"Look for the one in the crowd who resembles the South end of a horse facing North"

So obviously you and your Republican sister are twins!

Feisty, the debate has been going on and the Republithugs lost. These guys are KERAY-ZEEEEEE!!

I look forward to the day that I will no longer hear anymore of their BS. November can't get hear fast enough.

I find it funny that Ramney has flipped the bill for Sanitation and BlingGring. Paying for their campaign is a great way to say "I suck!"

Feisty---I have a picture of Mitt lounging by the pool in a suit along with the Secret Service agents. I guess he doesn't have to do the "deep thinking" that Newt does for the debate.

I say we splurge tonight and have butter on the popcorn!

Breaking News:

Wednesday afternoon, Judge Jeffery White of the District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violates the Constitution's equal protection clause in a case brought by Karen Golinski. Golinski, represented by Lambda Legal, "was denied spousal health benefits by her employer, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco." White was appointed to the court by President George W. Bush in 2002. The decision represents a serious setback for House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), whose Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) defended DOMA after the Obama administration announced it would no longer defend the law.

RAMNEY's TAX PLAN would add $10 TRILLION IN DEBT... I'm all for it!

RAMNEY would finish what DICK and BUSH started.

Republithug Whackadoodles.

November can't get hear fast enough.

You know I was just thinking the exact same thing!

I knew this was going to be a marathon & not a sprint BUT I'm not sure how much more I can take of the insane clown posse!

I say we splurge tonight and have butter on the popcorn!

Me too! We've earned it! lol

Nailed it Bob!

The Closing of a Life - A Small Moment - A Most Important Moment

*************

Below is an email going around the nets. When I hear Santorum and the GOP doing all they can to suppress votes, to suppress women, to suppress public educations, to keep the burden of our ills on the working and middle classes, when we see certain "Christians" cheating on their families; when I hear Chris Christie say - shut up and write a check - when I see Willard hiding his money while telling the world that President Obama is doing away with religion in our government; when I hear lie after lie after lie from Romney I grow weary, because I know there isn't an ounce of humanity in any of these people running for the presidency on the GOP side. It is their party's selfishness and arrogance and stupidity that drove this country into the ditch by developing an "every man for himself" attitude. That we can have it all, if only the poor and unions and sick and gays would go away. If we blame them enough, perhaps it will sink in that they are preventing us from reaching the American Dream, which today only means stomping on others to reach it. And then bringing out the religious card when it suits them.

Human decency and religion do not go hand and hand, as we have seen from this crop of Republicans. The religion that Santorum and Mitt and Newt follow is a religion to suppress people from living life to their fullest; religion is a way for people to fall in line. And for those of us who turn away from it, it is for good reason. We know in our hearts that we don't need any rich white guys dictating to us what makes a fulfilled life, especially when we see how they live theirs, and especially from someone who is running for the presidency and is desperate to divide us, which is what the GOP is all about. We already know what makes a fulfilling life. And has nothing to do with who is a Christian and who isn't. It has to do with caring about other people and taking the time to show it. Regardless of race, creed or color.

***************

The Cab Ride

I arrived at the address and honked the horn and after waiting a few minutes I walked to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'
Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?''It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice. I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice.. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. What route would you like me to take?' I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They weresolicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. How much do I owe you? she asked, reaching into her purse.Nothing,' I said You have to make a living,' she answered.There are other passengers,' I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.Thank you.'
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life...
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had
gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

*****************

Romney, go and buy your nomination. You can't win otherwise. President Obama is the president we the people want. We respect him, we admire him, we support him, for many many reasons. Reason #1: He has been there for us every step of the way. And for that reason alone, we are with him and will be for the next 5 years.

People want Martin Bashir on in prime time. Everybody is talking about him. How can we get to see more of him as the campaign heats us? He's terrific!

He's terrific!

Did you hear Martin take on that Baptist Minister today - the dude was sweating so bad, I thought he was going to MELT!

Even the hubby was impressed...

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

I sure hope your sister doesn't sing like Willard. Already, frothy mouth came out the gate telling his first lie. He is concerned about all people from the bottom up???? That eliminates the BLAH people since there aren't any.

I sure hope your sister doesn't sing like Willard

Bev - if you ever want to meet a TRUE narcissist - I would introduce you to her!

That bitch has more bats in her belfry then the Humpback of Notre Dame... ;o)

PS: It appears winemaker formally known as safecracker has a 'thing' for you!

He has been following you around like a bitch in heat!

Nice work GF!

Well, this is a CNN BOMB. Two different PCs, and the live stream vid won't load. Guess this is one debate I'll miss.

Pat Boston MA.

People want Martin Bashir on in prime time. Everybody is talking about him. How can we get to see more of him as the campaign heats us? He's terrific!

Yes, he is and Martin does not back down. I guess we can petition to MSNBC to give him Chris' slot in the 6:00 EST time. Chris gets a lot of air time. He could share it with Martin Bashir. Chris is even on TV on Sunday mornings in addition to his repeats.

LOL, Ron Paul finally got a suit that fits.

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

PS: It appears winemaker formally known as safecracker has a 'thing' for you!

He has been following you around like a bitch in heat!

Feisty, I have not been on line today. I thought that thing got banned.

Keep'em Mitt; get Santorum's @$$ on the bridge to nowhere. HA HA neither one of them can get their Lies together. What a spectacle!!!

If Romney wins the nomination, he probably just guaranteed himself a general election loss in PA.

Oh, the describe yourself in one word interview question. They should spice it up, and pretend it's Spongebob opposite day.

Gingrich: frontrunner

Santorum: moderate

Paul: mainstream

Romney: consistent

Pat, I was glad I had a tissue handy when I read "The Cab Ride" Seems a lot of times lately I have had the incredible sense of being where I was supposed to be & this just reaffirms that. Too many are forgetting their fellow man & to my way of thinking, that's a true measure of "Christianity" Thanks for sharing.

Best one yet, all revealed their true stripes for the careful listener/watcher. Santorum, Romney and Gingrich were all hypocrites in words and deeds. Paul was honest and forthright, though his end game is pretty unworkable and a shift to it now would be a huge change for a reluctant country in particular. But he told the truth and pointed out their hypocrisy so, "Bully for Paul!" LOL even the crowd was confused..

Let's see the one word description with thought bubbles...Consistent oO(Checkeroo), Courage oO(I need it with my ideas), Resolute oO(I've put soo much time and $$ in it after all), Cheerful oO('Cause I just got in a good dig, I'm so awesome!).

If Paul doesn't pull ahead it just proves his conspiracy theory, there is no room for reason in the GOP nor for Paul in the media. It's good to go to bed laughing.

You must have missed Santorum bragging about being the architect of an unethical and possibly illegal, and acknowledged as a consummated, deal with Specter to stack the court for the Neo-Cons.

The problem is ideology.. Santorum believes he is normal and everyone ELSE is crazy!

The problem is ideology.. Santorum believes he is normal and everyone ELSE is crazy!

Isn't Santorum a devout Catholic ..... kinda like the iconic liberal Kennedy family, a family of a 120+ since the brothers - JFK, RFK and Ted?

Santorum believes that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. Isn't that the exact position Barack Obama declared when he was running for president in 2008?

The people of 36 states have voted on the issue and all 36 states, including CALIFORNIA, have all agreed.

83% of Americans identify with a relious denomination.

Heck .... 25% of Americans are Catholic .... literally .... as many, if not more Americans identfy themselves as Catholic than identify themselves as liberal.

So .... is everyone else the crazy fringe, or is it you guys that depict them as the crazy fringe, that marginalize them because Obama can not run on his record?

Poor bobby: the difference is this: the Kennedy's made NO effort to codify Catholic Doctrine as law. Santorum believes it already is that way.

I don't care if 100% of Americans voted this as law. YOU CAN'T VOTE AWAY PEOPLE'S CIVIL RIGHTS WHICH IS WHY WE ARE NOT A PURE DEMOCRACY. Hmmm, I'm not allowed to say "moron" on FR. It is against the rules. I do believe I can think it so consider it thought.

At least the President is for domestic partnerships, bobby, are you? I am betting that he will evolve toward full equality a lot sooner than Santorum will.

Oh, and one more thing bobby: I not only think people are fringe right wing "teabaggers" when they claim that the number of church going Americans matters in a secular state, I think they should be seen by mental health professionals when they try to cram their religions down everyone's throats.

I don't think contraceptives, or the need for abortions, or gay marriage is the reason we are in the worst recovery since the Great Depression, where 49% of all American households have at least 1 family member on assistance, that there are more Americans at the poverty level than any other time in history, most Americans on food stamps in history, the worst long-term unemployment .... I think Santorum and everyone in the media need to focus on these issues - not the obsession with Trojans, etc.

At least the President is for domestic partnerships, bobby, are you? I am betting that he will evolve toward full equality a lot sooner than Santorum will.

Regarding Obama .... do you really believe Obama feels marriage is the union between a man and or women, or do you not think that his position just might have been a political calculation to get elected?

Seriously, you can't be that naive?

Me .... Like we discussed before, I don't have any problem with unions and all the attendant rights, I just don't understand why they can't come up with their own word for it.

Lastly, I didn't say the number of church going Americans matter, just pointed out who the loony fringe was with statistics that you can't refute.

By the way, thanks for the unexpected emotions ... helped make my point.

Have a good evening newday.

I believe the President's position is what he said it was, but I don't see him as evil the way you do.

"I just don't understand why they can't come up with their own word for it..." there is a word for it bobby, say it with me: marriage. It is not incumbent upon gay Americans to make you comfortable with your prejudice. In fact, the more UNCOMFORTABLE you are the better. You might reflect on what your conscience is trying to tell you.

If you bring up a number of church going people, you are trying to make a point that should matter in a secular nation. We are a secular nation. We are not Christian or anything else that you on the fringe right want to attribute to the founding of this nation.

And yes, I do become quite upset with deliberate stupidity. Which is what you show when you claim that Americans can VOTE RIGHTS AWAY FROM OTHERS. What right are YOU willing to put up to a vote, bobby, that you cherish? If your answer is NONE, then it is hypocritical in the extreme that you suggest that anyone else should lose rights to the majority vote either.

'the tyranny of the majority" remember that phrase from school bob? The Founder's wanted minority rights protected.

Now, do think that over, see if you can learn something, and you have a dinging evening too.

newdayDAWNING...RETURNED

Talking to booby trap is pointless. He'll soon find out he's wrong; MAYBE. Did you see this in thinkprogress this morning?

Religious Groups Line Up To Support Affordable Care Act

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/02/21/429184/religious-groups-line-up-to-support-affordable-care-act/

Ideology, it seems like most the audience is already protected by their magic underwear.

Paul M in Wbridge, definitely a pro Romney crowd.

HI, Beverly: About time, too I'd say! I imagine that Jesus would be more concerned with the sick getting help then women getting raped by the state!

I believe the President's position is what he said it was,

So you are saying Obama honestly feels the same way as Santorum as I do .... marriage is the union between a man and a woman.

Pretty cool.

"I just don't understand why they can't come up with their own word for it..." there is a word for it bobby, say it with me: marriage.

Sorry, but by Obama's own definition, Obama, Rick and I disagree .... they need to come up with a new word because as Obama says - marriage is a union between a man and a woman.

It is not incumbent upon gay Americans to make you comfortable with your prejudice.

So you are saying Obama is prejudiced ... we feel the exact same way?

Btw - has it occurred to you yet that my question was a set-up? As long as you have been doing this .... you still walk right in to 'em huh?

As your buddy Betty would say .... thanks for playing. lol.

Oh of COURSE bobby, you are SO clever that the whole thing was a set up.

"Obama says that marriage is between one man and one woman" I don't know that IS the President's position, bobby, but if it is, do you notice him trying to codify that into Federal law? No? THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE!" STill can't call people "moron". Resist, resist, deep breath, yes that's better.

Absurd. What you are trying to do is save face and it won't wash. What's funny about it is watching you hide behind President Obama, a man that you have stated clearly on First Read that you detest to do it. What a man YOU are bobby.

So to recap: you think that it is just fine to put up civil rights for a vote. I asked you what right YOU are willing to have voted on by the populace, and you didn't answer. Why? Afraid? Wait, of course you are, which is why you are trying to hide behind your President.

Let me hand you one bobby: I believe that fringe right wingers should be forced into mental health treatment, and I want that up for a vote. You game?

And as you just said.....thanks for playing.

Oh of COURSE bobby, you are SO clever that the whole thing was a set up.

Nah, there was nothing very clever about it. Obama either counters your position or he is a lying politician ... you lose either way.

I was surprised you didn't see it and just dodge it.

"Obama says that marriage is between one man and one woman" I don't know that IS the President's position, bobby, but if it is, do you notice him trying to codify that into Federal law? No? THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE!"

I'm not a fan of Rick and frankly don't follow him as closely as the libs do. However, I have heard him talk about the value of family to society, 40% of families breaking up and being being led by a single mom in most cases - the hardships, disadvantages .... the expense to society. I have heard him say this is a problem that needs to be talked, but I have never heard him suggest anything implying or stating an intention to codify Catholic values into federal law.

So are you lying about Rick, or can you actually link a quote suggesting / stating he did?

STill can't call people "moron". Resist, resist, deep breath, yes that's better.

There a lot of people a lot brighter than I am, but nothing you have ever posted suggests you may be one. Maybe it's your emotions or possibly a mild personality disorder blocking your logic and perspective, I don't know.

Regardless, I am confident my testing and accomplishments certainly suggest I am no moron and insipid ad hominem has no redound. Feel free to call me whatever you want.

What you are trying to do is save face and it won't wash. What's funny about it is watching you hide behind President Obama, a man that you have stated clearly on First Read that you detest to do it. What a man YOU are bobby.

You have been here a long time. You have never seen me back down from anyone - you know it. All my comments are available, not cowardly hidden like so many libs - find one instance.

I already explained Obama to you. Why bother when you cannot dispute Obama and his position is the same as mine.

Of course if you want to admit Obama is a disingenuous lying politician, I will be happy to argue it on my own.

So to recap: you think that it is just fine to put up civil rights for a vote. I asked you what right YOU are willing to have voted on by the populace, and you didn't answer. Why? Afraid?

I think it is fine to put arrogated civil "rights" up for a vote. I have no problem with the liberal verisimilitude regarding "rights" be put up for vote and have no problem accepting the will of the people who I trust more than activist judges.

But to cut to the chase, as I stated, I have no problem with gay unions. I think they should enjoy the same legal status and privleges as married couples.

But regarding the word marriage, the word has a particular and distinct definition and meaning for hundreds / thousands of years. It has earned and enjoys a particular status and moral respect in society.

Respect, or esteem and admiration are not Constitutional guarantees. (Law and the Constitution provide that Obama has the right to be President, the Constitution and law do not require that I admire him.)

However if society wishes to grant the societal respect, status and esteem by allowing these unions to be acknowledged as "marriage - that's fine.

If not - they can come up with their own word - that simple.

But it is not that simple for liberals is it, because this isn't about rights - it is about demanding the respect some will not give your cause.

Let me hand you one bobby: I believe that fringe right wingers should be forced into mental health treatment, and I want that up for a vote.

Absurd, liberals would much prefer to mandate it like everything else. The people are not smart enough to make their own decisions, that is why we need Obama and big government ot decide everything for us, right?

You game?

Of course. Everyone needs mental health treatment.

There is old saying something to the effect that only an embecile would debate a moron, and since I have wasted way too much time on you .... and we have have established that I'm not an embecile, there must be a mental health issue, right?

Maybe we could start an FR group?

By the way, I wasn't calling you a moron ... just showing you another way how one would call a moron a moron ... kinda like you did, huh?

Been fun newday, sorry I couldn't get back earlier.

The word is "imbecile" bobby, at least learn how to spell it.

The word "marriage" is used to denote people who choose to form a family group. That is what gay citizens want to do. It also gives some preferential tax treatment that gay citizens cannot access without the legal status.

Kind of gets in the way of the 14th Amendment, right bobby?

And no. There is no provision in the Constitution to allow civil rights to be voted on. Jefferson, Madison and others were clear about their intent that minority rights be upheld.

Sure. You want to form a group, send me an invite, I'll join. Curious to see how you folks are in private.

The word "marriage" is used to denote people who choose to form a family group.

Really?

Gays are part of families right now, right. If 2 gays join in a union, would they not be part of the same family group .... if they adopted a child would anyone care if they considered themselves a family.

Come on newday ...

It also gives some preferential tax treatment that gay citizens cannot access without the legal status.

I have already conceded legal status, conceded they should have full legal rights and entitlements.

There is no provision in the Constitution to allow civil rights to be voted on.

I think the functional term is "arrogated" civil rights. That is your dilemma / legal problem, thus the need for activist judges to give you what the Constitution does not state, what law and the will of the will of the people have not granted to date.

Interesting that I was pretty explicit, defined in detail about how I feel society views the word marriage - the real issue about respect / esteem and you completely dodged it.

See .... I knew you were bright.

Regardless, society will evolve and I would be surpised if gay unions are not eventually accepted as a "marriage." The less it is forced, the less militant the movement is, the sooner it happens.

Bottom line - I did screw up embecile ... consider it a draw?

Oh ... and about the group therapy thing ... any therapist would be in way over their head trying to control the discussion don't you agree?

Have a good day ... newday.

One more thing, I don't remember if I ever told you this or not, but years ago, I was vice president of operations of (at then) the largest partial-day psychiatric hospital for children.

The name of it ....... newday.

Kinda funny or ironic or something, huh?

Even BOLDER Prediction: Bob reads MSNBC tweets that he hates...even though he doesn't have to.

Poor bobby, and his hero in Virginia collapsed in a quivering pool of fear when faced with the women that he thought he could allow the state to rape.

By the way, bobby, this just in: McDonnell is trying to force his legislature to sign a bill he drafted without allowing them to study, that includes forcing women who have miscarriages to view an ultrasound before receiving medical help.

Your hero is finished in politics when this gets out.

NewDay---it was either a quivering pool or fear or boundless ambition for the Va. Governor. I'm going with boundless ambition.

I think given the bill he is pushing today, McDonnell is going to have a lot of trouble outside of the right wing nutcases he attracts.

McDonnell exhibits more blind ambition than anything else. The right-wing isn't as crazy or in love with him as he thought!.....

He's gone too far!..Good-by McDonnell!

So Bob, if they aren't reporting lies or focusing only on the postives, as few as there are, so much that people drool over them somehow the media is biased. Get real, little pal. Get real.

I wonder if Feux news will report the same gaffs, flubs, idiotic statements as MSNBC will? Somehow I think they might at least report the big ones.

[...this just in: McDonnell is trying to force his legislature to sign a bill he drafted without allowing them to study...]

Rut Roh...you mean McDonnell wants them to pass it to see what's in it?

Say it ain't so, Joe!

By the by...who's Bob McDonnell?

Bob in Virginia-5210392

Count on instantly-biased Live Tweets from the MSNBC /Media Matters Team...

Prediction: Nothing positive, only negatives for the GOP from the Obama Reelection Crew....

Only, because the GOP loons are negative. That's right; expect a love of giddy tweets and high fist bumps. It's 'bout to go down. They're ready to discuss contraception and faith.

BOO!

DaNoid,

As a Catholic, I will also add that today is a day of fast and abstinence. No meat, only one meal and maybe two small meals that are less than main meal , and no eating between meals.

Newt besides his "deep thinking" did not snack while doing his preparation for the debate. I wonder if he will look a little woozy from lack of food at the debate.

Da Noid

Seems one of the questions of the day is whether or not Santorum and/or Gingrich will appear with ashes on his forehead tonight at the debate.

But, NOOT, the big fat hypocrite, is supposed to be a devout Catholic. It's probably, safe to say the way NOOT waddled out he got his meat. What I'm wondering is he going to follow his Sugar Daddy's advice and not go negative? He'd better if he doesn't want his funds to try up.

Of course Santorum got his ashes. He thinks he's so close to God or is it he thinks he's God?

I see they are all struggling trying to get their lies straight.

anaxgnosis,

Okay, I will answer : Northstar Catholic Catechism Class:

God offers salvation to every human being. People of goodwill, of other religions can be saved. Jews have a covenant with God. God never goes back on God's faithful word. As Christians, we respond to this offer of God by being baptized and living a good and moral life.

Catholics do not believe in the rapture. We believe the Book of Revelation is not literal. It was written by a Christian who was in jail and giving hope to his community with its symbolic language.

The Catholic church does believe in hell, but has never said anyone is there for a fact. But we do say that many holy men and women are in heaven, we call them saints.I know you will refer to Dante. Dante was a poet ...

Class is over for now.

I have a debate to watch.

NorthstarDFL

The Catholic church does believe in hell, but has never said anyone is there for a fact. But we do say that many holy men and women are in heaven, we call them saints.I know you will refer to Dante. Dante was a poet ...

LOL, don't forget Purgatory. Actually, the inferno of LIES is on the debate stage.

@ Loius J

these guys will be displaying a bloody choice of venom and poison that will blind their followers into marching over a cliff... Yippee.

YIPPEE is correct Louis J. They 'bout to go down.

NorthstarDFL,

Brief and to the point. My life just flashed before my eyes.

Bev, they are 'bout to go down?

Yup, what a joke.

Posts like this pretty much reinforce my Menckenesque cynicism of the "Electorate."

I wonder if Romney's former Arizona Co-Chair---you know the gay sheriff who threatened to deport his boyfriend---will be there tonight?

Nah, he's probably working on that deportation.