This is a primary, and turnout is everything. You do your job, you do your job, then this is the pledge," Santorum said. "If we're able to come out of Illinois with a huge or surprise win, I guarantee you, I guarantee you that we will win this nomination."

I hope that people in Illinois have a surprise for him and send him packing.

Rick: People in Illinois like to watch porn and have sex using birth control. Not your kind-a-place

Jay Leno joked about Santorum's stance on pornography, "you think men won't give up their guns...."

IRESPOND- Right on, absolutely, etc. I live in Illinois and I know of no one who wants to lose access to either porn or birth control. We will probably secede if Sanctimonium wins. Old Abe just would not be able to take being buried in a theocracy, and certainly not with that bozo in charge.

If Rick Santoram won Illinois (which I'm pretty sure he will not), the GOP nomination would definitely go all the way to the convention.

Rick Santorum: If I win the Illinois primary, I win the nomination

ROFL! What a tool.

SI

What's next? Close all the casinos and turn them into church bingo halls?

Is Santos Santorum campaigning for nomination or beatification? Would Santos Santorum becoming the Republican candidate count as a miracle?

If english is a requirement for statehood - it should also be a requirement for being designated as a church. Latin mass would be a disqualification, wouldn't it?

Hey Rick, if my aunt had balls she would be my uncle. I hope he does win Illinois, he won't sweep the delegates and neither will Romney, so it will go on and drain more republican cash on a hopeless cause because neither will win the general election. Not to mention all the damage they are doing to the republicans running for Congress. Keep up the good fight boys, don't wuss out now.

Right on Forest Grump; this clown show is providing a tremendous boost to the pop corn industry .... which is the most substantial jobs program the GOP has come up with in the last 3 years. So, keep it up boys; I'm sure you have a few donors left with money burning a hole in their pockets.

I hope Ricky does win Illinois, and I hope he does get the nomination.

Then, we will have a crystal-clear battle between reason, curiosity and pragmatism, versus theology, idealism and hubris.

or another way to see it-if santorum wins illinois then obama is re-elected.

Yeah, let's all hope Santorum Maximus Sanctimonious wins Illinois. Let the Games Begin! ... er, Continue! All the way to Convention. Lots of popcorn in the basement yet. (I dislike whatever he thinks he is or will morph into, but I adore his faithful wife and lovely children)

Obama-Biden November 2012 ... four more years ... at least!

Why is it we see NO rabid republican groups seeking to repeal the Canadian national healthcare system?

Look my friends, don't sell this guy short. These guys are all-in on crazy. It doesn't seem possible that these nuts are bent on reducing women to chattel, that they are going to come into our bedrooms, that they are determined to establish a freaking theocracy. It seems to run counter to everything for which this country stands and you would think they would be little more than a national joke.

But there they are. They should be in asylums, but they're going to be in voting booths. If Santorum takes the nomination, these cockroaches are going to come out of the walls and deliver a vote like we've never seen before.

Don't laugh at this. You cannot overestimate the power of stupidity.

I agree, David Walker. It is a frightening thought that Santorum could get the nomination. With all the fraud in vote counting (or not counting) and the GOP/TPers in states passing laws that can keep some from voting and all the crazies out there with a blind hatred for President Obama we could end up with a Santorum presidency. Never underestimate the power of hatred.

And if you take an EXLAX you will get the same results !

This guy is such a wind bag.

[Rick Santorum: If I win the Illinois primary, I win the nomination]

I hope he does win, just so the show goes on. The more we see of the candidates, the more we also see of the true nature of the Republican agenda. Between all of the social issues people like Santorum keep bringing up as their priorities, it's clear that the GOP is no longer the party of less government. It's become the party of "more control over your everyday life, the way we see it, and your opinion doesn't count".

I miss Bachmann being in the race. She had a dumb statement every week, exposing her and what she represented for what they truly were. Santorum makes fewer faux paus, but he does come up with some really doozies for what he wants the U.S. to become. It sure seems like he is focused on sex, between birth control and pornography. And with Republican legislatures passing laws requiring women to get physicals or intrusively probed, and with the Republicans in Congress fighting against renewing the laws protecting women against domestic violence, I don't see how they are ever going to get women to vote for them.

In the meantime, I'll keep laughing. Too bad it's sometimes with sadness over the bizarre proposals coming from the right wing of the GOP.

Yes - please nominate this right-wing hyper-religious whacko!

There are alot of people questioning if Sintorum is gay because of his preoccupation with it

I agree David we should not let our guard down and get complacent, we need to get out our vote in a large fashion. Having said that I just can't hardly believe that these republican primary voters represent the majority of America, however in November opinions don't count, votes count. Start registering your voters now so you be forewarned and thus forearmed about any rule changes in republican controlled districts.

98% of Catholics use some form of birth control, don't bet on it plavo the only Catholics that feel they are under attack are the Bishops who hold the purse string. The Bishops are cutting their own throats supporting these guys because people who do not have decent incomes, with benefits don't have money to contribute to a Church that campaigns against their own parishioners economic interests.

Well I say Go rick ! I hope he wins the GOP nomination, so during the debates every stupid thing that the GOP stands for will be put on trial. Santorum's nomination would be the best thing that could happen to publicly expose the idiocy that prevails in the GOP/TeaParty ! Bring it on Rick .

"Santorum has a very big problem and l think he needs help, l feel sorry for him"

If Santorum's so into family values, then why the heck is he flashing gang signs?!

@David Walker, regarding your comment, "You cannot overestimate the power of stupidity," I couldn't agree more. After all, we wound up with George W. for a second term.

Wonem will not vote for him - the smart ones anyway, gays wont vote for him, and I WILL NOT give up my porn!!!!!!!!

If Santorum isn't smart enough to know that the Republican Party chose their Nominee years ago, He also isn't smart enough to be president

If Santorum won Illinois I would be convinced that the election was completely rigged. Its a liberal leaning state as it is, and the conservatives are not the bible banging hillbillies that he gets in the south.

David wrote "

Don't laugh at this. You cannot overestimate the power of stupidity.

Well, yes, laugh, really laugh...no..... really really laugh, but don't underestimate the power of these rt wing wack jobs. Sex only for the married, sex only to have children, no contraceptives, no womens health concerns, and like that republican governor said the other day on the topic of invasive physical, "just close your eyes." Then these same people say, "get the government out of our lives," and they vote for the clowns who literally, get in your life on every issue.

I think the people of Illinois are a lot smarter than Santorum thinks, he will lose Illinois primary because he is a Phony.

Hmmm - I'll bet none of you have spent the time looking at the numbers like I have.

Three things need to happen. Missouri follows through with at least the number of delegates that he should have gotten during the election, Him get a win in Illinois, and Newt dropping out.

His numbers are strong enough in New Jersey, New York, and California that Illinois going his direction will influence them enough to follow, especially if Gingrich steps aside.

Patriotic American. I saw an article today that said that Illinois is more conservative than either Michigan and Ohio. I don't know that that is true, but if it is, then Santorum is spot on!

Add to that the poll numbers are similar to those for Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, Mississippi, and Iowa. All states Santorum was supposed to lose in and won all but Michigan and Ohio.

The longer Newt and Rick and Mitt (the Three Stooges) stay in the game together, the longer we all see what POSs they are. Keep it up! We all get to see what low-lifes the people in the Republican Party are!

All they are doing is making Obama a lock!

Then I really hope he wins the Illinois primary. Nothing would make me happier than seeing President Obama cut this guy to ribbons in the general election. If he honestly thinks he has a snow ball's chance of becoming President then he really is a looney.

DB, Gingrich has a billionaire willing to fund him for as long as he wants to keep going and he has already said he will not step aside for Santorum.

Illinois politics isn't anything like Missouri's. I don't know what you are looking at when you see greatness in Santorum, but lets face it. The reason he is doing so well is because of extremely low voter turn outs and those that are turning out are the evangelicals to support him. If moderates were really voting like they will in november, this wouldn't be a contest still. There is just no one in the republican arena that inspires any kind of passion besides Santorum and that is only for a minority of people who think they should be able to dictate the personal lives of everyone.

I think the greatest mistake the Christians in this country make is not appreciating freedom of religion. The bible is open to interpretation and do you really want your religion mandated by the government? Thomas Jefferson has to be rolling in his grave listening to Santorum speak.

Gingrich is NOT going anywhere. He will stay in this til the end. He is only in it for himself. He doesn't care if he takes down the party even further. He will play spoiler all the way til the end. When he losed the nomination, he will continue with, "I told you, you should have nominated me. I could win"!

Now he is one nasty, crusty, loser.

Santorum is likely to win Missouri and has at least an odds on even probability of winning in Illinois. As a person, He was obviously "pullled green", yet He will be a stronger opponent to the President than the much weaker Romney. Just too many who will stay home or try writing in someone elses name before they will vote for Romney.

"It is scary to see people voting for this nut Santorum, God help us all.

"Lets not make another mistake like "W"

The funny thing about libertarians, they are perfectly ok with the GOP stomping all over the liberties of women to get their own liberty. The GOP is trying to control womens lives, there is legislation in many states that are proving that the only interest of the tea party is in legislating the collective uterus's of America.

Could it be Rich that deep down you know that the libertarian movement has been taken over by white supremacy groups? That they want the freedom to do what they want to who they want?

If women are doing porn, that is their constitutional right. Until Santorums fans admit that the answers do not lay in shale oil or manufacturing jobs, its like talking to a wall. Manufacturing jobs were lost overseas to some degree but the biggest damage to those jobs is technology and that isn't going to change. Children need to be educated to meet the demands of the future, not to live in the past. Allowing corporate America to dump toxic waste in our back yards is hardly an answer. You speak of liberty, and all that is telling me is you want the 1% to be able to do what they want to whomever they want.

I will vote for democrats until I see this extreme right wing agenda gone.

How the 1% has gotten the tea party to buy into their agenda...they are playing on the ignorance and lack of education. They are using the fact that you cannot conceptualize the difference between Steve Jobs and Mitt Romney. One of them was an innovation genius who revolutionized technology, a true capitalist. Mitt Romney is a vulture, they buy out companys, bleed them dry of money and then close them down and for that they expect to be rewarded with extremely low tax rates.

I have no problem with the Steve Jobs of the world paying less taxes, I have no problem with the job creators paying less taxes, I have a huge problem with our tax system being so corrupt that you can buy out congress for tax exemption.

"If we're able to come out of Illinois with a huge or surprise win, I guarantee you, I guarantee you that we will win this nomination."

Perhaps true, but that is a pretty big IF.

"The best thing about this group of candidates is that only one of them will win."

- Will Rogers

"No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people."

- H. L. Mencken

Are you there, Canada?

DB, Being Conservative is one thing, but being Weird is another and the people of lllinois are Smarter.

Look at it this way. If Santorum does get the nomination (Romney isn't much better) and unseats Obama, it won't end well for anyone. Just remember though that those who voted them into office only have themselves to blame. Letting fear, hate, and anger control your actions and override rational informed thought seperates you from animals (not just opposable thumbs).

Either way we get the last laugh in the end.

As an almost Libertarian you should be looking into Gary Johnson or RJ Harris, they would both be better for the job verses these over hyped puffy chested republicans and an over rated socialistic democrat

In reply to 1.14-Maybe because it's another country?

Santorum is unelectable. If he should get the nomination, and as an Illinois resident with an open primary, I will vote for Santorum, if by a wild fluke this fruitcake gets the republican nomination American women from all walks of life are going to vote AGAINST him in humongous numbers. As I said I'm going in to get a republican ballot and vote for Santorum.

Obama-Biden 2012 !!!

Barbara -1012158

In reply to 1.14-Maybe because it's another country?

Still...

It may actually be a good thing if Santorum gets the Republican nomination. I have to believe that moderate and centrist Republicans and Independents will either vote for President Obama or stay home and Santorum will lose by double-digit percentages. Then just maybe the sane wing of the party will take back control of the party from the religious extremists, John Birch reactionaries and Klan remnants leftover from Nixon's "southern strategy.

I would love for a Republican or a conservative to tell why, when George Bush and Dick Cheney are apparently radioactive and the current crop of Republican candidates offer positions that are so similar to the Bush administration's policies, you are supportive. Is there more to the reason than the obvious one that you despise President Obama? Bush is never even mentioned and there yet there are no glaring differences. Is it that you really do like the job that Bush did and just don't say it? Is it really just "anybody but Obama"?

LOL

Indeed. Isnt this what Mr. Santorum thought about himself winning Michigan was it? Hmm. You sir are NO profit. Not in the least. And by the least I do in fact mean ill equipped and less than. ; ] You see far and away as out of touch as one may be we all have you to redress once more as this. For one as sacrilegious as YOURSELF to announce a prophecy as though you are tried and true as a prophet is reason enough to believe you have shown us how off the mark you truly are. As abhorrent as Mr. Santorum is to much of the population 51 or 53 percent of it in fact will remain reason enough that you will never come close to carry Mr. Romneys coat tails.

However as much as Mr. Romney wishes to have a presidency he shall not. Ever at all. The main stream has insured neither of you insolent lowlifes will ever near the door at grace nor the House upon White. And I say to you the both of you that your sacrilegious ways know no bounds. An attempt at moving backwards is NOT Gods plan. Progress my friends progression indeed. We as man are never meant to move in the wrong direction. We are here today in the 21st century because time moves in one direction. The absurdity of trying to take away rights and using the Government to impose YOUR own silly misguided religious thoughts on the masses is in itself stupidity. ;

Cheers

Patriotic American U.S.A.

Weird is another and the people of lllinois are Smarter

Yes we are. We aren't into the quaint conviction of a small fringe group.

"Santorum has a very big problem and l think he needs help, l feel sorry for him"

I agree. His problem is he has a nose like Pinocchio. Every time he opens his mouth he LIES and it grows longer.

Just look how it has grown here in Chicago:

http://media.caglecartoons.com/media/cartoons/83/2012/03/16/108327_600.jpg

=========================================================================

OMG!!!!

Rich-281385

I like Santorum.

So your message is basically "Hee Haw" is the truth so vote for the ass? Such powerful logic.

Santorum has the least support I've ever seen in Internet threads... do his followers own computers? I'm not to sure they do, generally. So he's got the evangelical technically challenged black-president hating can't stomach Romney crowd all sewn up. Good for him.

If we just skipped this election and taxed the very rich control-freaks funding this mess we could retire the national debt. You gotta ask yourself WHY big money is funding Romney and Gingrich to THAT degree...

Gingrich is still running because big money wants him to cut into Santorum's vote and keep their puppet Romney in the lead.

Romney has flipped on just about everything he has said or done in the past because he has sold his soul to the big money puppet masters and they now own both his words and his actions.

The Rovian hate machine supported by big money Kochs and Murdoch is so adept at deception, lies, and negativity that exactly half of America hates Obama and has no truthful reason why... all-the-while having no idea what they're really "for". Historians will brand this period as one of "manipulation and deceit", only to be out-done by future election periods if we let it.

We need to rise up, get smart, and slam-dunk this election and put an end to this never-ending 4-year GOP election period marked with nothing but hate, rancor, and dysfunction.

I'm serious. This HAS to stop or we as a nation will continue to slide into the abyss of our own stupidity.

Let him win the nomination. Actually let him win the presidency I for one am tired of the ignorant FOX sheep insulting me and repeating lies until they think they are facts the bible thumpers trying to claim moral authority. Let's just skip the election and get the civil war started so we can purge our society of overtly religious bigots, lying fiscally conservative corporate shills and all the rest that think they have a right to tell any of us they are going to take the country back. Take it back from who? me? You limp wristed mealy mouth bible thumping retarded sheep will rot waiting on that to happen.Bring on the civil war I would be happy to show you a liberal that knows all to well how to handle a firearm.

Even if Santorum won Illinois, he still wouldn't have the numbers to win the GOP nomination against Romney. And even if Romney's campaigning got even worse from this point on, it would still come down to a brokered, contested fight for delegates between Romney and Santorum at the RNC, with Gingritch and Paul sapping the delegated votes from both.

...and Mike M1967 ?

Give 'em hell!

The election is rigged anyways.

Wait and see.

Because let's face it, he is being dishonest. Anyhow, which would you prefer...the politician who believes certain things you don't and is honest enough to admit to it, or the politician who believes things you do and is dishonest enough to lie to you about it?

Yes! Most politicians are dishonest...And SAntorum is dishonest too. If you are telling us to believe your argument because Obama lies..Then you MUST be absolutely certain that Santorum only had sex 8 times in his life.

Good luck with that.....

Pathetic. But, on the bright side, you might find some economic security by having your daughters do some porn for the rest of us to watch.

Is that how you support yourself, Rich? I hate to have to tell you this, but your buddy Santorum would cut off your source of income. Maybe you should think about that.

I feel sorry for your daughters that they have a misogynist for a father.

"Church-going Catholics and evangelicals will not vote for Obama;"

Plave -- I can't speak for evangelicals but I can speak for "church-going" Catholics and rest assured -- the vast majority of us WILL NOT vote for Rick Santorum under any circumstances. The guy wants people to believe he's such a great Catholic but he's not. He screams about abortion and homosexuality but TOTALLY IGNORES the Church's teaching on social issues, responsibilities to the poor, the relationship of the wealthiest to the rest of society, international relations and capital punishment. And don't forget -- the people in PA booted him out of office by more than a 2 to 1 margin. A few Catholic Bishops may love this guy but the rank and file Catholics ignore 99% of what the bishops say.

I have said it before and I'll say it again:

Santorum hasn't got a snowball's chance in hell of ever being POTUS.

He's very clear about what he is against: contraceptive rights, public education, higher education, separation of church and state.

The question is, what is he for? He cannot run on a platform of 'anyone but Obama' and win enough votes to be elected to the position of city dogcatcher.

Pennsylvanians know this man well, and they voted him out of the U.S. Senate by the largest margin in the history of the Republican party. If anything, he has grown more extreme in the six years since he got the boot.

Santorum has his niche, I'll grant him that. But he can't be elected on passion...he has to have votes. He won't get them from women, LGBT voters, teachers, or anyone who supports the separation of church and state.

If the worst happened and by some crazy chance (or voter fraud, more likely) he were elected, I would leave the country. Even a rat has the sense to jump off a sinking ship.

If I get mycoffee sweetened correctly this morning I win the nomination!!!!!!

contraceptive rights, public education, higher education, separation of church and state.

All media attempts to distract from the real issue - the economy. Guess what. If he wins the nomination - It didn't work, meanwhile his numbers keep getting better despite being dumped on up to 12 - 1 over spent, over advertised when combining Gingrich & Romney.

I also think the big drop in participation on Newsvine in this area is because of the fixation on these issues. I don't post as much on here because I see so many people set in the NBC doom and gloom view of people.

DB, how do you think voters know Santorum's stand on the issues you cited? The words came out of his mouth. He can't quit talking about irrelevant issues (like pornography) that have nothing to do with the economy. (Actually, that's not correct. Porn is a huge industry in the U.S. and he's against it. Don't tell us conservatives and church-goers don't look at porn.)

If Santorum wants the voting public to focus on his economic platform, why does he keep alienating one group after another with his social agenda? His latest gaffe involved telling Puerto Ricans to learn English if they want statehood. Somebody ought to inform him that they do learn English and they don't want statehood.

That Santorum is showing up Romney might well indicate that voters feel Romney is a terrible candidate. That doesn't necessarily mean they think Santorum is a good candidate.

It might also be a set-up by groups opposed to Santorum.

He isn't winning the delegate count anyway.

Rick Santorum-FYI:

Friday, March 16

Race/Topic (Click to Sort)PollResultsSpread

Illinois Republican Presidential Primary
FOX Chicago/WAA
Romney 37, Santorum 31, Gingrich 14, Paul 8
Romney +6

Illinois Republican Presidential Primary
Rasmussen Reports
Romney 41, Santorum 32, Gingrich 14, Paul 7
Romney +9

2012 Republican Presidential Nomination
Rasmussen Reports
Romney 37, Santorum 28, Gingrich 17, Paul 10
Romney +9

Obama keeps talking about jobs, economy, jobs, economy, jobs, jobs, jobs. The republicans in the House are busy introducing resolutions "reaffirming the Motto of the United States as In God We Trust". The republicans scroll through the issues that really mean something to them: sex, pornography, contraception, Planned Parenthood, sex, religion,guns, fake global warming, sex, gutting regulations on the financial industry (again), sex, prayer in schools, ending public education,oil, sex,guns, oil, sex, destroying organized labor, moon colonies, ending the income tax, sex and of course traveling back to the 19th century where we can all live in libertarian, Utopian, patriarchal, home schooled, sexless, governmentless splendor.

Meanwhile DB Akron tells us THE MEDIA is just diverting attention from the real issue, the economy. While Obama is appearing in one factory after another, one auto assembly plant after another and talking about jobs, economy, jobs, economy and of course plans for creating more jobs.

I really think that the republican party, or the tea party, or ultra right wing, crypto-fascist conservative party, or the Grover Norquist, Koch Brothers party, or whatever they want to call themselves, has just had a massive stroke when it comes to the issues. It has nothing to do, and I mean nothing, with what THE MEDIA wants.

Bush had his chance at the economy and gave us something close to a depression. The current crop of GOP candidates have no new ideas relative to Bush... starve the beast... remove regulations... don't enforce the ones you have... cut our tax income as a country... cut government jobs... demonize and cut support for the hardest hit Americans... f*ck the poor... screw any stimulus... let the auto industry die... let all the banks die... kill our credit rating in the name of "making Obama fail"... and on and on...

But I'm sick of this too. Maybe we should get back to the economy... since the GOP has such a perfect history with it!

and mike m1967? Yeah! All that!!!

I think all you liberals are yanking everyone's chain. Deep inside you can't believe Obama is the better choice as president. His record on the economy just plain sucks. He hasn't reversed course on the ultimate collapse of the dollar... but rather has taken the throttle and jammed it into high speed. Liberals complained about Bush, but look at Obama... what has he done different? Obama puts YOUR country down every chance he gets... you don't support that, do you? Aren't you proud of your country? If so, how could you support a president that goes around the world putting us down? Is it some sort of guilt?

Supporting a person in authority that abuses that authority is insane. I can hear the arguments already... what authority has Obama abused? If you don't know, or realize it, you are blind or simply making excuses for him. He went around the constitution in Libya by bypassing Congress. In a speech he made in Nevada, Obama said this:

“I’m here to say to all of you and to say to the people of Nevada and the people of Las Vegas, we can’t wait for an increasingly dysfunctional Congress to do its job. Where they won’t act, I will,” Obama said.

Obama doesn't have the authority to even make this claim. Don't you see the obvious presumption in his statement?

He's made recess appointments when the Senate wasn't in recess. The constitution, in Article I, section 5, plainly states that neither house of Congress can recess for more than three days without the consent of the other house. The House of Representatives did not consent to a Senate recess of more than three days at the end of last year, and so the Senate—consistent with the requirements of the Constitution—was having pro forma sessions every few days. In short, Congress was still in session.

Argue against the facts... Do these things mean nothing to you? Are you that blinded by Obama in as much as you can't see how he abuses his office and steps all over you, the American citizen?

I find it hilarious that the exact same people who quietly ignored the Cheney Bush administration wiping their collective ass with Constitution now want to use a microscope on the way Obama operates in relation to that Constitution. Pathetic and humorous at the same time.

So.... Bluelake seems to think that I didn't object to the things Bush and Cheney did while they were in office. Bluelake, did you know me back then? Where in my statement did I say it was OK for anyone to do the things Obama is doing?

Your logic is flawed. You dismiss what Obama is doing because others did the same thing. Isn't it wrong no matter who does it? Or is it your opinion that because someone else did bad things, it's OK for Obama to do them too? Where is your perspective? What's really pathetic is the way you argue your side. The way you make it sound... It's perfectly OK for Obama to bypass the Constitution because you support him... that means you don't think our Constitution is worth anything.

How come all liberals objected to The Patriot Act when it was enacted during the Bush administration but now that Obama is the president, The Patriot Act is just hunky dory? If it was wrong during the Bush years, why is it now not wrong during the Obama years? I have yet to have a single liberal explain that one to me. The Act didn't change one word but the objections have all disappeared from the left.

Er, to your dull statement of winning the nomination, Mr. Santorum,.......... NOT!!!

What is Santorum's stance on PAYGO? Does he support it or not? The Democratic controlled 111th Congress reinstated PAYGO and the President signed it into law in Feb., 2010. Would Santorum require PAYGO to be renewed? Santorum was in Congress when the Republicans allowed PAYGO to expire - would he do that again as President? A Balanced Budget Amendment does not do anything more than statutory PAYGO requires.

Does Santorum support the President's request for authorization to begin streamlining government? What has happened to Obama's request? Does anyone know? Will a President Santorum attempt to streamline government or will he mismanage government?

Santorum has made several rash statements about Constitutional issues. Can we really entrust a President Santorum with defending the Constitution?

Brianb-I think our Constitution is worth a great deal. I do not agree with many things that the Obama DOJ has done and am very dissatisfied with the way Obama has continued to support various provisions of the Patriot Act. Did you vote for Bush? Did you support Kerry? What form did your displeasure with the Bush policies take? I think your feelings about Obama go way beyond your own personal interpretation of his behavior in relation to the Constitution. You don't like Obama and you want to hang that on the way he treats our Constitution? Finally, if you think that the American left has not been critical of Obama's continuation of the Patriot Act then you sir, have not been paying attention.

I'll bet you swallowed your objections and voted for Bush and now would not vote for Obama no matter how he treated our Constitution.

Back in February 2008 during Democratic debate, Obama said this:

“Our economy is increasingly in shambles. And the families of Texas and all across America are feeling the brunt of that failing economy.”

Well, that “failing economy” had a year average national unemployment rate of 5.8 percent. Captain Kickass’ first term will probably never see as many Americans employed as what he labeled a “failing economy.” If that was shambles, what is this?

BrianB, the liberals fail to recognize, that because of Obama the United States is one minute from midnight in deciding to become a Europeanized nation of high taxes, stagnating growth, and less freedom.

Is that what they really want? ABO 2012, because BO stinks!

Bluelake, I don't trust any politician. Grubs have a higher standing with me. At least they have a use... they make excellent fishing bait.

Obama came into power under the statement of "fundamental change." He stated it so many times in his campaign that it became his standard. Did he ever once define "fundamental change?" He couldn't do that because if he inserted his ideas for fundamental change, he would have never been elected. Now that we have experienced 3+ years of his fundamental change, phase one, I simply can't believe people on the left want to experience phase two. If Obama is re-elected, his second term will not even resemble his first term. He will no longer have to waste his time in campaign mode and he will direct all his energy and effort into fundamental change. This you can be assured. Obama care was just the tip of the iceburg and 57% of all Americans were against it... but it passed anyway. He will not care a wit about the will of the American public because he thinks he knows better. His speech's and statements prove this time and time again.

Everytime the government imposes their will on the people, we lose a piece of our freedom. Obama is all about imposing the will of the government on us.

Seldom Seen Sam - If Obama gets his second term, we will become Europe II, that socialistic cesspool of anti-capitalism, government run everything and stripping the wealth of the people. We can be assured of oligarchy and a ruling class. It will take Obama the full 4 years to implement all his programs, plans and tearing up the Constitution. The very document that was originated to allow this country to be free from other tyrannical forms of government control. What other meaning could Obama have had when he ran in 08 on "fundamental change?" The first time I heard Obama say "If it weren't for the Constitution, I'd be able to do more," is when it dawned on me that he intended to get rid of that document.

What's really pathetic is how the left embraces this guy. Either they don't believe Obama will do the dirty deed of changing this country, or they refuse to see it. It doesn't matter the reason, the left has it in their brains to get this guy re-elected. As far as I'm concerned, the republicans are also complicent in his re-election.

[Obama is all about imposing the will of the government on us.]

Really? Jesus Christ, Brian...your post goes beyond reality, but you are entitled to your opinion, even if they are based upon emotional and ideological reactions to what are nothing more than "Glenn Beck conspiracy theories".

[The first time I heard Obama say "If it weren't for the Constitution, I'd be able to do more...]

Really? Do you have a credible source? Other than someone's conspiracy theory?

And please, Brian...don't post a link to some snippet from YouTube.

Having said that I just can't hardly believe that these republican primary voters represent the majority of America, however in November opinions don't count, votes count.

The problem with the primary system is that it leaves the choice of candidates up to the hard-core, more extreme members of each party. I sometimes think that we were better off when the candidates were selected during backroom meetings during the conventions, where the emphasis is on electability, not ideological purity.

An Obama second term may be the only thing that does NOT force us to follow the European model. At present, Europe is being governed by central banks - not political leadership or established governments. Greece is being forced into austerity measures and the Greek economy is not improving. Italy is being forced into austerity measures and Italy's economy is not improving. Europe is solving it's financial problems by defaulting on debt - not by attempting to heal their economies.

Everything the Republicans have promoted as 'solutions' are being used by Europe - and - Europe's economy is NOT improving - Europe's quality of life is deteriorating under Hayek economic policies.

Obama is NOT following the European model. The Republican's proposed solutions are exactly what European countries are doing. How well are those solutions working?

BrianB,

So where do we start? Sounds like you're kinda conceding that Bush was a total ass. I really don't want to waste time arguing that point, since the only way he isn't an ass is to rewrite history, but we need to look at Bush to decide where Obama started.

So, let's talk numbers. NOT the raw nonsensical numbers you and FOX likes to quote... like you did above...

Well, that “failing economy” had a year average national unemployment rate of 5.8 percent. Captain Kickass’ first term will probably never see as many Americans employed as what he labeled a “failing economy.” If that was shambles, what is this?

I guess just because you mindlessly swallowed those "facts", that you expect us to. I don't. I look at them like any business manager or economist would look at it... where did they start, what was the trend and did they improve the economy or not.

I really don't think you would have the guts to claim that Bush left the economy in good shape and credit him with handing it off at a 5.8% unemployment rate, would you? In reality, and according to most economists not employed by FOX news, Bush left an economy headed towards more like a 10 or 11% unemployment rate. His "claim to fame" is summarized below:

1) Unemployment trending to 11% (using standard accepted measures).

2) An annual SPENDING deficit to the tune of $500 Billion because he somehow forgot to fund 2 wars, his expansive Homeland Security, Medicaid, and his infamous tax cuts.

3) An additional $500 Billion in lost revenue every year due to a collapsed economy, leaving an economy that was bleeding $1Trillion per year right out of the gate.

4) A collapsed Wall Street and BILLIONS of dollars lost by individual savings and retirement accounts.

5) A collapsed housing market that pulled even more BILLIONS of dollars from individual net worth in this country alone.

6) HIS economic collapse triggered a loss of unimaginable wealth and stability world wide.

7) By starting the Afghan war and then claiming it was not important to get Bin Laden and changing focus to Iraq'a magic and invisible WMDs, he cost us untold TRILLIONS, thousands of American lives, and hundreds of thousands of civilian casualties that continue today.

Okay, there's more, but I'll stop there, for now. Is that enough of a legacy for you?

By comparison, whether you like it or admit it or not, under Obama, we now:

1) Have improved unemployment numbers and the general economy.

2) Are looked at by the majority of countries we care about much more favorably... we are no longer the gun-slinging cowboys we once were... we now "listen" and push for peace. I wholeheartedly abhor any notion that we are weak. We are stronger now by many measures than we were when we were stretched to the limits with our forces and threatening everything that moved.

3) Have a steady and logical "centrist" path forward for this country. Maybe it's MY brand of centrist, but at least it's not the exclusionary government that a GOP would bring to bare.

I know we will never change your mind, Brian. But if I can just slow down the BS, I feel like I'm not wasting my time.

Patriotic American

The People of Illinois are smarter.

How about if you explain why nearly every former governor has done Jail time, whether republican or democrat.

Mickey - I never respond to your posts because the idiotic ideas and statements that come from your brain are completely useless. I will make an exception this one time. You are a useless idiot. You have swallowed the Obama koolaid by the gallons. You bypass every clue, every indicator and every statement from Obama that flags his agenda. Your eyes are closed and you are walking in the dark.

Out of the thousands of statements Obama made, you want me to locate a link for you... I suggest you locate it... or if you so choose, disregard it. I heard it with my own ears on one of his weekly radio addresses... so find it yourself, there are only 162 of them to choose from...

What is so far out there is the complete disregard of liberals like you for accepting anything Captain Kickass does as completely acceptable. For as much as you hated Bush, you do not mind the same Bush policies carried forth into Obama's administration. You are the epitome of hypocracy.

BrianB and Sam, As always in an election year, there will be alarms and excursions, manias and panics, not to mention sex, lies, and videotapes. But at its core this will be an election campaign that revolves around the redistribution of income. The Democrats will call for greater 'fairness', the Republicans will accuse them of waging class war. The airwaves will be filled with lies, damned lies, and forced statistics to support those lies (very much like carrot top likes to do)

To see the big picture, it helps to clarify the choice that Americans face this year. In the left corner we see a country that closely resembles Europe in the way that it works (or rather doesn't work). In the Right corner we see a Battle Hymn: a country that aims to get back to its roots. If we opt for the former, more and more of America will become like Illinois today - its economy stagnant, its talent fleeing. If we opt for the latter, we at least have a shot at making Silicon Valley the rule rather than exception, a place where innovation is the norm and talent swarms! I too choose the 'Right' Way!

Mickey

Obama repeatedly stated during his first run for president:

"Let the government do for the people what the people cannot do better for themselves."

In other words, there are issues in which he thinks that he and others in government know what is best for the average American better than the average American does, and therefore big government should be in charge. The HRA is a prime example of this.

Just because you don't want to acknowledge that this is forcing the will of the government on private citizes does not make you right. ;)

Obama repeatedly stated during his first run for president:

"Let the government do for the people what the people cannot do better for themselves."In other words, there are issues in which he thinks that he and others in government know what is best for the average American better than the average American does

By golly you're right, Stonedog! You'd better get busy repaving your street and educating all the children who live on it, and that's just the start. I hope you've got some SCUD missiles handy. It's a big job, but certainly you can do it better all by yourself.

No, what it means is that some issues are simply too big for individuals to solve on their own, and some issues simply aren't suited to Lassaiz-Faire free market solutions. That's the big failing of Libertarian ideology, it pretends that greed, unfairness, vast gulfs of income inequality, a disappearing middle class, and desperation for the bulk of all Americans are features, not bugs.

That philosophy as imposed on the United States through three decades of Republican domination in the economic arena resulted in the worst recession since the Great Depression -- not coincidentally the LAST TIME Lassaiz-Faire dominated economic thought.

Alright!! To the liberals who think Obama is benign, go to this link:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/16/executive-order-national-defense-resources-preparedness

This was signed on Friday by Obama. If you can't understand what this says, you'd better read the fine print. This Executive Order gives Obama the power to control all resources. This wouldn't be so bad if it were limited to times of war, where we've been attacked, but this also gives Obama that same power in times of peace at his discretion. I don't see how this can get any more plain. Obama has an agenda for this country and he's putting it forth right in front of your eyes and you will insist in ignoring it because you have been sold a bill of goods about Captain Kickass.

Here is a link to the analysis of the Executive Order for National Defense Resources Preparedness:

http://theintelhub.com/2012/03/18/alert-obama-declares-peacetime-martial-law-executive-order-explained/

If you care about your freedom, you will listen to what they have to say. Obama has gone rogue!

John, I completely disagree with you. Anytime government gets involved in private business, the business loses. What liberals seem to miss is the fact that over-regulation and government demands ruin a business model. Less regulation and less government involvement will allow capitalism to self correct. You seem to be under the impression that what we need is more government intervention but you are wrong. Government limits freedom and in many cases it eradicates it completely!

Another misnomer you are saying is that we've had 3 decades of republican control... you don't have your facts straight. Control has been passed between republicans and democrats. Since you seem to be in the blame mode, I'd like to know how you exonerate the democrats from this.

There are so many variables to consider from campaign organization (e.g., getting the paperwork in, getting on ballots, etc.), delegate count in which delegates aren't bound and some are super delegates, to how long Gingrich will stay in the race, etc.

And of course money -- per a post above, it is very sad that such an obscene amount of money is being wasted at a time in which so many are struggling in this country. If for no other reason than appointments to the SCOTUS and congress putting controls on Citizen's United, people need to get out the vote for the president and Dems.

As others have expressed, I agree with David Walker about the right-wing and irrational emotions -- the strongest being fear. Add to that ignorance/hate and you can bet there are plenty of voters who back Santorum and even a theocracy. In addition to the religious radicals, you have the Redneck NRA Haters, both of which are combined into the Tea Party under the guise of "starve the beast" fiscal conservatism. Add to that the 1%ers, actually 5%ers who earn $100,000 or more.

Then there's the economy. Things always slow over the summer along with higher gas prices. We'll see how it is by November. But this will likely only affect the small number of swing voters. Even if we had a double-dip recession, I would still support President Obama and Dems because the GOP/TP alternative is SO bad.

The 1% -- Wall Street, Big Oil, etc. has always backed Republicans most. They are turning out in larger numbers for Romney. But how large of a block is this, or even how many Mormons are there versus Catholics, or Evangelicals combined? There may well be a lot of fundamentalist women voting for President Obama in this election and never telling anyone.

It's hard to understand why the Teapublicans are doubling down on the War on Women along with all the other attacks from Medicare to immigration to organized labor and the middle class. Seniors, union members, Latinas, women -- these are voting blocks that make or break elections. I suspect they hoped to pursue their ill-gotten agenda without notice, but now that the media is exposing it, they are trying to jam through this stuff before they go down.

Throwing the Teapublicans out is a given. Let's just hope the damage can be repaired. Obama/Biden - 2012!

Brianb -- BFD. Considering that our national resources belong to all of us, and that the infrastructure from dams to roads and bridges to water canals were built and are maintained with tax dollars, not to mention subsidies, I'm all for nationalizing domestic oil and utilities.

@Brianb-999431 -- Yep, pretty ballsy move by Obama. If Congress will not allow the President to help the economy - the President must find ways around Congress.

Spin this Executive Order anyway you wish - but - this allows Obama to put money into American alternative energy, American manufacturing, American mining, and American agriculture. Obama is using the beloved Republican defense posture for his political agenda. Gotta love it.

Popeye of FederalJack.com? Really, Brianb?

You surprise me...I never knew you were one of those.

I wouldn't get my knickers in a knot over his latest conspiracy theory.

According to that unimpeachable news source youtube, Obama has declared martial law twice before.

I hope it didn't inconvenience you.

John B, Des Moines, IA

...it pretends that greed, unfairness, vast gulfs of income inequality, a disappearing middle class, and desperation for the bulk of all Americans are features, not bugs.

These are the same reasons communism fails, especially greed, which also is an incentive if channeled correctly.

In his earlier writings, Adam Smith said that capitalism only works when there are ethics and charity. Or as the president said, we are better when we work together, not every man, woman, and child for his/herself. Teapublicans are so weak on history (among other things).

The slums and spreading cholera is why many programs like welfare started, or dangerous working conditions and child labor that started labor laws, and of course the elderly who were found frozen to death in their homes in winter because they had to choose between cat food and the utility bill, which gave rise to Social Security.

It seems humanity is destined to repeat history, going from enlightenment to the Dark Ages, and now those who want us to go from enlightenment back to the Dark Ages again. There are a few diabolical folks in positions of power behind all this using FOX Noise/Hate Radio as their mouthpiece and money to buy legislation and election outcomes. May the masses be smart enough to out number them and vote for their own best interests -- Obama/Biden - 2012!

Nerm - You must hate the Constitution. You support Obama in going around it. He doesn't have the authority, but liberals like you just don't care about that.

Take the face and name off the president. Would what is happening be acceptable to you if a republican did it? Would you have the same response? If you answer no, you wouldn't, you are a partisan... and don't care about this country. Since you know who's doing it, you make excuses and wouldn't dream of questioning him. That brings your intelligence into question.

True Patriot said: it is very sad that such an obscene amount of money is being wasted at a time in which so many are struggling in this country

I'll bet you don't have the same sentiment when it comes to the boatload of money Obama dumps into his campaign. Not a peep when his totals come in.

@Brianb-999431 -- President Obama cited his authority in the Executive Order. That authority is provided by law - which is Constitutional. If you actually read it - the EO uses that authority to allow the President to divert money to projects of priority for National Security. President Obama is setting the groundwork to allow him to direct defense funds toward domestic projects.

If a bridge is deemed a priority necessity for National Security - the President can use defense funds to repair or rebuild the bridge. If certain manufacturing capability is deemed a priority necessity for National Security - the President can use defense funds to strengthen that manufacturing capability. If funds are not available - the President can use the Federal Reserve system to guarantee loans.

The Republicans in Congress have obstructed everything the President has attempted to do for the economy. The President knows that the Senate may be controlled by the Republicans after the next election. The President knows that the Republicans will dump as much money as they can into defense spending. If the Republicans simply refuse to work with the President - then - the President is going to ignore the Republicans.

Nerm - I stated to read the fine print. Obviously the surface will be read by most people. The fine print is where it comes to food, water and energy... the things we need to live with. The other fine print item I KNOW you missed is where it says in peace time under the president's discretion. It's repeated several times in the document.

Not a single president before him has had that type of authority. Why now? Why him?

True Patriot said: There are a few diabolical folks in positions of power behind all this using FOX Noise/Hate Radio as their mouthpiece and money to buy legislation and election outcomes. May the masses be smart enough to out number them and vote for their own best interests

Where do you get this shi+? Talk about conspiracy theories... this is one of the most outlandish I've heard in quite a while. Name these diabolical folks. Or are they the made up boogymen in your mind? You know the right wing that chases you down your street in the dark of night...

You'd do much better to look for the boogymen in your own party. You support one of the most nefarious people I've come across in my life.

@Brianb-999431 -- You appear to choose to place a sinister spin on everything. Perhaps you have become jaded by the past actions of Republicans - I do not know.

Ronald Reagan used Executive Orders in a similar manner. President Reagan funded 'black ops' and Star Wars research using similar tactics. I cannot find the EOs to cite them - but - I know it was done from first hand knowledge. President George H. W. Bush used EOs to work around the Democratic Congress he had to contend with. President George W. Bush instituted 'signing statements' to flatly indicate which portions of the laws he signed he would not follow.

Presidents do have authority vested by the Constitution and by existing law. A President can institute martial law anytime the President deems a national need. A declaration of war really does provide the President dictatorial powers - as specified by the Constitution itself. The only way to change that is by amending the Constitution or changing the law. Whining about some make-believe, sinister fairy tale is not going to convince anyone of the sincerity of your concerns.

[Not a single president before him has had that type of authority. Why now? Why him?]

Cite your source for that asinine comment, or take your ball and go home. You can't, can you?

Brian, the idiot here is none other than yourself...conspiracy theories....really...and here you come across as so grown up...no wonder you can't seem to find a job.

Good luck in your endeavours...you're surely going to need it.

Brianb-999431

LMarcT - You wasted your time writing your post. I got to this line and stopped reading:

Always a good comeback when it's impossible to rebuke.

My time wasn't wasted. I didn't care if you read anything...

I just set the record straight in my post, which was my goal.

i saw Santorum on CNN whining something about President Obama being a "weak Horse and an APpeaser." I give thanks he is so over the top no one in their right mind would consieer him for President..

Nerm - Ronald Reagan never wrote an EO that eliminated our freedoms. Neither did Bush Sr., Bill Clinton nor GWB. None of them needed to be able to control all the resources of this country. Obama has as his master plan the fundamental change of the United States. You seem to forget his campaign in 08 when his mantra was change. Funny thing is, it's the hallmark reason I don't like him. He never defined change, but used it to get himself elected. I do NOT like the changes this country is undergoing. The government is getting larger and our freedoms are diminishing one at a time. We haven't even seen the fundamental changes in our health care, the rules that will be imposed on all Americans and how limiting our lives are going to be in a couple of short years when the ACA will be in full force.

Liberals REFUSE to see it. I've had liberals on these boards outright say they want socialism to replace capitalism.

Looks like emergency preparedness to me, the sorts of things for which non-Libertarian Presidents have always been responsible. If it's really unconstitutional and malevolent as you claim it'll be struck down by the Supreme Court...that's what they're for.

In any case, aren't we already under martial law, enforced by the Storm Troopers established as a consequence of the Affordable Care Act?

Meanwhile the Right continues going to great lengths to avoid talking about the topic on this thread -- the continuing clown act of the Republican primary season, and the destructive effect that act is having on the Grand Old Party.

LMarcT - You act like I haven't read that same copy and paste from you before. Broken record seems to be the correct term. As I recall I've already argued with you over several of your lies and to continue to keep showing you where your lies are wrong would be a waste of time. Your brain is stuck on blaming republicans while completely dismissing democrats from all the evils they do. Can't argue with someone that keeps his foot on the brake.

@Brianb-999431 -- Barack Obama has not written any Executive Orders that has eliminated any of our freedoms, either. Including this one. Just because you do not understand how to read government documents - or know how the government really works - does not mean there are evil plots within government to eliminate the Constitution. I really doubt the military would allow that, anyway.

If you are so concerned about American liberty and the Constitution - really listen to what the Republican candidates have been telling you. So far, Mitt Romney is the only Republican candidate that has not attacked the Constitution. The other three remaining candidates have ALL either attacked the Constitution directly or called for openly circumventing the Constitution. Obama should not be your primary concern ...

At least half the country, is to some degree insane, at least those of the male gender. This is not new. It's always been here. Without getting into the wide spectrum of specifics, all one need do is look at the basics of religion. First and foremost, Religion justifies and promotes the power and spread of all things evil. Fact, so long as one clings to a particular religion, the more freedom to be expressively, insanely evil, is given. The greater the insanity the greater the power of the forgiving value of the religion. This peculiar juxtaposition of extremes is the grid of basic human nature, and is, in fact, the vehicle by which traditional religion has continued to flourish, and change little, from dark antiquity even unto these days of questionable enlightened modernity. When threatened enough, that singularity of thought and purpose, are innately felt to be the best defense against a common enemy, such as WW2, then and only then, will most allow their aforestated driving tenets to become dormant, and redirect their ugly efforts into an acceptable alliance with their hated counterparts in collective efforts to overcome that enemy. When such is accomplished, the need is always to go back, pick up, and renew again. Granted it usually is fewer, but damn fewer. David Walker is right. Do not underestimate the number and resolve of these people.

John - The left seems to hold a monopoly on discussing the republican primary. Why add to their discussions? From what I've read, they seem to know everything about all the republican candidates. According to the left you have stupid rich man, stupid religious man, stupid moon man, and stupid libertarian man. Seems you have it covered pretty neatly. What could I add to the discussion that the left would listen to anyway? It's much more informative to post about Captain Kickass.

Well, as long as you don't disagree with any of those characterizations I guess there's nothing more to say...you agree that the Republican field is a bunch of fringe candidates with little hope of success in the general election or you'd support at least one of them.

So instead you engage in the politics of personal destruction, long ago perfected by the Conservative echo chamber.

@Mac Forrester -- I disagree that 'half the country is insane'. From my experience, most of the country is blithely ignorant of what the rights and responsibilities of citizenship actually mean. Is 'citizenship' actually taught in school anymore? Why do immigrants that become naturalized citizens know more about American history and citizenship than native born Americans?

stonedog

Obama repeatedly stated during his first run for president:

"Let the government do for the people what the people cannot do better for themselves."

In other words, there are issues in which he thinks that he and others in government know what is best for the average American better than the average American does, and therefore big government should be in charge. The HRA is a prime example of this.

Your interpretation is absurd. Things that the government can do better include building roads, bridges and other infrastructure; defend the country; ensure that all citizens have access to health care; ensure that we have a safety net (Social Security) that prevents elderly citizens from being destitute. The fact is that government HAS NOT grown in size under President Obama.

"According to the left you have stupid rich man, stupid religious man, stupid moon man, and stupid libertarian man."

This far into the disastrous GOP primary race, that pretty much sums it up, although I think you are being rather generous with them. Thanks, Brian.

Nerm - The way things are going with the republican candidates, the support from the liberal media and the huge warchest Obama has gotten from donors like Solyndra, Soros and his PAC's, he probably will win re-election. That's when he will finally end campaign mode and go into fundamental change mode. This EO is but a tool in his arsenal. Since it clearly says during peace-time (liberals refuse to read those words in it), it empowers him to take anything he wants, from anyone he wants it from at anytime he wants. I don't see how you can't understand that.

Try to contemplate the words "fundamental change." Those two open ended words spell out everything Obama wants from this country. Examine what he's already set out to change in this country. He has many firsts. MANY. Those firsts are not necessarily good for the people, but are good for his power.

John said: So instead you engage in the politics of personal destruction, long ago perfected by the Conservative echo chamber.

If this is the case, the liberals follow suit very well. If you think liberals post roses and daisy's about the republicans then you really don't know what personal destruction is. Everything liberals post is destructive. I thought you were smarter than that John. How could you leave yourself so wide open? The very thing you accuse me of, the left does all the time. I guess there's only one way to explain it... you think your ideology is superior and are allowed to say anything about anyone no matter how bad it is.

The things I post about Obama is history. He has done everything I post about... I can't help it liberals choose to ignore those things that are harmful to the country all because they are enamored of him, hate republicans and choose to walk the path to destruction. It is totally amazing to me how a group of people can be so blindsided by a politician. I guess this is a repeat of the 1930's... There were also people back then that saw through Hitler.

[Everything liberals post is destructive.]

C'mon Brian...now you characterize ANYONE who disagrees with you, or calls you on your B.S. a "librul"?

Beat that conspiracy drum Brian, and hold that torch high!

@Brianb-999431 -- Yes, the Obama administration has delivered "fundamental change". People are now more important than corporations. The health and stability of America is more important than corporate profits. This President has been promoting America, has been working for all of America instead of only working for corporate America.

How are the Republican candidates going to do better? What are they going to try to accomplish? Are the Republican candidates going to continue to support all of America or are they going to return to favoring corporate America?

Now you've admitted that there are no worthy candidates in the Republican Party so you choose trying to destroy the duly elected President of the United States instead.

At least we know where you're coming from.

Nerm. Do you remember Regan's circumvention ofthe COnsitution with an assist from Oliver North? I do.

Nerm said: Yes, the Obama administration has delivered "fundamental change". People are now more important than corporations. The health and stability of America is more important than corporate profits. This President has been promoting America, has been working for all of America instead of only working for corporate America.

You keep believing that Nerm. Welcome to the ranks of the useless idiots Obama loves so much. He only loves their votes by the way. Obama is pro Union, pro big business and don't you forget it. If you think for a minute a politician is for the little guy, you definitely have your head buried in the sand. If you feel you are so important in his eyes, call him up and invite him over for dinner. You wouldn't get past the first ring on the telephone. Obama cares NOTHING for people. You think he's cool... I know he's cold.

How are the Republican candidates going to do better? What are they going to try to accomplish? Are the Republican candidates going to continue to support all of America or are they going to return to favoring corporate America?

The republican candidates suck. You happy now? I do know that we can't stay on the path we are on now. If we continue down this path, our country will be crushed. We need a change in direction and leadership. Even if it means a change in administration. For as much as you can't see it, Obama is not helping the economy, our society and you.

John - how can little ole me destroy the most powerful man in the universe? I only repeat what he says, what he does and compare it to how bad things are. I can't help it if he's the one in charge and makes the decisions he does. He's the one responsible for this country's well being. Because he's doing a piss poor job of it, you choose to blame me for citing it. I believe that's called transference.

Nerm_L #1.123: Your contention is noted, and may indeed be valid. I, however, suggest the 50% I cited is probably, at any given time much higher. This system of free Capitalism requires fundamental workable, and enforced policies of equitable potential participation of and for all, which in turn yields political, economic, and societal equality for all classes, from the bottom up. Only once during the history of the Republic has this been evident, and for a relative short time then. Of course I refer to the tenets of FDR's "New Deal". From the time of Richard Nixon through today the republicans have sought to dismantle this system of a workable government, that grants that equality to It's citizens. Ironically, or as I contend, Insanely, it has been those who benefitted most from those policies of equality who have been the most ardent, vehement supporters of that gutting. They do so to the favor of all those concepts of lunacy aptly posted in "Bluelake's" post above #1.73. Understanding the responsibilities of citizenship notwithstanding, I contend this is, in fact, insanity.

Brianb-999431 -- With all the "posting pile up," or "diarrhea of the mouse" we see from you, it would really be nice NOT to "hear a peep out of YOU" for say 10 posts. You can't do it, it's some kind of OCD or something.

Our country is a hybrid. Even socialist countries are also capitalist. These things aren't exclusive.

I was merely making the point that the resources in our country, whether water, minerals, etc. belong to all of us along with the national parks. That's why Saudi Arabia shares oil profits with their people.

A private company that puts up the capital to drill deserves profit from that. But the oil and gas was not theirs to begin with. An electric company that generates power from a dam built with tax dollars, or water transported in canals built with tax dollars -- If government fees are imposed, they just pass that back to the consumer. The government could just cover overhead--what's so radical about that?

The for-profit private sector has you bamboozled. Try thinking outside the box. And give it a rest. No one agrees with you. Now run along and go back to FOX Noise.

TP said: A private company that puts up the capital to drill deserves profit from that. But the oil and gas was not theirs to begin with. An electric company that generates power from a dam built with tax dollars, or water transported in canals built with tax dollars -- If government fees are imposed, they just pass that back to the consumer. The government could just cover overhead--what's so radical about that?

I could take about 5 different directions with your remarks... but I believe I will stick with the original thought I had while reading it. The oil and gas are for anyone to take if they own or lease the land above it. If you know anything about property laws you own your property to the core of the earth. Whatever is below the surface belongs to you if you own it. You can check any source you want for that fact. Therefore, oil is owned by the oil company if they own or lease the land. Leasing is a bit trickier because a percentage of the profits usually go to the land owner but the oil company is given the go ahead to drill for it.

Dams can also be private. If someone buys the land surrounding the dam site, they are free to partake of the free flow of water. Dams are usually beneficial to the surrounding area because the dam creates a lake. The energy produced is owned by the dam owner. There is nothing radical about either.

I believe the left minded thinking has you bamboozled. Thinking outside the box on these issues would only create a false sense of... something... other than the truth.

What is owned in this country is owned by property owners... and no body else. If I owned a thousand acres of land and discovered oil on it... it wouldn't be yours... and vice versa.

As far as oil in the territorial waters in the Gulf of Mexico, those tracts are bought by lease through the government. Once the area is leased, the oil under the water is the owner of the lease holder with a percentage going to the government. I don't see any easier way to explain it.

Brianb -- There are private oil wells from the early days of our country, but these are limited and finite. And as stated, if oil companies lease government land or territorial waters, does this mean they accept a smaller profit, or is it a cost that is passed back to us the tax-paying consumers?

Dams that generate electricity are not "built on spec" by the private sector. Name one dam of any significance that was privately built. It takes the government to build these, as well as other infrastructure such as large suspension bridges, etc. (heck, throw in a moon base for Gingrich too).

Resources like water rights are not automatically transferred to land owners, especially now. The government has to protect lands (national parks and wildlife), aquifers, even air quality for the general good.

At the minimum, energy companies and utilities must be regulated. A free market free-for-all that took place when the Americas were discovered could never continue.

Thanks for playing, I'm out of patience for trolls.

TP Said: Dams that generate electricity are not "built on spec" by the private sector. Name one dam of any significance that was privately built.

The Robert Moses dam in Niagara Falls. A committee of private owned companies built that dam. It started happened in the early 1800's. There is a long history of groups that invested in that dam without government intervention.

The land that the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant sits on has a long history of use for hydroelectricity. In 1805, Augustus and Peter Porter of Buffalo, New York purchased the American Falls from New York in a public auction. Acquiring the rights to the eastern rapids above the falls as well, the Porter brothers envisioned building a diversion canal in order to produce hydro-electricity. Before constructing the canal or powerhouse, the Porter brothers both died and several companies unsuccessfully attempted the project afterwards.^[1]

In 1853, the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power & Manufacturing Company was first chartered and began construction on the canal in 1860. The 35 ft (11 m) wide and 8 ft (2.4 m) deep canal was completed in 1861 and in 1875, the powerhouse began to operate. The power plant produced very little electricity although in the early electric age.^[1]

In 1877, Jacob Schoellkopf purchased the canal along with the water and power rights for $71,000. Schoellkopf would improve the canal and use the powerhouse for commercial uses.

In 1881 the Schoelkopf Power Station No. 1 was constructed, which would operate until 1904. In 1898, Schoellkopf completed their second power plant, the Schoellkopf Power Station No. 2, directly in front of the original, in the gorge below the falls, with a higher 210 ft (64 m). drop. In 1904, they built Schoellkopf Stations No. 3A and 3B.^[2]

In 1886, the competing Niagara Falls Power Company, owned by the Cataract Construction Company, built what is known as the Adams Power Plant. In 1900, construction began on the Niagara Falls Power Company's Powerhouse No. 2, which was completed in 1904 a total of 11 generators.^[2]

This was taken from Wikipedia, but I grew up near that dam. I know the history of it so simply stated, the largest hydroelectric dam in the northeast was built by private investors. I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but if you look, all over this country there are dams that are built by private investors without any intervention from the government. You really gotta get off this left leaning information... it's not correct.

This dam is one of the most successful operations in the world. They run 10 generators and provide electricity as far away as New York City. All done without government intervention... a prime example of successful capitalism without regulation until it was forced upon them by the government.

For as much as you have been forced to believe, government does NOT need to involve itself in all aspects of our lives. I won't get into the oil thing with you because you didn't understand it the first time and apparently you aren't interested in learning about it. I mean what do I know, eh? I'm a RWNJ according to you.

Congratulations, you found one example. Name one from the last 100 years.

I think that brianb may be proving the point that Bill M. made about conservatives/Republicans forming their attitudes about President Obama based not too much on what he has done but rather on what they believe he might do. As far as President Obama not 'letting loose and destroying the country completely during his first term due to the necessity of reelection', some of the true believers on the left are just about as po'd with him because of what he didn't do as opposed to what he might have done.

And, I really do wonder if some on the right aren't secretly glad he won the last election and secretly hoping he will win this one. I don't believe they wanted to be responsible for the country George Bush left. It has been infinitely easier to sit back and rip the crap out of the Obama administration over the last 3 years. In spite of them, conditions in the country might just keep improving and then they can try to find a way to take credit for it in 2016.

Yeah Karen, that makes a lot of sense. We on the right want to see our country fold under the pressure generated in the last 3 years. We love the idea of $17 trillion in national debt and climbing higher and higher. We love the thought that the government won't be able to afford to send the social security checks when we retire because they are broke... a system that I've paid into all my life. We love the idea of forced health insurance or fines. We love the idea that our credit rating has fallen. We love the idea that government is growing larger and the private sector is growing smaller. You know why we love this? Because it all falls on Obama's watch. We intended it this way. It's a vast right wing conspiracy.

You know what else we love? We love a president that is doing his level best to shred the Constitution. We love the first 2 years of his presidency when democrats ruled everything and had the largest expenditures in history. We really love the fact that democrats are out to destroy the republicans and will settle for one party rule in this country. You might have a little trouble with that one though. We love the march to tyranny. We love seeing how the president is setting up the chess board with unrelated things in order to unleash his rule.... we really love it all... because it's happening to us under Obama....

Gee John, all TP asked for was one... now that isn't enough for you. How about a statement instead because the list would be way too long to post.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, there are currently more than 85,000 dams in the U.S. Surprisingly, the majority of these dams are privately owned – the Association of State Dam Safety Officials estimates that fraction number at 65%. These private dams are under state regulation, but many state dam offices lack adequate operating funds, and as well, states differ widely regarding their safety standards.

Borrowed from: http://theinfrastructureshow.com/podcasts/privately-owned-dams

Is this sufficient? It will have to do because I'm done informing liberals of things they aren't informed of. I think it's pure laziness and this laziness produces more laziness... and before you know it, the liberals will blame the conservatives for knowing more than they do. The circle jerk never ends.

Brianb, it would be interesting to hear John McCain lay out the plan he would have put into play to pull us back from the cliff of December 2008/January 2009 while cutting the budget and the deficit. Even with hindsight, I don't think he would be able to or willing to do it. Do you think he or anyone could have made progress against the freefall we were in while simultaneously saving Social Security and freeing us from Chinese debt and dependency on Middle Eastern oil? And...well, when we start taking about "marches to tyranny" and "Obama's reign/rule", I will have to just wish you a good evening.

@Lt Marc post 1.91..... According to your logic the president has complete power over everything (except Obama who isn't responsible for anything because apparently Bush is still in charge). You assign no responsibility to the true guilty parties. Those being the House and the Senate. How you can make budget comparisons between Obama and Bush WHEN THERE HAS NOT BEEN A BUDGET PASSED BY THE SENATE SINCE BUSH LEFT OFFICE (Harry Reid along with the rest of the progressives in the Senate should be impeached for this flagrant violation of the constitution) is beyond me. You complain about the spending under Bush but when Obama doubles, triples even quadruples the amount being spent you say nothing. Typical progressive hypocrisy with the usual progressive dishonesty thrown in i.e., that the Afghan and Iraq wars were not paid for. I guarantee you every soldier in the military received their pay. Every missile, bomb and bullet was paid for. Every meal, gallon of gasoline and tent was paid for. Do you deny this? These costs may have been kept "off the books" but at least Bush HAD books to keep them off of. Which is more than you can say about Obama.

George Bush = Clueless

Barack Obama = Incompetent

Newt Gingrich = Lazy

Rick Santorum = Paranoid

Folks: If you want to have the prosperity and security we enjoyed under Bill Clinton, then vote for Mitt Romney and we will have that again. It is quite simple actually.

Anony Mous1

Mitt Romney's primary business experience was the in using overwhelming power of money, tax loopholes, and the ability to use the weak worker protection laws to screw employees of their retirement and benefits for the good of the Bain Capital investors.

Mitt Romney supporters are trying to convince you that being an "expert" in microeconomics qualifies one for the macroeconomic challenges of running a country. The only valid experience he has for the presidency is his tenure as Governor of Massachusetts and he has spent considerable effort in trying to distance himself from everything he did or did not accomplish during his governorship.

Mitt Romney was very open in his criticism of the Obama plan to save the American automobile industry. Obama was right and Romney was very, very wrong. Romney's suggestion about the home mortgage crisis is to encourage foreclosure and all the displaced homeowners become renters. Mitt Romney believes that what is good for the wealthy is best for the American economy. Mitt Romney is wrong .... consistently.

My years in school was never in the elite and most popular clique of my classmates. I wore holey jeans and clothes because my family was poor long before such things became fashionable. Many kids and even a few teachers can become particularly cruel when you don't fit into the mainstream. I suffered a great deal, but not nearly as much as obese, exremely thin or slow kids.

My very slight size and high grades in most classes probably excused me from the worst torment. Yet my own experiences of prejudice drove me to be a constant defender of those less capable of defending themselves.

An attack on a overweight acquaintance prompted my first challenge to a fist-fight with the bully that long terrorized my friend. We were both suspended for 3 days. Wrong move or right move? Then there was the family of snake handlers where the kids of that family openly accused us all of being sinners destined for Hell. How do you defend crazy? You don't. I can easily imagine them passing a still-born baby among themselves in mourning for days. Santorum is obviously nuts. Where does he get his widespread support? The answer to that question frightens me much more than any bully twice my size.

Better yet - fly off with Newt to his moonbase. There's no porn there, and no birth control either.

Sorry Charlie, you're mistaken. I understand that if a woman holds the moon between her knees, she's guaranteed to not get pregnant. (just kidding with you, of course. I agree with you FULLY).

Who, deep down, doesn't like porn? man, for the party of get the government out of our lives, he sure likes to tell us what we can and cant do.. He would be happy when we are all a bunch of Santorums walking around all stiff, wearing vests and reading bibles.. Does he really think the public is behind him? how naive.. @!$%# off Ned Flanders

If Santorum and Gingrich can't count to 1144 how can they balance the budget.

I'll be rooting for you, Rick. Like to see you hanging there just for the entertainment. I even got a billboard for you "Don't take away my guns. Don't take away my porn and don't take away my contraceptives."

Rick Sintorum will be the best thing that could happen to the Democrats

"Santorum is lashing out like a wounded dog, hes getting desperate"

The anti-republican liberal drones all speaking out like Obamabots. Being from the right side of the spectrum, I can understand why Obamabots can't stand republicans.... they have allowed themselves to be systematically brainwashed by the snake oil salesman.

Romney is showing his frustration - that is not very presidential, is it?

Being from the right side of the spectrum, I can understand why Obamabots can't stand republicans.... they have allowed themselves to be systematically brainwashed by the snake oil salesman.

Brianb, the irony is that you understand brainwashing because you have been brainwashed yourself.

I hope you can admit that.

Honesty is not one of the hallmarks of the Republican Party and name calling is just about all they have left. Obamabots, Obummer, socialists, marxists, fascists, brainwashed...if they all they have, I don't know why they bother posting here because this is going to be an unhappy election season for them.

Obama will win by default in November: there is no other choice.

There is a real danger with Rick Santorum candidacy. He has the backing of the evangelicals, the hard core catholics and almost anyone with conservative social views. The thing is, like Ron Paul's backers, Rick Santorums base is very dedicated, will go out and will get the vote.

This election is 100% a fight over the 15%-20% middle of the road voters. With Rick Santorum as the nominee, because many of the moderate voters may feel Santorum is too conservative and President Obama is too liberal so they decide to stay home.

It is very difficult to say what would happen if 15%-20% stay home. Hopefully, no matter what happens with the GOP, Democrats won't stay home like they did in 2010. We can't afford to have the GOP in control of the House anymore.

Brianb-999431, I imagine that brain-washing is following an entire new field of leaders that can only promise the same ideology of the leaders that got us into all of this trouble first time around.

Not only that, the man is very fond of eating his own feet. "What I mean is....." "I mean I support this and that, but what i am saying is ....." It is becoming like a comedy of error everyday, go Rick!

Some people call Santorum Rambo because he was hiding under a rock when the two wars started, now he wants to bomb Iran ? The guy is a worm. How anyone can Vote for this loser is crazy.

that's a safe statement.. though I wish he would get the nomination, then Obama wouldn't even have to campaign.. Santy may be liked by conservatives, but there's only a few thousand of those.. not enough to win a general by any means.. but that goes without saying..

That is why I'm voting for Rick. I like to see Obama spend more time on fixing the economy than campaigning. Wish more people in states that allow votersto cross party line to do that. Many progressives voted for McCain in 2000 primary just to prevent W from getting the nomination but not enough people followed us. I blame the 8 years after on those near sighted voters. Hearing Santorum's campaign speech is a good thing, it serves as a constant reminder of the danger of the Christian Taliban.

lonesomegeorge2012--how stupid can you be? Do you REALLY think the Republicans will fix the economy? They've been in control of congress for two years now. All they've done in two years is block any kind of jobs bill/help for the middle class/block any kind of economic growth/etc. They've focused on their beloved "religious beliefs" at the expense of our freedoms, sided with the filthy-rich CEO's, interfered with women's private lives...the list goes on. And you honestly think your buddy Rick is going to fix the economy????? What ideas has he presented? What kind of plan does he offer to get this country's economy moving again? Obviously you're a total idiot. (Oops--sorry--didn't mean to insult idiots.......)

Jean, Lonesome didn't say that the GOP would fix anything. He implied that the President could spend more time on the economy than campaigning if Santorum were to be the nominee, because Santorum's plans and statements are so antithetical to American values that his popularity would be minimal, his failure assured. I think that's a bit over the top, as many a tryrant started as a popular opportunist. Hopefully, reason will prevail. But the selection will continue to be split for the now obvious reasons. Santorum cleans up on the last minute voters who just can't bear to vote for either of the other two.

"This is what you get when you put 17 tea retards in Congress that support this nut Santorum. If he gets in this Country is finish."

A small-minded nut with delusions of grandeur, who will appeal to those of like-kind. God help us all if these people are ever the majority.

Santorum doesn't represent the American middle class, he Represents the 1% Kocheads.

Also he doesn't belong with the lot because hes not Presidential material.

Conservative don't me anything if you're a Nut.

Sure Rick -- you're going to win the nomination and the White House in November about like I'm going to win Power-Ball next week and the Masters in April. Actually -- I think my chances are better than yours!!

Jean321, read lonesomegeorge's comment again. You completely misunderstood what he said.

Of course, I'm not saying any of the Republican candidates could beat Obama!

God definitely didn't help us when that idiot stole the 2000 election and spent the next 8 years f*ing our country up, for President Obama to fix!

Woody, God must have wanted Obama to be president.

Obama is a great president. America is fortunate to have such a wonderful leader. God has blessed America and the world.

God hates republicans, this is why he makes them all nutjobs, he is laughing his head off..

If God had answered all our prayers, we'd all be dead. Uh, that was our prayers right? All democrats praying to end Republicans and all Republicans praying to end Democrats? Or Sunni vs Shia, or East vs West, or Democracy vs Communism, or rich vs poor, or public vs private, or small vs big. Hmm, I sense a pattern in human behavior here.

Good thing God knows better than to listen to the likes of us! Clearly God delegated to his favorite archangel Darwin!

rrobeson...good thing there in no God! Or....as zen Buddhism suggests: ALL IS GOD, AND THERE IS NO GOD. :)

In response to Woddsyhowl:

Prior to Obama's election our economy was moving toward a second great depression. Today, after avoiding a depression, the economy is slowly improving. We are out of Iraq and making plans to leave Afghanistan.

Domestic oil production has increased and imports have decreased so that dependence on foreign oil is reduced.

I'll assume you are not opposed to these changes so who is the "opinionated deranged democrat" you have in mind? Please give specific examples to explain your thinking or someone might conclude you consider Rush Limbaugh a news broadcast.

Too few Americans appreciate the fact that Obama is one of the most intelligent presidents is history. While the party of NO were busy obstructing every one of his domestic agendas, he was busy taking out Somalian pirates, bin Laden, Gaddhafi, isolating Iran and N Korea. Not to mention saving Detroit and our economy.

I think you need to "hardwire" another layer of tinfoil, Wayne. I think the "voices" are still getting through.

JB-1813207: Look at all the Republicans won't accept. You're as hypocritical as the Republican Party--and obviously just as stupid.

Anybody but a Repulsive in 2012.

"Santorum did alot of Damage to the GOP with his Weird ways, a Vote for him is a Vote for insanity"

The Tea Party is to American politics what all-star wrestling is to the Olympic games.

"The Tea ReTards are Destroying the GOP"

JB - Domestic oil production has increased under the Obama administration, when compared to the Bush Jr. administration.

http://www.politicususa.com/obama-oil-production/

I know, it doesn't fit with the Teapublican mythology, but facts are facts. Oddly, there seems to be a disconnect between oil production and fuel prices, probably due to speculators:

http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/presidential-politics-and-the-price-of-gas-a-quadrennial-plea-f

BTW, fuel prices peaked in the last year of the Bush Jr. administration, too.

JB. thanks for stopping by...

...but, go back to your job as Mayor of Smallpenis, Wyoming. You're like a broken record here. We get that you hate Obama...so, when you're done with your Dumbya Bush butt-licking duties, go back to your Mayor's Office.

woodsyhowl Comment collapsed by the community

God didn't help us when a deranged, opinionated leftist democrat won the nomination and the election, what makes you think he will help us now?

God didn't help you. Ever consider the fact that maybe He's just pissed off at you about something?

Nonsense,

Drugs are designed to mitigate the human condition. Santorum is definitely pure human. Any history book can confirm that fact. Humans get what they ask for, but then always turn around and demand a sacrifice of some poor scapegoat as a result.

Or maybe he is OFF his drugs? wink wink

"I'm starting to believe Santorum is on drugs"

Well, he has overdosed on religion. He may suffer from a Messiah complex.

Too many communion wafers.

"This Country will be in big trouble if Santorum gets in, he will Bankrupt this Nation"

"The people of Pennsylvania kicked him out because he was a Loser"

Bankrupt this nation, LMAO Obama has taken care of that!!!!!

"I second that Jack"

You are 100% true.....

Agreed, Frees. Sexual repression and violence go so well together...It's the peanut butter and jelly of extremist ideology, and it can be as true under Sanitarium in America as it is under the Taliban in Afghanistan. Rick's problem is that he opens his mouth BEFORE he has the power to do anything about it, and fortunately for us, it's too late.

Some people forget about Russia and China being Iran's "big brothers".

BooCoo,

Some people forget that they benefit from that relationship. Either one of them can shut down Iran at will. Why not profit in the interum? Hmm, you know, that used to be a Republican philosophy before the church weeded out the intelligence from the GOP.

The holy wars are now in earnest. The S. border of the US has been under attack for 50 years. There are good religious folks in the senate and house, both R and D that have blocked the border being secure. Guess what the religion is. Hint. The same religion as all those "south of the border". At this time they think they have critical mass, and the p-o- p-e is egging them on.
All other issues are smoke screens. This is the thing that will kill the US (Let the Cs come, repro-duce and be C citizens). Then, the Cs will pass the very laws that the Rs are now trying to pass, and it will succeed. Then we will have a book to thump on instead of the Constitution. This is a thing that somehow the Ds support even though it is treasonous and sucidable. .
In a hundred years there has not been a successful socialist nation.In a thousand years there has not been a successful single based religion nation.(theocratic).
Right now, the religious kooks are upon us. They will do the socialist thing by doing the worst of all thefts. The purposeful destruction of a human mind is beyond reproach and also beyond comprehension of the logically oriented folks. They will then completely destroy the US from within. There is no possibility of recovery once the dogma has destroyed a mind. The Constituti­­on is secular (no religion). Keep it that way. The bible does not trump the Constituti­­on. Someday there will be a Constitutional party. Then both R and D will cower. Is this politically correct NO Is it correct YESPolitical correctness-another name for glossing over the truth

You got every word right on the money. We are debt now more because we rushed into a meaningless war that was neither planned nor funded. We borrowed money from right and left claiming we are defending freedom for people who had managed their lives even before Mayflower. Now we are in debt, broke, no one is coming to help us. Thousands of young lives lost and families shattered all in the name of something no one can even describe. Bin ladden was known to be in Afghanistan or in that region, not in Iraq, I have never really understand why we went to Iraq to begin with. WMD? Show me? Even in the absense of any credible evidense, we somehow felt justified to kill a man and all of his family. And now, some people are again "beating the drums of war." President Obama was right by stating that those who want to go to war need to come out and say why, how, what it will cost. But I fear that if any of those on the R side is ever elected president, the future, I shudder to think, is not rosy.

mountainradiorepair--Please don't insult the Looney Tunes like that!!!!!!! (: (I agree with you in your meaning behind that statement, however!)

The only person in this race with less chance of getting to the White House than Santorum is Dr. Paul.

I believe it is possible that Santorum is looking for a brokered convention where he gets Newt's delegates in exchange for making Newt his Vice Presidential candidate.

One this one possiblity he may have a viable chance. That this could happen in the Republican party sheds light on many of the recent problems they bring to our government.

MAM - Perhaps not: Although Ron Paul is too idealistic to be a good president, I think a Romney/Paul ticket would be GREAT! The hard-nosed pragmatism of Romney, tempered by the uncompromising idealism of Ron Paul to act as the Administration's conscience, could start to repair the mistakes of the past three years without infringing further on individual rights.

hwt123

What is Santorum going to use for delegates ? Santorum may have won a few states but Ron Paul has the delegates so this state means nothing...

Exactly, that's what most of these people who are misinformed don't realize that Santorum isn't even on all the ballots in the US. The Paul voters have put in the time to become delegates because remember the GOP nomination winner will be tabulated through delegate counts and if its a brokered convention with Santorum and Gingrich splitting the votes Romney is going to be shaking in his boots if theres a 2nd or 3rd recount. But to say Ron Paul has less of a CHANCE against Santorum is wrong, Paul actually has the best chance against Obama. The democrats want Santorum and to a less extent Romney.

Really?

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/general_election_paul_vs_obama-1750.html

Thanks for that Sailcat...and while we're on the subject of Ron Paul it's interesting how much delight his supporters take in the prospect of circumventing the democratic process by having individual delegates flip their allegiance at the convention.

So will and have a lot of us!

Let the voters decide.....the partisan slime oozing out of your pores does nothing.

What you are missing is that he is an independent. I am a Democrat, although I was Republican in my youth. I live in a state where primary voting is party line - so no biggie. That man, and several of my friends in states where cross party primary votes are possible, at least for independents have voted for Santorum -- because they are sick of the Republicans and want it all out there. Those are INDEPENDENTS, the same as this guy -- if you've lost them, you've lost. So muttering about partisan slime isn't going to help. They aren't anti-Republican partisans like I am, they have just reached the end of their rope.

It will only get worse if one of them is elected president! They know how to make mess, they understand how to plunder because to bow to their god, which is money and they cater only to their big donors.

Exactly, the governments ONLY responsibility in the job creation market is to make it fiscally fair and attractive for private business to flourish.

I would not go as far as to say that Obama is a better choice than Romney……but the difference is nowhere near enough to save this nation.

BC, you're overlooking the inconvenient truth that the full decade of Bush tax cuts produced record deficits - and they're still in place. You're also overlooking the 6 years that Republicans controlled the Congress and Presidency - January 2001 to January 2007 - which weren't exactly economic boom times, either, when the stock market dropped well below what it was during the Clinton administration.

BC says

"January 3rd, 2007 was the day that Barney Frank took over the House Financial Services Committee and Chris Dodd took over the Senate Banking Committee. The economic meltdown that happened 15 months later was in ... BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES! ... dumping 5-6 TRILLION Dollars of toxic loans on the economy from YOUR Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac FIASCOES!

So are you saying the liberals have created 5-6 trillion of toxic loans in a mere 15 months? The housing bubble and toxic loans had grown throughout the Bush presidency and the wealthy knowingly capitalized on it.

"Bush asked Congress 17 TIMES to stop Fannie & Freddie - starting in 2001 because it was financially risky for the US economy."

Then how is this Obama's fault? Which party was in charge in Congress from 2001 to 2007?

Nettle--It is your and your party's fault! People like you who worship pet rocks and are "yes men/women" are the very reason we are in this mess. You do not know what it means to work for something, to stand for something and to take ownership of your own life to control your own destiny. In terms of the "mess" of the Fannie/Freddie fiasco, you believe you are "due" a home because "you want one!" If the conservatives, R's, really anyone protested a 350K mortgage to a single mother who made south of 50K a year, it must be racism, right? Everytime I turn around, it was racism, bigotry, separatism. It could never be that 50K divided by 12 is just over 4K per month and a 350K mortgage would eat up most of the "bring-home" before even getting into utilities, hoa dues, etc. None of that mattered becase "you got what you wanted." Then, when the banking folks realized their loans weren't being repaid, wanted to foreclose, the folks were quick to call the news to complain racist banks want them out of the house. Only in your looney bin world is this acceptable!!

Rick,

What does it say about the Nation of Islam?

All of that is a Quote from Bin Laden???????

Mike.. I doubt he even buys or PAYS for what ever drug he is on...

I want to assure you that there is NO weed powerful enough to make ANYONE as stupid as Santorum makes himself out to be... Rick is an actor who plays to the simple minded like PeeWee Herman.

Paranoid schizophrenia is far more probable and boy does Santorum have delusions of grandeur!

She can't afford the paycut.

yeah, she is a guaranteed side kick. You pick her and you win....hee.....hee...the Brooklyn bridge.

If Santorum picks Palin as his running mate, for the rest of this election we'll hear nothing but "Republican women are more attractive than Democrats". That's what we had to endure the last time. The race had nothing to do with qualifications. It was all about beauty, and how Palin was prettier than Clinton.

I'm guessing if Palin was a VP candidate, we'd keep hearing about how she is prettier than Biden, and that's why she should be the vice president.

She's obviously qualified to be Santorum's running mate. After all, she didn't bother talking with her daughter on the subject of birth control as a teenager. Since Santorum is opposed to birth control, she'll fit right in.

Michelle Bachmann is the female version of Rick Santorum. I bet she'd be his VP candidate

But what about the talent part of that beauty contest? Palin can see Russia from her back door..I'm sure that has to be the best magic trick ever!

Tammy, if you listened /read any other source except MSN you'd know Palin never said that. Tina Fey used it in her parody of Palin .

You are right "dirt,"Palin didn't say that. But she did say something nearly as stupid. In trying to make the case that she had the foreign policy background to be leader of the free world, she said that one can see Russia from Alaska. In fact, it is possible to see Big Diomede Island (Russia) in the Bering Strait from Little Diomede Island (Alaska) on those rare occasions when there isn't any fog. Of course, Palin has probably never been to Little Diomede (almost no one has), but in her clueless mind, it makes her qualified to be President.

I hope those famous last words include NEVER even a mention of the P-lin word again! Santorum and P_lin would be the ticket of Dumber and Dumbest....EVER!

Well lets hope that neither of them gets THAT thought into their pinheads.... the Liberals would win by 4 to 1 in the lowest turnout in history . Conservatives would stay away in droves, throwing them under the bus like they did with Bachman & Perry , that IS what they do best beside whine .