" Someone needs to clean their toy guns outside, and not in a closed room. Warning lables are complicated, but seriously, crack a window, or use that generic gun solvent outside. "

" I dont care too much for John McCain, but hes done a much better job picking a running mate than did Obama and much prettier too."

So says Stan Callahan....

I suppose that's about all that people like Stan can come up with as to her qualification's. Sorry Stan, but being pretty is a lame excuse for voting for Palin. I think most people would prefer some qualifications. Her resume is rather thin, but watching her supporters trying to claim she is qualified for the position is actually quite entertaining, sad, but still fun to watch. "

" Even conservatives who were initially excited that Palin was selected for the ticket are starting to turn on her after it has become more than obvious that she is unqualified to serve as VP, let alone to serve as President should 72-year-old cancer survivor McCain die or become incapacitated in office. That speaks even greater volumes than the criticism which Democrats have heaped upon her (justifiably so, in my opinion).

People selected George Bush for similar reasons -- being likeable (I never saw it), decisive and confident, and conservative in his faith.

Look where that has gotten our country. . . . "

" "I dont care too much for John McCain, but hes done a much better job picking a running mate than did Obama and much prettier too.

Would be great, after eight years, to see a pretty face in the White House."

Oh brother!!! Yeah, THAT'S a reason to vote McSame. But sheeeeeze p p p pretttyyyy! "

" I've responded to your letter (to JG) whether it gets printed is another story, meanwhile, as far a GUILT by associations go:

McCain:

Reverend Hagee

A white supremacist named Richard Quinn

La Raza, a highly racist and anti-American organization, promoting amnesty, and in extreme cases, the return of the Southwest to Mexico.

Keating Five

Rick Davis McCains campaign manager received over $2 Million for his lobby efforts to fend off regulation of Fannie and Freddie.

Reverend Rod Parsley

In 2001, McCain founded the Alexandria, Va.-based Reform Institute as a vehicle to receive funding from George Soros' Open Society Institute and Teresa Heinz Kerry's Tides Foundation and several other prominent non-profit organizations.

McCain used the institute to promote his political agenda and provide compensation to key campaign operatives between elections.

Shall I continue?

http://coonsey.wordpress.com/ "

" wow stan! you continue to confirm the ignorance and bias of the common american republican. not the politicians or the party itself, but the grass-roots republican who has digested misinformation and lies spoon fed by the rightwing neocons.

amazing! "

" I think it's funny how the letter writer links Clinton to Obama, when Obama didn't even pick Hillary to be his vice-president. Obviously, they don't have that close of ties. So the first part of the letter is thrown out. I, too, have read the articles in the National Rifle Association and as we have freedom of speech, they have used this right to convey their personal opinions in this article. However, the truth is, Obama does support the second amendment and he has no plans to change it or take away people's rights to own a gun. That is just a fear people have, and there are tears and fears on both sides. The most comical part of this letter is the last 2 comments, on how Palin is prettier than anyone in office the last 8 years, and that we need someone pretty in office. I mean, come on! That's the most cheesy comment, ever. Are you picking a wife or a president!?! Palin could be the most beautiful woman in the world, such as Angelina Jolie or Charlize Theron, and it wouldn't matter, or at least it shouldn't. "Pretty" should not be a qualification for the White House. "

" Stan you should enjoy the new movie about sarah palin:

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1831461 "

" Hagee's comments have been taken out of context on several occasions and used against both him and McCain. There is no democrat or democratic organizations that are bigger supporters of Israel than Hagee.

Obama is for gun control. Anyone who believes otherwise are listening to the MSM for to much of their information. His statement this summer that even if he wanted to ban firearms, he did not have the support of the legislative branch should be proof. The legislative branch has nothing to do with this cause as it is the 2nd amendment.

Manes, as I have stated in other comments, it does not matter who the candidate is, if there is a R after the name, you will find plenty to complain about. I would guess that if you spent half as much time doing and learning about your job that some day you might be someone important at Eastern. Actually they might be fun, then the rest of us lowlife peons on both sides can complain about your decisions. Nah, I have better things to do, like run a business so I can pay Obama's high tax rate. "

" Stan, you sure do, like using commas, in your writing, don't you? I often, find myself happy, that they don't screen these letters, for grammar, and punctuation. "

" George Soros is a citizen of this country with the same rights and freedoms we all have. Would you want to comment on Ruppert Murdoch now, who has a lot more influence, and is not a US citizen? As for Obama, he has been saying the pledge since he was three. His grandfather, who was a world war two veteran, taught him, and they recited it often as a family. He has led the pledge many times in the senate. And, oh yeah, He is not taking your gun away. When are you guys going to smarten up, and quit beleiving all this crap coming from the fear mongers. They just keep smearing and you don't seem to have sense enough to seek out the truth. Obama is a very steady, reasonable, and smart man. He can lead this country to greatness again, if we were only smart enough to vote for president instead of someone we want to have a beer with. I do not want a president who is "like me". I want a really smart, steady, reasonable, healthy,and wise person to be my president. Barack Obama "

" Stan,

You are spouting the Republican propaganda chant using the same rehearsed and rehearsed verbiage.

I am Mattoon born and bred - moved to the big city some time ago. One of my sons (also born in Mattoon) played many years of pickup basketball at a well-know gym in Chicago with Barack Obama and got to know him personally. My son is not stupid - has his Master's Degree in Law from London University - he and the other well educated men who have participated in these pick up games DO KNOW the real Obama who is highly intelligent, a true communicator, fair, ethical and champion of the middle class.

Perhaps you (and others like you) could open your minds to this man. You would find his presidency to be conducive to central IL and the prosperity - not immediately over night but gradually the area could return closer to it's better days.

For those of you who have not moved away the deterioration has been gradual so you have become blind to it. Those of us who visit our families see the plight with clearer eyes and it hurts. My families are from Coles, Cumberland, Moultrie and Shelby counties - settled there before Illinois became a state. don't you want some prosperity to return to the area? It won't happen with McCain. "

" Techman,

I don't appreciate you getting PERSONAL with me -- my personal life is NONE of your business.

Yes Obama is for SOME gun control.

I've voted republican before (Reagan and Edgar and few others) but that TOO is none of your business.

If you can't make your argument without attacking the person's personal life then don't bother trying -- cause it shows your lack of knowledge. "

" By the way, if you run a small business you get a TAX CUT in an Obama administration. "

" Manes, I do not even know you, except for what you write. Everthing stated is information that you have apparently written about on some blog or in some letter. In fact, I really do not care what you do other than you are a public employee and you surely are not on the internet during work. I can make my arguments, but I have been learning from all of the liberals on this site that you attack, attack, attack the poster and not worry about truth. Read what has been written about Marty Yeakel and start complaining to your fellow liberals about their disgusting ways.

No, I will not get any tax relief. Do you realize that once you remove the 43 million taxpayers that pay no income taxes, that the top 10% of taxpayers drops to less than a $100000 salary. Small business owners may not live on that much, but on paper any profit is added to the owners gross pay. For many owners there is a big difference between salary and taxable income. A difference that I do not expect you or your friends to understand.

Obama is for some gun control? Come on, who are you fooling. He was a community organizer in Chicago, where all problems will disappear overnight once firearms are banned. Get your head out of the sand and stop reading his website. "

" What has Obama done for the people that live in downstate Illinois? Seems to me,everything he's done has been for Chicago. I just wish that Jim Edgar would have ran. He was the best Governor Illinois has had. Honest and well educated and did alot for downstate people. I will vote for John McCain because he has better experience than Obama. Even his own running mate said he was not ready to be President. After he picked him as his running mate,all of a sudden he is ready. Why is that so? "

" mjgtm wrote on Sep 30, 2008 11:00 AM:
" What has Obama done for the people that live in downstate Illinois? Seems to me,everything he's done has been for Chicago.""""

yep....that's where the highest concentration of poor people, minorities, homeless and needy are located. it's not exactly like coles country is a haven for them. "

" here's a laugh for you: sarah palin..seriously this letter is all about an angry pro gun supporter anyway, people who vote for a candidate for one reason only don't deserve to vote "

" After reading Obama's voting record..you liberals deserve what you're going to get if he, God forbid, gets in office! "Change"..what the H--- does THAT mean? He doesn't even bother spelling it out! It will be from the frying pan into the fire if that man is elected president. "

" I have 'never' mentioned anything about my personal life other then being in the military and my name -- you know me techman and I resent your unfair advantage and attacks.

Again - it's none of your business what I do or don't do personally. Besides, it has nothing to do with what this letter is about.

As usual you right wingers go to the extreme of every issue.

Small business will get tax breaks.
Large companies that export jobs lose their tax breaks.
Large companies that hire HERE get tax breaks.

95% of Americans will get tax cuts under Obama.

If you make less than 250,000 - you will NOT see a tax increase.

If you live on social security -- and make less than 50,000 you will pay NO taxes.

All goals of Barack Obama.

Under a McCain leadership - if you make over 250,000 you get even richer.
Social security will be put in the stock market.
Across the board cuts will be made as he stated during his debate.

More BUSH - if you liked him - for McCain "

" dj1956 wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:12 AM:
" After reading Obama's voting record..you liberals deserve what you're going to get if he, God forbid, gets in office! "Change"..what the H--- does THAT mean? He doesn't even bother spelling it out! It will be from the frying pan into the fire if that man is elected president. """"

no....i seriously doubt that. he has the intelligence the republicans haven't seemed to acquire. "

" You want Jim Edgar to run for president? You ARE aware that he TOO had Rezko raise campaign funds for him -- right? "

" The Bush White House politically subverted the U.S. Department of Justice and is now engaged in a hardcore cover-up to keep the full dimensions of the subversions hidden. Those are the conclusions of investigations by the department's inspector general and by its Office of Professional Responsibility into the firings in 2006 of nine U.S. regional attorneys. "

" Rezko Lined the pockets of any politician in any party he could.

Since his conviction, he has been taken almost daily to meet with prosecutors. It is speculated that he is helping to build a case against Rod, in hopes of getting a somewhat reduced sentence.

This guy was sloppy, and open about his political funding, and influenced deals. If there was more dirt on Obama, beyond running in to the guy many politicians did deals with and for, and mistakenly being involved in anything this guy was, it would have been easily uncovered. Rezko was the Abramov of Illinois politics, or one of them any way. With many politicians being a hairs breadth from being crooks, knowing who to trust and who to stay clear or, would be like swimming in the wabash, and trying to stay clear of fish in the murky water.

If a case gets Rod out of office, we might all have to send Tony a thankyou card in the pen.

Stevens was in office 40 years, The pride of non native Alaskans. He sure could bring home the bacon. Hopefully the last funding bill, was his last pork pie home. If not for corrupt politicains that state, would be turned back over to the eskimos. Excerpts of testimony from this ongoing trial are hard to believe. "

" Excuses are already being made for Palins performance in tomorrows debate.

Evidently Gwen Ifill is writing a book, that has been public, "Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama."

36 hrs before the debate, fox, rush and co. are foaming at the mouth decrying bias. McCain says he believes she is objective.

If she were moderating a presidential debate, sure raise a fuss. How can they say this was wrong, because they didn't look into the selection of the moderator any beter than they looked to find a VP in the first place.

Articles of how she shined in debates in Alaska are circulating on the same news lines.

Its more crying fowl and feigning victim, this time a day before the fact. She has only done interviews that were reportedly coherent on FOX. Reports of if there was a teleprompter or an ear bud and team in the wings there, several takes, and judicious editing, haven't sufaced yet.

One has to speculate, that even with coddling and advance noticed questions, this candidate would be close to the same as the non FOX "handled" interviews showed her to be. If this candidate, were on the democratic side of the ticket, the right would be tag team shredding her dignity from day one.

The democrats can leave this ticket completely to its own devices to dig its own grave. There is no need to even mention they are in the race. Spend the rest of the campaign spelling out plans and issues, and leave the McCain/Palin ticket stub lay on the floor of the convention floor where this charade of a campaign began and ended. It was a one act show, that has run for over a month on completely nothing.

People know what they stand for, they won't dignify questions on anything with a relavent response.

SNL, couldn't write stuff as funny as watching the two of them flail and fake a campaign. We need Frank Caliendo (sp)to host SNL and play Rush, is the only thing missing from this one act variety of multiple personalities show. "

" And don't forget that Rezko raised millions for George Bush in the 80's too, coonbug. Our friends on the right don't seem to want to talk about that, do they, coonbug?

Sort of like their indignation over Clinton's infidelity and willingness to look the other way at McCain's philandering. If the stories floating around about Palin turn out to be true, I'm sure they will see no problems with her amoral life style too.

And take a look at those aides who were indicted under Mr Clean, Edgar. "

" At least Rezco didn't want to blow things up. Why don't you discuss Obama's pal Mr. Ayers, Potter? "

" Hm'mmm

Who was that said, "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran"?

Look who wants to BLOW something up -- Senator John McCain is ready to attack any nation that looks cross eyed at us.

Hm'mmm

Who was that shook hands and made deals with Saddam Hussein AFTER he GASSED his own people? Dick Cheney ring a bell?

Who stood stood side by side with a DICTATOR of Pakistan at a U.S. Press conference? George W Bush ring a bell?

Do you REALLY want to go there with associations?

http://coonsey.wordpress.com/ "

" Bomb Iran was made during the hostage crisis in the 70's

Last I knew Cheney and Bush weren't running for prez.

I realize you Dems have to dwell in the past because your future is empty promises.

P.S. If you want advertise your web site, buy a classified ad like evrybody else. "

" Ayers is a former radical, eddie. Obama was 8 years old when Ayers was involved with several radical issues. Since then he has worked within the system, as have many former radicals.

Ayers has become an award winning educator, but people like you just don't seem to be able to forgive anyone for their past ways.

Actually Lura Bush, with her reckless driving, has killed more people that Ayers has.

Should we forgive her, or continue to blame for for her past too? "

" I love reading these comments from an independent point of view.

1. Some say the Republicans are spewing propaganda... of course others say the Democrats are spewing propaganda. Isn't that sort of a mute point? Of course one side will consider the other side's comments as propaganda. Or "lies." Can you all just find specific issues that you can agree or disagree with rather than name-calling and stating the obvious and expected from each party? Discuss gun control (I'm against it), abortion (I'm pro-choice), death penalty (I'm against it--not for reasons most are though), or the war (I'm undecided).

2. Illinois is one of the most crooked and shady states in the union. Why is anyone surprised or denying that Obama has been involved in any of that? Chicago runs our state--as a matter of fact none of us even need to vote on election day because Chicago will decide our state's pick. Guess who that will be.

3. I love the poster who said that they think it's stupid that someone would vote for a candidate based on one issue, and that they don't deserve to vote if that's the case. So I can only assume there will be a double standard when that person casts their vote for their candidate based solely on their party affiliation. Hypocrisy at its finest. Grow a backbone, have an original thought... I promise it doesn't hurt. "

" Harry Potter wrote on Oct 2, 2008 9:00 AM:
" Ayers has become an award winning educator, but people like you just don't seem to be able to forgive anyone for their past ways."

It just amazes me with the levels of hypocrisy you achieve. He wanted to blow up the freakin' Capitol building Potter. That's a little different than smoking some weed in college. The fact that he didn't kill anyone, just means that he was an incompetent terrorist. It might be different if he apologized and blamed his misguided youth, but no, he said, "I don't regret setting bombs...I feel we didn't do enough." Now gloss over that, Potter. "

" father bob wrote on Oct 1, 2008 10:32 AM:

" dj1956 wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:12 AM:
" After reading Obama's voting record..you liberals deserve what you're going to get if he, God forbid, gets in office! "Change"..what the H--- does THAT mean? He doesn't even bother spelling it out! It will be from the frying pan into the fire if that man is elected president. """"

no....i seriously doubt that. he has the intelligence the republicans haven't seemed to acquire. "

exactly, at least obama cares more about the people than playing golf "

" People are grasping wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:33 AM:
" I love reading these comments from an independent point of view.

1. Some say the Republicans are spewing propaganda... of course others say the Democrats are spewing propaganda. Isn't that sort of a mute point?""""

i wish it were mute....but that's a moot point. "

" Mr. Miller you claim to be a Christian. Aren't Christians to forgive sinners especially ones who have turned their lives around like Mr. Ayers? Talk about hypocrisy. "

" shumphreys wrote on Oct 2, 2008 4:01 PM:
" Mr. Miller you claim to be a Christian. Aren't Christians to forgive sinners especially ones who have turned their lives around like Mr. Ayers? Talk about hypocrisy. "

Didn't you read his quote. He is GLAD he did it. He is not sorry. I can't believe you people. You will try to gloss over ANYTHING that makes Obama look bad.

HE IS OBAMA'S ASSOCIATE
HE IS A TERRORIST
HE IS NOT SORRY ABOUT IT.

How cut and dry is that? "

" You didn't answer my question Mr. Miller. There is more to Mr. Ayers comment than what you are quoting here. Perhaps you should listen to the "rest of his story". Taking a comment out of context isn't a good idea, since it can be done just as easily by your opponents against your guy. If God's grace is unconditiional and you claim to follow his example, why should yours be any different? Didn't even Jesus forgive and say go and sin no more and isn't that what Ayers has done? Jesus didn't ask for an apology or an explanation. "

" susan....you can't argue with ignorance and stupidity. those people just don't get it....and eddie is a prime example of a small gene pool. "

" No Susan, you are totally trying to twist this around. This is not about forgiveness. This is about an aspiring Presidential candidate cavorting with an unapologetic terrorist who wanted to blow up federal buildings. Now if this were John McCain, tell me you wouldn't be screaming bloody murder. "

" It looks like Mr Miller has been put in a corner by Susan over his Bill Ayers comments.

God job, Susan! "

" Of course it is Mr. Miller,if there is no redemption for past sins, either from God or our fellow humans, what hope is there in life? Why do we incarcerate people and then let them out after they serve their time if we don't believe that people can redeem their selves. We should just lock people up and throw away the key, let them starve to death in prison or put them humanely to death for whatever crime they commit. It is all about redemption Mr. Miller, that is what compassion, the teaching of Jesus and Buddha and others is all about. "

" No, I'm not in a corner. I just have just confronted three of the Liberal Messiah's most devout with the truth. Let us hear from the holy scripture...

"When he was twelve years old, they found him in the temple in the City of Chicago, arguing the finer points of community organisation with the Prophet Jeremiah and the Elders. And the Elders were astonished at what they heard and said among themselves: Verily, who is this Child that he opens our hearts and minds to the audacity of hope?

A man who is a 21-year associate, business partner, fellow board member, and political supporter of the Democratic nominee for President led an terrorist organization and is proud of it. That is a fact. Since none of Obama's sheep here can refute that, Susan tries to change the subject by making it about "forgiveness", and Father Bob, as is typical, rants into his toddler-like name calling. "

" So Susan,

According to you, Jesus, and the Buddha, if Osama Bin Laden came to the US tomorrow and started fundraising for McCain, you would be ok with that. "

" "According to you, Jesus, and the Buddha, if Osama Bin Laden came to the US tomorrow and started fundraising for McCain, you would be ok with that."
----
Osama bin laden? Isn't he that terrorist mastermind that Bush and his Pentagon let escape? "

" Honestly Mr. Miller you seem to insist that the greatest thing wrong with Obama is that he has "consorted" with a University professor who you say was once a terrorist. That University professor has changed his ways and lived for years as a responsible productive member of society. YOU also insist that you are better than other people because you are a Christian. Now it seems to me that the biggest of Christian values is forgiving others, redemption for past sins. If you can't practice what you preach you should quit preaching. As far as Bin Laden goes if he changes his ways and lives as a quiet University professor shouldn't he also be forgiven after a few years? They are still hunting down Nazi war criminals Mr. Miller. There comes a time when people have to let go of the past and live in the here and now, let bygones be bygones. Is justice served by sending sick old men to jail, by refusing to allow a felon to turn over a new page and live a new life? Judge Obama on who he is "consorting" with now, the type of people his advisors are today. Judge Obama on something that his opponnent also hasn't done. If you think that a presidential candidate should be judged by the company he keeps than at least be honest about both candidates. They both have advisors that have associated with people with a "past", they both have advisors who are "lobbyests", they have both listened to less than exemplary ministers, McCain was an adulterer, Obama hasn't (yet, as far as we know and I am sure people have looked). Judge not that ye be not judged Mr. Miller. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us Mr. Miller. Wise words to live by Mr. Miller. "

" ed miller wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:52 AM:
Father Bob, as is typical, rants into his toddler-like name calling. """"


did i hurt your itty bitty wittle feewings? "

" shumphreys wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:03 PM:

" ...YOU also insist that you are better than other people because you are a Christian."

That is completely false. If you are going to accuse me of something like that, show some proof. I am no better than anyone else. The Bible says, "for ALL have sinned...." I may think my VIEWS are superior to someone else, but I think we are all guilty of that here. I was not making a point about Mr. Ayers, but instead Obama. I just think you are ok with this relationship, but would not extend the same "forgiveness" to McCain if the situation was reversed. It appears we will always disagree, but once again thank you for not stooping to childish name-calling as others are so quick to do. "

" Mr. Miller I have never claimed to better than others just as good. My point from the beginning is that people should not be judged by what religion they profess to believe in, but by their everyday actions. That goes for presidential and vice-presidential candidates as well. Which is why I keep pushing this issue. I don't judge McCain on his past associates or on the fact that he was an adulterer. I didn't give a hoot about Bill Clintons shenanegans in the White House with interns. Those are all irrelevant issues and have nothing to do with a person's suitability for the job as president. Even a stance on abortion or gay marriage has nothing to do with suitability for the office. What matters is the persons ability to make sound judgments, quickness to anger, thoughtfullness, grasp of complex issues/does he/she try to simplify problems/gloss them over or face them head on, attitudes towards war or peace/willing to sit down and talk with enemies without preconditions or judgmental and demanding the enemy meet certain requirements first. Sure you look at past actions/voting records but not just whether a person voted yes or no but why that person voted yes or no. Many of the arguments here have been about trivia, issues that DO NOT make a difference NOT about what really matters in selecting the man for this job. "

" ed miller are you holding Obama responsible for another mans actions again, Obama knows someone who did something wrong boo hoo, McCain messed around on his wife, not knows someone who did, he did "