tell in November.

"JohnB, - I'm with you... with every tea party candidate that wins the Democrats chance in the victory in the General Election increases 10 fold!?

He sure did TRR, Weiner had all the votes for an up and down vote and changed it to a 2/3 majority. Now ask yourself, why did he do this??? He had the votes to pass this and then change it for the majority? Funny thing is that he was yelling at King, by the way voted for it...............Craziness.......Weiner played politics to try to show up the Republicans at the expense of the NYPD/NYFD..........But I've read the kissed and made up.

Both houses are full of corrupt politicians who are only out for themselves. I can't believe there are so many actually DEFENDING these lawyers/politicians because of the political party flag they wave.

Go by the issues. If something is wrong, actually look up where it started. If you must vote along party lines rather than issues, look up what the incumbent has been voting on and kick him out if you disagree. They WANT us to make this a political party issue. It keeps them in their jobs even if they do things like the backroom deals during the health care debate when a hard line party voter comes into the booth foaming at the mouth over a candidate who hasn't even been in office yet labeling him as a scrotum squatter or party of no candidate.

Ex:"got us into two wars, one by lying to the American people and members of Congress etc."
If you don't know that that "lie" was perpetuated by the left during the Bush Sr years after it's been pointed out thousands of times, I think you're wearing the political blinders a little too tight. It wasn't a lie then, it wasn't a lie during the Bush years, and it isn't a lie now unless you think hindsight is a debating point. The other war, the fact that the left keeps belittling the 9/11 attacks down to a political issue is sickening. One more 9/11 attack and the # of civilians dead would surpass soldiers who died in the last 9 years in both wars. Both parties voted for both wars. The only "lying" was by the Dems currently in office who claim they never were for attacking Saddham when they're faces are all over youtube stating otherwise.

Ex2: We have a deficit out of control and the current administration is spending exponentially faster than the Bush administration did even while funding 2 wars. Their answer is to start passing bill after bill that is funded in the trillions? And they get on TV and try to politicize this by just name calling with "party of no"? We have true unemployment around 1 in 5 Americans and they want to start taxing the employers more because they're "rich". No matter how you spin it, that's jealousy. The "rich" pay all the employees and the top 5% pay 98% of all the countries taxes.

Ex3: Blaming Clinton for things the Clinton Archives website brags about doing is one thing. Blaming Bush for things like NAFTA, China free trade, the outsourcing of America, 9/11, etc is another. Bush did plenty wrong like squandering the support of most of the world after 9/11 and you heard right wing media talking about that all the time. Liberal media doesn't seem to think it's possible for a lawyer politician's poo to stink if they have a donkey flag.

Don't just vote on party lines. If anything, we need to balance the power so that BOTH sides get represented rather than closed door meetings by one party who write their own versions of bills and then scream childish things when the other side won't vote for it.

Umm... Paul...

As flattered as I am at all of the attention you are paying me... you're starting to creep me out dude!

You are NOT the least bit interested in having a conversation... and I'm not the least bit interested in indulging your whim... *yawn*

I already have a Number #1 FAN and honestly... if you ever expect to covet that spot you're going to have to step up your game... M'kay?

Jeff,

Good points, I'll comment later tonight, got to run

TRR;

Correct. Thanks for reminded us, especially with that blowhard on MSNBC this morning. Weiner was correct, that bill should have passed, he was lead to believe that many republicans supported it and got stabbed in the back.

Part of the reason it was presented to the floor in the way it was came from threats of amendments from the republicans that would have forced the democrats to vote no. Weiner called their bluff by going the 2/3rds route. Now we know who supports the troops and who just play lip service to them for political gain.

Go back and watch your sitcoms. Leave politics to people that stay informed with the news. FOX! Personally I lost 40% of my wages since this president decided to fight the oil companies, but then I'm from the south. He didn't win here last time and I know he won't on the next eleection. The best part is us young people found out what change you can believe in really means. NOW WE WILL HAVE TO PAY THE BILL!

It's really sad that all of you Democrats are so hung up on how bad you think the Republicans are. If you were so confident in your Obamaeconomy and policies you wouldn't have to resort to such hateful and untrue accusations. Husain Obama has had almost 2 years in office and we are in the worst economic environment that even HE (the one you honor so much) can get us out. Which is what he wants anyway. He wants to destroy and damage the US way of life as much as he can because he fears he won't get another chance. All he and his family are doing is living the highlife off the tax payers money and priding themselves of how he is "making the white man pay!" If he was as smart as he thinks he is he would realize he is only a pawn in the game of politics and others are riding on his coattails to get the RACE card played as long as they can. More money in their pockets!

'nuf said!!!!!

Classic liberal bias.... AGAIN! It seems to me that most Tea Party candidates are bringing fresh excitement to the Republican Party. Win or lose, the terrible performance of President Obama and the Deomcrat-controlled Congress the last 4 years has invigorated millions of people, many first-timers, to want to make a difference to TRULY change things. REAL "Hope and Change" is the GOAL of the Tea Partiers! The Republican Party will be winning HUNDREDS of positions all over the country... mostly because we're all damned tired of our President and his Socialistic dogma. The Tea Party will help this happen! Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty we soon will be free at last!

(D) = Dodd

(N) = Nancy

(C) = Charlie

Are these the people you want to keep the ‘keys’ and drive us OFF the cliff? If not, let’s get off our butts and make SURE that’s not going to happen!

I want to remind all you Liberal Progressives to make sure and vote on November 3. Your vote is your civic duty.

Typical but not the least bit surprising boldfresh!

Thanks for proving once again that the right wing nuts couldn't come up with an original thought of their own if their lives depending on it! lol

However, imitation IS the sincerest form of flattery! ;0)

So thanks...

Ditto that. And it was a little annoying to watch Joe interrupt and talk over Anthony Weiner's explanation of what went on before the vote. I did get what Anthony was trying to say, and Joe is wrong in this case. (I do like Morning Joe, but when Joe gets in a box where he is starting to get proven wrong, the way he deals with it is to talk over the guest so they can't get much of a word in).

I do not want the repubs back in power. They have not proven they are worthy. They block and filibuster and delay important votes that would help the economy and jobs and then state in front of the cameras that this administration isn't doing enough to help the economy and jobs. They complain about the deficit but want to add to it by extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy without paying for it. They voted down the pay-as-you-go bill. They lie when they say the stimulus was a failure. Most all economists say it did help to stop the economic downfall. I believe TARP and stimulus could have been handled better, but they did help a lot, and TARP is being paid back. Also, the stimulus would have worked better if it was bigger and targeted more on infrastructure, but the repubs and blue dog dems wanted it smaller and to focus more on tax cuts, so the dems caved in to them to get votes; but surprise, surprise, they did not vote for it anyway. The repubs do not deserve to be back in power. They have been acting shameless.

Feisty, The party of No has not been that successful. They weren't able to stop the takeover of the health care system or the financial system. What I hope they can do for me in the future is to repeal both of those. Let me decide if I want health insurance and what type I want. Let me decide where to invest my money and if I don't understand what I am investing in then it's on me if I lose it.

The alleged rescue of the education, police and fire agencies for the states is a sham, the Democrats do not care about the children and protecting the citizens, they are giving the money to keep the unions that control each of those groups happy and voting for more of the same. All it is doing is creating another group dependant on the Federal Government for existence.

There is so much waste and corruption in government that massive cuts could be made and not affect the ability of teachers to teach and police and fire to protect. But, the politicians know that if they threaten cuts to the most visible and cherished programs, the ignorant public will scream and holler until the funding is restored. That way the massive waste and slush funds are saved and the politicians can resume their habitual slacking.

RFMR has it right. I don't look to the government to provide for me and solve my problems. Free enterprise and innovation found in the private sector is what drives the economy, that is where the money comes from to provide all of these wonderful socialist programs. The government sucks money out of the economy and the less is sucks out, the more there is to improve the lives of those willing to work for it.

Anthony Weaner,,,,,Classic!

I'm sure Barrack is proud of this buffoon.

Some on the Left, want things to be said & done in a way that satisfys thier own way of doing things. NewsFlash: what works for You, does'nt work for everyone. Standup, be heard, but doit My Way.

What a line of Crap!

Sometimes, ya havta throw stuff back in the direction it came from, because if ya don't, you'll be coveredup, hollering for help.

Robert Gibb's yesterday(I think) gave the Leftist a little nudge. It's all in the Plan to Fireup a notso Firedup base, who thought they were the Only ones who vote Democratic.

JoAnnaSmith comes with this little Diddy:

The Left is in a panic. They just cannot understand why most Americans (save for the loons around places like this) don't appreciate all the "work they have done for them.

I grewup near a place where Men & i guess some Women stoodup to the Robber Barons back in the early 1900's. Some lost thier lives, fighting against what they perceived as the Machine. Unions were formed from the loss of thier lives & that is the reason why a lotta working class folk's enjoy the Benefits & Wages they do today.

So Save your line of Crap about "Not Appreciating" what the GOP has done for Working Class Citizens.

I hope some got to see the TX. St.Senate Woman on AC 360 lastnight. What a piece of work she is. Anchor babies have Morphed into "Terror Babies", according to her & GOP Rep(TX) Louis Gomert. I hope Anderson brings her back Often, just for the Comic effect.

President Obama,now has a Winning Streak, with Bennett being elected as the democrat Senate nominee.

You Betcha!

It would be better if our polititians would take a stand and stop spending our money without any concern of putting everyone further in debt. All this so-called jobs bill really is is a bail out for local governments who also spend far more than they have. I applaud anyone who takes a stand to stop the irresponsible and out of control spending, obviously you have a vested interest with your cushy government job.

feisty

Your right republicans haven't did much.(cause the dems have the power)

And they(dems) have been doing a good job of keeping us in a recession.

Notice in the mail, ending 20 months of papering together odd jobs and UEI after 47 years of working

without break, sometimes two jobs, 18 hour day, no problem! paying into the system every paycheck:

'You are being notified that your UEI is now terminated. However, you may qualify for Extended

Unemployment Coverage under a Federal program. Continue filling your unemployment claims,

and fill out and return this claim for extended coverage.'

Have a Nice Obama Day! Wait until al-Gore'ias National 'Climate' Tithe-Tax bmob hits Main Street!

Globalists are fixin' to crush America's GDP down -75% to give Chinese and Indians unfair advantage,

20 months with only odd jobs, no insurance, no UEI, soon no SS&MC after Fed Budget Management

Office recommends pushing eligibility back to age 72 (you didn't know?) I'm supposed to have a nice day?

"during the clinton administration when the economy was rolling it was middle class wages that paid off the deficts. union guys, teachers, cops, firemen were enjoying good prosperity and it showed when clinton left office and there was a surplus. I'm not saying the middle class paid off our deficets but WE did out part paying off the deficets just as the rich did there part giving us the debt with there tax cuts."

Dumbest paragraph of the day.

Richard, Washington State

How is that Dick i mean Richard.

Paul I believe Glen's point was that Bush and his GOP handlers spent at least the first three years blaming Clinton for everything, including 9/11 which happened in 2001 on Junior's watch. I find Republicans whining about something they did humorous and a great example of what's wrong with today's Republican party.

What you did and who you voted for wasn't his point.

Dave - Kentucky

Paul I believe Glen's point was that Bush and his GOP handlers spent at least the first three years blaming Clinton for everything

"Handlers"? You got a name or three there Dave? And the Obama "handlers" aren't the ones blaming Bush for all the problems of the world. The people in the Obama administration and the Democratic party constantly whining and blaming Bush are:

Barack Obama - Joe Biden - Nancy Pelosi - Rahm Emanual - Robert Gibbs - Valerie Jarret - Harry Reid - Anthoney Weiner - Steny Hoyer - Dickie Durbin - I think even Obama's dog is in on the act.

And now in the 2010 elections, that's the Democrat campaign theme, they are running against Bush. They have got to think the Americans they represent are complete idiots. American knows failure when they see it, and it's with Obama and the Democrats. There is no amount of spin that will convince Americans otherwise.

boldfresh

ROTFLMAO!!!!!

How are you my good friend? I have been out for a while (those overseas missions are a BI**H!!), but I'm back and raring to go. I see you're trying to interpret the Liberal Progressive blatherings being posted here. I guess we'll have to start educating the Public Education graduates on the Left again about our corrupt government.

I see the "Summer of Recovery" is falling flat on its face as we discussed it would in the spring. It's a shame the American people have been so mislead by this incompetent government. While in Europe I got a tremendous amount of feedback (and laughs) about our recovery efforts. As usual many of the people there can't believe we are going down the road they did a decade or more ago and are now realizing it can't work. I tried to explain the irrational rationale the administration is using and this is when the laughter got loudest,,,,LMAO!!!! This was most apparent when I visited the CEBR in London. The best laugh we had was when we discussed Obama's appointment of Berwick to run the CMS. They couldn't have been happier to deport him back to the states. They are cutting funding to their NHS and realize the vast majority will receive improved health care with the extra money they can buy their own policies with. I guess we won't need that extra cash as most here wouldnt spend it on books on debate that define things like non sequitur, ad hominem and tu quoque, for example.

It's a shame we'll have to follow Japan down their Lost Decade before we realize how wrong Keynesian economics truly have been for 80 years. But hey, I'm sure Obama will soon start blaming Reagan AND Bush.

Well, I'm off to the fertile pastures of Liberal Progressive confusion. I think I'll go educate some of the poor lost souls on the Huffington Post. I understand they're really in a state of shock their Liberal Progressive collective is failing,,,,again.

Take care my friend and hopefully we can match wits with some of the less armed here again soon?

Tea Party or Republican, it doesn't matter to me which wins. Just so the tax and spend socialist democrats don't win. MSNBC is sure desperate for news. I wonder how they are going to spend the democratic collapse in November? I can hardly wait.

Feisty Redhead-- so why does this meathead get top billing in this discussion. Here is an important lesson for you, Redhead, and the rest of you out there. Both parties are crap. I hope the election cripples BOTH parties because they BOTH take corporate BRIBES which are misnomered as "campaign contributions" and they make decisions based on those BRIBES, not what WE THE PEOPLE WANT.

BOTH parties are broken and worthless and they are self serving and corrupt. They ALL need to get out of our government. Look at the worthless corporate media, making politics sound like a sport "winning streak" "losing streak" screw that THIS IS NOT A @!$%#IN GAME!!! This is OUR LIVES NOT SOME STUPID GAME!!!!

Vote them ALL out of a job, and make their replacements fix what they have broken. We have to replace the corrupted and hold the hands of those who replace them and FORCE them to abide by the will of the PEOPLE! No more tax breaks for billion dollar companies who ship all of their jobs to 3rd world sweatshops! No more corporate campaign contributions! No more Obamacare! No amnesty!! No more corporate executives on government regulation committees, such as teh ones that ALLOWED the financial and oil spill disasters, among many others.

This is OUR country, people!!! It is OUT fault it got to the condition it is, and WE are the only ones who can and will fix it. It is the responsibility of EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US to fix our government. Just to get it through the thicker skulls....the condition of our government and country are NOT Obama's fault, NOT Republican's fault, NOT Democrat's fault...it is OUR fault and our fault alone for allowing it.

I saw that too Feisty. Weiner sure is outspoken...and I love that!

That's the party line... But it is really welfare for states who have, and continue, to spend their way to our oblivion -like California. Their priorities are shield the multitudes of government bureaucrats and instead layoff police & fire first as non-essential. Now California can rinse and repeat the tactic and ask for more. Stupid DEMS think this helps the economy or the people.

There is an idea for you. Put 100,000 – 150,000 people on unemployment / welfare, erode their buying power that would have gone back into the economy (all this adding to the deficit) and to really kick them while they are down, let’s jack up the deficit another $800 Billion Dollars to give the top 2% a tax cut that they do not even need.

truthhurtssometimes

Feisty Redhead-- so why does this meathead get top billing in this discussion.

________________

Looks like someones emotionally compromised this morning! lmfao!

Have a cup of tea dear... and wipe the spittle off your chin will ya?

JS1

No we were idiots when we voted to put Bush back in the WH second time!!!

wow sometimes its amazing to me at how blind a stupid you libs and dems really are. I try to give you the benifit of the doubt sometimes, but I really have to stop because most of you really are that stupid. Good luck with that ideology

Jeffersonwasright

If the Republicans care so much about education, how come the No Child Left Behind was a failure?

Greek

Just so the tax and spend socialist democrats don't win.

So where were you the first 8 years????

Thanks US Navy!!!

"Handlers"? You got a name or three there Dave? And the Obama "handlers" aren't the ones blaming Bush for all the problems of the world. The people in the Obama administration and the Democratic party constantly whining and blaming Bush are:

Nope, just the one that my parents gave me. Unlike some people I don't have time to make multiple accounts to support my own posts. Beside, that's just kinda sad Joe, I mean Joanna. And I'm pretty sure you completely missed my point. Or just wanted to prove me right. If that's the case Thanks!!

Barack Obama - Joe Biden - Nancy Pelosi - Rahm Emanual - Robert Gibbs - Valerie Jarret - Harry Reid - Anthoney Weiner - Steny Hoyer - Dickie Durbin - I think even Obama's dog is in on the act.

Wait you forgot me and my three acounts!!

And now in the 2010 elections, that's the Democrat campaign theme, they are running against Bush. They have got to think the Americans they represent are complete idiots. American knows failure when they see it, and it's with Obama and the Democrats. There is no amount of spin that will convince Americans otherwise.

No, they are running against unpaid for tax cuts for the richest 2% of Americans and their plans to screw the average American like you and me.

Yes. There is a time to spend less and there is a time to cautiously spend more. The latter timew is now.

Every talking piece on here for the GOP TEA PARTIERS I hope you are all multi-millionaires. If not then you eally need to look for new representation. I have only been on here for a couple of weeks and I have asked almost everyday and cannot get an answer. I get my intelligence insulted for some reason. I know what my party is trying to accomplish but for some reason the right doesnt. So one more time anyone please give me an educated guess or a theory.

What is the Republican Agenda for 2010? What are they trying to accomplish?

I am embarrassed to say that yesterday, someone out here -- presumably a liberal -- wished that Sarah Palin would run out into traffic. In the heat of modern political discourse, which is often more about one-upsmanship than it is about substance, both sides are guilty of unkindness.

Good Morning Anna Molly: I totally agree, both sides are guilty of unkindness. It seems that the only adult in the country is our President. His words regarding Senator Stevens and others who have passed away have been kind and respectful.

This means this fall all my football games will be peppered with tea party ads because I live in Colorado.

Just swell.

Ron

Please dont disgrace the office of the President by claiming that Barry is acting like an adult.....

He thinks that if he says something enough it will happen nd still has 20 something belief that socialism / progressivism / marxism / liberalism will do anything but bankrupt this country.

If our "pesident" were such an adult dont you think he would realize that you cant spend more than you make and expect things to work out.

As an adult would you teach your children that it is okay to spend more money then they make? If not why is okay if Barack Hussein Obama Mmmm Mmmmm Mmmm is actually doing that and putting the burden of paying this massive debt on his daughters children?

Oh thats right because he is a worthless dispicable excuse for a president.

As a former Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force I will always respect the office of the POTUS.... but not the idiot that sits in the office now.

Maybe when he wakes up and realizes that he is driving this country straight into becoming the new Greece and fixes his screw ups then I will begin to respect him.

But then again..... his mission is to destroy this country

Ron,

I agree with everything you said. Thank you, you have made me pause a bit and examine my own inner self. You are correct in that words can hurt. They, at times, may be as damaging to a person as a gun shot (poor analogy, but I do think what we say can be very hurtful, and a gun shot hurts).

We are in very trying times today. Many of us are so intense on trying to do the right thing for our country we do not stop to think how we are doing it. Compound that with the hate, anger, lies etc. that are so prevalent in every day life today, I wonder how some of us keep on own sanity.

It is at best a tricky balancing act especially when attacked. The human response is to defend ones self and often times this results in a over reaction (knee jerk effect).

I for one took offense to the number of people that wished others were on that plane, as mentioned above I saw the Sarah Palin, Dick Cheney posts. I do not like them either nor do I like what they are and have done to this country. But I do not want them to die from unnatural causes either. Just go away would be OK for me.

I think people, both democrats and republicans are upset and made as he!! for where we find our selves today. Forget who is at fault, that is not what they are responding to. This leads people to say things and sometimes do things that may really be against their nature, but they are just responding to the stimuli provided from the outside.

Do I wish we could all get along and be civil to each other and fight for the common good of man. You bet. Do I think it will happen? Yes, but not anytime soon. Just my observation.

Thanks again Ron, for a great post and making me think.

That's the truth right there. Perhaps disabling comments on stories about the recently deceased may prove to be the best option; after all, there's always some shmuck that thinks they're being awesome by denigrating the recently departed.

Navy:

All your posts are thoughtful and make me think as well. I had not planned to comment today, but on my way to work I felt something needed to be said. I am becoming more and more convinced that the only way to win elections is through education, and the logic of a well presented argument. Rovian smears will no longer prevail. It just defines conservatives for who they are and what they stand for.

BTW, thanks for the computer tips. They worked.

Larry, Minot, N.D.

What a load of dreck. Where were you when the Republicans were "losing" millions of dollars in the process of re-building Iraq? Your hard earned tax dollars and mine were summarily transferred to the bank accounts of Iraqi politicians by the Bush administration. It's so funny how earmarks for building American infrastructure are verboten to Republicans, but spreading billions of dollars amongst people who would kill us is just fine and dandy.

I agree, wishing physical harm on any person just because you disagree with them is reprehensible.

I will admit that sometimes I get so infuriated with some of the comments from the so-called right that I am tempted to tell them to go play in traffic, but I restrain myself. That type of comment should be beneath us all.

I DID refer to George the II as "Dubya" and "Shrub" and "President Doofus" more than once and truly that was wrong, I should have respected the office if not the man who occupies it. I was wrong and I admit it.

We should all try to be more charitable and gentle in our comments. Name-calling and snippy comments diminish us all and reduce the level of the conversation.

I join you in that pledge, Ron. Everyone knows the evil that Cheney did in his lifetime, I think that silence is more deafening. If you want to get to anyone, what you do is ignore him. It is far more hurtful than to continue to discuss them as though they are relevant. We cannot continue to make the policies that Cheney and his ilk pushed on this country relevant.

Larry: how is that research on Jefferson coming? Do you support the Bank of North Dakota? Do you support North Dakota being one of the biggest pigs at the Federal dinner plate? Which is it, do we cut all support to all states, or just the ones that you don't live in? What services are you willing to live without?

Ron-just curious-where did you get the info on the classroom? I was much too young to remember ANYTHING about the Kennedy assassination, so I'm completely at a loss. I was always taught that it was a moment of national mourning.

On the other hand, on 9/11 there were erroneous reports that there were neighborhoods nearby where people were dancing on the streets, applauding the carnage. I did not believe those reports, and they were debunked quickly.

I hope the same is true of your report.

Sean because the freedom of Speech is not something that deserves to be protected no matter what is said?

Be careful what you ask for. You may get it...and be on the bad end of the deal someday.... Just remember that this regime is trying to pass Net Neutrality for that very reason

Amy I was actually OVER THERE fighting in the war. Where were you again? Oh thats right safe in your little bed because of the sacrifices I and thousands others were making.

No Jo:

I was living in Indiana at the time and the news of that incident spread like wildfire. I think it was a 6th grade class, but I don't want to embarrass the town where it occurred.

If our "pesident" were such an adult dont you think he would realize that you cant spend more than you make and expect things to work out.

Larry, you are talking about Bush, aren't you?

Great Post as usual Ron!

For the life of me I'm still trying to figure out WHY some of those comment's were allowed to stay on the board while other less inflammatory ones were deleted...

The thing that make you go Hmmmmm....???

PS; Larry for a self proclaimed Bible Banger... dude you sure are full of HATE! Day in and day out with you it's the same church... different pew!

Excellent thoughts, Ron.

It troubles me when I see some of the comments even from the left. Just because the right makes ugly comments does not give the left a pass for making similar ugly comments. I wish no politician or celebrity harm, so your pledge is one I sign.

Amy, Portland;

Good post. I agree and could not have said it better.

@Larry:

Not only is freedom of speech not absolute, it only applies to the Government suppression of speech in the first place. MSNBC is a private company, and they have rules for conduct. If you violate them, you generally get an eraser taken to your post, or in some cases, you get hit with the banstick. That's their right as a private company.

If this was on, say, an NPR-run website, you may have more ground to stand on.

As far as adults go, Ron, I think you qualify, too. Unless you don't want to, of course, and that's okay.

Ron - I'll call BS on your IN classroom Kennedy incident. I grew up in IN, was in school when Kennedy was killed, and both my parents were teachers. We never heard a thing about this "incident", and I can guarantee you my parents would have said something as both were Dems. at that time.

"Amy I was actually OVER THERE fighting in the war. Where were you again?"

Just as you respect the office of the President, but dislike the policies of the current office holder, I respect the men and women of the U.S. military while disagreeing with the political opinions of one of them: you! Have a nice day.

Good post, Ron--I had those same thoughts yesterday and was glad that most of the posters here kept to the high road.

I remember when the news of the JFK assassination came out (it was on my birthday) and in my classroom some of the kids cheered. I grew up in a very Republican suburb of Pittsburgh and I always put that cheering down to immaturity of kids not understanding the horror of the assassination. By the way, the rest of my family can't believe how I turned out so liberal when they're all still Republicans!

Does anyone remember the kid you grew up with that no matter what anybody did they always did it better, and their always telling you all the things they have done, and you think to yourself if he did all that he'd have to be 100 years old. Remember that kid? Well we have that kid among us now, all you have to do is read Larry Minot, ND posts, seams there's nothing he hasn't done.

Anna Molly:

Thank you for including me in the category of adults. I'm in a company of at least three others, my wife, you and our President. I also think Navy qualifies also.

I was 13 years old the day President Kennedy was assisinated and I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. I was in science class when the announcement came over the intercom broadcast throughout the school. We had a young, first year science teacher, I don't remember his name, but he burst into tears, so did many in the class.

I was a young reporter working for a television station in Oklahom City when the attempt on Reagan was made (was that Hinkley? I'm sorry I get him confused with the John Lennon assassin). I was not a fan of Reagans and thought his policies were dangerous and ill conceived, but tears sprang to my eyes and my first thought was "not again".

We must respect the office and the holder's right to live his life whether we agree with their policies or not.

Children cannot be held responsible for what they learn from their parents. Those children had probably heard variations of the same ugly comments we hear about Obama, as they sat having dinner with their parents every night or while watching the news with Mom or Dad. Their reaction is a reflection of their parents unfortunate comments picked up by young ears.

It's one of the things that frighten me most about the discussions I see on this blog and others every day. It's OK to publicly say hateful things about our President because:

1. Rush Limbaugh said it first and was backed up by Glen Beck and Ann Coulter, she wolf of the SS.

and

2. You can make your hateful statements anonymously without fear of repercussions.

And all the while somebody out there is reading what you are saying and thinking, "Hey, if I kill the President, I can be a great hero and get into the history books and get on the news." And eventually someone will act on that thought.

Just because some unthinking nut case heard Rush, Glen or Ann, she-wolf of the SS, say something hateful and probably untrue, on hate radio and repeated it over and over and over again ad nauseum at the dinner table, at the bowling alley and in the blogosphere.

You should all be more careful in your words. Word have meaning and sometimes they have unintended effects, like a school room cheering over the death of the leader of the Free World.

Steeler Fan:

Becoming a liberal: How does it feel to be the smartest person in your family?

I had heard of other classrooms in the country that cheered, but the only one I was sure of was in Indiana. Kids immaturity was part of it, but the kids were also reflecting the values of their parents.

I was 12 when President Kennedy was assasinated. I don't remember anything about Indiana. I DO remember hearing about cheering in Texas. They seem to have grown up (?) to become secessionists!

Larry Minot,

i know exactly where you were trying to take the conversation and i want to stop you right there. i however do thank you for your service. but i also want to thank all who served this country regardless of political views since the military is made up of people with all different types of their OWN political views (hint-Not all Republicans make up the military).

Great point MO! I wonder if Larry turns down any of the benefits that he is entitled to for service? A true fiscal hawk would.

Ron,

Thinking back to that day President Kennedy was killed upset me for a bit. I remember his brother (we called him Bobbie) like it was yesterday. He was a graduation speaker at my High School a few years later and I have a super great picture of him in my year book that I hold as one of my most valuable positions.

I was walking out of school the day President Kennedy was killed and passed the mother of one of my baseball teammates, She was sitting in her car waiting for her son and crying. She was the one that told me President Kennedy was killed. I felt said and too young to really understand the enormity of what happened.

Many of the students were crying and talking amongst themselves. But, there were a few that seemed to be overjoyed at his death. That night on the evening news as my family and I watch Channel 7 in Buffalo, NY we saw reports of parents that praised the coward that shot him, saying it was the best thing that could have happen for the USA and making a bunch of statements that I did not understand. My father, a Navy Gunners Mate in WWII told me that I would understand someday but he made me promise not to forget what happened that day.

Today, Ron I thank you for letting me remember my promise to my father.

This madness has to stop. We are only destroying ourselves when we should be supporting each other and working to make this country as great as it was destined to be.

Sorry for the Op-Ed piece.

I like NoJo was too young to remember President Kennedy's assassination...

I would also like to ask the question of NoJo... that would put you around my age so how is it you're a retired school teacher as I'm NO where near retirement age?

skip Nicholson, Oklahoma City

And all the while somebody out there is reading what you are saying and thinking, "Hey, if I kill the President, I can be a great hero and get into the history books and get on the news." And eventually someone will act on that thought.

Skip, John Wilks Booth though by killing lincoln he would be a hero, according to my history books after he shot lincoln at ford theatre he jumped down from lincoln box on to the stage and took a bow, the hatred the south and many northers desplayed for the man lead to his death.

i was on a break between class in college when reagan was shot, i did not like his policys,my parents showed alot of hatred for the man, but i remembered skipping the rest of the day and i stayed in my room untill they said he was going to be ok. i remember my mom said that no matter how you feel about the man, he is the president and to try and kill him shows no respect for the office.

I agree with you Jeff. I think that's one of the commandments..THOU SHALT NOT KILL. Pretty sure that's a biggee.

Now around these here parts we cotton to the notion that SOME folks just flat need killin'. I think I could condone the killin' of Osama Bin Laden or an Adolf Hitler of a Poll Pot (sp?) but political change by assasination just ain't right to my way of thinkin'.

Switching back to the King's English, hate talk leads to hate action and that's a big concern of mine. I do not see hate radio as serving any positive purpose. It's dangerous. We need to be careful of our words, they have consequences. (I'm looking at you Rush, Glen and Ann she-wolf of the ss)

PEACE

Navy:

Bitter-sweet memories: You mentioned Bobby. He was in Indianapolis the day MLK was assassinated. He went to the black part of Indianapolis, climbed on a flat-bed trailer and gave perhaps the most powerful speech ever given by any politician. His speech prevented a major riot and the burning of Indy. The loss of Bobby saddens me to this day.

Having said that, what was your feeling towards Bernie Madoff, especially if you have ever been conned

by your stock broker (can I get an amen!?). I'd like to see Bernie swing at the end of a rope, myself, and

he only stole a couple billion. The Globalists, Clinton-Gore, sold US out to China MFN and NAFTA/GATT,

crushing both our workforce and that of Mexico and Central America, for bahksheesh from the COSCOs.

Again, Globalists, the Global War Profiteers, Bush-Cheney, sold US out to the Mercs and the Usurists.

Their Global Wars of Terror against Others have cost our nation an UNFUNDED TRILLION $s a year!

Back in 2000, we had a free country. We owned it free and clear. Today, our country is mortgaged,

lock, stock and barrel. They're fixing to padlock the front door on 46,000,000 Americans out of work,

or working part-time or on-call with no benefits or healthcare, and make us pay a National 'Climate'

Tithe-Tax to the Obama Mob for the privilege of living in our own country. And they're fixin' to push

back our SS&MC eligibility to age 72, so they can tap the 'crack spread', that's how twisted this is.

$13 TRILLION in debt, and these guys are rock stars now, the "New American Royalty", they're called.

Personally, I'd like to see Clinton, Gore, Bush and Cheney swinging from the end of a rope for selling

our great country to the Globalists, destroying the 'Last Best Hope for ....' whatever our Dream was,

when Cheney finally clots out, I will be out in the street with fireworks until they come and arrest me.

I suppose we'll have made some progress when we don't have to wait until someone dies to refrain from vilifying them.

Ron---thanks for the perspective on my liberalism!! Still smiling at that.

I think you & the other commentators are right--the applause was partly a reflection of sentiments the children had heard at home and today I am sure much worse is heard about President Obama than was ever said about President Kennedy--when did we lose the respect for the office, if not the holder of the office? I've said it before here, but as much as I disagreed with just about everything George Bush did and as much as I believed he was not entitled to be President after the election of 2000, I always spoke/wrote of him respectfully as our President. Sad to say that President Obama does not receive the same treatment from the right.

Larry M, I respect you for you sacrifice for fighting the war for Freedom for Iraq. However, your efforts and the efforts of your respected colleagues did not make us more safe here at home, like you claim. That's just the reality. As a Military person you were taught to respect your Commander in Chief, which you obviously don't. This diminishes you opinions, in fact you sound bitter.

Your posts show that you drank the cool-aid of the Obama bashers. By using Tea Party vernacular, i.e. Hussain, Marxism, socialism ect... your not too original here. Those with your opinions and attitude will do more to "destroy" this country more than your claim that the President is.

@Larry:

Mind clarifying your point about Net Neutrality? I'm not sure I follow.

Larry from ND writes:

He thinks that if he says something enough it will happen nd still has 20 something belief that socialism / progressivism / marxism / liberalism will do anything but bankrupt this country.

Since Nixon republican pressidents have added more more to the debit during the time in office than those horrible Liberal Democratic presidents. In fact Clinton even balanced the budget, which of course was corrected by that fiscal conservative republican bunch known as the Bush Administration.

If our "pesident" were such an adult dont you think he would realize that you cant spend more than you make and expect things to work out.

Are you talking about "pesident" Bush II? Bush I or Reagan?

As an adult would you teach your children that it is okay to spend more money then they make? If not why is okay if Barack Hussein Obama Mmmm Mmmmm Mmmm is actually doing that and putting the burden of paying this massive debt on his daughters children?

Two things here: First my conservative parents always spent more than they made while preaching to me about fiscal responsibility. I listened to my wise parents and to this day I have zero debt while their spending their golden years in debt. Second, spending more than the government makes has been a republican value since Nixon, Bush II perfected this moronic value and gave us the largest debt for any counrty in the world, ever. After one of those spending crazy liberal democrats balanced the budget..

Oh thats right because he is a worthless dispicable excuse for a president.

As a former Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force I will always respect the office of the POTUS.... but not the idiot that sits in the office now.

Maybe when he wakes up and realizes that he is driving this country straight into becoming the new Greece and fixes his screw ups then I will begin to respect him.

But then again..... his mission is to destroy this country

Just over a year ago if I were to post something along the lines of your last four comments the backlash from the right would have been overwhelming. I would have been told I was disrespecting the president, the office of the president, our country, it's military and possibly God himself. I would have been labeled Anti-American and told I should leave the country (which was funny since I was serving in Afganistan at the time.) Today, people such as yourself say much more horrible things while attempting to wrap yourselves in the flag. Again, I'll ask this: which one is it? you can't have it both ways.

And BTW, North Dakota is one of the largest welfare states in the nation, if your such a fiscal conservative please write your Senators and congressmen and ask them to stop taking federal money. Please.

I am embarrassed to say that yesterday, someone out here -- presumably a liberal -- wished that Sarah Palin would run out into traffic

Thats too tame and boring. I woulkd be inclined to wish her off this planet in a more fitting way...

Say, by crashing a helicopter she is riding in and being eaten alive by the wolf she was trying to kill from it. Now that is comedy!

For the Coup de Grace, It would be funny if Sharon Angle was killed by a cable TV news channel truck

I just got ugly, deal with it schmucks.....getting a Newsvine 'vacation' in 3...2...1...

The Left is in a panic. They just cannot understand why most Americans (save for the loons around places like this) don't appreciate all the "work they have done for them". Maybe most Americans don't think spending the country back to the stone-age is a good idea Lefties? Yeah, that's probably it. And now the Lefties are feeding on their own. Nothing like low poll numbers to get the Democrats to attack each other.

Republicans just need to step back and watch the carnage. Maybe pop a little corn while watching the entertainment of the Democrats infighting.

And nice job Feisty with the "RNC" quip you came up with. Very clever! You up all night coming up that one? Or did someone help you?

All right Democrats, you spent your $26 billion, so now get back to your town hall meetings. I'm sure the people you represent will be just so happy to see you.

The Left just needs the Green party to do like the Tea party: not actually be a party. It's a sub-party of the Republican party. Pretty sneaky tactic.

The Green party could stop being an actual party and favor a certain democratic candidate. Then the scales will balance again, and we can all shoot each other in the face at last.

Joe in Albany

Glad you were amused! Wouldn't it be great if Republicans were capable of constructive arguments amongst themselves; they might benefit from self-analysis. (Not gonna happen, Reagan's cardinal rule: Do not speak ill of another Republican.)

I'll take my battling left-wing/moderate Democrats over the creepy Republicans any day.

Joesphina in albany,

unlike the republicans who goosestep right along with each other right after they get the morning Fox talking points, democrats actually are allowed to think for themselves. Gibbs is not going anywhere

HAHAHADoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooRK

Jo,

Wait until the race card comes out in full force. It's already starting. I was in Colorado a few weeks ago and I didn't know that Buck was a Rebuplican based on that he slammed the TEA Party in a speech. Funny thing is that the TEA Party is not a polictial party. I know Democrats that are TEA members. Not while I was there, but the news played the sound bites. The only way I knew he was a Republican is that my Sis-in-law last name is Buck and I was joking around with her.

The RNC thing was cute though............One is a talk show host and two have been out of office, but I suppose that's their way of looking forward, by living in the past.

quagmire, Quahog, RI

Joesphina in albany,

. . . . . .. Gibbs is not going anywhere

Good. Seeing Obama's version of Joseph Goebbels and Baghdad Bob all wrapped into one lump of meat on the tube every day can only help the Republicans. So keep putting Gibbs, and Rangel, and Maxine Waters, and that nut-house candidate Rep. Weiner from NY up front and center everyday. These are the faces of today's Democratic party!

JoAnnaSmith1,

you would know what a nut house looks like wouldn't ya? uh oh it's 10 o'clock time for your meds

and please keep the gown closed in the back, there is nothing there anyone wants to or should see

Joe and JoAnna -

Why don't you two low information fools get married? Do you really think that saving teacher jobs and police and firefighters (at no addition cost, no what you pretend is truth) jobs will not be appreciated by the common people? Only those who can afford private schooling for their children or can higher private police for their protection would oppose this bill. By the way, who do you call when your house catches on fire?

California Tom

Joe and JoAnna -

Why don't you two low information fools get married?

Thank you for your feedback CalTom. It is much appreciated.

And we were wondering, seeing you're so concerned about what others do, just when do you think you California types are going to get your act together? You're starting to look a little 3rd world-ish out there on the Left-Coast CalTom, it's not looking very good. Some would say your house was on fire, in a figurative sense. Good thing the Democrats got that $26 billion freebie passed yesterday, where most of the money goes to the two biggest failed liberal states, California and New York. That can only help, right? And no need to thank the rest of us who are paying for it, it was our pleasure!

And again, thank you for your feedback. Your opinion is imporant to us, and we value you as a regular reader.

Hey, JoAnna ~ Still waiting for that haystack to drop a needle with a point to it.

If you only had a brain.

glen quagmire, Quahog, RI

JoAnnaSmith1,

you would know what a nut house looks like wouldn't ya?

Speaking of nut houses, where is Eric? Any ideas glen? glen, you're his best friend, right? Bunk-buddies, correct? Diggity-diggity.

JoAnna -

Who you going to call when your house is on fire, "GHOSTBUSTERS" ?

Love reading your comments though. Have a nice day.

Anna Molly

Hey, JoAnna ~ Still waiting for that haystack to drop a needle with a point to it.

If you only had a brain

Good morning Annie, how are you? Nice to see that you and the rest of your low-brow leftie friends are taking the pledge to not wish physical harm on people you disagree with it. That's one more step for you and the rest of your ilk on the evolutionary path. Soon enough, in probably another thousand years or so, you'll catch up to the Neanderthals.

Happy evolving!!

California Tom

JoAnna -

Who you going to call when your house is on fire, "GHOSTBUSTERS" ?

Maybe you do things different out in California CalTom, but around here when there is a fire, we call something called the "Fire Department". They're locally funded through property taxes, so they're well funded and are all over the place. We don't depend on the state or the feds to pay for them either, that just didn't seem to be the best idea. Same with the teachers, and the police. It's a new paradigm, you should try it.

Tom,

Joe and JoannaSmith1 can only marry in certain states since they are both men. well, i know Joanna is, i think joe is.

Republicans just need to "watch the carnage", huh? Looks like Angle and Paul need to run and hide! Every time they open their mouths, they shoot themselves in the foot! It ain't gonna be no cake walk!

JoannaSmith1 = blah blah blah lefties liberals blah blah blah

you are predictable, boring, and lack any resemblance to intelligence with your posts. I use to find your idiocy slightly entertaining (like watching a kid playing with his toys in a fantasy world unknown to anyone else) but not any more. Now I cringe as I see you post the same nonsense day in and day out. Try making a point based on logic or fact instead of vomiting blatant lies, half truths, and failed policies of the past.

You are now ignored. Goodbye and enjoy swimming in circles at the low end of the gene pool.

JoAnna, my dear ~ I wasn't wishing you harm. Far from it. I was actually hoping that you would finally get a clue. The haystack is metaphorical for your brain. The needle is, of course, appropos to the haystack, and works back to your suggestion that I resume my sewing activities. And the rest relates to your total inability -- or perhaps unwillingness -- to ever make a substantive point.

But you do leave me in stitches, JoAnna.

Haha. You Left-wingers actually are starting to sound like people from Communist China. If someone was rich or from a rich family they would harass them and try to make everyone "equal" by taking their stuff in raids on their homes. If someone became rich for their work then GREAT. They DESERVE it. If they were born into a rich family then they are LUCKY. Don't always get on them and talk about how they're so "selfish".

Ahh, I see my fan club is growing. How nice!

Here fans, I'll post the links to a couple of things you'll really enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30710&id=136264019722601&ref=mf

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

Dan Austin, Tx

JoannaSmith1 = blah blah blah lefties liberals blah blah blah

you are predictable, boring, and [blah,blah,blah,blah]

Thanks for the feedback Dan. I guess seeing you have so much to say, you'll have an opinion on when one Lib poster copies and posts an article from some left-wing rag, then 27 of their nut-job friends respond with "Great post!" and "I agree 100%". Yeah, some real intellectual stimulation going on with that bunch. You got an opinion about those knuckle-draggers Dan? Yes? No? Do you understand the question Dan?

The Professional Left is in a panic because they have ignored the lessons of history from Germany,

Argentina and the Soviet Union, that following 2000's engineered economic crash, and bleed out of the

Federal Treasury, any liberal phase following is just a place-holder while Corporate-Statists who had

looted the economy plan their fascist Fourth Reich of a Thousand Years. November will swing so hard to

the right, all you 'Happy Up' Burghermeisters are gonna choke on your red koolaid, as Fed Wehrmacht

enacts ZERO Capital Gains Tax and ZERO Estate Tax, creating a first American Dynasty in 235 years,

cutting the life support on 46,000,000 Americans who are jobless, homeless, working part-time or on

call with no benefits and no healthcare, turning 1,000,000s out of their upside down homes, crushing

deflation of wage rates and home equities, as the banks are consolidated with YOUR last life savings,

and their fees and costs of government services soar. For G-d sakes, spend the few remaining months

of the fading American Dream researching your German, Argentinian and Soviet Union collapse histories!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH6_i8zuffs (especially watch part 5, which exactly mirrors Obama Mob)

Fire and police? Absolutely, we try to maintain this infrastructure.

Teachers? Not so clear cut.

School administrators? Definitely fair game.

And JoAnna: It's probably obvious to you by now, but the favorite tactic of left/Dems in responding to any point you might make is to act as if there wasn't one. It has to do with their total inability -or perhaps unwillingness- to ever make a substantive response.

That and pack attacks. Pretty much their MO in a nutshell.

And I mean NUTshell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dbb4U8v3YQ&feature=related (here is our 2008 elections)

JoAnnaSmith1,

love the pictures of limpballs. we are all crossing our fingers that the 4th time is the charm. must have missed that one in the "Family Values" rule book. oh that's right "do as i say, not as i do". in one of the pictures i think i saw a perscription bottle in the background. maybe he and you are on the same meds.

Richard in Wash, you would know NUTS more than most porn stars, since they tend to be around your talking point most days.

JoAnna,

I'll bet you still use the word "colored" when refering to black people. You just sound like someone whos thinking hasn't changed much from the 50's.

And, what meds are YOU on today, glenhogmire? Quite the quippy quahog retort there, cowboy! You hangin' with Peter, Stewie or Brian today?

Brian today. although i have a stewie frame of mind this afternoon. by the way, no meds. just flintstone vitamins (2 a day for adults).

Steve60, I'll bet you still use the word "colored" when refering to black people. And exactly why are you referring to people as black? You sound like someone who's racist!

The reason Dayton didn't run again is that he self financed his first campaign and did not have fund raising in place for the next run. He also did not think he would be the strongest candidate based on some positions he had taken. He is very popular here in MN, especially amongst the elderly who get out and vote. I will vote for him. The candidate from the Republican party is an example of the extremist Republican party here. He is the male version of Bachmann. Emmers is a "tea bagger" he is running fourth in polling against all three MN Democratic candidates. He has angered a great many people all ready with since he has a tendency to say really stupid things.

Ha ha Anna I was thinking the same thing, I just assumed that it meant that he couldn't get re-elected based on polling or something.

newday ~ Thank you. My daughter now lives in MN and she never has mentioned anything that would suggest Dayton was personally unpopular or had done anything scandalous. Sigh. It always comes down to money. Maybe the Daytons sold the stores too soon.

Steven ~ LoL I figured it might be the "or something" that FR was hiding, but that seemed odd, given the current climate, where the "or something" would definitely be more appealing to the media.

This new "to me" setup of F-R got me. I posted some whys, but they are at the end. His re-election chances were dim, because he was ineffectual, the race would cost him a lot personally, he made gaffes and acted erratic, which the latter was likely influenced by his depression an alcoholism. There is nothing about him that screams competent governor aside from his name ID.

No, he still has plenty of money. I think he will do very well in the general here.

I know I wouldn't want to put up any predictions about the General yet. Palin-backed Emmer seems kind of like a dick, and neither might bode well for Emmer. There is no way that Dayton could take on Pawlenty-like figure.

Why do you assume that people are happy with what Pawlenty has done to MN?

Send in the clowns ...

a Pawlenty-like figure

.... don't bother, they're here.

Any state that's capable of electing Jesse Ventura and Al Franken is entirely capable of electing a Tea Partier.

Carnac The Magnificent must be checking in!

California Tom: You have to forgive poor JoAnna. She is in a dither and panic as she sees her party running tea bagger candidates that no one can support.

NewdayDawning10;

Agreed. These guys are not even entertaining anymore, I feel sorry for them. They never answer direct questions, offer anything other than talking points that they offer as proof, continue to be uncivil and hateful in their rhetoric. And it just goes on and on.

You got some really nice posts today. Keep them coming.

Thanks, Navy, you too!

Richard From Washington State writes:

And JoAnna: It's probably obvious to you by now, but the favorite tactic of left/Dems in responding to any point you might make is to act as if there wasn't one. It has to do with their total inability -or perhaps unwillingness- to ever make a substantive response.

Funny! You were being funny right? Otherwise you either have ADD or you haven't been reading all the posts. Joe(anna) posted on here leveling attacks and some people responded and you stand up and yell "see?? Those mean people are attacking us!!!" Play the victim much?

You must be new around here Dave... Richard is our resident narcissist... don't pay him any attention! lol

Good to see you and I like what you have to say! Keep up the good fight!

Completely serious, Dave. I don't joke. I'm a narcissist and take myself completely seriously. Occasionally, I employ standard lib/dem tactics just to exploit their indignance. It works every time.

And don't worry, the Feisty one will always be there for you with inane comments of support and empty cheerleading.

She also is OCD about big words she misuses. Over and over and over. She's almost narcissistic about it because one would swear she really enjoys the sound of her fingers clicking merrily over the keys.

She will also help you by joining on pack attacks with the resident left wing board of gladhanding overseers here.

She sets the standard. Don't cross her and don't stray outside the party line. She and the rest of them don't like it.

Now that you know the rules, have at it.

Ahh Louis. Still trying to paint the Tea Party as racist? That was the old liberal game plan Lou, and it just didn't work out. Time to Moveon Lou.

I agree with JoAnna, Lou. You're not that funny.

Take it easy on Louis. He's only ten.

There's really no need to "paint" the Tea Party as racist. All Tea Partiers may not be racist but as they pursue their new Southern Strategy http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2010/07/15/black_panthers_southern_strategy it's clear that they choose to be friendly to racists and welcome them into the fold. There's no need to "paint" them as racist, you need only let them talk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S38VioxnBaI . The public is figuring it out http://racerelations.about.com/b/2010/07/19/is-the-tea-party-racist.htm . Then again are you going to believe me or your own eyes http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/16/10-most-offensive-tea-par_n_187554.html ?

So John, just trying to understand where you're coming from. If someone described President Obama as a "light skinned African-American with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one"would that person saying those words be a racist? Have you ever heard a Tea Partier say those kind of words John? And John, is Harry Reid a racist in your book?

Depends. Has Harry Reid ever lynched Barack Obama in effigy? Tried to convince people that Obama isn't an American citizen? Spread false stories of "Black racism"? Instituted racial profiling, which has been proven to be ineffective? Issued a statement that no more mosques should be built in America http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/08/top_social_conservative_no_more_mosques_period.php ? Referred to people of dark complexion as monkeys http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/14/AR2006081400589.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKUovpF9LWU ?

Do I really need to continue embarrassing you? Because those examples barely scratch the surface.

"Dear America:

Do not take ANYTHING that ANYONE tells you at face value."

Ummmmm, Nash, would that include what your post above is telling the American people??

Joe,

I am going to let the word "anything" speak for itself. . . look it up if you need to! ;o)

Nash-people ARE doing exactly what you prescribe-that's why Obama's polls are sinking, rapidly,

It's too bad they didn't do this two years ago-he never would have been elected.

And this is why ALL Progressives / Liberals (D, I AND R)<---- Notice that Nash I said in BOTH parties and Independents like the Socialist senator and Lieberman-- there now you cant use the standard "Your just a republican) out of office and get some true conservatives in Congress who understand what LIMITED GOVERNMENT actually means

Elect people who wont just rubber stamp anything that Barack Hussein Obama Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm says is a good thing....

Elect people who have the back bone to say what they mean and mean what they say

Elect people who will try to repeal HCR and if Barry keeps vetoing it then remove all funding so it dies a quick painless (to the American people) death

"Elect people who will try to repeal HCR"

Like you're wiling to give up your government provided healthcare. Hypocrite.

Amy: but you notice that Larry, while bragging of his war record, will not answer my questions.

I am really enjoying how even the simple concept of thinking for yourself can be turned into an opportunity to push poll numbers.

Very enlightening stuff . . . wonder what folks will do after they finish repealing everything and we still have unsolved problems . . .

Some folks are just pre-programmed to be disagreeable for disagreeablenesses sake I suppose.

The professional left is needed to balance the "professional right". At least those on the left aim for facts and truth which makes them true professionals instead of wannabees.

As for Robert Gibbs, cheers to him. The critics need criticizing on occasion regardless which side they represent.

"Nash-people ARE doing exactly what you prescribe-that's why Obama's polls are sinking, rapidly,It's too bad they didn't do this two years ago-he never would have been elected."

If McCain had followed Nashville's advice, Obama would most certainly not have been elected. McCain was the victim of bad advice and poor choices. I find it almost hilarious that the primary reason the GOP lost the presidency in 2008 is now considered by many to be their salvation in 2012 and the Tea Party's vaunted champion in 2010. Frankly, the numbers haven't changed much ~ its just that the voices of dissent are ratcheted up several decibels in hopes of convincing people to shift allegiance. I stand by my previous opinion shaped by watching politics for more than half a century ~ ~ people do not elect fanatics or maniacal zealots. Never have ~ never will. And what they are seeing is a side show that rivals Cindy Sheehan's roadside carnival. That may work among active conservatives but it lacks that universal flavor that leads to general election victory. Hide and watch.

Good morning NewDay,

Nice point. Remember the old saying, thou protests too much. Seem appropriate. I am always suspicious of people that feel a need to brag.

Wow, the Conservatives are having a real fit over the concept of doing your own research and thinking for yourself.

no joe, no bo, nj

Nash-people ARE doing exactly what you prescribe-that's why Obama's polls are sinking, rapidly,

It's too bad they didn't do this two years ago-he never would have been elected.

So No Jo you would rather John mcCain and sarah Palin be in the WhiteHouse, come on now, get real.

So Larry, being a vet where do you get YOUR healthcare?? I know where I get mine, which thanks to the current president is getting better.

Gee Jeff, it looks here http://www.gallup.com/poll/124922/Presidential-Approval-Center.aspx as if President Obama's polls are almost exactly tracking Reagan, Clinton, and GW Bush. You need a new talking point.

Thanks for bringing this story into the discussion, CA. Meanwhile here in Iowa some areas are experiencing 500 year floods for the 3rd time in 20 years http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38656393/ns/weather/ thanks to night after night of 3-6" rains. One of my employees has water in his basement for the first time...in a house that he's lived in for 50 years. I wish there were some way to explain how it is that year by year the weather seems to become more extreme. Oh right, there is. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-effects/

It would be interesting to see what would happen if a Republican brings a bill to the floor. Would it splinter the GOP voting bloc, since the Tea Party and more "mainstream" Republicans are in different sections of the center-right, or would they still be for it due to both sides being center-right in the first place?

(Clarification: The Democrats would be considered center-left on a global political scale; compared to the rest of the world, American political factions are mostly centrist. Hence, I refer to the Republicans as center-right.)

Good to see your voice of reason back. Great comment.

Frank G.;

Very well said. Good words to live by.

I have come close to the ignore button myself, but as with you, I resisted the temptation. People are entitled to their opinions, some take them way across the line and are less than civil or down right hateful, but that is a character flaw they have to deal with.

From time to time we all transgress, and I think many of us that do, wake up and regret it, even apologize. I think that is the difference.

I enjoy all your posts. You write with a great deal of thought and I find that very refreshing. Thanks for the input.

Stay safe and be well.

I would be way more worried, Grimey, if people who think as you do were running the Republican party. In fact, I sometimes wonder how much at home you feel with the party as it tilts ever further to the right with the whole Tea Party movement. The other move I don't understand the Republicans making is the alienation of the Hispanic voters. They seem to think short-term v. long-term on these issues.

Frank: I'm so glad to see your comments!! I have missed you. My question to you is 'why don't your fellow Republicans have the insight you have?' If they did, Democrats would really have something to worry about.

Years ago, I considered myself to be a pretty far right guy. I listened to Sean Hannity (never really listened to Rush). I watched Fox News and Fox News only. I didn't really pay much attention to candidates and just voted for the person with the R next to their name. But, honestly, when I had my kids, I started paying a little more attention to issues and politics in general. I found myself listening to right wing talk radio and strongly questioning what was being said. Then, I pretty much found myslef outright disagreeing with what was being said. Then I stopped listening altogether.

I pretty much split from the GOP when it comes to most social issues a few years ago and my wife followed suit. I believe in the underlying philosophies of conservative economics, however, the GOP hasn't really been practicing those. They've been talking a good game, but when they've had a chance to "practice what they preach", they spend every bit as much as the Dems, just on different items. That has been a source of growing frustration for me. What's the point of having a general platform if you're going to abandon it the second you get into power?

As for my place in the party, I am definitely on the moderate side of it as I disagree with a lot of the social platform and find myself increasingly frustrated on the economic side. Addressing Steeler Fan's specific comment, it is tough to watch the tilt to the right. We are making mistakes in abandoning moderates by selecting further right candidates. And we need those voters to win general elections. For example, I'm undecided on the Florida Senate race. I was guaranteed to vote for the GOP candidate when it appeared to be Gov. Crist...now, the GOP can't count on my vote. Why? Because they pushed a moderate out of the party in favor of a much further right candidate. And Gov. Crist's crime? Meeting the President and accepting billions of dollars in federal aid for the state. Yeah, I think parts of the stimulus were a mistake and were rushed through...but once it was passed, that money's going to be spent one way or another, so why not have it spent on my state?

As for the Tea Party, my opinion is that ORIGINALLY, it was a movement to advocate smaller government and lower taxes. I believe it has since been co-opted by some of the more far right elements of the GOP and almost transformed into an anti-President Obama movement. That's really not what the original intent was supposed to be. The pre-Obama Tea Party chastised both parties for out of control spending. Hey, I had no problem with that. But now, it seems to have experienced a bit of a hostile takeover.

Yeah...I'm a pretty complicated person politically. But it keeps everyone guessing! ;-)

Frank. Not complicated at all, and there is really no guessing about any of it. You're describing a journey that will devolve you into becoming a Democrat. You're kind of like Lindsey Graham in that regard.

What would you think if we had an intervention for you? Think it would help? Ya see who's agreeing with you all time, right Frank? It ain't us.

Joanna...

Nah...not "devolving" into a Democrat at all. If you'd like to stage an intervention, go for it. I'll sit in a chair in front of C-SPAN and you can show me video of the GOP sticking to our freakin guns when it comes to economic policies instead of spending like crazy when we're in power.

And let's also be honest here, I don't know that people necessarily agree with my positions as much as they appreciate the tone and respect that I prefer to convey. I disagreed with the health care bill that was passed and thought that we should have taken different steps. I disagreed with much of the stimulus bill. And don't get me started on cap and trade and card check! Just because I'm not calling the President names like Barry, Obie, etc., doesn't make me less of a Republican. Just because I don't blindly slander the opposite party, doesn't make me less of a Republican. And just because I'm more like a "Lindsey Graham" than a "insert far right Senator here" doesn't make me less of a Republican.

Well then Frank, Godspeed to you on your journey of discovery!

Grimey--you are describing the journey I took and it led to my switching party affiliations during the 2008 primary season--I wanted to register a primary vote for Obama even though he did not win Pa. I can't say that I agree with everything my new party the Democrats does either but it feels closer to my beliefs and values. I considered being an independent but wanted the ability to vote in primaries and make a difference there. A part of me wanted to stay in the Republican party and try to change it from within but I did not feel welcomed and that my opinion would be valued.

I have always enjoyed your posts and, if you ever get to be in charge of the Republican party, I would consider a switch back. I haven't understood the whole thing with Crist---should he have turned down billions of dollars? Doesn't make sense.

Thank you Grimey Very well said and I can respect that. Glad you have time to join us again been missing you.

Frank, I welcome your reasonable Republican outlook. I was raised in a Republican family and Republicans worthy of great respect weren't hard to find http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_D._Ray at one time. It must be hard to see your party running away from you. As a nation we really need to have parties that are responsible, sensible alternatives to each other. I miss that Republican party as well, as they rush headlong toward extremism.

Frank;

Thank you for your comments. They are greatly appreciated. While it may surprise you, I'm pretty much a fiscal conservative. I would do my cutting in Iraq, Afghanistan and fighter jets that we don't need. I do believe is supporting domestic issues, otherwise, we become a third world nation. It may also surprise you that many, many, many years ago I was a republican.

Frank - I was just reading your comment(s) to Joanna. I have to say that you have posted very poigniant and salient points that are lost on many of the VERY NOISY right-wing fringe.

I have a very good friend of mine who is a Conservative. I am NOT a conservative. So, one day we decided to have it out - mano a mano - and put our ideaologies on the table. Note that we are STILL great friends and we do almost everything together, but I think he loses his mind once every 4 years.

I digress.

It turns out that my CONSERVATIVE friend is socially LIBERAL and fiscally CONSERVATIVE in his ideaology. It also turns out that I am ALSO socially LIBERAL and fiscally CONSERVATIVE in my ideaology.

So what is the difference between the two of us?

My friend tends to look to the GOP to further his ideaology, and has voted for Democrats that have furthered that ideaology when he felt it was necessary. I tend to look to the Democratic side of the aisle to further my ideaology, although I have NEVER voted for a Republican for anything because I do not agree with their approach to MOST things.

So, in a nutshell, my friend is CENTER-right in his politics; I am CENTER-left in my politics. There are more things that we DO agree on than things that we DON'T, and we live our lives accordingly. We still hang out. He is on my softball team. We work out together when we are preparing for tournaments. Although I cannot stand her, my friend LOVES him some Sarah Palin.

He thinks she is a 'regular person' and weould like to see more 'regular people' in the White House.

I really cannot figure out why a college educated man would even entertain anything that is Palin related, but, that is his right. It is also my right - and quest - to make sure Sarah Palin doesn't get ANYWHERE CLOSE to ANY seat of power anymore.

The point of this narrative is this - there are more that connects us than seperates us. Right wing FRINGE people like JoAnna like the divide and conquer strategy they employ; they are just deluding themselves thinking that they ALONE carry the Republican 'brand', when in actuality they only speak for less than 20% of the 'Republicans'.

Now, in NO WAY do I speak for Republicans, but I can tell you that although we disagree on a lot of issues, people like Frank are going to be listened to over the likes of Joanna because we start from a COMMON area in our ideaologies.

The fact that Joanna has 'labeled' Frank that he is more of a 'Lindsey Graham' pretty much says it all. As far as I am concerned, WHO CARES? Frank knows who he is and can articulate himself well enough, even if we do disagree. It is the spirit of working together - bridging the gap between Liberal and Conservative - that is what makes this country great, not the mean-spirited, divisive, in-your-face, 'I got mine' mentality that seems to emenate from the Joannas of the political world.

So, Frank, please continue posting your positions. I for one will continue to listen and evaluate them. If I agree, or can soften my position because of something you have said, then that's what it is all about, isn't it?

Grimey, Thanks for giving me hope that there are still people out there who think instead of parroting the stuff they hear from Fox and talk radio. I beleive strongly in fiscal conservatism in my personal life (zero debt except for the house) and in my government. Unfortuntely the party that claims fiscal conservatism isn't anymore.

Pietro...very, very well said. The problem with politics is that soooo many politicians just look at a problem and don't think "How can this be fixed?". Instead, they think "How can I use this to my (and my party's) advantage in the next election?" I think you are right that we agree on more than any of us care to admit.

Think about the health care debate. If helping people and not scoring political points was the true objective, why wouldn't this approach have been followed... Find the areas where there is broad bipartisan support (no more pre-existing condition exclusions, capping insurance rate increases at some sort of CPI index, small business assistance in providing health insurance, etc), put them in one bill, and pass it right away. Then go ahead and have the partisan wrangling over the remaining items that don't enjoy the same level of support. But, unfortunately, both sides find playing politics and posturing for electoral success to be more important. In the end, what did we get...a bill that honestly I don't think many people were happy with.

That is way too logical thinking to be applied to the immigration debate, Nashville Fan. The folks who are stirred up by the whole "anchor baby" issue aren't interested in logical discussions of immigration reform.

Talk about spreading the "Fear". Last night on CNN there was a real nut case, TX Legislature member, named Little (from the Houston area, I think)---her theory was about "anchor babies", being terrorists in training!

That woman is an idiot---as Keith O would say.

Nashville, you are probably right but at least we won't have a bunch of their kids as new "citizens".

So true, Nashville and Steeler Fan. I agree completely. We're not trying to solve a problem with this proposal. At least not one that goes beyond winning the 2010 election.

Maggie Your observation on Luke Russert is the same as mine.

I admire this young man so much, for one so young he has an amazing poise in the fray of politics. Others in the same business regardless of the where or who they work for, should take lessons from watching and listening to Luke. His parents have done a phenonamal job and yes his Dad would be very proud.

Joe, as much as I dislike reid and his crowd I fear that you may be correct. I can only hope that enough people are tired of reid cramming obamas crap down our throat. Well over half the people are against most of obamas programs and I think that says something. His poll ratings are very low and congress' is even worse, 11% I believe.

I agree Indy....with a BUT.....if Colorado voters turn out in November as they did for the primary...we could be surprised with Buck. Of all the winners last night....I really was most thrilled to learn that we had record turnout. Not sure if this is because of the issues/candidates or it was ALL MAIL ballots (except for 2 rural counties). I know this saved our state a pile of $$.

GO HICKENLOOPER/GARCIA

Nojo, whose Abramoff?

sorry-brain glitch-meant to type 'romanoff'.

I guess I need more coffee. . . .

I see your point CA. (Of course, for all the rhetoric, those dependent on illegal labor to boost their profit margins never really seem to get around to the "ship them back" part. . . but I digress.)

Also, the reality is, that if a minor child is a citizen, but their parent is not, they are going to end up wherever their parents are . . . so the real world implications are kind of the same either way.

Big duke,

You can thank the obstructionist GOP for not allowing infrastructure spending in the stimulous. It was tossed out in favor of 47% of the stimulous being in the form of tax credits for small businesses and the middle class.

Which the GOP now wants to cancel....